Family News

December 5, 2004

SHORT  BY
STUFF   DAVE SHANER

At a football game recently, following an unsportsmanship call by the officials, the announcer said, "I wonder if you can legislate sportsmanship anymore than you can legislate morality." The announcer was stating what he considered an indisputable truth beyond question. You've heard it before, "You can't legislate morality." If you can't legislate morality, then rape would not be against the law. No law could prohibit murder. Thieves are not committing a crime. The bank robber, the purse snatcher, the embezzler, & the car thief are free to apply their trade if morality can not be legislated. Lying would be considered all right rendering court oaths to tell the truth obsolete. These are moral issues. If you can't legislate morality, then these laws would not be such because they are issues of morality.

Of course, people do not really mean what they say in this regard. What they really mean is "You can't pass a law against the particular immorality in which I wish to engage." Whether it be lying, adultery, fornication, gambling, abortion, or stealing you should be free to make your own decisions about these things, if you can not legislate morality. One man said, "morality is the sole object of every law, every act of legislation." A more profound question would be related to whose morality are we going to legislate?" We could write the laws according to current public opinion. This, in essence, is what is taking place. When something does not fit the taste of what is in keeping with the times, then the laws are rewritten to reflect such. The irony is that the morality of the masses is being legislated. What is so appealing about the Bible is that it lays down foundational issues that never gets outdated. It is wrong to murder. It is wrong to betray your spouse, It is wrong to cheat, lie, and steal. We know these things. God has written these laws in our hearts as well as in His Word. What is so appealing about the Bible, however is that God becomes the final authority. There will still be room to disagree on a lot of subjects, but right is right because God says it is right. Wrong is wrong because God says it is wrong. What needs to really change is the hearts of men to be aligned with the will of God. Maybe in the courts of men, some laws will be legislated that you disagree with and are in need of change. But all of this further points out the truth that you can legislate morality.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !!

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. -I Corinthians 13:5

Welcome to the Family
Roger & Karen Cardwell wish to be considered a part of the Dalton Gardens congregation. Roger and Karen were recently married. Be sure to welcome them here.
Their address is:
9353 Finucane Dr.
Hayden, ID 83835
762-2128

Senior Saint's Christmas Party
Old Fashioned Sleigh Ride & Potluck
Saturday, December 18th at 12:30 p.m.

Stillwater Ranch (20 minutes North of Spirit Lake). Sleigh ride with Clydesdale horses all decked out with bells. Trails through the woods on a 50 acre ranch. They are able to help anyone with a disability onto the sleigh. There will be a warming building with wood stove, hot cider and picnic tables.

Fee $15.00 per person - in lieu of gift exchange. Same drill as before: Meet at the Fredrikson's at 12:30 p.m. to drop off potluck food and to carpool. Bring a sack lunch and blanket. Afterwards, back to the Fredrikson's for potluck.

We are fortunate to get this date - we need a head count ASAP. Talk to Keith or Carole Fredrikson after church or call them at 623-6133 or Kim at the church office. Potluck sign-up sheet can be found on the kiosk. Invite your friends or neighbors - this would be a great outreach.

The Ornaments are Out!
This is the first week you will find our special Christmas ornaments hung on the tree in the foyer. These ornaments contain the wishes of children close to our church family. We ask that packages are returned by Sunday, December 19 to the church office. Please return the ornament you picked up from the tree with your present. We'll do the wrapping for you and we hope you enjoy buying your special gifts! No time for shopping? We're happy to do it for you! Please
drop any donations off at the church office or contact Lorraine Robinson at 691-8719. Feel free to call her for any other question you might have and thank you very much! Also, if you happened to miss the deadline for turning in the wish lists and would like to put in a request, please call Lorraine as soon as possible. Merry Christmas!

Shepherd's Corner

It's that time of the year again. Yes, it is a time for the cold and snow. It is also that time for Christmas Carols, Christmas lights and those sentimental Christmas movies and TV shows. I like Christmas and think it's a wonderful time of the year. Not everyone shares these feelings, 'Christmas is starting earlier every year.'

One of the nice things about Christmas is that generally, people are a little nicer. They look for more ways to help others. They raise money for the homeless, or others in financial need. As Christians we know that we should be this way everyday. This is a wonderful time to tell and display Jesus' love. Remember people are watching you, so let them see your Christian light.

-The Elders

Personal Financial Planning Seminar
For all interested in looking at their own personal financial plans, a 1.5 hour seminar will be held in the small auditorium on December 14th at 7:00 p.m. Bob Clark and Waddell & Reed will be hosting this event.

Ski Trip to Schweitzer - December 20
Yes! In two more weeks there will be plenty of snow on the mountain to go skiing (I hope!). If you have any questions, see Dave Shaner. There is a sign-up form on the kiosk.
Student cost with your own equipment - $17
Adult cost with your own equipment - $35
Student cost with rental equipment - $29
Adult cost with rental equipment - $50

Tweener's Christmas Party!
The Tweeners will be having their after Christmas, Christmas party on January 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Kish's home. Cost is $5 per person to cover a casual dinner of snacks and dessert. Get creative and come up with the looniest 'White Elephant' gift for a gift exchange. Please no children. For more information see Alyssa Frahm or Michelle Kish. We hope to see you there!

New Year's Eve Party!!!
Are you READY! Its hard to believe its less then a month away. If you want to help please see me. I need lots of help. Thanks, George and Joanna (772-6247).

Thank You!
Dear Ones,
I love you all so much and I was truly warmed by your caring concern for my well being. Thank you for your prayers and all the cards, calls and visits on my behalf, after my left knee replacement. I am progressing nicely and hope to be back soon.
Love and God bless, Anita Poland

Calendar of Events
Dec. 7 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
Dec. 7 - 10:30 a.m. - Sew N' Love Ladies Bible Class
Dec. 8 - 7:30 p.m. - Elder/Deacon Meeting
Dec. 11 - N.W. Bible Bowl Challenge at Dalton
Dec. 12 - Winter Class Quarter Begins
Dec. 14 - Elders/Deacons/Ministers/Wives Dinner
Dec. 16 - C.C.S. Christmas Program 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 18 - Senior Saints Christmas Party & Potluck
Dec. 19 - Shaner Family Christmas Open House
Dec. 20 - Ski Trip at Schweitzer

Prayer Requests

Anita Poland is at home recuperating from having her right knee replaced.

Phoebe Hruska is recovering from throat surgery.

Irene Clark is suffering with back pain.

Pat Irmer is recovering from an infection in her foot.

Betty Wilhoite is recovering well from knee surgery and other complications.

Cathy Litterell, Doug & Jerri Gwin's daughter, has pneumonia and has asked for our prayers.

Ron McIntire has been dealing with health issues. Please pray for God's comfort and healing.

Pray for Robin Utter as she prepares for surgery.

Matt Bunker, Georgette Rude's nephew, is awaiting test results on Monday from a colonoscopy. He is also dealing with the loss of his baby two weeks ago.

A friend of Pat Irmer's is undergoing tests at KMC and would appreciate your prayers.

Remember to keep in your prayers: Mike Kish, Matt Rude, Terry Morgan, Lamont Petersen, Jr., Christopher Henrikson, Daniel Moberg, & Cameron Davis, who are serving in Iraq.

Pray for Andrew Crump, who is training for five months at Fort Stewart for deployment to Iraq.

Remember the Kabiye Christians and the Team of Workers. The dry season is beginning in Togo, with the extreme heat and dust storms. But, there are blessings in the difficulties. Farming comes to a standstill, and the people have lots of time to listen to God's word. More are converted each year during this season. Pray for David, Becky, and all the team.

Ray & Karen Rayburn are temporarily employed in North Pole, Alaska.

Continue Praying For.... Leona Howard, The Roberts family, Dewayne Ray, Leona Baker, Don Pederson, George Parrish, Howard Rude, Sr., Sherrian Bersi.

Congratulations!
Zachary Shaner graduates this Friday, December 10 from Abilene University with a degree in History/Bible/Philosophy. Currently his plans are to attend Yale University next year to pursue his doctorate.

Mike's Memos.....

Bible Bowl with Richland - Saturday afternoon, Dec. 11th
Pre-Bible Bowl Quiz - Wed. night, Dec. 8th

Don't forget the crazy challenge I have offered!! We'll have fun! Study Luke 1 - 10. I plan to take the test too, and I bet I beat you!!! We appreciate Warren & Lynn Brown for making up the test questions.

Teens and others Ski trip -December 20th
More information and a sign-up sheet are on the kiosk.

Teaching Our Children.....

The following is a question asked Dr. Walt Larimore of Focus On The Family: 'My husband thinks that we should let our children find their own way spiritually, rather than instructing them at home or taking them to church. Is there any merit to his argument?'

Dr. Larimore answered: 'It sounds like your husband has bought into one of the top myths of parenting: that children should be free to choose their own belief systems. This is like setting a boat out to sea without a rudder! A personal relationship with God is the very prescription that shows the most promise in preventing unhealthiness physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Without a spiritual anchor, children end up adrift in a toxic society that seeks to destroy them in many ways.

Research shows that it becomes progressively more difficult to influence children spiritually as they grow older. A spiritual foundation established in childhood is much more likely to continue in adulthood. Even very young children understand spiritual truths better than we realize. It is our privilege and responsibility as parents to build a strong spiritual foundation for our children.'

I would add that the teaching of those spiritual foundation stones is best done by example. Parents, it is a wonderful privilege we have to give the priceless belief system of Christianity, and God's moral code to our children. We can tell them about it, or we can show it to them in the lives we live. Both together make the strongest impression. The one most likely rejected is when we tell them it is important, and then don't live it before them. That inconsistent behavior is the biggest turnoff we can give our kids. If you want to be sure they will reject Christianity as adults, tell them of its importance, expect them to grow up by it, but show them it really isn't important for adults by the way you live.

You want your children to learn obedience? Show them obedience to all of the rules of society, submissiveness as husband and wife, as well as obedience to all the commands of God. You want your children to be faithful Christians? Show them faithfulness in your life to the Lord and his church. Let them see the joy you have in Christ and your genuine love for Him.

Yes, Dr Larimore, we must see that instilling a strong spiritual anchor in our children's lives is the greatest gift we can give them. It should be the highest priority in our parental training.

C.C.S. CORNER SCHOOL NEWS

Fellowship is usually encouraging and exciting at CCS!

It doesn't matter if it is our morning prayer time with the school staff each day, a special PTO lunch, a trip to daily chapel, or actually discussing our adventures of the day after school, fellowship at CCS is a special kind of medicine! The care, compassion, and concern that I see our teachers expressing about our students is encouraging by itself! The parents have been very supportive and today I was very fortunate to be able to sit down and discuss the past and present History of the school. The school has a solid foundation and a long history of teachers that have shown their Love for the Lord! We have appreciated the support of all our sponsors who believe in the strong mission of Christian education and the difference that it makes in the home and God's Church. There is always a need if you are looking for an investment that will last a lifetime and that may bring a soul to CHRIST!

The snow has arrived! The students were anxious and ready to make those special "snow people" and creatively designed forts! The snow was refreshing to see. The fields looked pure. The air smelled fresh. The teachers were cold. The students were excited. Winter is here. God is always good. God is pure. God is Love. God is our foundation, our resource and our reason! We are excited about CCS!

CCS Craft Fair.... was a great success Saturday. The meal was traditional and the turn out was super. Thank you to all of you who donated items and baked goods.

Dec 16 - CCS Christmas Program - Do not forget to attend this evening of enjoyment starring our students and Larry Grow. Directed by Mrs. Rude and Mike Reeves. Starting at 7:00 p.m.

Dec 17 - Jan. 3 - Christmas Break

The CCS library has National Geographic magazines dated 1966-1985 for sale for $1.00 each. If you are interested please, contact Georgette Rude at 772-9833.

BIBLE BUILDERS MEMORY VERSES
Children's Sunday A.M. Bible Classes
For the month of December - John 6:14

3 years - K: 'Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world'

1st - 3rd Grade: 'After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.'

4th - 6th Grade: 'After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.'

TO SERVE December 12^th, 2004

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Sunday:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

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