Family News

January 2, 2005

SHORT  BY
STUFF   DAVE SHANER

Welcome to 2005! As I look over the past year, we had a lot to feel good about and we also have areas where we, as the family of God, need to show improvement. We had 25 new members of the family here. It is always great to be able to welcome them. The Prayer Ministry was very active with the Prayer Breakfasts, the Prayer Trios and the development of the Prayer Room and the development of the Prayer Garden. If you haven't seen the Garden lately, it would be worth taking a stroll out to visit it. Many members of our community have used these resources and have asked us to pray for them. Also I am very proud of our Benevolence Ministry and the servant spirit that so many have shown in this regard. The Soup Kitchen staff puts in innumerable hours and offers a very valuable service to many people. Several have visited church and have been helped in various ways. The Mission Ministry of the congregation is accomplishing a lot in foreign fields as well as stateside. The work in Togo has become a model for churches throughout the world. The Lifeline of Hope provides needed supplies, food, medicine, and even parents for needy children of Russia. Even the Minister of Education in Russia has complimented us for the generous spirit so many here have shown. Our LIFE groups have increased and the current leaders are committed to doubling them within 4 months from now.
Areas of improvement include a greater involvement and participation in our Bible classes and LIFE groups. We have some wonderful teachers who work hard to prepare classes both for our children and the adults. The table has been set but we need to feel a greater need to eat from the banquet of God's Word. Also, we still have many not involved in LIFE groups. Why not commit yourself to being active in a group this year. We have also, in my opinion, despite the good works that so many are involved in, developed a maintenance mentality. I would like to encourage everyone, including myself, to seek to lead someone to Christ this year. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He established the church to be his ambassadors on earth to carry out His Great Commission. We can be doing a lot of good works, but our main job is to lead people closer to God. Be praying that God will use you to help this church rise up and fulfill what He established the church to do - to share the gospel. I am looking forward to a great year. Let's join hands and see what God can do through us.

Have a Great Week and a Great Year!

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. -1 Corinthians 13:7-8a

Congregational Meeting
There will be a congregational meeting next Sunday, January 9, at 3:00 pm. This will be a time to lay out plans for this year. Also included is our annual corporate meeting, which is required by Idaho state law. Be sure to come and be an active participant in the work of the church. The LIFE groups will not be meeting that evening of January 9th to encourage participation.

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!

Thank You!
For the people that missed the NEW YEARS EVE PARTY at the building we hope that your party was as fun as ours. We want to thank the the Teens for all of the decorations, the Welters for the Piñatas and the chili it sure tasted good, all the people that made corn bread, Teen Person for the PEEK-A-BOO DOLL she made for the auction. Also a thank you to all the people behind the scenes that did not get noticed. It was nice being with the family of God to bring in the NEW YEAR. (And special thanks to George & Joanna!)

Keeping In Touch
Recent updates and mailing information of servicemen deployed from families of our congregation, can now be found on the new military bulletin board (hanging on the wall across from the cry room).

Shepherd's Corner
Next Sunday we are having a congregational meeting at 3:00 p.m. As elders we encourage each of you to be there. This is a time to share plans and ideas of what is happening.

In the past many have chosen not to attend. You are missed. This is a time to voice your thoughts, and to encourage each other as a family.

We look forward to seeing you there.
-The Elders

A New Year's Prayer from The FAX of Life
(I think this is worth reprinting.)

Holy Father,

I know that a thousand years are as a day to you, but I am finite and bound by time. As a new year is beginning for me, please teach me to . . . .
care more about people and less about money,
enjoy my work but refuse to let it enslave me.

Lord, with all the experiences, memories, and habits I have accumulated over the past few years, please help me to . . .shake off the monotony of my life, try some new things in this new year, and mend some broken fences.

And, Father of Mercies, teach me in this new and unspoiled year to . . .enjoy children, sun-
sets, reading, and long walks with friends, avoid quarrels and know the joy of being a peacemaker.

I cannot know what the new year will bring, and for that I am most grateful! But I want your help to . . eat less junk food, discover how to turn off my TV set, and exercise and take better care of myself.

Above all other things, Holy Father in Heaven, I want to be your instrument in this world to . . . lighten somebody's too-heavy load, take away some sad person's pain, and introduce a lost soul to Jesus Christ.

These are the things I want in the new year, Father. Because I believe they would give you honor as well, I dare to ask your blessing to receive them.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Sending our Condolences
Those of you who are friends of Bill and Virginia Hearn know that they were great missionaries for the Lord. Sadly, on Thursday, December 9th, Virginia Hearn passed away. Anyone who would like to send sympathies to her husband Bill can send them to: 3047 Country Club Rd. Sulphur, OK 73086 and his phone number is: (580) 622-2959. For more information please see Mary Nell Lipscomb.

Calendar of Events
Jan. 4 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
Jan. 4 - 10:30 a.m. - Sew N' Love Ladies Bible Class
Jan. 9 - 3:00 p.m. - Congregational / Corporate Meeting
Jan. 14 - 16 - Winterfest Youth Rally at Northside
Jan. 15 - Tweeners After Christmas Party - 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 - Junior High Teens Party
Jan 28 - 29 - Sr. High Girls' Retreat - (9th-12th grade)
Jan. 28 - 30 - Sr. High Boys' Retreat - (9th -12th grade)

Prayer Requests

Jack Pierce is recovering from arrhythmia this past week. He is at home and is doing better.

Mark & Amanda Mood have announced that they are expecting another baby, due August 7th. They are asking prayers to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Congratulations!

Anita Halford, Annette Aiello's daughter, was hit by car in her wheelchair. Her hip was fractured and three bones in her ankle were broken.

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

Edna Miner is recovering from knee replacement surgery at Lacrosse Rehabilitation Center.

Karlene Graham is struggling with arthritis.

Ed & Ada Brown, Warren's parents, are dealing with various health issues.

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

Matt Bunker, Georgette Rude's nephew, is awaiting possible surgery.

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.

Andrew Crump is training for 3 months at Fort Stewart for deployment to Iraq.

Pray for the Kabiye Christians and the Team of Workers. Keep the Togo families in your prayers. Especially David as he is recovering from pneumonia. Becky and Hannah who have malaria and Gabriel who has amoebas. They have been very sick but are starting to feel a little better.

Continue Praying For....
Robin Utter, Dick Blythe, Leona Baker,
Don Pederson, George Parrish, Sherrian Bersi
Steve Lucas, Anita Poland, Phoebe Hruska

In Sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy Litterell in the loss of her father, Doyle McCalmant, last Thursday from an apparent heart attack. Remember to keep Nancy and her family in your prayers during this time of loss.

Mike's Memos.....

Jesus Matters
A father wrote: Recently I walked into the High School of one of my teenage children to be quickly "ditched" because the she feared her friends might actually see her with her Dad, which of course is the height of shame and embarrassment for a teenager. At first I passed it off as humorous adolescence. But as I approached my child and the group of friends, I saw the look on my kid's face that really did say plainly "go away, I'm embarrassed for my friends to see you with me".

Now, I'm just an average Joe when it comes to looks and clothes. Nothing spectacular, but nothing particularly embarrassing either. What was at first humorous had suddenly become offensive and hurtful.

Later that day I was contemplating why is wasn't so funny to be treated that way by my own child. It was because they had treated me, their father, like I didn't matter. It was obvious that the opinion of casual and very temporary friends was more important than "honor thy father."

Dad, the person who had loved, cared for, provided for, sacrificed for and protected this child for over 14 years, was an embarrassment. What I had done for them wasn't important. I didn't matter. At that moment, my child was more concerned with the feelings, opinions and approval of the friends. The friends mattered. I didn't.

Every time we sin, we are saying: Jesus, You don't matter. My desire does.

Every time we are embarrassed to speak of Jesus, we are saying: Jesus, You don't matter. My reputation does.

Every time we avoid speaking up about our relationship with Jesus because it is uncomfortable, we are saying: Jesus, You don't matter. My comfort does.

Later on I tried to explain to my child why the behavior was inappropriate and ungodly. I explained to them that their friends are fickle, they will come and go and that, relatively speaking, their friends have done NOTHING for them.

I went on and reminded about all the love, sacrifice and devotion that a parent shows. I compared the two and demonstrated how wrong it was to be ashamed of the one who has given all, and embrace the one who has given nothing.

When we choose our own way (sin) we are saying to Jesus "I know you have given all, but its more important that I have my own way. You don't matter. And what's more, its embarrassing to have You hanging around. Someone might see us together."

Ephesians 4:30-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

Most parents have been, or will be grieved by their children at some point. You get treated like you don't matter; your feelings, desires and your authority. None of it matters.

To grieve the Holy Spirit is to treat Jesus like He doesn't matter. The Holy Spirit proclaims Christ, illuminates Christ and points everything to Christ. So to ignore Jesus Christ, grieves the Holy Spirit. When we sin, when we are ashamed of Christ, when we behave as if He isn't there, we are loudly proclaiming that Jesus doesn't matter.

Update
Last Sunday we visited the Southwest congregation where Clarence and Lovetta May attend. They wish to thank the Dalton Gardens congregation for prayers. Clarence has come to accept and realize his physical and mental limitations. He looks good and likes the care home where he resides. Lovetta is doing very well. Continue to remember them as you pray in the coming year.
-Ivan & Sally Archer

We would like to say thanks to Jerry Riggs for all the handy wood projects that were done around the building this past week. Thanks again Jerry!

Christmas Food Baskets & Gifts
Kristine, Lorraine, Loretta Robinson and elves did a wonderful job with putting together food and gifts for those who where in need. These examples of love and giving are just a small part of what makes this body of believers so great to be a part of. Thank you to all who gave gifts, food, and money. We also need to thank the Appleway McDonalds who also contributed $225.00 from the employees. They wanted to be a part of a great work also. We never know if we are serving angels-it is great working with them.

CCS Auction Note
Keep the school auction in mind when the clearance sales start - our theme is 'Big Bands'. We can use items for Silent auction and Live auction as well as drawing prizes. We also can use anything depicting our theme for decorations. The date for the auction is April 22. Tickets will be on sale soon. For more information see Georgette Rude. Thank you!

TO SERVE January 9^th, 2005

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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