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First Presbyterian Church of CDA Newsletter
News from the FPC Family
April 7, 2015
In This Issue
Being a Good Neighbor
Tops, Bottoms & Toes
Christianity Explored
Summer Day Camp
Musical Gifts?
Camp Spalding
Scholarships Deadline
3Fs
ChristCare Breakfast
Share the JOY
Glory Be Fundraiser
Communion April 12
Per Capita
Parents' Nite Out
Upcoming Events
 Being a Good Neighbor
Steven A. Balas
 Director of Communications       

When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment He answered: 

 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

  

To love God and to love your neighbor - these are the most important things that Jesus asks us to do in this life. So where does our family fit in? It almost seems like an omission that they are not included. Shouldn't family be at least as important as our neighbors? Being a good husband, father, son and brother - is something I have focused a lot of my energy on. And what about our close friends? The ones we need and depend on the most. Why didn't Jesus mention them? A neighbor is someone you know from a distance, over a fence. What about the ones who you know up close - the ones you let inside the walls of your home? 

  

 

And there is this scripture too: "And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you." And He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking about at those who sat around Him, He said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:32-35

  

 

I get it, that I should love fellow believers as though they are family. Because we certainly and truly are family. In some ways the family of believers can be closer and more dependable then our own families. But there is still a place in my heart that cares more for the people I've lived with and loved day-to-day in my life. I think that's normal. 

  

 

It is also true though, that is seems like those people, your family and close friends, the ones you love the most and care about the most are the ones you are least able to reach. It seems at times that you glide through life watching each other and not really able to become close in the way you want to. Sometimes you

have to watch them suffer and you know you could help but they just won't let you. I have several friends and family members who are not believers and who seem completely immune to any form of witnessing I throw at them. When I first became a Christian I was eager to share my faith with them - but they reacted to my words like I was shooting them with a squirt gun. Now I've gotten to the point of just trying to quietly let God witness to them through my actions - but it doesn't seem to be making much of an impact either. Maybe I'm not being as unconditional in my love as I hoped!

  

 

I've come to realize that it is going to take someone else speaking into their lives to really carry the message of Christ's redeeming love through to their hearts. I'm too close to them for them to receive it from me. They need a good neighbor in their lives. Someone who will extend themselves, stretch out and reach over the fence, to touch their hearts for Christ. But why should a neighbor bother going through all that effort for someone they barely know?

  

 

Maybe this is the point that Jesus was making. We need no urging to love the people we love - but the people we know casually, and are the least inclined to bother trying to help, are the ones we can influence the most. And He wants us to try. Because although the person we wave to from across the street might not mean that much to us, Jesus hears the pleading prayers of their mother, or brother, or friend. He knows their secret struggles and pain. He wants them to know His love and grace. He wants to answer the prayers of their loved ones, so He puts them on our hearts to reach out to. He wants us to be the one He answers their prayers through.

  

 

I sometimes wish Jesus wouldn't count on me so much in this regard. I'd rather He'd just do it Himself or send someone more reliable then I. But He doesn't. Even though I drop the ball and fall short all the time, He still sends me.

  

 

Has God put anyone on your heart to reach out to? Someone you don't know very well? Someone that you are afraid to have a deep conversation with? Pray for courage and invite them to coffee or church or maybe just ask them how their doing when you have a quiet moment together. Then let God do the heavy lifting.

And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' Matthew 25:40

  
God Bless,
Steve  

    
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Quick Links...
TOPS, BOTTOMS & TOES

The Faith, Fun & Friendship ChristCare group is launching a clothing drive called, "Tops, Bottoms, & Toes" to help Lakes Middle School Clothes Closet Program. They urgently need new undies to give to their at-risk students who have to go to school without proper clothing. If you are interested in helping with this important mission, shopping lists for new, unopened items are located on the collection boxes and on the church's website. Cash or check donations are also accepted. Last day to donate is May 3.

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED

An exciting video series entitled "Christianity Explored" is being offered starting April 8. We have room for 24 attendees - last week to signup - only 3 spots left for this particular series. This is a seven week series to be held in the Fireside Room on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The cost is only $10 per person. Be sure to sign up early and reserve your spot. Go online to www.cdadowntownchurch.org and you will see the banner for ONE LIFE. Click on the banner and signup now. Don't miss this valuable series.  

NEW THIS SUMMER

Downtown Church Day Camp

This summer 1st Pres will host a week of Summer Day Camp for incoming 1st - 6th graders the week of July 13 - 17, 2015. Save the date and watch for Day Camp details and registration information later this month.

 

MUSICAL GIFTS?
Do you have a musical gift or know of someone who you would like to have share special music this summer? It does not have to be a vocal piece, instrumentalists are encouraged and welcome to share. Please contact Judy Flieger at (208) 660-1639 to reserve your Sunday. Summer schedule begins May 31st. Thank you for sharing your musical talent. 

 

CAMP SPALDING

This summer incoming 5th and 6th graders from 1st Pres will be going to Camp Spalding for a week of summer camp (Juniors II) the week of July 26 - August 1, 2015. If you have questions or if your child is interested in attending Camp Spalding with 1st Pres. please contact Lou Pennebaker.  

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

Scholarship applications for educational advancement are available in the church office or click on this LINK. Deadline is May 1

. Beginning, returning and continuing education students are invited to apply. Turn in your application please to the church office.  

 

FOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP

Would you like to get to know other church members and friends in a social setting?  Between now and April 13, you will have an opportunity to do this by writing (3F's) by your name on the pew pad. Both singles and couples of all ages are welcome. You will be assigned to a group with six or seven other people and gather at each other's homes over a period of four months for a shared meal and lots of fun and fellowship. This is a great opportunity for our members, new and old, and visitors to get to know the rest of your church family. Please call Jody Wilson at (208) 659-9526 or the church office at  

(208) 667-8446 if you have any questions or to sign up. Jody will contact you later in April with the names and phone numbers of the people in your group.   

OUT WITH A BANG!

LET'S GO OUT WITH A "BANG"! Mark your calendars for the last and final Jolley/Keefer ChristCare Breakfast on Sunday, April 26 from 9:45am-11:00am. After lots of discussion and prayer we have decided that after 11 years of serving breakfast, it's time to hang up our aprons and move onto other projects. However, we are so excited about our last breakfast fundraising project! Lou Pennebaker, our Children & Family Director, has been doing amazing things with our Sunday School program. The number of children attending has risen dramatically. The programs in place are fantastic! Along with this, Lou has some plans to "spruce up" the second floor Sunday School area and we want to help her financially be able to do so! Come enjoy a fantastic breakfast of crepes, eggs, Swedish pancakes, sausage, and more. Enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship and give generously to support the Sunday School and the precious children that are the future of our church! We look forward to breakfast together on the April 26th! Let's make this last one a great one!

 
SHARE THE JOY

On Sunday, April 19, let's share the JOY of our wonderful First Pres family and bring a GUEST to church. We will celebrate our guests with extra special treats between services that day. We'll have specialty coffee drinks, Jamba Juice smoothies, ice cream, fruit, muffins and donuts. You'll want to signup on the cool COUPONS found in our Attendance Pads in each pew. Each GUEST will want a COUPON and each CHURCH MEMBER who brings a GUEST will need a COUPON. We will serve Starbucks coffee all morning as well. You'll definitely want to be part of this joyful energy!

GLORY BE FUNDRAISER flower basket
Glory Be Flower Baskets are on sale again this year. Pre-order your baskets today - only $35 each! Delivery will start on May 1st. Two types of baskets this year can be purchased:  
1) traditional baskets full of color (orders due by  

April 27); or 2) Geranium baskets (orders due by April 15). If you have any questions call Susie Freligh or email at: [email protected]. Signup sheets will be available in church office and on Welcome Desk. 


 COMMUNION SUNDAY, APRIL 12
PER CAPITA presbyterian logo

What is "per capita"? It is merely our share of helping to pay for Presbytery's 2015 expenses. All Presbyterian churches in our area make these annual contributions to Presbytery. Each active member of our church is asked to contribute $37.00. When you received your offering envelopes, the first envelope is marked "per capita" to make your offering easier. If you have questions, call Erica Waterman at the church office.

 


Upcoming Events 

     April 8
Christianity Explored
video series - registration required
6:30pm-8:00pm - Fireside Room

April 12
Communion
Regular services: 9:00am & 11:00am

April 17
Parents' Nite Out
5:00pm-8:00pm - GYM

April 19
Share the Joy
Bring a guest - join the JOY & fun!

April 21
NIC Cardinal Chorale & Chamber Singers
Lift Every Voice & Sing: A Spring Choral Celebration
7:30pm - Sanctuary
Free to public

April 26
Jolley/Keefer ChristCare Breakfast
    9:45am-11:00am - GYM 
                               
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