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Aug 4, 2015 
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The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

Musical Dogs
By Becky Clegg
 

Do you believe that dogs have 'an ear for music'? I would like to think so. On the rare occasions when I sit down to my piano and play a tune, both Obie and Ramona lay down near the piano bench as if enjoying a sweet lullaby. No, they don't howl when I sing which is encouraging to me. Some of my friends love to post YouTube videos of musical animals and their dancing, singing and yes, piano playing abilities. Check out the following YouTube video of a dog with multi-talents LINK . I always smile when I receive these videos because it confirms my belief that God made animals with the ability to appreciate and participate in fine (or not so fine) music.  

 

Sometimes when I go down in the basement to practice my guitar or even rehearse my dance moves on my WII, both Obie and Ramona make a beeline downstairs and pile on the couch so they can watch. They seem so relaxed when I sing to them and play a special melody. I chuckle when I get my groove on and dance around the house over a fun disco song or modern dance tune. Obie and Ramona think it's great fun to jump on me and get jiggy. I believe that they share in my joy and my love of music. I'm grateful that the good Lord gave me such a love of music and abilities to sing, play the guitar and piano. I also thank my Mother for her musical inspiration and her amazing ability to play the organ. She also passed along her love for hymns and also Christmas songs. There's something about being able to sing and play a variety of Christmas songs over the holidays...I LOVE IT!

 

David loved to make music to the Lord. In Psalm 33:3 we find, "Sing a new song of praise to Him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy." And in 2 Samuel 6:14 David shows his joy, "And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment." The Internet references 62 verses that mention 'singing to the Lord'. I think that's pretty definitive about God's love of music and how we can express our love for Him in song and other musical talents/gifts He has given us. No, I can't find any specific biblical reference that confirms animals love music but I choose to believe God gives them rhythm too. Do you? Maybe my dogs key off my movement and my own rhythm which is good enough for me to say that they are musical dogs.

 

I was thinking about the Celebration of Life for Joan Sanders last week and how she loved to dance. Her family said she was always dancing and sharing her joy of the Lord. Shouldn't we make music and dance before the Lord. It will lift our spirits and we know God loves it when we make a joyful noise unto Him (Psalm 96:1-2). God bless you as you make beautiful music to the Lord and dance more in your life!  Becky    

 

Announcements

Bolivia Team Update

Thank you for all of your generous support for our mission team and for our Global Mission Partner, Ni�os Con Valor. We had an amazing time serving with NCV in Cochabamba, Bolivia last month. God's power is so present through the work being done to care for these children; we are humbled and grateful for the time we shared with them. Please feel free to ask us about our experiences down there and ways you can get involved.

 

Tyson Malo, the NCV Director, sends out frequent prayer requests and newsletter updates. If you would like to get connected to NCV through newsletters or would like to join us praying for these children, [click here].
Child sponsorship helps NCV provide holistic care to meet the needs of their children. If you would like to learn more about child sponsorship, [click here].

 

We are excited to continue growing our relationship with NCV and anticipate more teams in the future. If you would like to receive information as it becomes available about serving on a future team, please contact [email protected].

Memorial for Pat Halley  
Saturday, August 8
 
1stPres Member Pat Halley passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2 at Bella Angel Residential Care. He and his wife Carmen had been attending 1stPres for a over 10 years. A memorial and reception will be held on Saturday, August 8 at 2:00pm at Bestland Senior Living Community, 606 E. Best Avenue, Coeur d'Alene.

Church News

DYG 2.0 Last Week 
Mon, Aug 10
 

All youth, including our incoming 6th graders, are welcome to join us next Monday for special treats and time of fellowship together! This is our final Monday night fellowship of the summer; the fun starts at 6:30pm and we will return at 8:30pm. The 12th and 13th will also be our final middle and high school small groups; join us as we wrap up our walk through the Book of James. Middle [Wed 6:30-7:30 @ Farmer's Market/Church] - High [Thurs 9-10 @ Bakery By the Lake].

Kierstie | Youth Leader (208) 651-4204.


Youth Sunday
 Sun, Aug 9

 

Sunday August 9th, the Downtown Youth Group will be serving the congregation through worship and testimonies. Don't miss this special Sunday, celebrating the ways God is moving in and through our youth. #LOVE1stDYG  

 
Youth Family Lake Day
Sun, Aug 16
 
The end of summer is rapidly approaching, which means, it's the perfect time to celebrate with our youth and their families! Families with youth (grades 6-12) are welcome to join us AUGUST 16th @ 3:00pm, for a fun afternoon and BBQ at the lake! We're hosting potluck style; we'll provide the meat and drinks, and we ask that each family bring a side dish or dessert item. Please RSVP by AUGUST 9, with the number of family members attending, and your side dish/dessert item you wish to contribute. Directions will be given out upon RSVPs. Thank you! We can't wait to spend time with our youth families all together! 

 

WANTED: We are currently looking for a couple volunteers, with boats & tubes, who may be willing to pull kids for an hour or so that afternoon. Please contact Kierstie if you are interested.

 

RSVP INFO: Please RSVP via email to:[email protected]

Barb McPoland Annual: Clothing Give-Away
Sunday, Aug 22
 
The Children's Clothing give away is coming right up. On August 22nd we will have families lined up outside to find wonderful items for their children for the coming school year. We want to provide as much as we can so the Deacons are asking for your help and support. Here are some ways to be involved:
  • Donate a new backpack or monetary donation to purchase one. Last year there were many families looking for backpacks of which we had very few.
  • Participate in the August Noisy Offering.  Along with the backpacks we will have some school supplies available. When the children collect the August Noisy Offering it will go towards purchasing the school supplies.
  • Volunteer on Sunday, August 16 between services, especially some of our strong guys! We will bring all the clothing, racks, and supplies to the gym that day.
  • Volunteer Monday the 17th, Tuesday the 18th, or Wednesday the 19th to help us get it all set up. We will work from 8:30-12:00 those days, but don't feel you have to be there the whole morning--just whatever works for you.

Volunteer Saturday morning the 22nd from 7:45-12:00 and watch how grateful our community is for this annual opportunity.

If you have questions or wish to volunteer please e-mail Nancy Mueller at [email protected] or call 640-6798. This congregation is always so generous to the Deacon Projects so we would like to say thank you in advance for your support. 

  

ARKade Volunteers Needed
Month of August
 
Many parents and church volunteers stepped up to lead Children's Summer Sundays ARKade classes for the 1st two months of the summer, but we have very few volunteers willing to serve during the month of Aug. All materials and lesson plans are provided for you and there is little to NO preparation required.  If you are willing to serve or want to learn more about Children's Summer Sundays ARKade please contact Lou Pennebaker (call 667-8446 or email [email protected]). Or look for the Summer Sundays Volunteer Charts in the Hunter Building Lobby this Sunday and sign-up to serve!
It is Parking Lot Palooza Time!
Month of August
 
For the month of August, we are participating in the Wednesday downtown Farmer's Markets with a stall that includes games, water, and free face painting AND we will be providing a bounce house for kids to use free of charge. If you are able to help out, please contact Steve Balas at the church - 208.667.8446 for more info.

Camp Spalding
 
Last week four 1stPres 5th & 6th graders attended Juniors Camp at Camp Spalding along with Ms. Lou and Whitworth Fellow, Josh Wagner. This was the first time (at least in a long time) that children (not just youth) have attended Camp Spalding. The children had an amazing week making friends, swimming in the lake, horse back riding, singing, boating, rock climbing, learning about Jesus, making crafts, playing games, shooting archery, worshiping God, and growing in their understanding and relationship with Jesus!

Groups & Gatherings

The Downtown Youth Group 2.0
 

The Downtown Youth Group 2.0 (DYG 2.0) is a safe, fun, and positive environment for Middle & High School students to grow in their faith. This summer, we are meeting on Monday nights, 6:30-8:30pm for worship and downtown fellowship.
 

DYG 2.0 SMALL GROUPS

Small groups are a time for youth to have fun, hang out and to talk about life. The Small Groups will also be studying the Book of James, talking about God,and discovering how much God cares about us in every circumstance; unconditionally.


Middle School small group meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm in the Youth Room. Farmer's Market Kettle Corn and Lemonade is provided each week.


High School small group meet Thursday mornings from 9-10am
at Bakery by the Lake. Beverages at Bakery by the Lake are provided each week.

Summer Sunday ARKade
 
Summer Sundays ARKade takes place on Sundays  at both 9:00 and 11:00! Each week the children get to Know-A  different Bible character and learn the weekly Know-A  Bible Verse. Children, 3 years old - incoming 6th graders, are invited to join in the fun and games, Bible characters, animal crackers and lemonade of Summer Sundays ARKade at 1st Pres CdA!

Throughout the summer, the elementary children earn animal stickers to add to their own ark each week for attendance; bringing their Bible; if they got to Know-A Bible Character at home during the week, and if they Know-A Bible Verse.

 

Know-A Bible  Character and Bible Verse this week:
Joshua & Rahab - Joshua 2:1-21; 6:1-5, 15-23
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6
 
Knitting for Warmth
 
Junior High and High School students are welcome to join the Knitting for Warmth knitters. This delightful group meets on Friday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 in the Fireside Room.  What a fantastic ministry to the sick, housebound, or those in crisis.  All knitters welcome. Contact Betty Cheeley at (208) 664-2612 if you have questions.

Community Events

A Chance to Support the SIDS Foundation
Sat, Aug 8
 
Hello,
I wanted to let you know about a volunteer opportunity that will help raise funds for the Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation.  We are needing 20 volunteers to help at the CDA Triathalon on Saturday, August 8th.  We need to fill our "pointers" along the bike and run course.  Here is a link to REGISTER as a volunteer. This is a great opportunity for middle school and high school aged kids! All funds raised will support our safe infant sleep education and our grief support programs.  Please feel free to email me with any questions. Thank you for your support! 

Liz Montgomery, BS Ed.