Links to Good Stuff
Jan. 12, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

City Mouse Gone Country
Erica Waterman
 
Good Morning from sunny Bovill, Idaho! Let me start by thanking all of you for your well wishes, your words and notes of encouragement, and your prayers of support.  This has been a...well....strange transition, but with the love of my Church Family and my eyes on the Lord's plan we're moving through it much more smoothly than I ever thought possible.
Bovill is a beautiful little town about 45 minutes east of Moscow, ID and a good 100 miles from CdA. If you enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing or just about any other outdoor activity then this is the place for you.  If you're like me, and you prefer the comfort of a warm kitchen over a hike in 30 degree temps, we've got that too.  It's a bonus gift from God that I've been able to meet a multitude of wonderful folks outside of the Congregation and I've welcomed the opportunity to get to know them better.  In return it seems that I'm able to give them more laughs then they probably ever imagined.
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Announcements

Congregational Survey
You should have received a survey request on Sunday, January 3 via email. The subject line said "Participate in First Presbyterian Church's Survey." We have had a great response so far.  If you have not completed the survey, please take 5-10 minutes to give us your input:  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ec1rtxdniiry0xya/start.
 
We will use this survey during the Leadership Retreat at the end of this month to discuss the health and perspectives of our church members. The survey is strictly anonymous. We hope you will take a moment to help the church leaders. Thank you so much for your time.   

Church Parking Map

Reminder, on Sunday you can only park for free in the church owned parking lots. Please click here for a parking map of designated church lots (in red).
If you park in one of the lots that we do not own, you will be given a parking ticket and must pay the fine ($20) since we do not own the lot.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Parking Map
Church Parking in Snow and Ice

With all the slippery sidewalks and roads this season we are asking all those who are able to please park in our lots across the street on Sundays. This frees up the more accessible parking for those who might not be as sure footed. Thanks!

Children's Sunday School Offering  

Each Sunday, after being dismissed from the worship service to the Sunday School ARKade, the children gather in the ARKade Game Room before going to grade-level classes. As part of this gathering, an offering is collected each week. All money given is used to purchase animals through Heifer Project Int. for struggling families around the world. Last spring the children's offering was combined with a Noisy Offering to purchase 6 sheep. Over the summer the children gave enough offering for 6 rabbits. This past Fall the children gave money to purchase a PIG. Pigs need very little land and can survive on garden-by-products. They are a great source of protein and families can earn income from the sale of piglets and manure, which is used to nourish the soil. A pig through Heifer Project costs $120. This past fall the children gave money to purchase a PIG.
This past Sunday the children voted to determine what animal they would like to purchase next... the votes have been counted and the winner is...

The winning animal will be announced on Sunday... Will it be more pigs, chickens, goats, fish, llamas, a cow, or maybe a water buffalo!?!
[Heifer Project is recognized as a world leader in using animals to address hunger and poverty through ecologically sound, sustainable agriculture. Learn more at http://www.heifer.org] 

Bookkeeper Position

Over the next few months, as our bookkeeper Erica Waterman transitions into her new position as pastor of Bovill Community Presbyterian, we will be searching for her replacement. Please pass the following on to anyone you know who may be qualified and interested.
 
"Our church has an opening for a Church Bookkeeper. We are seeking an exceptional individual who will be able to work with church staff, ministry teams, and ruling elders to manage the books of our church as well as Glory Be Learning Center. Experience keeping books for a church or non-profit 501c3 is preferred. This is not an entry level position. This position is a 30 hour per week position. Salary determined based on experience. To see a complete job description, click here. Candidates should send a letter of introduction and resume to office@1stpresdowntown.org or mail to: First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. No calls please."

Glory Be Teacher Positions

Glory Be Preschool has positions available for:
 
An infant teacher 
The infant teacher is 7:15 to 12:30 (occasionally  1:30 or 2:30) Monday - Friday. The children are 6 weeks to 15/18 months. There are four in the class.
 
A preschool co-teacher 
The preschool co-teacher is 8am to 5pm Monday -Friday. Works with a second teacher in the morning and alone in the afternoon, kids ages 3-5 years.


Church News & Events

Music to the Ears
Tuesday, Jan 19
 
The FPC Women's Association Meeting is open to all women and will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room beginning with a mother-daughter musical program of varied piano and violin music followed by refreshments and updates.  Guests and visitors are warmly welcome to participate.  Come join us!
 
Newcomer Reception
Friday, Jan 22
 
Newcomers, let's get to know each other better! You are invited to a fun Meet & Greet event on Friday, Jan. 22 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Seasons Fresh Grill, 209 Lakeside Ave., Downtown CDA. There will be sparkling chit-chat and delicious hors d'oeuvres to snack on as you get to know other newcomers and church leaders. Please RSVP to the church office at (208) 667-8446.
  
Next-Steps Series
Wednesdays, Jan 27 - Feb 17
 
A series of four classes taught by Pastor Craig that explain the fundamentals of the Christian Faith and the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church. A great "next-step" experience for everyone and a must for those interested or curious about membership in the church. The class meets in the Fireside Room at the church.
Step One - The Fundamentals of Christianity
101 - Jan 27, Wed.  6:30pm-8:00pm
102 - Feb 3, Wed.  6:30pm-8:00pm
Step Two - What it Means to be a Presbyterian
201 - Feb 10, Wed.  6:30pm-8:00pm
202 - Feb 17, Wed.  6:30pm-8:00pm 

Leadership Retreat & Annual Meeting 
Saturday, Jan 23 
 
Once again we will have our Leadership Retreat in the Gym on Saturday, January 23 from 8am-12:30pm. As working ministry groups, we will gather to review goals for 2016, results of our recent congregational survey and use this workshop for each group to crystallize key tasks for the upcoming year. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Also on Sunday, January 31 we will have the Annual Congregational Meeting between services to update the congregation on the budget and you will receive your Annual Reports for 2015. Be sure to come and hear from our church leaders. 
 
Winter Retreat at Lutherhaven
Feb 5-7
 
1stPres 3rd - 5th graders are invited to attend the Grade School Winter Retreat at Lutherhaven. This will be one wild winter weekend extravaganza with friends, food, activities, games, worship, and hopefully SNOW! 1stPres children will register and attend as a group along with counselors from1stPres. Thank you to the Women's Association and the Deacons, 50% of the cost of the weekend will be covered for 1stPres children making the cost per child only $36 for 2 nights, 4 meals and 1 awesome weekend! February 5-7, 2016.

We have a reservation for 9 children. Registration is first come first served, and our spots are filling up fast! So, register your child TODAY!
 
Parents may now register their children on-line at: http://cwngui.campwise.com/Customer/Lutherhaven/browser-check-reg.html but you must have the 1stPres registration code. Please contact Lou for the code before registering (208) 667-8446; lou@1stpresdowntown.org.
 
No payment will be required of you online. Once you complete the on-line registration please let Lou know and make the payment of $36*/child to 1stPres. by Jan. 31, 2016.
 
*If you need additional financial assistance for your child to attend, please contact Lou. We do not want money to be the reason that a child misses out on this opportunity!
Groups & Gatherings

Basketball Dudes
 
Anyone interested in playing pick-up basketball can join us in the gym at the church Wednesday nights. We will be starting up on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 6:30pm-8pm. Call David Johnson for details (208) 651-0319.
 
Thursday Men's Group
 
Starting Thursday, Jan. 7 the Men's Iron Horse lunch group will begin discussing
C. S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity". We're covering one chapter each week, and anyone is welcome to enjoy lunch and participate in the discussion (or not). This is a great time to join us!

The Iron Horse has accommodated this group with a Thursday noon special soup added to the menu, and with scintillating and erudite conversation, how could any guy resist?  Meets Thursdays at noon at the Iron Horse on Sherman. Contact the church for info (208) 667-8446.
 
Sunday School ARKade - Children's Program
 
The Sunday School ARKade takes place on Sunday mornings during the 9:00am and 11:00am worship services. Children 3 years and older attend the beginning of the worship service. Following the Children's Moment, 3 year olds - 5th graders are dismissed to Sunday School ARKade classes located on the 2nd floor of the Hunter Building. Parents may accompany their children to class, but are not required to do so. The Sunday School ARKade includes SPLASH!, an Early Childhood class for 3 year olds - Kindergarten; First Five, a class for 1st & 2nd graders; and Bible Learning Ports, for elementary children to play and learn as they explore the Books of the Bible; Memorize Bible Verses; and become Scripture Sleuths finding God's answers to life's questions in the Bible. Children must be picked up and signed out at the end of the worship service by a parent/guardian. Don't miss the boat, come aboard the S.S.ARKade, Sundays at 1stPres CDA!  

Youth - Join Us This Winter!
 
DYG 2.0 meets SUNDAYS 10:30am - 12:15pm
 
Downstairs in the DYG (Downtown Youth Group) Room
Come hang out, jam out, and chill out as we dive into a relevant series asking questions about God, others, and ourselves!
 
Questions?
Contact Kierstie | Youth Leader | kierstie@1stpresdowntown.org

Knitting for Warmth
 
Please join the Knitting for Warmth knitters every Friday morning from 10:00am to 11:30am in the Conference Room. This is an open, community knitting time for anyone who would like to create a prayer shawl. Your shawl will be given as a gift of love, hope, and comfort to someone who is critically ill or in crisis. Knitting instruction will be available if this is your first project, and materials will be provided for FREE. Contact Betty Cheeley at (208) 664-2612 if you have questions, or if you know if someone who could really use the gift of a shawl at this time in their life.  
Community Events

Volunteer Orientation at UGM

For anyone interested in helping at the UGM Center for Women & Children in Coeur d'Alene, there will be an orientation on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in room 1, at the facility. Please call 208-665-4673 to sign-up.

Opened in September 2012, the UGM Center for Women and Children is the first long-term, residential recovery center for women with children in Kootenai County. Based on the success of UGM's Women's Recovery in Spokane, the Center provides a warm, home-like setting in which to explore and confront the issues surrounding abuse, addiction and homelessness. With the love of Christ as the foundation, healing permeates body, mind and spirit, and lives are transformed from the inside out.