Links to Good Stuff
Jan. 19, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

A Time For Everything
Becky Clegg
 
I thought I would deviate a bit this week from my usual Pet Theology. Sometimes life presents a different view from the silliness and joy of my dachshunds. I've enjoyed listening to Pastor Craig's sermons on living and dying well. This past weekend a situation gave me a moment to pause and reflect. As some of you may know, my mother has missed the last three Sundays of worship. I want to thank so many of you for inquiring about her health and even taking a care basket to my folks. My Mom has struggled with what she calls her neck being stuck in "neutral." It has been very painful for her with no real medical solution. So on Saturday at her request, I took her to emergency to see if we could get some other medical advice. I had warned her that we might have to wait a good long while since...
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Announcements

Per Capita for New Year

Many of you have called about the Per Capita fee for 2016. It is $34.
In case some are wondering what per capita is as per PCUSA, it is: "a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Said another way, it is a Presbyterian Covenant Community Fund - part of the glue that holds Presbyterians together. Because every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC(USA)'s system of government, the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the functions of that system should be shared by everyone as well." We hope this helps to clarify the per capita purpose.  Thank you to all who donate to this fund.

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
Children's Sunday School Offering  

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... a water buffalo!?!
 
A water buffalo can lead a family out of hunger by providing milk to drink and to sell. A water buffalo also has the strength to till soil and can help a farmer plant 4 times more rice than by hand. A water buffalo can also be rented out to other farmers for extra income.


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

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!
Coming this Summer to 1stPres...
Summer
 
It may be January and there is still snow on the ground but the children and family Ministry Team is already working to plan and prepare for SUMMER! Be sure to mark the following dates on your calendar; and watch for more details to come,  as well as additional Children & Family summer ministries that are still being planned!
 
Downtown Church Day Camp
Mon. July 11 - Fri. July 15, 2016 for incoming 1st - 6th graders
 
Camp Spalding Juniors II
Sun. July 24 - Sat. July 30, 2016 for incoming 5th & 6th graders
 
 
Volunteer Opportunities

Counters Needed
 
Have you ever wanted to help be part of our MONEY COUNTERS? We need a couple of good volunteers willing to assist on a designated Tuesday to count offerings. We need a high degree of confidentiality. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Becky Clegg at the church office (208) 667-8446.

Board Members for Family Promise
 
The Board of Trustees for FPNI are inviting people to consider being a board member.  The commitments are one meeting a month on the third Monday at 6:00 for an hour and half; participating in one (or more) major fundraiser; and using your contacts to publicize FPNI special events. For more information please contact Board President Teri Burch  riverburch1@gmail.com.   
[Note: Although we host Family Promise families this position would not be a part of 1stPres.]
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' "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 - Taking a Break
 
Knitting for Warmth will take a well-earned break for the winter. The good news is the group will start up again in mid-April. In the past two years, our knitters have made and distributed 192 prayer shawls. AMAZING. Thank you to all the ladies who have been such a key part of this ministry. We look forward to seeing you again in April.  If you have questions or want to be reminded in April, contact Betty Cheeley.  
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.

Family Promise Fund Raiser

The 8th Annual Wild Salmon Feast is coming Saturday, February 6, 2016, to Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene. This popular annual dinner and auction is a benefit for Family Promise of North Idaho's mission to shelter, feed and provide solutions to families in crisis of homelessness. The dinner features wild-caught sockeye salmon grilled to perfection (chicken entrée also available), salad, bread, rice, green beans and a beverage. No-host beer and wine are available, as well as the popular Dessert Auction. Tickets, $30 each, are available at TLC (208.664.5743), many area FPNI network churches including 1stPres, the Family Promise Day Center or by calling Jill Dougherty at 208.818.5465. Donation of desserts and/or silent and live auction item donations most welcome.