Links to Good Stuff
Jan. 26, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

Colors of the Rainbow
Corina Alderete
 
Papiha Ghosh once said, "In my soul, I am still that small child who did not care about anything else but the beautiful colors of a rainbow." I love this quote, not only because I am a teacher and I'm blessed to see into the minds of children who love rainbows, but also because it reminds me to stay child-like in heart. The only problem is that even though I am child-like in heart I am now a grown adult in person, and even though I am a so called "grown up" it doesn't mean there aren't times I would like to be a child once more.
Read More 

Announcements

Lent Afternoon Services
 
During Lent, each Wednesday, we will be holding lunchtime prayer services. They begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb 10.
 
 
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  

"Everybody's got a water buffalo, yours is fast but mine is slow, where do they get them I don't know but everybody's got a water buffalo..."
 
Everybody does not have a water buffalo, but the Sunday School children are doing something about that! The weekly children's Sunday School offering is used to purchase animals through Heifer Project Int. for struggling families around the world. Currently the children are giving money to purchase 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. [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 one position available for:
  
An Afternoon Toddler Teacher 
Anyone who is interested should contact the director, Susie Freligh at (208) 651-2053.
Church News & Events

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 

Annual Congregational Meeting 
Sunday, Jan 31  
 
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 Report for 2015. Be sure to come and hear from our church leaders. 
 
Winter Retreat at Lutherhaven
Feb 5-7
 
Seven 3rd - 5th graders and three adults, all from 1stPres, are registered to attend the Grade School Winter Retreat at Lutherhaven the first weekend of February. This will be one wild winter weekend extravaganza with friends, food, activities, games, worship, and hopefully SNOW! Thank you to the Women's Association and the Deacons, 50% of the cost of the weekend has been covered for 1stPres children! 


Parents' Nite Out Event
Feb 12
 
A special Valentine to young parents - a night out while we watch your children!
This Parents' Nite Out event is for families of children, infant to grade 5. There will be crafts, games and a movie for the kids - they can even invite a friend!
Reservations required.
Call or email the church office:
(208) 667-8446
office@1stpresdowntown.org
 
 
The Breakfast Bunch are Back!
Feb 21
 
Sunday, Feb 21, between services (9:45am-11am), the Breakfast Bunch will be serving a delicious all-church breakfast. Stay after first service or arrive early for second service!
 
 
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 6:00pm 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 meet 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

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), 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.