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June 22, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

The New Guy
Nikii Dixon
 
[We asked Nikii, our new Youth Director, to share a slice of his life with you in today's blog.]

Life Highlights:
I almost died twice in my life when I was younger: once when I went skiing in Germany and also when I went swimming at an athletic club in Germany. Something about Germany...LOL!
At a cool summer basketball camp, I played one-on-one basketball with NBA player AC Green when I was younger, and I beat him!
I was in an ADIDAS & NIKE Basketball commercial.
I was one of the passengers in a car accident during the winter-time nine- plus years ago, with the help of black Ice. God was 100% watching over us, because no one was wearing seat belts when we crashed into the side rail going 60 mph. I always wear my seat belt, but some weird reason I didn't this night.
Last year, I had lung surgery, and I was so blessed to feel God's hands during the whole process.
Places I've lived are: Atlanta, Oregon, Germany, Washington and Idaho
 
Family:
I grew up with two brothers (Nick - older, Bennie - younger) and 2 sisters (Cristial - younger, Moriah - youngest). I grew up with my mom and dad (who my mom married when I was around 3 years old). My biological dad died when I was in 7th grade. I didn't get to see him much when I was young, because he lived in Atlanta, GA where I was born, and we moved to Germany, then Oregon. It's always been a hole in my heart/life that I wish I got to know my biological dad and could even remember his voice.
My wife Tracy and I have 3 kids (Ozias 6yrs old, Dellami 3yrs old, and Roman 6 months old). We keep going back and forth if we are going to have more kids, but I believe we are leaning on being done.
 
Hobbies:
Basketball, Video games, Running, Eating Ice cream, Watching Netflix, Pony riding, Building things with wood, Working in the yard, Going for walks, Making music, Making music videos and Hiking.

Humans of 1stPres

Happy Tuesday, good people of 1stPres! This is one of your valiant Whitworth fellow's, Chris MacMurray.

 Today, I would like to officially share one of my many ongoing summer projects with you. This particular project is entitled "Humans of 1stPres." Throughout the summer, my goal is to meet, get to know, and share as many of your stories as I possibly can. The goal of this project is to share fractions of the testimonies that comprise the congregation of 1stPres, with the intent of utilizing each testimony to reveal the heart and essence of the church. Each post will contain a picture and the name(s) of the featured congregants, and a sample of our discussion that captures a prominent piece of the puzzle that is their story. My hope is that "Humans of 1stPres" will clearly illuminate the undeniable beauty of the body of this church.
 
Without further ado, allow me to begin this project by sharing with you two very influential members of 1stPres:

Ron and Carolyn Keefer

In sitting down with the Keefer's, I was especially touched by the stories they shared about how they met and some of the events that took place over their first few years of marriage. Below is a brief account of our discussion from, first, Ron and then, Carolyn:
 
"I [Ron] had ruptured a disc in my back. I had back surgery over at Sacred Heart in Spokane. It was a Wednesday when I was finally able to come home, and three weeks later to the day, I began having spasms in my lower back. I took a bunch of pain relievers, but they didn't do a single thing. Finally, Carolyn had to call 911 around 3:00am the next morning for an ambulance to get me to the hospital. The spasms in my lower back finally finished around 3:00 in the afternoon that day, but, by that time, the spasms had already destroyed all of the muscle tone in my lower back. I began going through depression, telling myself that my back would never heal and that I would never be able to be there for my kids as they grew up. The game changer was that every single day during my month in the hospital - except for maybe a day or two - Carolyn would come and visit me with the kids, despite having tons of school work to prepare and grade, and two little ones to take care of. She's really what got me through that entire month."
"Ron didn't grow up in the church, other than walking down the street to Sunday School with his two brothers every so often. When Ron and I were dating, he was not involved in any church at the time. So, when we began discussing marriage, I told him that my faith was very important to me, and asked if he was open to joining the church and growing in our faith together. Without hesitation, he told me that he was in. I had always known that there was something special about him, but his willingness to explore and experience a faith in Christ together really reaffirmed that for me. He didn't have to say yes, but he did, and that struck me as a very special commitment to our relationship. Ron has always been a giver. He's always had the love of Christ in Him." 
 
Announcements

1stPres Sunday Fundays
 
One Sunday per month, May through August:
 
Sunday Funday events are designed for--but NOT limited to--families with young children. All 1stPres members and friends of any age are welcomed. Most events will be offered FREE, however, a few will have optional or minimal costs. Plan to join us for the following Sunday Fundays:
 
Sunday, July 31 - Spokane Indians Baseball Game
(3:30 p.m. game time; minimal cost $5-$11/person. See details below.)
Sunday, Aug. 28 - Sunday Funday Surprise
(afternoon; might include--but not limited to--any combination of food, fun, fellowship, and/or water play)
 
Glory Be "Needs of the Week"
 
Our little friends at Glory Be Learning Center are in need of a few things:

Panty hose (for art project)
Baking soda
Corn starch
Vinegar
Glue sticks
Glue bottles
Cans of fruit
Paper Plates
Liquid Hand Soap
5oz. Paper Cups

If you can help, please place your item(s) in the boxes underneath the Mission Board, in the hallway between the Hunter Building and the Gym.
 
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Your generosity  is appreciated!
 
Church News & Events

Middle Schoolers' Event
Wednesday, June 22
 
This week we will be having Game Day at the church. Come from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Be ready to have lots of fun! Your friends are always welcome - and they will have fun too!!! Contact Nikii at the church if you have questions.

Ironman Cheering Section
Sunday, June 26
 
Once again, 1stPres will be leading the cheers for the Ironman competitors as they bike past the church on Lakeside Ave. We will host a support station in front of the church that will include baked goods and refreshments for the spectators - and world-class cheering for the competitors. If you want to help, you can bring your baked goods, cookies, brownies, etc. between 8:30am and 11am to tables on the sidewalk, or just show up to cheer. For more information, contact Steve at the church (208) 667-8446. Also - this is a Shirt-por-tunity. Wear 'em if you got 'em!  
 
High Schoolers' Event
Tuesday, June 28
 
We'll meet at the church, then head over to explore Tubbs Hill. 6:30pm - 8:30pm. You are welcome to invite a friend. Contact Nikii at the church if you have questions. 
 
Summer Sundays ARKade
Sundays | June 12 - August 28
 
Two different Summer Sundays ARKade classes will be offered throughout the summer during both the 9:00 & 11:00 worship services which began on Sunday,  June 12. This year, the Summer Sundays ARKade theme will be Parables: Simple Stories Jesus Told.
 
Elementary ARKade - Parable Productions   
Incoming 2nd- to 6th-graders will hear and act out the weekly parable, then hear a modern day parable that illustrates the same important spiritual lesson. Each week, the children can get a Know-A-Parable and Bible verse for home to prepare for the upcoming Sunday lesson. These children will conclude the hour in the ARKade game room for fun & games, animal crackers, and lemonade.
 
Summer S.P.L.A.S.H. Preschool Pond - Once Upon a Parable
3-year-olds to incoming 1st-graders will experience songs, prayers, and lessons that focus on the weekly parable. They will end the hour with snack, a coloring page, and free-play in the Preschool Pond classroom.
 
Downtown Church Day Camp
July 11 - July 15
 
Day Camp Dates: Mon. July 11 - Fri. July 15
Day Camp Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (with the option of a.m./p.m. extended care)
Day Camp Ages: incoming 1st- to 6th-graders
 
Downtown Church Day Camp will be a Wet N' Wild week. Mornings will be spent at the church and include skits, lessons, small-group activities, large-group worship and singing, crafts, and games. Each afternoon, we walk downtown and enjoy activities at different locations, like McEuen Park, Tubbs Hill, Sanders Beach, City Park, City Beach, and the NIC Campus. This year's Downtown Church Day Camp theme is Wet N' Wild. The daily Bible story lessons and activities will focus on a different Wet N' Wild Bible story.
 
Registration is now CLOSED! We have maxed our capacity for this year with over 60 children registered!
 
Sunday Fundays Spokane Indians Baseball Game
Sunday, July 31
 
 
Camp Spalding Registration 
 
This summer, 1stPres children and youth have the opportunity to attend summer camps at Camp Spalding. Summer camp provides a chance for children and youth to get away from the daily routine, to spend a week with fun, mature, Christian role models, and to experience God and His creation in a way that is unlike any other. Thousands of young lives have been eternally changed during summer camp experiences at Camp Spalding! This year, 1stPres children and youth are encouraged to attend the following camps at Camp Spalding:
 
Juniors II       July 24 - 30    for incoming 5th- and 6th-graders
Jr. High II       Aug. 7 - 13     for incoming 7th- and 8th-graders
High School students may choose from Leadership Camp, Sr. High Camp, or Clearwater Arts Camp
 
1stPres campers will receive a discount when they register through the church.
A registration code is required to register and to receive this discount. Each registration code is church- and camper-specific and can only be used once. Registration is currently open on-line at www.campspalding.org. You must request your camper-specific registration code(s) from the church BEFORE registering your camper on-line.  To request a code and receive detailed registration instructions or if you have questions regarding summer camp, please contact Lou Pennebaker by phone at (208) 667 8446 or email Lou@1stpresdowntown.org  

Additional financial assistance is also available from the church for those who submit a scholarship application. Scholarship applications are currently available at the church.
 
Volunteer Oppertunities

Youth Volunteers Needed 
We are looking for people to join our Youth Ministry to help us make a difference in teen's lives. Contact the church office at (208) 667-8446.
 
Summer Sundays ARKade Volunteers Needed 

During the summer, our faithful and loving Sunday School ARKade volunteers who teach throughout the year are given time off to rest and relax. In their place, we need other volunteers to help maintain the Summer Sundays ARKade at both 9:00 and 11:00 throughout the summer! This summer, we will have one, full-time Whitworth Ministry Fellow working with Children & Family ministries. She will be working with Lou to coordinate and lead children's Summer Sunday ARKade. Additional volunteers will be needed each week at each hour. If you are interested, please contact Lou or simply sign up on Sunday morning on the sign-up sheets in Hunter Building. We would love to have you be a part of the fun & games, Parables, animal crackers and lemonade of Summer Sundays ARKade!
 
Ironman Volunteers Needed
 
Unique Volunteer Participation for IRONMAN 70.3 awaits you! Your Community Outreach team is coordinating 1stPres' effort to support Ironman. Join us at the Lake race day morning to assist athletes as they prepare for the swim and bike segments. It should be fascinating, fun, and memorable. Ready, set, splash! People will need to be there around 4:30am on June 26, and there is a training the Saturday before. If you are interested, please go to this page, and then click on the "Volunteer for this job" link. There is a form that you need to fill out.
Please call Steve at the church if you have any questions (208) 667-8446.
 
Can You Give Someone A Ride To Church?

We are looking for someone who can periodically give one of our members a ride to church when her regular ride is out of town. For details, contact the church office at (208) 667-8446.
 
Groups & Gatherings

Widows & Widowers - WW2
   
According to Pastor Craig's sermon series on "Living Well, and Dying Well," I am adding "Going On Well!"  If you have become a "single" through death, and are desiring to become part of a social group with the same challenges as you, consider joining Widows and Widowers Too (WWII).  This is a brand-new program getting started to provide a social outlet for members and non-members who are tired of being a fifth-wheel in a foursome!  You will be getting in on the ground floor of this program and can have some say in how it is going to work!  Give Karen Huber a call (208-667-6525), e-mail (khube828@aol.com) and tell her you're interested!  We have lots of ideas and want to hear yours!!!!!          

Beyond the Broken Heart
   
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Then you may want to come and be a part of our new grief support group. Contact:  Bev Turner (208) 659-9415, or
Judy Hays (208) 660-4083 for more info or to sign up.
     
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 of someone who could really use the gift of a shawl at this time in their life. This group will continue to meet in the summer. Come join us! 
 
Saturday Morning Men's Group
  
The Saturday Morning Men's Group meets every other Saturday morning at Bakery by the Lake at 7am.  They will be starting a new study with the book "The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows" by James Bryan Smith.

Contact Steve Balas (208) 667-8446 for details.

Thursday Men's Group - On Summer Break
 
The Iron Horse Lunchtime Men's Group is taking the summer off. Check back with us in the Fall.  Contact the church for info (208) 667-8446.
 
Community Events

Summer Science Exploratory Camp
 
This summer, one-week science camps will be offered to students going into third, fourth, fifth, or sixth grades. At a private home near the Silver Lake Mall, young scientists will explore a variety of earth, life, and physical science concepts through dialogue and hands-on experimentation.
Bill Burch (see posting below) is a graduate of the University of Idaho, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a science emphasis. His education includes the entire battery of Project Wild courses sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Game department. He is also a former participant in NASA's Educator Workshop. He currently teaches fourth grade in North Idaho.
The camp will run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am Monday through Friday. Cost will be $80.00 per scientist, and each session will be limited to twelve participants.
This is a private endeavor not affiliated with any school or institution.
These one-week camps are offered during the weeks of July 11th and July 25th, 2016. To reserve your spot, call Bill Burch at (208) 755-5925.
 


Congratulations to Bill Burch: Teacher of the month!