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

Blog of the Week

Why I Haven't Been Praying
Chris MacMurray
 
Lately, I haven't asked God for much. It's sort of strange, because usually whenever I talk with Him I'm either asking or thanking Him for something. Since my gratitude and requests have recently been limited, my communication with Him has decreased as a result. I suppose the reason for this is because I'm tired of feeling insufficient. I'm tired of feeling like I need help living out my faith. I've fallen into the trap of believing that because I have been a person of faith for my entire life, I shouldn't have any problems living out my faith. I should know how to do it by now, without any guidance.
The reason I feel this way is because I'm a guy who fixates on self-performance. I'm always keeping track of the things I've done or haven't done, or on the things I've done right or wrong. Even though my faith tells me that I'm enough just as I am, regardless of my performance, I can't seem to refrain from placing a large portion of my self-worth in my performance. Part of this is because I'm a perfectionist. I have a very clear and precise vision of the life I want to live and believe I should be living, which has caused me to be excessively self-critical when I'm not pro-actively choosing to live the lifestyle I know I should be living.
 
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Humans of 1stPres

 Laura Coffman

"I refer to myself as a 'Cradled Presbyterian.' When I was an infant, my mother carried me with her to a Presbyterian church in Manhattan, Montana the first Sunday after I was born, and I've been in a Presbyterian church ever since. When I first came to 1stPres in 2000, I had to meet with the session before I could become a member, and they asked me 'but why did you choose this church?' I told them that I knew we would find God in many churches, but we needed to be in a church that would be more of a church family. And Karen Huber was one of the session members at the time, and she looked over at me and my husband and said 'well, you've got one!" And 1stPres has always just felt very comfortable and at home. It's my church family-that's why I call everyone on their birthday. I knew that once I found my church family that I wanted to do some sort of ministry that included reaching out to the entire congregation, not just individuals who were sick or in need of something-I wanted to do something for everybody. That's why I'm not sure why the whole LOVE1st thing is such a big deal, because that's what I've been doing my whole life. You experience love from God and you pass it on to others. I've always thought that's loving just what you do."
 
Deacon's Doings

Clothing Give Away
 
Here we are, half way through the year and now preparing for our Annual Clothing Give-Away on August 13th.  We'll have free clothing and hopefully new backpacks filled with school supplies for children of elementary, Jr. High and High School ages.   Any donations you wish to contribute can be brought to the church the week prior to the Give-Away and we just ask that the clothes be in good repair and clean.  Any backpacks donated need to be new rather than used.  School supplies will be purchased through monetary donations so that we can assure each backpack receives the same amount and type of supplies.  Any of these items you wish to donate will be greatly appreciated by the young recipients.
  
We can also use help setting up the clothing racks and clothing starting after first service on August 7th and again any morning 8:30 am - 11:00 am in the gym.  We hope, with lots of help, that we can finish setting up by noon, Wednesday.   The other way to help if you can't during the week is to come Saturday morning to help straighten the clothing piles, keep things orderly and combine items as supplies dwindle.  If you have a 1st Pres shirt, wear it.  It helps us identify each other as well as shoppers being able to know who to ask for assistance.  Ahead of time, let us say thank you to anyone who is able to come down and help, even if only for a brief period of time.
  
Briefly, the Deacons have been able to continue our support of St. Vincent de Paul and community and church members in need of financial assistance whether it be for household or medical emergencies.  We continue to visit those who are unable to attend church and help those who are in temporary need of mobile assistance to appointments or church attendance.  We truly are thankful for the opportunity to help others monetarily and that is a direct result of congregational generosity.  We thank you all for your continued support so that we can continue to assist those in need.  God Bless You  All........Karen Welts (Chair) and all 1st Pres Deacons
Announcements

Dinner's at 6ish - Round Two!
 
We are starting a new round of Dinners at 6ish. This is a great opportunity to get to know some other people in the church. Just signup and we will place you in a group of about 8, for a series of 3 or 4 potlucks in each other's homes. Be a host if you want to or just provide a dish if you don't - it's that easy! This is a great opportunity for members & visitors, young & old, single & married to get together and get to know each other better.  We'll have a flexible schedule to accommodate most needs so sign up for lots of food, fun and fellowship today!  Call the church office at 208-667-8446 or write "Dinners at 6ish" next to your name in the pew pad and we will be in touch with you soon.
- The Membership Team
Noisy Offering
 
Once again, it's time to gather up all your extra change, from the bottom of your purse, from under the cushions of your couch, from the top of your dresser, from the pockets of your pants, from the center console of your car, from inside the washing machine or dryer, or from wherever you toss or find loose change and bring it with you to church, In addition to the regular giving of our Tithes and Offerings, the children of the church will collect buckets of loose change THIS Sunday, July 31. All money collected by the children will be used to purchase school supplies that will be given out as part of the Deacon's Clothing Give Away to children in need right here in our very own community.

Parking Lot Palooza Time!
 
For the month of August, we are participating in the Wednesday downtown Farmer's Market events 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 come and help out with any of these activities (no experience required) there is a sign up sheet in the Hunter Building, or contact Steve Balas at the church.
Camp Spalding
 
This summer eight 1stPres children and youth are attending 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 week four children are attending Juniors Camp, two of them for the very first time! Please lift these campers and the camp staff up in prayer throughout the week and join us in church on Sunday to hear about their camp experiences.
 
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 are 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) Order tickets on-line (use link below) or call the Spokane Indians (509 343 6886). Be sure to mention 1stPres. to get the discounted ticket prices and to assure that your seats are in the 1stPres block of seats. Tickets must be ordered by Wed. July 27th.
 
Sunday, Aug. 28 - Sunday Funday Surprise
(an afternoon of food, fun, fellowship and water play at Camp White located in Post Falls on the Spokane River, more details coming soon!)
 
Church News & Events

Sunday Fundays Spokane Indians Baseball Game
Sunday, July 31
 
 
Slange Y Va
Thursday, August 4
 
You are invited to come journey with us as we explore ancient monastic traditions intended to help us create our own unique life rhythms of rest and grace!

This two-hour participatory experience is rooted in deep, spiritual practices that teach us to inhabit time rather than consume it. In our modern culture where busyness controls our schedules and clutters our minds, maybe there's something we can learn from these time-honored monastic traditions about how to rest well and find joy in the present moment.

This event consists of:
  • A free dinner, eaten in the style of Benedictine monks.
    • Taizé, a French monastic-styled worship which is largely meditative and participatory.
      • A short teaching on monastic living and tools to create your own rhythm of life. 
You are encouraged to invite friends to this free event.
 
Thursday, August 4 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, at the church.

Children are welcome to come and will be given their own version of this monastic experience by the Children's Ministry team.
 
Ecumenical Lunch
Thursday, Aug. 4

We will be hosting the Ecumenical Food Kitchen on Thursday, Aug. 4. Signup sheets will be available on the hallway bulletin board by the kitchen and in the Hunter Building. If you have questions, please call Bev Rasor at (208) 765-3410. All help is needed and appreciated. Please signup for salads, casseroles, desserts, or help with serving our guests.
 
Love Our Downtown Workers!
- A Workshop
Saturday, August 13
 
Are you interested in the restaurant and hospitality industry? Have you ever wondered what happens behind-the-scenes? Do you want to hear the various stories of those who serve for a living?
The majority of downtown workers fall financially somewhere within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, which provides an opportunity for the local community to gather around in support and love.
YOU are invited to attend a two-hour training event co-hosted by Big Table and the First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d'Alene, where you can learn practical ways to care for these downtown workers!
What do the faces of those in the industry look like?
What does support/care look like?
Personal Testimonies and Stories
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 13, from 8-10 AM at Fine Brewed on 507 Sherman Avenue. They have graciously opened their doors for the morning, where you are encouraged to purchase food or a beverage!
Saturday, August 13
8-10 AM
at Fine Brewed Coffee Shop
507 Sherman Ave | Downtown CDA


Barb McPoland Annual Clothing Give-Away
Saturday, Aug. 13

The Children's Clothing give away is coming right up. On August 13 we will have families lined up outside to find wonderful items for their children for the coming school year. Stay tuned to find out how you can help!
 
Ironman!
Sunday, August 21
 
Finally - the real, FULL Ironman is coming! 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!  
 
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.
 
The Glory Be Buzz

Glory Be Event of the Week
 
WhIle the kids gear up for kindergarten, the kids where asked what do you want to be...
Glory Be Video
 
Our valiant Whitworth Fellow, Chris MacMurray, has been hanging out at Glory Be working on a promotional video for them. It took dozens of games of hide-and-go-seek-tag for Chris to play in order to gather this footage. We greatly appreciate his sacrificial work for Glory Be, and for this church.
Here is the short version of the promo. Stay tuned for the full length video coming out very soon!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
 
Our little friends at Glory Be Learning Center send their thanks for all the supplies you have been dropping off for them. They are always in need of:
Paper plates (cheap, any size)
Glue sticks & bottles
Lysol spray & wipes
Liquid hand soap
5oz. paper cups
BUT they are urgently in need of one (or two) steam mops - theirs broke! 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!
 
Peel Those Labels!!!
 
The Campbell's Labels for Education program is ending next year, so please bring your Campbell's product label, package or upc code and leave it in the Glory Be box underneath the Mission Board, in the hallway between the Hunter Building and the Gym. For a complete list of participating products (you'll be surprised what's on it!) http://www.labelsforeducation.com/earn-points/participating-products Thank-you!
 
Volunteer Opportunities

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 
 
Many parents and church volunteers have stepped up to lead Children's Summer Sundays ARKade classes for the 1st two months of the summer, but we need 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 to learn more about Children's Summer Sundays ARKade please contact Lou Pennebaker (call 667-8446/email Lou@1stpresdowntown.org). Or look for the Summer Sundays Volunteer Charts in the Hunter Building Lobby on Sunday and sign-up to serve!
 
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 is taking a break for the summer. We will be starting back up in the fall.

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

Tuxedo Junction - Big Band - Free Concert

August 5, 2016 - Friday
Art on the Green
NIC Campus
Coeur d'Alene
In the Evening