Links to Good Stuff
Aug 3, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

Why Love Has Yet to Quench My Thirst
Chris MacMurray
 
I wrote a blog post several months ago about whether loving others is worth it, even when your love isn't reciprocated. Since then, I've had to re-read that post countless times, because even though I concluded at the time that unconditionally loving others is the worthiest pursuit in life, I have questioned my own capacity and capability to unconditionally love those who merely receive love and never reciprocate it.
We each have an inherent and indisputable need to be loved. We simply cannot rid ourselves of that need.
Simultaneously, we are each responsible for lavishing love unto others. We are responsible for contributing to the process of quenching one another's thirst for love.
Something I have realized about myself is that I focus solely on loving others before I adequately love myself. Recently, I have begun to recognize the internal damage that this has done to me. I've held myself responsible for quenching others' thirst for love, but have neglected my own. More accurately, I have sought and waited on certain people to gift me with their love who never intended to gift it to me in the first place.
 
Read More
Humans of 1stPres

Tyler Renninger

"Music has always been a huge part of my life. I've always seen music as a very difficult math problem to solve. It's a puzzle. I come from a classical jazz background. I'm currently in a jump blues band, and then the sorts of songs we play in church lean more towards the pop end of the spectrum. The puzzle is how I can fit what I know into this different styles of music? So, I've typically seen music as more of a puzzle to solve rather than a means of expression. The expression comes after you've solved the puzzle. The clarinet and saxophone are my favorite instruments to play, but I can play a couple handfuls of various instruments. I teach music at a middle school in Post Falls, which means that I'm responsible for teaching the kids how to play any instrument that is on the lesson plan for the week. For instance, I taught myself the basics of how to play the guitar just so I could teach my students how to play. If Ray ever needs someone to play a specific instrument in the praise band, I'm usually the guy who volunteers to fill in, even if I'm not very familiar with the instrument, because I'm so used to teaching myself how to play something."
 
The Downtown Report

When Love Hurts More Than It Helps
Amy Cheng

Love is quite a difficult concept. From joyful childhood years and na�ve adolescence to awkward puberty and mid-life crises, all of humankind tends to wrestle with the weight of a word that does not always look as universal as it deems itself to be. What is love? How do we love well? Why do we love? Why should we love?
            I am not simply talking about the heartbreak one experiences after a silly boy crush dissipates, or the deep longings of a woman's soul to be pursued, sought after, and wanted. Love makes its home in the foundation of each human being, whether that affection is tangibly displayed through physical acts, encouraging words, or the exchange of a smile. Love also takes on the identity of a seemingly-trustworthy individual, repetitive in gifts and doting attention, yet may be inconsistent in angry outbursts of violence and cold, harsh words. Read More
 
Announcements

Notice of Congregational Meeting 
The Session has called a congregational meeting for the purpose of receiving the Nominating Committee's recommendation that Dan Koehler be elected to the office of Ruling Elder in the class of 2016 to fill the vacancy left by Max Faller (moved to Montana). The meeting will be August 21 at 10am in Sanctuary immediately after the 9am worship service.
   
Glory Be Final Promo Video
 
Our Valiant Whitworth Fellow, Chris MacMurray, has spent a considerable portion of his fellowship gathering footage of the preschoolers at Glory Be Learning Center to put together this promotional video for them.
Glory Be Learning Center is a wonderful learning program for children 5 years old and under. Check it out and share it around!

Dinners 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 - Thank You!
 
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Noisy Offering in church this past Sunday. Over $500 was collected by the children. All money 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.

Backpack Donations Needed!
 
Last year 1stPres received over 80 donated backpacks from a local business. We have just learned that due to stricter corporate ruling this business is unable to make the same donation to the church this year. So we are in need of backpacks to hold all of the school supplies that will be given out at the Deacon's Clothing Give Away on Sat. Aug. 13th. If you are willing to purchase and donate a new school backpack(s) please do so and bring it with you to church this Sunday or drop it by the church office no later than Wed. Aug. 10th. Thank you for helping us to LOVE1st the children and families of Downtown in this way.

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.

1stPres Sunday Fundays - Indians Baseball Game
 
Last Sunday, July 31st, 46 1stPres'ers attended the Spokane Indians Baseball game. It was truly a Sunday Funday for all ages. In addition to a great game, the children enjoyed the bounce house, giant slide, and batting cages in the Kid Zone; two 1stPres children were chosen to race remote controlled cars on the field between innings and Pastor Craig won the Harley Davidson gift bag! There is one more Sunday Funday left this summer, don't miss out on all the fun... see the details below.
 
1stPres Sunday Fundays
 
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 are FREE, however a few will have optional or minimal costs.
Plan to join us for the following Sunday Fundays:
 
Sunday, Aug. 28 - I scream, you scream, we all scream... "Sunday Funday"
Don't miss out on the last Sunday Funday of the summer! Join us on Sunday, Aug. 28th from 1-5 p.m. at Camp White for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, swimming and ice cream! All ages are invited to spend the afternoon swimming, hiking, picnicking, and/or playing at Camp White, located in Post Falls on the Spokane River. Camp White is a 29- acre conference and retreat center on the river in Post Falls, Idaho. There is a protected beach with docks, water slide and diving boards; a Volleyball Court, a Softball Backstop and Basketball Hoop, Horseshoe pits, Nature Trails for hiking or bike riding, Children's Playground, Beautiful Picnic area shaded by huge pine trees.  The entire campground is fenced, so no worries about kids wandering away.
 
Bring your swimsuit, towel, beach toys, sporting equipment and/or picnic for an afternoon in the water, on the beach or exploring the campground. A variety of Ice Cream treats including homemade ice cream will be provided.
 
Directions to Camp White located at 1931 East Rodkey Dr Post Falls, ID83854
From I-90 exit Spokane Street (exit 5). Proceed south on Spokane Street. Turn left (east) on 3rd Street. Turn right (south) on Greenferry Road. Follow Greenferry Road which veers right becoming Rodkey Drive. Follow Rodkey Drive to the camp entrance.
 
Church News & Events

Youth BBQ
Wednesday, August 3
 
High Schoolers and Middle Schoolers will meet together for a BBQ at the church this Wednesday at 6:30pm. This will be a fine time of eating and fellowshipping. Bring a friend to sample the exotic flavor of a Nikii Burger (patent pending).
 
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.
    • Taiz�, 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. Read the detailed article below if you can help out.
 
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
 
Just to show how literal kids can be - one young man was laying on his mat at nap time, and was supossed to be sleeping at nap time, and he was rubbing his eye, and to show you how literal kids are he thought he made his eye crooked for the rest of his life.

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. With school starting they are always in need of:
5oz paper cups
plates
crayons
markers
dry erase markers
construction paper
craft beads
glue
writing pins

For sensory and craft activities:
white rice
flour
beans
noodles

We are also in need of two large backpacks for field trips.

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!
 
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

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 [email protected]). 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 ([email protected]) 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 - 7:30pm-9pm
Art on the Green
NIC Campus
Coeur d'Alene
In the Evening