Links to Good Stuff
Aug 17, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

It's not just a job. It's a calling.
Susie Freligh
 
Sadly, it's not often that I encounter someone who can say that they truly love their job. I'd be lying if I said that I could sympathize with the countless numbers of folks that get up each morning dreading their workday for even one moment because my work is not a job, it's a calling from God.
I am proud to say that I work with the most amazing staff at Glory Be. A staff that feels the very same call I do to share God's love with His youngest blessings.  The staff of Glory Be are not just Caregivers for young children or even Preschool Teachers--they are remarkable professionals and they inspire young children to be remarkable. They come to work ready to encourage these children to be their best, to explore new things and to conquer old challenges.
 
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Humans of 1stPres

 Ray Weaver

"Both of our daughters are adopted. We actually got to know the birth families for both of them. It was something that the families both wanted to do, which is not a typical occurrence in adoptions. But it was great for them, and great for us. Our oldest daughter has an incredible relationship with her birth mother. In fact, her birth mother just recently came up from Arizona to visit and it was great. She's pretty much like family to us too. Unfortunately, our youngest daughter didn't have the opportunity to have a relationship with her birth mother. Her mom had some bigger issues and felt that there was a need to draw a line in the sand. Typically, a birth mother will leave behind a note or some sort of artifact for her child that they can remember her by, but she didn't leave anything for her daughter. On the other hand, our oldest daughter had all of this contact with her birth parents while our youngest had zero, which really had a negative effect on her. It caused a lot of anger in her. Sometimes that would be lashed out on us, and it was difficult to handle at times-especially when it came to discipline. In order to deal with that, it was important to realize that I wasn't the only parental figure in her life. With every adopted child, there is a portion of their life that you weren't a part of-you're not the only influence that they have had in their lifetime. But despite the struggles and hurt that we've experienced here and there as adoptive parents, I'm learning that sometimes the hurt I've experienced can be used to help others when they are going through something similar to what I have been through. Even if it's just acknowledging or understanding the frustration that they're going through, that can make all of the difference. For me, my problem is that I ask God to take things away, and that would be a miracle sometimes if He did, but He doesn't always choose to take something away. Because He knows that sometimes something that I perceive as being bad for me is actually going to be really valuable for how I change, and for how I experience His grace. So, to ask for God to take away all of the hardship and pain I experience is really like the request of a spoiled child. We have to trust that God knows what He's doing in the midst of our difficult times. And trusting God is sometimes really difficult. I think God gives us grace to trust in Him, because He knows how difficult it is for us to do."
 
Announcements

 Goodbye Valiant Fellows!
Thanks for pouring yourselves into 1stPres this summer. We will miss you!
 
 How to Become a 'Facebook Missionary'
Chris MacMurray
Utilizing Facebook and interacting with the 1stPres FB Page is an important task for the congregation because it is a method of outreach. Using social media can be a tool that compliments and progresses the LOVE1st mission statement of 1stPres. Liking, commenting, and sharing anything on Facebook is how information gets spread throughout social media. If a member of 1stPres comments on a photo (or any sort of post) on Facebook, that photo will appear on the news feed of most of their personal friends, which is how people outside of the church can be exposed or introduced to the 1stPres page.
How to "Like" the church's Facebook page:
  1. Go to Facebook. Type "First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d'Alene" into the search bar or click here: https://www.facebook.com/cdadowntownchurch/
  2. The church's page will appear. Click on it.
  3. Underneath the photograph of the congregation, there will be an icon that says "Like," click on that icon and you will have officially liked the 1stPres FB page!
How to like, comment, and share on posts made by 1stPres:
  • At the bottom of each post, there is an option to like, comment, and share.
  • Liking a post simply generates more hits for the post and makes it more popular to the general public. The more likes a post receives, the more people it will reach.
  • Commenting on a post gives it more "engagement." Similarly with liking a post, the more comments a post gets, the more people it will reach.
  • Sharing a post is the best way to reach the most people. By sharing a post, you are essentially "re-posting" it to your own personal FB page, where all of your friends can see it.
 
1stPres LOVE1st Video
 

Our valiant Whitworth fellow, Chris MacMurray spent his summer digging into the heart and thought behind our LOVE1st mission. This is what he discovered. It is a beautiful portrait, beautifully made.

Congratulations Chris!

If you want to spread the message of our LOVE1st mission, don't forget to "Share" this video.
Bolivia Mission Trip
  
Is there a call on your heart to step out in faith and serve children abroad? 1st Pres will be supporting another congregational mission team to LOVE 1st, our global mission partners, Ninos Con Valor, in Cochabamba, Bolivia. We are currently praying for 6-8 people with passionate hearts to serve these children to join our team for next July! Applications are due August 28th; don't miss this incredible opportunity to serve! If you're interested or have any questions, please contact Kierstie Shellman, at kshellman16@my.whitworth.edu 
  
Curious? Want more info or an application? Click Here 
Ironman Volunteers Needed Again

"Your crew from FPC CDA were the best for the IM 70.3 race in june.   Now the full IM 140.6 CDA is coming up Aug. 21.   Any chance to recruit some folks from the church to help out again?" - Terry McGonigal

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 August 21, 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.
 
 
Thank You to All Who Donated Backpacks
Last Saturday as part of the Deacon's clothing Give-Away 110 new backpacks filled with school supplies were given away to local needy children. Thank you to all who donated backpacks and/or contributed to the Nosy Offering to purchase the supplies. As a result of your generosity we were able to fill and give away 30 more backpacks than last year! What a wonderful way to LOVE1st children and families of Downtown of CDA!

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.
 
Explanation: Dan's sense of call to pursue training and preparation to become a lay pastor in the Presbyterian Church requires ordination as a Ruling Elder.  The Session has endorsed Dan to the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest and the committee of oversight for lay pastor preparation has recommended this action.  Dan would be eligible for re-election to a 2nd term if nominated in the Fall.

You might recognize Dan as a keyboardist with the Sunday praise team and as Ray's substitute organist. We originally met Dan when he interviewed for the position which went to Ray, but Dan felt a connection with 1stPres and began attending and serving. Ever since he was a child Dan felt a call from God to pastoral ministry and was a candidate for ordination in the Episcopal Church before denominational conflict and upheaval closed that door.  Dan moved to Idaho, married his wife Joy and they have a son Johnny. Dan has reached a point in life where he feels God is opening the door to pursue his calling through 1stPres, and we are proud and joyful to walk beside him in this journey!  Dan's next steps will be coming under care of the Presbytery, taking classes at Whitworth University's lay pastor training program, and accumulating practical ministry experience.
  
   
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
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
 
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 have optional or minimal cost.
Plan to join us for one more Sunday Funday:
 
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

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!  
 
Labor Day Weekend - NO Children's Sunday School
Sunday, September 4
 
Sunday, Aug. 29th will be the final week of Summer Sundays ARKade. There will be NO children's Sunday school on Sunday, September 4. However, Nursery Care will be available for 0 - 3 year olds at both 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. on September 4. Fall Children's Sunday School ARKade classes will begin Sunday, September 11.
 
SOS - Seeking Our Savior
Wednesday, September 7
 
Seeking Our Savior is a NEW ministry beginning this fall for children, youth, and adults at 1stPres. It will take place on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of Sept, Oct, and Nov (starts Wednesday Sept 7). The evening will begin with a low-cost, family friendly meal and short intergenerational activity, followed by age-specific spiritual learning opportunities, including nursery care (0-3 yrs), a preschool program (3 yrs - K), an elementary program (1st - 5th gr.), Middle school youth group (6th - 8th gr.) and Adult Small groups. SOS is designed for families but anyone is welcome to participate. Look for registration and dinner RSVP information to be available online soon, and plan to join other church families this fall in Seeking Our Savior!
 
1st & 3rd Wednesdays Sept. - Nov. 2016; 5:45 - 7:45 p.m.
 
Back to School Bash!
Sunday, September 11
 
Come and celebrate the beginning of a new school & church year at 1stPres. We will gather together for one worship service on Sunday September 11, at 10:00 am, that will include a special Blessing for Teachers and a Backpack Blessing for students of any age. All students are encouraged to bring their backpack to worship and come forward for a special Backpack Blessings and to receive a special gift. Following worship the celebration will continue out in the church parking lot with a potluck BBQ, bounce house, face painting, and fellowship. Main dish and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert and invite a friend to experience 1stPres and LOVE1st first hand!
 
Friday Families Program
Once a month, Oct. - Dec. 2016

Friday Family programs are being planned and will begin in Oct. Families with children birth - 5th grade are invited to participate in the following Friday Family programs:
October - Parents Night Out
November - Family Potluck
December - Parents Night Out
Watch for more details to come and be sure to RSVP for these fun Friday night programs for children and Families at 1stPres.

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

One You Eat, One You Don't
Ice Cream is Good
 
Worms are Yucky
 
Needs of the Week
 
Our little friends at Glory Be Learning Center send their thanks for all the supplies you dropped off for them. With school starting they are always in need of:
Can Opener
Baby Wipes
Diapers 3/4T
Lysol Wipes
Dish Towels - small
Stapler & Staples
Craft Eyes

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

House Sitters Available
 
Wendy Wilson has some missionary friends serving in Serbia that will be on home assignment in Cda mid-Nov to mid-Feb and are wondering about any snowbirds that may need a house-sitter for that time. Do you know of anyone? Wendy would be happy to meet with them and make the introduction. Paul and Jody Hovda have a teenage son and are a sweet family.

Contact Wendy or the church office at (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 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
Special thanks to the Orchard Ridge Estate Sale volunteers who organize and run our estate sales, raising over $7,000 this year alone to help provide for our charitable mission, with three more sales on calendar for this year! We are so grateful to each of you for your countless volunteer hours and hard work. May God bless you always.
- The Village at Orchard Ridge