Links to Good Stuff
Sept 6, 2016 
eNews 
The 1stPres Newsletter
#LOVE1st

Blog of the Week

Always There
Nikii Dixon
 
I love stories, I love victories, I love people working hard for their dreams.
 
Recently with the Ironman that happened a few weeks ago, I was talking to a family member about how their son "Tim" did the Ironman years ago.
 
Tim had never done the Ironman before, but knew it was a major goal to complete in life, so he had to do it!
 
As the big day arrived, prepared for the first event, it was swimming. Tim knew he had to give all he could to finish well. Off he went swimming as fast as he could. Lap one was done with lots of effort, as if prior training wasn't enough, but giving up was not an option. On lap two, the final lap, he was heading towards the finish line going slow, but Tim thought he was going fast. Out of nowhere, he knew he couldn't swim any further, so, panicking, he yelled out to the lifeguards for help! After multiple times saying, "Help! I can't make it!" the lifeguards finally responded to Tim saying, "Why don't you just stand up? It's low enough to just walk!"
 
Hahahah! Oh boy! Did I laugh so hard when I heard this part of the story!!
 
It's funny, but it made me think how in life, when we try to do it all ourselves at times and fall flat on our faces, not remembering God is patiently waiting for us with his hands out saying, "Why don't you just let me help you?"
 
We make ourselves look so silly at times.
 
I'm so thankful that God is patient and extends His love and grace to me.
 
- Nikii Dixon
Announcements

Newcomer Meet & Greet
  
Newcomers - we would like to get to know you better! Join us for a fun and informal gathering on the rooftop putting green at Parkside Tower, 601 Front Ave. on Friday, Sept 16, from 5:30 - 7:00pm. We will be serving snacks and beverages while we chit-chat and work on our short game :)
Hope to see you there!
- The Welcome Team
Women's Circles
  
Our Women's Circles now have an evening group that will meet on the first Tuesday of each month to accommodate those who are unable to attend during the day. If you have any questions or would like to participate, please call Judy Hays at (208)660-4083
 
Women's Circles are small groups of women that meet (generally in each other's homes) on the first Tuesday of each month. Each meeting includes light refreshments, devotions, and lively conversation. If you have questions about the Circles, or are interested in joining one, please contact the church office at (208) 667-8446.
Bolivia Mission Trip - DEADLINE EXTENDED
  
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 SEPT 11; don't miss this incredible opportunity to serve! If you're interested or have any questions, please contact Kierstie Shellman, at [email protected] 
  
Curious? Want more info or an application? Click Here 
All NEW On-line Children and Family Registration
  
Please help us to maintain an up-to-date Family Database and stay in contact with you regarding the ministries to children and families at 1stPres. If your family is new to 1stPres or if any of your family's contact information has changed in the last year, please take a few minutes to fill out the all NEW Children and Family Registration form on line. Use the link found at the top of the Children's Ministry page of the 1stPres web site or go to www.1stpresdowntown.org/ministries/children/children-family-registration to update your family information or register your family.
 
The Mighty 1stPres Choir is Coming Back!
 
And we want you to join us! We practice on Thursday evenings at 7pm at the church. All singers are welcome and needed - 5th grade and up only, please. Practice begins September 8th. If interested, please contact Judy Flieger, Music Director, for more information at (208) 660-1639.
 
Happy Birthday
 
One of our long-time members is turning 95 on Wednesday, Sept 7. Congratulations, Opal Anderson, on this wonderful milestone! Happy Birthday! 

 
Church News & Events

Back-to-School Bash!
Sunday, September 11
 
Back-to-School Sunday: Blessing of the Backpacks & Back-to-School BASH!

Come and celebrate the beginning of a new school- and church-year at 1stPres. We will gather together for one worship service on Sunday September 11, at 10:00am, 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 Blessing 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!
 
The First Presbyterian Women's Association Meeting
Tuesday, September 20
 
We will be meeting on Tuesday, September 20,  at 1pm in the  Fireside Room. This is the fall "back-together" and all women are invited to get acquainted and join with the awesome First Presbyterian Women!
 
The Breakfast Bunch are Back
Sunday, September 24
 
 
The Breakfast Bunch will be serving up their delicious breakfast ministry for everyone on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 9:45 - 11am in the gym. All are welcome! The free-will donations from the breakfast will be going towards improving the downstairs space of the sanctuary where AA meets. Improvements include new paint, new ceiling tiles, and more!
 
Come hungry - leave full!
DYG is Switching It Up
Hey, everyone! Check out the new fall schedule for DYG!
 
 
The Glory Be Buzz



"A person is a person not matter how small!" Dr. Seuss
Needs of the Week
 
Teacher Wanted
 
We are looking for an afternoon toddler teacher (working with children 1.5 to 2.5 years old). The shift is 12:30pm to 5:30pm - sometimes 6pm. Monday-Friday. Please call Susie at (208) 659-4482.

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:
  • Paper plates
  • 5oz paper cups
  • dry snack foods, like crackers
  • liquid hand soap
  • canned fruit
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 ([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 Madie Pray at (208) 292-4778 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.  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

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding in Baton Rouge and the Gulf Coast
 
Situation
Starting August 11, 2016, regions in Louisiana and Mississippi experienced 10-20 inches of rain. FEMA reports that there were 6 fatalities, over 8,000 people in shelters and over 10,000 residential and commercial structures affected. 
 
PDA Response
PDA has reached out to the Presbytery of South Louisiana and the Presbytery of Mississippi to offer assistance. Six National Response Team members will deploy to the Presbytery of South Louisiana to do assessments, and two will deploy at the request of the American Red Cross to provide Disaster Spiritual Care. An initial grant and a church damage grant has been sent to the Presbytery of South Louisiana.
A Night of Worship