Here @ First

Here@First

Published monthly for the members and friends of our church.

May 2009 First Presbyterian Church volume 2

Dear Church Family, 2009 continues to be the year of being “Inwardly Strong.” I was asked recently, “What does inwardly strong mean?” Simply put, we are talking about discipleship. It means deepening our relationship with Jesus. It means walking with Him each day (and not just on Sundays!) It means having continual conversations with Him. In the same way that you might talk to and spend time with your best friend, you should be talking and spending more with God. I am in the midst of reading Eugene Peterson’s fantastic book The Jesus Way: A Conversation On The Ways That Jesus Is The Way. In his introduction, he offers the observation that: “So many who understand themselves to be followers of Jesus, without hesitation, and apparently without thinking, embrace the ways and means of the culture as they go about their daily living ‘in Jesus name.’ But the ways that dominate our culture have been developed either in ignorance or in defiance of the ways that Jesus uses to lead us as we walk the streets and alleys, hikes and trails, and drive the roads in this God-created, God-saved, God-blessed, God-ruled world in which we find ourselves. They seem to suppose that ‘getting on in the world’ means getting on in the world on the world’s terms, and that the ways of Jesus are useful only in a compartmentalized area of life labeled ‘religious.’

This is wrong thinking, and wrong living. Jesus is an alternative to the dominant ways of the world, not a supplement to them. We cannot use impersonal means to do or say a personal thing- and the gospel is personal or it is nothing” (Peterson, p.1-2).

I share this observation with Eugene Peterson. Too many Christians compartmentalize their faith, myself included.

Jesus said that no one can serve two masters (Matt 6:24), and yet that is exactly how we live our lives. We live in tension between what we desire for ourselves and what God desires for us. We live according to the world’s standards most of the time, and try to imitate Jesus some of the time.

I believe we are not called to be mere imitators of Christ. The key is in the command that he gives to His disciples and to us: “Follow Me.” You’ll notice he didn’t say, “Imitate Me.” “Following” entails so much more! In this invitation something extraordinary happens in that we are intimately connected to the One who calls. In this invitation to discipleship, we are connected to the One who gives LIFE, and gives it abundantly! As a result, our lives become a response to the grace that is given to us in Jesus Christ. We have received the Good News (and it is good!) and in joy and gratitude, we can’t help but share it with others and live out our faith.

Again, as we go throughout our lives, it’s not enough that we might imitate Jesus. It’s not enough to simply admire Jesus. A minister much wiser than me once said, “Jesus is not looking for admirers; he is looking for followers.” There is a difference. Following God requires more than just a casual acquaintance with the Father. It requires a deep, personal relationship with the One who knows you best.

As you think about what it means for you to be “Inwardly Strong” in 2009, the question I want to pose is this: Is the Gospel personal or is it nothing? As Eugene Peterson points out, for each of us it is either one or the other.

Pastor Jack

Sermon Series May 3

Garth Gustafson Psalm 5 What About My Enemies?

May 10

Jack Peebles Psalm 100 Entering His Gates With Thanksgiving

May 17

Jack Peebles Psalm 23 The One We Say at Funerals

May 24

Bill Starr Psalm 1 Praying Through Two Paths

May31

Mark Washam

1

May 2009 May 1 Fri

May 3 Sun May 5 Tues May 7 Thurs

May 9 Sat May 10 Sun May 11 Mon May 13 Wed May 15 Fri May 16 Sat

May 17 Sun

May 18 Mon May 25 Mon May 27 Wed

May 28 May 31 Sun

Sunday Morning

MOPS 9:00a Girls Night Out Bunco!

6:30p Communion Baptism Class 7:00p Preschool Board Mtg 9:00a Senior Adult Min Mtg 2:00p Prayer Min Leader Mtg 6:00p Prayer Shawl Min 9:00a Mother’s Day - Infant Baptisms Edith Ferry Circle 12:00p Family Night 6:00p Starting Point (day 1) 7:00p Starting Point (day 2) 9a – 3:00p PW Friendship Spring Tea 1:00p Student Min Senior Brunch 9:30a Group Life Dinner 5:00p Welcome Don Hamrick!

Memorial Day / Church Closed Family Night 6:00p (at Franklin Park – Potluck) Happy Travelers Abram’s Garden Tour Ghormley Sunday

Weekly@First M/W/F Mon

Senior Adult Exercise

Trailseekers TOPS Al-Anon

9:00a 2:30p 10:00a 5:30p

Tues

Women’s Bible Study Spirit Led Life

9:45a 9:15a

Wed

Men’s Noon Bible Study Women of Action

12:00p 12:30p

Thurs

Library Volunteer Staff Worship Rehearsal Temple Choir Rehearsal

9:00a 6:00p 7:00p

Sunday Morning Services Sanctuary Contemporary Services 8 & 9:30a The Best of Classic Worship 11:00a

Childcare During Services Ages birth – 21/2 years 102 Kidzone Sunday School 9:30 - 10:45a 2 yrs - 5th Grade

Student Ministries – Grades 6 - 12 9:30-10:30a Ward Chapel (Mid Hi & Sr. Hi) Adult Education Classes

Golden Circle

40 Days of Purpose

The Book of Revelation Big Questions

Cristo Vive Hispanic Fellowship

Ward Chapel

9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a 9:30-10:30a 11-12:00p 12:00p

Weds@First Adult Courses

“Paul’s letter to the Philippians” Jim Erixson - Adult Ed Room 6:00p – 7:00p “Lord, Hear My Voice” Jeff Thompson - David Ferry Lounge 7:00p - 8:15p

Students

The Connect: Youth Group 6-8 Grades / Gym / 6p – 7:30p Dinner at 7:00p 9-12 Grades / Gym / 7p – 9p

Family Night

Meeting: May 6 and 20 Class at 6:00p - Ward Chapel

Fellowship Ministry

“Building Relationships that change lives by connecting the community to Christ”

Group Life / Family / Senior Adult

Voice

Small Groups

from Group Life

Events in May:

Leadership Development Class Sunday, May 31 in the Adult Ed. Room at 8:00 am Group Life Dinner Sunday, May 17 from 5-7 pm in the Garden Room.

Quick tips for Leaders!

Keep the superfluous stuff from draining focus, energy, resources, and attention away from the good things.

Small Group Opportunities

TYPE Couples Couples Couples Couples Couples Mixed Mixed Men Men Men Men Men Men Men Men Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women Women

LEADER/CONTACT Don Tait Sharon Trick Marv Becker Dave Marshall Neil Buren Jeff Steere Norm Buckley Jerry Simons Jim Erixson Joe Buckley Norm Buckley Dave Whiteside Doug Cairns Scott Henyan Steve Barker Clare Kime Ellen Gibson Judy Turner Julie Grove Joyce Buren Ericka Clark Yvonne Perrotti Carolyn Henyan Helen Howson Joy Staley Jill Hilmes Betty Rosenkranz Judy Miller

“We are ordinary women with ordinary as well as demanding issues on our hearts and it is a privilege to pray for and with these women. To learn and grow in faith alongside them is a true blessing. These women have made First Presbyterian my home away from home. We pray, laugh, learn and cry together.”

Please contact Judy Turner or Shan Trick at 248-7940 for more information on how you can get plugged into a small group.

CURRICULUM Bible If You Want To… Flesh and Blood The Shack Bible The Last Words Of Christ…

Fireproof Study Bible Bible Heaven Life Journal Bible When The Game Is Over…

Bible Bible Bible The Mind Of Christ 57 Words Prayer/Worship Bible Bible 57 Words…

Lucado Devotional Experiencing God What’s So Amazing…

Too Busy Not To Pray Pursuing Spiritual Transform Bad Girls Of The Bible

DAY/TIME Wed @ 6:00 pm Wed @ 6:00 pm 1st/3rd Tues at 9:00 am Sun @ 6:30 pm Wed. @ 6:30pm Wed @ 6:30 pm Bi-wkly on Sun. @ 6pm Tues. @ 6:45pm Thurs. @ 6 am Tues @ 7:00am Tues @ 6:00 am Tues@ 7:00 am Thurs 6 AM Thurs @ 6:30 am Wed @ Noon Every other Tues.@ 1:30pm Mon pm Bi-wkly @ 6:30am Wed. @ Noon Mon. @ 7pm Thurs @ 6:00 am Tues @ 4:45 pm Thursday’s @ 6:30 am Wed @ 6:00 pm Tues @ 7:00 pm Monday’s @ 7:00 pm Wed @ 9:00 am Wed @ 1 pm

LOCATION Yakima FPC Yakima Yakima Yakima Yakima Yakima Yakima Yakima FPC Yakima FPC Yakima Yakima FPC Yakima Yakima Selah FPC Yakima Yakima FPC Yakima Yakima Yakima Yakima FPC FPC

CONTACT djtaitbasicisp.net 248-2448 966-8855 966-0737 966-3647 966-8357 985-8346 575-1537 972-5392 697-8729 985-8346 945-3719 966-5360 966-8192 965-6138 966-7738 945-2958 961-7781 966-3407 966-3647 248-7940 965-5478 961-3829 452-3858 966-7246 575-1348 697-9088 454-8446

Norm Buckley

Director of Family Ministries

Remember to slow down and appreciate what God has given us. Every moment is a gift.

Family Ministries It’s Spring - Why not slow down and spend some meaningful time with your family. How about a hike in Cowiche Canyon? Family game night? Or here is a huge one, going unplugged as a family. What a concept to unplug all those electronics and actually invest in each other and build those relationships.

Judy Turner

Director of Group Life

Upcoming

Listening Prayer Series Wednesday nights: April 8, 22 and May 13 May 27 - Franklin Park -Potluck with lots of fun family games.

FPC Camping Trip: May 29-31 at Clear Lake FPC Camping Trip: August 7-9 at Mossyrock Park Mt Adams Mountain Climb: July 9-11. *If you are planning to climb contact Norm to work on being prepared for the climb.

Swim parties begin June 14, and will continue every Sunday (except the 5th of July) through August 2.

Please contact Norm Buckley for more info: 248-7940 or email to norm.buckley@fpcyakima.com.

We encourage you to check out Family Ministries and join our family.

Senior Adult Ministries

Happy Travelers

May 28 Abrams Gardens June 4 Toppenish Murals *Sign Up at the Connection Center

Can you live a joyful-filled life in isolation from others?

God created us with a hunger for relationship – for relationship with Him and with each other. At our very core we are relational beings. The soul cannot prosper without being connected to others.

Shan Trick

Group Life / Family Ministries

Group Life Ministries invites you to become of part of a growing community of believers called small groups.

It’s the best place to build friendships, to grow spiritually and to just unpack life in a place with ordinary people.

Jim Erixson

Pastor of Senior Ministries

SUNDAY TRANSPORTATION

We have a team of drivers waiting to take you to church on Sunday. We have 23 drivers standing by to get you to church. It’s as easy as picking up your phone and calling the church office to make arrangements. For those living in assisted living facilities we can provide a van for your transportation to church. Remember it is as easy as picking up your phone and calling 248-7940.

So make that call!

Senior or “Seasoned” Adult Ministries is not for those who want to sit on the couch, we are on the move!

Discipleship Ministry Pre-School / Children’s / Student’s / Women’s / Careforce / Men’s / Adults

Tyler Van Horn

Director of Student Ministries

Student Ministry

Senior Brunch May 17 Young people are naturally hungry for real life, and our culture feeds them the lie that real life is found in instant self-gratification. In Student Ministry we are feeding young people with the life, teachings, and ways of Jesus, trusting that real life is found in sacrificial love.

Karin Skone

Assistant Director of Student Ministries

On Sunday, May 17 from 9a to 10:30a we are going to celebrate our graduating seniors. This event is always a sweet mix of sadness and excitement. Sadness from saying goodbye to these young people we love so much, and excitement from knowing God will use them in beautiful ways. Please contact Karin or Tyler, if you want to sign up for this event, or know of someone you would like us to contact.

Summer Interns Returning

We are so excited to have both Tika Melroy and Jeff Murray returning for this summer.

Tika

is currently attending Eastern Washington University studying business, and this will be her third summer working in Student Ministry.

Student Ministries is a place for young people to grow in their relationship with God, other students and adult leaders. We strive to create environments where students can discover their identity in Christ and what it means to live that out in their world.

Jeff is working on a degree in Theology at

Kathy Eaton

Whitworth University, and this will be his fifth summer working with students at First Pres.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Within Children’s Ministies we are dedicated to making sure each and every child knows that they matter to God.

Susie Woodin

Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries

Think about a place where children would have so much fun learning about how awesome God is that they wouldn’t want to miss a single week. That is the kind of place we want this church to be for children.

Both Tika and Jeff are going to play a large role in our summer programs. Be sure to welcome them back when you see them around this June!

Volunteer Opportunities

The most pressing need we have in Student Ministries is for adults who are willing to build and maintain relationships with our students. Please contact Tyler or Karin, if you have questions, or if you would like to get involved.

Summer Events

Senior High Camp at Ghormley Meadow: June 27 – July 3 Cambodia Mission Trip: June 30 – July 14 Mid High 2 Camp at Ghormley Meadow: July 19 – 25 Also coming this summer: Water Ski Day, Seattle Mariners Trip, Pool Parties, and Sunday school!

Children’s Ministry Where can you HAVE FUN and IMPACT LIVES at the same time?

VBS AT FIRST PRES!

You will never be the same once you have experienced serving in VBS. Impacting over 350 kids with the love of Jesus is bound to change a lot of lives! Won’t you join us in serving the children of Yakima, and our amazing God? Call the church today 248-7940 and join the VBS

Don’t miss the amazing opportunity to…

Welcome to Share some enthusiasm!

See old friends!

Crocodile Dock…

Where fearless kids shine God’s light! We are already buzzing with excitement about VBS!

June 22 – 26 Hang out with good friends!

Be a role model!

Be a helper!

Be a friend!

Be a teacher!

VBS promises to be an exciting adventure where kids will discover God’s presence, power, love, life, and care. EVERYONE involved in this VBS will explore God’s Word…and never be the same again! Not only do kids experience amazing Bible adventures, they’ll also watch for God in everyday life through something we call God Sightings. Kids discover that God is active in our lives and that his fingerprints are everywhere!

Plan to get

swamped…

with fun this summer!

Sunday Morning KidZone SonBeams 2 1/2-4 years / 2nd Level Cubbies 4 - 5 years / Room 103 Kindergarten-1st grade / Room 208 2nd-3rd grade / Room 217 4th - 5th grade / Room 203

Discipleship Ministry Preschool / Children’s / Students / Women’s / Careforce / Men’s / Adults

Rhonda Cardona Preschool Director

Preschool Ministry

One of my goals for children enrolled here at First Pres Preschool is for them to develop awareness and confidence in God’s love and power and to develop a positive attitude toward learning.”

Matthew 19:14 NIV Jesus said,

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

“Continue in What You Have Learned” 2 Tim. 3:14

We are in our last month of preschool for this year and it has been a super year! We have shared special times in chapel, in classrooms, and through special events. We have learned a lot about what it means to have Jesus as our “forever friend” living in our hearts. When this happens the Fruits of the Spirit will grow and be seen by others! This month we will finish up our Fruits of the Spirit with “Gentleness” and will hear the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den. Before saying goodbye at our end of the year celebration “Luau,” everyone will have fun with field trips to a farm where we will be able to get up close and personal with all kinds of farm life! Each child will leave this preschool year with a strong foundation of learning, making them ready to take the next steps in their education. While it is hard to say goodbye, we are excited for what God has in store for them. Most importantly though, they will also take with them the assurance that God loves each one of them and is always with them no matter where they go.

Our preschool registration for the 2009-10 school year continues. We are filling up quickly! Just a few spots are still available in our fours and pre-kindergarten classes and in our three year old classes, too. We welcome anyone to come by during the week to see us in action! We are busy in our classrooms and in music, p.e. and chapel time, too. Kid’s Club is a big hit for many too, where they have an opportunity to share lunch together and have a fun time playing and enjoying crafts. For more information, please contact Rhonda Cardona at 248-7940, ext. 119 or email Rhonda@fpcyakima.com.

Kathy Bricel leads in a teaching at Spirit-Led Life Bible Study

Women’s Ministry

Bible Studies

Living a Spirit Led Life: May 5 we will be talking about Jesus' power to restore us and the 12th will be a time of testimonies. We are starting a new study titled "Bride Price." It is a study on God's original plan for our sexuality. It is a four week study that will end in May.

Jean Paulson’s Bible Study

Bible study on the life of David occurs the first three Tuesdays in May.

Senior Adult Ministries

The 4th Tuesday of every month is Kaffee Klatsch.

Girls Night Out Friday, May 1 6:30p - 8:30p

First Pres Garden Room Bring a snack to share and invite your friends! $3 for Admission

A couple of weeks ago a group of women from our church, and from other churches here in the Valley, came together and spent an evening in prayer, praise and worship. The time in prayer and praise was such a holy, sweet, tranquil time and the presence of the Lord filled the room, and our hearts.

The prayers of the women were for our valley, for the businesses in our valley, for families, young moms, and hurting people around the world.

It was a time of refreshment and renewal, a time to communicate with our Father, a time to listen to Him, a time of peace and love, and a time to draw closer to the Lord.

There is a longing in my heart for other women to experience this, to draw closer and closer to the Lord, and to go up to the mountain top with our Lord.I would encourage others to seek Him; He is waiting for each of us. He wants our lives to be full of His tranquility, peace, love and joy- not the worries of this world.

It would be amazing if our church would open its door once a month for prayer, praise and worship. It would be life changing.

Seek Him; He is waiting for you……

Service Ministry Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp / Cristo Vive / Missions

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

Mark Washam

Director of Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

Win the lost, Equip the found, Serve the Church

Spring has finally arrived here at camp, though you might not notice it upon first glance. We still have snow on the meadow and the annual melt-off has begun. The winter’s white covering hides much of the evidence of our guest group’s activities, but when the snow disappears there is a lot of clean up to do. If you have a free afternoon or weekend day we could sure use some volunteer help to get ready for summer. March and April were pretty quiet as the economy has definitely had its impact on our numbers. Even summer camp registrations are coming in rather slowly so pray that God sends us the campers we need this summer.

May also begins the ramp up to summer as we host outdoor school groups and family camps. Joel Whitehead, our program director, has hired most of his summer staff and they will arrive for training at the end of the month. We have a fabulous group of college students who will be working with us this summer.

Tim Acton, our facilities director is hard at work remodeling the boy’s side of the bath house. As the weather dries out the ground, we hope to get our new drain field constructed for Ponderosa Lodge. On Sunday May 31 we hope to see all of you as we celebrate “Ghormley Sunday” at all three services at the church. It will be a fun day of reminding ourselves how good God is and how He uses the ministry of Christian Camping.

Cristo Vive Love Yakima Weekend: May 2nd from 9:30 to 2 p.m.

April 25 from 10am to 2pm Cristo Vive Madison House Preschool Open House

Gustavo Carvajal

Cristo Vive Ministres I long to see Hispanic people worshiping God, feasting with Him through growth in Christ, reaching out to those who are lost in the Latino community and discovering with them a foretaste of heaven.

Pray, visit and volunteer. If you can read a story to a preschool age child and/or help them with crafts, please mark your calendar and register at the Connection Center or drop Gustavo an email.

We will offer children in the community surrounding the Madison House (4th St. & Spruce), a chance to experience a foretaste of The Madison House Preschool, to kick off later this year.

Mark your calendar and be ready to get involved in hands on projects in our church neighborhood and throughout Yakima.

We want to be a blessing to our community. Sign up at the Connection Center for this event. We will match you with a project! We want to serve our community by showing God’s love and our love for them through practical projects. We will join other churches in town represented by the Evangelical Ministerial Association, The Hispanic Pastors Association and The United Ministers Alliance. Let’s Love Our City in the

Power of Our Lord!

Other events for pastors and leaders that weekend include: Friday May 1 lunch and prayer @ Church on the Move on 34th and Tieton; Sunday May 4 pulpit exchange, and Sunday May 4 evening – dinner @ Iglesia en Movimiento (11th Ave & Chestnut) at 5:30 p.m.Contact Pastor Gustavo or Pastor Curt with questions.

Service Ministry Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp / Cristo Vive / Missions

Living Waters for the World

“Successful Living Waters for the World Survey Trip” Curt McFarland Associate Pastor for Missions and Adult Education

Living Waters for the World is an exciting ministry to partner with because: 1) we will see such tangible dramatic results from providing clean healthy water to a community, 2) the connection between clean water and Jesus as the living water is easy to make, and 3) because this mission opportunity has come out of the God-inspired passion of people within our own church family.

Many thanks to all of you who prayed for our trip to Yotholin, Mexico in late March. Our mission was to meet with El Sinai Presbyterian Church leaders and prepare with them for the future installation of a water purification system. The congregation met us with extremely warm and welcoming hearts, along with an eager readiness to join with us in this project. The church in Yotholin has a vision that the gift of clean water will open doors for local mission outreach. Their desire is that their neighbors might not only receive pure water for their bodies, but living water for their souls, in Jesus Christ.

You have prayed for us, and we’re pleased to report back to you now. …

• The travel was great- even the car rental and driving over five hours across the Yucatan Peninsula each way was pretty uneventful- just the way we like it!

• Our translators were there when we arrived, and helped us immeasurably in keeping the lines of communication clear.

• Plans were agreed on for the building needs, the education team, and the business plan in preparation for our trip in late June (God willing) when the system will be installed.

• We were able to begin friendships with the people of Yotholin. Repeatedly, we experienced the exceptional unity and love that binds the church together, through Jesus Christ.

We ask for your continuing support in the form of prayer and financial giving. Please pray that the work on the building will be accomplished in the projected time frame, that we might prepare thoughtfully and adequately for the installation trip, and that our communication via email/ phone with Yotholin leaders will be effective.

This project is a real gift to the community of Yotholin; the people of El Sinai Church recognize that it is only possible through your generosity.

So, thank you for your gifts. We are all “muy contentos” (very happy) for the continuing relationship between El Sinai, Westminster, and First Presbyterian Church as we bring clean water in Jesus’ name and for His kingdom!

Gloria a Dios!

Good to Know....

May 10 (Mother’s Day) / Baptism /Dedications of Infants scheduled for all three services. To have a child baptized, Session has set a requirement that at least one parent be an active, resident member of First Presbyterian Church. This requirement is waived for dedications. Parents wishing to have a child baptized or dedicated are asked to attend a one-hour instructional/rehearsal class at 7:00 pm on the Garden Room on Tuesday, May 5. Please call Jana at 248-7940 x 108 by May 4 to schedule your child, or Pastor Jim Erixson at 248-7940 x 130 regarding the class.

CARENET MINISTRY IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE

Have you been waiting for just the right place to get plugged in to serve the Lord? Pastor Jim Erixson is in need of immediate administrative assistance with CareNet ministry. This would involve attending two meetings on even numbered months (preparing an agenda / taking and finalizing minutes). If interested, please call Pastor Jim at 248-7940 for detailed information.

Bring Mom, Grandma and friends to a “Celebrate Spring” Tea

Garden Room, First Presbyterian Church Saturday, May 16 1:00-3:00 A musical program will be given by Jean McKitrick’s Students.

Served by Deborah and Naomi Circles. A goodwill offering for Presbyterian Women will be received.

All women are welcome!

Calling All New (or Used) Tennis Raquets!

Students Ministries is hosting a tennis clinic at the mission this summer and they are in need of new or used tennis raquets - adult and especially youth sizes. If you can make a donation, please bring your raquet to the Connection Center and drop it off in the bin.

Summer Nurse Needed at Camp Ghormley Christian Camp

EXPECTATIONS: To oversee all medical issues involving campers for assigned week(s): • Review and evaluate camper’s medical needs at registration.

• Regulate and distribute camper medications during week.

• Maintain records of all medical situations arising during week.

• Respond to medical needs and emergencies. Evaluate seriousness of injuries. Refer and accompany campers to medical facilities in Yakima when necessary.

CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Registered or licensed nurse preferred. Other certification or training may meet camp requirements. Liability insurance provided by Ghormley, if needed.

Begin Your Journey

starting point

Every Journey, every Adventure needs a STARTING POINT Life is a journey and an adventure...at First Pres Yakima we believe that the journey and adventure of life is better when we live it together.

Friday, May 15, 7-9p & Saturday, May 16, 9a-3p - Questions? Call 248.7940 What do I need for the journey of life?

How can I live life with meaning?

What does First Pres do that has a real impact in the lives of

others in Yakima and around the world?

Find answers to these questions and many more as we begin at the Starting Point.

Membership isn’t required of those attending this class, but it is an option at the end of the course.

Beginnings and Ends A Journey Worth Taking …. Thank you FPC Family I came to FPC in 1990, a timid person not understanding the magnitude of allowing the Lord to use me -- but with a deep desire to know Him in a way that I could not even imagine possible. Through the safety of a small group, I flourished – not overnight mind you, but by baby steps -- I came to know that experiencing God is believing in what no eye can see -- it is having that peace when a decision is made, it is knowing without a shadow of a doubt that it is the Lord leading me through each day, and it is my trusting Him for tomorrow. It is knowing I can depend on Him to set my path and it is being open to allowing Him to use me for His glory in touching others.

It is being still and knowing He is God. I share this only because we are called to be missional – and at the beginning of this journey getting connected to FPC – I was the one being sought – I was the one the Lord was calling to say, “Follow me.” To follow was such an overwhelming diversion from the boundaries of my narrow comfort zone. The foundation that was being laid was indeed on solid rock: learning to pray – studying the Bible – taking classes – risking -- growing in the understanding that I am God’s creation and He unconditionally calls me His child.

What a gift!!

I will be leaving FPC on May 29 and moving to Spokane, WA. All my reasons for saying it is not a good time to move, are not God’s reasons – He has caused me to be equipped with tools to be His ambassador. This move means leaving friends and family behind but not forgotten, it is about being closer to my daughters and their families, it is about making new friends, it is about establishing community, and it is delighting in recognizing God’s leading – not mine.

Thank you dear FPC family for your prayers, for your support during Don’s final journey, for your friendships during my years of growth here at FPC, and for the opportunity to serve you as a member of your administrative support staff over the last nine years.

Blessings one and all!

Betty *Betty Rogers, an officially retired person leaving to be God’s ambassador on the “mission” field in upstate Washington

Beginnings and Ends Jana Alderman

Pastor’s Administrative Assistant Birthplace: Columbus, GA ( my father was in the military and I only lived there for two weeks) Age you accepted Christ? 7 yrs old. My family had moved to Iran in the 70’s and I can still remember the American School/church where I first asked Jesus into my heart.

How did you meet Christ? I asked Jesus into my heart at a early age, but it wasn’t until I married Brent and we attended a “Experiencing God” small group study that I really understood that God has a plan and a purpose for me. It was during this study that both Brent and I felt the Lord asking us to move to Yakima. That was important growth for me, in listening and asking God “What is your plan for me?” Taking this position at First Presbyterian Church was also a journey of asking, listening and obeying.

What drew you to First Presbyterian? We left Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grandview, headed to Yakima and Bethany was sure we were going to attend Westminster Presbyterian (I think, because of where our new house was). But because of where our new house was, our first visitors were Bill and Debbie Williamson. Bill was an Associate Pastor here at First Pres. at the time. Also, they had three girls and so did we...we were pretty sure this is where our home was to be. So this year we will have been members for 11 years.

What are your hopes for this particular body of Christ? That our church family grows, but grows in more than numbers but in our understanding, maturity, and security in Christ.

What is God currently teaching you? God is teaching me that you never know where your path may lead, but be secure that he is in charge of all the details. He has gone before us and prepared a path. Knowing this gives me the faith and courage to say “yes” to his calling and not be afraid of what people might think.

As long as all things I do are glorifying to him then that’s all that matters.

Contact Our Staff 509.248.7940 & ext Email

Jack Peebles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Curt McFarland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jim Erixson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bill Starr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dave Arkills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gustavo Carvajal. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steve Barker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Judy Turner/Shan Trick . . . . . . . . .

Norm Buckley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tyler Van Horn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Karin Skone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kathy Eaton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Susie Woodin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rhonda Cardona. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monnie Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gordon Leavitt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jon Waite... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dennis Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tammy Nunley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maurice Peugh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dan Barela. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mark Washam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diane Kearby.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Megan Antles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 first.last@fpcyakima.com Associate Pastor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Associate Pastor for Congregational Care & Senior Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Parish Associate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Church Administrator (Volunteer). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Pastor of Cristo Vive Hispanic Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Pastor Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Group Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Family Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Student Ministries Director (6th-12th grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Student Ministries Assistant Director (6th-12th grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Children’s Ministries Director (birth-5th grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Children’s Ministries Assistant Director (birth-5th grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 First Pres Christian Preschool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Childcare Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Interim Temple Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Interim Contemporary Worship Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Business Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Building & Grounds Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Custodial Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-4312 Wedding Coordinator... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113