April 2012 Newsletter

first presbyterian church

here@

FIRST

April 2012

g n i r u t r u n d n a g n i g Enga . s p i h s relation

“Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.�

Volume 37

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima

9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902

(509) 248-7940

Our Core Values

Sermon Series April April April April

1 8 15 22

Palm Sunday Easter Youth Sunday President of Whitworth University Beck Taylor April 29 New Sermon Series “Paradoxes of Faith”

Cookies & Cans

Glorifying God with our best.

Pioneering and ongoing outreach.

Engaging and nurturing relationships.

Being a cornerstone in the community.

Equipping people for ministry through biblical foundation and service.

April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29

T-Z A-F G-M N-S T-Z

Please bring a dozen (o r more) cookies on your week, and cans of food for Calvary Rescue Mission

Sunday Mornings Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team Tradi onal Worship - led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) KidZone Sunday Classes Sonbeams Cubbies Adult Ed Bible Class 40 Days of Purpose Golden Circle Student Small Groups

8:00a & 9:30a 11:00a 12:15p 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a

Sanctuary Sanctuary Chapel Upstairs Rooms Mezzanine Rm103 Adult Ed Mezzanine Lounge Power House

Everyone Everyone Everyone K-5th 2 ½ yr & 3yr 4yr & 5yr Adults Adults Adults Gr 6-12

8:45a-9:45a 10:00a 12:00p 5:15p 9:45a 9:15a 12:00n 9:30a 6:00p 6:00p 7:00p

Gym/GR Adult Ed Adult Ed Adult Ed Parlor Gym Adult Ed Chapel Sanctuary Room 217 Choir Rm

Sr Adults Everyone Everyone Everyone Women Women Men Women

Weekday Events M-W-F Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

2

Exercisers TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeaters Anonymous Al-Anon Women’s Bible Study (Philippians) Living a Spirit Led Life - Women’s Bible Study Men’s Noon Bible Study Women of Ac on Contemporary Worship Rehearsal Chris an Service Brigade Temple Choir Rehearsal

Boys

Here@First is available in a PDF format on the church web page at www.fpcyakima.com. For inquiries, submissions, omissions, corrections, contact Curtis Rosenkranz in the church office. 248-7940 x 113 curtis.rosenkranz@fpcyakima.com

Calendar April Events Sunday, April 1 Monday, April 2 Tuesday, April 3 Wednesday, April 4 Wednesday, April 4 Wednesday, April 4 Thursday, April 5 Thursday, April 5 Thursday, April 5 Thursday, April 5 Friday, April 6 Saturday, April 7 Saturday, April 7 Sunday, April 8 Sunday, April 8 Sunday, April 8 Tuesday, April 10 Wednesday, April 11 Wednesday, April 11 Wednesday, April 11 Thursday, April 12 Friday, April 13 Friday, April 13 Saturday, April 14 Saturday, April 14 Saturday, April 14 Sunday, April 15 Sunday, April 15 Monday, April 16 Monday, April 16 Monday, April 16 Tuesday, April 17 Wednesday, April 18 Wednesday, April 18 Thursday, April 19 Thursday, April 19 Friday, April 20 Saturday, April 21 Sunday, April 22 Sunday, April 22 Sunday, April 22 Monday, April 23 Tuesday, April 24 Tuesday, April 24 Tuesday, April 24 Wednesday, April 25 April 26 and 27 Friday, April 27 Saturday, April 28 Saturday, April 28 Saturday, April 28 Wednesday, May 2 Sunday, May 6

Palm Sunday (Kids sing) Living Waters for the World Meeting Adult Ed Meeting Committee on Ministry Program Staff Meeting Cristo Vive New Members Class Happy Travelers Meeting Senior Adult Ministries Meeting Family Ministry Board Meeting Maundy Thursday Service with Communion Good Friday Prayer (Sanctuary open) HUNT Cristo Vive New Members Class Easter Sunday (Sunrise at 6:30a) Easter Breakfast (Cambodia Mission Trip Fundraiser) Kidzone Holy Week Walk (golden circle in rm 220) Discipleship Ministry Team Business Ministry Team SOAR Staff Meeting Women’s Ministry Meeting Fellowship Ministry Meeting Cristo Vive Women’s Craft Night MOPS Spring Fling Dinner and Auction Marriage Class & Small Groups (Jamal/Robin) Prayer Shawl Ministry Young Lives Women’s Tea & Fashion Show Youth Sunday Carenet Ministries Meeting Service Ministry Team Meeting Preschool Staff Meeting / Lunch Session Leadership Team Meeting Deborah Circle Foundation Board Denominational Issues / Pastor Jack 6 wks Preschool Board Meeting Ghormley Commission MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) National Day of Prayer Meeting Chat with the Whitworth President Cristo Vive Small Group Focus Deacon’s Meeting Preschool Spring Tea Kaffee Klatsch Preschool Spring Tea Session Dinner and Meeting Naomi Circle Preschool Bunny Pictures (N Lawn) MOPS Creative Moments Librarian Luncheon Prayer Shawl Ministry Couple’s Night PW Birthday Celebration (Spring Tea) Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser Dinner (CV)

6:00p 7:00p 9:00a 10:00a 6:00p 1:30p 3:00p 4:00p 6:30p 12:00p 10:00a 6:00p 6:30a 7:00 - 11:30a 9:45a 1:00p 7:00a 4:00p 3:30p 5:15p 6:00p 6:00p 8:30 - 10a 9:00a 11:00a all morning 12:30p 7:00a 12:00p 7:00p 9:30a 4:00p 6:30p 9:00a 6:30p 9:00a 10:00a 12:00p 2:00p 3:30p 9a - noon 9:00a 9a - noon 6:00p 10:00a all morning 9:00a 11:00a 1:00p 6:00p 1:00p 5:00p - 6:30p

Parlor Adult Ed Adult Ed Mid High Rm DF Lounge Adult Ed Adult Ed DF Lounge Sanctuary Sanctuary Davis Soccer Field DF Lounge North Lawn Gym Lounge Adult Ed Adult Ed Adult Ed Rhino Room Adult Ed DF Lounge Gym Chapel Mid High Rm Garden Room Adult Ed Adult Ed Parlor Adult Ed Offsite Library Sanctuary Rhino Room Rhino Room Gym DF Lounge DF Lounge Parlor DF Lounge Parking Lot Garden Room Parking Lot Garden Rm/Mid High Parlor North Lawn Rm 217 Gym Mid High Rm DF Lounge Garden Room Gym

Program Staff

Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Kidzone Soar Staff Women Everyone Women Knitters Women Carenet Preschool Staff Women Everyone Ghormley Moms Everyone Deacons Everyone Everyone Everyone Elders & Prog.Staff Women Preschool Moms Knitters Women Everyone

Holy Week April 1, Palm Sunday -Kids sing April 5, Maundy Thursday - Communion & Tenabrae April 6, Good Friday - Open Prayer April 8, Easter Sunday Easter Breakfast

8:00a, 9:30a, 11:00a Sanctuary / Gym 6:30p Sanctuary Noon-1p Sanctuary 6:30a (Sunrise), 8:00a, 9:30a, 11:00a All Morning (7a-11a)

3

Happenin’ @ First Are you Shuteteedrbyuog ur photos! mall group

rs We n an event o e need ll. a endingshindig at FPC? We or sma r rg e a or oth of everything! L e office. photos Curt or Deb in th Contact

r Summer 2012 Happy Travelers Trips fo Guided Tour of the

— Thursday, April 19 at 9:30a cy an erv ns Cowiche Canyon Co And coming soon... rth two day trip to Leavenwo May 11-12 — Accethnt Tours eworks ars Baseball game and Fir July (around the 4 ) — Be ndale Observatory.

July 27 — Visit to the Golde

Exercise at th

e church You are invited to in us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and jo Fr condi on our bo esidays, as we for the glory of God. Come fordiso exercise, walking, anme light-weight From 8:45a-9:45a. Md fellowship eet in Gym, or Garden Room depe nding on events.

Calling all men!

Westminster Presbyteria n Church invites you to their men’s retreat Friday, April 13 dinner at 6p an d Saturday, April 14 from 8a-3p. Discover practical ways we can join together as “missional men” in our service & worship of Christ who laid down His life for us . For more info call Westminster Presbyte rian 966-1900

YOU Stand in the Gap for Our Church

Are you interested in guarding the health of our church? Every Sunday people are gathering in the chapel at 8:30 for 45 minutes to intercede through prayer for our body. All are welcome to come, any Sunday or every Sunday. The Lord calls us to bring to him the desires of our heart; let’s give Him our church and watch what happens. “ After all no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-for we are members of his body.”

Eph. 5:29

4

“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap, on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none”. Ez.22:30

ional Issues Come study Denominat esdays at 6:30p.

dn with Jack Peebles on We ns through May 23. ru d an Class starts April 18 d.

Childcare will be provide

LOOKING FOR SMALL GR

OUPS We are looking to re-inv igorate our small groups ! We would like to identify those small gr oups who have been for med in the last three years. If you are a leader or a member of a sm all group which have been forme d during this period, co uld you please contact Pastor Jim Erixso n or Elder Dave Whitesid e. You can reach Jim at 248-7940 or Dave at 966-7585. eager for AR? Are you O S Jesus to y d a g to live like in g Are you re n lo u o y ith on? Are rike a cord w st s n transformati io st e u r SOAR: of these q u to apply fo lived? If any o y r fo e m ti s it is . For more you, perhap nsformation ra T l button a u it ir p k the SOAR c li c s S chool of S n o ti a c e by and appli tions are du a c li p p information A . m you have yakima.co higher than u at www.fpc o y g in ll a c God’s the call?

August 1st. you answer l il W . re fo e ever been b

SOAR

The Cambodia Mission

team will be serving a (Do nation Only) Easter breakfast on April 8th.

Breakfast will be availab le immediately following the Sunrise Service and end at 11:30a in the gym.

All proceeds help to sup port the mission team headed to Cambodia Jun e 27-July 11.

5

Pastor Jackk

Jack Peebles Senior Pastor jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Dear Church Family, “Engaging and Nurturing Relationships” is our featured core value this month.

In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus says the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor. I have said it before and I’ll say it again- I truly believe that programs and ministries are only so good insofar as they help us to live into these commandments. Followers of Jesus should be in the business of facilitating relationships with God and others. Too often, however, we seem to only focus on our personal relationships with God, while neglecting God’s command to also love others. Loving the Father and loving others are not mutually exclusive. Consider these words from Jesus in the Gospel of John: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-14) Last fall, our Session and program staff met for a planning retreat. To get the ball rolling, they were asked the question, “What first connected you to First Presbyterian Church?” It was amazing how many people mentioned Marge Ausink in their response. For those who don’t know, Marge volunteered in children’s ministry for many years.

Her impact on so many children and their parents was evident from our conversation. Those who did not mention Marge, mentioned someone else who had reached out to, loved, and nurtured them. Very few responses had

anything to do with programs or events.

When a specific event was mentioned, it was clear the event served as a vehicle through which a relationship had been born.

The Greek word that we roughly translate into “hospitality” is philoxenia. “Philo” literally translates into love (think Philadelphia- the city of brotherly love!) and xenia translates into “stranger.” Thus, a more accurate translation of the Greek word would be “love of the stranger.” Do we demonstrate a “love for the stranger” at First Presbyterian Church? Marge Ausink certainly did! Many others do as well, I think. When you consider your experience on Sunday morning, are you actively searching for visitors or the people who simply look lost?

My hope is that we would all be participants in creating a culture where nurturing and engaging relationships are our priority. I envision a time in which the experience of walking into the Garden Room or sanctuary on Sunday morning is like being at a family reunion, regardless of whether you have attended for fifty years, or you are a first-time visitor: Someone is just delighted you are here!

One of my favorite sayings comes from a pastor friend down in Texas: “Christianity happens at the speed of relationships.” How is God calling you to share His Good News through a relationship this very month?

Living and loving for Him,

6

Pastor Jack

Seniors ors Engaging and Nurturing Relationships Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia defines a relationship (as normally viewed) as: a connection between two individuals, such as a romantic or intimate relationship, or a parent/child relationship.

Individuals can also have relationships with groups of people, such as the relation between a pastor and his/her congregation, an uncle and a family, or a mayor and a town.

As we become older we find many different relationships in our lives. We have a relationship with our spouse and relationships with our children, grandchildren and friends. Our relationships grow as we get older and we need to engage in and nurture them because they are important. Through

Jim Erixson Associate Pastor jim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

the years First Presbyterian has been known as an engaging and nurturing church. Many of our senior members remember how they were welcomed by people like Charlie Scherer, Margaret Dawson and Jean Maitlen on Sunday mornings, and, for that matter, any day of the week.

Relationships are important to all of us as we worship and play together. Some examples include Ghormley Meadows as a place that has enriched us with memories of receiving Christ into our lives and having time together as a family. Also as we eat together on Wednesday nights and gathering together in our homes on Bistro nights. Relationships grow when we come together to study and laugh in our small groups.

Yes, relationships are important; so it’s important that we learn to nurture our relationships. Bringing us closer together as we become closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Cristo Vive A Life Changing Ministry José comes to the Madison House looking for help the day after he is laid off. A friend tells him about the Pre-GED classes we offer there. After losing his job of 25 years José considers going to the MH to take classes. Alex meets him and tells him he can make it. He tells José he is no different than any other person that got their GED and that the only thing he has to do is to start the learning process. José accepts the challenge by taking a qualifying test and attending class.

A few weeks pass by and then in the middle of the class José makes an announcement with tears in his eyes… “Today is my last day here”. Is there anything wrong? Can we change something to make it possible for you to stay? José says he has enjoyed being in class and that he loves the Pre GED class and his classmates. His reason for leaving is bitter sweet. He has been called back to work. José says: “Alex I accepted my position back because I have many bills to pay and a family to support. But there is something my boss doesn’t know yet. It is the fact that he is hiring a new employee. What I have learned here has helped me to become a new person!”

Your support is changing lives and changing our community!

Alex Rule

7

Baptism & Dedication

Gavin Wallace Shoot Father: Todd Shoot DOB: 12/28/2005 Bap: 1/9/2011

Nathan David Lund Father: Brian Lund Mother: Danielle Lund DOB: 6/18/2010 Bap: 1/9/2011

Becket Robert Tumney Father: Mark Tumney Mother: Stephanie Tumney DOB: 7/30/2010 Bap: 1/9/2011

e little children h t t e L “ , id sa s Jesu

Mason Andrew Miles Father: Matt Miles Mother: Melissa Miles DOB: 12/21/2010 Bap: 1/23/2011

8

Julian O’Connor Father: Nathan O’Connor Mother: Nicole O’Connor DOB: 10/11/2008 Bap: 3/29/2009

Carson Alexander Hereth Father: Matt Hereth Mother: Megan Hereth DOB: 5/10/2010 Bap: 1/23/2011

o come to me, and d r not hinder them, fo

Callen Patrick Welsh Father: Preston Welsh Mother: Kyra Welsh DOB: 2/7/2011 Bap: 3/13/2011

Grace Louise O’Connor Father: Nathan O’Connor Mother: Nicole O’Connor DOB: 1/12/2011 Bap: 5/8/2011 Noah Liam Barrett Quevedo Father: Matthew Quevedo Mother: Christine Striegel-Quevedo DOB: 1/2/2011 Bap: 5/8/2011

f heaven o m o d g in the k Wilson Elliot Harper Father: Ken Harper Mother: Laura Harper DOB: 7/9/2006 Bap: 5/8/2011

Lyla Nancy Gustafson Father: Garth Gustafson Mother: Caroline Gustafson DOB: 10/10/2011 Dedicated: 10/30/2011 Bankok, Thailand

Jessica Marie Cramer Father: Tim Cramer Mother: Carol Cramer DOB: 9/16/2002 Bap: 10/23/2011

Addyson Gamache Father: Andrew Gamache Mother: Heather Gamache DOB: 9/28/2010 Bap: 10/23/2011

hese.” t s a h c to su belongs 19:14 w e h t t Ma 9

Women’s Ministries ries i

Encouraging women up to be intentional about their faith.

En

Ericka Clark Women’s Ministries ericka.clark@fpcyakima.com

Mark Your Calendars!

Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Celebration

Acts 2: 42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers: 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Engaging and Nurturing Relationships We were created for relationship. With God. With others. That is usually not a difficult concept for women to accept. We like to talk. We like to listen. We love to hang out, drink coffee, eat, go on walks. And pray. Boy, do we love to pray! That is what I love about small groups.

The perfect combination of social and spiritual. A time each week to connect with friends who have a heart for God and to know His plan in their lives. A time to pray with and for one another. A time to worship our King. Are you connected? I hope so. If you are, have you invited someone recently to join your group? If you aren’t yet connected – please call me.

I’d love to help find a good fit for you. Community is important. Relationships are important.

Great things happen in small groups! God heals, restores, and refills. Let’s gather together, break bread and praise God for all He has done for us.

Ladies, come join the fun as we welcome Spring with the Presbyterian Women’s annual tea. Wednesday, May 2 at 1:00pm in the Garden Room. Hosted by Deborah and Naomi Circles. There will be a birthday offering received.

Special music by Jean McKitrick & Friends. The honored Guest Speaker is Judy Miller, author of Been Thinkin’. All women are welcome.

Spirit

“In the same way, the helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to

pray for, but the Spirit himself INTERCEDES for us through wordless groans.”

Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Happy Easter!

He has Risen!

Ladies, Ladies, Check this out!

God for a Powerful Marriage WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE Pursuing Moving Your Man to God’s Plan!

Spokane Arena August 17 & 18 Regis ter Today !

We have reserved seats for the Women of Faith conference in Spokane, August 17 and 18. Tickets are available and need to be paid for in full by June 1. We have also blocked rooms at a downtown Spokane hotel. Contact Ericka in the church office, 248-7940 or Karron Buchannon, 697-5268 for more information.

10

Are you being called to pursue God more in your marriage?

Are you hungry to learn His plan for you and your husband?

Robin and Jamal have put together a six week study based on biblical principles to help guide us in our marriage journey. Let’s continue exalting the Lord in our marriages as we walk together seeking His will. Over the six weeks, we will take a deeper look at listening, submission, and cheerleading. How do these principles play out in our marriages and how can God use them to teach us to be better wives? Come, find out! Teaching by Jamal Zakhary and Robin Stuber

Pursuing God for a Powerful Marriage Saturdays, April 14 through May 19 FPC Ward Chapel 8:30a - 10:00a No childcare; nursing babies welcome.

Registration for this series closes on April 14.

FFamily Fam

Shan Trick Assistant FM Director shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

Kids: Each week the children come in and experience God through Bible lessons, music, games, challenges, and even snacks. The idea behind this is simple; we created a program that focuses on a key biblical truth each week and base all the activities we do that week around a single truth in God’s Word. When the children were learning how Darius felt sad when he found out that he had to put Daniel in the lion’s Den, the kids were learning how to express their own feelings with the cookies they made. When they learned about David and Goliath, they played a game to remember the characters and how God helped David defeat Goliath. They even acted as Israelites and followed Moses while he traveled the Desert to Mt. Sinai. To learn how to follow directions, the children played a game where they pretended they were on a ship.

One of their favorite things to do was to dress up each week to help learn the Bible story. To help bring these lessons home, each week there was a bible verse to memorize and a daily challenge. As the children remembered their verse or completed a challenge (one week they needed to help one of their neighbors out, another to make a list of 5 ways that God made them unique) they were given a leaf to put on our class tree. By the end of the 8 weeks the tree was completely covered in leaves and the children could see how much they had grown as well. It has been a blessing to be able to work with these kids and to share the Love of Jesus with them.

Thomas & Jennifer Thank you Laurie Kanyer, ller for giving our Sudbury and Monnie Mi ed to build stronger families the tools they ne d with God. relationships together an

For the past 8 weeks families have come to First Presbyterian Church to learn new techniques on being Godly parents while the kids learned more about God in life changing ways. The littlest ones in childcare had their own time of fun hearing bible stories, coloring and enjoying tasty snacks.

Adults: Between 45 and 50 adults participated each week to learn better ways to raise their children in a healthy way. Laurie Kanyer’s years of teaching parents from the STAR (stop and focus; think of ideas ; act effectively; review/revise/reward) model was practical and educational giving new ideas to keep the peace among families. Topics Laurie touched on included: Why kids misbehave/discipline, Setting reasonable limits, Understanding your child’s Temperament, Listening to feelings to gain cooperation, Making changes to avoid predictable problems, Reducing adult stress to care for kids in a more positive manner, Blessing our kids through spoken and written words. Parents also got their personal challenges answered by taking part in a suggestion circle where creative advice was given by other parents in the class. Each week two prayer partners were available offering prayer to parents and families after class.

11

Adult Ed Review Theology Matters – What is Reformed Theology?

Adult Ed for the past nine weeks held a study on theology using the R.C. Sproul video teaching series “What is Reformed Theology?”.

There is much more to Reformed theology than the “five points of Calvinism” so the course devoted over half of the study to Reformed theology’s most foundational doctrines including the difference between theology and religion; understanding core evangelical, catholic, and Reformed doctrines; Protestant Reformation history; theological and Biblical Covenants; the “solas” of Reformed theology (“sola” means alone): Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone; justification; the elements of a saving faith; Arminianism, Dispensationalism; and, of course, the five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

For some taking the class, the material was a refresher course.

Others encountered theology in depth for the first time, finding meaning in doctrines often overlooked and seldom explained. In the midst of all the denominational turmoil, becoming engaged in the doctrines of the Reformers proved energizing.

One may ask, so what? Why study theology? Is it really necessary for the regular layperson to study theology? The answer is yes! Theology is necessary to avoid ignorance that can lead to

accepting erroneous doctrines. It is also necessary to understand the doctrines that we have accepted in light of the body of believers we have chosen to serve with.

Theology is the study of God. We should have a desire to learn as much as we can about the God that we serve. It will not only bless us and provide us with necessary knowledge, but the study of theology will also protect us against accepting false teaching and bad interpretations due to ignorance. It will also bless the Father in the sense of recognizing His glory and honor and goodness.

Theology is not only valuable, but also necessary. “God has established an inseparable connection between truth and godliness. If truth remains in our heads but does not proceed to dwell in our hearts and find expressions in our conduct, then we are no different, James says, than the devils (James 2:1819). On the other hand, we cannot expect to grow in authentic godliness unless we are at the same time growing in our grasp of biblical truth (John 17:17; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 3:18;). Pursuing godliness without also pursuing biblical truth is a sure-fire way to remain in spiritual infancy (Eph. 4:14). The fruit of a life uninformed by serious biblical content sadly mars the modern American landscape; faddishness, emotional manipulation, and the confusion of personal feelings and impulses with authentic spiritual direction.” — What is a Reformed Church, Daniel B. Hyde, 2010, ReformationTrust.

Armenian Cross

Alas! And did my Savior bleed?

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I?

12

John Calvin

Was it for crimes that I have done He groaned upon the tree?

Amazing pity! Grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

—Isaac Watts

Yes, theology matters. Reformed theology reveals just how incredible the grace of God is. 2 Pet 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (NIV) The materials used for this study will be available from the church library.

Dennis Whitcher

Devotional

Janet Krieger

Jesus teaches that if our Father is intimately involved in the falling of one sparrow, how much more is He involved in our everyday lives!

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered . . .

“Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to Him than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10: 29-31.

Read Matthew 10. No Fear.

Jesus mentioned the sparrows as He was sending the disciples out to the people of Israel. It was a dangerous mission. He knew the Jewish religious leaders would persecute the disciples just as they did Him. Knowing this, He said to them, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Matthew 10:16 . Understanding that the disciples would be afraid, Jesus then told them about the sparrows.

We don’t have to be afraid, for our Father is watching over us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He really, really loves us and is involved in the smallest details of our lives. When there are days that we feel alone, when we think no one is considering our needs, remember this scripture. He has taken the time to count each hair on our head, to simply demonstrate our great worth in His sight.

His call to us is to not be afraid. He is in control of all that goes on in our lives and since He cares for the sparrow, He will certainly care for us.

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.” Proverbs 29:25 Practical Application: • When do you tend to fear man more than God? • How do Jesus’ words about the sparrows encourage you today?

Janet

He said, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin?

But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10: 29-31.

Jesus’ point was simple; since God considers the welfare of birds, He will also look after those who follow Him. Jesus says that His Father has taken the time to count each one of the hairs on our head! Father focuses in on each strand. What attention to detail! It is amazing to think that such insignificance in our eyes is so important to God. God is so attentive to detail that He can number each hair on our head. Even the falling of a sparrow draws His attention.

13

Happily Ever After

This month H@F is pleased to bring you words of marital wisdom from Neal and Debbie Springer who will celebrate their 36th anniversary in September.

H@F: How did you meet? How long have you been married?

N&D: We met in High School Geometry class. Neal loved Geometry while Debbie’s friends introduced us so Neal was able to help Debbie improve on her 1st quarter “D” grade so that she finished with a B-. We were married in 1976, 4 months after we graduated from college.

H@F: What advice do you have for young couples just starting married life together?

N&D: Here are our tips for newlyweds: - Don’t sweat the small stuff.

- Know from the start you will occasionally disagree.

Be prepared to compromise.

- Grasp the significance of a lifetime commitment to each other. Take it seriously.

H@F: How did you create a balance between your work worlds, your home life, and child rearing?

N@D: We realized from the beginning that family needed to come first... but at the same time we would do whatever we needed to do to support each others career choices. There were many things we both gave up so we could enjoy family time with our girls. For us, outside work is his... inside work is hers.

Many of us grew up “And they lived happily ever after.” ies hoping that stor of hearing those words at the ends (even after a fairy life l rea would be true for us, too. Sadly, in has blessed us God rt. apa tale wedding) many marriages fall have stood ges rria ma se here at FPC with many couples who spotlight will F H@ s nth mo the test of time. Over the coming closer at look we as us with advice from some of them. Read r after’. eve pily ‘hap the the ‘really hard work’ that creates

place that kids like to come — friends thought we had the best selection of food so the gathering place became the kitchen/ pantry. Know the parents of your kids friends so you can relax when they are out. Communicate the rules and expectations — there are consequences.

H@F: After being involved in family activities for eighteen or more years, couples sometimes experience empty nest syndrome. Going from being a family to a couple again can present unique dynamics. Got any suggestions about how to cope with that phase of life?

N&D: If your goal in raising children is to prepare them for the real world, then it becomes a celebration that they successfully leave the nest, not an “empty nest syndrome”. We totally enjoyed the child rearing phase and were fully prepared to live as a couple again once they left. The whole idea of empty nesting being a negative thing was very foreign to us. We looked forward to it. To explain what we mean, we refused to have cable TV while our kids were home, saying to our children that it simply wasn’t necessary. Once they left the house, we immediately added cable TV. Empty nesting is pretty close to heaven.

H@F: What would you suggest about managing financial resources in addition to the old adage “don’t live beyond your means”?

N&D: First, share the financial management duties no matter who earns what. Secondly, know that the spending and savings patterns you establish in your first couple years will set the tone of your spending for the rest of your lives. Thirdly, set financial goals (short, intermediate, and long term) together and once children are born, include them as they are able.

H@F: You’ve survived that hectic part of life where you have teenagers who are involved in loads of activities.

How did you manage that?

N&D: Teenage years are challenging for everyone in the family.

Parents need to be involved in kid’s lives. Make your home a

14

A warm thanks to N eal & Debbie for sharing these though tful responses.

Children

WE’RE GETTING READY FOR

TAKE OFF!!!

Welcome to Sky VBS, where everything is possible with God! W Get ready for some high-flyin’ fun!

We W are looking forward to a soaring, spectacular, sky-high VBS adventure!

Where: First Presbyterian Church Wh Kids who are 4 years old (must be 4 by June 1, 2012) Who: – entering 5th Grade When: June 18-22, 2012 from 8:45a-noon Cost: Co $30.00 per child Scholarships are available-contact the main office for more information 248-7940 CA WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHO SHOWS UP AT SKY VBS THIS YEAR! ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME? THEN COME JOIN THIS ELITE FLIGHT CREW!

Last year for PandaMania VBS there were 253 dedicated volunteers who served 3 hours a day for 5 consecutive days in order to serve the 332 kids who attended … WOW… that’s 3,795 hours of discipleship! And it doesn’t stop there! Add to that the 332 kids at 15 hours per child, and that is 4,980 additional hours discipleship …kids to one another and kids to their leaders! I guess you could say that is over 8700 hours of giving and receiving… seeds being planted into the hearts of kids…as well as the adults and teens who serve. We are all blessed by this great opportunity to serve God in such direct and humbles way. We never underestimate the amount of time, energy, money, love, faith, prayer, and hard work that goes into VBS each year. That’s why we can’t begin to consider this event nt without your support. Please take the time to pray about what your role will be in VBS this summer. There is a lot of effort that goes into making this a wonderful, life changing event for kids. But the most wonderful thing about it is that it will change your life too. You will be amazed! Sign up now to serve in VBS this summer!

You can find application forms at the Garden Room VBS display, the Connection Center, and in the main office. We would love to have you join this great team! It is our prayer that through Sky VBS, God’s love will come to life like never before… touching lives, changing hearts, and drawing kids and adults closer to Christ. It is our prayer that God will guide and bless us on this adventure into His endless love!

15

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 SOUTH 8TH AVE YAKIMA, WA 98902

FREE

Bring Your Own Basket

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

Holy Week Worship Events Sunday, April 1 Palm Sunday - Kids Sing @ All Services Sanctuary @ 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00a

Thursday, April 5

y t i n u m Com g g E r e t s Ea Hunt

Saturday, April 7 at Davis HS Soccer Field 7th Ave & Tieton D r

Beginning 10:00a

Maundy Thursday Service & Communion & Tenebrae Service Sanctuary @ 6:30p

Friday, April 6 Good Friday Hour of Prayer Sanctuary will be open for prayer from noon to 1p

Saturday, April 7 HUNT Community Easter Egg Hunt 10:00a / Community wide kids Easter egg hunt 10

SSunday, u April 8 Easter SON RISE Service North Lawn (Garden Room if raining) @ 6:30a

Easter Sunday Breakfast Gym @ 7:00a - 11:00a / Proceeds go to support Cambodia Mission

Resurrection Sunday Contemporary Services Sanctuary @ 8:00 & 9:30a

For more informati on contac Trick at 2 t Shan 48-7940 x 14 2 , or email a t shan.trick @fpcyakim a.com

Resurrection Sunday Traditional Service Sanctuary @ 11:00a

Resurrection Sunday Spanish Service Chapel @ 12:15p