August Here@First Newsletter

first presbyterian church

here@

FIRST

“Worshiping God together, Growing in Christ-like maturity, Reaching those unconnected to Jesus Christ and Impacting our community and the world.�

August 2011

Volume 29

First Presbyterian Church 9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902

(509) 248-7940

“WHEN GOD WANTS YOU TO GO WHERE YOU DON’T WANT TO GO: A STUDY OF JONAH” ...CONTINUED

As we continue this series, we watch Jonah’s

reaction to God’s mercy. Jonah greviously sinned and was forgiven, yet days later when he witnessed a tremendous miracle of God’s mercy he quickly forgets the grace he is given and pouts.

How often in life do we have that same kind of

in this issue

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August Events Pastor Jack FUSE Women Children SOAR Missions Announcements Devotional

experience? As individuals, we run away from God. As churches, we can go in the opposite direction God wants us to go. Time and time again we discover (sometimes painfully) that we cannot run from God. No matter how far we might go, God’s love and call can find us in any geographical location and in any stage of life. Through this series, we will explore some valuable lessons from the book of Jonah that we can apply to our own lives, church, and community.

We will also celebrate the ministry our youth have

experienced over the summer, and start a small series on discipleship.

July 31 — “The Blessings From Obedience” Jonah 3:1-10 & Romans 16:17-19 August 7 — “The Blessings From Obedience” Pt 2 Jonah 3:1-10 & Romans 16:17-19 August 14 — YOUTH SUNDAY August 21 — “Pouting For the Lord” Jonah 4:1-11 & Philippians 1:27-30 August 28 — “DISCIPLESHIP!” Judges 2:10-13 & 21:25

l group? or Are you involved in a smal coming missions? or know of an up great event? or just have a really ing in your story about what God is do ntact community? Let us know. Co op in M-F the Office at 248-7940 or st 8:30a-5:00p.

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Every week we go through several dozen cookies in the Garden Room. Please help by bringing a dozen (or more) storebought or homemade cookies on your week. At the same time, please bring some cans of food which we can then donate to Calvery Rescue Mission’s food bank.

Cans & Cookies August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28

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

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

August Events August 1 - 5 Tuesday, August 2 Tuesday, August 2 Wednesday, August 3 Wednesday, August 3 Wednesday, August 3 Thursday, August 4 Thursday, August 4 Thursday, August 4 Friday, August 5 August 5, 6, 7.

Sunday, August 7 August 8 - 14 August 8 - 12 Monday, August 8 Tuesday, August 9 Tuesday, August 9 Wednesday, August 10 Wednesday, August 10 Thursday, August 11 August 12, 13.

Friday, August 12 Sunday, August 14 Sunday, August 14 Sunday, August 14 Tuesday, August 16 Tuesday, August 16 Wednesday, August 17 Wednesday, August 17 Wednesday, August 17 Friday, August 19 Tuesday, August 23 Tuesday, August 23 Wednesday, August 24 Saturday, August 27 Sunday, August 28 Sunday, August 28 Monday, August 29

Childcare Closed All Day/Night Worship Ministry Team Meeting 5:15p Rhino Room Adult Education Meeting 7:00p Adult Ed Rm FUSE Board Meeting 12:00p Parlor WOW Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room Sanctuary Guild 6:30p Garden Room Happy Travelers Meeting 1:30p Adult Ed Rm Senior Adults Meeting 3:00p Adult Ed Rm Prayer Ministry 4:00p Library Church Closes at Noon Today The Great Campout at 1000 Trails all wknd Leavenworth Communion Sunday all morning Sanctuary GYM Closed / Floor Refinished all day/night Koehler Hall Childcare Closed all day/night Edith Ferry Circle Potluck noon Parlor DMT Meeting 1:00p Adult Ed Rm Deacon Executive Board Meeting 4:00p Library BMT Personnel Meeting 7:00a Adult Ed Rm Youth & Family Movie Night "Up" 6:30p Koehler Hall FMT Meeting 5:15p Adult Ed Rm Mt Adams Climb Church Closes at Noon Today Youth Sunday Carenet Meeting 12:30p Adult Ed Rm Bear's Game & Dinner 5:30p Bears Stadium Baptism Parent Class 7:00p Garden Room Session Leadership Team Mtg 7:00p Adult Ed Rm CPR/First Aid Training 9a-1p Koehler Hall Foundation Board 4:00p Library Ghormley Commission 6:30p Rhino Room Union Gospel Mission Service 7:30p Union Gospel Mission Kaffee Klatsch 9:30a Garden Room Session (no dinner) 6:30p Mid High Rm Happy Travelers: Suncadia Tour 9:30a Cle Elum/Roslyn CPR/First Aid Training 9a-1p Koehler Hall No KidZone Baby Celebration / Baptism Preschool Parent Orientation 6:00p Sanctuary

Weekday Events

M-W-F Exercisers 8:45a-9:45a Gym/GR Sr Adults Monday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

10:00a Adult Ed Everyone

Overeaters Anonymous

12:00p Adult Ed Everyone

Al-Anon

5:15p Adult Ed Everyone Wednesday Women of Action

9:30a Chapel Women Thursday Contemporary Worship Rehearsal

6:00p Sanctuary

Sunday Mornings

Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team Traditional Worship - led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish)

KidZone Sunday Classes

Adult Ed Bible Class “Parables of Jesus”

40 Days of Purpose

Golden Circle

Student Small Groups

8:00a & 9:30a 11:00a 12:15p See Page 10 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 11:00a

Sanctuary Sanctuary Chapel

Everyone Everyone Everyone

Adult Ed Mezz Lounge Power House

Adults Adults Adults Gr 6-12

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k c a J r o t s a P Pastor Jack Peebles Senior Pastor jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Dear Church Family, Over the last month, I have been asked why we need an organization like TAG (www.transformingchurch.net) to come in and help us. I wrote this last month but it’s worth repeating this month as well. The reason for entering into this process is two-fold. First, the Assessment Phase will allow us to accurately gauge the health of our congregation based on over 10,000 assessments TAG has done with churches. The Visioning Phase will allow us to launch us into strategic planning rooted in a unified and understood vision. The whole process will take up to a year.

Essentially, we will discover who we are, who God is calling us to be, and how to get from one to the other!

I want to thank for your participation in our Transforming Church Index (TCI) online survey. We are beyond the half-way point, and the number of responses has been encouraging. Your participation sends the message that you care. Again, thank you for participating. For those who have not yet had an opportunity to do so, please know you have until August 10 to fill out the survey. We need your help!

TAKING THE ALL-CHURCH SURVEY Do not labor over your decision – your first instinct is usually right. The survey will take about 20-30 minutes to complete.

You will need to complete the survey in one sitting. Your responses will be completely confidential. When you are ready to begin, follow these steps:

Once the August 10th deadline passes, we will begin the next step in our Assessment Phase. On August 20-21 (Saturday and Sunday), our church and TAG Consulting will be hosting a series of Focus Groups to help further understand and learn from the TCI results. These Focus Groups will include the Session, staff, long term members, new members (within the past few years), the temple choir, young families, and people who have left the church in recent years. Again, this Assessment Phase will help us to assess our health.

Once the Assessment Phase is complete, we will then begin to launch into the Visioning Phase. The Visioning Phase serves the express 1. Log on to the website at http://tagsurvey.org/tci/grid purpose of discovering who we are, who God has called us to be and 2. Click on the link to our survey: First Presbyterian Church how we can accomplish His mission for our community. In short, this phase will help us to produce a long term strategic plan.

3. Enter the password: fpc0711 4. Answer each question according to the instructions.

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my wife, Margaret’s, favorite verses and it When you have finished each set of questions, click “Next” hangs above our back door. It might be one of your favorites as well. at the bottom of the page. You may use the “Previous” As we find ourselves at the beginning of this process, I offer it to you for and “Next” buttons to navigate pages and change your answers at any point while you are logged on. When you encouragement. “For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They click “Finish” on the last page, your answers will be saved are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” and you cannot change them.

(NLT). I believe God has great plans for us as a body of believers if we remain faithful to Him. 5. Every family member over the age of 15 is invited to participate individually.

Again, thank you for your participation. Your participation says that you 6. If you are not comfortable using a computer, people are available to assist you. At this stage of the process the care! deadline to complete the survey on paper has passed.

Living and loving for Him, Pastor Jack

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Fuse Pastor Mark Tumney Pastor of Family Life and Missions mark.tumney@fpcyakima.com

Fuse Events Calendar Shan Trick Assistant FUSE Director x142 shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

Parenting classes coming this fall!

Don’t miss out on two wonderful opportunities to enhance your parenting skills using biblical principles.

“Growing Parents”

Taught by Laurie Kanyer Class begins Sunday, September 25 at 11:00a Parents have been entrusted with the care, nurture and guidance of their children. Laurie will offer parents biblical principles and important guidelines to navigate the journey of raising children and teens. Will meet in the David Ferry Lounge.

Wednesday’s @ First:

Class begins September 14 at 6:30p Focus on the Family presents “Essentials of Parenting: Raising Kids with a Faith that Lasts.”

Taught by Margaret Peebles and Rachel Ziegler.

Foundational parenting topics covered include introducing your child to faith, creating a faith plan for your family, and assessing the spiritual needs of your children. You'll receive practical tips for the day-to-day life.

Family Hike at Boulder Cave

Family Camping at Thousand Trails in Leavenworth: August 5-7 Details at the Connection Center, or contact Shan Trick 248-7940 for more information.

Family movie night: August 10 Pixar movie “Up” shown at Church at 6:30p.

(Watch for location information) Movie style snacks will be provided for $1 per person donation Yakima Bears Game: August 14 special reservations for FPC at the Pavilion in the Park at 5:35p. Includes dinner.

See page 10.

Ghormley All Church Round-up: September 18 Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp from 1:00p to 6:30p.

Ya’ll come! Enjoy games, hikes, biking, archery, relaxation and a wonderful BBQ dinner. Save the date! More information to come.

Community Garden Day

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r e d n o W f o n e m o W WOW – p to be u n e m o w g “Growin eir faith.” h t t u o b a l a intention

Ericka Clark Women’s Ministries x 100 ericka.clark@fpcyakima.com

A Double Portion...

I am a self-proclaimed foodist. I love pretty much everything about food: reading cookbooks, watching the Food Network station, trying recipes, the blissful joy of the perfect bite, experiencing new textures and flavor combinations, swapping recipes with friends, learning healing properties of different foods, and trying dishes from different cultures. I have been known to arrange travel plans around where (and what) I want to eat. (Ask me to tell you about the time my mom and I went to San Francisco.) So, when I hear the words “double portion” I think of food. Getting a second helping of the yummiest treat I can think of. This time of year, it is fresh, homemade pesto. Or corn from our garden. Or…ice cream.

When God speaks about a “double portion” He is referring to the abundance of His blessings and exceeding our worldly expectations. Look at Isaiah 61:1-3, 7. 1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. 7Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of digrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. God wants to take away our grief, frustration, despair, our mourning and replace all of that with a crown of beauty and a garment of praise.

Summer & Fall Calendar

August 5-7 Camping at 1000 Trails - see Family Ministry page for more info 10 Family Movie: First Pres 6:30p 14 All Church Bear’s Game September 11 Kick off Sunday!

18 Ghormley All Church Round Up 14 Wednesdays@First Kick Off

Wednesdays@First

September 21 - November 16 6:30p - 8:00p God is always speaking to us. He longs to share intimacy with each one of us and to do that we need to recognize His voice. This fall we will study and practice listening prayer.

I have been listening to a teaching by Graham Cooke called “Turning Passivity into Prophecy.” He speaks of this passage from Isaiah and encourages his listeners to quit being passive, which empowers the enemy, but rather actively look for the promises, the prophecies, the blessings God has for each of us, every day of our lives. Satan is actively working at placing obstacles in our faith walk. He wants us to fail, to give up, to fall into bad habits of succumbing to desires of flesh and our negative reactions to people who upset us. But the truth is revealed in this Isaiah passage...God wants to crown us with beauty, he wants to clothe us in gladness and praise, and He wants to bless us with everlasting joy! God will restore us after we are knocked down. Every time. He is faithful and will not forget us. Ever. He doesn’t want us to be humiliated, hurt or angry. He has a double portion for us - not only to get back on track, but to take us to a higher place than we were before we were knocked down. He wants us to live in fullness. With Him. Look at John 10:10. God clearly says He is here to give us life and to the fullest. Praise God! So the next time you come to an obstacle, feel discouraged or annoyed, I pray you look at that situation from your “Heiress” eyes. That’s right, You are a daughter of THE King, an heir to THE throne. Your Heavenly Father has indeed provided a double portion for you. He has put promises, prophecies and blessings in that negative situation. Look for them. Claim them sister, because YOU ARE RADICALLY LOVED BY OUR CREATOR, THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Amen! Go ahead and say that last sentence out loud. That’s just a sample of the portion God has for you. Open your Bible and let His love flow over you. It’s better than any garden fresh homemade pesto (or ice cream!) I’ve ever enjoyed.

Ericka

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August is here and we are all in a rush to enjoy as much of

summer as we can.

No matter what we do, the time flies by and before you know it we are buying school supplies and thinking about Christmas! Can you believe I just said that?

One thing we never stop thinking about in the Children’s ministry department is how to energize and inspire you, the leaders of First Presbyterian Church, to have a deep desire to serve God and His children.

n e r d l Chi Susie Woodin Childrens Ministries x 110 susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

We have been blessed for so many years with wonderfully devoted leaders who have shared in the lives of children and families. We are so grateful for all they have given.

Some of these faithful servants have been part of the children’s department for over 30 years! They have had the pleasure of teaching the children of past Sunday school students. It’s a wonderful testimony to this church and the impact we have on lives for generations. The seeds that have been planted have obviously taken root, and we have you and God to thank for that.

You too can make a great impact in the generations to come. Please take the time to pray about how you could be involved in the Children’s department this fall. Any amount of time that you can give is a great gift to kids. Whether it’s Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, or during the week, you could be a vital part of this ministry and the nurturing of a child’s faith.

Please contact Susie Woodin at the church to see where you can make a difference.

Susie

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d and to heal an h r u o y t u o h Stretc s signs and u lo u c a ir m perform gh the name u ro th rs e d n o w nt Jesus. a v r e s ly o h r u of yo Acts 4:30

What topics will be um? covered in the curricul Topics include: • Bible overview • The Kingdom of God n • Honor and Impartatio • Prophetic Ministry • Spiritual Warfare ve • Encountering God's lo • Our Identity in Christ • Revival History and Lifestyle • Prayer • Evangelism

God’s calling you higher than you have ever been before . Will you answer the ca ll?

What is the application process?

Students download the application What is the cost of (or pick up at paper copy at First tuition?

Presbyterian Church in Yakima) The cost of tuition for and fill out the admissions the year would be $600. application plus the Personal and This includes the $20 Pastoral Recommendations. A nonapplication fee, $30 refundable $20 application fee must deposit, $50 per month also accompany the submission. We tuition, and $100 for the will do personal or phone interviews student manual. Books with each applicant. Applications used in class are not are due by August 15th. Once a covered in the tuition student has been accepted, they are price and will be an required to submit a non-refundable additional expense. deposit of $30 to ensure their place.

See website for information When will SOAR classes meet? on application Wednesdays: September 14, 2011 deadline, tuition and fees. u yo e ar ps ou gr e ag through May 16, 2012 t Wha www.fpcyakima.com SOAR? 5:30pm - 9:00pm hoping to target with es 18 or leave a message for the The school is open to ag teachers at 248-7940 x 201 and up.

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Missions

Partnering in Mission: The Presbyterian Church Mount Pisgah in Roslyn needed a hand to complete their landscaping before the inpection due date... people from Frist Presbyterian Church & Cristo Vive were there to lend a hand and carry the burden together. We thank God for Gustavo Carvajal the opportunity to serve Pastor de Cristo Vive x 133 together and one another. gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com Here are some pictures of the church landscaping progress.

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s t n e m e c n u o nn

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All Church Event

Come gather on Sunday, August 14 at 5:35p for a picnic at the Yakima Bears game. We have reserved the Pavilion at the stadium for First Presbyterian Church. Cost for tickets and all you can eat hamburgers and hot dogs is as follows: Ages 0-5 free, Ages 6-12 is $12.00 and Adults is $16.00 dollars. We can get together, have some fun and watch a ball game. Tickets can be purchased at the church office and the connection center.

Ghormley Church Family Round-up SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, September 18 @1:00p Bring yourself! Bring your family!

Bring your friends! Bring your neigh bors!

Come up to Ghormley Meadow for an afternoon of fun, frivolity, and food.

Stay tuned for more details!

Child Baptism / Dedicatiobanptized

children Parents wishing to have their ed to call Jana on Sunday August 28, are ask later than Monday, Alderman 248-7940 x108, no that at least one August 15. Session requires member of FPC, parent be an active, resident ef one hour class and that parents attend a bri .� Class will be held on “The Meaning of Baptism in the Garden Room.

Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00p ly with a 48-hour Childcare will be provided on reservation request.

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ory Church Photo Dird escct hedule Mark Your Calendars an o shoot. your time for the next phot

September 6-9 1:30p - 8:30p & ber 10 em pt Se 10:00a - 5:00p

Sign up at the Connection Center

OR

OR

September 27-30 1:30p - 8:30p & October 1 10:00 - 5:00p

Online at

www.fpcyakima.com

NEW MEMBERS CLASS

starts Saturday, September 17 and meets for 6 weeks. New members will be con firmed if they desire on Sunday, November 20.

Please contact Jana Alderman @ 248-7940 to sign-up.

Happy Travelers Summer Schedule

a Wednesday August 24, 9:30 Suncadia :00a Thursday September 8, 10 Wind Farm Tour

Chat w/ Jack

Join us for a report about the Fellowship Conference from Jack on Sunday, August 28.

After the 9:30a service in the Chapel and after the 11:00a service in the Sanctuary.

to the beside the well and went back The woman left her water jar 8 and told everyone . . . . John 4:2

village

this s very well may be the heart of "She put down her water jar. Thi came she son her own agenda. It's the rea beautiful story. Her water jar is She . ter water. She came for natural wa to the well. She came to draw ng water d away from that well with livi lke wa She . life l rna ete h wit left le to put of her own agenda. She was ab because she was able to let go agenda.” d's agenda and go forth with Go down the water jar of her own l Of Angels Macrina Weiderkehr/A Tree Ful

The woman experienced Jesus, the Living God, and when that happened, the realization of the dep ths of God’s love for her changed her forever.

Devotional Janet Krieger Elder

The God of love ruled before time, before stars hung in the night sky . . . The perfect love of God was exp ressed in the life of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a pure and worthy life; a life worthy to be imitated.

It is God’s love expressed through tha t life that creates in us a desire to set aside our own agenda and follo w Him. Today, the love of God is fully present within us through the person of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit produces a hunger that can onl y be satisfied by the experience of seeking after and knowing our Lor d. ne

iet everyo ! God is in His holy Temple! Qu Habakkuk (2:20) writes "But oh - a holy silence. Listen!"

God has an agenda for each of us and we must pursue listening for and hearing it. The reality is that His agenda may interfere with ours.

We often are most comfortable ask ing God to join us on our journey, rather than setting aside our own age ndas to follow Him. We must learn to take time to pursue a holy silence, a time to spend with God, without noise or distraction and no agenda but to listen to Him and receive what He has for us. It is not about ignoring our responsibilities and duties but giving up a wrong dev otion to them. Like the Samaritan woman who left her wat er jar beside the well, other things become less important when we hav e a genuine encounter with Christ! When we do this we will exp erience the living God, the God of love and we will know it without a doubt. We will be overcome by the depths of God’s love for us and we will never be the same.

Janet Krieger

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

Mabel Swan BBQ

Last November, during Thanksgiving week, we provided a full Thanksgiving dinner for the residents of Mabel Swan. We had a great tim e working together preparing and serving this meal to a very appreciative crowd. We want to show them aga in that this church cares for them by treating Mabel Swa n residents to a BBQ on Saturday, August 13. We are planning to provide hotdogs, buns and condim ents at 12 noon.

We need your support by volunteer ing your time from 11:00a to 2:00p or by donating fun ds to purchase food for this event. Please come join us on this mission trip across the street! Contact Pastor Jim Erixson, Dorothy Smith or the church office at 248-79 40 to volunteer to lend a hand.