Here @ First December Newsletter

first presbyterian church

here@

FIRST

December 2011

s a m t s i r h C f o s l o r a C e Th

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

Volume 33

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima

9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902

(509) 248-7940

in this issue 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

December Events Pastor Jack Stewardship Children Women Family Stuff Family Stuff Family Stuff Seniors Devotional Missions & Library Announcements Cristo Vive & Ghormley

The Carols of Christmas One of my favorite lines from a modern Christmas movie goes like this: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” There is just something about the singing of Christmas carols that warms you and fills you with the Christmas spirit. With whom will you spread some Christmas cheer this year?

Advent is the season in which we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior.

So what better way to prepare ourselves for the celebration on December 25th than to join in the study and singing of these timeless classics? Join us this Advent Season as we use these classic carols to work our way through the Christmas stories as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.

NOV 27 “O, LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Luke 1:26-38 DEC 4 “AWAY IN THE MANGER” Luke 2: 1-7 DEC 11 “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH” Luke 2: 8-14 DEC 18 “JOY TO THE WORLD” Luke 2:15-20 DEC 24 “WHAT CHILD IS THIS? CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: CHILDSIZE @5:00p, FAMILY @7:00p, CAROLS & CANDLES @9:00p Matthew 1:18-25 DEC 25 “WE THREE KINGS” CHRISTMAS – ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 11:00a Matthew 2:1-12

Sunday Mornings Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team 8:00a & 9:30a Sanctuary Everyone Traditional Worship - led by Temple Choir & Organ 11:00a Sanctuary Everyone Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) 12:15p Chapel Everyone KidZone Sunday Classes 9:30a Upstairs Rooms K-5th Adult Ed Bible Class 9:30a Adult Ed Adults 40 Days of Purpose 9:30a Mezzanine Adults Golden Circle 9:30a Lounge Adults Student Small Groups 11:00a Power House Gr 6-12 FUSE - Fusing Families & Church Together for Christ 11:00a Gym / Lounge Everyone

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Cookie Chart

Dec 4 N-S Dec 11 T-Z Dec 18 A-F Dec 25 G-M Please bring a dozen (or more) cookies on your week, and cans of food for Calvary Rescue Mission

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

December Events Friday, December 2 MOPS Christmas Tea 9:30a Garden Room MOMs Fri - Sun December 2, 3, 4 Mountain Meadow Christmas all day Ghormley Everyone Sunday, December 4 Communion Sunday all morning Sanctuary Everyone Sunday, December 4 Preschool See’s Candy Fund-raiser all morning Garden Room Sunday, December 4 Chat with Jack 10:30a & Noon Adult Ed Tuesday, December 6 Adult Education Ministry Team 7:00p Adult Ed Wednesday, December 7 Presbyterian Women’s Silver Tea 1:00p Garden Room Wednesday, December 7 WOW (Women’s Ministy) Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room Thursday, December 8 Happy Travelers Meeting 1:30p Adult Ed Thursday, December 8 Senior Adult Ministries Meeting 3:00p Adult Ed Friday, December 9 Cristo Vive Women’s Craft Night 6:30p Lounge Women Saturday, December 10 Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:00a Mid High Rm Knitters Saturday, December 10 KidZone Christmas Song Rehearsal 10:00a Sanctuary KidZone Sunday, December 11 Last Sunday to bring Angel Tree gifts all morning Foyer Everyone Sunday, December 11 Kids Sing (all 3 services) all morning Sanctaury KidZone Sunday, December 11 Cristo Vive Service (Time change) 11:00a Chapel Sunday, December 11 Cristo Vive Christmas Dinner Fundraiser 5:00p - 6:30p Gym Everyone Sunday, December 11 Carenet Christmas Potluck 1:00p Pastor Jim’s House Carenet Team Tuesday, December 13 Preschool Christmas program (3’s) 10:00a Garden Rm/Sanctuary Preschool Families Tuesday, December 13 Childsize Xmas Rehearsal / pending 4:00p-6p Sanctuary Tuesday, December 13 Preschool Christmas Program (4’s and PK) 7:00p Garden Rm/Sanctuary Preschool Families Tuesday, December 13 Session/Deacons/Dinner 6:00p Gym/Mid High Wednesday, December 14 Foundation Board 4:00p Library Saturday, December 17 Family Ministries Christmas Party Tumney home Adults Sunday, December 18 Chat with the Elders 11:00a Adult Ed Everyone Sunday, December 18 Family Christmas Caroling @ Mabel Swan 11:00a Mabel Swan Everyone Dec 19 - Jan 2 Winter Break / No Preschool Preschool Tuesday, December 20 Service Ministry Team Meeting 7:00a Adult Ed Tuesday, December 20 Childsize Xmas Rehearsal / pending 4:00p-6p Sanctuary Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5p, 7p, 9p Sanctuary Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day (one service) 11:00a only Sanctuary Everyone Monday, December 26 Church Closed all day Entire Church Everyone Sunday, January 1, 2012 Monday, January 2 Tuesday, January 3 Tuesday, January 3 Wednesday, January 4 Thursday, January 5 Thursday, January 5

New Years Day (two services) Church Closed Worship Ministry Team Adult Education Ministry Team WOW (Women’s Ministy) Meeting Happy Travelers Meeting Senior Adult Ministries Meeting

9:30a & 11:00a all day 5:15p 7:00p 4:00p 1:30p 3:00p

Sanctuary Entire Church Rhino Room Adult Ed Rhino Room Adult Ed Adult Ed

Everyone Everyone

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 Tuesday Women’s Bible Study (Philippians) 9:45a Parlor Women

Living a Spirit Led Life - Women’s Bible Study 9:15a Gym Women Wednesday Men’s Noon Bible Study 12:00n Adult Ed Men

Women of Action 9:30a Chapel Women Thursday Contemporary Worship Rehearsal 6:00p Sanctuary

Christian Service Brigade 6:00p Room 217 Boys Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00p Choir Rm

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Pastor Jack

Pastor Jack Peebles Senior Pastor jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Dear Church Family, As I write this letter, we are just about to celebrate Thanksgiving, but there has already been plenty of snow in the valley over the last week. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and so we find ourselves in one of the busiest times of the year. Ironically, during this season in which we are supposed to slow down and prepare ourselves for the celebration around the coming of the Savior, we are overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays! This has been an especially busy season for FPC Yakima. Not only are we dealing with the “regular” busyness of the season (please take a look at this issue and see how you can participate in the church family), we have added to that as we move forward in our visioning process.

Hopefully, you have received the letter which shares the executive summary of the TAG assessment. It is also available on the church website. Thank you again for participating. The input you provided has been invaluable. Out of that assessment, we have launched into the visioning phase. First up, we have developed our historical core values. What follows is an articulation of the very best of who we have been and who we need to become: • Pioneering and ongoing outreach • Glorifying God with our best • Equipping people for ministry through biblical foundation and service • Engaging and nurturing relationships • Being a cornerstone in the community As we continue in this process, these core values will be used to help evaluate our efforts. The next step will be to create venues in which these can be discussed (along with our mission priorities and strategies) with the larger congregation. This will begin to take place in January. I have to emphasize that this will take some time to implement fully. We will be going slowly.

For now, would you please pray for our Session and staff as we continue in this process together? As a church family, we have our work cut out for us. Founded on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ in whom we place our trust, I believe we can move into our future with boldness and confidence as we seek God’s will.

May God grant you (along with a few extra hours in the day!) the peace that only comes to us through the miracle of Christmas!

Living and loving for Him,

Pastor Jack

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Stewardship is not about money alone.

Years ago my Sunday school teacher threw ten dimes on the table and said, “How many dimes belong to God? God wants a tithe which is 10%. So, one dime belongs to God.” What do you think?

What else does God want me to tithe? My time?

Does He want 10% of that too? How about my heart?

Yesterday, I sat near the back of the church. Not a good place for me, because I tend to look around observing people, getting lost in my own thoughts.

Up and across the aisle from me sat a grandfather holding his two-year-old grandson. Those little arms were wrapped around ‘Papa’s’ neck; the little hands patting together. The big arms were wrapped around that tiny body, lovingly holding tight, protecting his grandson. Seeing this, I understood how God holds me.

Loving, protecting, delighted that I am there on His lap, in His house.

God put Pat Erickson in my path even before I left the sanctuary. Trailseekers is her calling (tithe?). Some 35-40 boys, 8-10 girls, first through fifth grade ‘at risk kids’ are picked up at various schools every Monday and brought to First Presbyterian. The big event is a camp-out on Orcas Island. The Monday meetings are follow ups. My friend Mark Hummell, Principal at Robertson Elementary School, asked one of his Trailseeker students, “What was the best thing about your summer?” “I went camping. I got to sleep in a tent.”

Pastor Jack made a statement in his sermon ‘Christianity spreads at the speed of relationships.’ Do you want a relationship with an at-risk kid? Want to show the love of Jesus to a child hungry for love? See Pat.

Then, there is the Garden Room. Coffee. Cookies.

People. I darted around. Hugged some friends.

Spoke to several people. I was on a ‘mission’ to get info for the Stewardship handout. I was too busy with ‘my friends’ and ‘my mission’ to start a new relationship. I missed the opportunity. Do you miss opportunities there? I am certain there are those in the Garden Room who would love to have a relationship with you. Visitors. Members. Kids. Senior Citizens.

Who do you pass by? Who misses you?

In the 9:30 ‘40 Days of Purpose’ Sunday school class, I learned that First Presbyterian had partnered with HUD to build Mable Swan Manor, the big building across the street, to offer low income housing to senior citizens. “The coffee pot is always on”, kept going by a 92 year old lady. Walk across the street and start a relationship.

Sunday night I went to our Home Group. We have developed close and enduring relationships. It began after First Presbyterian finished the ‘40 Days of Purpose’ study. This is where I am loved, encouraged and held accountable. If you are not in a small group, you are missing one of God’s special blessings.

Monday through Friday our church is a beehive of activity. When you step into the office, the smiling face of Ericka Clark greets you. She tithes her time by teaching on Listening Prayer during the ‘Wed@First’ classes. Did you know that God has a special name for you? Do you know the Creator of the universe desires to have an intimate relationship with you?

How much of your money does God need? He doesn’t need one cent, but He invites us to partner with Him in His great plan. God desires a cheerful giver. What He really wants is your time and your heart. He wants an intimate relationship with you. He wants you to SIT and LISTEN. He has a still, small voice. He still speaks.

Imagine an intimate relationship with God. He yearns for you to partner with Him in His great plan to reach the world for Christ. Just what is it that God is calling you to do? Where does He want you to invest your time, money and heart? Ask.

Judy Miller

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Children

Susie Woodin Childrens Ministries susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

The Salvation Army Angel Tree 2011

Join us once again as we partner with the Salvation Army in this wonderful project. First Presbyterian Church has blessed an average of 200 children each year for the past 20 years!

Please help make Christmas special for a child in the Yakima Valley. It’s easy…all you need to do is:  Choose an angel tag from the Angel Tree located in the

Garden Room next to the stairs.  Purchase a NEW gift for the child named on the tag.  Attach the angel tag with child’s name on it to your

UNWRAPPED gift.  Bring your gift back to the Angel Tree at First Presbyterian Church by

December 11, OR drop it off at the Salvation Army after that date. They will

then distribute the gifts on Dec. 18.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be an angel in the life of a child!

Christmas isn’t Christmas ‘til it happens in your heart…

Take a look at all the great things happening in KidZone this holiday season.

These will surely get your heart in the spirit of Christmas!

Dec. 13- Salvation Army Angel Tree Please help make Christmas special for a child in the Yakima Valley.

It’s easy. See above.

Dec. 10 – KidZone Music Rehearsal 10:00a in the FPC Sanctuary for all KidZone kids. This rehearsal is very important for all kids to attend. Sonbeams and Cubbies will practice first, and then by 10:20a K-5th Grade will be ready to practice. We should be done by 11:00a.

Dec. 11 – KidZone kids sing in worship!

FOLLOW the STAR …Join us as we follow This is a very special day...don’t miss out on the fun!

• Sonbeams and Cubbies please arrive at your classroom at 9:00a on the true Star of Christmas – Jesus!

this day. You will sing at the beginning of the 9:30a and 11:00a services.

Parents can pick up their children around 11:15 in their classroom.

“We have seen His star in the East and • K-5th Grades please arrive to room 217 no later than 8:15a. You have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2 will sing at the end of the 8:00a service, and at the beginning of the

9:30a and 11:00a services. Parents can pick up their children around Follow the Star retells the story of the 11:25a in their classrooms. first Christmas. It includes the account of • All KidZone kids will have a pancake breakfast during the KidZone hour. the Wise Men who traveled many miles to find and worship their newborn King – Dec. 18 – Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration!

Jesus, who is the true Star of Christmas. Children will delight in hearing All KidZone classes will have a special celebration for Jesus today in their classrooms, with birthday cake and this story and in planning ways that they, candles too! too, can show that they follow the true Star of Christmas – Jesus!

Dec. 24– Follow the Star ChildSized Christmas Eve Service - 5:00p Follow the Star will be presented by in the Sanctuary This family centered and child-led children from First Presbyterian Church service will be enjoyed by kids of all Dec. 24 @ 5:00p. Please join us for this popular service that is presented by and ages. for children!

Dec. 25 – NO KidZone

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Jan. 1 – NO KidZone

Women

WOW

Women of Wonder

Women’s Ministry of First Presbyterian Church

Growing women up to be intentional about their faith.

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

SHINE ON!

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

We have sources of light all over our house... candles, flashlights, lamps...we even have twinkle lights around our kitchen windows. We have a shelf in our pantry for extra light bulbs, we have a drawer full of batteries, and matches ready to strike when we want to light a candle. When there is a need for light at the Clark house, we are prepared.

Jesus is a light, too. When we accept Him as our personal savior, we get access to His light. Christians are instructed (in Matthew) to “shine our light before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.” We need to uncover our lamps, dust them off, recharge the bulbs and let our lights shine! In our communities. Our workplaces. Our homes. These lights are a gift from God. A symbol of His love for His people. But how do we keep the light bright?

Thankfully, these “lamps” have a supernatural bulb...the source of the light coming from Jesus. We don’t need to stock up on bulbs from Lowes or bulk batteries from Costco. We just need to plug into THE Source - our Creator. He expects each of us to recharge to keep our lights bright. God created us for worship and community with the Trinity. Our time, our relationship with them is our “recharge.”

I recharge with a good book or some powerful worship music. I have a friend who spends time with God on her daily walks. I have a co-worker who recharges by spending time with his family. How about you? How do you keep your light shining bright for the glory of God? Remember to not let your batteries get corroded. Don’t let your bulbs fade. Take time everyday to “recharge” with THE Light Source. Uncover those lamps and shine on sisters, shine on!

Coming Soon!

Movie Night The Finger of God Watch for Details!

Presbyterian Women’s Silver Tea Wednesday, December 7 1:00pm in the Garden Room

Ladies, please join us for our annual Silver Tea. Music will be provided by “Take Note” singing group led by Jean McKitrick. A Christmas story will be read by Lyndi Suydam. A Thanks offering will be received.

Cookies will be for sale by the Deborah, Edith and Naomi Circles.

Don’t miss this fun traditional event. Bring friends and enjoy the holiday spirit around the Christmas tree. There is no cost for this event.

Winter Wednesdays@First January 11 - March 21, 2012 6:30p - 8:00p

Women! We are offering a study from Jennifer Rothschild’s book, “Me, Myself and Lies.” This is a very effective Bible study aimed at reorganizing our “thought closets.”

More information coming soon!

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Family Stuff

Pastor Mark Tumney Pastor of Family Life and Missions mark.tumney@fpcyakima.com Shan Trick Assistant FLM Director shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

We had a great response to our first Bridges email! Here’s how God blessed us! . We had over 500 people come to the Clothing X-change, and we had enough volunteers to handle the crowd and the arrangements! . We had 20+ volunteers for our recent Trunk or Treat who hosted 300+ neighborhood children! . This month we gathered enough volunteers for our Thanksgiving dinner at Mabel Swan!

In Christ, Pastor Mark

Trunk or Treat: A Huge Success This past Halloween FPC hosted over 300 neighborhood kids in our parking lot! We circled up about 15 cars, one police car (with lights flashing), and a fire engine/ladder truck (with its “cherry picker” fully extended), and all handed out candy to local kids for a few hours.

One of the things our recent TAG survey revealed to us was that we are not connecting well with families in our local neighborhood. Our Trunk or Treat was an effort to extend hospitality to the families in the neighborhood. Many local families elect not to trick or treat in the neighborhood around the church for safety reasons.

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So, it was wonderful to offer these families a safe option to trick or treat locally.

A special thanks goes out to our middle school and high school students who were some of the primary workers for this event. They did everything from pass out popcorn, hot dogs, and candy, to running games for the kids.

One family who hosted a trunk summarized the event for all by saying, “This really was amazing. We definitely need to do this again next year.”

Our great hope is that God will use this event and future events like it to encourage our neighbors to know that we are not just that large brick building down the street. We really are a good neighbor.

Provide a Thanksgiving Meal for Those in Need

Would your family or small group like to provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family who needs support this holiday? Meals need to be delivered to the church (or to the family) by Wednesday, November 23. Please call or email Ericka in the church office to sign up. ericka.clark@fpcyakima.com

Help Throw a Christmas Party for Kids in Need

On Wednesday, Dec 21. Madison House will welcome nearly 2,000 women and children during this one-day event. The purpose behind our efforts is to share the hope found in the Reason of the Season, and to provide some encouragement for families who often find the Christmas season difficult. Volunteers prior to the event are needed to wrap gifts, decorate the facility and bake cookies. On the 21st, people are needed in 45 minute slots to hand out gifts, paint faces, etc. Finally, donations are needed to provide this event for free.

Please contact Charlotte Thorpe at 248-4510 to help.

Or email her: yugmcharlotte@gmail.com.

Take the Christmas Spirit Across the Street

On Sunday, December 18th, following the 9:30 service, walk with your family to Mabel Swan for a time of Christmas caroling. No talent needed; just a willing heart. Email Shan Trick if you are interested in joining us or helping with the preparations. Shan.Trick@ fpcyakima.com

Adopt a Local Family for Christmas

There are families within our church body and also in our community who would be thrilled to have their children "adopted" for Christmas. The church office gathers all the details for the children and you get to do the shopping and wrapping! This is an amazing time of showering families with the love of Jesus.

Please call or email Ericka in the church office by November 30. Please call or email Ericka in the church office to sign up. ericka.clark@fpcyakima.com

Parenting Class

Did you miss the Parenting Class taught by Laurie Kanyer this fall at 11:00a in the Gym? Guess what! You will have an opportunity come this winter and spring quarter to learn from Laurie on Sundays at 11:00. She will present 2 -8 week classes on Parenting beginning in February. More details to come.

Small Groups

Want to get connected? Here's a chance to connect with a few families who also attend the Sunday morning class and get to know them, share parenting stories, pray together, eat together and enjoy each other. Please contact Shan Trick with any questions: shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

The Bible gives us clear instruction about being in community. Acts 2:46 says “Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.�

Operation Christmas Child A number of families participated in assembling shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child this year in the gym.

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An annual ornament: choose an ornament for each child that will be theirs from now until they leave home. They can look back and cherish each ornament to reflect something unique each year of their life.

Christmas caroling: What a wonderful memory to join other friends and warm the hearts of people who may be lonely by singing wonderful Christmas songs to them.

Creating new traditions for your family during Christmas

Baby Jesus under the tree: As you decorate the tree, place an empty little manger under the tree and slowly add straw to it until Christmas day when baby Jesus can be placed in the manger amongst the presents. He is our greatest gift!

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Jesus Tree: One ornament per day symbolizing scripture from creation to the birth of Jesus.

PJ’s on Christmas Eve: Yes this could be for mom and dad too! Nothing better than new cozy jammies worn on Christmas.

Christmas Eve Surprise cookies: bake and deliver cookies to the people who have to work on Christmas Eve or day such as hospital workers, firefighters, police men and women, or care givers in nursing homes.

Ideas by Simple Mom at simplemom.net

Seniors

Jim Erixson Associate Pastor x 130 jim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

Kaffee Klatsch

Kaffee Klatsch is a time when we can all get together to have coffee, eat a fresh donut or bagel and converse with each other. We also sing a few oldies but goodies and listen to a featured presentation. Be prompt, because the donuts and bagels go fast.

Come and enjoy a morning of good fun and “culture”. The Klatsch starts at 9:30a sharp and you’ll be out in time for lunch.

In December we will be privileged to have with us two choirs from Davis High School.

There are about 100 voices to provide us some great sounds. Date is pending so please watch for it to be announced.

Happy Travelers are on the move

Happy Travelers continue to plan for the 2012 travel season. On Friday, March 2nd we will go to the Warehouse Theater to see the play, “Last Five Years”. Tickets for this play are $13 dollars. Performance will start at 7:30 P.M. We have planned for trips in the Spring and Summer months which should be interesting, educational and fun. In the Spring we are planning to go to the Raptor House and the Conservancy in Cowiche Canyon, a train wide at Elbe, and then to the May Fest in Leavenworth to include an afternoon in Seattle before traveling via Amtrak to Leavenworth. We have also looked at traveling to see the glassblowers in Centralia and a possible trip to Whistling Jacks for a meal. In the summer we are planning an overnight trip to the Goldendale Observatory. Other possible trips are the Aircraft Museum in Seattle and a trip to Roslyn.

Honoring Our Veterans

First Presbyterian honored 19 service men and women and their families at our 10th annual Veterans’ Banquet on Saturday evening November 12 in Koehler Hall.

Pastor Jim Erixson was MC in the patriotically decorated hall. The Yakima Police Honor Guard presented the colors. Tony Crawford provided us with a delicious dinner.

The Trio (Lyndi Suydam, Tinker Rautenberg, and Karen Bernd) performed a lovely medley. Bryan Dibble, a Selah Highschool history teacher was our guest speaker. He is a World War II history buff and travels during the summer to reenactments of WWII. He has an extensive collection of uniforms, memorabilia, and photos of WWII as well as reenactment photos. Bryan shared some of his collection on Sunday, November 6 in the Garden Room. His fully restored WWII Army Jeep was on display on the Chapel lawn.

Dressed in full Army uniform including his helmet he was kept busy all morning sharing and answering questions.

At the banquet Bryan shared pictures of his 8th & 9th grade students dressed in uniforms. We were pleased to learn of teachers like Bryan Dibble who teach respect, patriotism and gratitude for our traditions & veterans of all military engagements of which the United States has played a roll.

May we never forget those who have served. God has blessed us all because of them. Thank you to all the veterans who have served our country, past & present.

Bryan Dibble assured us that this younger generation is okay, and that we will be in good hands when they as adults become our leaders.

Veterans Dinner 2011

Back: Jim Leverett-Army, Bryan Dibble-Guest Speaker, Don Lines-Navy, Jim Erixson-Air Force, Ron Sanders-Army, Ray Kempf-Marine, Homer Mason-Navy, Robert Landles-Navy, Leo Dormaier-Navy, John Crawford-Navy, Merle Smith-Air Force, Rich Woodruff-Army.

Front: Jerry Ryan-Navy Air Corps, Gary L Mason-Air Force, Stella Pence-Air Force Nurse, William Dopps-Army, Elsie Kerr-Army Nurse Corps, Damon Smith-Navy, Harley DrollingerAir Force, Ethan Paul Ward-Army.

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Devotional

Janet Krieger

OH HOLY NIGHT

But God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in bed. Job 33:14-15

We spend approximately one third of our life sleeping. Science itself “is puzzled about this phenomenon called ‘sleep.’” One writer has described sleep as “a nightly miracle that baffles science.” Others have commented, “On average, human beings spend a third of their lives in sleep, yet scientists do not yet know precisely what sleep accomplishes. It is presumed to serve some restorative function, but just how sleep refreshes us is unclear.” Science defines dreams as a series of thoughts, images or emotions that occur during sleep.

I cannot imagine that sleep and dreams were not designed by God to have significance. Dreams and visions are mentioned in the Scriptures as many as 224 different times. God has always spoken to His creation, His children, in dreams. In the Old Testament Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, and Ezekiel record communication from God in dreams. In the New Testament Jesus’ parents Mary and Joseph, and Paul were spoken to by God in dreams and visions. It is important that our culture does not diminish the significance and value of dreams as communication from our heavenly Father.

Certainly God speaks to us in a variety of ways and dreams are simply one of them. Believers have shared that in dreams God has revealed solutions to problems, told them ways to pray for situations, and provided the demonstration and comfort

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of His love and tender care. And, while it is true that not every dream is of God we should be alert that our thoughts, prayers and dreams are highly interwoven.

Christmas is a perfect time to acknowledge God’s desire to use our dreams as one more way to speak to His beloved sons and daughters. He revealed His very own Son and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning our Messiah in dreams. Read the first two chapters of Matthew and note the five recorded dreams concerning Jesus.

Encourage God’s communication with you through dreams. Keep a journal by your bedside and record the dreams you receive.

You haven’t done this before. Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

John 16:24 That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 1 Kings 3:5 Ask Father God questions as you fall asleep; He is able to give you answers in your dreams. Do not however; depend solely upon your dreams for answers. Always depend upon Scripture, confirming what you receive in a dream against the truth of God’s Word.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

er

Krieg t e n a J

Helping the Homeless There are a number of Emergency Winter Shelters opening their doors in the Yakima Valley on November 15th. These shelters all operate by volunteers. It takes many people to keep the doors open so men, women and children without a place to sleep can have a hot meal and warm place to stay during these cold winter nights.

These shelters are only able to stay open if there are people willing to help staff them. There are a number of ways you can help. Checking people into the shelter, over-night monitors, taking night shifts, transporting people to and from the shelter from downtown, and providing a hot meal. Basic supplies for the shelters are also needed. Training is required for people helping with over-night monitors and check in.

For more information please contact...

Hands of Hope Emergency Winter Shelter for women and Children Contact Christine at 388-4309

Library

Sunrise Outreach Emergency Winter Shelters for men, women and children Contact Ken at 225-9310 or 949-9642

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

If your reading time is limited, magazines provide a quick alternative to time consuming books. In ten minutes you can read an article that will stir your mind and spirit throughout your busy day.

The October issue of Presbyterians Today explores ways of living generously. You can find out how other believers are “going green” in Christianity Today’s July 2011 issue. Wonder how you can live out your faith practically in interactions with believers and seekers? Horizons (the magazine of Presbyterian Women) explores Communication & Justice in their Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Take a break with these and other magazines found in your church library and on the bookcart in the Garden Room. I am sure they will inspire and encourage you.

owns Rondi D

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Announcements

Presbyterian Women Silver Tea

MOPS Christmas Tea Friday, December 2, in the Garden Room 9a-11a.

Free, for anyone who is a mother of a preschool age child(ren). Come enjoy our Guest Speaker/Musician and catering by Margo Rogers.

The annual Christmas Silver Tea will be held in the Garden Room on Wednesday, December 7 at 1p (no cost).

Music will be provided by “Take Note” singing group led

by Jean McKitrick. A Christmas story will be read by Lyndi Suydam. A Thanks offering will be received. Cookies will be for sale by the Deborah, Edith and Naomi Circles.

Don’t miss this fun traditional event. Bring friends and enjoy the holiday spirit around the Christmas tree.

Students

Jeff Murray Student Ministries x 106 jeff.murray@fpcyakima.com Courtney Hutchins Student Ministries x 116 courtney.hutchins@fpcyakima.com

One of the best things that we do with students on Wednesday nights is sit down and have a meal with them. This half hour period from 7:15-7:45p is the time when most of the youth ministry takes place in our church. Adult leaders sit down with kids and ask them how their lives are going and share food with them. Student ministries is in need of small groups or families who are willing to cook a meal for the youth group on a particular Wednesday evening January-May. If interested in giving this important and lovely gift to our young people, please call Courtney Hutchins, 248-7940 ex 116 and sign up to cook a meal. The youth group will reimburse $50-$75 worth of supplies.

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Cristo Vive

Mark your calendar on December 11 @ 5:30p for the first Cristo Vive No Cost Fund Raiser Dinner and Celebration.

Get your appetite ready for yummy Mexican food. We will celebrate 11 years of ministry in our community!

This is your chance to experience what is happening in our ministry in a Mexican Gustavo Carvajal Pastor de Cristo Vive x 133 Posada Christmas style. Get on board gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com by signing up at the Connection Center.

We also need people to be Table Hosts (help sign up 7 people to come and sit at their table). Sign up today, we’re counting on you!

Ghormley

Mark Washam Director-Ghormley Meadows Mark@GhormleyMeadow.org 509-672-4311

Who: Open to anyo ne, event specifically geared towards families.

h s on lengt d n e p e D : Cost sen. tivities cho c a , y a st f o

How to register: .org Visit www.ghormleymeadow ACE and register online today. SP IS LIMITED.

For more informat ion: Visit website or ca ll 509-672-4311

gerbread What: Sledding, Caroling, Gin suming house making, sleigh rides (as e in the snow), Trek for your own tre mas woods, Christmas movie, Christ s lights, snow sculpting, Christma and storytelling, cookie decorating more.

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

December 24 - Christmas Eve Services 5:00 Child-Sized Christmas December 25 Sunday Morning 7:00 Contemporary Service 11:00a Blended Worship Service 9:00 Carols and Candles No KidZone January 1 9:30 Contemporary Service 11:00 Traditional No Kidzone