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FIRST

September 2013

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

Volume 54

First Presbyterian Church

Our Core Values

9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902

• 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

(509) 248-7940

FPC STAFF

Email

Head of Staff / Senior Pastor

Jack Peebles

Assistant Pastor of Discipleship

Extension

jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

107

Tyler Van Horn

tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com

114

Pastor’s Administrative Assistant

Jana Alderman

jana.alderman@fpcyakima.com

108

Family Ministry

Shan Trick

shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

142

Connecting Ministry

Jocelyn Larsen

jocelyn.larsen@fpcyakima.com

205

Student Ministry

Jeff Murray

jeff.murray@fpcyakima.com

123

Student Ministry (asst.)

Kelsey Schmidt

kelsey.schmidt@fpcyakima.com

141

Children’s Ministry

Susie Woodin

susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

110

Childcare Coordinator

Monnie Miller

monnie.miller@fpcyakima.com

105

Childcare Reservations

117

Preschool Director

Rhonda Cardona rhonda.cardona@fpcyakima.com

119

Temple Choir Director

Lyndi Peacock

lyndi.peacock@fpcyakima.com

112

Worship Team Director

Jason Cavanaugh jason.cavanaugh@fpcyakima.com

112

Finance Manager

Tammy Nunley

tammy.nunley@fpcyakima.com

104

Media/Systems IT/Worship Planning

Deb Kent

deb.kent@fpcyakima.com

109

Administrative Support & Women’s Ministry

Ericka Clark

ericka.clark@fpcyakima.com

100

Publications / Office Support

Curt Rosenkranz curtis.rosenkranz@fpcyakima.com

113

Wedding Coordinator

Diane Kearby

diane.kearby@fpcyakima.com

203

Grounds and Maintenance

Maurice Peugh

maurice.peugh@fpcyakima.com

120

Head Custodian

Dan Barela

dan.barela@fpcyakima.com

120

Custodian

Kyle Miller

kyle.miller@fpcyakima.com

120

SOAR School of Supernatural Transformation

201

SOZO Prayer Appointments

208

Pastor of Cristo Vive

2

Gustavo Carvajal gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com

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

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CALENDAR September Events Thursday, September 5 Thursday, September 5 Thursday, September 5 Friday, September 6 Saturday, September 7 Sunday, September 8 9/8 - 11/10 Monday, September 9 Monday, September 9 Monday, September 9 Monday, September 9 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Tuesday, September 10 Wednesday, September 11 Wednesday, September 11 Thursday, September 12 Thursday, September 12 Saturday, September 14 Sunday, September 15 Tuesday, September 17 Tuesday, September 17 Tuesday, September 17 Friday, September 20 Saturday, September 21 Tuesday, September 24 Saturday, September 28 Sunday, September 29 Tuesday, October 1

Preschool Open House - Visit the Classrooms Happy Travelers Meeting Senior Adult Ministries Preschool Open House - Visit the Classrooms Prayer Ministry Meeting Kick Off Sunday Parenting Class First Day of Preschool (4’s and PK) Edith Ferry Circle Living Waters Meeting Fellowship Ministry Team (1st Mondays) First Day of Preschool (3’s) Adult Education Committee Meeting Budgeting 101 Training (All Ministry Teams) Worship Ministry Team (2nd Tuesday) Discipleship Ministry Team (2nd Tuesday) Service Ministry Team (2nd Tuesday) Business Ministry Team (2nd Tuesday) Sacred Messengers SOAR Commences Youth Group Commences BSF Commences Happy Travelers: Ginko Petrified Forest Ghormley Work Day/Free Lunch/RSVP Picnic on the Greens - You Are Invited!

Women in the Word Commences Kaffee Klatsch Session Leadership Team MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Kick Off Sunfair Parade (Need Volutneers) Living a Spirit Led Life Commences FPC Day to Work Young Life Booth at the Fair Chat with the Elders Session - Dinner and Meeting

9:00a 1:30p 3:00p 9:00a 8:30a All morning 9:30a 9:00a 10:30a 5:30p 6:00p 9:00a 4:00p 5:00p 6:00p 6:00p 6:00p 7:00p 7:00p 5:30p 6:00p - 8:00p 9:00a TBA All day 11:45a 9:45a 12:00p 7:00p 9:00a 10:00a 9:15a All day 10:30 / 12:00p 6:00p

Classrooms Adult Ed Adult Ed Classrooms Lounge FPC Gym Classrooms Parlor Parlor Lounge Classroom Lounge Garden Room Room 220 Room 203 Adult Ed Library Lounge Chapel Gym/Youth Rm/Mid Hi Garden Room Offsite Ghormley Meadow FPC Parlor Adult Ed Adult Ed Gym Yakima Ave Gym Central Wa Fairgrounds Adult Ed Garden Rm/Mid High

Preschool Families Committee/Open Committee/Open Preschool Families PM Team Everyone Everyone Preschool Families Women Committee Preschool Families Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Soar Students 6th - 12th grades Women Everyone Everyone Everyone Women Everyone Committee Moms Everyone Women Everyone Everyone Elders & Prog.Staff

Weekday Events M-W-F Monday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday

Exercisers TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeaters Anonymous Al-Anon Women of Action Men’s Bible Study Youth Group Contemporary Worship Rehearsal SOZO Prayer Cristo Vive Youth Group

9:00a-10:00a Gym/GR 10:00a Adult Ed 12:00p Adult Ed 5:15p Adult Ed 9:30a Chapel Noon Adult Ed 6p-8p Gym 5:30p Sanctuary 9a-Noon 7p-9p Gym

Sr Adults Everyone Everyone Everyone Women Men 6gr-12gr Worship Band SOZO Team Grades 6-12

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

Everyone Everyone Everyone 6gr-12gr K-5th 2½ yr & 3yr 4yr & 5yr Adults Adults Adults

Sunday Mornings Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team Traditional Worship - led by Organ Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) Youth - Start in worship, dismiss to youth rooms after music.

KidZone Sunday Classes (K-5th Grades) Sonbeams Cubbies Adult Ed Bible Class - Book of Daniel Being a Disciple in the World Today Golden Circle

Sanctuary Sanctuary Chapel Sanctuary/Mez/LL7 Upstairs Mezzanine L2 Room 103 Adult Ed TBA Lounge

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HAPPENIN’ @ FIRST COMING IN SEPTEMBER FOR THE FALL SESSION OF ADULT EDUCATION

Among the great books of Scripture, none provide a more comprehensive and chronological prophetic view of the broad movement of history than the book of Daniel. Daniel brings together and interrelates the great themes of prophecy as does no other portion of Scripture.

Please, join us in the Adult Ed room on Sunday mornings at 9:30a, as we discover what Daniel has to say about our present day.

Kick Off Sunday

Mark your calendars for Kickoff Sunday, September 8.

Service times return to normal Contemporary 8:00a Contemporary 9:30a Traditional 11:00a

LOVE & LIMITS

Back by p

opular dem

Septemb

and

er 2013

Without Spanking or Spoiling

Kids Don’t Come with an Instruction Book...We Can Help!

• Why kids misbehave/discipline • Setting reasonable limits • Understanding your child’s temperament • Listening to feelings to gain cooperation • Avoiding predictable problems • Reducing the stress of parenting

Created by Certified Family Life Educator and author Laurie Kanyer.

Beginning Sundays September 8 @ 9:30am in the Gym Free of charge.

Call to register - (509) 248-7940.

Childcare and concurrent programs available for kids.

Certificate of Attendance provided.

Hay Translacion en Español.

Because parenting is the most important thing you do Chat with the Elders

To be held in the Adult Ed room, Sunday September 29.

Two times: After the 9:30a and 11a services.

COOKIES & CANS Every Sunday morning we serve cookies, coffee and punch during fellowship hours after each service in the Garden Room. Our church family provides the cookies each week. Please bring cookies on the week beginning with the first letter of your last name.

Also consider bringing a donation of nonperishable food items for donation to Calvary Rescue Mission.

September 1 : G-M September 8 : N-S September 15 : T-Z September 22 : A-F September 29 : G-M

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American Red Cross

Blood Drive Wednesday, October 16 10:00a - 3:00p FPC Garden Room

Call 248-7940 for appointment.

The need is constant.

The gratification is instant.

Give blood.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE NEEDED?

The following people are stepping in to fill the need that Pastor Jim left upon his retirement: Pastor Steve Barker Walt Nelson Ben Antonio Pastor Gustavo Carvajal John Stolzenbach On site coverage is from 10a – 1p daily.

Please contact the office if you need an appointment for care or need to report an upcoming surgery. Also, take a moment to thank these men for their generous contribution.

ORGAN CONCERT

Guest organist Frederick Swan is coming back to FPC to play a special recital in celebration of the 25th anniversary of our organ dedication.

Friday, October 18 Concert in Sanctuary 7:00p – 8:30p Reception in Garden Room 8:30p – 9:30p

GHORMLEY

Father/Son Weekend 2013 Date: September 27-29, 2013 Full Weekend Cost: $200.00 for dad & son + $50/per additional son Saturday Only Cost: $100.00 for dad & son + $25/per additional son REGISTER ONLINE NOW! www.ghormleymeadow.org Ages: 2nd grade + up Quality Dad and Son Time!

Great food!

Hiking Paintball Challenge Course Fly RC Planes Fun night games!

Campfire w/ s'mores!

SERMON SERIES FALL SERMON SERIES: “KINGDOM LIVING: DEEPER DISCIPLESHIP” “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18-19) First and foremost, we are in the business of making disciples of Jesus. Since the time of the Resurrection, this has been the clear mission of the Christian Church. Along the way, however, we have sometimes veered off course. In fact, as various movements and fads have come and gone, we would be hard pressed to articulate how exactly certain efforts and programs align with what Jesus commands of us. Even in our efforts to be missional, loving and serving our neighbors in the world, we sometimes leave out this central purpose for which we were created. The reality is that without discipleship, we are just another community service club.

During this sermon series, we will explore the question, “How do we make disciples?” The short answer is: If we want to make disciples, we need to BE disciples! Along the journey, we will acquire new tools of discipleship as we strive to grow in our awareness of, and reliance upon, God. Accompanying this series will be a small group/discipleship group study guide. Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to work through the weekly guide with a friend, spouse, or in their respective small group or discipleship group.

As we go out into our respective lives, we do so following the Lord and Savior! Following Jesus necessitates that you are connected and in community, accountable to and challenging your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to grow in intimacy and communion with God! In short, we must all be growing together! Join us this fall as we delve into “Deeper Discipleship.”

SEPT 8

THE JESUS WAY — KICKOFF SUNDAY Sermon Text: Matthew 16:13-28

SEPT 15 THE KINGDOM — Picnic on the Greens

Sermon Text: Mark 1:9-15

SEPT 22 REPENT AND BELIEVE

Sermon Text: TBA SEPT 29

DEFINITIVE PRAYER Sermon Text: Matthew 6:9-15

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PASTOR JACK

Dear FPC Community: Where did the summer go? Weren’t we just gearing up for Vacation Bible School? Mercy!

As difficult as it is to believe, September is here.

Children and youth are back in school. Young adults are back to college. Bible studies have resumed.

Small groups are meeting again. Bible Study Fellowship is meeting. Our lives have swung in high gear!

As you begin to adapt to your fall routine, make sure you include regular time with your community of faith! This edition of Here@First contains some important information related to the scheduling of fall activities. Take a look and see how you and your small group can get connected.

Of particular interest is our Kick-Off Sunday on September 8th when we will resume our regular worship schedule of 8, 9:30, and 11:00.

In addition, September 15th is our Fellowship and Picnic on the Greens Sunday. This is a special Sunday with a sort of “open house” feel. We want to, not only extend hospitality to one another, but also to any visitors or friends. So invite a friend and come ready to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with your family of faith!

Also and as a reminder, our membership voted on August 18th (165-2) to call The Rev. Cindy Carter as our Associate Pastor of Church Administration and Congregational Care! Cindy will assume her role on October 1, 2013. She will begin assisting in worship on October 6th. Our Personnel Committee will be working diligently to help Cindy in her transition on staff. She will spend a great deal of time observing, building relationships, and learning as much as possible in the first six months to a year.

Not only do we want Cindy to spend time getting to know us, we also think it important that you get to know her. After they have some time to get their bearings, let me encourage you to invite Cindy and her husband, Greg, to your small group so you can get to know them!

Personally, I am extremely excited about Cindy (and Greg!) and the strengths she will bring to our Staff and Ministry Teams. I think you will discover that, not only does she have solid ministerial gifts, she is a servant-leader!

Also this fall, we will be completing our transition from the PC(USA) to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.

As we enter into this next season, it is clear to me the future is bright and God is good…all the time!

Living and loving for Him,

ck Pastor Ja 6

DEVOTIONAL

Janet Krieger

LIVING INSIDE OUT And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so you will obey My laws and do whatever I command.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive His own glory and goodness! 2 Peter 1:3

God has chosen to share His work with us. We are not superior over this world but rather we have been humbly transformed and called to partner with God to extend His mission of evangelism and discipleship to all nations. We accomplish His mission most effectively right where He has placed us. We must be present in this world if we are going to transform it. Our challenge is to step into the places we work, socialize, entertain, shop . . . into all the places where people are . . . and share their lives. Our challenge is to be a people who choose to walk a righteous life with compassion and sensitivity while encouraging others to do the same.

Our world is waiting. We must be who Christ has called us to be, a godly people filled with His glory and goodness. Let us live this godly life INSIDE OUT in the culture, in the places we walk daily.

We are a people transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are part of God’s mission, called by Him to go out into the world. The world is not a place from which we withdraw and hide but rather the world is the place we allow what God has done inside of us to be manifest through us.

We, who have been created in the image and likeness of God, are capable, because of His Spirit residing in us, to reflect the very person of Jesus Christ to our world. That is why we are called to go and invade, rather than withdraw, from culture. Jesus Himself was very comfortable living in the midst of the culture even as He taught, and by example, lived a more excellent way. We are capable of presenting the very essence of Christ to our community through acts of kindness, love and service. Then, when lives are transformed by His power, the negative aspects of culture are also changed.

Janet

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STUDENTS This is a great season in ministry. The Lord has

given us an incredible community of students and adults. More than ever I’m feeling excited to be in the service of the church. I love this ministry and all the ways that I get to participate in Jesus’ work through it.

YOUTH GROUP

For the first time in a few years, we are changing the way our Wednesday night schedule works.

Instead of Mid High and High School meeting at separate times they will both meet from 6-8pm in separate groups. We will begin youth group together in the gym with dinner and fellowship at the beginning. Then we will split off into separate groups utilizing the Mid High room for grades 6-8 and the current youth room for 9-12. This is certain to make life a bit easier for parents who have students in each group. It will also be easier on our high school ministry as we won’t be going quite as late. Thank you for your patience in this transition!

GENERAL INFO

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Kelsey Schmidt is remaining on staff with us. This year she is taking on the role of part-time Mid High Director.

Kelsey is doing an incredible job here.

She could use your thoughts and prayers as she continues the ministry she began last year. As a community of parents and grandparents we need to find ways to support Kelsey as she steps into the role of mentoring and loving Middle School students. Part of her task is to form a team of volunteers to help her with Middle School youth group and Sunday School.

Please consider the possibility of joining or otherwise supporting that team.

Jeff

SUNDAY MORNINGS

I was having a discussion this summer at waterski camp with another adult leader. He asked me what I wanted to teach on for Sunday school this year. I told him (almost jokingly) that I was thinking about going through the book of Leviticus with the High School group. Two students immediately interrupted us saying, “Can we please do that?” I was so taken back by their response. With a lot of thought and prayer I’ve decided to take whatever High School students are willing to join on a journey toward our spiritual establishment in Leviticus. It is a truly foundational book for understanding the person and worldview of Jesus Christ. I’ve prepared an engaging study that is chalked full of New Testament parallels and lots of insights into the way we live and how we think about God. High School students should come ready to have an enlightening study and a good conversation with others. Bring your bibles and an open mind/heart!

For Middle School students, Kelsey Schmidt is excited to lead you in conversations about faith in Jesus and how to follow him in Middle School. We are looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Starting on Sunday, September 8th we will have Sunday School classes for students from 9:45-10:45am. Students may attend the beginning of the worship service and be dismissed along with KidZone.

For Middle School this year we will have a separate class, led by Kelsey Schmidt, in the Mid High room.

High School will meet in the Youth room for the Leviticus study with Jeff.

STUDENTS - SUMMER INTERNS “My life will definitely change because of all the new things I have learned” Estevan Mata

“The mission of loving our youth is hard work, but there is no work that I have ever found so rewarding as the work that leads to a teen crying on my shoulder and thanking me for being such a good friend and an adult they can trust. No other feeling can compare to knowing that this is what it means to live out the Gospel in the life of a teenager and that they don’t have to feel quite as alone…”

Kelsey Schmidt

“I learned how eager kids are to be loved and how willing they are to share themselves with adults. I learned that all kids go through difficult situations or have pressure and stress put on them. Even kids that seem like they are the ones doing well have problems…I believe that the church should greatly emphasize its outreach to youth. The church should try to find ways to incorporate youth into its mission.

Adults in the church should be encouraged to reach out to youth and be there for them. This could be as simple as getting to know just one kid in their church or even just praying for a certain individual. In my experience with church and youth group it feels like they are two separate things and I feel that this should change…”

Aaron Schmidt “[What I’ve learned] about God, others and myself “We love what we do. will lead to changes in how We love working at First I continue to live my life.

Presbyterian Church. We Because I learned that I am love working with the youth passionate about intentional and serving God at the relationships, I understand same time. I couldn’t have now that I want to seek a asked for a better summer vocation where that will be a with a better group of priority.” people.”

Alanna Feltner Liam Johnston “After reflecting on this past summer; I now can see how valuable being part of youth ministry is; whether or not it is your profession to be a part of it. I am confident that if youth were shown how much they are loved and valued by those they look up to that many crime and domestic abuse statistics would decrease, as well as an increase in those who continue to be a part of the church after high school. In the future, I hope to be a part of the lives of teenagers.”

Ariel Villasenor

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PRESCHOOL

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

Your preschool here at First Presbyterian Church of Yakima has been an outreach program for almost 30 years. We have served many families throughout those years and our impact on those families and children continues today.

We have families coming to us from all over Yakima County, many without church homes of their own. We need your support to continue in this ministry.

The tuition we charge only covers about 56% of the cost of providing the program. The remaining amount is raised through fund raising and donations. What a gift to our community, what a responsibility to our school. This is money we are spending, and money that has to be raised each year in order to stay in the black.

On top of this, we provide a resource through scholarships for families who otherwise could not even think of being able to send their child to preschool. We also provide each child enrolled a Preschooler’s Bible. This Bible is used through our chapel and classrooms and then extends to the home for the family. We do this only through your support and donations.

Please help our preschool continue to offer this top educational Christian program to families. God has brought us the families to hear about the love of God who otherwise might not have a chance to hear the Gospel.

How can you help?

Support through your donation towards our classroom expenses.

Support our scholarship program with your donation.

Support by giving to our Bible fund. The cost of one Bible is $14.

Support our fundraisers throughout the school year – Scripture calendars, See’s Candy, Santa & Angel Pictures, Read-A-Thon, and Bunny Pictures in the Spring.

Link your Safeway Club Card to our preschool and Safeway will donate up to 3% of what you spend to our preschool.

Save and donate labels through the Campbell Soup Label program.

Share the news about the preschool program with your family, friends and neighbors.

Sponsor a child.

Pray for this program. Pray for the teachers, children and families.

• • • • • • • • •

Thank you and God Bless you!

a

Rhond

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Becky Gruenberg

Our Three Year Old Class

and our Four Year Old Class will be led by Jennifer Eells and Jenifer Knight..

Jennifer Eells

Becky plans to be back serving you your coffee, preparing snacks and helping this preschool run smoothly!

Jenifer Knight

Our traditional 4 Day a week PreKindergarten class is once again led by Melissa Gray and Channa Case. Both will be working closely with our 5 day program too.

Melissa Gray

Nicole Sullivan

Heather Payne Rhonda Cardona

Channa Case

We are excited to begin our new 5 Day PreKindergarten Class which will be led by Nicole Sullivan and Heather Payne. Please help us welcome these two new members to our staff.

Nicole comes to us with a rich background and experience in early childhood education.

Heather Payne is not totally new to us; she was here last year many times filling in as a substitute. Heather will also be leading our Kid’s Club program.

As your Director, I thank you for entrusting your children to us for this upcoming school year which we are all excited about! Please keep each one of these staff members in your prayers as they work through this school year to give you and your child an awesome and meaningful year.

Jessica Van Horn returns to lead Music, PE, & Kid’s Club. She is also a great Asst. Director!

Jessica Van Horn

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ADULT EDUCATION - FIRESTARTERS

Ffollowers irestarters is a twelve-week course designed to help of Jesus to grow into new levels of passion,

purpose and power as they nurture their relationship with Jesus and seek to bring His Kingdom to earth.

This training equips participants to better impact their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, communities and homes.

Each week, the Firestarters class will consist of a large group teaching time, small group breakouts and activities to practice during the week to activate what you learn. The class provides a safe place to explore, practice and share your experiences with others through testimonies and small group sessions.

If you are willing to risk and step out of your comfort zone, and are interested in inching forward or jumping forward in your faith journey, then this class is for you!

9:30-10:30 WARD CHAPEL SEPTEMBER 8 – NOVEMBER 24

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The Firestarters curriculum includes the following lessons: A. Pursing Passion 1.

2.

3.

4.

God is Good All the Time Pursuing Personal Passion Drinking and Leaking (the overflow of the Holy Spirit) Serving God from Passion

1.

2.

3.

4.

Discovering Our True Identity Living in Our True Identity Discovering Our True Destiny Living in Our True Destiny

1.

2.

3.

4.

Power to Live in Purity Power of Prayer Power to Heal the Sick Power to Prophesy

B. Pursing Purpose

C. Pursuing Power through the Holy Spirit

For further information contact Kathy Mathison (575-3693), Kathy Bricel or Susie Bennett, 248-7940 x201.

ADULT EDUCATION - SOAR NOW IS THE TIME TO SOAR

Are you wanting an opportunity to experience God and truly transform your life? SOAR: School of Spiritual Transformation might be just the place for you!

We recognize it is a challenge in our culture to make the priorities of heaven our priorities here on earth, to build our lives around Jesus' teaching to, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Often, the most important things in life are put off until there is a "better time." Yet that "better time" never comes, unless we are intentional about creating space for it in our lives. That better time is NOW. How is God calling you to seek first His kingdom?

If you are wanting an opportunity to be a part of a discipleship school where you can study God's Word, worship, activate your spiritual gifts, be a part of an enthusiastic community, and listen to guest speakers and DVD teaching from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, SOAR is the place for you. Beginning September 11, we will be meeting on Wednesday nights at FPC. Our desire is to help transform Yakima into a community where the priorities of heaven are being lived out here on earth. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," He really meant it!

It is difficult to truly express in words the transformation that happens in SOAR. We are challenged on so many levels: how we think, the choices we make, our willingness to step out in faith and obedience to what God is asking of us. We are challenged to believe BIG, exercising our faith in greater measure than we ever imagined possible. Throughout the Bible people personally experienced God, and it was at those times they were filled with hope and courage in such a way that they were willing to leave all else behind to follow Him. SOAR provides a safe environment to experience God, take risks and activate our faith.

Here are some comments made by SOAR students this past year: *SOAR has changed my normal, from complacency to alive in Jesus. *Thank you for bringing SOAR to Yakima. We are forever changed. I sense God closer and have more understanding. I can hear Him whisper to me. These two years caused me to go far in my walk with Him. I can't wait to come back in September.

*So many victories, such great worship, and our minds and hearts stretched in understanding God's kingdom keys! *Thank you for helping to grow my faith. I love the "pressure" SOAR has put on me to stretch and reach towards making the seemingly impossible--possible. *These last two years of SOAR have profoundly changed my life and my relationship with God. Before SOAR it was easy for me to talk about God's power and miracles, but to expect them to become a normal part of my life was unthought-of. As a result of SOAR I am beginning to realize that my identity is in Jesus; not who I am, but who Jesus is. Evidence of the changes in my life is very apparent to me. Because of the teaching, reading and experiences at SOAR, I find myself moving more toward God's call on my life. Thank you for making Jesus become more alive to me.

If you are interested in becoming a part of SOAR, applications can be picked up in the church office or downloaded online at: www.fpcyakima.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Susie Bennett or Kathy Bricel at 248-7940 x201 or email Soar@fpcyakima.com

to SOAR! e im t e h t NOW is

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ANOTHER REASON TO VOLUNTEER: LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE!

According to an online article in the Church Volunteer Central Daily Newsletter volunteering can lower your blood pressure…

A new study suggests tha t volunteerin can boost yo g ur health by lowering blo pressure. Th od e study invo lved 1,100 a ages 51 to 9 dults, 1, who were interviewed about their volunteer ha bits and had blood press their ure checked at the begin of the study n ing and again fo ur of the subje cts had norm years later. All al b readings at the time of th lood pressure e first interv iew.

Regardless of the type o f volunteerin activity the g subjects eng a ged in, participants who said du ring the firs interview th t at they volu n teered for a least 200 ho t urs per year were 40 perc less likely to ent have high b lood pressu four years la re ter than tho se who did n volunteer. ot

The study is slated for pu blication in the journal, Psychology and Aging.

Lead author Rodlescia S need, a Ph.D. candid ate at Carne gie Mellon University, said, "We w a nted to determine if a positive li fe style factor like volunte er work cou ld actually reduce disea se risk. And the results g older adults ive an example of somethin they that ca g n actively d o to remain healthy and age success fully.”

Serve God and lower your blood pressure-what a deal! Just one more benefit of living a faithful life… Imagine how much more you could benefit from volunteering with kids! Kids keep us young… kids keep us grounded… kids put it all into perspective. Our days are filled with to do lists, and yet the most important item we could have on that list is to impact a child’s life in some way.

It’s doesn’t have to be huge…it takes only one small thing to make a positive or negative imprint on a child. Volunteering and serving the children here at First Presbyterian Church is a win- win situation for everyone. Think about the good you can do for a child, as well as yourself. Volunteer in KidZone now…don’t wait until your blood pressure is sky high. We look forward to you joining this loving, low blood pressure team!

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Call Susie at the church to see where you can start helping…248-7940

2013 KICKOFF SUNDAY IS SEPTEMBER 8TH Welcome Back to KidZone!

Check out the great fun we have planned for you…

WELCOME BACK TO KIDZONE… WITH SOME NEW AND EXCITING CHANGES!

This year in our KidZone classes will be experiencing new curriculum, new leaders, and new kids… from Sonbeams & Cubbies as well as Kindergarten – 5th grades.

This fall we will introduce “RIO” to our Kindergarten through 5th graders. RIO stands for Relational, Interactive, and Overflow. It is a new family-friendly curriculum that helps churches and families foster a deeper relationship with God and a life of faith that is rich and full. Kids learn how to experience God, discern His voice, and know the Spirit’s powerful work in their lives.

The philosophy of Rio is just like that of ours in KidZone… that our faith is a relational one, and that the best way to grow people in the faith is to help them deepen their relationship with God and others. We strive to engage in relationships at all levels within our children’s ministry -- leader to child, child to child, child to parent, parent to leader—all within the context of a relationship with God. This focus on knowing God will produce in children a desire to obey God - - not obedience through their own power, but obedience through the power provided by the Holy Spirit.

By keeping the focus on God and responding to Him, we strive to produce a transformational faith that will reproduce itself for generations to come. Now that’s exciting!

It’s not too late to be part of this new adventure… Sign up now to serve in KidZone and join us in this exciting time!

KIDZONE OPEN HOUSE FOR PARENTS:

HEY KIDS!

On Sunday, September 15 bring your school backpack or bag with you to the 9:30 service and we will send you off with a special blessing to start off the school year. We will also have the backpack blessings during the KidZone hour for kids who aren’t in worship.

Join us in your child’s Kidzone class on Sunday, September 8 at 10:30 right after worship. We will have coffee and cinnamon knots for you to enjoy. This is also a great opportunity for you to meet the KidZone leaders, fill out a registration form, and hear about the plans for the coming year.

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CONNECTING MINISTRIES 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

It was a late spring morning a few

years ago when I read this verse during my quiet time for the first time. I remember thinking, “Wow! That is something. ‘..all things at all times, having all that [I] need, [I] will abound in every good work!?’

Really, Lord? This seems quite idealistic, if you ask me. You don’t know how tired I am sometimes. Or how needy others can be. Hmm. I’ll have to think about this one a bit more.”

I moved on from my quiet time to glance at my schedule for the day.

It was full to the brim. At the time, I was employed in full-time Christian ministry to college students, so my day was full of meetings with our staff, appointments with college women for discipleship or counseling or prayer walks or you never know... You get it: lots of being with people, talking with people, helping people, teaching people. Fulfilling, but exhausting work.

That night, I arrived home late stomach rumbling, feeling sweaty and achy, back and calves sore from carrying too many heavy books up and down too many hills, itching to get out of my heels and into some sweats. As I pulled into our driveway, I sighed. There, standing across the street from his house,

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in my driveway was our neighbor, a very friendly and fun-loving guy: flying a kite over his house - in our very compact, residential suburbia.

‘Is it even legal to fly kites here?’

I wondered. He scooted over so that I could drive into my driveway, smiling and waving enthusiastically.

My stomach growled louder. I pulled in and parked. I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead into the steering wheel. ‘Not today,’ I thought. ‘Not now. So...tired...’ And then, drifting through my heart, unabashedly, ‘And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. OK, Lord. Here I go.’

I often feel so busy, so worn out, so involved, so absorbed with my job, my kids, my marriage, my family, my home, my church, my life. I’m sure you do too. We all give so much to so many people in so many ways. It seems so counter-intuitive to add one more outlet, one more need to my whirlwind. But, so often, that one more need shows me what I’m really made of. It reminds me that I must not depend on my own strength, but His. It reveals whether or not I really meant it when I told Him that my life was His. It refreshes my perspective, turning it heavenward and riveting it on eternal things. It impresses on me that because I met Jesus, I really have been blessed abundantly. And therefore, apparently, I have so much to give.

Maybe this year volunteering, giving, or praying for Madison House will be that one more need in your life.

I stepped out of the car.

I think he’d had the entire day off.

And spoken to not-a-soul. He was extremely in the mood to chat.

‘Lord, at all times? In every good work?’

In an instant, I felt His grace wash over me. I’m certain that I missed a few sentences of my neighbor’s welcome, lost in the stupor of His strength and power instantly replenishing the depleted reserves.

I tuned back in to my neighbor’s friendly banter. And I actually smiled, suddenly glad to see him standing in my driveway, flying a kite. ‘At all times, Lord...’ I prayed silently.

Will you pray this with me this month?

“Oh God, You have blessed me so abundantly! I have clothes to wear, a place to live, and I never even think to worry about where my next meal is coming from. Sometimes it is difficult for me to believe You and Your idealism - really, Lord, in all things at all times? But I say now, today, this week, in each moment, I will trust You: that I will continue to have all that I need, and that by Your strength and Your power, I will abound in every good work that You have prepared in advance for me to do. Amen.”

Jocelyn

MISSIONS - MADISON HOUSE How can I help?

For the duration of the 2013-2014 academic year, we at First Presbyterian Church are partnering with the Madison

House, a center for at-risk youth owned by Union Gospel Mission and located at Spruce & 4th Street.

Our intentional commitment to send volunteers and financial resources to the Madison House has a two-fold purpose:

1. to support and enhance the ministries there.

2. to be personally transformed by God as we reach out to our community through love and service to our neighbors.

The Madison House offers free and low-cost after-school programming for kids K-12 that seeks to meet educational, spiritual, and recreational needs in the immediate community. For more information or if you’d like to become involved, please contact me.

** Makes a great small group activity!

Here are a few specific needs at Madison House to pique your interest:

•

Volunteer coordinators to help their volunteer coordinator with various administrative, organizational duties, and to man the welcome table during open hours (any weekday, any time 2:30-6pm) Shoppers for MH needs throughout the year: supplies, events, etc. Must be savvy with money, conscious of stewardship, able to stick to a list, and willing to donate if you go over-budget.

Dinnertime: 1. Plan / Purchase / Prepare a healthy meal for an average of 65 kids. **

2. Serve a meal (any weekday 4:30p).

Music teachers especially of guitar or piano, individual or group, any age group (in a weekday slot any time 2:30-6pm) Academic tutors any subject, any age group (in a weekday slot 2:30-4pm / 4-5:30pm) Sports and activities directors/supervisors any sport, any age group (in a weekday slot any time 2:30-6pm) Field trip organizers/chaperones for various outings throughout the academic year

• • • • • •

If any or none of these suit your fancy, please contact me at the church office! I’d love to fit your gifts and passions with real needs at Madison House...and beyond.

Jocelyn

If you lead or are part of a small group, I would love to come and visit! Please contact me to arrange a time when I can attend your normal group meeting to share briefly about what God is doing at Madison House and how you might partner together in this outreach.

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MISSIONS - MADISON HOUSE The thing I loved most about volunteering this

summer at Madison House was peeking my eyes open during the prayer before lunch and looking down the long line of hungry students with their heads bowed.

But when I would open my eyes and see those beautiful children thanking God for their meal and hungrily eating up the lunch I had prepared, I felt the Lord soften my heart, reminding me that He makes all things work for HIS glory. Perfection wasn’t the expectation. I showed up. I did what I could. And He does the rest.

I loved greeting each child by name (they wore nametags!) as they came through the lunch line, offering a sandwich or a drink box or whatever was on the menu that day.

As I think about volunteering in some capacity at Madison House this fall, I am excited at what the Lord will do to my heart. I feel a stirring to allow God to use all of me, without expectation. And if it’s anything like the summer, surely it will be filled with imperfect service made perfect through the grace of God.

As little as it was, to make a few lunches, it was a hugely growing experience for me. Sometimes as a stay-at-home mother, my world can feel very small.

Serving lunch helped open my heart and mind spiritually, emotionally and physically.

My service (and my attitude) weren’t always pretty.

One week I ran 15 minutes late and only had a few minutes to set up lunch before the kids were ready to eat. Another week, the turkey wraps I had prepared weren’t received all that well. Sometimes my young children (four, three and nine months) got in the way. Sometimes I felt a little frazzled.

Andrea Andrea McCoy volunteers on the Kingdom Living Team.

CRISTO VIVE FALL SEASON IS HERE IT'S THE SEASON TO FALL...

in love with Adult Education at the Madison House. You're welcome to join us for a brainstorm meeting Sunday, September 8 @ 11a in the Chapel, to explore ways in which we can engage the Madison House adult community.

Have ideas? Bring them to the meeting, email, call or text Gustavo. gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com (509) 388-5752.

M U SI C FO R CH IL DR EN

/ YO U TH.

rold did a few We want to use what Ha uth and children months ago with our yo them thrive as a spring board to help to share your musically. So, if you want r or keyboard singing, bass guitar, guita of our youth playing skills with some us know your and children, please let ir you with kids availability and we will pa e their musical who are eager to continu journey.

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H AV E YO U B E E N O R A R E YO U A S U N DAY S C H O O L T E A C H E R? Are you read

y to share best prac tices with Cristo Vive people ? We want to prov ide a space for you to sh are your insights.

You'll have a chance to he ar what we have do ne and what we are do ing with our childre n' s Sunday School prog ram and you will al so have a chance to sh are your insights and stories and in spire both adults an d teenagers who are and/or will teach Cr isto Vive kids and adul ts. Drop us a line, we will put together an aft ernoon of learning and fellowship the last week in Septembe r.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Encouraging Women to Be Intentional About Their Faith…

Women’s Ministry hopes you had a wonderful summer! We

are refreshed and ready for a new adventure; looking forward to new Sunday classes and the return of two Tuesday morning women’s studies. First we want to introduce you to our newest member, Cindy McMinn. She is going to be a valuable asset to our Women’s Ministry team and we are blessed to have her with us. We also want to thank Jessica Cavanaugh for her years of service on our committee – what a joy she has been to our church organizing different marriage small groups and helping with our women’s retreat last spring.

WOMEN IN THE WORD

(Jean Paulson, Ruth Maloney and various teachers) Tuesday Bible Study – Begins September 17 9:45 in the Parlor

Ladies! Come impact the life of a child at Madison House • Women’s Bible study • Prayer team • Tutoring kids Call Jocelyn in the FPC office and she will get you connected!

John: The Way to True Life We all long for a full, rich, satisfying life. But how do we fill up the empty places in our souls? How can we quench our thirst for something deeper, more lasting, more meaningful?

In this study guide on John, Douglas Connelly urges you to take a fresh look at Jesus. Here is the opportunity to establish--or renew--your faith in the LIVING A SPIRIT LED LIFE WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY One who offers true meaning, true belonging and Never underestimate the power of the Gospel to change a true life. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features life, to change relationships, to change who we are and how additional questions for starting group discussions we think. Yet, the Gospel never changes, and it really is good and for meeting God in personal reflection, together news! with expanded leader's notes and a "Now or Later" This fall we hope you will join us as we look at the section in each study.

Scriptures and what they say about living in relationship with one another. The good news is that we can learn to be peacemakers, rather than peacekeepers, we can live free HERE ARE THE CLASSES YOU CAN BE of offense and judgment, and we can know how to speak INVOLVED WITH THIS FALL AT FPC: truth in love. We can learn to seek the counsel of the Holy TUESDAY MORNINGS: Spirit and practice hearing His voice for every situation in our Living a Spirit Led Life lives.

9:15a / Gym (Begins 9/24) Through Paul’s letters and other Scriptures, Kathy Bricel Women in the Word and Kathy Myers will help us take a look at the nitty-gritty 9:45a / Parlor (Begins 9/17) of getting along with one another in everyday life. Bring a friend, and join the discussion. Whether you are brand new SUNDAY MORNINGS: to studying the Bible or have been doing so for years, this is a Firestarters great place to learn and to encourage one another.

9:30a / Chapel (see page 10) Book of Daniel Tuesdays beginning September 24th, 9:15-11:30 a.m. in the gym (come at 9 for coffee and conversation.)

9:30a / Adult Ed For childcare, call Monnie at 248-7940, ext 105.

Golden Circle 9:30a / Lounge Study is open to all women in the community.

Discipleship in the World Today 9:30a / TBA 19

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

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

T S O C O N A-F: Salad G-R: Dessert S-Z: Main / Side dish

A great opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to First Presbyterian Church and enjoy some great food and new friendships!

Held on the North Lawn. Bring potluck items to the Gym kitchen.

Do you want to serve that day? The committee planning the event can use you in big or small ways! Just call Tyler at the church. Thank You!