Here@First December Newsletter

first presbyterian church

here@

December 2010

FIRST n w o D e m a C e Lov “Worshiping God together, Growing in Christ-like maturity, Reaching those unconnected to Jesus Christ and ImpacƟng our community and the world.”

Volume 21

first presbyterian church

9 S 8th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, (509) 248-7940

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December Events Pastor Jack’s Welcome FUSE Fellowship Ministry Team: Senior Adults Discipleship Ministry Team : Student’s Discipleship Ministry Team : Men’s Cristo Vivé Discipleship Ministry Team : Women’s Devotional Careforce Discipleship Ministry Team : Children’s Announcements Announcements Volunteer Opportunities Mission Fields Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

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Here @ First is also 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

Communion - Every Sunday Ward Chapel Contemporary Services Sanctuary The Best of Classic Worship Sanctuary Childcare Ages 3 mo – 2 1/2 years RM 102 Kidzone Sunday School (Children released to teachers from 9:30 Worship Service) Sonbeams - 2 1/2 up to 4 *Parents drop off at class L2 Cubbies - 4’s to Pre-K 103 Kinder - 1st Grade 208 2nd-3rd Grade 217 4th-5th Grade 203 *Special Needs classroom available 220 Student Ministries (6TH-12TH GRADE) Worship service Sanctuary Small Groups Gym Adult Educa on Classes Adult Ed Rm Golden Circle David Ferry Lounge 40 Days of Purpose Mid High Rm

10:45a 8:00a & 9:30a 11:00a During Services 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a - 10:45a 9:30a 10:30a - 12:00n 9:30a - 10:30a 9:30a - 10:30a 9:30a - 10:30a

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Monday, Wednesday, Friday Monday

Tuesday Wednesday

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D E S

Wednesday, December 1 Women’s Silver Tea 1:00p Garden Room Thursday, December 2 Happy Travelers Mee ng 1:30p Adult Ed Thursday, December 2 Senior Adult Ministries Mee ng 3:00p Adult Ed Thursday, December 2 Prayer Ministry Leader Mee ng 4:00p Library Friday, December 3 MOPS Christmas Tea 9:00a Garden Room December 3, 4, 5 Mountain Meadow Christmas all weekend Ghormley Sunday, December 5 Communion Sunday all morning Sanctuary Sunday, December 5 Mission Fair and Bake Sale all morning Garden Room Sunday, December 5 Child Size Rehearsal 12:00p Sanctuary Monday, December 6 Church Closes at 5:00p Tuesday, December 7 Preschool Christmas Program 7:00p Sanctuary Wednesday, December 8 Farragut Video (Veterans) 4:00p Adult Ed Thursday, December 9 Business Ministry Team Mee ng 7:00a Adult Ed Thursday, December 9 Fellowship Ministry Team Mee ng 5:15p Adult Ed Friday, December 10 Cristo Vive Cra Night 6:30p Lounge Saturday, December 11 Childsize rehearsal 10 - noon Sanctuary Saturday, December 11 Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:00a Mid High Saturday, December 11 Cristo Vive Couple’s Night 6:00p Lounge Sunday, December 12 Child Size Service all 3 services Sanctuary Sunday, December 12 Pancakes for KidZone 8:00a-11:30a Gym Sunday, December 12 Carenet Christmas Party 2:00p Offsite Tuesday, December 14 Kaffee Klatsch 9:30a Garden Room Tuesday, December 14 Discipleship Ministry Team Mee ng 1:00p Adult Ed Rm Tuesday, December 14 Session/Deacons (Dinner/mee ng) 6:00p Garden Room Wednesday, December 15 Ghormley Commission 6:30p Rhino Room Thursday, December 16 Happy Travelers “Christmas Lights Tour” 5:00p Garden Room Saturday, December 18 Cristo Vive Christmas Celebra on Gym Tuesday, December 21 Service Ministry Team Mee ng 7:00a Adult Ed Rm December 20 - 31 Preschool Christmas Break Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve (Church Office Closes at 1:00pm) Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve Family Services 5:00p / 7:00p Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve Carols & Candles Service 8:45p Organ Recital 9:00p Choral Service Saturday, December 25 Merry Christmas! Our Savior is Born!

Monday, December 27 Church Closed all day December 28 - 30 Church Closes at 1:00pm This Week Friday, December 31 Church Closed all day Tuesday, January 4 Adult Ed Mee ng 7:00p Adult Ed Rm Wednesday, January 5 FUSE Board Lunch/Mee ng 12:00p Parlor Wednesday, January 5 WOW Mee ng (Women’s Ministry) 4:00p Rhino Room Wednesday, January 12 Winter RE3 Kickoff 5:30p

Thursday

Senior Adult Exercise TOPS Over-Eaters Anonymous Al-Anon Church Basketball Living a Spirit Filled Life (Women) Women’s Bible Study Over-Eaters Anonymous Men’s Bible Study Women of Ac on (Prayer) Bible Study Fellowship (women) Worship Rehearsal Temple Choir Rehearsal

Women Everyone 55+ MOPS Moms Everyone Everyone Everyone Kidzone Preschool Families Everyone

Women Kidzone Everyone Everyone Kidzone Carenet Callers Everyone Elders and Deacons Ghormley Everyone Cristo Vive Mission Focus

Everyone Everyone Everyone

FuSE Board

8:45a 10:00a 12:00p 5:15p 7:00p 9:15a 9:45a 1:00p 12:00p 12:00p 9:00a 6:00p 7:00p

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DEC 5 DEC 12 DEC 19 DEC 24 DEC 24 DEC 24 DEC 26

JACK PEEBLES Senior Pastor Jack.Peebles@fpcyakima.com

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LOVE IS PROMISED - Jack Peebles / Matthew 11:2-11 CHILDSIZE SERVICE LOVE IS COMING - Jack Peebles / Matthew 3: 1-12 5:00p FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 7:00p FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 8:45p 67th CAROLS & CANDLES LOVE ON THE RUN 9:30a & 11:00a only - Jim Erixson / Matthew 2:13-23 LOVE IN THE WORLD - Mark Tumney

Dear Church Family Advent is from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” The four Sundays preceding Christmas Eve serve to prepare us for the coming of Jesus, the Christ child. With the arrival of Jesus, God’s gift of salvation is here. Too often, however, people miss the real reason for the season. We can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season. We stress over and strive for the “perfect” Christmas celebration while forgetting the perfect Christmas celebration is one in which Christ is at the center. I came across this recently and offer it for your reflection: “Once a little girl named Mary Beth found herself caught in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity. Her dad was scurrying about, loaded down with bundles and burdens. Her mom, under pressure of preparing for the great occasion, had succumbed to tears several times.

The little girl tried to help her weary parents but found she was often in the way.

“Not now, Mary Beth. Can’t you see I’m busy?” each parent would say.

Finally, near tears herself, Mary Beth was hustled off to bed. There, as she knelt to pray the Lord’s Prayer, her heart and tongue became intertwined. “Forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us,” she said.

Perhaps Mary Beth’s prayer wasn’t so far from the truth. Many times we leave Christ out of Christmas.

Many times our Christmas spirit is not of good will but of exhaustion, causing us to trample on our loved one’s feelings. And many times we’re so busy planning the birthday celebration that we forget to invite the guest of honor.

Imagine for a moment that you never heard the Christmas story, and you visit a shopping mall on December 22. You listen to the music being played over the intercom system and eavesdrop on a few shoppers’ conversations. Next, you stop by a greeting card shop and browse through the rows of red and green envelopes with cards sporting colorful and comical messages. Window displays grab your attention, enticing last-minute shoppers with promises of low prices. Stress-laden people rush by carrying stacks of boxes in various shapes and sizes. What conclusions would you draw about the event that culminates on December 25?

Much has changed since the God of the universe decorated the night sky with the star of Bethlehem and directed the choir of angels in a chorus announcing our Savior’s birth. But the commercialism doesn’t have to rule in our hearts and homes. This year, let’s focus on the Christ child.

As we turn our eyes to the Babe lying in a manger, Christmas is transformed from dreaded obligation and major retail event. It becomes a time of joyous celebration, honoring the One who came to give us eternal life and worshipping our heavenly Father” -“Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas” by Sharon Jaynes During this Advent-Christmas season our sermon series theme is “Love Came Down.” We will be exploring how God’s love was/is needed, promised, and delivered. Our Child-Sized services will be held on December 12th. Join us this month at First Presbyterian Church of Yakima as we celebrate a Christ-centered Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Jack

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One of the core convictions of our Fuse project is the desire to help our families connect relationally—both within one’s nuclear family and within our greater church family. One of the ways we have sought to do this is simply by occasionally “playing” together. One of the ways we played together this past month was by carving pumpkins. God used our time together in a wonderful way.

Ministry: FUSE

MARK TUMNEY Pastor of Family Life & Missions Mark.Tumney@fpcyakima.com

Carving C i O Outt Connections C ti A few weeks ago Tyler gave a great children’s message about how carving a pumpkin is like what God does for us. He cleans the yuck out so that he can place HIS wonderful light in us and in turn we are to shine that light to others. I have to admit that the process of cleaning out the yuck can be tough but I think that shining the light can sometimes be even tougher!

It’s hard to believe that shining the light to others might be hard but I’ve got to tell you, it has definitely been a challenge for me.

On the same day of that children’s message, FUSE had a pumpkin carving activity downstairs in the GYM. My family and I had the opportunity to shine the light to a stranger who was a person we would not normally acknowledge. It was also an opportunity for us, as parents, to model how to shine the light to a stranger to our children.

As we were sitting at our table getting ready to carve, a young adult, or he could have possible of been a teenager, came in. Now, I’ve got to be honest my first impression was “I hope he doesn’t sit by us.”

As he walked around, I could feel the HOLY SPIRIT prompting me to invite him to sit with our family, so I did. I was thinking in my mind, “God, what are you having me do?”

Now this young man looked like someone who lives on the streets. He also seemed to be different socially as well. I could feel God prompting me to include him in our family’s activity, so I did.

We helped him find a picture of a cat to carve on his pumpkin because that is what he wanted. We asked him questions, and found out his name, which was the

same name as my son’s name. As I talked and interacted with him I had to constantly ask God to help me feel comfortable with interacting with him. I had to be very intentional with interacting with him and allowing him to be included. We were able to help him carve the cat in his pumpkin and he walked out of the church with a smile and his pumpkin in his arms.

A few weeks later, I saw him while I was driving up Yakima Ave. I wasn’t where I could stop and talk to him but I was able to say, “Hey, I know him” and then say a quick prayer for him. Also my children were able to see and be comfortable with interacting with him. I hope that this experience will help them show the LIGHT to everyone they meet, no matter who they are.

Now I’ve got to tell you, that was probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I know that “With God, nothing is impossible” Luke 1:37. He called me, or rather us, my family to share the light with this young man and we did. Even though we thought we couldn’t do it, he showed us how. He can show you how too! If he prompts you to interact with someone that you normally would not, ask him for HIS guidance and he will show you how to show the LIGHT, but you have to listen to what he is asking you to do. Remember he speaks in a still, small voice……and you’re going to have to listen carefully and follow even when it is tough. Let HIM lead and he will use YOU to shine the LIGHT in this dark world!

With Christ’s Love, Anonymous

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Ministry: Senior Adult

JIM ERIXSON Pastor of Congrega onal Care 248-7940 x 130 Jim.Erixson@fpcyakima.com

Thanksgiving Dinne At Dinner

We have entered into the season of Advent the beginning of a new year on the Church calendar.

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation for the coming of God’s special gift, a gift that shows us how very much He loves us. His gift, of course, is Jesus.

Jesus becomes a new beginning, a new hope for the Jews and for all the people of the world.

Even today we feel a time of a new beginning, a fresh start in our lives. This is a season to put our lives of the past behind us and look forward to starting all over again. God has given us a second chance to get it right. Jesus came to this earth to not only show us how much God loves us but to show us a new love that we have never experienced before. A love that is so huge it swallows up all the darkness in our lives and opens our eyes to a new light. In this season of Advent, let us focus on preparing for the coming of Jesus and preparing ourselves to meet the light of new hope and a new love for one another, putting our differences behind us and accepting God’s gift of love. As we prepare and celebrate the birth of God’s Son with our families, we express the special love God has given us with others within our community. God is Love!

Pastor Jim

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“I would not have been able to have Thanksgiving dinner this year if it weren’t for this day”. - A Mable Swan Resident

Mable Swan

On Wednesday November 17 almost thirty people from FPC , trekked across south 8th avenue to Mable Swan Manor, and served a complete Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings. The Manor staff had cleared the lobby of all the furniture, and set up decorated tables to seat one hundred and ten residents. The pool table was transformed into a festive buffett style table.

In August, Pastor Jim Erixson planted a “seed” at the Happy Travelers meeting to host a Thanksgiving dinner at Mable Swan instead of just inviting them over to the church for dinner. This was to help fulfill our committment as a missional church to ‘reach out’ and ‘go to’ the community. The seed germinated a while and grew to include the Senior Adult Ministry, a Bible study group, the Deacons, and many individuals.

It was a joyous occasion for all who served and for all who were served.

Happy smiles, full tummies, visiting, and fellowship left us all praising God for this special blessing.

Lu Smith

Ministry: Student

TYLER VAN HORN Director of Student Ministries 248-7940 x 106 Tyler.VanHorn@fpcyakima.com

KARIN SKONE Assistant Director of Student Ministries 248-7940 x 116 Karin.Skone@fpcyakima.com December 15,22,29 and January 5: No Youth Group January 9,16,23,30: Sunday Morning Student Small Groups 11a to 12p

January 12: Youth Group Back on Regular Times February 4-6: SnowBlast High School Retreat at Ghormley

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Ministry: Men

The purpose of this Men’s Ministry Class is two fold: 1) To provide a place of gathering for men of all ages from within and outside our church to connect, learn, support and serve.

2) To expand the ministry scope of the men of our church to include validating and empowering them to serve in the ministries they already have at work, at home, in church and in the community.

BILL STARR Men’s Ministries 965-3318 Bill.Starr@fpcyakima.com

After taking a break for the holidays, the Men’s Ministry class will be starting up again on Wednesday nights as a part of the Re3 winter programs. We have finished the first half of Timothy Keller’s book “The Reason for God” and will be jumping into the second half. The first half was focused on challenging questions that many people have about Christianity and the church, the second half is more about the foundational beliefs that support our Christian faith and what difference they make in our daily lives as Christian men.

We would welcome any guy who wants to join us to come and check it out. You don’t need to have been involved in the first half of the study since the second half stands alone, and actually each chapter is self-contained, so anyone can fit in at any time throughout the quarter. In addition to our time for study, we also enjoy talking with each other for support and prayer, but also to have some fun together as men on Wednesday nights.

Here are the details:

Ministry: Cristo Vive

Men’s Ministry Class Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00PM Beginning on January 12th Adult Education Room First Presbyterian Church All men are welcome Study, prayer, support and fun Come join us, you’ll be glad you did!

GUSTAVO CARVAJAL Pastor Iglesia Cristo Vive 248-7940 x 133 Gustavo.Carvajal@FPCYakima.com

Dr. Bill Starr

There was a time in which God came down, and even after that special night that same caring God continues to come down to us. He still graciously visits His people with Hope, Peace and Salvation. These are excerpts from a conversation with someone who has vividly witnessed this happening in recent months and days.

G. When have you seen God come to you this year?

M. At the CityFest. God showered me with forgiveness and acceptance. I recommitted my life to Him. G. Who else has been touched by God’s grace?

M. My sister, who was visiting from Florida also surrendered her life to Christ at the CityFest. It was

totally unplanned. She and her husband traveled many miles to visit us, but we never imagined she would be visited by God for good. But that’s not the whole story. She started going to church in Florida and now her husband also welcomed Christ to be his savior.

G. Have you seen God at work in your life recently?

M. Yes. Just before Thanksgiving something amazing happened. I could not really stand my neighbor’s

attitude and their rudeness towards me. I didn’t like them. However, as I was praying God clearly made me realize they are also His children. I started to pray for them. I changed my attitude towards them.

That Saturday evening, while I was at home praying, my neighbor came and said “M, God urged me to come to you, to ask for forgiveness and to give you a hug. God is Real!”

G. Anything else exciting happening in your life?

M. I’m renewing my baptismal vows, I will go through the waters as I join as a member of this beautiful church God has placed me in. Thank you God!

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Ministry: Women

Love Came Down A story of healing For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 Do we look for Jesus daily in our lives during the holidays? Not just on Christmas or on Sundays, but daily. Love came down. His name is Immanuel. God with us.

I must confess I have it pretty easy during the holidays. My family hosts the major dinners and celebrations. I don’t have to cook much. I do most of our Christmas shopping throughout the year, get the Christmas cards out early, the decorating is easy thanks to having a very small house. All in all this time of year doesn’t get too crazy for our family.

Please, don’t get me wrong.

Even though the five weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas aren’t too hectic for us we still have our struggles. This time of year is the hardest emotionally on our family.

My husband works longer hours and gets less sleep. I, on the other hand, get too much sleep. I struggle with seasonal depression. All my adult life my preference has been to hibernate through winter.

I need light.

I crave light.

If I don’t get enough light, I get cranky. Ask my husband.

A year ago I was having an incredibly rough time. I felt as though my life was crashing around me. It was October, not even winter yet, and I was depressed, and angry. Angry at most anything, most anytime; no appointment needed. I have known God since I was a toddler. I prayed. I went to church. I worshiped. I belonged to a small group.

You name it, I did it. However, I was missing a key element. Jesus.

Love came down. His name is Immanuel. For me, Jesus came down in the midst of some pretty heavy prayer

SHAN TRICK Women’s Ministries 248-7940 x 142 Shan.Trick@fpcyakima.com

with my small group last year on a cold November evening. It was dark.

I needed light. We worshipped. We prayed. Love came down. I let Jesus in my life that night. He was already in my heart. I let him in my life. I let Him take the driver’s seat. I let go of my anger. He took away my depression. I was healed!

Did I recognize the healing from anger and depression that evening? Nope. It took me a few months.

Love came down. Jesus equips His saints. I am one of His saints. A new class at church was being offered: Holy Spirit Boot Camp. The various teachers in this class shared their gifts: prayer language, prophetic prayer, healing in the name of Jesus, intercessory prayer, worship, just to name a few. It has been an incredible year of transformation.

I am (for the first time in many years) excited for winter. Bring on the holidays, the people, the shopping, the food! I’m ready! I don’t feel like staying in bed for the next four months. I am eager to see what Jesus will have me do this season. Best of all, I’m okay!

God healed me through His son, Jesus Christ. God heals you, too. Love came down. His name is Immanuel.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16 Ericka Clark

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DevoƟonal Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Philip, don’t you even yet know who I am, even after all the time I have been with you?

Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father!” John 14:8-9 The baby born at Bethlehem was God made man. He didn’t stop being God. He was no less God. Jesus was not created in Bethlehem. He came down to earth. He began to be man. And, the wonder of the Christmas story is not that this baby was born to humble parents, but that this baby was God arriving to live among men, arriving to take away the penalty of sin. The baby in the manger was God. The One to whom the wise men were led by the Bethlehem star was the very One who made every star.

The spirit of Christmas is told in the first chapter of John. Jesus set aside all His glory as God. He left behind all His heavenly delights so that He could bring the gift of God’s grace to mankind. The spirit of Christmas is seen in Jesus not just telling us about our Father God but by demonstrating every attribute of God in the way He lived each day of His life.

This is what salvation is. It is a changed heart and a changed life. This is the good news, this is the gospel. And, this is what Christmas means. Jesus did not come to simply give us a beautiful manger scene. He did not come to give us a Christmas Eve service once a year. He came to be our Savior.

He came to give us salvation, to begin right where we are to change us. We need ourselves to be changed, and that change can only occur in a relationship with the living God. Today can be the first day of the new you. What would you like to change? Have you made a commitment to God or someone else in your life that you’ve neglected?

Have you been caught up with wrong desires, shrugged off spending time with God? Have you let go of the passionate love our Father deserves? Whatever it is today, right now, you can declare a time for change and start again. It doesn’t matter how big or how small, right now make one decision that will get you started living the new you.

As you celebrate the amazing miracle of Jesus’ birth may you recommit to a life lived in passionate love with the Father.

Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Luke 3:8 Lord God may I daily acknowledge the presence of your living spirit in my body. May I walk in this world today in a manner that brings glory to You.

Ministry: Careforce KANDY INGERSOLL Careforce Director 248-7940 x 141 945-6382 Kandy.Ingersoll@fpcyakima.com

The Valiant Man “Valiant” - the 1828 Noah Webster’s dictionary defines it as - Strong; vigorous in body; brave; courageous; intrepid in danger; heroic; as a valiant soldier. “...be thou valiant for me and fight the Lord’s battles.” 1Samuel 18:17 Performed with valor; bravely conducted; heroic; as a valiant action or achievement; avaliant combat.

How many of us men can say we lead a valiant life when it comes to our sexual life? How does God want us to handle our sexuality? After all He created us to be the way we are, didn’t He? Society tells us we must be young, virile, look a certain way, act a certain way, in order to be a man. What does the Bible describe manhood to be? Is sexual morality important to God? In Acts 15, the church leaders gave four things necessary for the new followers of Christ to help them in the faith. One of those four things was to abstain from sexual immorality.

Developing and maintaining a healthy sexuality is every man’s battle. The Valiant Man program with study and devotion guide, is designated to fortify and restore the moral and spiritual integrity of men. Valiant Man challenges all men to fight for their own personal moral and spiritual vitality and help other men fight for theirs. Through video, which is then followed by discussion in small groups with confidentiality being observed, men discover how sexual discipleship helps them to become the valiant man that God designed them to be. The 10 sessions covered are: A Vision for Manhood; The Sexual Man; The Cycle of Addiction; Retraining Your Brain; Guarding Your Heart; The Arena of Healing; The Origin, Power, and Purpose of Sex; The Understanding Man; Taking a Stand; and Realistic Expectations.

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Join us this January for you own Valiant Man program. It will change your life.

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Class starts with Winter RE3 schedule in January, 6:00p Wednesdays. Brochures, applications, and registration available at the Connection Center, or in the church office. If you have questions contact Kandy Ingersoll at 945-6382

The Salvation Army Angel Tree 2010

Ministry: Children

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 church foyer next to the latte stand. · Purchase a NEW gift for the child named on the tag.

SUSIE WOODIN KATHY EATON · Attach the angel tag with Assistant Director Director of Children’s child’s name on it to your of Children’s Ministries Ministries UNWRAPPED gift.

248-7940 x 135 248-7940 x 110 · Bring your gift back to Susie.Woodin@fpcyakima.com Kathy.Eaton@fpcyakima.com the Angel Tree at First Presbyterian Church by December 8, OR drop it off at the Salvation Army after that date. They will then distribute the gifts I wasn't quite sure what the morning was going to bring as I brought my two girls to church and the Family Fuse Christmas Child Shoebox activity. We went down on Dec. 18. Don’t miss this opportunity to be an to the gym and noticed right away we were the first ones there. We asked what we angel in the life of a child! needed to do and were invited to take seats at any of four groupings of tables spread throughout the four corners of the room. In the middle were tables stacked to heaping with various school supplies, toys, candy and personal hygiene items. My two young daughter's eyes got rather large as they imagined what was going to happen with all those surprises. After several minutes of nervous anticipation we were joined at our table by a group of middle school and high school students. We introduced ourselves to each other and appointed one of the students to be our table leader to guide us through the activity. Our first task was to discuss our favorite subjects in school and what we liked best about being able to go to school. Conversation gradually turned to kids around the world who don't have adequate supplies for school and what that might feel like. Each person was then instructed to go to the "school supply" table and pick out something to put in our shoebox. Upon returning we said a brief prayer for the children who would receive our boxes and moved to the next table section.

This basic format enabled us to fill our shoeboxes with items like toothbrushes, stuffed animals, marking pens and candy. At our last station we wrote personal notes, and stuffed what remaining space we had in our boxes with extra goodies. It was such fun to see each participant take a personal interest in the child they were preparing a box for. The rotating sections also gave us great opportunities for conversations that everyone in our multigenerational group eagerly participated in. I made some new friends that day, and together we prayed and blessed a child somewhere else in the world in the name of Jesus.

- Anonymous

At the Operation Shoe Box packing party tables were set up in various groups, each with a themed devotional activity. Since my husband and I have only an infant son, we found ourselves without family companions to share our thoughts with. Luckily for us, we spotted two young people in a similar situation. That is how we were blessed to meet Bailey and Blake. They were willing to sit with us and actively participate in the devotions. As we rotated through the series of four stations, we were so impressed by their insight, compassion, and empathy for children around the world who have fewer material privileges than we do. Additionally, we had fun learning about each other’s lives and interests outside of church. We are excited to see the two of them again on Sundays and at future FUSE events! - Anonymous

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Announcements PRAYER TEAM God yearns to be involved in every aspect of our lives and Prayer Partners consider it a privilege to pray with you about any and all concerns. You’ll find Prayer Partners in the Parlor (off the Sanctuary) after each Sunday service. Stop by for prayer or share your answers to prayer with them!

Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan

Cookies & Cans 5th E-I Please bring cookies to church for the 12th J-K fellowship time in the Garden Room on We also collect non-perishable food 19st L-M Sundays. items for Calvary Rescue Mission (a food bank 26th N-P here in Yakima). They are in need of protein 2th Q-T items: tuna, peanut butter, soups, etc. And bottled water. Thank you!

Please drop off cookies and food bank donations in the Parlor Kitchen Friday or even Sunday morning!

First Presbyterian Church

Missions Fair

Karen Blankenship

Sheri Rynd

Aaron Barker, son of Pastor Emeritus Steve Barker, will be leading worship Sunday December 5 at the 8:00a and 9:30a services.

Sunday, December 5 9:00am - 1:00pm Garden Room

Bake Sale First Presbyterian Church Missionss Local and Global • Madison House • Project Mercy • Habitat for Humanity • And more

RE3 Winter Session Bible Study “Discipleship on the Edge” Jack Peebles Men’s Ministry Group “The Reason for God” Bill Starr Practicing the Spiritual Diciplines Kathy Starr Beth Moore Video Series The Inheritance Shan Trick

December 12 – December 18 is Bistro Week at FPC. This is an extra opportunity for our small groups to open our doors, invite someone who would not normally come to our groups, and share a meal. If you are interested in joining a small group for Bistro week, please contact Erik. mickelson@FPCYakima.com and he will be happy to suggest a small group that is in your neighborhood.

ATTENTION PARENTS! A

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Yahoo and Giddyup…it’s a Cowboy Christmas Celebration! Set on the open range, our “cowhands” will put a smile on your face, and praise in your heart, as they celebrate Christmas cowboy style! You might even discover that cowboys have a lot in common with the shepherds in the Christmas story. Join us Dec. 12 at the 8, 9:30, or 11:00 services as the kids of FPC present “From Our Herd to Your Herd”…a rip- roarin’… rootin’ -tootin’ celebration that will have yer feet stompin’ and yer hands a clappin’!

Announcements

The Deacon’s would love some help getting out the word to the congregation that they are here for us. Our deacons do hospital visitations each day and with the new HIPA laws they are having a really hard time finding people who have been admitted.

We just want to remind the congregation that if they would like to notify the church (of course privacy is respected) we would love to pray for them and also forward the information on to the deacons.

Memorial Hospital has changed registration procedures.

If you wish to be visited by the Pastors and Deacons, there are two blocks that need to be filled in for this to happen.

One block asks for your “Religious Preference” and the other block asks if you wish to be visited by your Pastor. If none or only one of the blocks are filled in, your name will not be entered into the “Chaplain’s Report” and no one will know you are in the hospital, and you will not receive a visit by the Pastors and/or Deacons.

Volunteer OpportuniƟes God asks us to bring Him a tithe. He also asks us to bring our time and talents to Him. Here are some ministry opportunities in the church.

We need volunteers to Usher, Greet and Serve in the Garden Room on Sunday mornings. The 8:00 service is the one that needs the most help, but can use more for the other two as well.

Contact Diane Kearby at 248-0650.

To volunteer to usher call Scott Henyan 966-8192.

Do you play guitar? Drums? Bass? Piano? Cristo Vive has a group of people eager to learn instruments and are in need of people who would love to TEACH. Bring your skills, and talents, and spread the love of God through music. Contact Gustavo Carvajal

Do you play an intrument? The Contemporary Worship Band is in great need of people who play piano, bass, drums or guitar. We also need vocalists. Contact Doug Cairns at 966-5360

Parents are needed at the Childsized Christmas.

It’s a busy Sunday and we need adults to assist getting the children to the right places at the right times.

Contact Susie Woodin.

What if nobody helped?

MEN!!! Put down the Sawzall and impact wrench, and come impact the youth in the valley. We need Volunteers for Christmas Party at Madison House.

Monday, December 20 5:30-7:00p Come hand out gifts, help with face painting, play games, and spend time with kids who really be blessed by your participation. Madison House is expecting over 200 kids. Contact Kevin Deyette at 457-3370

Davis HS needs volunteers for tutoring students. Contact Gustavo Carvajal.

Volunteers needed on Christmas Eve, Friday Dec 24. Come be a greeter in the parking lot and at the doors of the building for the 5:00p, 7:00p and/or 8:45p services. call Scott Henyan 966-8192.

Volunteers in the kitchen with Tony We need help in the kitchen from Wednesday, January 12 through Wednesday, March 2. Help needed at both times: 4:30p to 6:30p for the first dinner or 6:30p to 8:30p for the second dinner. Contact Tyler Van Horn

There are a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks to be done on any given Sunday, and even through out the week. It takes quite a few man-hours to accomplish everything, and it’s not as simple as one might think. The TECH TEAM, is desperate for help. And, although electronics can seem daunting, you really don’t have to know anything. We are very happy to train. We need extra eyes and ears, and hands, and feet to get it all done. Please consider if you can donate one Sunday a month. Contact Debbie Kent.

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Mission Fields Near the end of August my 18 year old son, Benjamin, and I traveled to Niger in Central Africa for 17 days. This trip had come about through a “chance” meeting with an SIM missionary lady two years earlier. A wonderful and wise Sunday School teacher (Jackie Anderson) taught me long ago that all people always cross our paths according to God’s purpose. Over the months that Phyllis (the SIM missionary) and I had corresponded, it was impressed upon me that she had a real need and that I could help. At first I believed that I could simply mail the much needed children’s clothing. But God wanted a more costly move on my part and in the end the only way to get the clothing to the Bible School Compound in Aguie was to fly there myself.

With my son along , we could bring that many more suitcases, and my husband believed I would be safer traveling. Aware that a single lady might find cooking for guests, particularly a 6 ‘3” growing boy, difficult, I offered to cook. But, in subsequent emails I learned that food was hard to come by; a tasty and varied diet impossible. So, I offered to bring in the food. Shopping with help from Albertsons and Thriftway managers was really fun.

I discovered tuna, salmon, and chicken in foil—not needing refrigeration. I found powdered soups, instant dry meals, soft turkey jerky, dehydrated veggies, and Hormel ‘Completes”. The first miracle was getting all this safely to Niger. (The only Custom’s difficulty was at the Yakima Airport where the security had trouble with my box of Applets and Cotlets but I even got to keep that!) The second miracle became visible when later in Aguie we dumped the contents of all 6 bags out and filled Phyllis’ living room. There was so much food and clothing. It seemed to have multiplied and we never could get things back into the suitcases. Phyllis’ cupboards, hall closets, and even book cases were filled with the packaged food... .her extra room packed with clothing. For months children had been saying verses in payment and in anticipation of clothing.

The first day we arrived they began streaming to the house to pick out their pants or shirt. That is when we saw the third miracle. There was enough clothing for all the children of the compound and for the town kids as well. And there was something to fit every single child!

After that first day Benjamin and I accompanied Phyllis to classes where we helped in the literacy class---tutoring Hausa reading. How strange to see thirty year olds struggling to learn to read! Worshipping Sunday mornings with area Christians was a special treat. (Only .3% of Niger’s primarily Islamic population is Christian). Scarcely enough electricity to turn a fan, no air conditioning, 96 degree heat nearly every day coupled with 90% humidity, flies everywhere, mosquitos everywhere, unsafe water, emaciated oxen, smelly debris piles along every pathway, and even starving babies colored our impressions of this country. Niger is reported by the UN to be the worst place in the world to live! As we were preparing to leave two Niger men, one a teacher at the school, the other an SIM taxi driver, asked Benjamin to come back to their country. “We need you to be a missionary to us.”

What was the biggest miracle of all? It was simply that I listened this time to God’s prompting and followed his instructions all the way. Think what my life would be like if I was always so receptive. These 17 days have changed my attitude, the way I spend my money, and even how I pray. How many adventures might I have if I always said yes to God? - Anonymous

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The Prayer Shawl Ministry received a request for a shawl to be taken to a person in the hospital. Ellen and Nancy work at Davis HS and are part of the ministry. Nancy also serves as a deacon. Ellen had the shawl and was going to deliver it to Nancy to take to the person in the hospital during a Deacon visitation. Ellen asked one of her students to “take this shawl to Nancy in the kitchen”. Nancy did not receive it that day or the next. She then asked Ellen what happened to the shawl and Ellen learned the student had left it in the office where there is also a Nancy. When that Nancy came back into the office and found a prayer shawl for “Nancy”, she assumed it was for herself and called Ellen to thank her. She shared with Ellen all the troubles she had been through with deaths of relatives and bad health of others.

She said she felt so much love and comfort when she put the shawl on and asked Ellen how she knew the shawl was so needed! Ellen didn’t skip a beat and told her “God knew!!” That incident let those of us who had been knitting and crocheting know that God was directing our efforts & would bless those we were trying to help. What a verification that God is in our midst!!!

- Anonymous

Two weeks ago Martha shared with a small group of women, during Holy Spirit Boot Camp, that she was facing spinal surgery and scheduled for an MRI the next morning.

Two years ago she had undergone surgery to place donor bone from a cadaver into her injured cervical spine. For some time now Martha had been experiencing chronic pain and restricted movement. A CAT scan revealed “dark spots” on the transplanted bone and Martha’s physician was concerned the bone was deteriorating and would need surgical replacement.

A prayer circle enveloped Martha and hands were laid on her neck as women began to pray for physical healing. Martha later shared she felt heat, “my neck where I was being touched was on fire from the Holy Spirit.”

Martha completed the MRI and this week received the results from her physician . . . the bone was clean, without spots, and healthy.

No surgery was indicated. A six week course of physical therapy would strengthen the transplanted bone and alleviate any residual pain.

- Anonymous

Ministry: Ghormley It all started with a walk in the woods. Our family

realized that although those things are important, the camp and its staff have shown the importance of providing a place where people can get away, see the stars, smell the trees and have a divine appointment with the Creator. These things take priority, and facilitating this may mean changing a light bulb, driving a van full of excited people going to “tube” the river, sweeping a porch, cleaning windows, praying for an injured camper, cleaning the pool, helping look for a lost item, or hooking up and encouraging kids and adults as they conquer their fears on the zip line. We have had the opportunity to do and experience things here that are out of the norm of our everyday life. We

has been in a season of adventure. It’s a season that started about 18 months ago. It’s a time where we purpose to try new things, to explore, to gain new experiences, to walk with God. It is there we found ourselves, walking in the woods, talking to God about what He may have for us next.

We felt God’s leading us toward investing ourselves with a season at a Christian camp. We didn’t know where, or with what camp. We decided to ignore the job boards, put together a short email about our family and backgrounds and send it to a small group of camps we thought we might be able to help and looked forward to dialoging with those that replied. Long story short, we felt Ghormley was the place God wanted us to be.

We arrived at Ghormley in its full summer swing. Having never even visited this area before, we discovered a hidden gem of a place. Not only in the wonderment and charm of the camp Caleb, Cody, Shannon, Chris, Christian itself, but in expressed with the wonderful people who serve have had the privilege of serving our God there and call it home. by loving His people and are so grateful We came to help. And yet God in for the opportunity. You haven’t lived until His goodness has helped us. We intended you have unclogged a toilet for Jesus! The to pour out love, but love has been example the staff is to us as they serve poured upon us. What a sweet season day in and out year after year is incredible. this has been serving as a family. Our They are the hands God has chosen to send three boys (ages 14,12,11) have helped his love through here on this corner of the clean cabins, assisted in the general planet, and to hear about the experiences store, lifted ladders for the zip line riders, of the people who come and encounter stacked wood, spread wood chips, tested God in this place is truly rewarding.

Christmas lights, and all sorts of other As we have now experienced the things, there are always things to be done full chaos of the summer, giving way to around camp. The sweet thing about the glorious colors of fall and quieter guest working side by side is the relationships group season, to now the first magical you get to build with amazing people moments of the snow covered trees of who quietly serve but love their God so winter, we can truly attest to the love that is deeply. The love poured on us by God poured out on those that visit, and to those and people here is something we will not who serve here as well. forget.

Our intent was to work with Shannon Pollinger the staff on the dynamics of teamwork, staff development, operational systems, efficiency, marketing and branding. We

MARK WASHAM Execu ve Director (509) 672-4311 Mark@ghormleymeadow.org

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

Christmas Services Sunday December 12

Child Size Christmas service. (A worship service lead by children, all three services)

Sunday December 19

“Happy Birthday Jesus!” party hour during Kid’s Zone

Friday

Christmas Eve 5:00p Family Christmas service 7:00p Family Christmas service

December 24

8:45p Organ Recital - Featuring Dr. Jon Waite 9:00p 67th Carols & Candles - Featuring The Temple Choir & Carillon Bell Choir

Sunday December 26

Services at 9:30 & 11:00 only