Here@First - Mar2011

here@

2011

FIRST

Who

is

my

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

Volume 24

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima o

9 South 8th Ave YYakima, WA 98902

(509) 248-7940

PAGE

this issue 3 March Events 4 Pastor Jack’s Welcome 5 FUSE (Families) 6 Senior Adults

7 Men 8 Women 9 Children 10 Students 11 Preschool 12 Missions 13 Cristo Vive 14 Announcements & Opportunities 15 Devotional 16-17 Baby Baptism & Dedication 2010 18 More Missions 19 Trail Seekers

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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

March Events Tuesday, March 1 Tuesday, March 1 Wednesday, March 2 Thursday, March 3 Thursday, March 3 Thursday, March 3 Friday, March 4 March 4, 5, 6 Sunday, March 6 Tuesday, March 8 Wednesday, March 9 Wednesday, March 9 Thursday, March 10 Thursday, March 10 Thursday, March 10 Friday, March 11 Saturday, March 12 Tuesday, March 15 Tuesday, March 15 Tuesday, March 15 Wednesday, March 16 Wednesday, March 16 Friday, March 18 Friday, March 18 March 18 - 30 Saturday, March 19 Saturday, March 19 Saturday, March 19 Sunday, March 20 Tuesday, March 22 Wednesday, March 23 Friday, March 25 Saturday, March 26 Saturday, March 26 Sunday, March 27 March 27-30 March 28-April 1 Tuesday, March 29 Tuesday, March 29 Sunday, April 3

5:15p 7:00p 6:30p 1:30p 3:00p 4:00p 9:30a all weekend 2:00p 1:00p 7:00a 5:15p / 6:30p 9:30a 5:15p 6:30p 6:30p 9:00a 7:00a 9:30a 7:00p 4:00p 6:30p 9:30a 7:30p

Sanctuary Guild

Prayer Ministry Point Leaders MOPS Women's Retreat / Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan

Ash Wednesday (Dinner and Service)

Fellowship Ministry Team

! " #

$ % & #

Prayer Shawl Ministry *

+ : ;

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= Ghormley Commission MOPS Union Gospel Mission Service (FPC Leads Worship) Mission Trip to Ethiopia / Project Mercy 9:00a # "

4:30p - 8:00p Young Lives Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00p % > * % $ #

10:30a / 12:30p Chat With The Elders 6:00p

10:00a # %

9:30a MOPS Zumba / MOPS Team Training 9:00a - 2:00p Clothing Exchange 1:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 3:30p $

Schweitzer Ski Trip (Grades 8-12) ? # 6:30p

! " #

7:00p Prayer and Praise Service all morning Communion Sunday

Rhino Room Adult Ed Room Garden Room Adult Ed Room Adult Ed Room Library Gym Gym Adult Ed Room Adult Ed Room Gym/Sanctuary Rhino Room Adult Ed Room Gym Lounge

B H Adult Ed Room Garden Room Adult Ed Room Library Rhino Room Gym UGM Africa Lounge Gym Lounge Adult Ed Room Garden Room/Mid High Parlor Gym

B H Lounge

Garden Room Sanctuary Sanctuary

Moms Women Everyone Everyone Parents Women I Missons Everyone Elders Ghormley Board Moms Everyone Everyone Everyone Elders Women Moms Everyone I Deacons Senior Adults Everyone Everyone

Weekday Events M-W-F

Tuesday

Thursday

Exercisers Q + Q; X :

Overeaters Anonymous Al-Anon Church Basketball Living a Spirit Led Life - Women's Bible Study Women's Bible Study (Psalms)

$ # X

"

Wednesdays @ First Contemporary Worship Rehearsal Temple Choir Rehearsal % * +X :

8:45a-9:45a [\?\\ 12:00p 5:15p 7:00p 9:15a 9:45a []?\\ ^?_\ 5:30p 6:00p 7:00p q?\\

Gym/GR

Adult Ed Adult Ed Gym Gym Parlor

% Gym/Classrooms Sanctuary Choir Room ] =

Sr Adults * Everyone Everyone Men Women Women

Everyone [ { |

Sunday Mornings Communion Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team { X % ~ Q Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) KidZone Sunday Classes Adult Ed Bible Class 40 Days of Purpose Golden Circle Student Small Groups FUSE - Fusing Families & Church Together for Christ

10:45a 8:00a & 9:30a [[?\\ 12:15p 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 9:30a 11:00a 11:00a

Chapel Sanctuary

Chapel Varies Adult Ed Room Mezz Room Lounge Power House Gym / Lounge

Everyone Everyone * Everyone Birth-Gr5 Adults Adults Adults Gr 6-12 Everyone

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ck’s Pastor Ja Welcome Pastor Jack Peebles Senior Pastor jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Dear Church Family, I have thoroughly enjoyed our recent BLESS Challenge sermon series. Not a week has gone by when someone hasn’t shared stories of how the BLESS practices have been applied to everyday life. BLESS allows us to step into the calling God gives all of His people. Have you discovered God’s complete purpose for you? Are you part of a small group and engaged with other Christians in relationships? If so, does your group seek to encompass all the purposes for which God has created us? How are you going to join in and live God’s purposes in your life?

Ever wonder from where our mission statement came?

Several years before I arrived, this church went through a restructuring with its ministry teams that closely resembles the model of Saddleback Community Church, where Rick Warren is the pastor. Rick Warren, you may know, is the author of the Purpose Driven series. Warren emphasizes five biblical purposes, given by Jesus Christ, and they are reflected in the structure of the church.

They are (1) worship, (2) fellowship, (3) discipleship, (4) ministry (as in service to others), and (5) evangelism.

Compare these purposes with the mission statement of First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. We believe God has given us a clear mission statement: “Worshiping God together (worship, fellowship), Growing in Christlike maturity (discipleship, fellowship), Reaching those unconnected to Jesus Christ (evangelism) and Impacting our community and the world (ministry).”

These purposes were not invented by Warren. They are identified as the Great Ends of the church. They are as follows: 1. The proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of humankind. (evangelism) 2. The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God (fellowship, discipleship) 3. The maintenance of divine worship (worship) 4. The preservation of the truth (discipleship) 5. The promotion of social justice (ministry) 6. The exhibition of Kingdom of Heaven to the world (being purpose-driven)”

So often, we compartmentalize these “purposes” or “ends” in our lives. As individuals (and even with our ministry teams), we sometimes think we can do one or two without doing the others. When we do that, the emphases moves from relationship driven ministry to program driven. One thing I repeat to our staff time and time again is, “Programs are only so good in so far as they facilitate relationships!” If a program doesn’t foster an intimate relationship with God and connect people in community, then it’s not really fulfilling its purpose and we need to be willing to change and alter course.

Jesus engaged His disciples relationally as he worshiped, ate, traveled, ministered, prayed, laughed, cried, and simply lived with them. Jesus taught in Matthew 22 that the greatest Commandments are to love God and love others! Simply put, the business of the church (or the family of faith, or the covenantal community, or the Body of Christ) should be relationships. As we live out those relationships, we should be engaged in all of the “ends” or “purposes” for which God has called us together.

Have you discovered God’s complete purpose for you?

Are you living out one or two purposes and not the others? Are you part of a small group and engaged with other Christians in relationships? If so, does your group seek to encompass all the purposes for which God has created us? The question I leave you with is this: How are you going to join in and live God’s purposes in your life?

In light of our recent sermon series, how are you going to BLESS your neighbor?

In Him,

Jack Peebles 4

t of p e c n o C e Th

FUSE

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

Our Vision

pped to become better equi C FP at es ili m fa lp 1) To he disciple our children.

C to go e on the fringes at FP 2) To encourage thos r FPC p with Christ and othe hi ns tio la re in er ep de families. tion and beyond our congrega es ili m fa to t ou h ac 3) To re our fellowship. welcome them into

Parents and Church Working in Concert:

o o o o

o

o o

Nothing is more important than our relationship with God. No one has more potential to influence a child’s relationship with God than a parent.

No one has more potential to monitor a child’s relationship with God than parents.

The church potential to influence a child dramatically increases when it partners with a parent.

The parent’s potential to influence a child dramatically increases when that parent partners with the church.

The average church has only 40 hours in a given year to influence a life.

The average parent has 3000 hours per year to influence a life.

March

6 13 20 27 28-3

FUSE Fun: Family Bowling -Eagle Lanes FUSE Service: Easter Egg stuffing for Hunt Break Out groups: Comm unication/Talk Break - No FUSE Spring Break Week

April 3 10 21 23 24

Sunday Morning FUSE Schedule

9:30 Worship in Sanctuary 10:45 Parents pick up kids at kidzone and go downstairs to the gym (Light snacks will be provided for K-5 grade kids in gym) Students will go to the Power House, childcare provided for 0-5 year olds across from church office

Break Out groups: Friendship Fuse Learning: Conflict er Meal - TBD (Thurs) Fuse Worship: Family Sed @ Franklin Park (Sat) Community Easter Egg Hunt Easter-No Fuse

FUSE Staff Office - 248-7940 Families: Shan Trick x 142 Children: Susie Woodin x 135 Students: Tyler Van Horn x 106 Jeff Murray x 125 Pastor: Mark Tumney x 114

off 11:00 Adults will meet in David Ferry Lounge of the Garden Room (on FUSE weeks, location will be announced) Noon Parents collect children in the gym

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Senior Adults Pastor Jim Erixson Pastor of Congregational Care jim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

“Happy Travelers” have changed their name back to “Senior Sneaks”.

Have you seen them yet? The primroses and the daffodils in the grocery stores? What a welcome herald to spring. We know that it won’t be long before fluffy bunnies, along with their chocolate counterparts, will soon start appearing on the shelves.

With colorful pictures of lush vegetation, seed catalogs invite us to start thinking about gardening. Perhaps you’ve already been outside scratching around and discovered that some of your bulbs are sending up shoots. Your perennials are probably beginning to develop buds, too.

We’re always happy to see them and find comfort with the cycle they represent.

Senior Christians are a lot like perennials. They, too, weather the seasons. Think of a forsythia bush. One year it produces abundant blossoms.

The next year, the flowers might be quite sparse.

But--while we thrill to the short-lived floral display whatever its size-- the bush’s abundant foliage can be counted on to provide shade and a haven for birds. It’s that way with us, too.

While we tend to value ‘showy’ efforts, the consistency of presence and support to the church is also welcome and important.

First Presbyterian Church is blessed by many ‘perennials’ in the congregation. Giving faithful service on multiple fronts, they’ve coped with storms and continued to stay the course over many seasons. Conversations with longtime church members yield interesting bits of information that enhance and enrich our understanding of the Lord’s hand in this church.

Our younger church family members carry the responsibilities of raising children and coping with the stresses of the work world. We, too, have been there. And while, like the forsythia, we may be in a less showy phase of life, our experiences and knowledge can help provide ‘shade’ for others. We can be useful to our Lord acting for Him in that capacity.

While we probably shouldn’t always sit in the same spot in the same pew, there’s an odd testimony with that practice. Once we’ve settled into ‘our’ niche, perused the bulletin, and seen that our counterparts are also tucked in place, we feel ‘it is well’. Our presence also does that for others.

Spring is the season of re-birth and renewal; a time to be open to gentle nudges from our Lord.

It’s time to let yourself bloom in new ways! Let others see His love, His protection, and His peace.

Just as the perennial, He is always there for us.

Carolyn Mason

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Men Bill Starr Mens Ministry 965-3318 bill.starr@fpcyakima.com

Whether it lasted for a few days, months or possibly years, have you ever experienced a group that impacted your life? I have, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. For the past 20 years, in fact, I have been tremendously blessed to be active in the same men’s group.

Week after week, the same guys keep coming back.

It all began by attending a men’s group conference with a bunch of guys from First Presbyterian Church back in 1991. The event was called Promise Keepers. I have to confess that I was a bit nervous.

I am self-employed, and had three kids and a wife at home. For me to take a weekend for myself, and travel to Seattle with some guys I didn’t really know that well was a bit of a stretch. However, I felt the Spirit prompting me, and my wife was all for it.

forever!!” But, neither do you have to have a “mountain top experience” to start great friendships. That weekend, there was a beginning connection with most of those men that we have never lost. The conference was a good learning experience, and I found myself with a better understanding of how a ‘man of God’ is supposed to think and act. It was well worth the time and effort, but I have to say that by far the best part was what happened in the weeks and years following.

Shortly after the conference, all the men who attended from Yakima gathered together as a community to carry on and affirm what we had learned. We came together to reflect on “Now that we are home what do we do?” This is where God showed up big time. All types of men from all walks of life, and from many different denominations came together under God’s banner. That is when I met Though friendly enough, my some of my closest and most trusted companions did not have a lot in friends. There are three guys in common, other than our church particular who have impacted my life, and our beginnings of faith (some and they didn’t even go to my church. mature; some newly come to the Though we all worship in different Lord). I cannot say “It was the best churches, God brought us together, time of my life, and I met the greatest and we have been meeting for lunch guys in the world and we bonded every Wednesday for over 20 years.

Not only have we shared our walks of faith together, we have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, summer vacation, and other special events. God has further blessed our families, as our wives have also become good friends and often meet for breakfast. Life happens. Over the years our group has grown a little, and one has moved away. We still attend different denominations, but the bond between us is built on God’s Kingdom. God is so good... and you never know when he will show up.

John Rasmussen

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Women Growing in Christ ...

Women Shan Trick Women’s Ministries x 142 shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

This month, women’s ministry wanted to share with you how we have been blooming where we are planted. God is really working in our lives, in our marriages, in our friendships and in our church body. We all have a story and we need to share it one another. It is a way to help each other grow in our relationship with Christ.

Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

t Tuesday Bible Study in the Parlor at 9:45a Living a Spirit Led Life 9:15a in the Gym t Wednesday@First RE3 Class offerings quarterly t Small Groups – Interested? Call Ericka 248-7940 t Women’s Retreat: March 4, 5, & 6 in Chelan

God equips us to do His work. Quite a few years ago I took a spiritual gift assessment and learned a couple of my gifts. It was quite something when one of these gifts was affirmed by the Lord. I was in a Wednesdays@First class and our teacher was helping us to “listen to God.” I had never heard (audibly) from God before, so I was quite excited to think this was possible. Our assignment was to ask God what He calls us (individually) to do. I didn’t hear anything that evening in class, or in the car, or at home. Later that week, I was at work and the phone rang. Just as I went to answer, I heard clear as day “Encourager.” WOW! I heard God speak! To ME! I knew that encouragement was one of my spiritual gifts, but to hear Him call me “Encourager” just sent me over the moon. God has equipped me to encourage and I find great joy in using that gift. He is so good!

Ericka Clark

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John 10:10-11 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

After relocating to Yakima a few years ago, I was initially uncertain as to whether there would be any way that I would be able to connect to a community of believers like I had been able to do in the town that I moved from. I knew about MOPS at First Pres and I had been in MOPS at my old church (which is where I made most of my friends). I had no idea if the experience here in Yakima would be similar to the MOPS experience that I was used to, but I wanted to give it a shot. Fast forward two years, and I find that God was faithful to exceed my expectations! I am surrounded with a fantastic set of new friends acquired through this group of women. It was amazing the way that God brought me out of living a life of solitude as a stay at home mom, into a place of frequent communication with others who are constantly challenging me to live a better life as a mom and as a Christian woman. I believe that God created all of us to live our lives intertwined with others, so that we may experience the life that he has for us to the fullest. I often hear His voice asking if I would help a friend who needs it, or give my time to the cause that someone has told me about. Without this interaction with others, I would not be able to know of as many ways to "be His hands and His feet".

Anonymous

one! rung in KidZ Spring has sp ay nd Su der…Palm Just a remin March on s se as cl in all music star ts n in fu e iss out on th il 17 6, so don’t m pr A is lm Sunday KidZone! Pa 24 nday is April and Easter Su

Children Susie Woodin Childrens Ministries x 110 susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

Ready for a Wild Adventure?

At PandaMania, kids discover that God is wild about them—a fact that will change them forever!

PandaMania is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Bible Point crafts, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the PandaMania activities that help faith flow into real life. Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life—something we call God Sightings. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot!

Your kids will also participate in a hands-on mission project with the Yakima Fire Department. This will be our 11th year in partnership with YFD, and we are looking forward to helping them again this year.

Parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to join us in providing this exciting experience for the kids of Yakima. We couldn’t do it without your help!

Mark these dates on your calendar – June 20 – 25, 2011 The fun starts at 8:45a and ends at noon each day.

To volunteer simply call the church office 248-7940, go online at www.fpcyakima.com , or look for the PandaMania volunteer display in the Garden Room.

PANDA POINTER OF THE DAY: SIGN UP NOW TO PARTICIPATE! Now is the time to step forward and take a role in VBS, particularly in the areas of registration, volunteer coordination, and preparation. Early planning is essential in these areas. Call now to see how you can help! We are very blessed to have a church that values its children’s programs. WE are making VBS a priority. Won’t YOU make it a priority too?

Susie Woodin

Who: Kids ages 4 years (by June 1) – 5th grade What: Panda Mania VBS 2011 When: June 20-24 @ 8:45-noon Where: First Presbyterian Church 9 S. 8th Ave. How Much: $25.00 per child

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Students Jeff Murray Student Ministries x 125 jeff.murray@fpcyakima.com

Tyler Van Horn Student Ministries x 106 tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com

h-12th grades)

eat!!! (Open to 8t Schweitzer Ski retreat! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Schweitzer Retr d ring up for the

ies is gea at 1:00p an Student Ministr o on Sunday 3/27 ah Id t in o p d n Sa be heading up to ut 9:00p. day 3/30 at abo es n ed W n o g in return ne w much skiing o o h n o g in d en od, ip varies dep This includes fo s. se as p t lif The cost of the tr t u o asses cost is $145 with we stay in. Lift p at th el wants to do. The ap ch e th orthaus. So st to rent out h the Yakima Sp g travel and the co u ro th 0 $3 is ding l Ski renta $145-$300 depen m o fr e are $41 per day. er h yw ipment. st a student an eed to rent equ n ey the trip could co th if r o i sk ey want to on how much th r student is es. If you or you d ra g h 2t -1 h main office 8t to nection center, n The trip is open co e th at re u up a broch interested, pick erhouse. or from the pow

Prayer Connection The youth of our community need to be prayed for. If you will commit to being a praye r mentor, please send an em ail or call Jeff (jeff.murray@fpcyak ima.com, 248-7940 ex. 125).

Being a prayer mentor mean s that one commits to calling the student at least once every 3 months and asking them what is going on in their life . It would also mean taking the initiative to connect with the student at church. It is also a commitment to partn er with Jesus in a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development, lifting him/he r up in prayer consistently. Th is is a long-term commitment that should not be made half-heartedly.

May the peace of Jesus be up on

you.

Jeff Murray 10

Preschool Rhonda Cardona Preschool Director x 119 rhonda.cardona@fpcyakima.com

It’s time to register for next year!!

Registration continues strong! We are enrolling , and we children every day in our program for next year ren left are filling up fast. Last year we had many child ts to on a waiting list, and we hope everyone who wan . be a part of our program doesn’t wait too long Register TODAY! Please keep our program in your prayers.

right here in our is is cr e th to ng di respon and cash This month we are uch needed items m g in ct lle co e ar e r own backyard. W an. We delivered ou w S e it h W of es ili fam e help donations for the uary along with th br Fe e th of d en e us modeling genero first donation at th by at th pe ho e W lers. rtant it is of several preschoo ow them how impo sh ill w e w n, re me ild n us. This will beco behavior for our ch ve gi s ha od G s ft ith the gi long as to be generous w d will continue as an l oo ch es pr r ou for a mission project there is a need.

We celebrate God’s faithfulness in the homecoming of Troy Brown. Troy, a father of one of our preschoolers, has been deployed overseas and away from this family of three children for about 16 months. The preschoolers sent pictures, wrote letters and sent care packages for the past few months. Troy visited the children and shared with them what it was like to be away and how wonderful it was to receive the gifts from them. We presented Troy with a Men’s Devotional Bible as a welcome home gift. It was such a blessing to be able to see the children’s response to Troy, and in turn to see Troy and his family’s response too!

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Missions He said to them, "G o into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15

I had arrived at her door by accident and was apologizing for disturbing her, when I felt the unmistakable nudge of the Holy Spirit. Aware that this was a divine encounter, I cast about for something suitable to open conversation. Just before she closed the door I noticed a stack of recent newspapers on the doorstep and blurted out, “I see you’ve been away.” That seemed to be a very unpromising opening but she suddenly began to pour out her heart, describing two tragedies that had recently befallen her. She concluded, “I am depressed, on medication, and can’t sleep at night...” I felt prompted to offer to pray with her, and with her consent and my arm around her shoulder, God guided and chose the words that I should speak...Two strangers in a spirit-led encounter.

Anonymous Member

partnering with ial thanks to your congregation for We would like to extend a very spec were blessed to we ration Christmas Child. In 2010, Samaritan's Purse in the work of Ope million boxes from 11 2.7 ly near in the United States and receive over 5.5 million shoe box gifts y children around total to some 8.2 million gifts for need other sending countries, bringing our the world! icipate in the project s from across the United States part Thousands of churches just like your congregation, no ortunity that can involve the entire each year. It's a great outreach opp t children to receive wan we ch may be. The ultimate gift matter how large or small your chur s of the Savior, New d Goo the is gift ed packages. That goes far beyond the colorfully-wrapp Journey," more discipleship program, "The Greatest Jesus Christ. Through our follow-up commit their hearts and opportunity to hear about Jesus children than ever before have the will be offered in 65 se cour Bible "The Greatest Journey" to Him. We are especially excited that countries this year! s Child has moved about the ways Operation Christma Do you have stories to share with us be e-mailed to can nce nde espo Corr your testimonies! hearts in your church? We welcome commitment to ks again for your partnership and your occprojectleader@samaritan.org. Than e.

Nam His in rs service as you minister to othe global missions. May God bless your sletter New se Pur an’s Excerpt from Samarit

Our first child was due in January and my husband and I were scheduled to fly to Cancun for a holiday in November. Over the summer, at garage sales, I had put together a complete layette, all in greens and yellows since we did not know the sex of our child. Two weeks before our flight, the Cancun area was struck by a major hurricane. Wanting to help I called World Vision to get advice on what extra to pack. I was told, “Nothing you can bring will help. Send money.” Frustrated, I called the church we had recently started attending and discovered that a local mission group had recently laid a foundation for its little sister church in Cancun. Our church had no information on the status of the Cancun church but they did give me an address. As I completed our packing I felt a nudge to bring powdered milk and water purification tablets. And I couldn’t get our layette out of my mind. It seemed crazy to bring all those baby clothes along but I had no peace until all the little green and yellow clothes were in our suitcases.

In Cancun the damage was extensive and visible. Our last full day was Sunday and I still had the powdered milk, tablets, and baby clothing. As we made our way through downed trees and rubble to the little church I carried these supplies, feeling a bit foolish.

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When we arrived at the church site we could see that the new foundation laid by the mission group from home was intact.

The old church had been destroyed in the hurricane as had the pastor’s home. We worshipped in a small stick structure.

As the only foreign guests we were invited to visit with the pastor and his family in their temporary shelter. This turned out to be in a little room just large enough for a double bed which served as table and couch as well as sleeper for the entire family. Clothing and towels and a few household items hung from ropes suspended from the ceiling. Buckets of water sat on the floor. We sat down on the bed along with the pastor, his wife, two little girls, and their newborn baby wrapped in sheeting. The only things this family really needed were drinkable water, milk for the little girls, and clothing for the baby! And what did I do when our son was born? The opportunity to build up another layette at garage sales was gone. Our church asked me to speak about our trip to their sister church in Cancun. After the birth of our son, the ladies got together and put on a lovely shower with enough clothes for his entire first year in blues and reds! God is good!

Anonymous Member

Cristo Vive Gustavo Carvajal Pastor de Cristo Vive x 133 gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com Season of Service 2011 Let's gear up within our small groups and Ministry Teams to serve our community! The Yakima Season of Service will happen again this year. We will join many churches in our city in being a blessing to the community, specifically along Naches Avenue during the months of May and June.

So, what can you do to get ready? Set apart a time to serve either during the week or on a Saturday. As a church [Cristo Vive, FirstPres and Westminster] we want to team up and focus on neighborhood revitalization projects springing from Madison House.

We can also serve in connection with many other churches in similar projects such as Compassion Connect, a one day event which

Saturday Night Lives Yes, it lives in the lives of families coming together for an evening of fun and sweat. Parents and children play basketball in the gym, run, sweat, and share a drink at the end. No one is credited for having such a great idea. We just came together at the end of January and used the basketball game as an excuse to bring some volunteers to help set up the gym for Sunday morning. Kids loved it and that's how it started. Bring your family and join us for a lively night!

Saturdays 5p-8p

provides needed medical, dental, prayer and other social and specialized services to the community. The surrounding neighborhood is invited to attend during the scheduled May 7th event at Barge Lincoln Elementary School.

Pray about Yakima Valley SoS 2011. Plan with your small group/ministry specific times to be a blessing to our community. Let the Spirit lead you to share your hope with those whom God brings your way. For more on SoS 2011 visit www.yakimaseasonofservice. com.

Blessings,

Gustavo

Cristo Vive hosting lunch at the FPC Annual Meeting

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ments Announce unities & Oppor t

Madison House - Open

House Are you interested in fin ding out more about what the Madison Hous e is doing in our community? Would you consider getting in involv l ed d in reaching the neighbo rhood around Madison House? Here’s your oppo rtunity! The Madison House is holding an infor mative open house on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:0 0p-8:00p at 302 S 4th St .

This is your chance to se e what is going on, and to get plugged in. For mor e information Call Kevin Deyette at 457-3370

kitchen? Our much Do you like to work in the His assistant is loved chef Tony needs help. d we are looking for moving to another town, an Wednesday nights. a volunteer to fill the void on 972-2077 For details call Jerry Smith @

RE3 is reverting back to its previous nam e “Wednesdays@Fi rst”.

Spring session star ts Wednesday, Mar ch 16.

Watch for posters of class schedule.

MOPS needs you

rh

ch 9 March hiip - M rsh

Ash Wednesday Supper & Wo

Supper: 5:15p - Gym tuary Worship Service: 6:30p - Sanc Ash Wednesday, March 9, The Lenten season begins on r (not including Sundays). which is 40 days before Easte for Easter through This is a time of preparation ion of the necessity of repentance and contemplat Jesus’ birth at Christmas the cross in our forgiveness. and His suffering. ultimately leads to the cross the significance of the This service vividly portrays ess as we symbolically nail cross of Christ in our forgiven s of paper noting our sins our sins to the cross. The slip s are read aloud. We come are then burned as first name are used to make the sign forward again and the ashes Join us for this most of the cross on our foreheads. ip experience. poignant and personal worsh simple soup and bread Join us at 5:15p in Gym for a amily. Childcare will be supper. Cost is $7/ea or $25/f (with 48 hour notice). available during the service

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elp.

Come support the support group.

We have a ton of ch ildren here on MO PS days, and we need people to watch th em while the mothers meet.

The current need is for 10 people on ce a month + Backups (ages 18 and up).

Contact Julie Rott man at 307-4887

Low Inco m

e Apartm Mable Sw ents Ava an, acros ilable! s the stre for those et, has 6 who are a openings ge 62 and for low in over who come ho usin qualify Swan offi ce with th g. Inquire at the Mable e Manag er, Connie 248-5151 FUSE Bowling @

Eagle

Lanes Sunday, March 6 at 11:00a . Meet in th e Power House. Enjo y the first game & shoe rental on ou r dime! Fun for dad & kids if mom’s aw ay at the women’s retreat! For more info contact Jeff Murray x 125

And I am sure that when I come, Christ will give me a great blessing for you.

Romans 15:29

The Hebrew word for “blessing” is “berakah” and suggests the giving of a generous gift. The root of this word is “barak” which means to bless or to kneel. In the sense of blessing, the concept of giving a valued gift to another in humility and respect is suggested.

The New Testament Greek word for bless is “eulogeo” and means to ‘speak well of’, ‘to celebrate with praises’, and/or ‘to pronounce a blessing of God’. This is a word that serves to remind us of the importance of the spoken blessing. Blessing in the New Testament context is a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is The Word of God and the perfect Good Word.

Our example of blessing is evidenced by God generously providing for our spiritual, physical and emotional needs, and the provision of His Good Word in the Scripture.

In response we are called to bless our God by giving ourselves up to Him as His servants.

We are called to live a life of blessing.

How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

Devotional breathed and All Scripture is God, rebuking, ing is useful for teach ng in ini tra d correcting an the man of God at th so ss, ne us righteo ped for every uip eq ly may be thorough hy 3 16-17 good work. 2 Timot

Our ability to be a blessing begins by soaking in the spiritual blessings of our Father. We must daily pursue and rest in His unconditional love, His joy and His companionship. It is from here that we are able to go out as His servant and be a blessing to someone else.

Live a life of blessing! Ask God to help you be a blessing today. As you move through the places you go have wide open eyes, ears, and heart that ask “How can I bless someone today?” It may be that you kneel to plant a garden for one who no longer can, make a phone call to say hello to someone who is elderly and unable to leave their home, volunteer a few hours at a community nursing home, or feed the homeless at the Mission or Vineyard. Take time to be kind to another.

It is also important that we speak blessings aloud as demonstrated by the example of Jesus in Matthew 5 who spoke nine blessings over believers. Blessings differ from prayers that we may choose to share only with God, in that we are meant to speak blessings to the people in our lives. A good word spoken to another may serve to build up and even shape the life of the one to whom it is spoken.

Have you accepted the bless challenge? At the end of the day are you able to say that you have lived . . . “Leaving the blessing of myself in Christ everywhere I go . . .”?

Janet Krieger

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Baby

Baptism

Aiden Olaf Reed

Mia Helen Doré

Elias Patrick Sundquist

Born: 11/02/09 Baptized: 1/10/10 Parents: Linnea & Chris Reed

Born: 1/12/10 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Ericka & Dusty Doré

Born: 8/24/09 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Kate & Andrew Sundquist

Nadia Skye Reisskupp

Kalen James Cline

Katelyn Elizabeth Stannard

Born: 12/23/09 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Nina Reiss & Randy Kupp

Born: 1/13/10 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Karra Albertson & Alan Cline

Born: 11/11/09 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Lorraine Harkin-Stannard & Ross Stannard

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n o i t a c i d e & D

2010

William James Hodge

Carlos Mateo Caso

Maria Sophia Caso

Born: 9/06/09 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Libby & Alex Hodge

Born: 10/23/07 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Claire McKenna & Carlos Caso

Born: 2/17/10 Baptized: 5/09/10 Parents: Claire McKenna & Carlos Caso

Juliet Heather Moultray

Luke Michael McCoy

Jackson Eugene McCoy

Born: 6/07/09 Dedicated: 5/09/10 Parents: Heidi & Ryan Moultray

Born: 7/08/10 Baptized: 10/24/10 Parents: Andrea & Aaron McCoy

Born: 10/23/08 Baptized: 10/24/10 Parents: Andrea & Aaron McCoy

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ions More Miss

When we learned how to be “Good Samaritans” All four of our cars had slashed tires. I had been scheduled to go to the west side of the mountains for a birthday lunch with my mother and niece, which now had to be cancelled. My husband had to call for a ride to work and our sons were stuck as well. We knew the culprits...neighbor kids with a vendetta against our younger son. At our breakfast table that day the conversation was all about getting even. I even joined in with some humorous ideas, but when I noticed that our children were really serious and bitter I changed the direction of our discussion. “You know, the word of the month on the school billboard is “kindness”. What could we do that would show kindness to these kids?” Lots of ideas were tossed around... most of which my husband squelched because of risk to us or potential misunderstanding by the father. (We had chosen not to inform the father of the tire slashing because we knew he was unstable and would beat the boys. The police had been informed but could not bring charges because of no eye witnesses.) Finally we settled on a small gesture of kindness…baking cookies for them and it was agreed that I would do it and also deliver them. I walked up to the house and handed a box of cookies that night to a very surprised set of brothers. An hour later the father arrived at our door, very drunk, and demanding to know why I had sent over cookies. The boys were skulking off to the side. The father said I had frightened the boys and they were afraid to eat the cookies, believing them to be poisoned.

At that he shoved the box back into my hands. As my husband and I began to snack on the cookies a look of wonderment passed his face. He began to cry; claimed no one had ever done anything like that before, hugged us, received back the box of cookies and left.

Some of the tires were beyond repair and our total bill was over $1200, but we never had any more trouble from the boys or their father.

Anonymous Member

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Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers. I look forward to seeing you all in April and answering questions you have, but I’ll try to answer as many as I can with this update.

For the first four months of my DTS, God taught me more about myself than I learned in all my 21 years of trying to figure things out on my own. ‘Life Changing’ is hardly a strong enough adjective for this. On the first of the year, my team of 13 people traveled down to Peru for the second phase of DTS. We partnered with an organization called ‘Not For Sale’, an organization that fights, in short, injustices in the world; anything from Child Slavery, to Sex Trafficking. ‘Not For Sale’ sent us to work with a ministry there which pulled children off the streets and put them into a much better living situation. For six weeks, we worked with the kids and we taught them art, English, and just spent time building relationships with them. Thank you so much for partnering with me and blessing me with financial gifts beyond belief!

Now I ask that you would keep my outreach team in your prayers, as on the morning of the 23rd of February, with our clothes packed, we are going to start walking south of this road with no destination in mind, only God’s direction. Some on the team call it a ‘Faith Walk’, others a ‘Prayer Walk’, but the term one team member coined is what I call it – ‘Justice Walk’. The main road in the little town of Herrnhut (around 5,000 inhabitants) is a road used frequently by Sex Traffickers.

The road connects Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic. I don’t know where the girls are kidnapped from, and I don’t know where they’re taken to, but they get trafficked along that road. My team and I plan to walk this road and talk to anyone we meet, hoping to educate them about what this road is used for; sex trafficking is a pandemic the world knows all too little about. So that’s the plan – we have none. We have our passports, clothes, sleeping bags and mats, warm jackets, shoes on our feet, and a prayer on our lips. I ask that you would keep us in your prayers for the next three weeks.

Prayer requests – That God would open the hearts of the people we encounter. That we will meet a lot of people. That our team would be united with each other and with Christ. That God would speak clearly to our team and that He would give us directions. And finally, that God would protect our team as we venture down the road.

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe Laurvick

TrailSeekers

Winter 2011... A season of hope for those who need it most The Trail Seekers want to invite each of you to our Biannual Dessert Auction on Sunday, March 6, at First Presbyterian at 2:00p. Trail Seekers is a nondenominational organization engaged in a faith-based outreach in Yakima and the Tri Cities. Our effort is directed at underprivileged kids who live in our community. The program includes weekly after-school programs and summer camps at Orcas Island and Mt. Rainier.

E! T A D E H 6 T h E c r V SA ay, Ma p 2:00 Sund

In the past 21 years by providing a loving, healthy, alternative life experience for many of these kids, Trail Seekers has provided a window full of hope and opportunity for a better life. It goes without saying that besides just the kids, our whole community benefits from kids who have become loving, responsible members of our valley as a result of the Trail Seeker experience.

Orcas Island 2010 The photos on this page are from a summer encampment on Orcas Island. This particular camping trip is designed like a “sound bite” of “life”. It begins in Yakima at 5:10a on a Monday, and ends 4 days later in Yakima on a Thursday around 5:30p. The adventure that fills these days starts with a trip across the Cascades in an early morning sunrise; arriving up at the ferry dock in Anacortes at 11:00a.

Aboard the ferry we pass through some of the most beautiful island scenery in the world, and dock at Orcas Island...everyone is accounted for and we’re off on the final leg! First stop is Cascade Lake for swimming and dinner at the campground.

Then it’s off to ‘home, away from home’, the Nebeker house 350 feet above the water on the north shore, with a panoramic view from Bellingham to Victoria on Vancouver Island. It’s been a long day and we go to bed early...’cause we’ll be up early the next two mornings... packing in the most incredible days that include a cave at the top of Mt. Constitution (where you can see all of the San Juan Islands) and then down into the old growth forest to explore waterfalls and trees which are so big it takes 6 boys holding hands to reach around them. We travel on to Boater Beach via Deception Pass; back to East Sound for ice cream cones and finally home to dinner, devotionals and bedtime. On the 4th day, in the morning it’s time to go home. We catch the 7:20a ferry, arriving home in Yakima at about 5:30p. Parents are waiting for their kids, and we return to our homes with visions of Orcas and Trail Seekers dancing in our heads.

Help us keep the memories and the lessons alive... Trail Seekers need your Love and Support. Come to the Dessert Auction! Spend generously. Impact your community! Join us in serving & showing love to these kids!

Thank you from all of us in the Trail Seeker Family.

Greg Nebeker

For more information about the auction or TrailSeekers in general call Greg at 307-1100

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

Clothing FREE! change

X

14th ANNUAL

Saturday, March 26

Clean, usable CLOTHES, Games, Books, Toys, & Baby Gear

Donations are appreciated, but not mandatory.

9:00a - 2:00p Bring all items to church gym on Friday, Mar. 25 or Saturday, Mar. 26

First Presbyterian Church Gym (Koehler Hall) 9 S 8th Ave 248-7940 www.fpcyakima.com