Here@First - Sept 2012

first presbyterian church

here@

FIRST

September 2012

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

Volume 42

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima

9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902

“Won’t You BE A Neighbor?”

I loved watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a kid. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” is what Mr. Rogers would sing each episode.

You’re singing the song in your head now, aren’t you?

(509) 248-7940

Our Core Values Glorifying God with our best.

Pioneering and ongoing outreach.

Did you know that Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister? Perhaps this is why he focused on the concept of neighbor. Jesus states that the greatest Commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus further lifts up the concept of, not simply loving our neighbors, but “being a neighbor” in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Being a neighbor is characterized by the compassion we should have for those around us. It is foundational to the way we follow God as we journey through life: We are expected to “be neighbors” by having compassion for others.

The Session of FPC Yakima has been going through a process of trying to answer the question, “To whom are we called to be neighbors?” We came up with several areas of focus. They are as follows: children, youth, parenting, marriage, and multigenerational/cultural.

Engaging and nurturing relationships.

Being a cornerstone in the community.

Equipping people for ministry through biblical foundation and service.

Sunday Mornings

Sermon Series

In this fall series, we will be challenged to “have compassion,” like the Good Samaritan, for our Yakima community. God is calling us to BE neighbors to those around us. So, won’t you please, won’t you please, please won’t you BE a neighbor?

September 9

“Who Is A Neighbor?”

Luke 10:25-37

September 16

“Being a Neighbor to Youth” 2 Timothy 1:1-14

September 23

“Being a Neighbor to Children” Mark 9:34-37 & 10:14-16

September 30 “Being a Neighbor to Parents” Ephesians 6:1-4

Intercessory Prayer 8:30a - 9:30a Chapel Everyone Contemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team 8:00a & 9:30a Sanctuary Everyone Traditional Worship - led by Organ & Choir 11:00a Sanctuary Everyone Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) 12:15p Chapel Everyone KidZone Sunday Classes 9:30a Upstairs K-5th Sonbeams 9:30a Mezzanine L2 2½ yr & 3yr Cubbies 9:30a Room 103 4yr & 5yr Adult Ed Bible Class 9:30a Adult Ed Adults 40 Days of Purpose 9:30a Mezzanine Adults Golden Circle 9:30a Lounge Adults Students (6th - 12th grade) 9:30a Youth Room LL7 Gr 6-12

Cookies & Cans September 2: G-M

September 9: N-S

September 16: T-Z

September 23: A-F

September 30: G-M

Please bring a dozen cookies on your week, and non-perishable food items for Calvary Rescue Mission.

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

Calendar September Events Sunday, September 2 Monday, September 3 Wednesday, September 5 Wednesday, September 5 Thursday, September 6 Thursday, September 6 Saturday, September 8 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, September 9 Monday, September 10 Monday, September 10 Tuesday, September 11 Tuesday, September 11 Tuesday, September 11 Tuesday, September 11 Tuesday, September 11 Wednesday, September 12 Wednesday, September 12 Thursday, September 13 Friday, September 14 Saturday, September 15 Sunday, September 16 Tuesday, September 18 Thursday, September 20 Friday, September 21 Saturday, September 22 Saturday, September 22 Saturday, September 22 Sunday, September 23 Tuesday, September 25 Tuesday, September 25 Tuesday, September 25 Saturday, September 29 Sunday, September 30 Tuesday, October 2 Tuesday, October 2 Wednesday, October 3 Thursday, October 4 Friday, October 5 Sunday, October 7

Prayer Sunday all morning Sanctuary Everyone Labor Day / Church Closed all day Entire Church Everyone Women’s Ministry Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room Committee SOAR 1st Year Student Orientation 5:30p Chapel Soar Students Happy Travelers 1:30p Adult Ed Committee Senior Adult Ministries 3:00p Adult Ed Committee Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:00a Mid High Rm Knitters Kick Off Sunday Kidzone Open House (K - 5th) 10:30-11:00a 2nd floor Parents Chat with the Elders 10:45 & 12p Adult Ed Everyone FM Parenting Class Kick Off (7 wks) 11:00a Gym Families/Parents Kidzone Leader Meeting 11:15a DF Lounge Kidzone Teachers Edith Ferry Circle 11:30a Parlor Women Living Waters Meeting 6:00p Parlor Mission Interest Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Room 203 Committee Service Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Adult Ed Committee Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Parlor Committee Worship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Rhino Room Committee Business Ministry Team Meeting 7:00p Library Committee SOAR Kick Off 5:30p Chapel Soar Students Weds@First Kick Off (9 weeks) 6:30p Everyone Student Min’ Leadership Meeting 6:30p Youth Room SM Leaders SOAR Retreat Ghormley Soar Students Starting Points Class 9:00a Adult Ed Everyone Kids Backpack Blessing 9:30a Sanctuary All kids Preschool Staff Meeting 12:00p Parlor Teachers MOPS Set Up 5:30p Gym Moms MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:00a Gym Moms Sunfair Parade 10:00a Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00p Mid High Rm Knitters Kiev Music Concert 7:00p Sanctuary Everyone Ghormley Family Round Up 1:00p Ghormley Everyone Living a Spirit Led Life Kick Off 9:00a Gym Women Kaffee Klatsch 9:30a Garden Room Everyone Session Dinner and Meeting 6:00p Garden Room/Mid High Elders & Prog. Staff Young Life Volunteers @ Fair All Day Fair Grounds Volunteers (page 6) Congregational Meeting Elect Officers 10:35a Sanctuary Church Members Adult Ed Meeting 7:00p Adult Ed Committee Committee on Ministry (Presbytery) 9:00a Adult Ed Committee Women’s Ministry Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room Committee MOPS Set Up 5:30p Gym Moms MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:00a Gym Moms World Communion Sunday all morning Sanctuary Everyone

Weekday Events M-W-F Exercisers 8:45a-9:45a Gym/GR Sr Adults Monday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 10:00a Adult Ed Everyone

Overeaters Anonymous 12:00p Adult Ed Everyone Trailseekers 2:30p Gym

Al-Anon 5:15p Adult Ed Everyone Tuesday Women’s Bible Study (Spirit Led Life) 9:15a Gym Women

Women’s Bible Study (Women in the Word) 9:45a Parlor Women Wednesday Women of Action 9:30a Chapel Women

SOZO Prayer 5-9p SOZO Team

Youth Group - Mid High 6-7:45p Youth Room LL7 6th - 8th gr

Youth Group - Senior High 7-9p Youth Room LL7 9th - 12th gr

SOAR: School of Spiritual Transformation 5:30p Chapel SOAR Students Thursday Contemporary Worship Rehearsal 5:30p Sanctuary Worship Band Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00p Choir Room Choir Friday SOZO Prayer 9-Noon / 5-9p 2nd Floor SOZO Team

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Happenin’ @ First

Exercise at the church

Chat With the Elders - September 9 11a and 12:15p in the Adult Ed Room.

You are invited to join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as we condition our bodies for the glory of God. Come for some light-w eight exercise, walking, and fellowship from 8:45a-9:4 5a. Meet in Gym, or Garden Room depending on events. $18/mo/ea covers the cost of our YMCA certified instructor.

Contact Marv Becker with qu estions 966-8855

Serve the Lord through brew

Happy Travelers Trips for Fall 2012 visit Glass Winery. Bring a sack lunch. A September (TBD) — Tour of Wine following the tour. to Donald Mercantile for ice-cream Works. Meet at the church at 11:30a October 12th — Visit Liberty Bottle eduled for 2p. Costs: buy your own for lunch at Country Harvest. Tour sch to assist with gas costs. lunch. Feel free to make a donation

We need another volunteer at the Higher Grounds Espresso Bar. Do you have Barista experience? Call Rhonda at the Church if you would like to serve.

Mark your calenders

for a Congregational Meeting on September 30th at 10:35 a.m. for the . purpose of electing church officers

Sock Drive

teaming up for a FPC and Union Gospel Mission are , Sept 9. Folks are sock drive that will run through Sun s – men and asked to donate NEW socks for all age in the Garden women. Leave donations in the box tion campaign Room. This drive is a national promo - The Odd Life of 15 tied to a new movie released Aug Timothy Green.

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Worship Band Stage Project

Staging was built in the northeast cor ner of the sanctuary during the first two wee ks of August to accomplish three primary goals: 1) to hide and upgrade all the wiring used to connect musicians to the sound system, 2) to provide storage for unused equ ipment, and 3) to make the worship leadersh ip more visible to the congregation. Many from the congregation contributed to the labo r and planning of this project. Those assi sting in the building of the stage were: Jaso n Cavanaugh, Marcus Huck, Harold Coo k, Larry Allen and Doug Cairns. Ray Kemp bui lt the storage cabinet. Planning and installa tion of sound and electrical wiring were Dav e Geho, Deb Kent, Jason Cavanaugh, Austin Kent and Doug Cairns. The carpeting was inst alled by Matt Barker. Thank you everyone!

Happenin’ @ First Family Life Education

Ed. Coming for the Fall term of Adult I & II THESSALONIANS lt Ed Room.

Adu Taught by Ron Sanders @9:30a in the sly heart-warming Jesus is coming again – the marvelou Thessalonians, is a theme of Paul’s two epistles to the d to hear. It forces stirring message of hope that we nee of ultimate issues. us to lift our eyes to the far horizon where we seemingly Certainly, in today’s post 9/11 world e we do well to lurch from crisis to crisis, it is a messag heed.

Shutterbug

ing os! Are you attend We need your phot indig at group or other sh l al sm or t en ev an Large os of everything!

FPC? We need phot ce. offi e rt or Deb in th or small. Contact Cu

shoulder to Has God been tapping you on your dom here on do something significant in His king earth? children?

Do you have a heart for parents and loving g Would you like to be part of buildin families? m of people Maybe you are being led to join a tea s on ent par t wanting to educate and suppor healthy ways to raise children?

Life Educator Beginning in the fall Certified Family training for and author Laurie Kanyer will offer ning will future parenting educators. This trai classes ing ent par ch equip you to begin to tea here at First Presbyterian. this Take time to pray and contemplate more For s. holy calling of educating parent -7940 x142 information contact Shan Trick at 248 . or email at shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

Kaffee Klatsch

ED LIFE LIVING A SPIRIT-L WOMEN’S CLASSESPTEMBER 25th

, RESUMES TUESDAY ASS@9:15 / GYM COFFEE@9AM - CL Life Bible e Living a Spirit-Led th r fo us in jo e m Co tions of oking at the founda lo be ill w e W y.

Stud e that allow the pieces in plac our faith, putting ith our ose relationship w us to live a life in cl learning e will spend time W . er th Fa y nl ve Hea is is a d hear His voice. Th to listen to God an d join an to invite a friend great opportunity ll of love ing to live a life fu ek se en om w r he ot ve been s kingdom. If you’ d’ Go in e ur nt ve es!” and ad e, the answer is “y tim e th is w no if g wonderin ? Be sure to call ion.

Needing childcare to make a reservat 17 x1 40 79 824 at Monnie

the Garden Tuesday, September 25 at 9:30a in at Room. Rob Rife, Director of Worship give us a will , rch Westminster Presbyterian Chu Celtic music. talk and performance of traditional

Lamplight Fall Session Bible Study for Cancer Patients

Lamplight Bible Study resumes for another 9 week session, from Sept 24 - Nov 19.

Meetings are held at North Star Lod ge every week on Mondays from 11:30a 1:00p. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Free informational luncheon on Mo nday Sept 10 at noon. Meet teachers: Lor i Oswalt, Steve Trotter, Bill Starr, Kathy Starr, and Marilee Shivley. For more informa tion please contact Marilee at 452-5882.

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Happenin’ @ First

CSB and GEMS Ministries start Thursday, September 13 at 6pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

These are gender-specific discipleship ministries that have some similarity to Boy Scouts or Campfire Girls. Each evening involves a ton of fun activities that help parents and other adults guide the next generation toward becoming Christ followers. There are programs for infants through 6th graders and leadership opportunities for 7th and up. Call 966-1900 for details, or just come Thursday to check it out!

FPC Day at the Fair!

Young Life BBQ Beef Sandwiches Free Fair Ticket! sign up @ Connection Center

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Saturday, Sept. 29

It is that time of year‌ Can you smell the BBQ beef, hot off the spit, smothered in spicy sauce, the crunch of the peppers and onions...

My mouth is watering, how about yours?

Saturday, September 29 FPC has been asked to fill 34 shifts in the Young Life Booth at the Central Washington State Fair. Sign up now, get a free ticket into the fair and a free sandwich after your shift, all the while helping a fantastic youth focused organization in our valley!

What a great deal!

Feel free to invite your friends and family to help, too. The more the merrier!

For more info call Ericka in the church office at 248-7940.

Wednesdays @ First September 12 — November 7, 6:30p - 8:00p No family dinner will be served this session.

Welcoming the Stranger: Christian Response to Immigration

Ralph & Cheryl Broetje grew up on family farms, learning Christian values and the value of hard work. As their farm workforce changed from mostly Caucasian migrants to young Mexican men, they traveled to Mexico to understand who these workers were.

As apple farmers and long time mission-centric givers, the Broetjes are very concerned with the community built around them where they share their lives with a thousand workers.

As immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time, voices on all sides argue strongly for action and change. Our economy depends heavily on these workers in the Yakima Valley. What would God have us do in this context?

Join us as we start this Bible based inquiry into what God calls us to do regarding the sojourner among us.

• The Immigration Dilemma • Who are the undocumented immigrants • Nation of Immigrants: A historical perspective • Our legal system today • Thinking Biblically about Immigration • The politics and policies of Immigration reform • The church and immigration today • A Christian response to the Immigration Dilemma Cheryl and her staff will lead participants in an investigation, a Biblical journey, and discussion on this issue. Cheryl is the founder and Director of the Center For Sharing in Pasco, Wa. Teaching will center around the acclaimed book by Matthew Soerens and Jennny Hwang, “Welcoming The Stranger”.

Teacher: Cheryl Broetje Who: Adult Men and women Where: Parlor (next to Garden Room) Space available: 20 people

Wednesdays@First Kids Childcare Infant - 5yrs old (available until 8:00p)

Children K-5th (available until 8:00p) Cubbies Room 103 (next to Childcare) Mid High Youth Group (6th - 8th grade) 6:00p - 7:45p Dinner served.

Meet in new Youth Room off of gym.

Senior High Youth Group (9th - 12th grade) 7:15p - 9:00p Dinner served.

Meet in new Youth Room off of gym.

Book Study on “Celebration of Discipline”

“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” -Richard Foster We are going to study and practice together spiritual disciplines with the goal of becoming these “deep people” that Richard Foster talks about. Our hope is that as we draw deeper into Jesus we will find more depth in our willingness to love the people around us.

Books will be available to purchase for $15.

Teachers: Jack Peebles & Tyler Van Horn Who: Adult men and women Where: David Ferry Lounge Space Available: Unlimited

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Pastor Jack

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

Dear Church Family, The arrival of September means ministries and life at First Presbyterian Church are back in high gear. Personally, I love it when September arrives and the sounds of returning children to our preschool fill the halls of the church building.

During the September and October sermon series, “Won’t You BE a Neighbor?” we will be exploring the theme of neighbor. More specifically, we will be exploring how we are called to BE neighbors to those around us. (For more on sermon series, please see the sermon description on page 2) Last year, the Session had an opportunity to discern and identify who it is we are called to love and serve. Or to put it another way, to whom are we called to be neighbors? As we looked at a demographic study of the area surrounding First Presbyterian Church, we discovered the average age within a twelve-mile radius is 27! A good percentage of those individuals are Hispanic, many are single, and many have small children. In light of this, we discerned the following mission priorities. These are the areas we need to focus on as we reach our community: children, youth, parenting/marriage ministry, and multicultural.

To that end, we have great opportunities set for this fall on Sunday mornings.

I want to highlight two of them: Our own Laurie Kanyer will be offering another class on parenting. Not only did her class last year appeal to a number of parents that are already connected to FPC, but it also proved to be a tremendous outreach to our community. Here’s the description: Raising and caring for children is one of the most important jobs a person will do for their entire life. What takes place at home can affect a child’s path for the rest of their life. Recognizing this we at First Presbyterian as committed to assist parents in their journey. This fall we will once again present a parenting skills course with Laurie Kanyer, MA, Certified Family Life Educator.

Throughout this course, Laurie will cover topics such as Exploring Child Development, Recycling Child Development, Building Strong Families, Helping Children to Behave, and Getting Children to Cooperate. I am delighted we will be providing this opportunity to equip parents! As Margaret and I are parents ourselves, we know parents need all the help they can get!

Additionally and new this year, I am equally excited there will be an offering on discipleship for children (K-5th grade) taught by John Stolzenbach at the same time Laurie’s class will run. This is in addition to our KidZone led by Susie Woodin and her wonderful children’s staff.

Over the years, I have served in five different Presbyterian churches in either an ordained or non-ordained capacity. The healthiest of those congregations are the ones who make children and youth their priority. In other words, the kids of the church are not seen as an afterthought and they are not simply viewed as the church of tomorrow. They are the church today! They are up front and center in all areas of the church life! Healthy churches know they must raise up their kids as disciples of Jesus.

I leave you with these wonderful words to contemplate that show where Jesus ranked children. If children were important to Jesus, they had better be important to us!

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 Looking forward to seeing you this fall!

Living and loving for Him,

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Jack Pastor

TylerSusie Van Horn — Associate Pastor of Discipleship Woodin — Children’s Ministries Director—tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com — Susie.Woodin@ fpcyakima.com

Discipleship CHILDREN

One of the best parts about being raised in this church community was developing

relationships with people from many generations. I needed these relationships to survive adolescence and my family needed these relationships to survive me. In my early adult years it was people from this community that offered support and advice as I went through college, started my teaching career and then transitioned into fulltime ministry.

Now as a young husband and new father, this wide variety of people provide wisdom, compassion and even challenge. Thank you, the people of First Presbyterian, for being this kind of community for me.

Now as one of your pastors, I am inviting you to keep this legacy of community alive in our church family. Coming this fall are two excellent ways to be intentional about community beyond just Sunday mornings.

ROUND UP

On Sunday, September 23 we are having our all church Round Up at Ghormley Meadow. This is one of the best multi-generational activities we do at First Presbyterian, and it only works if we all make a point of being there. One thing we are adding to the Round Up this year is a worship and baptism service at the Ghormley pool. Come with us to celebrate the new life we find in Jesus and in his family.

BISTRO

Starting Friday October 12 we are bringing the Bistro Supper Clubs back. Our hope is to encourage groups of people to meet the second Friday of each month to have dinner together in one another’s homes. This is an excellent way to meet people from our community and invite people to participate in the life of our community. Signups will be available at the Connection Center and at the Ghormley Round Up. Peace to you all,

Tyler

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Children

Susie Woodin — Children’s Ministries — susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

Welcome to Autumn KidZone Kickoff!

Sunday mornings starting Sept. 9th from 9:30-10:45 a • Sonbeams and Cubbies go directly to their classrooms when they arrive at 9:30 • K-5th graders attend 9:30 worship with their parents, and are excused to KidZone after the children’s message.

In KidZone, we take the responsibility of teaching kids about Jesus very seriously. It’s also one of the most rewarding responsibilities we have. KidZone isn’t just Bible stories, scripture, and teaching kids about Jesus. That is a big part of our time together, but one of the most important aspects of KidZone is the relationships that are built between the kids and their leaders. Kids need to know that they are loved not just by their family, but by God and by people outside of their homes. That’s what leaders in KidZone help each child to understand. We make sure they know that we care about them, and that God loves them more than anyone.

Classes

SONBEAMS: Ages 2 ½ - 4 years (no diapers please) Rm L2 CUBBIES: Ages 4 & 5 years (Pre-Kinder.) Rm 103. Sonbeams and Cubbies will learn that the Bible is God’s Word and that God loves and cares for each of us. Through interactive storytelling, every child will experience God’s love and grow to know more about Jesus. Starting with creation, moving to Jesus’ teachings about God, and ending with the Good News about Jesus, we are helping our little ones to begin to associate God and Jesus with loving people.

KINDER - 1st Grade (Rm 208) & 2nd - 3rd Grade (Rm 217) it’s all about God’s story…Genesis through Revelation. By laying a strong foundation of Bible knowledge and understanding, the Kindergarten and 1st graders will “Look at the Pieces” while 2nd and 3rd graders will “Make them Connect” as they get a view of God’s story as presented through the old and new testaments. Kids will also discover how much God wants each of us to become part of His story!

4th & 5th GRADES: 2nd floor (Rm 203) class will experience “LIVE” to help them ‘live” for Jesus! God gives us so much and we need to remember to thank God for what He’s done in our lives. We use these lessons to remind kids of God’s presence in their lives. Kids will learn that God made us, God cares for us, and we should praise God every day. As a result, kids will remember what God has done in their lives and the lives of others and understand the importance of putting God first in their lives.

COLBY’S ROOM – Rm 221 (special needs classroom/requires previous notification) Now is the time to answer God’s call to train up our children. We have leaders who have been answering this call for over 30 years.

But we are in constant need of new people to join us in this great responsibility that God has given us. We are all held accountable to God’s children. We all are responsible for teaching kids about Jesus…who He is, what He means to us, and why it matters. We can’t continue to let the few committed volunteers bear the whole load. The entire church needs to join together in answering God’s call. If not YOU…then WHO? We have a place for you…become part of a legacy that continues to make a difference in the lives of children every day.

Hey KidZone kids

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on Sept. 16 bring your backpacks to KidZone for a special backpack blessing during the 9:30a children’s message and KidZone.

How can you help make a difference?

Sonbeams and Cubbies currently need volunteer staff as classroom helpers, as well as a person or two who would love to come in and lead music for just a few minutes each Sunday morning.

K-5th Grade classes are in desperate need of large and small group leaders.

-The large group leader is responsible for presenting the message or Bible story to the kids on Sunday morning. This may involve video, fun activities and object lessons, or live drama, (drama is provided by a separate group of people, not by large group leader.) This could be a 1-2 times a month commitment…whatever works for your schedule.

-The small group leader is responsible for mentoring kids in their groups, through activities and games that are provided to help reinforce the message for the day. This is where the relationship aspect really comes into play. Your main job is to simply be a friend to the kids, and show them that you care about them. It’s important to have the same small group leaders each week, so we try to have team of 2 that share a group of kids, so that each Sunday there is at least one familiar face.

-We are always in need of drama team members also. This is a very flexible area, as you are part of a call list when needed. If you are free, wonderful! If not, no worries.

You would be a true hero to these kids and current leaders by becoming part of our team.. Please…take the time to pray about where you could serve in KidZone. You will love it… I promise!

Please call me at 248-7940…God bless and thank you!

Susie

Hey Parents...You are invited to our KidZone Open House. ctly after the 9:30a worship 9 dire Please join us Sunday, September r child’s KidZone classroom. This you in a 1:00 0a-1 10:3 from ice serv fill d’s leaders, see their classroom, is your chance to meet your chil in r yea this e hav will the fun we out a registration form, and see .

KidZone ard Johnson Cinnamon Knots .…

We will also have coffee and How ! mmmm…….Can’t wait to see you

Monnie Miller — Childcare Director — monnie.miller@fpcyakima.com

Childcare

Who/What is your Ezra????

As I tackled the never ending mess in my office, I came across a tote full of “Praying for Ezra” bracelets. Our FPC family purchased and handed out the bracelets as a way to help this very special family that had a huge need for prayer. In February of this year Ezra Wells (2 years old) was involved in a tragic accident resulting in severe head trauma. Ezra spent many months in Children’s Hospital undergoing several surgeries and intense physical therapy.

While all of this was happening in the Wells family they always shared the love of our Lord and Savior in everything they posted on Ezra’s prayer page and also the articles that were written in the Yakima Herald Republic. Their main goal was to share the love of our Lord in all things, the good, the bad, and even in the days that nothing seemed to be happening in their little boy’s recovery. They stayed faithful to the Lords will being done. I have to be honest and say I am not sure if I could have been as faithful as this family is to this day.

A quick follow up posted by Mom Amy on Ezra’s page: Hello! I know it has been awhile since I've posted. Honestly, there isn't much going on right now. I do, however, want to remind you of the extent to which God has healed Ezra so that you can celebrate and give thanks to the Lord with us. Ezra has been staying busy this summer doing all the things two year old boys should be doing...climbing hills and rolling down them, navigating playgrounds, eating ice cream, terrorizing his sister....etc. In fact, there have been people we have encountered in the store who have been unable to tell that he had been injured. We love being able to tell people just how much God has done in Ezra.

He is speaking really well too. He is still hard to understand at times...I'm not sure whether to attribute that to his age or to his nerve damage. But I have noticed huge improvements in his vocabulary and sentence structure, compared to before the accident. It is reassuring to see him develop past where he was before the accident as we were still unsure of the full extent of his brain damage. We have a few appointments coming up, but most are just follow-ups. We do have one in September with endocrinology. We noticed some extra hair growth while he was in the hospital. They are concerned he may have some thyroid issues.

Nothing is certain yet, but we are going to get it checked out just to make sure. Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for my family. We are thankful for every moment with our children and are blessed to be given the responsibility of raising them to love and serve the Lord.

Blessings to you! Amy Wells.

As I read posts like this and so many others that Amy has shared I begin to wonder Who/What is my Ezra? What am I praying for with that kind of love and intensity for the Lord’s will to be done? In all things that I bring before the Lord, am I truly handing them over to Him or do I hold onto just a piece to have my control? In all of the prayers we raise, is our goal to show the glory of our Lord and Savior?

So as I wear my “Praying for Ezra” bracelet I am not only praying and giving thanks for all of the miracles that have happened in Ezra’s life but also mine. I wear it as a reminder of how in all things I am to share the glory of MY Lord and Savior.

"For these three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love but the greatest of these is Love" 1 Corinthians 13:13 We place our Faith in the One who holds us in His hands We cling to the Hope that He will carry us when we cannot take the next step We are covered in Love by those He sends to walk this road with us.

Who / What is your “Praying for Ezra”?

Monnie 11

Happily Ever After

H@F is excited to bring you an interview of Roger & Susie Bennett who celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary in May 2012!

r.” Many of us grew up “And they lived happily ever afte of stories hoping that would hearing those words at the ends life (even after a fairy tale be true for us, too. Sadly, in real rt. God has blessed us here wedding) many marriages fall apa marriages have stood the test at FPC with many couples whose H@F will spotlight advice of time. Over the coming months as we look closer at the from some of them. Read with us ‘happily ever after’. ‘really hard work’ that creates the

H@F: How did you meet and how long have you been married?

Outreach Camp, Bible teaching, leading mission trips, SOAR. Currently, Susie is called to serve Christ as the Co-Director of SOAR: R&S: We’ve been married over 23 years. We met briefly in Yakima School of Spiritual Transformation that is a community-wide ministry as youth workers and really got to know each other as counselors hosted and sponsored by FPC. Roger just finished his sixth year as MC at Camp Ghormley. Susie specifically remembers Roger’s Yoda of VBS and is the Bible teacher at SOAR. Serving is a joy for both of impersonation at the campfire that illustrated an important theological us. point. Roger remembers getting to give Susie a stage kiss during a skit. Sparks were flying at Ghormley. One thing that attracted us H@F: Sometimes a spender marries a saver. How do you approach to each other was our knowledge that the other person passionately your finances? loved Jesus and was pursuing a deeper walk with Him. This foundation for our relationship has been a key throughout our 23 R&S: In our marriage, Roger is the spender and Susie is the saver. years of marriage.

Early on in our marriage, we made a commitment to tithe. This has become easier and easier as the years have gone on. We know the H@F: Often the old adage ‘opposites attract’ is evident in a marriage. Lord loves a cheerful giver and it is exciting to see how God uses these Wall papering together might be a life threatening activity in some resources. Additionally, we have worked out a system so each spouse marriages. How have you managed things like home improvements? gets some “mad money” each month (although Susie just saves hers).

This system works well because the regular budget involving mortgage, R&S: If it was up to Roger, the house would still look that same as bills, insurance and such stays the same, but each of us has a chance to when we purchased it 16 years ago. Thankfully, Susie is the driver spend a little money freely on hobbies, etc. when it comes to home improvement. Roger leans more toward the upkeep and maintenance of the house and Susie is more of the visionary. Roger’s idea of home improvement is doing the dishes.

Susie’s idea of home improvement is updating every floor surface in the house.

H@F: What is the best thing about your marriage?

R&S: We both like to have a lot of fun together. We especially like to make each other laugh every day. We enjoy being together, but we also have times when we do things on our own. That balance seems to work really well for us. For example, Susie likes to travel and go on mission trips. Roger likes to stay home and putter around the house and yard. We have come to a point in our marriage that it is a joy to give each other freedom to do what makes us happy.

We’ve achieved a really healthy balance of having activities together and giving each other freedom to pursue individual interests. A funny example of this is that Roger likes to hunt for ducks. People ask Susie, “What do you do with the ducks?” She says, “I don’t do anything with the ducks. That’s Roger’s hobby.”

H@F: The church has had a big impact in your lives. Can you expand on that?

R&S: We have both been involved in serving Christ in the church in various ministries: VBS, youth ministry, TREK interns, Ghormley,

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A warm thank you to Roger & Susie for sharing these thoughtful responses.

Ericka Clark — Women’s Ministries — Ericka.Clark@fpcyakima.com

Women’s Ministries

Encouraging women up to be intentional about their faith.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

T

he body is a unit, though it is made

up of many parts; and

though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body... and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many...But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.

I Corinthians 12:12-20

Did you know worship is a spiritual gift? I have a friend who LOVES to worship. She dances, waves banners, lifts her hands high, sings loud and laughs. She laughs a lot. When I think of those who are filled with the Spirit, filled with JOY, I think of this friend. I can’t help but smile, and perhaps even laugh, when I see her worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Her gift is infectious. And I love it. It makes me want more. More of the Spirit, more of the overflowing love of Jesus Christ. More time soaking in His amazing grace.

Another friend recently shared one of her spiritual gifts – mercy. Specifically with marriages. She has

a heart for wives and helping them to be strong, faithful and dependent on God in their marriages.

She shares her testimony how God saved her marriage, she encourages women one on one, has hosted classes on godly marriages and spoken to large groups of women. I have taken part in the classes which, by the grace of God, have taught me key elements in making my marriage strong.

I love to see how God is using her and how she follows His lead. It is encouraging.

A couple of years ago my small group was studying Romans; a particular verse grabbed my attention: “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 1:13. Practice hospitality.

I used to consistently say that was NOT one of my spiritual gifts. But clearly in this scripture we are asked to practice hospitality. Not just some of us, but all of us. So, I asked the Lord what that looked like in my life. I reminded Him my house is super small, I have noisy dogs, my dishes don’t all match, and I don’t have air conditioning. I was telling Him I am exempt from the hospitality gift. What He told me was awesome…He asked me to be hospitable in the office where I work. He asked me to create and keep an environment where people feel comfortable, loved, accepted. He asked me to welcome strangers.

I share these stories with you about our spiritual gifts in hopes of exciting you to keep using your gifts for the glory of God. I also want to encourage you to see how your gifts complement other people you worship or work with. Tap into your original design – seek the wonders God has Save the Date! woven into your being Spring Women’s Retreat and wow Him. Bless March 8, 9 and 10, 2013 your Daddy in Heaven Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan by using your gifts.

He loves you so much and DELIGHTS in your success. Let’s give Him the glory, the honor and the praise. Amen.

In September...

• Wednesdays@First begins September 12 at 6:30pm. See page 7 for details.

• Women in the Word Bible Study begins Tuesday, September 18 at 9:45am in the Parlor.

• Living a Spirit Led Life Bible Study begins Tuesday, September 25 at 9:00am in the Gym.

Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise Him with the

harp and lyre,

praise Him with tambourine and

dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute,

praise Him with the clash of cymbals,

praise Him with resound-

ing cymbals.

Psalm 150:3-5

In October...

• Women of Vision - Strong Women, Strong World / Speaker: Reneé Stearns.

Saturday, October 13, 9-11am, Foursquare Church • Father of Lights Movie - Date to be Announced! This is the 3rd of Darren Wilson’s documentaries on God’s powerful love and miracles in our world.

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Devotional

For I am the perfect father . . .

But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.

And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you.

Galatians 4:4-7

Janet Krieger

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Father God is affectionate toward us. He has pursued us, He chose us, and He loves us. Far too often we live with the mistaken view that we are unacceptable because of sin. Yes, we do sin but we have been As brothers and sisters in Christ we have a common heavenly Father made right with Father God by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. We are and our Father cares for us and loves us like no other. Believing in royalty, daughters and sons of the King. We are His treasures. God Christ, we become the royal children of God our King. We are able to has infinite capacity to experience joy with our every moment. We are love our God, serve Him and ultimately become like Him when we unique and we are loved by Him. Moses spoke a blessing over each know His Fatherly character. of the tribes of Israel. To the tribe of Benjamin he proclaimed, "You shall dwell between the shoulders of God." (KJV) And, that is where Father God has authority over us and expects to be obeyed. As we also dwell . . . Children held in the loving arms of our Father God. earthly parents expect obedience from their children, God expects That is a blessing to claim and declare in our own lives. that we, His creation, are obedient to His authority. Authority is defined as “the power to influence or command thought, opinion God's beloved; God's permanent residence. Encircled by God all day or behavior.” When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, He is to long, within whom God is at home. Deuteronomy 33:12 (MSG) become the authority over our life and His Word is to be the source of authoritative instruction for our daily walk. We can have confidence Father God is always thinking of us. There is never a place we are, a that His authority is neither harsh nor vindictive but rather is gentle situation we are experiencing or a time of life that He is not present. and long suffering.

We do not need to seek His attention, He is always turned toward us and is listening. God is constantly thinking loving thoughts over us as "When Israel was a child, I loved him as a son, and I called My son if we are His only creation. out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the more he rebelled, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking It was I who taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the about you and watching everything that concerns you." 1 Peter 5:7 hand. But he doesn't know or even care that it was I who took care of (LB) him. I led Israel along with My ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. Hosea 11:1-4 Father God accepts us unconditionally. We can be completely honest with Him about our lives, the choices we have made and know Father God is faithful; He never changes, every promise of God’s He loves us just as we are. Our response should be to “Be still and will be fulfilled. His eternal desire is to love us. He is present through know” that He is God. Psalm 46:10 Corrie ten Boom wrote “Don’t the joys and achievements, the disappointments and hurts of this life. wrestle . . . Nestle.” We do not need to strive to earn God’s love but He is present now. can settle into His arms and experience peace and contentment in His acceptance of us.

For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5 For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His age." Matthew 28:20 love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3:17 Father God is generous. He knows our deepest desires and is ever attentive to the details of our life. He provides far beyond our basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. God uses the extravagance of His Which of God’s six character traits mentioned here is the most creation to bless us. meaningful to you?

Read 1 John 3 We Are His Children

14

Janet

Jeff Murray — Student Ministries Director — Jeff.Murray@fpcyakima.com

Students

Greetings Church!

This is an exciting time in Youth Ministry. Five students have gone through our Ecclesia class and are ready to become members of First Presbyterian. They will be presented on Sunday, September 16th and some of them will be baptized at the Round Up on Sunday September 23rd in the Ghormley Pool!

I’m also very excited to announce our new Intern Kelsey Schmidt! Kelsey is a recent graduate from Whitworth University. Her and her husband Aaron have moved here and are both excited to be part of our church family. Please welcome Kelsey if you see her!

A few things have changed since the last school year. We will no longer be holding Youth Group and Sunday School in the powerhouse. We have a new youth room on the basement floor (LL7 next to the gym). Sunday School will take place down there from now on. We will also be breaking up into two classes: Middle School and High School. So here is the rundown... 9:30 in the sanctuary, 9:45ish (when worship through music ends) we head down to the new youth room and we will be done at 10:45a.

Some Sundays the whole group will stay together and others we will split up by age groups. I look forward to seeing your student there!

Youth Group will also be in the new youth room and it will follow the same schedule as before. Middle school meets on Wednesdays @6p and ends @7:45p. High School starts @7:45p and ends @9p. We will have a meal with both groups together from 7:15p-7:45p.

Please contact Dave Whiteside if you’d like to host a meal. Dave@bortonfruit.com Please be in prayer for our youth community and all the challenges that they will face this year.

Peace to you!

Jeff

Kelsey

The new Youth Room is under construction. Check it out soon.

15

Family

Shan Trick — Assistant Director Family Ministries — Shan.Trick@fpcyakima.com

Raising and caring for children is one of the most important jobs a person will do in their lifetime.

What takes place at home can affect a child’s path for the rest of their life. Recognizing this we at First Presbyterian are committed to assisting parents in their journey. This fall we will once again present a parenting skills course with Laurie Kanyer, MA, Certified Family Life Educator.

Growing Capable Parents - Growing Great Kids 7 week class starti ng September 9 @11 a in the gym.

For more informat ion contact Shan Trick

Key Parenting Themes.

Exploring Child Development “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” Psalm 139:14 You will come away with a better understanding of what to expect at every age and learn helpful parent methods to support healthy development.

Recycling Human Development “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13 You will be able to review the parenting style you were brought up with and consider healthier styles for today.

Building Strong Families “Encourage each other and build each other up.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Parents will learn these strengths identify your current strength and learn ways to enhance your family.

Helping Children to Behave “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 20 tips to improve your toolbox of skills to improve the behavior of your child.

Meet our Teacher:

Laurie Kanyer is an author of a number of books on parenting, and also a longtime featured writer for a bi-monthly column in the Yakima Herald Republic called The Parent Connection.

She holds a masters degree in Human Development and has been a Certified Family Life Educator since 1990. She currently serves at FPC as a marriage mentor. Laurie has been happily married to her husband Doug since 1981, and is the mother of three lovely grown children. For the last fifteen years of her career Laurie provided education, counseling and case management services to pregnant and parenting women who received TANF Grants (Welfare grants). Serving over 500 women annually she cared for clients who were educationally disadvantaged, emotional challenged, in recovery from chemical dependency, domestically abused and living in poverty.

16

e kids... h t r o .f .. e il h w n Mea

Pathway of Discipleship October 21 Class celebration

October 14 Serving others October 7 Asking for forgiveness and forgiving others

Sept. 30 Praying

Sept. 23 Worshiping together as a family

Jesus, himself, said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." As we journey together along this Pathway of Discipleship it is our aim to discover (or rediscover) some of the obvious things along this trail and some of the hidden treasures God wants to reveal to us, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Kids will meet @11a in their classroom adjacent to the gym.

A snack will be provided each week.

Childcare is available for ages 0-5, located across from the office.

Sept. 16 Studying God’s word

Sept. 9 Acknowledging the leader

Meet our Teacher:

John Stolzenbach and his wife Sue moved to Yakima in July of 2011 to be closer to their two daughters in Seattle. They soon found their new church home at FPC, becoming members on Easter. Before going to seminary at the age of 36 to become a pastor, John was a 6th grade teacher in Columbus. He was ordained as a pastor when he was 41 and spent 27 years in a parish setting.

17

MISSIONS Report : Tanzania Dad and I have been back from Tanzania for nearly a month and have had time to reflect and put our experiences in perspective. Both of us have an overwhelming desire to go back and I, especially, am eager to share my experiences with any and all.

Our team of 19 plus two leaders from Florida Campus Crusade for Christ office worked together with several Tanzanian pastors and one Kenyan evangelist. We showed the Jesus Film 22 times…mostly in Swahili but also for the first time in Sokumo to a tribe in northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria.

We were split into two guest houses in the town of Bunda and from there went out daily in small groups into the surrounding bush area to meet with different tribes.

One day I was trekking into a remote village with several others from our team and a lady rushed out from her hut; shouting, gesticulating and weeping. Our translator finally was able to make sense of her emotions and explained to us that this lady had met the Lord years ago and had been faithful to Him alone in her village. Every day she had prayed that someone would come to share the Gospel with her townspeople. She recognized in us

the answer to her prayer. We showed the film there and nearly a third of the inhabitants indicated they had made decisions to follow Christ. (This percentage was pretty normal in our experience.)

On the weekends our group was split up and sent to teach in about eight different local churches. Dad gave a seminar on Biblical marriage as well as a sermon one Sunday. I told the story of Zaccheus with a flannelgraph set Mom had packed for me and near the end of our stay I taught the teachers at a Compassion International School how to use the set to tell Bible stories. We had excellent interpreters the entire time.

In some villages the people had never seen a white person before. They crowded around to “pet” our arms (in intrigue as they do not have hair on their arms).

The very last Saturday evening I was relaxing at the hotel. My lessons were all completed and we had invited the hotel workers and their families to a private showing of the Jesus film. (They were very curious about us as we were the only white people in the town the entire two weeks we stayed there.) When the call for commitment was given 100% of the viewers received

Christ!!! I believe the Lord used my dad mightily there. During our time there he sought out each worker and established a friendship with him or her…trying out his Swahili, encouraging any of their attempts at English, showing photos from home, etc.

Because of his quiet sincere witness they believed.

When that showing was over the chief Tanzanian coordinator arrived at the hotel looking for me. He said that pastors from two churches had heard me speak to the children and wanted me to preach that following day.

I wasn’t prepared with a sermon and could only be in one church at a time but I agreed (grumblingly). However, I worked on my sermon through the night and spoke the next day on giving your all to Jesus. Afterwards one of the pastors wanted to prophecy that God would use me as a ”great preacher to the African peoples”. I don’t know about that, but I am presently looking into seminaries and Bible schools.

Thanks to each of you who made this trip possible with your financial support. I would appreciate your continued prayers for me and for the Tanzanians we ministered to.

Peter Schilperoort

Trailseekers Snack Assistants, to assist and/or fill in for snack preparer. Time: Mondays, 2:00 – 3:00.

Call Mary Pooler at 697-8265.

Hey buddy, Can you Spare an Hour? The Trailseeker Program, a scripture-based after-school program for young, at-risk Yakima boys and girls, is seeking a few good men and women to volunteer their time between 2 and 10 hours each month. The program, housed at First Presbyterian Church, takes place on Monday during the school year. Here is a list of specific needs, so you can determine if your schedule, your ability, and your heart will fill the need.

Trailseekers is a long-standing program in Yakima and Tri-Cities with a strong impact on the children and families who participate. Staff meeting takes place Sept.

10th. at 2:30p. Kick-off Monday is Sept. 17th. Please prayerfully consider your small part in His service!

Thank you.

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Jill Skone

Female adult, to monitor and help girls in locker rooms at YMCA. Time: 1 Monday per month, Oct – May, 2:30 – 4:00. Call Jill Skone at 697-7257.

Male adult, to monitor and help boys in locker rooms at YMCA. Time: 1 Monday per month, Oct – May, 2:30 – 4:00. Call John Stolzenbach at 426-2689 Small group leaders, (male and female) and small group leader assistants (student groups of 6). Time: 2 – 3 Mondays per month, 2:30 – 4:00 (actual Small Group time: 3:15 – 4:00).

Call Greg Nebeker at 307-1100 Drivers, to transport students from their school to church (or to YMCA) Time: 3-4 Mondays per month, 2:10 – 2:30 to transport students from church (or YMCA) to their homes (4:00 – 4:30) 3-4 Mondays per month.

Call Greg Nebeker at 307-1100.

Substitute Drivers, (see above) to fill in occasionally for regular drivers

r c O h e y s n t o r a h p & m C y h S o v r e us i K

ONE NIGHT ONLY

is Don’t miss th spectacular FREE event!

Saturday, September 22 @ 7p

at First Presbyterian Church Yakima.

The Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus has premiered over sixty great masterpieces in Ukraine since it’s inception in 1993. Many of these performances have been broadcast over radio and television across the former Soviet Union. The repertoire of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus includes great choral literature of Ukraine, and choral-orchestra masterpieces from all over the world. In the seventeen years of its existence as the only private orchestra and chorus in Kiev, the KSOC has been recognized as a valuable musical entity in the Ukrainian culture.

Free!

Firs t

Free!

www.musicmissionkiev.org

An opportunity will be given, if you feel so led, to contribute financially to the KSOC mission.

Presb y te

rian Church / 9

im k a Y ve A h t 8 h t u So

a 19

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

Ghormley Church Family Round Up Sunday, September 23 @ 1p

Games Dancing Baptism & BBQ

WANTED

Bus ride available Meet at church parking lot at noon

Everyone!

Fun for all ages

BBQ Costs Weeuns 0~5 : Free

Sign up at the Connection Center or in the office by Monday, September

Buckaroos 6~12 : $5 Cowpokes 13~Adult : $10