April faith tab

2 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Many Easter events held throughout the Bitterroot Valley MICHELLE McCONNAHA Ravalli Republic

Christians celebrate Easter as a weeklong celebration, often referred to as Holy Week. Some churches have Maundy Thursday services, reflecting on the Last Supper. Good Friday is a time of remembrance of the crucifixion of Christ and his payment of sins, and Easter Sunday, April 5 this year, is celebrated as Christ’s resurrection day.

There are church services and egg hunts planned throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Here are a few of the events: April 2, Maundy Thursday, Christ instructed his followers in the Last Supper and then he was betrayed.

The First Presbyterian Church will have the Lord’s Supper and a Service of Darkness at 7 p.m., featuring Sunday school kids, choir, bell choir and scripture highlighting Jesus’ journey to the cross, 1220 W. Main St., Hamilton, 363-1232.

The Victor Community Church will have a Maundy Thursday Service, with a soup supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by worship at 7 p.m., with special music by Russell Perri, 258 S. Martin St., Victor, 642-3458.

United Methodist/American Baptist Federated Church will host a Maundy Thursday Service celebrating the last supper, beginning at 7 p.m., 211 N. Sixth St., Hamilton, 363-2465.

Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene Br Breakfast at 8 am Center, at Neely Center corner of 5th & A Streets in Victor

Sunday school at 9:30

Easter Service at 10:45 at the Worship Center at

803 Fifth Ave. in Victor.

Please call with any questions at 642-3838.

Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS, 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Service, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton, 363-1924.

Faith Lutheran Church, Maundy Thursday Service, 7 p.m. 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton.

April 3, Friday the day Jesus was tried, crucified, and suffered on the cross for humankind’s sins. Then he was buried. Good Friday Services will be held by many churches including: Canyon View Church, 7 p.m., will have an ancient Tenenbrae service of scripture and song, 195 Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton, 363-4244.

Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS, 7 p.m., Good Friday Service, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton, 363-1924.

Good Friday Service, Victor Community Church, 7 p.m., with special music

by Russell Perri, 258 S. Martin St., Victor, 642-3458.

Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton. Good Friday Service at noon.

St. Francis Catholic Community, Good Friday Service 12:10 p.m., 411 S. Fifth Street, Hamilton.

April 4, Saturday First Baptist Church is having a community Easter event at the Sleeping Child Church Property, 869 Sleeping Child Road, Hamilton, 363-3735, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 4,000 eggs for hunts for four age groups (babies through high school), games, bouncy house, face painting, food, prizes, and activities for all ages.

Everyone is invited; the event is open to the community.

Corvallis Community Church will host an Easter egg hunt for kids ages 2-10, 10 a.m., full of fun and prizes. Meet in the football grandstands of the Corvallis Community Events just north of Corvallis. 961-3443.

The Ravalli County Airport will host its annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Ravalli County Pilots Association and local businesses, 11 a.m., rain or shine. Areas will be marked for three age groups: four and under, five to nine and ten to twelve. Eggs will be stuffed with candy. The Easter Bunny is still deciding whether to skydive in – weather depending. Other options he is considering are helicopter and hopping down the bunny trail. Plenty of parking is available. Eggs will be collected for recycling for next year.

Annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Victor Volunteer Rural Fire District, 1 p.m., in Victor Park across from the main firehouse, 121 North Tudor St., Victor. “The Easter egg hunt will take place on Saturday instead of Easter Sunday, so all fire district volunteers can spend Easter Sunday with their families,” said Fire Chief Dennis Pings. “We expect hundreds of children and we will do our best to make sure that each child goes home with Easter candy and a gift.” The entire Bitterroot community is invited. Come and join your neighbors.

The Assembly of God Church will host “More Than An Easter Egg Hunt” on Saturday at 2 p.m., 505 Willow Ck. Road, Corvallis. Kids will have the opportunity to hear the Easter story told by actors representing Bible characters, then a huge egg hunt with candy and prize-filled eggs for age appropriate groups.

All welcome!

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 3

April 5, Easter Sunday is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was crucified on Friday as payment of sins for all the people of the world.

Cornerstone Bible Church - Sunrise Service, 7 a.m., at Darrel and Carolyn Sperry’s place – 807 Old Corvallis Road – it’s a beautiful place to watch the sun come up – a bonfire, pond. It will be followed by a breakfast at 9 a.m. They will not have Sunday school, but there is a full service in the sanctuary at 10 a.m. with additional music, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, 363-5075.

First Presbyterian Church, 11 a.m. The First Presbyterian Church will pull out the stops, with bells, choir and even the children’s choir. Easter Sunday always includes a meaningful activity for Sunday school children. 1220 W Main St, Hamilton, 363-1232.

First Baptist Church, 9:15 a.m. Sunday school, 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday Service, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton, 363-3735.

Corvallis Community Church, 7:30 a.m. Sunrise Service; Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.; and Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 961-3443, 310 Second St., Corvallis.

Christ’s Bible Church, Sunrise Service (Kiwanis Park, Hamilton), 7:30 a.m., followed by a potluck breakfast at the church, Easter egg hunt at 9 a.m., Bible Studies at 9:45 a.m., and a Worship Service, 11 a.m., 319 S. Fifth St., Hamilton, 363-3390.

In One Hope Ministries, Easter Service, 10:30 a.m., continues the topic of major feasts of Israel: Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits, which speak to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. 381-9613, 1200 Eastside Highway, Corvallis.

The Church of God, Easter Service, 11 a.m., 381-7268, 307 North Second St., Hamilton.

Grace Lutheran Church, LCMS, Easter Sunrise Worship, 7 a.m.; Easter Breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; and an Easter Celebration Worship, 9:30 a.m., Jesus

Christ, true God and true man, died and rose for you. 363-1924, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton.

Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton. Easter Sunday Worship, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with an Easter Breakfast college scholarship fund breakfast between services, at 9:15 a.m.

Victor Community Church – Sunrise Service 7 a.m. at the Victor Cemetery, Easter Service, 11 a.m., with special music by Russell Perri, 258 S. Martin St., Victor, 642-3458.

Assembly of God - Free Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration Service, 10:15 a.m., 601 West Main Street, Hamilton, 363-2510.

United Methodist – American Baptist Church, 211 North 6th Street, Hamilton, 363-2465. Easter Service 10 a.m.

St. Francis Catholic Community, Easter Sunday services: St. Francis – 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton and St. Philip Benizi - noon, 312 Miles Street, Darby.

Canyon View Church, Easter Services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., nursery and cry room provided for ages 0-3, offering “the flowering of the cross” and keepsake photos with frames for both services. The Children’s Church ages four through 5th grade will be taking a “journey to the cross”. 195 Skalkaho Highway, Hamilton, 363-4244.

Other churches may be having special services. Contact them directly.

“CELEBRATE EASTER” Services Join us on Palm Sunday, March 29 @ 9:00am & 10:45am

* Palms for everyone as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem

Join us for our Good Friday Service April 3rd @ 7:00pm * A traditional tenebre service of scripture and song

Join us for our Easter Services at 9:00am, 10:45am

• We will be offering “the flowering of the cross” and keepsake photos with frames for both services.

• Nursery Care& the Cry Room are provided for ages 0-3, for your convenience.

• Children ages 4-5th grade will be taking a “Journey to the Cross”

406-363-4244

195 Skalkaho Hwy., Hamilton | www.canyonviewchurch.org

4 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Community outreach at Canyon View Church

By JIM SMITH Canyon View Church

Community outreach is mission critical at Canyon View Church says Senior Pastor, Dr. Jim Smith, whose personal motto is, “if it’s not unbiblical, illegal or immoral, let’s give it a shot.” This has empowered the people of Canyon View to try new and creative approaches to ministry. During the Christmas season, the church was transformed into a first century marketplace complete a sheep stable. This was a real hit with the community drawing over 300 people who requested that this event be held yearly. Shortly thereafter, the ladies worked hard to bake over 3000 cookies that were beautifully wrapped including an invitation to Christmas Eve services and to be delivered to each person’s “circle of 3.” (The 3 specific people that a person feels lead to invest their lives into and to pray for daily in Jesus’ name). Finally, due to the generosity of several Christian businessmen, the church was issued a $30,000 challenge to help to provide local families in need holiday dinners and gifts who otherwise might not be able to enjoy a family Christmas celebration.

Canyon View Church has long hosted a unique care ministry called, “Divorce Care.” In a world in which divorce has affected more families than ever, the church is committed to offering skillful love, healing and grace in Jesus’ name to those are in deep suffering and pain and well as “Financial Peace University” to help those struggling with financial issues gain control

EastEr wEEk sErvicEs Maundy thursday agape Meal & service 6pm Good Friday 12 noon Easter vigil Saturday 7pm

Historical st. Paul’s Episcopal church 600 S 3rd Street (Hamilton’s Historical District) 363-3025

and confidence in the areas of money management making use of common sense practices and Biblical principles. Canyon View is also excited to launch a new community care program called, “Grief Share” for those who have experienced the deep pain of suffering in life or the loss of a loved one.

Men’s ministry at the Canyon View Church recently hosted its second installment of “Packin’ Iron” which was a community wide outreach including the display of favorite and unique firearms as well as a chili cook-off and wild game dinner. Prizes were awarded for the oldest & newest guns, the best story of “prevarication” concerning a firearm as well as the youngest male in attendance. Future events will include “Buckshot & Babes” ladies trapshooting as well as continuing to host the monthly meetings of the Beekeepers of the Bitterroot.

Canyon View Church is passionate about its “3-C” D.N.A. statement that influences all aspects of its life, worship, discipleship and ministry. Canyon View is a Great Commandment (Mt. 22), a Great Compassion (Is. 61/Lk. 4) and a Great Commission Church (Mt. 28) and is proud to be a part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) and has sent three couples into overseas missions work.

Many Thanks, Jim Smith , Senior Pastor (406) 381-3930 jim.smith@canyonviewchurch.org

St Francis Catholic Community 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton St. Philip Benizi - 312 Miles Street, Darby

All masses are at St Francis in Hamilton unless otherwise noted.

HOLY WEEK Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday

7:00pm 12:10pm 8:00pm

EASTER SUNDAY St Francis 8am & 10am St Philip Noon Please join us in observing the complete Triduum from Holy Thursday through the Easter Sunday celebration.

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 5

Duce’s Wild:

What we can learn from Mary Magdalene If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s that patience is more than a virtue, it’s a necessary part of my faith. The inspirational events surrounding Christ’s resurrection are a reminder every Spring that my faith and hope will sprout anew if nourished with patience.

Jesus Christ died on the cross and was laid STACIE DUCE to rest in a sealed and guarded sepulcher.

For three days, the faithful mourned and wondered if they understood the nature of his promised resurrection. For three days, they hid and cried and consoled one another and it must have seemed like three days too many. Some doubted, some let fear overshadow what they had been taught and promised.

So why did His glorious resurrection occur on the third day? Aside from fulfillment of prophecy and a cerebral theological study of spiritual symbolism, I offer two of my simple explanations that even a child can understand.

I believe the resurrection on the third day after Christ’s death might have been a gentle reminder that God’s time is not our time. It was also a bold reminder that our darkest days will be overcome with light if we simply are patient in the process.

Three days was enough time for Mary Magdalene to be tormented by her loss and prepare (whether she knew it or not) to be the first to witness the resurrected Christ in his glory. So what virtues might Mary Magdalene have possessed that we can exemplify while enduring our own particular tests of faith?

Mary Magdalene was DEVOTED She rose before dawn at the earliest possible moment after the Sabbath with several other women to take spices and ointments to the tomb so they could further anoint Jesus’ body. Despite her pain and mourning over his death, she was motivated to act and serve with abiding love and respect.

Mary Magdalene was OBEDIENT When the women found angels at the tomb, they were told not to fear and instead quickly tell the disciples that the Lord had risen. Mary immediately ran to find Simon Peter. She was obedient to the instructions and was clear in her message. But she didn’t stop there – she followed close behind the two disciples as they ran to the tomb and she was ready for further instructions and spiritual guidance.

Mary Magdalene wasn’t afraid to WEEP Back at the garden tomb, Mary wasn’t quick to leave again after the disciples determined that Jesus was gone. She wasn’t caught up in the crisis and didn’t hurry away to tell her tale to others. I imagine her pausing and in the stillness of the moment, she let herself linger and weep. When the resurrected Christ appeared, I imagine her looking down while supposing she had been caught in her crying by the gardener. Although in a quiet moment of mourning, she was composed enough to courageously beg the gardener to tell her where the body had been taken. Her weeping gave her strength at the next possible moment to be a servant of God.

Mary Magdalene RECOGNIZED THE VOICE OF THE SAVIOR All of Mary’s pain was washed away the moment she recognized the voice of her Master. In an instant, she felt complete joy and wanted to affectionately wrap her arms around Him. She didn’t hesitate or let suspicions make her doubt. The answer to her prayers was standing right in front of her and she responded instantly with love and gratitude.

So like Mary Magdalene, I want to face my times of trial with devotion. I want to be obedient to promptings and principles of Christ’s gospel. I need to allow myself to weep when I feel weak so that I can stand stronger when I need to act. And above all, I want to receive heavenly guidance with instant recognition and love. Mary was spared no grief, but she was blessed with the ability to stand stronger in the end.

At this Easter time when some New Year’s resolutions are all but forgotten, consider cultivating virtues like Mary Magdalene’s that will resurrect your faith and hope.

Stacie Duce is a Bitterroot Valley free-lance writer.

Faith Lutheran Church

171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton (east from Murdoch’s)

Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 7pm Good Friday, April 3 at Noon Easter Sunday, April 5 at 8:00 and 10:30am Scholarship Breakfast at 9:15am Weekly Worship Sundays at 9:30am faithlutheranhamilton.org 406.363.2964

Faith… ... a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.

Martin Luther

6 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Younger generations are getting involved in family history through church Story and Photos By STACIE DUCE

Hamilton High School student Taylor Bess agrees. She and her younger brother, James, have At the largest family history recently become volunteer family conference in the world, held last history consultants at Hamilton’s month in Salt Lake City, CEO of Family History Library, located FamilySearch International Dennis inside The Church of Jesus Christ Brimhall told participants at of Latter-day Saints building on RootsTech, “The greatest growth the corner of Pine and Eighth for family history is with the young streets. people because they’re very Seventeen-year-old Taylor has technologically comfortable, and committed to receive training and that’s where the action is today.” to work on her family history at He contends family history is home on her personal computer easy to do today, and strengthens for at least one hour per week. faith and family relations.

Then, when other youth need “In the old days, it was a mathelp, she makes herself available ter of going to archives or librarto teach and train. ies, pouring through microfilm “My grandmother was the and trying to find things, and a lot one who helped me learn how to of people weren’t just going to find information and do research do that,” he said. “But now you for family history,” she said. “I’ve simply go online.” been indexing at home on my Brimhall reported that 1.3 milcomputer for a while now, and it’s lion new names are added to fun because it’s like you’re playing the FamilySearch database every a detective every day as you look day. He encouraged people to at old documents and try to put start their family history by talking the pieces of a puzzle together.” to a close relative. “It’s looking Karren McLean, director of forward and saying, ‘What will we Taylor Bess is a new volunteer Family History consultant for youth. the Family History Center in leave for our great-great-grandHamilton, said, “These youth children?’ ” have such quick minds and quick fingers that they really are a valuable help to He said, “If you understand where you came from and your history, it gives us. But often, you’ll be explaining something to them (on the computer) and you confidence to deal with the challenges today.” you look up and they’re already there.

“In April, we have youth groups scheduled to come into family history center and hopefully our youth consultants will be able to help with that,” McLean said. “We have found that youth really love to do indexing, which is digitizing the names and information found on archived documents. They challenge service at church at 7 pm themselves and are so fast. It’s really a great program and a great help to those of us doing research.”

In addition, youth can provide assistance with new features on the Tenebrae service at church at 7 pm FamilySearch website that allows people to scan photos and documents and attach them to the pedigreed names.

“That is something that has really attracted a lot of attention and exciteSunrise service at 661 South Burnt ment from our community,” McLean said. “Now, people can add family pictures to their family tree and even attach copies of birth certificates or life Fork road (Stevensville) at 7 am sketches for everyone in their extended family to access.”

Breakfast at church at 8 am Egg hunt on church lawn at 10 am Sheila Fallows was working in the Family History Center last week and Worship service at church at 10:30 am 216 College, Stevensville receiving assistance from the consultants on posting pictures to her pedigree.

For

the

Ravalli Republic

Holy Thursday, 4/2/15 Good Friday, 4/3/15

Easter Sunday, 4/5/15

Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 - 7

Maundy Thursday April 2nd at 7:00 pm and

Easter Services at 10:00 am Sheila Fallows recently learned how to add photos of her husband to his personal page on FamilySearch. She posted a handsome picture of him when he served in the military and another picture of the fighter bomber he flew in Viet Nam.

She recently posted a picture of her husband when he was serving in Vietnam, as well as a photo of the fighter bomber he used to fly.

“You can start your background work at home and then come here to substantiate your work,” said Fallows. “Once you get here you realize how much the consultants can help and how many resources are available to you.”

McLean said, “The FamilySearch program is now available to anyone for free even on their home computer. But at the Family History Center, we have access to quite a number of programs for free that might otherwise cost patrons if they were using them from home.”

Margie Jackson is another family consultant with 35 years experience who

E a s t e r S u n d ay w i t h e t a r b us!

Cele Serving a Special Easter Sunday Meal

363-3822 Open 7 Days A Week Hours: 6am - 10pm 500 S. 1st, Hwy 93 • Hamilton

UNITED METHODISTAMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH 211 North 6th street 363-2465 www.umabchurch.com email: office@umabchurch.com 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship Service on Sunday

8 - Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, December 18, 2012

Margie Jackson, Karren McLean and Sheila Fallows working at the Family History Center in Hamilton.

volunteers her time at the library. “It’s hard on the heart when you look at the membership prices of some of these premium genealogy sites … some can be $300 or more per year to subscribe. But here it’s all free.”

Some of those premium family history sites that are available for free inside the Family History Center are Ancestry.com, findmypast.com, fold3.com and MyHeritage.com. Some sites specialize in providing new census records or military records but each can open the door to all kinds of family history connections, McLean said.

At the RootTech conference last month, a first-time event called the Innovator Showdown was held. Entrepreneurs from around the world were invited to submit a mobile or web app that would improve family history work. Nick and Krista Baum, cofounders of StoryWorth, received first place honors for their app that allows customers to receive a weekly email with a question about their lives so they can respond via email or telephone and record a response like a voicemail.

Second place was awarded to a team from Germany, Welf Wustlich and Uwe Hausler, who created ArgusSearch – a software program featuring an artificial intelligence that deciphers handwritten text from genealogical documents with a high level of accuracy.

“Every year, there are major improvements to the world of family history and every year it becomes more attractive to young people because of all the technology,” said McLean. “We’re happy to help anyone who might be interested.”

The Hamilton Family History Center is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. McLean said she is willing to set private appointments to meet the schedules of those interested in family history.

on Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 5th at 9 & 11 am at Calvary Chapel Bitterroot Valley 700 North 4th Street, Hamilton Special Children’s Activities at the 11 am Service • Come enjoy free refreshments from our Café

For More Information & Other Easter Events Call: 363-3431 • www.bitterrootvalleycalvarychapel.com