“Worshiping God together, Growing in Christ-like maturity, Reaching those unconnected to Jesus Christ and ������� our community and the world.” Volume 24

here@FIRST

�������������� �������

�����2011

Who

is

my

neighbor?

�� this issue

PAGE 3 March Events

4 Pastor Jack’s Welcome5 FUSE (Families)

6 Senior Adults7 Men8 Women9 Children10 Students11 Preschool12 Missions13 Cristo Vive

15 Devotional Announcements & Opportunities14

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

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima9 South 8th AveYakima, WA 98902(509) 248-7940

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16-17 Baby Baptism & Dedication 201018 More Missions19 Trail Seekers

2

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

������������� ���������������������Sanctuary Guild������������������������������������������Prayer Ministry Point LeadersMOPSWomen's Retreat / Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������� ���������Ash Wednesday (Dinner and Service)�������������������Fellowship Ministry Team ������������������!�"�������#���������$�%��&#����Prayer Shawl Ministry���*��������� ���������+�������:��;����������������<������������������=�������������Ghormley CommissionMOPSUnion Gospel Mission Service (FPC Leads Worship)Mission Trip to Ethiopia / Project Mercy#�������� �"��� �������Young Lives Daddy Daughter Dance %�����>�*�%�����$�#����Chat With The Elders���������������������#����%����������MOPS Zumba / MOPS Team TrainingClothing ExchangePrayer Shawl Ministry������$������Schweitzer Ski Trip (Grades 8-12) �����������?#����������������������� !�"�#����Prayer and Praise ServiceCommunion Sunday

5:15p7:00p6:30p1:30p3:00p4:00p9:30aall weekend2:00p1:00p7:00a5:15p / 6:30p9:30a5:15p6:30p6:30p9:00a7:00a9:30a7:00p4:00p6:30p9:30a7:30p

9:00a4:30p - 8:00p6:00p10:30a / 12:30p6:00p10:00a9:30a9:00a - 2:00p1:00p3:30p

6:30p7:00pall morning

Rhino Room Adult Ed Room Garden Room Adult Ed Room Adult Ed Room Library Gym Moms WomenGym EveryoneAdult Ed Room Adult Ed Room Gym/Sanctuary EveryoneRhino Room Adult Ed Room Gym ParentsLounge Women��B���H��� ���I���Adult Ed Room MissonsGarden Room EveryoneAdult Ed Room EldersLibrary Rhino Room Ghormley BoardGym MomsUGM EveryoneAfrica Lounge Gym EveryoneLounge Adult Ed Room EveryoneGarden Room/Mid High Elders Parlor Women MomsGym Everyone��B���H��� ���I���Lounge Deacons Garden Room Senior AdultsSanctuary EveryoneSanctuary Everyone

M-W-F Exercisers 8:45a-9:45a Gym/GR Sr Adults���� �Q��+����Q;�����������X� : [\?\\� ������� �*�� ��� Overeaters Anonymous 12:00p Adult Ed Everyone Al-Anon 5:15p Adult Ed Everyone Church Basketball 7:00p Gym MenTuesday Living a Spirit Led Life - Women's Bible Study 9:15a Gym Women Women's Bible Study (Psalms) 9:45a Parlor Women�������� ��$�#�����X������ []?\\� ������� �� ������"����� ^?_\� %����� ����� Wednesdays @ First 5:30p Gym/Classrooms EveryoneThursday Contemporary Worship Rehearsal 6:00p Sanctuary Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00p Choir Room %����������*����������+X� �: q?\\� ]��=���� [��{|���� �

Weekday Events

Communion 10:45a Chapel EveryoneContemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team 8:00a & 9:30a Sanctuary Everyone�����������������{���X ������%����~Q���� [[?\\� �������� �*�� ���Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) 12:15p Chapel EveryoneKidZone Sunday Classes 9:30a Varies Birth-Gr5Adult Ed Bible Class 9:30a Adult Ed Room Adults40 Days of Purpose 9:30a Mezz Room AdultsGolden Circle 9:30a Lounge AdultsStudent Small Groups 11:00a Power House Gr 6-12FUSE - Fusing Families & Church Together for Christ 11:00a Gym / Lounge Everyone

Sunday Mornings

3

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 Christ-like 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

Pastor Jack’s

Welcome

Pastor Jack Peebles

Senior Pastorjack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

4

Our Vision

1) To help families at FPC become better equipped to

disciple our children.

2) To encourage those on the fringes at FPC to go

deeper in relationship with Christ and other FPC

families.3) To reach out to families beyond our congregation and

welcome them into our fellowship.

Parents and Church Working in Concert:o Nothing is more important than our relationship with God.o No one has more potential to influence a child’s relationship with God than a parent.o No one has more potential to monitor a child’s relationship with God than parents.o The church potential to influence a child dramatically increases when it partners with a parent.o The parent’s potential to influence a child dramatically increases when that parent partners with the church.o The average church has only 40 hours in a given year to influence a life.o The average parent has 3000 hours per year to influence a life.

March6 FUSE Fun: Family Bowling-Eagle Lanes13 FUSE Service: Easter Egg stuffing for Hunt20 Break Out groups: Communication/Talk27 Break - No FUSE

28-3 Spring Break Week

Sunday Morning FUSE Schedule

9:30 Worship in Sanctuary10:45 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

11:00 Adults will meet in David Ferry Lounge off

of the Garden Room (on FUSE weeks, location

will be announced)Noon Parents collect children in the gym

The Concept of FUSE

April3 Break Out groups: Friendship

10 Fuse Learning: Conflict

21 (Thurs) Fuse Worship: Family Seder Meal - TBD

23 (Sat) Community Easter Egg Hunt @ Franklin Park

24 Easter-No Fuse

FUSE StaffOffice - 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

The Concept of FUSEPastor Mark Tumney

Pastor of Family Life and Missionsmark.tumney@fpcyakima.com

5

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 long-time 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

“Happy Travelers” have changed theirname back to “Senior Sneaks”.

SeniorAdults

Pastor Jim Erixson

Pastor of Congregational Carejim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

6

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.

Though friendly enough, my companions did not have a lot in common, other than our church and our beginnings of faith (some mature; some newly come to the Lord). I cannot say “It was the best time of my life, and I met the greatest guys in the world and we bonded

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 some of my closest and most trusted friends. There are three guys in particular who have impacted my life, and they didn’t even go to my church. Though we all worship in different churches, God brought us together, and we have been meeting for lunch 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

Men

Bill Starr

Mens Ministry 965-3318bill.starr@fpcyakima.com

7

Women Growing in Christ ...

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.

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!

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".

Tuesday

Bible Study in the Parlor at 9:45a Living a Spirit Led Life 9:15a in the Gym

Wednesday@First

RE3 Class offerings quarterlySmall Groups – Interested? Call Ericka 248-7940Women’s Retreat: March 4, 5, & 6 in Chelan

Ericka Clark

Anonymous

Women

Shan Trick

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

8

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?

Spring has sprung in KidZone!

Just a reminder…Palm Sunday

music starts in all classes on March

6, so don’t miss out on the fun in

KidZone! Palm Sunday is April 17

and Easter Sunday is April 24

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

Spring has sprung in KidZone!

Just a reminder…Palm Sunday

music starts in all classes on March

6, so don’t miss out on the fun in

KidZone! Palm Sunday is April 17

and Easter Sunday is April 24Children

Susie Woodin

Childrens Ministries x 110susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

9

Schweitzer Retreat!!! (Open to 8th-12th grades)

Student Ministries is gearing up for the Schweitzer Ski retreat! We’ll

be heading up to Sandpoint Idaho on Sunday 3/27 at 1:00p and

returning on Wednesday 3/30 at about 9:00p.

The cost of the trip varies depending on how much skiing one

wants to do. The cost is $145 without lift passes. This includes food,

travel and the cost to rent out the chapel that we stay in. Lift passes

are $41 per day. Ski rental is $30 through the Yakima Sporthaus. So

the trip could cost a student anywhere from $145-$300 depending

on how much they want to ski or if they need to rent equipment.

The trip is open to 8th-12th grades. If you or your student is

interested, pick up a brochure at the connection center, main office

or from the powerhouse.

Prayer Connection

The youth of our community need to be prayed for. If you will commit to being a prayer mentor, please send an email or call Jeff (jeff.murray@fpcyakima.com, 248-7940 ex. 125). Being a prayer mentor means 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 partner with Jesus in a student’s development, lifting him/her up in prayer consistently. This is a long-term commitment that should not be madehalf-heartedly.

May the peace of Jesus be upon you.

Jeff Murray

Students

Jeff MurrayStudent Ministries x 125

jeff.murray@fpcyakima.comTyler Van Horn

Student Ministries x 106tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com

10

It’s time to register for next year!!

Registration continues strong! We are enrolling

children every day in our program for next year, and we

are filling up fast. Last year we had many children left

on a waiting list, and we hope everyone who wants to

be a part of our program doesn’t wait too long.

Register TODAY!

Please keep our program in your prayers.

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!

This month we are responding to the crisis right here in our

own backyard. We are collecting much needed items and cash

donations for the families of White Swan. We delivered our

first donation at the end of the February along with the help

of several preschoolers. We hope that by modeling generous

behavior for our children, we will show them how important it is

to be generous with the gifts God has given us. This will become

a mission project for our preschool and will continue as long as

there is a need.

Preschool

Rhonda Cardona

Preschool Director x 119rhonda.cardona@fpcyakima.com

11

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

We would like to extend a very special thanks to your congregation for partnering with

Samaritan's Purse in the work of Operation Christmas Child. In 2010, we were blessed to

receive over 5.5 million shoe box gifts in the United States and nearly 2.7 million boxes from 11

other sending countries, bringing our total to some 8.2 million gifts for needy children around

the world!

Thousands of churches just like yours from across the United States participate in the project

each year. It's a great outreach opportunity that can involve the entire congregation, no

matter how large or small your church may be. The ultimate gift we want children to receive

goes far beyond the colorfully-wrapped packages. That gift is the Good News of the Savior,

Jesus Christ. Through our follow-up discipleship program, "The Greatest Journey," more

children than ever before have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and commit their hearts

to Him. We are especially excited that "The Greatest Journey" Bible course will be offered in 65

countries this year!

Do you have stories to share with us about the ways Operation Christmas Child has moved

hearts in your church? We welcome your testimonies! Correspondence can be e-mailed to

occprojectleader@samaritan.org. Thanks again for your partnership and your commitment to

global missions. May God bless your service as you minister to others in His Name.

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.

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 fewhousehold 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

Excerpt from Samaritan’s Purse Newsletter

Missions

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

12

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

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

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

Cristo Vive

Gustavo Carvajal

Pastor de Cristo Vive x 133gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com

13

Ash Wednesday Supper & Worship - March 9

Supper: 5:15p - Gym

Worship Service: 6:30p - Sanctuary

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9,

which is 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays).

This is a time of preparation for Easter through

repentance and contemplation of the necessity of

the cross in our forgiveness. Jesus’ birth at Christmas

ultimately leads to the cross and His suffering.

This service vividly portrays the significance of the

cross of Christ in our forgiveness as we symbolically nail

our sins to the cross. The slips of paper noting our sins

are then burned as first names are read aloud. We come

forward again and the ashes are used to make the sign

of the cross on our foreheads. Join us for this most

poignant and personal worship experience.

Join us at 5:15p in Gym for a simple soup and bread

supper. Cost is $7/ea or $25/family. Childcare will be

available during the service (with 48 hour notice).

hi M ch

Do you like to work in the kitchen? Our much

loved chef Tony needs help. His assistant is

moving to another town, and we are looking for

a volunteer to fill the void on Wednesday nights.

For details call Jerry Smith @ 972-2077

MOPS needs your help.Come support the support group.We have a ton of children here on MOPS days, and we need people to watch them while the mothers meet.The current need is for 10 people once a month + Backups (ages 18 and up).Contact Julie Rottman at 307-4887

Madison House - Open HouseAre you interested in finding out more about what the Madison House is doing in our community? Would you consider getting involved in reaching the neighborhood around Madison House? Here’s your opportunity! The Madison House is holding an informative open house on Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00p-8:00p at 302 S 4th St. This is your chance to see what is going on, and to get plugged in. For more information Call Kevin Deyette at 457-3370

Low Income Apartments Available!Mable Swan, across the street, has 6 openingsfor those who are age 62 and over who qualify for low income housing. Inquire at the Mable Swan office with the Manager, Connie 248-5151

FUSE Bowling @ Eagle LanesSunday, March 6 at 11:00a . Meet in the Power House. Enjoy the first game & shoe rental on our dime! Fun for dad & kids if mom’s away at the women’s retreat! For more info contactJeff Murray x 125

RE3 is reverting back to its previous name “Wednesdays@First”.Spring session starts Wednesday, March 16.Watch for posters of class schedule.

Madison House - Open HouseAre you interested in finding out more about what the Madison House is doing in our community? Would you consider getting in l d

Announcements

& Opportunities

14

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

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

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 All Scripture is God-breathed and

is useful for teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training in

righteousness, so that the man of God

may be thoroughly equipped for every

good work. 2 Timothy 3 16-17

Devotional

15

Aiden Olaf ReedBorn: 11/02/09 Baptized: 1/10/10Parents: Linnea & Chris Reed

Mia Helen DoréBorn: 1/12/10 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Ericka & Dusty Doré

Elias Patrick SundquistBorn: 8/24/09 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Kate & Andrew Sundquist

Nadia Skye ReisskuppBorn: 12/23/09 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Nina Reiss & Randy Kupp

Kalen James ClineBorn: 1/13/10 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Karra Albertson & Alan Cline

Katelyn Elizabeth StannardBorn: 11/11/09 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Lorraine Harkin-Stannard & Ross Stannard

BabyBaptism

16

William James HodgeBorn: 9/06/09 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Libby & Alex Hodge

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

Maria Sophia CasoBorn: 2/17/10 Baptized: 5/09/10Parents: Claire McKenna & Carlos Caso

Juliet Heather MoultrayBorn: 6/07/09 Dedicated: 5/09/10Parents: Heidi & Ryan Moultray

Luke Michael McCoyBorn: 7/08/10 Baptized: 10/24/10Parents: Andrea & Aaron McCoy

Jackson Eugene McCoyBorn: 10/23/08 Baptized: 10/24/10Parents: Andrea & Aaron McCoy

& Dedication2010

17

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

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

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

More Missions

18

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.

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 informationabout the auction or TrailSeekers in general callGreg at 307-1100

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, March 6

2:00p

TrailSeekers

19

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDYAKIMA, WA

PERMIT NO 59

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9 SOUTH 8TH AVEYAKIMA, WA 98902

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

Donations are appreciated, but not mandatory.

Saturday, March 269:00a - 2:00p

Clothing changeX

14th ANNUAL

Bring all items to church gym on Friday, Mar. 25 or Saturday, Mar. 26

FREE!

First Presbyterian Church Gym(Koehler Hall)

9 S 8th Ave 248-7940www.fpcyakima.com