“Let us run with endurance the race

that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

“Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.” Volume 44

here@FIRST

first presbyterian church

November2012

Stewardship

Here@First is available in a PDF format on the church web page at www.fpcyakima.com. For inquiries, submissions,omissions, and corrections contact Curtis 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

Our Core ValuesGlorifying God with our best.

Pioneering and ongoing outreach.

Engaging and nurturing relationships.

Being a cornerstone in the community.

Equipping people for ministry through biblical foundation and service.

M-W-F Exercisers 8:45a-9:45a Gym/GR Sr AdultsMonday TOPS(TakeOffPoundsSensibly) 10:00a AdultEd Everyone OvereatersAnonymous 12:00p AdultEd Everyone Trailseekers 2:30p Gym Al-Anon 5:15p AdultEd EveryoneTuesday Women’sBibleStudy(SpiritLedLife) 9:15a Gym Women Women’sBibleStudy(WomenintheWord) 9:45a Parlor WomenWednesday WomenofAction 9:30a Chapel Women SOZOPrayer 5-9p SOZOTeam YouthGroup-MidHigh 6-7:45p YouthRoomLL7 6th-8thgr YouthGroup-SeniorHigh 7-9p YouthRoomLL7 9th-12thgr SOAR:SchoolofSpiritualTransformation 5:30p Chapel SOAR StudentsThursday BibleStudyFellowship 9:00a Women ContemporaryWorshipRehearsal 5:30p Sanctuary WorshipBand TempleChoirRehearsal 7:00p ChoirRoom ChoirFriday SOZOPrayer 9-Noon/5-9p SOZOTeam

Weekday Events

IntercessoryPrayer 8:30a-9:30a Chapel EveryoneContemporaryWorship-ledbyContemporaryWorshipTeam 8:00a & 9:30a Sanctuary EveryoneTraditionalWorship-ledbyOrgan&Choir 11:00a Sanctuary EveryoneWorship-CristoVive(Spanish) 12:15p Chapel EveryoneKidZoneSundayClasses 9:30a Upstairs K-5thSonbeams 9:30a MezzanineL2 2½yr&3yrCubbies 9:30a Room103 4yr&5yrAdultEdBibleClass 9:30a AdultEd Adults40DaysofPurpose 9:30a Mezzanine AdultsGoldenCircle 9:30a Lounge AdultsStudents(6th-12thgrade) 9:30a YouthRoomLL7 Gr6-12

Sunday Mornings

November 4: N-S November 11: T-Z November 18: A-F November 25: G-MPleasebringadozencookiesonyourweek,andnon-perishablefooditemsforCalvaryRescueMission.

Cookies & Cans

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November EventsFriday,November2 MOPS(MothersofPreschoolers) 9:00a Gym MomsSaturday,November3 CVNewMemberClass 3:00p-7:00p AdultEd CristoViveSunday,November4 DaylightSavingsTimeEnds EveryoneSunday,November4 PrayerSunday allmorning Sanctuary EveryoneMonday,November5 LivingWatersMeeting 5:30p Parlor CommitteeMonday,November5 SoakingPrayer 6:30p Rm221 WomenTuesday,November6 AdultEdMeeting 7:00p AdultEd CommitteeWednesday,November7 Women’sMinistryMeeting 4:00p PrayerRm CommitteeFriday,November9 MOPSSteeringTeamMeeting 9:00a Lounge MOPSLeadershipFriday,November9 CraftNight 6:00p Lounge WomenSaturday,November10 PrayerShawlMinistry 9:00a MidHighRm KnittersSaturday,November10 CVNewMemberClass 3p-7p AdultEd CristoViveSaturday,November10 VeteransDinnerandProgram 6:00p GardenRoom EveryoneSunday,November11 VeteransMemorabiliainGardenRoom allmorning GardenRoom EveryoneSunday,November11 OperationChristmasChildShoeboxesDue allmorning Sanctuary EveryoneSunday,November11 CVNewMemberClass 10:30a Lounge CristoViveSunday,November11 EasterProjectMeeting(YouthMissionTrip) 11:00a AdultEdMonday,November12 VeteransDay/NoPreschool EveryoneMonday,November12 EdithFerryCirclePotluck 12:00p Parlor WomenTuesday,November13 DiscipleshipMinistryMeeting 6:00p Rm203 CommitteeTuesday,November13 FellowshipMinistryMeeting 6:00p Parlor CommitteeTuesday,November13 WorshipMinistryMeeting 6:00p PrayerRm CommitteeTuesday,November13 ServiceMinistryMeeting 6:00p AdultEd CommitteeTuesday,November13 BusinessMinistryMeeting 7:00p Library CommitteeWednesday,November14 ThanksgivingforSwanManor 12:00p GardenRoom SwanManorWednesday,November14 ChurchThanksgivingDinner&Service 5:30p Gym EveryoneWednesday,November14 NoYouthGroupTonight 6th-12thgradesThursday,November15 GhormleyCommission 7:00p AdultEd CommitteeFriday,November16 SOZOAdvancedTraining(pre-register) 9a-5p Lounge EveryoneFriday,November16 TheBlastHSRetreat(Nov16-18) allweekend GhormleyMeadows 9th-12thgradesSaturday,November17 SOZOAdvancedTraining(pre-register) 9a-5p Lounge EveryoneSaturday,November17 CouplesNight(CristoVive) 5:30p Lounge CouplesSunday,November18 SalvationArmyAngelTreeKickOff allmorning GardenRoom EveryoneSunday,November18 NoYouthSundaySchool 6th-12thgradesSunday,November18 Deacon’sMeeting 3:30p Lounge DeaconsTuesday,November20 PreschoolThanksgivingFeasts(inclassrooms)10:30a Classrooms PreschoolFamiliesTuesday,November20 SessionLeadershipTeamMeeting 7:00p AdultEdWednesday,November21 PreschoolThanksgivingFeasts(inclassrooms)10:30a Classrooms PreschoolFamiliesWednesday,November21 NoYouthGroupTonight 6th-12thgradesThursday,November22 ThanksgivingDinneratGhormley TimeTBA GhormleyMeadows EveryoneThursday,November22 HappyThanksgiving/ChurchClosed Friday,November23 ChurchClosedToday allday Saturday,November24 PrayerShawlMinistry 1:00p MidHighRm KnittersTuesday,November27 KaffeeKlatsch 9:30a GardenRoom EveryoneTuesday,November27 SessionDinnerandMeeting 6:00p GardenRm/MidHigh Elders&Prog.StaffWednesday,November28 NaomiCircleMeeting 10:00a AdultEd WomenWednesday,November28 DecorateChurchforAdvent 10:00a-3:00p Sanctuary/GardenRm EveryoneWednesday,November28 MovieNight:FatherofLights 6:30p Lounge EveryoneSaturday,December1 NewDeaconTraining 9:00a Lounge DeaconsSaturday,December1 BreakfastwithSanta-AdventCelebration 9:00a Gym EveryoneSaturday,December1 KidzoneRehearsal(Singinginchurch12/2) 10:00a Sanctuary KidzonekidsSunday,December2 CommunionSunday allmorning Sanctuary EveryoneSunday,December2 KidsSingall3Services allmorning Sanctuary EveryoneSunday,December2 KidzonePancakes allmorning Gym KidzonekidsMonday,December3 LivingWatersMeeting 5:30p Parlor CommitteeMonday,December3 SoakingPrayer(Women) 6:30p PrayerRm WomenTuesday,December4 AdultEdMeeting 5:00p AdultEd CommitteeTuesday,December4 Session/DeaconDinnerandMeetings 6:00p GardenRoom Elders/DeaconsWednesday,December5 PresbyterianWomenSilverTea 1:00p GardenRoom WomenWednesday,December5 Women’sMinistryMeeting 4:00p PrayerRm CommitteeThursday,December6 HappyTravelersMeeting 1:30p AdultEd CommitteeThursday,December6 SeniorAdultMinistriesMeeting 3:00p AdultEd CommitteeFriday,December7 MOPSChristmasTea 9:00a GardenRoom Moms

Calendar

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Happenin’ @ First

Bistro Dinner ClubsBistro Dinner clubs have started up again, and typically are happening on the 2nd Friday of each month throughout the rest of the school year. The goal of these groups is to have a multi-generational experience of our church community so that deeper relationships can be cultivated. If you would like to join one of these groups this fall, please contact Tyler Van Horn (tyler@fpcyakima.com).

Open up a whole new life…through the power of a simple gift.Samaritan’s Purse has changed the lives of children through Operation Christmas Child since 1993. Every year the generous people of FPC have joined in lovingly packing shoeboxes with gifts…simple, yet powerful messages of God’s unconditional love. We kicked off Operation Christmas Child on Oct. 14, and will collect shoeboxes until Nov. 11…at which time

we will bless all collected shoeboxes during worship before they begin their journey of love to children in far off countries.

When a child opens a shoe box, they are opening more than a present you lovingly prepared just for them. They’re opening up their community to the love of Jesus, and a world of life-changing opportunities. Whose life will your shoe box change this year?

Cristo Vive 2nd No Cost Fund Raiser Dinner Come and Celebrate our Ministry on Sunday December 9 at 6p! You will enjoy an authentic Mexican meal, at no cost; experience worship through song, testimony and get to know more about your Latino neighbors. Please sign up at the Connection Center as an attendee (we will assign you a table), or as a table host (invite 7 more people to join you at your table). Please invite people you know who are passionate about building bridges with the Hispanic Community in Yakima, and Hispanic acquaintances who may also enjoy our celebration.

Welcome New Members!Sue Skiles and Lani Johnson.

MOPS Photo FundraiserFirst Presbyterian MOPS is selling coupons for $25, but you get $50 off a session (think Groupon or Seize the Deal) with one of 7 participating local photographers! YOU select the photographer whose style and packages best meet your family's needs. Coupons are valid for one year. Some restrictions apply. 100% of the coupon price goes to support the MOPS general fund and their ministry to local moms. Photographer list and coupons available in the church office.

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Happenin’ @ First

Angel TreeWe are blessed to once again participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree this year. Start your Christmas off by providing a gift for a child in Yakima… Angels will be available on the angel tree from Nov. 18 – Dec. 12

Hands of Hope ShelterWe will be opening the women's shelter located at 701 N. 40th Avenue on Nov. 15, and will stay open through Mar. 15. We need ladies to stay over night and ladies or gentlemen to provide meals and transportation. If you feel the Lord tugging on your heart to help get the shelter ready by November 15, 2012, please contact Melia Franck at 594-5470 or Tami McDaniels at 388-4750. Be a part of helping someone change their life.

Veterans Day DinnerOur annual Veterans Day dinner will be on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 6:00p in the Garden Room. Our key note speaker will be Pastor Jim Erixson, Retired SMSgt, USAF. All veterans are invited to bring your memorabilia to show at the dinner and then on Sunday morning the 11th of November. The dinner is open to the public. So, come one, come all! Reservations ($9 per plate) can be made at the Connection Center before 5p on Friday Nov. 9. You can also contact Harley Drollinger at 972-1457 for more information.

A Holiday Celebration for the Whole Family!December 7, 8, 9 2012

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

Friday Dinner and Family competition; cocoa and s’mores by the fire; Saturday brunch; trek for your tree; crafts; scavenger hunt; Gingerbread House building contest; cookie decorating; sledding; hay rides; zipline rides; Saturday dinner feast; Christmas story and Christmas movies; games by the fire; Sunday worship and continental breakfast.

Stay a day, one night or the weekend. Reserve your space today by calling 509-672-4311 or register on line at www.ghormleymeadow.org.

Mabel Swan ThanksgivingCome help us serve our neighbors at Mabel Swan. We will host them with a Thanksgiving dinner here at the church on Wednesday, November 14 at noon. We need people to bring dishes, people to serve and clean up. Sign up at the Connection Center or contact Jim Erixson directly at 248-7940.

All Church Thanksgiving DinnerCome celebrate Thanksgiving with us on Wednesday, November 14, with dinner and worship at 5:30p in the Gym. $12 per place, or $30 per family. Sign up at the Connection Center to save your place.

Garth Gustafson Two Night ClassGarth is back in town for a few days and will be teaching on Mission & Evangelism in the book of Acts, for two nights, November 5 & 6 from 6:30p-8p in the Lounge. All are invited.

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pastor JaCk Jack peebles — senior pastor — jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Dear Church Family,This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving. It is one of my very favorite times of the year. The incredible food aside, the time spent with family and friends is enriching. I love the new “traditions” that have developed here at FPC Yakima to celebrate Thanksgiving in recent years. For example, the meal served for the folks at Mabel Swan has got to be one of the high points for me. The outpouring of love by members of the church toward our neighbors makes me incredibly proud of this family of faith. It is a great example of how we as a congregation are seeking to BE neighbors to those around us. For the faithfulness of our congregation and these expressions of love, I am extremely THANKFUL!

November is also the month we hold our annual stewardship campaign. This year, our stewardship team has sought to frame our campaign and sermon series around the idea that giving back to God is a spiritual discipline. What is a spiritual discipline, you may be asking?

Pastor Jack

Fundamentally, spiritual disciplines make us more available to God. I love what Richard Foster writes in his classic book Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth: “God has given us the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace. The Disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us.” (Foster, p. 7) Like the study of Scripture, prayer, fasting, or confession of sins, giving of our finances affords us the experience of placing all that we are and have before our Lord and Savior. Nowhere is this more needed than when it comes to our finances: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10) For many in our society, money enslaves. At the very least, it provides a false sense of security. When we can place everything that we are and have before God, He is able to work in and through us as His people.

I am often amazed how Christians think they can make a decision for Jesus, and stay stuck at the same level of spiritual maturity. In the same way that an athlete needs to train in order to compete in peak condition, we need to be engaged in spiritual disciplines so that we can grow in our faith and relationship with God. During our stewardship sermon series, we are encouraging everyone to get in shape by taking the following steps: Get Focused, Get Motivated, Set a Goal, and Make a Commitment.

For your commitment to Him and your willingness to serve as a part of this family of faith, I am extremely THANKFUL!

Living and loving for him,

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seniorsJim erixson — associate pastor — jim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

Jim

It’s Never too Early to Prepare for the HolidaysAccording to the church calendar we are still in Ordinary Time and we have another eight weeks before we begin a new year and the first Sunday of Advent will be here soon. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it is time to make arrangements with the family for getting together for the holidays. After Thanksgiving, Advent will be upon us and we begin to prepare for the celebration of the coming of our Lord Jesus. Every year I look forward to this time and find it rejuvenates me after what seems to be a dry season of Ordinary time. I love to celebrate the birth of Jesus with the special services and the get-togethers that take place throughout the Advent and Christmas season. I also know that there are others who find this time of year depressing and memories are not as joyous as it is for others. I think this is a good time to start preparing for celebrating this special time with those who don’t see it as a special and joyous season and to find ways to share it with our neighbors in the Yakima community. Find ways to share the stories of the birth of Christ and how this means a new beginning, a new life for those who need a new hope in their lives. Share your home and a meal with those who won’t have family and friends to share with. Find ways to bring Christ into their lives and share ways that bring new hope, new joy, and a new meaning of life for them. Isn’t that what Christmas is about? God shared His only Son with us and gave us the gift of a new meaning for us so let’s pass it on to our neighbors who forgot to listen the first time. Let’s give them a second chance!

Sharon Trick

God’s Timing and the New Prayer Room Over the years some of our members have discussed the establishment of a Prayer Room. It’s even been considered adding on to the building in order to have such an area. As a praying church, we have desired to have a sacred space set aside to encourage people to seek the Lord in prayer.

The Lord has answered our prayers and His delivery has burst on the scene somewhat like a miracle. First, someone suggested turning a window into a door by the Connection Center in the Garden Room creating access to a remote room. Miraculously, there was a beautiful original door discovered in storage that could be used for this purpose. That was the beginning. Every stage of the way the Lord went before us, from placement of the room to donations for the majority of the furnishings. It was all amazing; there were no obstacles. This was without a doubt the Lord’s timing. He inspired many in our church with positive ideas and joy that there was to be a space designed specifically to honor the presence of the Lord through prayer.

Our congregation knows and has witnessed Gods providence of Healing Prayer. This new room is being used in a variety of ways. As believers it is our privilege to pray when we or our families and friends are wounded physically and/or spiritually. Every Sunday you will find Prayer Ministers available after each service to join with you in prayer. There are people engaged in intercessory prayer for all the services early on Sunday morning in this room. Often during our Session meetings there are intercessors in this room praying for your Elders. You can make an appointment to meet with a Prayer Minister during the week, and even arrange for a Sozo prayer appointment. Also, small groups and committees meet in this room. This is a room where all people can feel comfortable releasing their burdens and praises to our Lord. We praise Him and give Him all the thanks for this gift of a place for all people to “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Matthew11:28

Come, pray and be blessed in your new Prayer Room!7

TRUSTING IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESSFPChasalongstandingtraditionofpresentingourpledgesforthecomingcalendaryeartheSundayprecedingThanksgiving.WhatbetterwaytoacknowledgeourdeepgratitudeforGod’sfaithfulcare?ThisyearCommitmentSundayfallsonNov.18andwewanttourgeeveryonetosetagivinggoalandworktowardsit.

HOW IS PLEDGING LIKE RUNNING?Preparingforalongrunisthethemethat-well,“runs”throughthisfall’sstewardshipdrive.Theanalogyissimple:oneismorelikelytocrossthefinishlineifonehassetaclearendgoal,atime-line,andaplanforgettingthere.

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Whenwegiveprayerfulconsiderationtofillingoutapledgeformit’slikesigningupforaraceweintendtorun–itgivesusa“trainingplan”tofollow:eachweekormonthwewillstrivetoachieveaportionofthetotalobjective,sothatbyyear’sendwehavethesatisfactionofcompletingthegoalthatwasset.Atargetmayseemtoodauntingifit’stackledallatonce,butbrokenintomanageablesegmentsitbecomesachievablewithGod’shelp.

THREE THINGS FOR YOUR CARING CONSIDERATION:1)Weneedtobemindfulthatthegeneralbudgetpaysforalloftheinfrastructurethatenablesustosharewhatwehavewithneighborsacrossthestreetandaroundtheworld.Staffsalaries,themoneytorunprogramslikeSundaySchool,thequalityofourcorporateworshipexperience,careofourfacilities,audioandvisualequipmentupdates,communicationsandpublicationsandsomuchmoredependonoursteadfastgivingtothegeneralbudget.2)Ourdedicatedstaffhasnothadacostoflivingadjustmentinnearlyfouryears.Whetherornotwecanaffordasachurchtohelpthemoutin2013directlydependsontheresultsofourpledges.Inaddition,everyprogrambudgethasbeenseverelyscaledbackinrecentyears.Ifwe’retoremaineffectiveweneedtosupportthefundamentals:children,youthandfamilyministries,worship,discipleshiptraining,andcongregationalcare.3)OurbelovedPastorJimErixsonplanstoretireinthespring.Afterconsiderabledeliberationbyaspecialtaskforce,therecommendationwasmadetoSessiontoseekareplacementordainedministerwhocannotonlyoverseepastoralandcongregationalcareandsenioradultministries,butwhowillalsofunctionasachurchadministrator.Toattractahighlyqualifiedandexperiencedindividualtothisposition,weneedtobeabletoofferanappropriatesalary.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO COMMIT?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Thebudgetforthecomingyearisbasedonwhatpeoplepromisetogive.OurwillingnesstocommitallowsthechurchtoplanaheadforhowitwillbestserveGod’speople.Itcanseemespeciallydauntingtomakefinancialcommitmentsduringeconomicallyuncertaintimes.Butweareencouragedwhenwerememberthatthoughwemaynotknowwhatthefutureholds,weknowwhoholdsthefuture.WebelongtoasteadfastGodwhohasneverletusdowninthepast.WhywouldwethinkthatGodwouldbeanylessfaithfulnow?

stewardsHip 2012

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WHAT ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES and PURPOSE?Makingdisciples…Whomakedisciples

DisciplesarefaithfulfollowersofJesusChrist.OursessionrecentlyspentconsiderabletimeprayerfullydiscerningareasinwhichGodhasespeciallycalledFPCtofocusitstime,talent,organizationandfinancialcommitmentinordertomakedisciples.Theseareasare:

•Children•Youth•Marriage&Parenting•Multi-CulturalDiversity•FrontPorchMinistry

Whileallministryareasofourchurcharehighlyvalued,researchshowsthatthrivingchurchesidentifykeyfocusareasthatfittheirparticularcontextandcalling.Weneedtostrengthenourgivingsothatthesemissionalprioritiescanshine!ThenewBistroGroupsareagreatwaytoinvitefriendsandneighborsintothelifeofourchurch.Foodisagreatmixer–considercombiningpeoplefromacrosstheagespectrumaswell!Sign-upsareongoingintheGardenRoom.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?Yourstewardshipcommitteehasputtogethera“NarrativeBudget”bookletthatdescribeshowthedonationsyoumaketothechurchareused.Thereisahelpfulpiechart,picturesandshortparagraphsthattellthestoryofhowourmoniesareusedforGod’swork.YoumaypickupaNarrativeBudgetbookletattheConnectionCenterintheGardenRoom,oronthetableoutsidethemainchurchoffice.

BE ONE OF 100!Weareseeking“runners”willingtocommittooneofthesegoals:

•100NEWFIRSTTIMEPLEDGERS:Ifyouhavebeenanoccasionalgiver,wechallengeyoutosetagoaltogivetotheLord’sworkhereonaregularbasis.ThebestwaytodothisiswithapromisethatyoumakebothtoyourselfandtoGod.FillouttheattachedcommitmentofgivingcardandjointhethrongofrunnerswhoareheadingtothefinishlineonCommitmentSunday:Nov.18. •100PEOPLEWILLINGTOINCREASETHEIREXISTINGPLEDGE:Ifyouhavepledgedinthepast,pleaseconsiderincreasingyourpledgetohelpourchurchtobestrong.Setanew“personalbest”! •100NEWPEOPLESIGNEDUPFORAUTOMATICGIVINGPLAN:Therearecurrently22familiesorindividualswhoaresignedupforanautomaticgivingplan.Itwouldhelptoevenoutthepeaksandvalleysinourchurchgivingpatternsifmorepeoplewouldsignupforautomaticgiving.Italsosimplifiesyourlife.Weareofferinganewverysimplewayforyoutodothisthroughonlinegiving.

HOW DOES AUTOMATIC ONLINE GIVING WORK?FPCispleasedtoannouncethatautomaticonlinegivingisnowaquickandeasyprocess.Justgotoourwebsite:www.FPCyakima.comandclickon“Giving”.Weencourageyoutomakeyourtithesandgiftsapartofyourregularbudgetandhopeyouwillenjoytheconvenienceofthisservice.Restassuredthattheserviceissecureandthatyourdataisprotectedusingthehighestindustrystandards.Ifyouwouldlikeassistanceinsettingupyouraccount,pleasefeelfreetocontacttheoffice.Staffwillbehappytowalkyouthroughit.Wehopeyouwillfindthistobeaconvenientwaytoscheduleandtrackyourgivingfromhome.Italsoprovidesaneasywaytogeneratereportsofyouronlinegivingfortaxpreparationandrecordkeeping.Pleaseknowthattraditionalgivingmethodsarestillbeinghonored:thechurchremainshappytoprovideenvelopes,theofferingplatewillstillcirculate,andyourdonationsinanyformwillcontinuetobegreatlyappreciated.

COMING FORWARD ON SUNDAY, NOV. 18 - BLESSED BY GOD’S GENEROSITY; TRUSTING IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESSTheCommitmentofGivingCardswillbeofferedupduringallthreemorningservicesontheSundayprecedingThanksgiving:Nov.18,2012.ThisyearthecardislocatedintheTri-foldmailedtohomesandplacedinpews.Justtearitoffalongtheperforation.ThetimingisveryspecialaswebringforwardourofferingsofthanksgivingforGod’sgenerousandfaithfullove.YouareencouragedtoholdontoyourcardtopresentduringaworshipserviceonSunday,Nov.18inordertocomeforwardwiththerestofthecongregation,orplaceyourcardintheofferingplate.YoumayalsomailyourcardintothechurchofficeorplaceitintheofferingplateonasubsequentSunday.

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presCHool rhonda Cardona — director — rhonda Cardona@fpcyakima.com

First Presbyterian Christian Preschool is an outreach ministry to our community. We provide parents the support their children need to be ready for kindergarten. We provide encouragement to families in their parenting role. We provide a spiritual foundation to children that can be nurtured and grown throughout their lives. We reach families throughout the community, many of which do not have a church home.

Our scholarship program is made available to families who are in situations that would not be able to afford preschool otherwise. These funds come from our congregation here at First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. We have been able to assist many families with tuition for preschool.

This year alone the requests for scholarships have exceeded the $11,000 mark. Because of this we are also holding fundraisers. Please consider supporting the preschool through these fundraisers. The staff and Board of Directors for the preschool, plus the many families involved, thank you for your giving and for your support.

God’s Creation• 2013 Wall Calendars• Pocket Calendars• Greeting Cards (pack of 12)• Christmas Cards (pack of 12)

$6.00 each

See’s Candy!Look for us in the Garden Room onSunday, December 2nd.Or pre-order now in the main officeand at Higher Grounds Coffee

Makes a great gift!

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GHormley mark washam — Camp director —mark@ghormleymeadow.org

Past participants have called this the highlight of their Christmas season. Check out the details on our website www.ghormleymeadow.org. The weekend is filled with memorable events and activities to share with your loved ones to start the Christmas season off in a truly meaningful way. If you’re not able to join us for the entire weekend, no worry, plenty of daily options are available.

I would love to formally invite you to join us and the rest of our church

family for two very special events ushering in the holiday season.

Every other year Ghormley hosts a Thanksgiving celebration at the camp. In addition to the fabulous meal provided, it provides a wonderful opportunity to bring your family and friends up to the mountains to enjoy our beautiful grounds and the fellowship of those you love most. We do all the work and you can relax, play with your children or grandchildren and drink in the beauty of our mountain home. You can stay over night or just come for the meal.

Thanksgiving at Ghormley Dinner Only Dinner & Overnight12- Adult: $16.00 $32.007-11: $8.00 $16.006 and under: FREE FREE

December 7, 8 & 9Mountain Meadow Christmas

Activities Include:

Amazing meals all weekend!

Gingerbread House Building Contest

Sledding Christmas Crafts Christmas Light Displays

Family Game Night

Carol Singing AND SO MUCH MORE!

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Happily ever aFter

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

M&D: We celebrated our 60th Anniversary on September 6. We met on a blind date at WSU. We were both sponsors in our respective living groups, and were paired by our dorm leaders at a joint dance. This was around Christmas. After Merle impressed Dorothy by writing his name upside down and backwards on a frosty window, they decided to date. It wasn’t until that next Fall that marriage came into their plans, but they had more college to finish first.

H@F: Lots of times each of you will differ in your preferences. How do you resolve conflict?

M&D: Well, using our home for an example, we usually have the same goal – it’s the procedure that is different. Merle is more low-key, while Dorothy likes things “decently and in order.” This does cause some difficulties at times! We have learned, though, having to adjust does help us by providing some balance in our marriage, and being respectful of one another is very important. We will have to say our faith helps to keep us on the right track.

H@F: Raising children is a major impact in many marriages. Occasionally, a mom and dad may have differing ideas about how that should be done. Got any advice for us?

M&D: We both agreed at the very beginning how we wanted to raise our children. We tried to be consistent in what we expected of them, and we felt it was very important they were raised in a Christian atmosphere. We were fortunate that we both came from stable, loving families that had similar backgrounds, which helped provide a home base for our children.

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

M&D: We’ll have to admit it was because of our children that we started attending First Presbyterian. We were at a time, when after a period of being away from church for some time, we realized we needed to start our children in Sunday School. Actually, at first we used to drop them off and pick them up afterwards. We were both in our 40’s before we learned about the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It happened as a result of a class taught by one of our pastors, Jim Christianson. Since then, the Lord has played a very important part in our lives.

H@F: “In sickness and in health…” Have you got any suggestions for couples who are coping with major illnesses in one or both partners?

M&D: Having gone through some health challenges in the past few years, we have only to say trusting in the Lord and being positive no matter the outcome has helped us immensely. We will also add keeping in touch with our church family, as well as our own family, provides a great support when you need it. We know the Lord is in control of all things, and we feel comforted by that truth.

A warm thank you to Merle & Dorothy for sharing these thoughtful responses.

H@F is excited to bring you an interview ofMerle & Dorothy Smith who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September 2012!

“And they lived happily ever after.” Many of us grew up

hearing those words at the ends of stories hoping that would

be true for us, too. Sadly, in real life (even after a fairy tale

wedding) many marriages fall apart. God has blessed us here

at FPC with many couples whose marriages have stood the test

of time. Over the coming months H@F will spotlight advice

from some of them. Read with us as we look closer at the

‘really hard work’ that creates the ‘happily ever after’.

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Encouraging women up to be intentional about their faith.

women’s ministriesericka Clark — women’s ministries — ericka.Clark@fpcyakima.com

Coming Up..• Soaking Prayer November

5. The 1st Monday of each month. Women are invited to meet in the new prayer room on the main floor for prayer and meditation.

• Craft Night Friday, November 9 - hosted by Katrina Carvajal and Cristo Vive. A fun night to share your creativity with other women.

• Father of Lights Movie Wednesday, November 28 at 6:00p in the David Ferry Lounge. This is the 3rd of Darren Wilson’s documentaries on God’s powerful love and miracles in our world.

Spring Retreat!Save the Date!Spring Women’s Retreat is sched-uled for March 8, 9 and 10, 2013. We will be staying at Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan. Registra-tion will begin in January.

Soaking PrayerFirst Monday of the MonthWe will gather the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm. Join us for is a time of soaking in the Lord’s presence immersing in worship, prayer, and scriptures, setting apart time to listen and be led by the Holy Spirit. If you are interested in hosting an evening please call Ericka at 248-7940 x100.

Original DesignFor you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13, 14

National Public Radio has been airing a series on genetic sequencing. The

episode I caught was focusing on the idea of having one’s own genetic code read. A person’s genome can provide all sorts of information from finding mutations behind a tumor, to helping doctors find medicine to better treat an

illness, as well as finding out potential medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or diabetes.

I find this study fascinating – to think God designed our bodies with such intricate structure and detail. He “knit us together in our mother’s wombs” and He created each of us, all billion plus, to be different. It is also pretty impressive that scientists and doctors can learn to read our individual genome; they can dig deeper into our wellness as well as our future health and well-being. Amazing.

Do you know what I find even more thrilling? Original Design prayer – I first heard of this prayer a few years ago from a group of women who went to a retreat and had this prayed over them by other women they had never met. The pray-ers asked God what He wanted each woman to know about how and why she was created. What the Lord told each of the ladies was beautiful. Encouraging. Perhaps even life-changing.

When we ask, God will share intimate details about our design – the inner workings of our mind and actions, our likes and passions and our spiritual gifts. He created

each one of us specifically, with certain gifts and talents for a reason. Just like reading (and learning to understand) our genetic code, we, too can know our “Origninal De-sign.” We do serve an awesome God who loves each one of us. He is soooo good.

You are beautiful. I know because I made you.

-God

Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition of GENOME: one haploid

set of chromosomes with the genes they contain;

broadly : the genetic material of an organism

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devotional Janet krieger

Janet

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, promising not to stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship Me, and they will never leave Me. Jeremiah 32:40

Read 1 John 4:7-21 God Is Love

Everlasting in Hebrew means "concealed to the vanishing point". That means you cannot see its beginning or its end! It is beyond time, eternal, always, continual, forever, perpetual... Only our Father God Who is and was and forever will be can offer everlasting love. And what a great love it is!

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:3-39

Theologian Geerhardus Vos wrote "The best proof that He will never cease to love us lies in that He never began." It is likely we have never stopped to consider that there was never a time God did not love us. Our knowledge of God’s love has pointed us forward toward His eternal embrace but we can also look back and have a confident

assurance that there has never been a moment in time that Father God has not loved the people of His creation.

God is in love with us! He has poured out His love over us. He would not have sent His Son to die for us if it were not the case. Father God longs for us to be near Him. He desires our fellowship. God is not a father who hurts or causes pain. No, He lavishes his love upon us. How little we comprehend of His intense desire to have us need Him. How patient He is with us. He delights in us. Soak in these Scriptures that describe how Father God sees us, feels about us and loves us.

Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, He never changes or casts shifting shadows. James 1:17

For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3:17

Now if you will obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth belongs to Me. Exodus 19:5

"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, promising not to stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship Me, and they will never leave Me. Jeremiah 32:40

This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10

Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? Romans 8:32

The promises of His Word tell us how much He loves us; how He is always thinking of us.

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are His children. 1 John 3:1

Will we not take delight in Him? He takes joy in our presence with Him. Will we not take joy in spending time with Him? He loves us with an everlasting love; a love we will never fully comprehend. Will we not develop that same kind of intense love for our Father?

What steps will you take today to fall evermore in love with Father God?

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CHildren susie woodin — Children’s ministries — susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

KidZone is off to a great start this fall, but we are in great need of male leaders in our K/1st Grade and 2/3 Grade classrooms. Come on guys…don’t let the girls out do you this year! Call Susie and sign up to be part of this fun and rewarding ministry to children. You will be blessed by the relationships you create with the kids and other leaders…We have a special place just waiting for you!

Susie

Meet our KidZone VolunteersThis month, we are excited to introduce you to Mark Watson, an attorney here in Yakima who is also leader in the 2nd and 3rd grade KidZone class. Mark is a wonderful example of being a neighbor to kids in our church, and throughout our community.

KZ: When did you start attending FPC, and what brought you here in the first place?

MW: After my daughter Alexann was born in 1995 I started attending more regularly. I had been a Presbyterian all my life. As they say, often it is having children, that brings you back to the Church.

KZ: When did you start serving in the children’s department, and why?

MW: When my daughter Alexann started kindergarten I volunteered to assist in her classroom. I followed her to the 2nd and 3rd grade classroom as a small group leader when Jake Kupp was the large group leader. After Alexann entered 4th grade I stayed with the 2nd and 3rd grade class, taking over as large group leader after Jake left to pursue other goals. I have been there ever since.

Please call Susie before the November 11 deadline!

Kidzonekids will sing on December 2 in all three Sunday services. Dress rehearsal will be on Saturday December 1 at 10a.

KZ: What is the most rewarding aspect of serving in KidZone and the children’s department? MW: Teaching the children about God and the love of Jesus Christ. Their minds are so receptive to that message and they are excited to learn.

KZ: Tell us about a time that you saw God at work while serving in the children’s department…

MW: When the children talk about how they have applied the lessons they have learned in a particular situation that has come up at home or at school, their eyes light up and they are so enthusiastic!

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NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDYAKIMA, WA

PERMIT NO 59

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9 SOUTH 8TH AVEYAKIMA, WA 98902