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

Volume 17

here@FIRST

what is yourSTORY?

August2010

first presbyterian churchtestimony issue

in this issue

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima9 South 8th AveYakima, WA 98902509-248-7940

PAGE 3

456-78-9101112

13-1415

16-1718-19

August Events

Sunday Morning Information / Weekly Events / Sermon Series

Sunday Morning Class Information

Pastor Jack’s Welcome

Pastor Mark’s Welcome

Fellowship Ministry : Group Life

Fellowship Ministry : Senior Adults

Discipleship Ministry : Students

Discipleship Ministry Team : Preschool

Discipleship Ministry Team : Children’s

Discipleship Ministry Team : Women’s

20-2122-23

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

Upcoming Events

CityFest

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Sunday, August 1 Communion Sunday - Team B Tuesday, August 3 Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 1:00p Tuesday, August 3 Worship Ministry Team Meeting 5:15p Tuesday, August 3 Adult Ed Meeting 7:00p Wednesday, August 4 WOW Women of Wonder Meeting 4:00p Thursday, August 5 Happy Travelers Meeting 1:00p Thursday, August 5 Prayer Ministry Leader Meeting 4:00p Sunday, August 8 Carenet Ministry Ministries 12:30p Thursday, August 12 Fellowship Ministry Team 5:15p August 9 - 20 Koehler Hall GYM Closed for Maintenance all day Sunday, August 15 Family Swim Party @ Benson’s 12:00p - 4:00p Tuesday, August 17 Service Ministry Team Meeting 7:00a Wednesday, August 18 Baptism Class 7:00p Wednesday, August 18 Ghormley (Board) Commission Meeting 6:30p Tuesday, August 24 Kaffee Klatsch 9:30a Tuesday, August 24 Session (No Dinner) 6:30p Sunday, August 29 Infant Baptisms and Baby Celebrations all morning Wednesday, September 1 Preschool Parent Orientation 6:00p Thursday, September 2 Preschool Open House 9:00a - 11:00a Tuesday, September 7 Preschool - First Day for 3’s and Pre-K 9:00a Wednesday, September 8 Preschool - First Day for 4’s 9:00a Sunday, September 12 Kick Off Sunday! Sunday, September 12 Family Swim Party @ Gustafson’s 12:00p - 4:00p Wednesday, September 22 Kick Off RE3 Classes (No Dinner) 6:30p

Augustevents calendar

COOKIEs AND CANsPlease bring cookies and canned food on your last name’s designated Sunday. August 1 N-PAugust 8 Q-tAugust 15 u-ZAugust 22 A-DAugust 29 E-I

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suNDAY MOrNINg sErvICEsCommunion - Every Sunday Ward Chapel 7:45aContemporary Services Sanctuary 8 & 9:30a The Best of Classic Worship Sanctuary 11:00aChIlDCArE Ages birth – 21/2 years RM 102 During ServicesKIDZONE suNDAY sChOOl (see summer schedule on Next Page!) 3’s to Pre-K 103 9:30 -10:45a Kinder - 5th Grade 217 9:30 -10:45a *Special Needs classroom available RM 220stuDENt MINIstrIEs Middle School Small Groups (6-8th grades) Powerhouse 10:30-12:30pADult EDuCAtION ClAssEs Golden Circle 9:30-10:30a 40 Days of Purpose 9:30-10:30a

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY Senior Adult Exercise 8:30aMONDAY TOPS 10:00a OEA 12:00p Al-Anon 5:30pWEDNESDAY Men’s Bible Study 12:00p Women of Action (Prayer) 12:00pTHuRSDAY Worship Rehearsal 6:00p Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00p

AuG 1 COMMuNION - MATTERS OF MATuRITY: PHILIPPIANS - A RACE FOR THE MATuRE Jack Peebles / PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 & PHILIPPIANS 3:7-16AuG 8 MATTERS OF MATuRITY: PHILIPPIANS - CONFIDENT CONTENTMENT JIM ERIXSON / PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 & PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14AuG 15 YOuTH SuNDAY Tyler Van HornAuG 22 HEARING GOD: NEVER ALONE JACK PEEBLES / GENESIS 2:18, ISAIAH 7:14, MATTHEW 28:20 AuG 29 HEARING GOD: RECOGNIZING THE VOICE OF GOD / BABY CELEBRATION/ BAPTISM JACK PEEBLES / 2 TIMOTHY 3:12-17 JOHN 10: 2-4, 14, 27

Sermon Series August

Weekly Events at FPC

Sunday Morning info

COMINg August 22FAITHFuLLY CONNECTED: LIVING AND LOVING IN 2010! Hearing God

God invites each of us into an intimate relationship with Him. Dallas Willard says “That being close to God entails communicating with Him, telling Him what is on our hearts in prayer and hearing and understanding what He is saying to us.” Over this short three-week study, we will explore how we can develop our ability (and availability) to, not simply communicate with God, but how He speaks to us!

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40 DAYs OF PurPOsE 9:30-10:30 / MID hIgh rOOM ON thE MEZZANINEstEvE hIlDEBrAND / MArshAll grOvE / FrED MAlONEYthe 40 Days class continues to study the principles found in rick Warren's “Purpose Driven life” book. this class discusses and examines, in a non-threatening manner, the Bible passages used through the book. After several years of study, this group is halfway through the book. You are invited to jump in and join this interesting study.

gOlDEN CIrClE - PrEsENt WOrD 9:30-10:30 DAvID FErrY lOuNgE / tOM OlIvA & JIM ErIXsONOriginally formed in the 1940's, this class continues to study Christian life together. the golden Circle class is a caring and supportive class that includes prayer, music and study.

KIDZONE (AgE 2 ½ thrOugh 5th grADE) 9:30-10:45 / 2ND FlOOrKidZone Meeting this summer: August 1, 8, 15We will be exploring our Bibles as we see how god wants us to respect our friends, ourselves and god’s amazing creations.Kids going into...

• K-5: meet upstairs in room 217• 3’s-Pre-K: meet on the main floor in room

103

stuDENt WOrshIP & grOuPs (6th-12th grADE) Middle school small groups / 6th-8th graders 10:30am-12:30pm / Meet in the Powerhouse

suNDAY MOrNINgclasses and services

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Storiesareincrediblypowerful.Theyinstructandformus.Eachofuswhopro-fesstobefollowersofJesushasanexperienceinwhichwehavemetourLord.Whatisyourstory?Haveyoueverhadtheopportunitytosharethatstory?Thisismine…

Priorto1991,Ihadlittletonoexperienceinthelifeofthechurch.IdidbelieveinGod,butIwasnotanactiveChristian.Muchofmytimeinhighschoolwasdevotedtofootball.Forme,footballwasanescape.Allthefrustrationandangerinmylifewerereleasedinafuryonthefield.WhenIwasnotonthefield,Iwasintheweightroom,neverfullycontentinmyself.Duringmyjunioryearinhighschool,Iwasaskedtoattendayouthgroupfunction.(Itdidn’thurtthatitwasagirlwhoinvitedme!)Ienjoyedthediscussionsandactivities,andthisledmetoevenattendworshipservicesonoccasion.

Itwasnotuntilmid-summer,whenIparticipatedonamissiontriptoMexico,thatmylifewastransformed.InthetinyYucatanvillageofXochempieche,IwasintroducedtothepoweroftheHolySpirit.Uponourarrival,wediscoveredsomeofourgroupwouldbestayinginthehomesofthevillagers.Inactuality,the“homes”consistedofstrawhutswithaboutaninchofstandingwateronthedirtfloor.Theonlyelectricityintheentirevillagewasintheonetinyfoodstore.Inspiteoftheconditions,thevillagerswelcomedusjoyouslyintotheirlives.Ihadneverbeenaroundpeoplewhohadsolittle,intermsofmaterialpossessions,butlovedsomuch.InthehotsunoftheYucatan,wemixedandpouredconcrete,passedcinderblocks,andbuiltachurchhandinhandwiththevillagersofXochempieche.Bytheendoftheweek,Iwasphysicallyexhausted,butIwasmovedspirituallyinawayIhadneverexperienced.Thelastdayofthetripwasspentreflectingontheweeklongexperience.Thatnight,theleaderstalkedaboutthepurposeofamis-siontripandsharedtheirpersonaltestimoniesonhowtheycametoknowChrist.Wewereinvitedtoshareourthoughtswiththerestofthegroup.Withoutthinking,Igottomyfeetand,forthefirsttime,openlytalkedaboutmydesireforarelationshipwithGod.Thevillagers’loveforoneanotherandusillustratedtomethelovetheyhadforChrist.ThatlovewassomethingIknewwasmissinginmylife.

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DEAr church family,

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Followingthattrip,theyouthdirectorwasrelentlesswithme.Hecontinuouslyinvitedmetocoffee,toplaygolf,meethimforlunch,etc…Ididn’tknowitatthetime,buthewasdisciplingme,walkingwithmeinmyjourneyoffaith.Asmyrelationshipwithhimgrew,sodidmyrelationshipwithGod.Myjobasaproduceclerkinaneighborhoodgrocerystorepreventedmefromattendingworshipandyouthgroupactivities.Attherecommendationoftheyouthdirector,IcontactedtheofficeatGracePresbyterianChurchandinquiredaboutanyavailablepositions.Tomysurprise,thepastor’sadministrativeassistantcalledmeashorttimelaterwithaproposal.Itdidn’tmatterthatmyparentsdidn’tattendthechurchorweren’tbig-timegiv-ers.Theofferwastowork,afterschool,intheseniorpastor’sofficeasanassistant.ItwasformeatruedemonstrationofGod’sgrace.Mydutiesrangedfromrunningtheweeklybulletintohelpingwithstewardshipcampaigns.Itdidn’tmatterwhatIdid,onlythatIwaslivingforChrist.Furthermore,Ibeganassistingintheyouthprogramworkingwithjuniorhighyouthand,aftergraduatingmyself,workingwiththeseniorhigh.ThisopportunityinitiatedwhatIlateridentifiedasacalltoministry.Iwascalledtodoforotherswhatmypastorandyouthdirectordidforme;openthedoortoChrist.

WhenIfirstapproachedthepastor,DaveMcKechnie,ofmyhomechurchandtoldhimIfeltIwasbeingcalledintotheministry,heofferedthis:“Ifyouthinkyoucoulddoanythingelse,doit.MinistryistoughbecauseyounotonlyexperiencethejoysoftheChristianlife,butmustalsodealwiththesorrows.”Youknowsomething?Mckechniewasright!MyresponseshowstheconvictionIhadevenbackthenandstillhavetothisday:“Icouldnotdoanythingelsethatmyheartwouldsofullyembrace.”Therest,astheysay,ishistory!

Sometimes,weeitherdon’tknowhoworshyawayfromsharinghowGodhaschangedourlives.Letmeencourageyoutotakealookatthetestimoniesinthismonth’seditionofHere@First.Beencouragedbywhatyoureadtoshareyourstorywithsomeoneelse.Evenbet-ter,sharethatstorywithsomeonewhodoesn’tyetknowJesus!Allyouneedisthecouragetostepoutofthatcomfortzoneandbegintheconversation.TheHolySpiritwilltakecareoftherest!

InHisgrace,PastorJack

“But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

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“Hello, is this Mark?” “Yes,” I replied. “This is Matt Hexter, I’m a graduate of Bay High, too, and I heard that you’re coming to Ohio State this fall and I wanted to know if you were looking for some roommates.” That was my introduction to college. In my conversation with Matt I learned that he and his roommates were all Christians and leaders in various campus ministries. While, it was appealing to have roommates who weren’t “potluck,” I was struggling with a question most every kid asks when they leave home for the first time: “Who do I want to be when I leave home?” I had been a committed follower of Jesus for about two years at that point and was a student leader in Young Life. Still, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be the “Christian guy” at college. There was a part of me that wanted to “experiment” a bit over the next few years. Sure, everyone at Bay High School knew that I was a Christian, but no one at Ohio State had any idea of who I was. Having the freedom to “do what I want” was competing heav-

MOst Important Week of a Young Adult’s life

Mark tumney

is the Associate Pastor of Families and Missional Outreach. He can be reached at 248-7940, ext. 114 or atmark.tumney@fpcyakima.com

ily against my perceived confinement of the Christian box. Fortunately, I decided to speak to my spiri-tual mentor Joel about the matter. After hear-ing me out, he encouraged me in a very strong but gentle way, that having those roommates would be the best thing for me. Walking away from that conversation, I knew he was right. That decision was one of the largest cross-roads of my life. Had I not decided to room with these older Christian guys, I’m certain that I would have tossed my faith—at least for a while. Having seen all the temptations at col-lege, I wonder if would even be following Jesus today. As a result, my college years were some richest spiritually. Were it not for those years of growth, I wouldn’t have gone into full-time ministry. Having worked with teenagers for close to 15 years with Young Life, I’m absolutely con-vinced that a young Christian adult’s first two weeks away from their family and friends are some of the most pivotal in their life spiritually. It’s not hard to understand why. We like to think of ourselves as individu-als. Paul Simon hit the nail on the head when he wrote, “I am a rock; I am an island.” How-ever, Scripture says that we do not find our identity as individuals. Since we are made in the image of God who is within Himself com-munity (i.e., Triune), we find our identity not in our individuality, but rather, in community! It is part of the American myth that we must run across the country to “find ourselves.” In fact, the exact opposite is true. I find my identity in my relationships—with God, my family, and my community. It is my God, my family, and my community that offer me a true understanding of who I am.

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Now, consider what happens the first two weeks of a young adult’s life, particularly one heading off to college. These teens are often separated from their family and the primary community that has helped them to remain faithful to the Lord. Then they are bombarded by scores of enticements: sex, alcohol, parties, the invitation to join various campus groups and to befriend new people. Of course, making personal decisions about these matters is part of what it means to become an adult. However, without a community to help us remember “who we are” or “Whose we are,” these decisions can be overwhelming. So, what can we do? First, have this discus-sion with your teenager. Make them aware of the challenges that they are about to face and gently encourage them to remember who they are. Specifically, encourage them to find a Christian group or church (preferably both) within the first two weeks. For new college stu-dents, this can be easier. In the first few weeks of school, campus groups and churches often set up information tables to encourage students to connect with them. Also, let your child know that these groups will not be as welcoming and wonderful as their Christian experiences at home for the simple reason that their current relationships literally took years to build. Second, look into new communities before your child leaves the home. If we spend hours considering decisions about eating plans, jobs, coursework, and financial aid, should we not also consider carefully where our kids might be cared for spiritually? When you visit for orien-tation, look into churches in the area and visit those churches with your child. Perhaps it goes without saying, but don’t assume that a group in the area is going to be as healthy as the one you remember from your youth. And as much as I would love to see our kids plug into a Presbyte-rian church, unfortunately even many healthy

Presbyterian churches don’t have healthy campus ministries, and thus, may not be the easiest places for to connect. Look into FCA, Intervarsity, Navigator and Young Life as well. Finally, one of the best things you can do is to have a former FPC young adult in the area serve as a relational connection. That person can serve as a host, introducing your child to a people who might form the basis of a new community for them. If you don’t know of anyone in the area, check with our student ministry staff. They may even be able to offer suggestions, not only for particular people, but also various healthy ministries in the area.One word of caution before I close. If your relationship with your teenager is a bit shaky, as many parent-teen relationships are, be cautious about pushing your teen too strongly into any new community. Your efforts can eas-ily backfire, encouraging them to do precisely the opposite of your recommendations. As painful as it may be, remember that for your teen to become an adult they must begin tak-ing personal responsibility for their decisions. As Joel did for me, gently offer your help and allow them to choose their ultimate direction. In fact, if your child has a good relationship with our student ministers, you might encour-age Tyler or Karin to have this conversation with your child instead (or, as well). I’m so glad that God provided such good community for me when I left the confides of my family and friends. May the Lord do the same for our students when they leave home.

- Pastor Mark

My oldest daughter asked me a few months ago, “Daddy, why do people come over to our house every week for small group?” My re-sponse was because her mom and I wanted them to get to know Jesus and so we could support, encourage, and love them. Since that initial conversation, my daughter now tells me, “I love it when people come over for small group!” Sure, she enjoys playing with the other children and raiding the plate of brownies, but she is also learning the impor-tance of opening up her home and heart to others. The unintended consequence of living missionally is God not only works in other people’s hearts, he works in our own hearts and our family’s hearts. Over time, we take on the heart of Jesus because we are spending more and more time with Jesus.In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to go out and make dis-ciples. I am slowly learning the full significance of the process of mak-ing disciples. I met Jesus at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue when I was fourteen years old. Immediately I knew there was something different. A few years later, I felt a strong calling to the ministry. After I graduated from the university of Washington, I married my wife Aleah here at First Pres Yakima and we traveled to Denver Seminary so that I could pursue a Masters of Divinity. After graduation, God was still working and refining my call. For the past six years, I have been managing a small business while vol-unteering in youth ministry. It has only been in the last year that God has given me a stronger vision for the city of Yakima. While finishing a second Masters degree this year in missional leadership at the Resur-gence Training Center in Seattle, I have begun to see how our culture is changing here in Yakima and in light of these changes how we can show others what it means to know Jesus. Over the last year I have had a strong calling to help plant community groups, teach others, and disciple men. Christians are called to worship Jesus by being inwardly strong and outwardly focused. In small groups, we are to grieve for others who are not in a relationship with Christ and seek ways of developing community. Practically, I see myself helping in the missional planting and replicating of these small groups. Perhaps we can encourage you in your journey. If God is calling you to reach your neighborhood in an organic way, let me know so we can encourage you. Let me buy you a drink over at North Town coffee house. I’d love to hear how God is moving in your life or answer any questions you may have about how Jesus works in all our lives. I look forward to getting to know you this next year. If you are not currently in a small group, I would love to talk with you and see where we could place you. - Blessings, Erik Mickelson

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FEllOWshIP MINIstrY

group life

senior adult

suMMEr POOlPArtIEs // Noon to 4:00 pmBurgers and hotdogs provided. Bring a side dish to share.

sunday, August 15 @ John and JoAnn Benson7 N 67th Avenue

sunday, september 12 @ Eric and Nancy Gustafson5502 Scenic Drive

Erik MickelsonGroup Life Ministries248-7940, ext. 125 or atErik.Mickelson@fpcyakima.com

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FEllOWshIP MINIstrY

I have always known that God is here with us. Ever since I could remember my mother would teach this to me. God is good, God is great and His Son, Jesus, loves us. I also remember going to Sunday School as a little boy, learning about Jesus, but I really did not get to know Him until I was 40 years old. I was a divorced man, all alone with no-where to turn. I was without family or friends, very lonely and frightened. One night I was on a walk in my neighborhood. I invited Jesus into my heart and we took that walk together. I talked to Him like never before. It was like the song, “In the Garden” and I didn’t want it to end. This is when I my life changed. I knew I was going to be okay. Several years later I made the life changing decision to finish my career in Aerospace and go to work for a “Higher Authority,” God. While in Seminary I thought I wanted to do street ministry in the Los Angles area. But that changed when I did my Clinical Pastoral Education unit at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. God let it be known that ministry of caring for the broken spirit was where I was needed. During my time in Long Beach, I saw many different patients with many different illnesses. The people who really tugged at my heart, was the older generation. Over the years God led me to Yakima and I am thankful for every step of the journey. Recently, I received the following poem in an email. It is about how we need to respect and treat our older generation. Please take time to read this poem. Put yourselves in this man’s place, because we will all be there some day.

group life

hospitality

senior adult

Jim Erixson is the Pastor of Congregational Care he can be reached at 248-7940, ext. 130 or at jim.erixson@fpcyakima.com

Crabby Old ManWhat do you see nurses? What do you see?What are you thinking,when you’re looking at me?A crabby old man, not very wise,uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?Who dribbles his food, and makes no reply.When you say in a loud voice, ‘I do wish you’d try!’Who seems not to notice, the things that you do.And forever is losing a sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not let you do as you will,With bathing and feeding the long day to fill.Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see?Then open your eyes, nurse you’re not looking at me.I’ll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.I’m a small child of ten with a father and mother,Brothers and sisters who love one another.A young boy of sixteen with wings on his feet,Dreaming that soon now a lover he’ll meet.

A groom soon at twenty my heart gives a leap,Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.At twenty-five, now I have young of my own,Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.A man of thirty my young now grown fast,Bound to each other with ties that should last.At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,But my woman’s beside me to see I don’t mourn.

At fifty, once more, babies play ‘around my knee,Again, we know children my loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me, my wife is now dead.I look at the future, shudder with dread.For my young are all rearing, young of their own.And I think of the years, and the love that I’ve known.

I’m now an old man and nature is cruel.Tis’ jest to make old age look like a fool.The body, it crumbles - grace and vigor depart.There is now a stone where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass a young guy still dwells,And now and again my battered heart swellsAnd I’m loving and living life over again.

I thing of the years, all too few gone too fast,And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.So open your eyes, people open and see.Not a crabby old man . . . look closer . . . see me!

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DIsCIPlEshIP MINIstrY

MIDDlE sChOOl sMAll grOuPs / 6th-8th Graders / Sunday mornings10:30am-12:30pm / Meet in the PowerHouse

D- grOuPs / sunday nightsHigh School and College Students 5:30-7:00pm / Meet in the Garden Room

suM

MEr sCh

EDu

lEAugust 15Youth sunday

tyler van hornDirector of Student Ministries248-7940, ext. 106tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com

Karin skoneAssist. Dir. of Student Ministries248-7940, ext. 116karin.skone@fpcyakima.com

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FPC preschool has had a large impact on families in our com-munity. Some of the familes that come through this program have never experienced a loving, Christian environment be-fore. Some come from other church families, and some come from right here at FPC. Here are just a few that have been impacted.

“I’m a much different mom than I was six years ago when I dropped off my oldest son for his first day of 3 year old pre-school. Everything was new and I didn’t know the first thing about choosing a pre-school. A former co-worker had recom-mended First Pres and, on her advice, I enrolled my son. Neither he nor I knew how much we would learn there. He found a place that encouraged his love of learning, taught him Godly princi-ples, and allowed him to grow socially. I found creative, caring, and loving teachers that partnered with me as a parent. They were able to recognize gifts and abilities in him that needed to be nurtured and provided him a safe environment to learn and explore. When my daughter turned 3, it didn’t even enter my mind to explore other pre-school options. She was enrolled in the 3 year old class, and then went on to Pre-K, as my son had done. She loved every aspect of school, from circle time to PE, music to learning centers, and was more than prepared for kin-dergarten. The teachers did an excellent job of adjusting to the needs of the classroom as a whole as well as to individuals. My 3 year old son, Matthew, is getting ready to start pre-school this fall. Although we attend church somewhere besides First Pres-byterian, we are involved in various things that bring us here, as well as driving by on our way through town. Each time he sees the bell tower, he proudly announces, ‘There’s my school!’ He knows this place. I’m thankful that he too will have a chance to be taught and loved on by this amazing school.”

Heidi Bethel – parent and board member

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DIsCIPlEshIP MINIstrY

“This has been such a rewarding time in our lives to see our daughter love going to school and learning new things every day. Her whole life is centered around everything she is learning, from academics to faith.” Alba levesque – parent

rhonda CardonaPreschool Director248-7940, ext. 119rhonda.cardona@fpcyakima.com

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Four years ago, when my oldest daughter was about to turn three years old, I started looking for a preschool for her to attend. Quite honestly, I had no idea where to start. As I began asking around, parent after parent recommended First Presbyterian Christian Preschool. Impressed with its reputation for a loving, nurturing environment and strong academics, I took the plunge and registered my daughter for the three-year-old preschool class. Now, four years later, two of my daughters have graduated from the program and my third daughter is about to start her preschool career. A lot has changed in those four years. Our family now calls FPC our church home and I’ve gone from preschool neophyte to board member. As I think back to my decision four years ago to register my oldest child, I am very thank-ful God guided me to this program. My daughters have flourished in First Presbyte-rian Preschool. They’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with other children, and the teachers and staff make them feel so loved and special. They learn about Jesus and his love for us. As a family we have truly been blessed. -Aleah Mickelson

”Kids are first, god is glorified. the foundation that has been laid in An-son’s heart with the Word of god, and a true love for Jesus is priceless!”Cheri Grange – parent

“I really love your program and have been impressed on how much Connor has changed and he talks about god too.”Angela Peters – parent

“First Pres Preschool is an awesome learning experi-ence for children, families, and extended families! We love that the gospel is being taught and the staff demonstrates the love of Christ!” - Preschool Parent

“the best thing about this pro-gram is the teachers, that god is glorified, and that it has the support of the church body.” - Preschool Parent

preschool, cont.

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I had a blessed childhood. I had a bike with a basket and a cat and neon green salt-water sandals. I also had a family and church community that loved me. I knew they loved me because they told me and showed me they loved me. Without exaggeration, I can say, that while growing up I never had a single day where I wasn’t given a hug and told that I was loved. I realize now, more and more, how rare that was. In August I begin my first year teaching. So when I was asked to help lead the Bible story dramas at VBS this year I agreed, hopeful for a crash-course-warm-up before the first day of school. I needed a coffee after the first half hour. A strong coffee. Whichever sociologist said that “kids these days are less active” certainly has never been to our VBS! Together with a small but mighty drama team we were able to share the stories of Peter and Paul, survive a ship wreck, hide from Roman soldiers and share the incredible love of the Lord, our God. On Thursday we got to tell the story of Jesus. We told about His mission, His hope, His sacrifice, His rebellion, His radical views, His for-giveness and His love. We invited anyone who wanted to, to come up to the cross and pray. At the cross, children closed their eyes tight and whis-per under their breaths, “Lord, change my life.” I’d never heard anything more beautiful in my life. Their sincerity was moving. But what became even more moving was what happened next. At the cross, the other leader and I bent down, looked into the eyes of each child that came forward, held their hand in ours and said to them face-to-face, “Jesus loves you. You are loved!” That night, before bed I thanked God that nearly 365 children heard that they are loved. I told Him it was perhaps the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life and I meant it. I sensed that perhaps for many of the kids there that week they had never heard this before. Maybe this is something you need to hear. Maybe this is some-thing that you never got to hear. Maybe this is something that as a believing community we have failed to do. If so, I am sorry. If you need to hear this (or rather, read this) then please do. Please know that you are loved. You are worthy. You are of valued. You are a source of joy. And there is a God that loves you, who fights for you, who laughs with your and shares pain with you and who is ready to tell you all these things (and more) Himself. So come! Come and listen. Come to the foot of the cross and let Him hold your hand, look into your eyes and tell you how loved you are. I pray you hear it.

- Megan Antles

Megan Antles

Join us for summer Kidzone 9:30-10:45

sunday Mornings meeting :

August 1, 8, 15We will be exploring our Bibles as we see how God wants us to respect our friends, ourselves and God’s amazing cre-ations.Kids going into...• K-5: meet upstairs in

room 217• 3’s-Pre-K: meet on the

main floor in room 103

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children’s

women’s

careforce

men’s

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DIsCIPlEshIP MINIstrY

how often do we allow our own personal “comfort zone” to define what we will and won’t do for god? This summer women in the Holy Spirit Boot Camp follow-up classes have been challenged to throw off the shackles of self imposed “comfort zones” and step out in faith to watch God’s love reach out to a hurting world. We have been inspired to listen to the Spirit, leave the church and pray for people we sense God has led us to. Exercising spiritual muscles that most of us don’t use very often can be scary and intimidating, but when we are willing to step out in faith life with God be-comes VERY EXCITING!

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shan trickWomen’s Ministry248-7940, ext. 142shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

Treasure Hunts lead believers into a supernatural lifestyle of kingdom building. A few times in July, Women’s Ministry met to practice Treasure Hunting. We broke into groups of three or four, prayed for a word of knowledge from God, and fol-lowed the clues to find His treasure. In this article you will get to read some Trea-sure Hunting testimonies journaled by women from the Holy Spirit Boot Camp.god tells us to go into all the nations and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

During a prayer walk around the Madison House neighborhood Carla and Robin were on the watch for a woman with long hair somewhere near the vicin-ity of 6th Street. These were the words of knowledge God had given them as they embarked on the walk.

Near the end of their walk they noticed a woman with long hair exiting a taxi cab and unlocking a chained gate to enter the front of a house. They walked up to the woman and began to talk with her explaining they believed she was the treasure God was leading them to on this night. They asked if there was something they could pray for on her behalf. Startled the woman joined them on the sidewalk, outside the chain fence. She shared she had just come from the police department where she had placed a restraining order against the father of her children. The

woman began to cry and shared that last night she had prayed for someone to come into her life, alongside her, to help carry this burden of pain. Carla and Robin were able to minister to her with prayer and the love of our Father.

trEAsurE huNtINg

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Given the clues “tree by Miners, long blond hair, woman, beauty prod-ucts, Linda, encouragement, and friendship” Linda’s first thought was ‘me, I am hunting for me!’ After listening for a word of knowledge from God Linda, joined by Carla, Sarah and Kathy set out one evening to find the treasure God was directing them toward.

Linda remembers feeling irritated and thinking “When am I going to stop thinking about myself!” Linda doubted the words she heard from God dur-ing an interval of listening prayer. She was concerned her own thoughts were crowding out the voice of God and Linda did not want that to happen; rather she was intent on pursuing the supernatural encounter of God revealing Him-self in a very specific way.

The group of women searched the area around Miners and the Val-ley Mall for anyone matching the clues they had received. In the parking lot near Old Navy they spotted a blond woman about Linda’s age and body type wearing a braid, and carrying a bag from Ulta, the nearby beauty supply store. Linda remembers thinking “I see me!” The woman was approached and it was shared the group was on a treasure hunt and they believed she was the trea-sure God was leading them to find. After sharing with her a few moments the woman expressed her home church was experiencing problems and specifically that she was carrying a burden for her church and pastor.

Prayer was offered and there in the parking lot Linda, Carla, Sarah and Kathy prayed for this woman and her church. During the prayer Linda was given a vision of shoes containing cleats that only allowed forward movement suggesting a taking of ground, an inability to retreat. The vision included a red banner with gold tassels declaring “I’m a presence;” a declaration to Satan of God’s authority. The woman was encouraged to engage in intercessory prayer for her church and pastor.

Although this woman did not match ev-ery clue on the treasure map God gave to Linda that evening, it was clearly a divine encounter allowing a treasure to be found, intercession for a church, and encouragement to be given.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

treasure hunting testimonies, Cont...

Women’s Ministry looks forward to continuing the Holy Spirit Boot Camp classes this fall during RE3. Join us on this amazing God-lead adventure as we stretch our spiritual muscles. Look for details in the September issue of Here@First.

If Treasure Hunting intrigues you, please connect with WOW (Women of Wonder, Women’s Ministry) to get plugged in. God has amazing things in store for YOu!

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gustavo CarvajalPastor Iglesia Cristo Vive248-7940 ext. 133gustavo.carvajal@fpcyakima.com

Missions

What an awesome weekend we experienced! The attendance guess-timates are 4,000 Saturday afternoon, 8,000 for Saturday evening and 13,000 for Sunday. After Palau’s good word, and while Third Day was playing I met Pastor Jacob Meadows, from First Presbyterian Bickleton. Jacob drove down with his family and several young people from his church. He was excited sharing about two of these kids pray-ing and going forward giving their lives to Christ. I couldn’t hold my tears of excitement as I saw the heart of a shepherd, bring-ing his sheep all the way from Bickleton to be fed by the Living Bread and to be refreshed by the Living Water. Hundreds of people made a first time commitment while many others rededicated their lives to Christ at the Business and Women’s luncheons and both Saturday and Sunday. A good group of volunteers, including several of us from FPC, stayed last night sorting most of the decision cards. A smaller group gathered this morning to finish up the task at WestSide Baptisp. Those who wrote an email address received a CityFest note of encouragement either Saturday evening or last night. Our harvest continues now as we take care of those whose hearts were moved by the power of God’s Word. Let’s pray for them and welcome them into the life of our church. Thank you for your leadership and involvement making this Festival a reality. What an awesome team we are and what an Awesome God we have!

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PIlOts NEEDED This fall we’re looking for people to serve in a pilot program to help pioneer and shape our renewed efforts to connect with families in our congregation and the community.

We’re looking for about 15 couples with kids currently living at home who have a desire to connect in community and to encourage others to do the same. We will specifically be engaging in study, play, service and laughter—both separately and together with our kids.

We’ll meet on Sunday mornings following the 9:30AM service for about an hour. Snacks will be provided for the kids. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Pastor Mark at Mark.Tumney@FPCYakima.com.

MEN’s ClAss Fall rE3 on Wednesday Nights 6:30p - 8:00p

We are excited to announce the start-up of a Men’s Class beginning in September as a part of the Re3 Wednes-day night program. The purpose of this class is twofold:

1) To provide a place of gathering for men of all ages from within and outside our church to connect, learn, support and serve.

2) To expand the ministry scope of themen of our church to include validating and empowering them to serve in the ministries they already have at work, at home, in church and in the community.

We will be studying “The Reason for God” the best selling book by Timothy Keller, who also wrote “The Prodi-gal God” that our church studied together last year. Bill Starr will be the class facilitator and main teacher, and will be joined by a number of other men who will help us look at the challenges set forth in this excellent book.

We will kick off on september 15 at Round Table for dinner (6:30pm.) Class will begin September 22. Come join us and bring a buddy!

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suNFAIr PArADE For the last few years I have had the opportunity to serve our community through the Sunfair Parade. It is such a joy to see the smiles on the people’s faces as we gifted them with items such as popcorn, snow cones, a beverage, a balloon for a child or information about our church. As we pulled wagons filled with such items up and down Yakima Avenue, reaching out to the parade watchers, I realized what a blessing our church can be to this community. Not only was I blessed by this experience, but so was my family. We are all looking forward to serving again this year.

Watch for more details on the September 25 Sunfair Parade and how you and your family can participate.

-Monnie Miller

PrAY 24/7 FPC is joining hands with 30 churches in our city to cover the Yakima Valley in prayer 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! We have committed to the 2nd Sunday of every month. Would you prayerfully consider taking a 15 minute (or more) time slot to spend time praying for the Yakima Valley? Each month you will receive a Scripture support printout that will guide you in your prayer time.

Sign up at the Connection Center or you can email Donna Fuhlman at dfuhlman@msn.com

INFANt BAPtIsMs AND DEDICAtIONssunday, August 29

Parents of infants being baptized, need to participate in a Baptism Class on Wednesday, August 13 at 7:00pm in the Garden Room. Call Jana Alderman for confirmation and details, 248-7940 ext. 108.

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDYAKIMA, WA

PERMIT NO 59

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9 SOUTH 8TH AVEYAKIMA, WA 98902

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