765 E. Chinden Blvd. Meridian, ID 83646 (208) 288-2404
Ministry at Work in our Community!
[email protected] www.friendshipcelebration.org
60 adults and youth volunteers are manning the fireworks booth at the corner of Chinden and Linder (Fred Meyer lot). We had the best opening weekend yet! Thank you for all your support! Happy 4th!
Inside this Issue
Pastoral Ponderings by Pastor Matt
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From Pastor Tom’s Pen
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Preschool July News
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July Ministry Updates
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Family Activity Calendar for July
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July FYI
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July 2018 Church Calendar
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Summer Camp is off to a great start! We have the most kids signed up yet! 109 kids this summer will experience the love of Jesus through 30 counselors and volunteers.
July 10th from 2:45pm-7:00pm in room 111 the American Red Cross will be hosting a Blood drive at FCLC. Don’t miss out on serving the community in this special way!
Dear Friends in Christ, Every three years LCMS congregations in the Northwest District (WA, OR, ID, AK and even Hong Kong) send delegates to a convention in Portland. For pastors, it’s a chance to reconnect. For lay delegates, it’s a chance to see the church governance up close. And what did we do? We held elections and discussed resolutions on things like licensed lay deacons, autonomy of congregations and the proper role of supervision in our Synod. For three days, Dan Collingwood and I listened, voted, and listened some more. That’s a district convention. Some may find it boring, but I think the church is healthier for it. How much different it is than other groups that decide to vote—not on matters of practice—but on matters of doctrine. Have you heard of the Jesus Seminar? It was composed of a group of critically-minded scholars who didn’t believe in the divinity of Christ or His resurrection. They got together and voted as to whether the sayings of Jesus as recorded in the Bible were true or not! Each person voted with a bead. A red bead indicated high likelihood, a pink bead meant fair likelihood of authenticity. A gray bead was doubtful and a black bead meant there was no way Jesus said or did whatever the Bible mentioned. And so they voted! And in the end, you’ll be glad to know they determined 18% of Jesus’ sayings and 16% of Jesus’ deeds were deemed authentic. This notion of voting on the veracity of the Word of God is quite foolish. But to be honest, people vote all the time on the Bible by the way they live. We either think God’s Word is authoritative and trustworthy, or we don’t. The reason why so many people choose to live like there is no other authority is because they want to have authority over their lives. Somewhere in my instruction as a pastor, I was told, “Don’t lead in such a way that you put the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) up for a vote.” But what if I did just that? So here is your survey for each member of the congregation to take. Just one question. Be honest. “Do you want to make disciples?” The link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHSJPC2 Please vote! I’ll share the results with you later on in the month. And it may just the thing to think about as discipling training on Saturday, Aug. 11, 9 am – 3 pm draws closer. This is one vote of the church that will be interesting. It’s not going to change what Jesus did or said, but it might change what you do and say. In Christ, Pastor Matt
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From Pastor Tom’s Pen
“I’m Going To Offend You!” “I’m probably going to offend you. I may hurt your feelings, and for sure I want to take you out of your comfort zone.” That’s how Luke Yetter, our small group leader, began our first meeting at the DiscipleShift training in Post Falls in May. In Pastor Matt’s article last month he introduced you to some of the great ideas that were shared at the training. One of Pastor Matt’s important points that we were told was: don’t go home and try to change the church, change you. What I would like to highlight in this article is what Luke Vetter taught us about how discipleship can happen in the church. Since the training, I have given a lot of thought to Luke’s first words to us. The purpose of the church is to make disciples of Jesus who can make disciples of Jesus. Relationships with one another is a key component. This happens best in a relational environment where there is intentional modeling of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. What Luke was talking about in his opening remarks was that our relationships need to press into areas of transparency and vulnerability. This can be difficult for some of us. The Apostle Paul was young Pastor Timothy’s mentor or discipler. He writes to him about how discipleship happens: “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good. Work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What is the purpose of God’s Word: TEACHING – understanding the basics, how to have a relationship with God in the person of Jesus Christ. REPROOF – The Bible shows us where we have gotten off God’s path, where we have been disobedient. CORRECTION – God’s Word shows us how to get back on God’s path, how to live as His disciple again. TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS – God, the Holy Spirit, guides us to be more consistent in our walk as a disciple. How does this happen? It happens in honest and transparent relationships. Paul writes: “What you (Timothy) have heard from me (Paul) in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men (those whom Timothy will disciple), who will be able to teach others also (the next generation of disciples). “ 2 Timothy 2:2. Look at the verse again – four generations of disciples in one verse. Jim Putman of Real Life Ministries references three scriptures that cause discipleship to happen in a relational way: James 5:16; Colossians 3:9-10; and Galatians 6:2. He summarizes: “Confessing sins to one another. Being honest with one another. Carry one another’s burdens. These are actions all part of God’s recipe for a spiritual life that can help you survive and thrive. As Christians we constantly need to progress to where we are doing life together, asking each other how we are truly doing.” This can be tough stuff, but God has built this into mankind from the beginning of time. “It’s not good for man to be alone.” Throughout the Old and New Testament we read about community. What gets in the way at times is that we want to be spiritually polite. We don’t want to offend anyone or hurt their feelings. Think again about how Jesus discipled the first twelve. Most of the time when Peter spoke up, Jesus rebuked and corrected him. All the disciples argued about who would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. That gave Jesus the opportunity to demonstrate true servanthood in their relationships with one another. As Pastor Matt wrote last month, it is in our DNA. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are able to grow in intentional, relational discipleship. As the Apostle Peter writes: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.” 1 Peter 4:9. A fellow sinful but growing disciple of Jesus,
Pastor Tom
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Summer days are a little different at Preschool. Summer camp uses our campus, but the preschool kiddos spend most of their time outside in our big and beautiful backyard. We had a successful Open House during the first week of Summer Camp, with two visitors – one previously enrolled and the other will be enrolling. With two more visitors planned this week and another Open House in July, we’re feeling good about our registration numbers for the fall.
FRIENDSHIP CELEBRATION PRESCHOOL Registration for Fall Preschool Classes 2018-19 765 East Chinden Blvd., Meridian, ID 83646
[email protected]/208-288-2404
Preschool Director—Lori Jensen
REGRISTRATIION PROCESS INCLUDES:
Enrollment Form Complete
Registration Fee Paid—non-refundable—$100
Copy of Updated Immunization Records
Copy of Birth Certificate
PRESCHOOL CLASSES OFFERED FOR 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR: 3 Year Old Classes
Mon/Wed/Fri am……….3 days……….$175 month Wed & Fri pm……………..2 days……….$125 month Tues & Thurs am…………2 days……….$125 month Tues & Thurs pm…………2 days……….$125 month
Please help us spread the word about our Preschool. Our ministry is not only for the children, but for their families and our continued outreach to the community.
4 Year Old Classes
Mon/Wed/Fri am………..3 days……….$175 month Mon/Wed/Fri pm………..3 days……….$175 month Tues & Thurs am………….2 days………$125 month Tues & Thurs pm………….2 days………$125 month
Morning Class hours: 9:-00—11:30am/ Afternoon Class Hours: 12:30—3:00pm Pre– Kindergarten Classes ( 4 1/2—5 1/2 yrs old) Mon-Thurs am……………..4 days……..$230 month
God’s blessings,
Mon-Thurs pm……………..4 days……..$230 month Morning Class hours: 8:30-11:30am /Afternoon Class Hours: 12:30-3:30pm
The Preschool Staff
*More than one child enrolled—receive 10% discount on youngest child.
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July Ministry Updates
FCLC Baby Layette Ministry for Stanton Healthcare
The FCLC Quilter Group is collecting items for school kits to send to Lutheran World Relief in October. These are the items they need for each school:
FOUR 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or collegeruled paper, approximately 8” x 10 ½”; no loose leaf paper
ONE 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other
ONE pencil sharpener
ONE pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)
FIVE unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band
FIVE black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band
ONE box of 16 or 24 crayons
ONE 2 ½” eraser
Be on the lookout for the Baby Layette donation bin for much needed items for Stanton Healthcare. Thanks to all those who have sewn together baby blankets. We do need hand made baby bonnets and booties. If you need patterns to knit or crochet bonnets and booties, please contact Anita Gonzalez on 208-409-5187. Also, if you would like to purchase newborn diapers at wholesale price, please contact Kate Aravich on 208-871-2018. We are also accepting new and lightly used stuffed toys for newborns. A completed layette will soon be on display. If you have any questions, please contact Claudette Klinchuch on 208-699-9655 or Jean Mertz on 208-515-6814.
The Quilter Group is making the drawstring backpacks for the school kits and are looking for donations of fabrics like heavy cotton, canvas, denims and twill.
Caring Ministry reaches out in love to offer support, caring, comfort, and fellowship to those experiencing loneliness, illness, loss, or other life changes.. This is our mission. Our next meeting is on Monday, July 9th at 10:00 a.m. at FCLC. This is an open invitation to the ladies of FCLC. We would welcome your visit to the Caring Ministry meetings to see if this ministry might be where you feel you could best serve the Lord. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church, in the south Sunday School room, Room 132. Contact Donnette House (297-0775) or Patsy Kern (888-2979) if you are interested in join this awesome ministry. Workday Fellowship Work Day at the church is on Saturday, July 14th from 9:00am - Noon. Indoor and outdoor projects to help with. Lunch is served. As always, you can find out what’s needed and work on your own time schedule. Regular Work Days are every Saturday at 9:00am AND lunch is provided! Mike Sivey Director of Properties (208-859-0079) 5
The Quilters Group is in need of solid colored, new or gently used flat sheets. The Quilters Group also has an ongoing need of funds to cover the cost of quilt batting & shipping for quilts shipped to Lutheran World Relief. Any monetary donations are very much appreciated.
The Hospitality Committee needs your help! The Weekly GRUNT Crew and the Monthly Saturday Workday Fellowship Crew need lunch! Can you help? Please sign up on the sheet on the Information Kiosk or contact Susan Banker (208-4559499). Thank you!
SUNDAYS AT FRIENDSHIP CELEBRATION Worship Services: 8:15 am & 11:00 am (Nursery care available both services & Sunday School Hour) Fellowship Time: 9:15-9:45 am Children Sunday School: 9:45-10:45 am Adult Bible Classes: 9:45-10:45am Boundaries—Led by Pastor Matt -(Room 132) Loved & Sent—Led by Pastor Tom (Preschool Room 4) Study of Selected Psalms — Led by Matt Holmquist (Room 113) “I Know a Little German”-a study on the book of Galatians— Led by Linda Varnes & Lynn House (Room 130) “Esther” —Led by Ken Priebe (Room 113) *Beginning July 8th Adult Special Needs—Led by Neal Lindemood & Jack Hansen (Room 112)
Weekday Bible Studies Women’s Friday Breakfast (Star) Contact Dottie Basye 208-949-5020
Men’s Friday Morning Breakfast (50’s Café - Meridian) Contact Merlyn Schmeckpeper 208-8889494
Men’s Friday Morning Breakfast (Star) Contact Bill Basye 208-286-0691
Nurture Groups
Men’s Friday Morning Breakfast (Moxi Java - Meridian-Locust Grove at E. Fairview)
Eagle Nurture Group
2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 7:00 at Dick & Ruth Kanemasu’s home at 990 W. Oakhampton Dr. Eagle (208-830-0706)
Contacts Dale Bentley (208-859-4001) & Chuck DeVito (208-505-7579)
Star-Eagle Nurture Group
Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm at David & Susan Banker’s home at 300 W. Sutter Dr. Eagle Contact Bill Basye (208-286-0691) or Mike Sivey (208-859-0079)
Discipling Training
Star Nurture Group
Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at Rick & Emelie Woodall’s home. Contact them at 208-286-7508 for more information.
West Boise Nurture Group
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 7:00pm at FCLC. (Except during Advent and Lent) Free childcare available! Contact Aaron or Rachel Hubler. Email or text: 208-559-2560 or 208-859-9095
Safety & Preparedness Group
Meets 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 at FCLC. Contact Lynn House for more information (208-830-0078)
Lunch Provided 9:00am —3:00pm
Bible & Brew-Homestead Grill (Meridian) 1st Wednesday each month 6:00pm Contact Brett Lindemood (208-982-1461)
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FYI
Church Staff:
PHW—Paving His Way, the westward expansion of our parking lot, will reach a significant milestone tomorrow, July 2nd, when our contractor (Sunroc) begins construction! Meanwhile, the electrical portion of PHW has already achieved its own milestones, the most recent being installation of underground conduit plus concrete bases for additional parking lot lighting. Even earlier last spring, FCLC "grunts" relocated all the impacted underground irrigation pipelines. Finally, in conjunction with PHW, our LLC approved replacement of existing parking (halogen) lighting with new LED units. The LED fixtures will mount on existing poles and be both more efficient and brighter than our current lighting. By the end of September, FCLC will have a larger and better illuminated parking lot—THANK YOU to all who contributed and made this happen. However, while we were raising PHW funds over the last two years, the Treasure Valley experienced a continuing building boom—some say explosion—and commodity prices soared. As a consequence, our paving bids increased 20% over the original 2016 estimate. Though we achieved 101% of our $70,000 funding target, we now will need approximately an additional $10,000 to fully fund construction costs. If you have not previously contributed to PHW, or find you can stretch a little bit farther, please consider helping bridge this final hurdle with a financial gift for PHW. Designate Paving His Way contributions via a notation "for PHW" on your check or envelope. Contact Ron Bischoff if you have questions (cell: 208-514-6643). All funds received in excess of final PHW expenses will be allocated to mortgage reduction.
Senior Pastor: Matt Henry
[email protected]
Founding Pastor: Tom Hausch
[email protected]
Director of Christian Education: Brett Lindemood
[email protected]
Preschool Director: Lori Jensen
[email protected]
Office Manager: Kayla Liehe
[email protected]
Church Secretary: Joan Hammerson
[email protected]
Again, thank you for helping us make room for visitors and congregants. While Joan Hammerson is recovering from a back injury, Eileen Lindemood will be temporarily filling in at the office. Continue to use Joan’s email address for any announcements, comments or concerns. To put a prayer on the Prayer Chain contact: Jenny Kandler 362-5410 or email her at
[email protected]. (Note: Also call to let her know you sent a prayer request). In the event that, Jenny Kandler can't be reached for prayer chain, please call/ notify, Donnette House (208-297-0775) at
[email protected]. Your “Friendly Findings” Newsletter is available in the foyer at church or on our church website: www.friendshipcelebration.org. Newsletter article deadline is 20th of each month and may be submitted by email to:
[email protected]. Or contact the church office at (208) 288-2404.
Church Office Hours: Kayla Liehe (Office Mgr.) Monday through Friday 8:30am—4:00pm. Joan Hammerson (Secretary) Tuesday-Thursday-Friday 8:30am—2:00pm.
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Lay Leadership Council President: Karl Bokenkamp Vice-President: Wayne Wierson Secretary: Kathy Hieb Chief Financial Officer: Peggy Runcorn Director Discipleship: David Reinke Director Evangelism: Dale Bentley Director Education: Nicole Sarty Director Property Mgmt.: Mike Sivey
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Jr/Sr Youth Grp 6-8:30pm
29
5th/6th Youth Grp 12-3pm
Elder Meeting 12:15pm
22
Jr/Sr Youth Grp 6-8:30pm
15
Jr/Sr Youth Grp 6-8:30pm
1st/2nd Youth 12-3pm
No Jr/Sr Grp
3rd/4th Youth Grp 12-3pm
8
1
Sun
Mon
Office Closed
3 Office Closed
Tue
Caring Ministry Meeting 10am
30
23
16
9 Worship Team #3 6:50pm
12
Quilter Group 10am
18
Worship Team #4 6:50pm
19
Quilter Group 10am
25
Worship Team #5 6:50pm
26
Camp Olympics Summer Camp—July 30—Aug 3 9am-3pm
By-laws Committee 10am
31
Wild Wild West Summer Camp—July 23-27 9am-3pm
24
Super Hero Summer Camp—July 16-20 9am-3pm
No LLC Meeting this month
Staff Meeting 1pm
17
Worship Team #2 6:50pm
6
Fri
27
Article Deadline
20Newsletter
13
Sat
Men’s breakfast 8am
7
28
21
Church Work Day 9am
14
Space Summer Camp—July 2, 3,5, & 6 9am-3pm
Quilter Group 10am
11
Office Closed
5
Thu
July 2018
Lego Build Summer Camp—July 9-13 9am-3pm
Blood drive 2:45-7pm Room 111
10
4
Wed
765 E. Chinden Blvd. Meridian ID 83646 (208) 288-2404
Fireworks Stand Open June 24-July 4
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Off-site Bible studies & Nurture Groups: See Newsletter or online
9:45 am Sunday School for All
9:15 am Fellowship Time
8:15 am & 11:00 am Worship Services
Every Sunday:
