Greetings Everyone
This summer our theme in worship is “Spiritual Truths in the Code of the West.” This coming Sunday’s theme is “Do What Has to be Done.”
When I was in high school, baseball was one sport I played. I was a 3rd baseman and did OK achieving honorable mention in the All-Orange County selection. When I went to college, I also played baseball, for one year. Then, because of finances at my small college, the baseball program was cut and my baseball career ended. That being said, it was a good year. We had fun. I had the opportunity to play a lot on the varsity team, but, I never played 3rd base. The team needed me elsewhere. As a result I played some catcher, some first base and some right field. I wanted to help the team in any way I could. You Do what has to be done.
My wife Terri spent 10 years working at The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. We received word this week that its founder, Bill Kerr, had passed away joining his wife and son in heaven. During her time at the museum, they hosted many large, national events. Some of the most talented wildlife artists would come as would many art collectors. When the events took place it was “All hands on deck!” Regardless of your job description or place in the corporate hierarchy, you did what had to be done.
Doing what has to be done is part of the culture of a successful organization albeit sports, business, family or country. In like fashion, many people in the Old West lived this Code, “Do What Has to be Done.” If you have ever been to a branding as took place in Whitefish last month you would have seen people from all walks of life, young and old, joining together to get the job done.
The question that last sentence raises for me is this, “What is the job that we as Christians and we as a church are called upon to “get done?” If we don’t define this and buy into this “job”… this “calling”…our faith and our church can easily become self-centered. Jesus gave his followers a job description for their life inside their relationships with one another and for their life beyond one another in their mission to the world. He said:
34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (NRSV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore, as you are going, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NRSV)
These are the jobs Jesus commissioned them and us to do. I have always labeled these jobs “Ministry” for the work within our church family and “Mission” for all we do outside our church family. Each church adds the specifics they believe the Lord is directing them to implement within these areas. But, without the body of believers being committed to “Do what has to be done,” the work will not get done and the only one to blame is us.
So, at your stage of life, what is Jesus calling you to do? Where do you fit into this team we call First Presbyterian Church, Whitefish, Montana? We are only as strong as the individual parts as we do the work of the Lord. May we be all our Lord desires us to be.
Happy Trails to you,
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Monday, July 3rd
No Choir Practice
Tuesday, July 4th:
Happy 4th Of July!
No Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Wednesday, July 5th:
10:00 a.m. “Because You Asked…” Bible Study. Have Questions?
Bring them to Wednesday’s Bible Study to discuss with Pastor Paul.
Your questions determine the topic
Monday, July 10th:
6:00 p.m. Handbell Practice
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
Church Community Garden!
Jesse Fraser and Karen Rosenburg have come up with a new, exciting idea for the corner flower bed. We’re calling it, A Church Community Garden. In other words, everyone please bring something to share and Jesse will plant it for you. We are looking for perennials or annuals, as long as they do not require full shade. They do not have to be a flower either. They can be herbs, ground cover, a strawberry plant, etc. Use your imagination! 🌸🌼🌺 If you have questions contact Jesse Fraser or me, Karen Rosenberg (406-250-0232). Before you bring it, pray over your plant that it will be protected from the deer!
Thank You,
Jesse & Karen
Church Community Garden!
Jesse Fraser and Karen Rosenburg have come up with a new, exciting idea for the corner flower bed. We’re calling it, A Church Community Garden. In other words, everyone please bring something to share and Jesse will plant it for you. We are looking for perennials or annuals, as long as they do not require full shade. They do not have to be a flower either. They can be herbs, ground cover, a strawberry plant, etc. Use your imagination! 🌸🌼🌺 If you have questions contact Jesse Fraser or me, Karen Rosenberg (406-250-0232). Before you bring it, pray over your plant that it will be protected from the deer!
Thank You,
Jesse & Karen
Nursery Attendants Needed!
We are looking for a handful of volunteers willing to be on call as a Nursery Attendant for Sunday Worship services. Please contact Nichole or Lisa, in the church office, if you would like to be put on the list.
Movie Outing!
Sunday, July 9th
A movie outing has been planned for Sunday, July 9th, 4:30 p.m. showtime. If you would like to join some folks from the congregation to watch
Sound Of Freedom
please meet at Regal Cinema at 4:15 p.m.
For more information contact Lisa Nelson
Youth Outing!
Thursday July 20th
Columbia Falls Waterpark. Paul had so much fun last summer that he wants to go back! We are planning to go Thursday, July 20th. The park opens at 11:00. We’ll meet at the park around 10:45 a.m. Please pack a picnic lunch. We will provide drinks and fruit for everyone. If you don’t want to attend and your child needs a ride, please let Lisa Nelson know and we can arrange carpooling
Food Bank Cereal Drive
We will be holding a cereal box drive for the North Valley Food bank this summer. Please bring a box of cereal to Sunday worship services or drop your donated cereal off in the church office Tues-Fri, 9-1 p.m.
Thank you for your donations!
