Greetings Everyone
This summer our theme in worship is “Spiritual Truths in the Code of the West.” This coming Sunday’s theme is “Talk less…Say more.”
There is an ol’ cowboy story that has been used to make this point from the Code of the West. In appropriate fashion it is a very short story. It goes like this:
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you’re full of bull keep your mouth shut.
As a preacher, this Code of the West is a difficult one. I get paid to put thoughts into words with the hope that my communication will bring some insight into the Word and the Will of God as well as invite people to make a personal commitment of faith to Jesus Christ. It is not an easy task. Hopefully the prayer of this task is that of David’s millennia ago:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Words are important. They can be tools to build up or tools to tear down. The right word at the right time can help to heal a wound. The wrong word can inflict pain that could last a lifetime. I knew a woman who carried with her the scar of a word poorly spoken from when she was in 2nd grade. Her teacher had called her “Ms. Busy body.” She never recovered her confidence because of that life-altering label.
I have also known people who use words to build a person up encouraging them to be the best person they could be for the Kingdom of God. I have been blessed by such people. Words are important.
The scriptural guidance as to how we should use words is so important in this regard. The Apostle Paul instructed those early Christians in the Greek city of Ephesus in this regard. He said:
29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (4:29)
I can only assume the reason behind this directive is there were times when this had not been the case. It is no mystery to me that his next line,
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption (4:30)
implied the spiritual consequences that come from the bad use of our words.
A non-cowboy friend of mine used to tell me (the preacher) that “Talk is Cheap…what are you going to do about it?” If he were talking to you today he would say, “Talk less…DO MORE.” He would probably add, “Actions speak louder than words,” and I would respond to him by saying, “But if our actions and our words line up it creates a powerful force than can change the world. Just look at Jesus.”
Lots to think about.
Happy Trails to you as you too do the work of the Lord.
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, August 20th:
Back to School BBQ Smith Fields pavilion. See information below
Monday, August 21st:
No Choir Practice
Tuesday, August 22nd:
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Wednesday, August 23rd:
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
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
“Because You Asked…”
Ever want to have a Bible study on a particular topic? Want to hear what God’s Word says about a particular issue? Here is your chance. Over this summer, Pastor Paul will be leading a Bible Study, Wednesdays at 10 AM, in the Chapel to address your topics. Why? “Because you asked!”
“Because You Asked…”
Ever want to have a Bible study on a particular topic? Want to hear what God’s Word says about a particular issue? Here is your chance. Over this summer, Pastor Paul will be leading a Bible Study, Wednesdays at 10 AM, in the Chapel to address your topics. Why? “Because you asked!”
Back To School BBQ
It’s that time again for another church picnic and BBQ before the kids go back to school. The Fellowship Committee has reserved the Pavilion at Smith Field (1600 Hospital Way), directly behind the hospital in Whitefish.
Time: 11:30am, after church service on Sunday, August 20th. We will have plenty to eat and drink as well as a kid verus adult kickball game.
So, wear cool clothes to church and bring a lawn chair to the picnic!
See you There!
Fellowship Committee
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!
Preschool Classroom Items Needed
We are looking for the following items for the preschool classroom: wooden train set, toy car and/or race track and play tools. These items do not have to be new. If you have any of the listed items you would like to donate please contact Lisa.
Presbyterian Women
Fall Retreat
When: August 18th-20th
Where: Glacier Camp on Flathead Lake
The theme this year is “Your Missional Life” and will be led by Rev. Jason Dorsey and his wife ,Jenny. Jason is pastor of Redeemer,a Presbyterian church in Redmond,WA. The syllabus for the presentation states:
“You can’t know who you are and what you stand for unless you know the story you are in. The Bible’s story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration is the big story you are in. It tells who you are and what you are for, to be a participant in God’s restoration of all things. This restoration includes inviting others into God’s story. You will apply this to your life through creating a Disciple Making Plan.”
All women are invited to attend and you can visit with Susan Tate about further details or carpool information. Some are planning to spend overnight but many of us are only attending the Saturday session. Please join us and meet other women from around the state. The deadline for registration is the first week in August. Thanks and hope to see you there.
Let your creative side shine!
Acrylic Landscape Class at
First Presbyterian Church 301 Central Ave Whitefish, MT
We will provide all the supplies and canvases. Youth 12 and under need to be additional with adult ticket. Join the fun on Sept 15th and strengthen your passion for creating with instructor and local artist, Kiki Kiana.
Please reserve tickets online 48 hours before the class. Limited space available.
Book tickets on KIKI.Gallery/events
Scottish Heritage Recognition
Sunday, October 29th
If you would like your Scottish Heritage recognized during worship service please contact Ann Dahlberg or the church office by August 31st.
