Greetings Everyone
Greetings Everyone.
This Sunday will be our last time to focus on our summer theme in worship of “Spiritual Truths in the Code of the West.” This coming Sunday’s theme will be, “Are You a Pioneer or a Settler.”
This is not a “Code of the West.” However, it certainly is an issue that each person and family faced as they moved from whatever existence they had previously and journeyed to the destination that lay ahead. I can only imagine the dreams some of those folks carried. I can only imagine the fears that might have rattled around in their brains. What did the future hold? What will be demanded of me as I pursue it? What battles will I be called upon to fight? Can I survive? Can I thrive? Getting from here to there is accompanied by many, many challenges.
Some of those who moved west found their home on the range, just like the song says:
Home, home on the range. Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day.
Even though the song has great sentimental value, the reality was it was a long hard journey. Some stayed on the range, claimed a piece of land, built their home, barn and maybe some fence. Others helped form the early towns that became famous and infamous with the West: Dodge, Durango, Deadwood, Tombstone, Cody, Bannock, Virginia City… Most of those who joined in this Western movement wanted to find a place, settle down and make a home. Pioneers moved toward becoming settlers.
Growing up we used to sing a “Pioneer Song” of faith. The lyrics went like this:
This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.
My treasures are laid out, somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beacon me from heaven’s open door and
I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
As Christians, our home is in heaven. Heaven is where we will spend eternity. We are pioneers moving through this earthly existence. The 11th Chapter in the Book of Hebrews presents the heroes of faith. These are men and women who walked through this earth, dealing with the daily realities we all face, yet kept their souls focused on an eternal Kingdom. In summarizing the life of faith Abraham lived verse 10 says:
10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Looking forward to the city that God builds, the place Jesus called “The Kingdom of God.” That is where we want to settle. Everything this side of eternity is temporal, transitional even when we may have lived in the same earthly community for many years. Our goal is God’s Kingdom. As Jesus instructed us,
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)
My prayer for all of us is that we will live our lives as “Pioneers” on a lifelong journey to our heavenly home.
Happy Trails to you, Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, August 27th:
The Baptism of Henry Alan and Dorothy Catherine Yacko, children of Kurt and Jamie Yacko, will take place during worship service.
Baptism in the river for Malone James, Ella Kathleen, and Isabelle Grace Malone, children of John and Kristine Manuel, will take place at noon. You are invited to the river at Kay Beller Park. Use the Community Center parking lot on the Southside of 2nd street just before the river.
Please join us at coffee fellowship this week to celebrate Marlene Barnes and Jean Duncan’s 85th birthday! Cake will be served
Monday, August 28th:
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
Tuesday, August 29th:
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Wednesday, August 30th:
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.
Sunday School Classes Resume
First day of Sunday School is September 10th
followed by a pizza party!
Grades K-4th will meet for Sunday School following Children’s Time and will go until 11:15. We need the extra time to run our bible memory program. We will be practicing all month and then they will have an opportunity to recite their verse on Communion Sunday when we have a shortened class time.
Professor Jim Ramlow will be holding Sunday School every week from 9:00-9:45 for 5th-8th graders. He has a special series planned that will center around C.S. Lewis’ book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader along with the gospel of Mark. That series of study will run through December. He will pick up again in January with a new series.
At this time we are not offering a preschool class but if we get 3-4 children of preschool age, we will talk about having a separate class. We will, however, have a nursery attendant each week starting in September and preschoolers are welcome to be in that room.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
“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!”
September Fish Fry!
It’s time for another finger licking farm raised catfish luncheon. Complimented with tartar sauce, hushpuppies, coleslaw, French fries and of course desserts.
Time: 11:30am, after church service on Sunday, September 17th!
Please bring a side dish of your choice (i.e.; green salad) and/or a dessert.
Thank You,
Fellowship Committee
“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!”
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 by contacting Nichole in the church office or by using clicking the “book tickets” button below.
