Greetings Everyone
Mistakes happen. Yes, they do. In fact, I have noticed in myself that the more full my schedule, the more mistakes I am prone to make. Maybe it is age. I personally believe my personal computer (brain) is so full of stuff that it no longer quickly and easily retrieves the information I want. As a result, some things get left out of communications. Mistakes happen.
This past Sunday such a mistake took place. When I met with Malone, Ella and Izzy Manuel about their baptisms, I had asked them to share a Bible verse that was important to them. They found one and came to their baptism ready to share. Unfortunately, my brain was on data overload, and I forgot to ask them to share. Thank the Lord for gracious parents, Kristine and John gave me the verses they had chosen and I share them with you now.
Malone – “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Ella – “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Izzy – “For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Such wonderful truths from the pages of God’s Word from the mouths and hearts of our children.
As some of you know, Terri and I will be leaving on a month-long trip, September 8. That is no mistake. We have planned this trip and trained for it. We are excited. That having been said, I anticipate that issues may arise during our absence. It always seems to happen no matter how hard I pray that it won’t. Life continues on even when the Interim Pastor is not in the office.
This past month at our Session meeting we discussed who will do what if “Issues” arise so that mistakes won’t happen. They determined that the first point of contact in decision making will be the Elder-in-Charge for the month. If you have an issue…or a question…or something else, your first call may need to be Nichole in the church office (406-862-2802). For you who may not know, she is in the office Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM until 1 PM (often a bit longer). She will then contact the elder to help. The three elders-in-charge during my vacation will be:
Chris Camut – September 7-17
Bruce Fraiser – September 18-30
Bob McConnell October 1-9
Of course, my prayer is that everything will run smoothly. Of course, my prayer is that we will continue to feel the presence of the Lord during our times of worship, fellowship and personal conversations. Of course, my prayer is that Sunday School, our three weekday Bible studies, our acts of service, our carrying for one another if there is illness,… will all grow and flourish as we live life as the people of God following in the footsteps of Jesus our Lord.
As for me and Terri, we pray our trip will go smoothly. We pray we will meet new friends and share wonderful stories. We pray that we will meet others who are also followers of Jesus so we can share times of faith. We pray our bodies hold up and our minds remain focused and our ‘experience meter’ goes off the chart. We also pray that we will grow and flourish as we live as people of God who follow in the footsteps of Jesus our Lord.
You will be in our prayers. May we be in yours.
Happy Trails to you,
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, September 3rd:
The Baptism of Jennifer Marie, Kustaa Erick, Kira Suzan, Ruuno Gary, and Claire Delores Paatalo will take place during worship service.
Monday, September 4th:
No Choir Practice
Tuesday, September 5th:
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
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
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
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.
