Greetings Everyone
Greetings Everyone.
November always seems to be filled with lots of events to remember and in which to participate. It is one busy month.
November 11 of course was Armistice Day…Veteran’s Day. We celebrate the end of World War I and the many men and women who have served our country to preserve our freedom and protect our citizens. In WWI American lost 117,465 lives with 205,690 returned home wounded (combined about 3% of our population in 1919). It is an honor to celebrate the victory of the Allied Forces and our veterans who have served our country.
On the 4th Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving. Actually, at 1st Presbyterian we will begin our celebration on Sunday (the 19th) following worship with a great meal. Please remember to bring your side dish. Truly we have a great deal for which to be thankful. God has and continues to bless us in many ways. Even though there are many highly publicized “faultlines” within our society, we still cherish and live in the freedom God has granted and our nation has defended. We have been blessed in many ways and I pray you will make the time to remember your many blessings and give thanks.
The last Sunday of November is Christ the King Sunday. The Church calendar begins with Advent and ends on Christ the King Sunday. It is on this Sunday that we anticipate once again the return of Christ to rule over the Kingdom of God. And what does this Kingdom of God we anticipate look like? Isaiah 9:6-7 summarizes it so well.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
And how might we pray when we may not know any specifics of that child’s life or their home? Jesus said, “No one comes unto me unless the Father draws them” John 6:44. One prayer we can certainly offer is “Father, draw this child and their parents to you.” We believe there is power in praye
How we long for that day. How we need that reality to come. Until then, we wait and we pray and we work for the King and the kingdom, always preparing our hearts for that time with Christ will return.
Ah, preparing our hearts! November usually brings the beginning of Advent, the time when we intentionally prepare our hearts for Jesus to come once again. During Advent we remember the first time Jesus came as a baby even as we anticipate his return as King.
May this latter half of November be filled with gratitude and anticipation as we walk with our Lord and with each other.
On life’s journey with you.
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, November 19th:
9:00 a.m. Bible Study in the Chapel
11:15 a.m. Harvest Dinner in Fellowship Hall. See info below
Monday, November 20th:
5:30 p.m. Handbell Practice
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
Tuesday, November 21st:
7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Thursday, November 23rd:
Happy Thanksgiving!
*Please note L.A.M.B.S. will not meet on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
Harvest Dinner
The Fellowship Committee will be hosting a Harvest Dinner immediately following our church service Sunday, November 19th in Fellowship Hall. Your committee is providing an entree of turkey and smoked ham and is asking the congregation to bring side dishes such as dressing, gravy, bean casseroles, sweet potatoes, potato salads, etc. to compliment a Thanksgiving dinner with desserts. Please come with an appetite and let’s celebrate what we all should be thankful for.
Christmas Stroll Cookies
Calling all bakers! We will be handing out cookies for the Christmas Stroll again this year and are looking for volunteers to bake treats. Cookies can be dropped off at the church Dec 5th – Dec. 9th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you would like to take part in handing out cookies look for the sign up sheet in Fellowship Hall.
Exciting News: FPC Kids Group Launching on Wednesday Nights in December!
Dear FPC Family,
We hope this message finds you well and filled with the joy and gratitude of the season. We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about a new program at our church that we believe will bring both fun and purpose to Wednesday evenings for grades 4 and up.
Starting this December, we will be launching the FPC Kids Group on two Wednesday evenings per month!
What to Expect:
Dinner: We’re grateful to have volunteers cook for us on these special evenings. A kid friendly delicious meal will be served, providing an opportunity for our kids to gather, share, and connect.
Programming: The intentional programming for these evenings will include a mix of service projects and discussions on topics that tie in everyday life and issues to our Christian Faith.
December Nights:
For the first month, we’ve planned two exciting Wednesday nights on December 6th and 13th. Here’s a sneak peek into what we have in store:
December 6th 5:30 – 7:30pm:
- Meeting Point:Church downstairs
- Activity: Shopping for kids whose name has been submitted by the Abbie Shelter (shelter for domestic abuse)
- Dinner and discussion about the purpose and significance of our shopping trip.
- Teams will be formed, and with adult supervision, our kids will embark on a shopping extravaganza at Walmart or Target. They will have a specific list and budget to adhere to, making this a meaningful and impactful experience.
- Important Note:This night is part of our effort to support a family for Christmas.
December 13th 5:30 – 7pm:
- Meeting Point:Church Fellowship Hall
- Activity: Wrapping the gifts and creating some loving kindness extras for the gift recipients
- Dinner with reflection on the impact of their shopping experience and how we can extend our help on a broader spectrum.
- Gift-wrapping session for all the purchased items.
- A fun game, promising laughter and joyful memories.
We believe these Wednesday nights will not only be enjoyable for our kids but will also instill values of empathy, generosity, and community service. We encourage all families with children to participate and make these evenings a time of learning, bonding, and giving back to our community.
We can’t wait to see the positive impact our FPC Kids Group will have on our church family and the broader community.
How Can You Help? Donate money to our FPC Kids fund to provide enough money for us to sponsor 6 kiddos complete with gifts, clothes, and an extra something from our very loving/giving church family!
Blessings,
Shelle Kuntz
I’m Shelle. I sit in the congregation with you, sing in the choir, and enjoy fellowship in Bible Study and with ALL of God’s People. I retired in 2008 after 24 years of Youth Ministry, the last seven years at FPC Whitefish. I am listening and responding to a call to serve our kiddos. I know there is no retirement clause in the Bible! Along with some committed parents, we are looking forward to bringing some counterculture to our FPC Kids and their friends. Please pray for this new ministry and for all of the people with whom it will touch. GOD IS GOOD – ALL THE TIME!
