Greetings Everyone
Greetings Everyone.
Housekeeping.
I know. Housekeeping is not something we like to think about, but it is a reality of life with which we must deal. If you think about it, that is what Jesus was doing when he prepared his disciples for both his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday as well as the Seder Meal they shared on what we call Maundy Thursday. He sent off two of his disciples to find a donkey for him to ride upon as he entered Jerusalem (Mark 11) and then sent two (maybe the same two) into Jerusalem to find a room and prepare the meal we call “The Last Supper” (Mark 14:12-25). Housekeeping.
Housekeeping is taking care of business. Sometimes that business is cleaning the house. Sometimes it is just taking care of the details like paying the bills. At other times housekeeping is problem solving. Housekeeping is the essential but non-glamorous work that must be done.
Churches have housekeeping details as well. Usually these details fall under the guidelines of the Elders. Sometimes these details fall to areas specifically assigned to employees (preparation for services; production of bulletins or PowerPoints; vacuuming and dusting, etc.). Sometimes volunteers step up as they see a need and without fanfare get the job done. Housekeeping.
As we arrive in the Middle of March, there are several housekeeping events that I would like to inform you about to help keep all of the FPC family in the loop. Here they are:
1. Per Capita. Each year our denomination charges members an administrative fee called “Per Capita.” The fee helps cover administrative costs at all levels of the church beyond the local congregation. This year that fee is $63.50. If you are a member, and if you are willing and able to pay this fee, it certainly helps the church budget. Please designate your contribution to Per Capita so it can be properly recorded. Housekeeping.
2. Use of Fellowship Hall. We have a good number of individuals and groups who want to use our Fellowship Hall for a variety of functions. As a result, the elders have written a policy to respond to such requests. If you or those you know want to use the Fellowship Hall please contact Nichole with your request to initiate the usage. Housekeeping.
3. Changes to the Facilities.Sometimes folks see a need and work to act upon it. The extension of our back deck off the Fellowship Hall is one such need. Such initiative (thank you Ross) is applauded but still needs to take place through proper approval processes. Our wonderful Facility Team headed by Elder Aldo Kuntz helps make sure all changes are done properly and with everybody on board. Housekeeping.
4. Assistant Treasurer. Leslee Washer has served faithfully as Church Treasurer and plans to continue to do so. Hallelujah!! To provide for the long-term stability of the congregation it is recommended that we have an “Assistant” treasurer. If you feel called and skilled to work in this area please let either myself or Leslee know. We would love to talk about this opportunity. Housekeeping.
I am sure that the list could go on and on. The housekeeping details of any family or volunteer organization are many. When the positions are filled and running smoothly the greater function of the church, spiritual growth and Christian service can move forward more smoothly. When these details are not met in a healthy way struggles can ensue. Just as Jesus made sure the housekeeping chores for Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday were taken care of, Spiritual moments from which we benefit today, so we need to do our housekeeping chores as well.
Walking the road with you.
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Sunday, March 17th
9:00 a.m. Bible Study in the Chapel
10:00 a.m. Worship Service with Pastor Paul Hayden
Monday, March 18th
5:30 p.m. Handbell Choir
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
Tuesday, March 19th
7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Wednesday, March 20th
10:00 a.m. Ladies AM Bible Study (LAMBS)
6:00 p.m. FPC Youth Meet Up
Thursday, March 21st
10:00 a.m. Bible Babes bible study
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
Memorial Service
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear sister in Christ, Arline Hankins. A memorial service will be held here at church Friday, March 15th at 11:00 a.m. Please keep Rodger, Brian, Susan and their family in your prayers. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The North Valley Music School or The First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish.
Arline Hankins Obituary (1938 – 2024) – Whitefish, MT – Daily Inter Lake (legacy.com)
Easter Egg Hunt!
There will be an Easter egg hunt following our Easter Worship Service, March 31st. After Sunday school children will meet in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers will walk the children down to Baker Park on the corner of 5th and Central to hunt for eggs (weather permitting).
If you would like to hide the eggs please see Nichole in the church office. Middle and High school students are encouraged to volunteer!
Bible Babes
Easter Lily order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin. Forms must be returned to the church office by Palm Sunday. Cost is $15 for each potted flower ordered; please make checks payable to FPC with “Easter Lily” in the memo.
Volunteers needed to help pick up and place lilies in Sanctuary Easter weekend. Please contact Nichole in the church office if you’re willing to help.
Chili Luncheon
Our 1st Fellowship function of the year will be a Chili Luncheon set for Sunday, March 17th, 2024 immediately following the 10:00am church service. Your Fellowship Committee will be providing Chili with all the condiments and we are asking the congregation to signup for a side dish (i.e.; green salad or cornbread), and/or a dessert. The signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
March 17 Join Us for a Mission Discussion!
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the world? Are you eager to explore how we can better serve our community and support missions worldwide? If so, we invite you to join us for a special gathering downstairs after the church service on March 17th. Get your chili and head downstairs to one of the classrooms.
Together, we’ll dive into a conversation about mission – whether it’s right here in our local community, lending a helping hand to those in need, or extending our support to missions worldwide. Your ideas, insights, and enthusiasm are valuable as we seek to make a positive impact in the world.
Come and be a part of this important discussion as we explore ways to fulfill our mission as a church and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Your presence and input are highly valued!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings, Shelle Kuntz
Presbyterian Women will meet for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 19th in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00. A delicious dessert will be served by hostesses, Jean Petersen and Susan Tate. The program will be an update on the Presbyterian camp on Flathead Lake by Pastor Paul and info about PW monies shared by Merri. Also remember this is the time for the collection of the Birthday Offering and Marlene will present that information. It is a fun filled afternoon to share prayers and fellowship with other women. Please join us and if you need a ride please contact Susan. 🍀🍀🍀Presbyterian Women plan to have a Jewelry sale in the church in May and would appreciate any donations of gently used items. The money from the donated jewelry items will be donated to local missions or the Flathead camp. Please contact Jean P or Merri and more information to follow.
