September - October 2010 Newsletter

Pastor’s Corner:

Practice Makes Perfect

 As I am writing this column, there is an ambulance outside the church and I am hearing screams and moans coming from the basement of the church. I'm not alarmed because it is an EMT training class. One half of the class are the “victims” of a fire, with severe “burns” (complete with realistic make-up.) The other half are the responders who have to sort through the chaos to decide who to treat first and how to save as many as possible.

 For the past month, our church has been praying for our emergency responders and the medical staff who help us in our community. I'm pleased that we are able to offer our church to help them in their training, and I am so grateful that they go through such rigorous and realist training. They practice over and over again, so when a real crisis occurs, they can respond in a consistent and professional manner.

 The saying “practice makes perfect” applies in other areas as well. Whether someone plays for the Haines Glacier Bears or in the NBA, daily practice during the basketball season is essential. And in every practice, the players repeat the same basic and fundamental drills. Other sports are the same: good players practice fundamentals constantly until they become second nature.

 So what does this have to do with church? I believe as Christians, we must practice the fundamentals of our faith on a daily basis. We need to practice the basics over and over again so when a crisis occurs we can respond in a Christ like manner. The basics are daily Bible reading and study, prayer, and understanding the essential doctrines of Christianity.

 How are you doing as a Christian? Do you practice the basics? Do you read your Bible on a consistent basis? Do you attend Bible studies? How is your prayer life? Can you name 4 or 5 essential doctrines of Christianity, and do you understand them (there are about a dozen that our church teaches)?

 We are beginning a new school year and the church is planning our Christian education for the year. If you struggled in your answers to the questions in the preceeding paragraph, now may be the time to commit to attending a Bible study, to commit to more consistent Bible reading and prayer.

 Romans 12:1-2 (TNIV) states: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Paul commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It all starts with changing your mind - making the decision - to practice being a follower of Jesus each and every day. My prayer for you is that you will join in this daily practice. To God be the glory, Ron

PotLuke Farewell

 Our church family sent a son off to college with Godspeed and lots of food. But first, Luke Van Marter gave all the elements of the Worship Service Aug. 15 fromprayers, to Scripture, to tithes and offerings, smoothlyworking in the Puppets with Serena. His generous spirit at his best. He left Haines the next day.

 Luke, here a year as Young Adult Volunteer, is at his new address: Luke Van Marter, University Center, Room 315B, 525 S. State Street, Chicago IL 60605.

 Deacons thank all for the great “potLuke” sendoff.The Men’s Bible group set up the tables and chairs for us after their Friday morning study. Deacons want toreach out wherever there is need. Let them know.

Presbytery Meets in October

 Fall meeting of Presbytery will be Oct. 15-17 in Petersburg. Al Badgley has been elected Elder to represent our congregation. We look forward to a good report.

Nomination Committee Reports

 Nominations for officers to be elected at the annual congregational meeting in Nov. will include Doris Ward and Lola Knutson, Elders Class of 2013, and Arlene Jackson and Myrna Kornelis, Deacons Class of 2013. Nominations may be made from the floor. Thanks to the committee for time and prayerful considerations.

Christian Ed Begins New Year

 Sunday School classes for everyone begin Sept. 12,Christian Education Director Nancy Schnabel said.  Adults will be led by different people using study series we have. High schoolers will be taught by Ron Horn and Bill Daniels, and junior high will have Jim Green leading them in the Old Testament curriculum.  Holly Davis, helpers Shannon Green, Shannon McPhetres, Lauren Daniels, Jacque Horn, Lilly Boron, Martha Mackowiak, and others, will have children birthto 5th grade.  Please find a class to join or help teach, Nancy said.

Family Friday Nights in the Works

 Family Nights will be ready to go by Sept. 17. It will  be family time to play games and see movies.  Families contacted agree to taking turns in cooking a simple meal and cleaning up. The first Friday will be a game night, followed two weeks later by movie night, and continue that schedule.The church will buy food and a basket on the table can receive donations to help defray cost of the meal.

 The evening will start at 5:30 and end by 8:30 p.m. so those cleaning up won’t be later than 9 p.m.  Bill Daniels, coordinator, and family will be in charge of the first night. On movie nights, Bill will bring a 3-4 minute discussion about the movie and relate it to the Bible after the movie ends. Watch for more details.

Ready For Operation Christmas Child

 Time to start collecting gifts to fill shoeboxes.  Our annual collection for children who might not have Christmas gifts without our help will be dedicated during Worship Oct. 31. Shoeboxes and a list of suggested items are available at church. Susan Weerasinghe and Darlene Bolick can answer questions.

Kenyan Service Is Good News

 Our congregation with many community friends had a service Aug. 29 like the Africa Mission experienced in Kangundo this summer. Led by Al and Hunter Badgley the spirit was present in the videos taken in Africa, the music, prayers, Hunter’s sermon, and a Kenyan offering.

 Elders and deacons, women and men separated, sat up front during the service. Hunter preached a message from his heart, relating how he and team members went out and brought the Good News to villagers. He urgedlisteners to read Bibles daily and commit to following Jesus’ example. You never know when that one person you speak to has been waiting for the word, he said.

 Auctioneers Judith McDermaid and Jacque Horn keptbidding for First Fruits offerings at a fast pace, and in less than a half hour, the harvest of jams, fish, vegetables, candy, flowers, art, services, one chicken, and other items raised $900 for the Kenyan Mission, this in addition to the earlier individual tithes and offerings.  Fellowship followed in the Matthews Room withcake and Kenyan coffee picked by Al Badgley.

African Children’s Choir Sept. 7-8

 Folks are getting ready to take visitors into their homes. Host families meet at 5 p.m. Sept. 6 to greet the African Children’s Choir and chaperones. They will give them rooms and meals, take them around the area, and make them welcome. Some hosts continue to hear from children who came to Haines in two previous visits by the choir.

 Two performances will be given at the Chilkat Center, one Sept. 7 and one Sept.8, both at 7 p.m. Overflow audiences attended previous performances. Donations will be taken.  Urge friends to share the energy and spirit of these beautiful children. See Lauren Daniels, Holly Davis and Crystal Badgley for more details.

Memories of Another Africa

 Shannon Green remembers two weeks in Zaire, Africawhen step-dad and mother, Dick and Connie Terning, were missionaries in the early 1990s. Dick got his pilot’s license and degree in the Missionary Aviation Fellowship through LeTourneau College in Texas and studied French in Quebec preparing for their mission.

 Shannon traveled in Christmas holidays from her job in Minnesota to visit her parents and two brothers. She recalls lots of fresh fruit and going into the jungle to look for gorillas. She has boxes of slides unopened in a long time. The Ternings retired in Whitefish, Mont.

We Appreciate Our Kennewick Team

 The Kennewick team moved the cook’s cabin and built a new director’s cabin at RGC during their week here. Next year they’ll finish the inside.  We appreciate Presbyterians from Kennewick, Wash.who’ve worked at the camp several summers.

Loss of Loved Ones

 Charles Brouillette, 86, “Mr. B” died Aug. 21 with family around him. A veteran, he was active in the American Legion, played basketball, taught, fished, and was an Eagle from the Thunderbird House. Survivors include his wife Harriet, 5 children, grands, greats and numerous relatives and friends.

 Erma Slater,86, died in Big Fork, Mont, Aug. 6. She and late husband Cliff ran 33-Mile Roadhouse, and she was a master seamstress known for custom dolls.

 Jim Wheelock, 82, died in Eugene, Ore., Aug. 1. He was a logger and fisherman. Survivors include wife Leila and son Ted in Oregon.

Mission Bell Back in November

 Chilkat Mission Bell will be back in November. Have news ready by Nov. 2---no later.  Thanks, Editor.