The Newsletter of the Kelso First Presbyterian Church

Published at 215 Academy Street, Kelso, Washington

Online Newsletter

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PENTECOST/SUMMER 2010

From Pastor Hanna Peterson…

“Camp EDGE: Experience + Discover God Everywhere!”

“Go and make disciples of all nations… surely I am with you always to the end of the age.”

 -Matthew 28:20

Vacation Bible School is soon approaching and the pressure is on!  There are lots of volunteers to coordinate, rooms to decorate, schedules to organize and songs to learn.  At times I wonder if it’s all worth the effort.  But then I remember the reason behind our VBS—the children of God.  Jesus welcomed children into his midst.  When the disciples tried to keep them from “bothering” Jesus, He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  (Matt. 19:14) 

On another occasion, when asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  Jesus called a little child and stood him among them and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matt. 18:1-4)

I want nothing more than to have a child-like heart which believes the stories of Jesus.  Children trust and believe because they must for survival.  We, “self-sufficient” adults, don’t often need to trust another person in order to survive.  We can do it all on our own.  Which is not true at all, we just convince ourselves that this is true in order to be capable, confident and independent.  (None of which are gifts of the Holy Spirit.)

The Bible Memory Verses for this VBS are particularly challenging.  One is Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.”  What a wonderful promise to hold in our hearts.  We have nothing to fear because God is with us!  Another is Isaiah 48:17, “I am the Lord your God who teaches you and leads you in the way you should go.”  If only we will listen to the Father’s voice, we will know where to go with Him.  And Matt. 28:20 is a challenge with a promise.  Please join me in prayer for our VBS and invite children to join us!

Heavenly Father,

Give us child-like hearts.  Help us to trust and rely on You.  Forgive us for the sin of independence. Help us to reach out in love to your children, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Building & Grounds

We have a NEW doorbell!  Because Pastor Hanna is often here alone, we have installed a doorbell which rings into the phone system.  So if you are here and cannot find an open door, please ring the brown bell on the Right of the First Floor main entrance doors (outside the sanctuary) and we will come down and let you in!

Our custodial work day schedule is:

June                 26^th      Laura Childs

July                  24^th      Church Work Day

Aug                  28^th      SOTS AA Group

If you would like to volunteer your time, please let Don Aanderud or Dick Anderson know.

Christian Education

Our Sunday Morning Movies were a wonderful time for us to learn more about the people in the Bible.  Thank you to Patty McDaniel for leading this group each week.  We will reconvene our Adult Sunday School in September. 

Children’s Sunday School during worship is a blessing to our children each week during the school year.  Through the summer, we welcome our children to join us in worship.  Thank you to our wonderful Sunday School teachers:  Lori Keaton, Becky Keithley, Patty McDaniel & Debbie Thompson!

We are gearing up for our Camp EDGE Vacation Bible School June 21-25.  If you have any camping gear or artificial Christmas trees we could borrow for decorations they would be greatly appreciated!

Wed Night Program

Our Wed Night Program is finished for the school year.  We will have monthly events to reconnect through the summer.  Thank you to our many volunteers who give of their time and love to our MOMS and children:  Dick Anderson, Laura Childs, Keith & Skeets Clayburg, Don & Nancy Corkrum, Pat & Glenn Faires, Karla Gates, Megan Gonzales, Sue, Carolyn & Laura Jackson, Lori Keaton, Patty McDaniel, Bud & June Perry, Peggy Porter, Millie Rice, Heather Silvesan, Jodi Stoddard, Shannon & Brandon Sturdevant.  Many hands are needed to share the love of Christ to our greater church “Family”.  Thank you.

Mission & Evangelism

FISH

Thank you for your support of our FISH food ministry.  In May we fed 39 families, 73 adults and 38 children.  Through your help we are feeding the hungry in our community.  Pease remember those who are hungry by donating to our FISH barrel in the entryway.

Next FISH days are: July 7-8. 

Eloine Harris GUILD

The Guild met June 3^rd at the Clayburg’s home.  Thank you to Ruth Riedesel for her continued and faithful leadership of the Guild.  We plan to travel once again to Vancouver to have a special Guild meeting over the summer at Jan Kukkola Miller’s home.  Look for details soon.  Our regular Guild meetings will begin again the first Thursday of October 7^th.  Have a wonderful summer! 

April/May Session News

Pastor Hanna received a Seminary Debt Assistance Grant of $2500 from the Board of Pensions.

Baptisms on Easter: Alexander David Farley (son of Kathleen & John), Torivio (Ted) and Tori Castaneda.  We also received Shannon Sturdevant, Ted and Tori Castaneda into membership. 

Pastor Hanna performed wedding ceremonies for: Misty & Joe Taylor and Katelyn & Allen Stebritz.

Pastor Hanna participated in a memorial service for Mike Ashley April 24^th.

Voted to assist Laura Childs with her orthodontia.  She will work at the church to help “pay off” the assistance received.  If anyone would like to contribute to this fund, please note it on your check.

Voted to hire Sherry Bozorth as pianist and director of adult & children’s choirs.  This is an extra expense not accounted for in the budget.  But we have received extra pledges in the amount of $2300 to cover the difference.  Thank you for your continued generosity to our church. 

Committee Meetings

Finance June 8^th at 5pm

Worship/Music June 8^th & Aug 3^rd, 5:30pm

Personnel June 8^th & Aug 3^rd at 6:15pm

Session June 8^th & Aug 3^rd at 7pm

Deacons

June 15^th & July 13^th at 1pm.

We will continue to bring communion and baskets to the shut-ins through the summer.  If you would like a visit or know someone who would, please call the church office and let us know.

Kelso First Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

215 Academy Street

Kelso, WA  98626

(360) 425-4490

www.kelsofpc.org

Email: office@kelsofpc.org

Office Hours:  9am-noon Tues., Wed., Thurs.

 Deacons

Class of 2010

June Perry                    Skeets Clayburg

Lolita Hare                   Lili Kukkola

Class of 2011

Millie Rice                   Keith Clayburg

Lori Keaton

Class of 2012

Ruth Reidesel              Bette Aanderud

Phyllis Mayfield          Gary Jackson

Elders

Class of 2010

Don Aanderud             Grounds/FISH

Stephen Shuman          Personnel

Arlis Rutherford          Finance

Class of 2011

Becky Keithley                        Mission/CE

Dick Anderson                        Building/Personnel

Class of 2012

Karla Gates                  CE/Youth Ministry

Pat Faires                     Worship/Finance

Jodi Stoddard               Christian Education

Staff

Pastor                           Rev Hanna Peterson

Treasurer                     Cherie Rapp

Organist                       Colette Jones

Pianist                          Linda Eddleston

Pianist/Choir                Sherry Bozorth

Personnel Committee

Thank you to our regular office volunteers: Monday: Pat Faires

Tuesday: Nathan Dozier

Wednesday: Laura Childs

Thursday: Shannon Sturdevant

It has been a steep learning curve in order to complete the secretarial duties, but things are getting more organized each week.  Thank you for your patience in this transition.  Please pray for us as we support the ministry of our church in this way. 

Congratulations to Charlotte Peterson as the new church secretary at Woodland Presbyterian Church!  Our prayers go with you and we know the congregation will be blessed to have you, just as we were.

We also have a new face behind our piano beginning in July.  Sherry Bozorth is a retired music teacher from Woodland who will lead us in worship and direct the adult and new children’s choirs beginning in September.  Please welcome her and Dave, her husband.  Thank you to Colette Jones and Linda Eddleston for your faithful service to our church in leading in music and song.  You have been a blessing to us, and we hope to continue worshipping together.  Please join us in forthcoming celebrations and special coffee hours to thank these ladies.  Details will be announced in worship.

Treasurer’s Report

March 2010

Giving:             $ 7,511.75

Ministry:          $10,606.32

April 2010

Giving:             $ 8,388.47

Ministry:          $ 7,815.02

May 2010

Giving:             $ 8,256.61

Ministry:          $ 6,900.66

2010 Totals

Giving:             $ 49,332.80

Ministry:          $ 48,831.36

In an effort of good stewardship, the Finance Committee has chosen not to purchase offering envelopes for next year.  If you are currently using envelopes, please keep those extra ones for next year.  Thank you.

Also, the offering counters would appreciate if you could write your check number on the outside of your envelopes please.

Father’s Day BBQ

June 20^th we will have a special BBQ lunch to celebrate the men of the church.  Please plan to join us for worship & lunch as we celebrate our Graduating Seniors and our Fathers.

July 4^th Picnic

Because July 4^th is on Sunday this year, we will have a special All-Church Picnic at the home of Glenn & Pat Faires: 637 25^th Ave. in Longview.  They live just a block from the park for those who wish to attend the festivities there as well.

Youth Group Schedule

June

6^th Youth Group

13^th Youth Group

19^th Decorate for VBS

20^th YOUTH SUNDAY!!!

21-25

27^th VBS Sunday

July

4^th picnic at Faires’

11^th Youth Group & Girls overnighter

18^th no Youth Group

July 25^th no Youth Group

July 31^st set up for lunch fundraiser

August

1^st Campbell Farm lunch Fundraiser

7^th Terry/Taylor Yard Sale

15-20 Campbell Farm Mission Trip

29^th Mission Trip Sunday

Youth Sunday June 20^th

We will honor our graduating seniors during Youth Sunday.  Please join us as we celebrate Laura Jackson, Eli Lovingfoss & MacKenzie Haas.  We will also award our 3^rd grade Bibles and scholarships during worship.

Sound View Camp Schedule

Grades 2-3 July 18-21 $260

Grades 4-6 July 5-10 $280 or Aug 1-7 $295

Grades 6-8 July 11-17 or Aug 8-14 $295

Expedition: July 11-17 $295 (MS & HS)

Grades 9-12 Aug 15-18 $125

Camperships are available in the church office if you are interested in attending camp this year.

Campbell Farm Mission Trip

August 15-20 we will trek to Wapato for our youth mission trip to Campbell Farm.  Our fundraiser luncheon is Aug. 1^st.  We will also participate in the Terry/Taylor Yard Sale Aug 7^th.  Please plan on attending these events.  We welcome your generous donations of cash and yard sale items.  We will lead worship and share our trip experiences on Sunday, Aug. 29^th.

Scholarships

Camp & College Scholarship request forms are in the church office.  The Finance committee will meet June 8^th to distribute the gifts.  Please return them by Sunday, June 6^th.

Worship News

Pentecost Sunday was May 23^rd.  We held a special luncheon to celebrate 90’s birthdays at church. Thank you to all who participated.  A special thank you to Elaine Meyer’s daughter Jeannie Yaden for the delicious cupcakes!

Please join us in celebrating our members who are 90 years young!!!

Lois Clark, Mary Clark, Edna Cope,

Fleda Gavette, Elna Gore, Burt Gravelle, Virgie Ireland, Lili Kukkola, Jack Larson, Elaine Meyers, Ed Nelson, Royce Pence, Margaret Pulliam, Vi Repholz,

Violet Sauers, John & Nell Tolleshaug, Betty Ann Wright, Dorothy York

& Virl Young.

Special Dates

June 13^th Congregational Meeting

June 20^th Father’s Day & Youth Sunday

June 21-25 Vacation Bible School

July 4^th All-Church Picnic at Faires’

Aug 1^st Campbell Farm Fundraiser

Aug 7^th Terry/Taylor Yard Sale

Aug 15-20 Campbell Farm Mission Trip

Visit our website:  www.kelsofpc.org

Phone:  360-425-4490

First Presbyterian Church

215 Academy Street

Kelso, WA  98626

Enjoying God through Service

Lectionary

June 6: I Kings 17:8-24; Psalm 146;

Gal. 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17

June 13: I Kings 21:1-21; Psalm 5

            Gal. 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3

June 20: I Kings 19:1-15; Psalm 42 & 43

            Gal. 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

June 27: I Kings 2:1-14; Psalm 77;

            Gal. 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

July 4: II Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30;

            Gal. 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-20

July 11: Amos 7:7-17; Psalm 82;

            Col. 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37

July 18: Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52;

            Col. 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42

July 25: Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85;

            Col. 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

Email: office@kelsofpc.org

To recieve a copy of our Newsletter in the mail, please email office@kelsofpc.org.