desert pulpit october 2018 are women who seek to encourage each other through the powerful teachings...

First Presbyterian Church—Elko

1559 Sewell Dr., Elko, Nevada

Desert Pulpit October 2018

Interim Pastor……..

Tom Holslag

Director of Family

Ministries………….

Melissa Fonder

Office Manager……

Naomi Tanner

Financial Secretary…

Dalana Tognini

Organist …………….

Jim Hill

Pianist ………………

Brandolyn Thran

Choir Director……….

Patty Fisk

Desert Pulpit Editor….

Naomi Tanner

Church Office……….

775-738-3430

Church e-mail……….

[email protected]

[email protected]

Website………………..

ElkoFirstPres.org

Facebook………………

www.facebook.com/First

PresbyterianChurchOf.

Elko

It’s amazing to think how fast time flies the older one gets. This

marks my 3rd

October here in Elko as your interim pastor. The

cool mornings, blue skies, dry air, and relatively slow pace of life

here in Elko are what make Elko such a good place to live, and yet

something that many of us give little thought to. Having lived

from California to Pennsylvania, and from Texas to Alaska, you

may not know it, but Elko is one of the best communities I have

yet to live in. I hope you take the time to periodically thank the

Triune God for living in such a wonderful part of this vast country

of ours.

Yes, acknowledging ‘gratitude’ in one’s life is one of the three ‘G’s’

of living out our Christian faith – ‘grace, gratitude, and

generosity’. This concept of Christian living is something that a

fellow colleague of mine once taught me from my first call as an

associate pastor when I lived in Junction City, Kansas. For it is by

God’s abundant and unending ‘grace’ that we are even sustained

in this life. And thus our response is to acknowledge and express

continual ‘gratitude’ to God for everything that we have in life

each and every day. I’ll let you list those people and things that

you are eternally grateful for. And because we have been so richly

blessed, our natural response is to demonstrate ‘extreme

generosity’ towards God and His church as we move forward

together in the coming year. You as the ‘Body of Christ’ have

much to look forward to when you will call your next permanent

pastor sometime down the road.

That’s right, October is once again stewardship month for this

church as the session will soon be coming up with a budget for

the 2019 calendar year. If you are tithing already I say ‘Thank

You! Thank You!’ a thousands times over! For your faithfulness

makes possible the various ministries we have to offer here in

Elko as we proclaim the ‘Good News’ that we all have in Jesus

Christ. If you’re not tithing yet of your time, talents, and treasure

take a step up in faith and possibly give another 1-2% towards that

goal. For I assure you that God will meet and provide for your

every need, and beyond your wildest expectations.

On October 21st

during worship we will be dedicating our pledges

for the 2019 calendar year. Following worship that Sunday we will

be having a ‘pot-luck’ lunch celebrating that will conclude the

stewardship season. Remember to always give generously in all

that you do. And God’s Blessings to you and your family during

this beautiful fall season that is now upon us.

In Christ’s service, Rev. Tom Holslag – Interim Pastor

Tom’s Corner:

Christian Women of Northeastern Nevada

(An Interdenominational Fellowship)

John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and life more abundantly”

We are women of all ages who desire to know and enjoy God in our own personal relationship with God first and foremost.

We are women of all denominations who focus on love and unity, not letting denominational doctrine divide the true Bride of Christ which is His church.

We are women who seek to encourage each other through the powerful teachings of the Bible and grow in God’s abundant life.

We are women who meet together to enjoy fun, friendship and joy!

We are women who seek to understand our value to God and walk in our true identity as beautiful Daughters of the King.

We are women who each have gifts, talents and a purpose in every season which are a gift to each other in humility and love.

We are women who desire to bring a relevant and real Christian lifestyle that impacts Northeastern Nevada and beyond.

We are women who together for such a time as this want to bring others into our fold so they can experience God’s love, acceptance, and forever relationship with Him.

Contact person: Ginny Oustad [email protected] 559-284-9264

THE WAY OF AGAPE UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE

BY: NANCY MISSLER

Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30

Starting September 19 - December 5, 2018

What is God’s Love?

Why is God’s Love So Important?

God’s Love vs. Natural Love

True Identity and Security

Knowing God Loves Us

What Does It Mean to Love God?

Satan’s Three Temptations

“Ye Are the Temple of God”

Loving God With All Our Heart

Loving God With All Our Willpower

Loving God With All Our Soul

Eight Steps to Survival

Loving Others as Ourselves

Loving in Our Marriages

mailto:[email protected]

Notes from the Keys by Brandolyn Thran

The Problem with Trying

James 1:22-25 (NIV) But be doers of the word, and not hearer only deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word

and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at

once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer

who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Thankfully, I was raised by a mother who to this day, is a wonderful role model. She is kind, compassionate, silly, has high

expectations of herself and others, and never, ever let me try. There is a vivid memory of me sitting at our dining room

table working on something. In a fit over the challenge that was before me, I remember whining in my best and most

pathetic voice, “But Mom, I’m trying!”. In her cool, calm, and collected way she replied, “Sis, you can try all day, but until

you pick up that pencil and do it, it is not going to get done. Trying won’t get it done”. It

was not unlike the scene in Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back, when Luke Skywalker is in

Jedi training with Yoda; I’m pretty sure Mom and Yoda are friends. Both take training very

seriously. Both understand the consequences of giving up before beginning. Both

understand what happens when we doubt our abilities and lack faith from the outset.

That moment at the table happened years ago, and I can’t remember the assignment, but

the lesson was powerful and from that day forward I have worked hard to “never try

again”. Over the years the lesson is continually reinforced by both parents, however not

quite as elegant, but equally insightful, by Dad who often states, “either poop or get off the

pot, but don’t just sit there”.

In the Bible, James (brother of Jesus) also understood the dangers of “trying”. If we don’t

do the Word, then what are we doing? Deceiving ourselves. Trying is dangerous and deceptive because it gives us an out,

like a pass…we tell ourselves, “well, I tried”, or “I’ll try”. It’s a form of an excuse, and excuses limit our potential. Trying

sucks us into a cyclical thought process where we aren’t doing what we are supposed to be doing, and at the same time

not taking responsibility, but instead just whirl-pooling around the known solution (the thing we are or are not to do).

Further, this idea of either doing something or not doing something is reinforced in Matthew 5 when we are instructed to

‘keep it simple’ with either a yes or a no (Matthew 5:33 – 37). While this passage is about establishing oaths, isn’t that

often what we do when we are trying? We are establishing agreements with ourselves and possibly others, we leave a

little wiggle room and create an ‘out’. The concept of “an out” is not Biblical and Matthew states that anything more than

a yes or no comes from evil. Nowhere, not once, not a single time, in the Bible are we instructed to “try”. We are taught

and equipped to do, or to not do. We are made new in Christ, and so should expect to have consistently different

behavior (2 Cor 5:17).

I tried to get up for CrossFit this morning, I will try to eat fewer BBQ potato chips, I tried to read my Bible this morning, I

will try to be kind to that co-worker that drives me batty, I tried… I will try… The problem with trying, is it doesn’t get the

job done and the only person to blame is yourself. Ouch! That hurts doesn’t it? Here is the alternative, and you don’t

have to buy Nike shoes to do this: JUST DO IT or JUST DON’T DO IT. But how, you ask?

Tap into your supernatural strength. Stop relying on your power and plug into God’s power. Recognize the pattern and

then remember, “God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Tim 1:7) and act inside that

truth. All excuses are gone when you have power, love and self-control. Think about it, what challenge can’t be

overcome by power, love, and self-control? Stop trying and start doing, or not doing. Make the choice. Change the

brainwaves; speak action into your daily life and move away from “I’ll try”, to “I’ll do it” or “I won’t do it”. Either way, be

honest with yourself and own your decision. You can do anything with power, love, and self-discipline.

T G I S (Take Groceries In Sunday)

Soup’s On

Cold weather is coming! To help prepare, the Mission Committee is collecting soups and non-perishable ingredients for making soup. These items will be given to FISH for distribution. Please check the expiration dates on your donations and place them in the box in front of the office. Thank you for contributing to this service and for your previous donations of school supplies.

HURRAH !

It’s time for the Presbyterian Women’s No Work Bazaar,

when you get to just relax and put your feet up.

All you have to do is: sit in your chair, write a check, put it in the envelope and bring it to church or stamp it and mail it.

This donation will help Presbyterian Women reach out to our community in your name with God’s guidance.

Please make checks out to: Presbyterian Women-No Work Bazaar.

Survivors of Suicide Loss group meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 6 - 7pm at the Hospital. Lynette Vega wants us to know about the support. And, you don't have to be

a mom, dad or family member to attend -- it is for anyone who is impacted (so all of us!!!).

Sunrise Ringers!

Starting September 10th

The ringers will meet

Monday, Tuesday, and

Wednesday

6am

For more information

contact Ann Nisbet,

738-5475

SOS Radio

www.sosradio.net SOS Radio is a community of people connecting with God and connecting with each other.

91.1 FM

Mission Statement “We believe we are called by God through the grace and love of Jesus Christ

to worship joyfully, grow spiritually, love one another, serve those in need

and share the good news of the gospel with everyone..”

https://www.sosradio.net/

The Presbyterian Coffee Project is a

partnership between the Presbyterian

Church (USA) and Equal Exchange, a

worker-owned co-operative offering

100% fairly traded coffee, chocolate,

tea. You can purchase these items in

the church office during regular office hours. They make

good gifts.

Important Information About Registering to vote:

In person:

At the Elko County Court House or at the DMV.

Online:

At RegisterToVoteNV.com.

By mail:

by printing a form at RegisterToVoteNV.com

Registration deadlines:

October 9- Last day by mail

October 16- Last day in person

October 18 – Last day online

2¢ a Meal. Way to go!!! This quarter the Mission Committee will send $350.62 to Ruby Mountain Resource Center because of your faithfulness in contributing 2 cents for each meal you eat. Thank you. Ruby Mountain Resource Center clients will distribute food to hungry people because of your generosity.

Don’t forget! The next one is October 21st!

Heifer International

Your generous contributions to Heifer Project will go to Heifer USA, which helps rural communities lift themselves out of poverty through farming, and Haiti Reach, which provides healthy goats, cows, chickens, and pigs to increase the ability to produce meat, dairy, eggs, and produce.

Added together with the amount the children donated during Vacation Bible School, the total is $2249.01! We owe a big thanks to Kiwanis for their generous support too.

Come Join the

Choir

Choir practice

Wednesday,

September 5th at

5:45 p.m.

We will sing on

September 16th

Anyone is welcome

to join us.

BIRTHDAYS

Jo Arthur 10/01

James Niday 10/06

John Cavaness 10/09

Michael Jones 10/19

Marge Polkinghorne 10/21

Anna Thompson 10/22

Ed Gillins 10/23

Rue Beyer 10/24

Skylar Merschel 10/25

Lynn Bondo 10/26

Patricia Pearce 10/26

Mary Tomera 1026

Jennie Anderson 10/27

Sydney Reed 10/27

Catherine Kump 10/30

Per Capita is $46.00 per member

ATTENTION!

IF YOU USE THE CHURCH

BUILDING, YOU ARE

RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE

THE DOORS ARE LOCKED AND

LIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF WHEN

YOU LEAVE. HELP KEEP THE CHURCH

10/7 Nickel Family, Pike Family, Diana Jones, Pearson Family, Patty Fisk 10/14 Henry Family, Boyce Family, Kump Family. Pat Pearce, Jan Petersen 10/21 Sally Winsley, M.Jones Family, Van Slyke Family, Hall Family, Loralee Justice 10/28 Susan Merschel, Byars Family, Pruitt Family, Roberta Gallegos, Hobbs Family

You will also need to help set up and clean up

Everyone Welcome!

Updated 2018 Church Directories are

available in the church office.

Happy

Nevada Day!

Kid’s will say anything!

After a Sunday morning church service,

Philip Suddenly announced to his

mother, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a

minister when I grow up.”

“That’s ok with me. But what made you decide

that?” “Well,” Said Philip, ”I’ll have to go to church

on Sunday anyway, so I figure it will be

more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit

down and listen.”

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1.

6:00 Sunrise Ringers

9:00 Womens Bible Study

5:00 Lions

6:00 Tigars-Bears-Weblos l

7:00 Boy Scouts

2.

6;00 Sunrise Ringers

1:00 Hobby

6:00 Youth

3.


9:00 Tai Chi

9:30 Womens Bible

Study

5:45 Choir Practice

6:30 Joy Connection

4.

12:00 L. Circle

5:30 NAMI

5:30 Wolves–

Weblos ll

5. 6.

7.

9:00 Sunday School

10:15 Worship

Worship and Music

4:00 College group

8.



5:30 Cub Scout Pack meeting

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 Joy Circle

9.


1:00 Hobby

6:00 Youth

10.


9:00 Tai Chi

9:30 Womens Bible

Study

5:45 Choir Practice

6:30 Joy Connection

11.

5:30 NAMI

5:30 Wolves–

Weblos ll

12. 13.

14. 9:00 Sunday School

10:15 Worship

Mission

4:00 College group

15.



5:00 Lions

6:00 Tigars-Bears-Weblos l

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 M&E @ 1743

Flagstone

16. Deadline For

Desert Pulpit


1:00 Hobby

6:00 Youth

6:00 SESSION

17.


9:00 Tai Chi

9:30 Women's Bible

Study

5:45 Choir Practice

6:30 Joy Connection

18.

1:00 Esther Circle

5:30 Wolves—

Weblos II

5:30 NAMI

19. 20.

21. 9:00 Sunday school 10:15 Worship Deacons 4:00 College group

22.


9:00 Women’s Bible

Study

5:00 Lions

6:00 Tigers –Bears–

Weblos 1

7:00 Boy Scouts

23.


1:00 Hobby

6:00 Youth

24.


9:00 Tai Chi


Study

5:45 Choir Practice

6:30 Joy Connection

25.

5:30 Wolves–

Weblos II

5:30 NAMI

26. 27.

28. 9:00 Sunday school

10:15 Worship

C&E

4:00 College group

28. OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 Sunrise Ringers

9:00 Women's Bible

Study

5:00 Lions

6:00 Tigers –Bears–

Weblos 1

7:00 Boy Scouts

30.


1:00 Hobby

6:00 Youth

31.


9:00 Tai Chi


Study

5:45 Choir Practice

6:30 Joy Connection

October-2018

desert pulpit october 2018 are women who seek to encourage each other through the powerful teachings...

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