Overseer's Insight: June 2011

Dear Saints,

 

Camp Focus

During the month of May we had our Camp Focus Meeting and Senior Retreat.  The Camp Focus Meeting was held at Millersylvania State Park.  It was directed by Camp Coordinators, Bob and Donella Gaines.  It was very informative with instruction given by the Camp Directors and Coordinators.  Pastor Rob presented a good class on “Your Part in the Altar Call.”  Bishop Knoblich presented some information on the policies and protocol of the proper reporting of child abuse.  On Saturday, the  team members worked on projects at the Campground in preparation for the upcoming Camping Season.  (By the way, this would be a great time to make sure that your children and grandchildren, and those youth in your Church have sent in their applications and deposit for Camp!) 

 

Senior Retreat

Senior Retreat was held at during the weekend of May 13-15 at the Washougal Salmon Falls Retreat Center.  Brother and Sister Riley from Kentucky were there for the second year as special guests.   They ministered wonderfully to all those that attended.  Brother Cabales and Pastor Smith and the New Horizons Church are to be commended for sponsoring this blessed annual gathering of our seniors. 

 

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary

As of the writing of this newsletter, we just finished the Systematic Theology I class at the Kirkland Family Church.  We had 24 registered students with three from Oregon and one from Texas.  The four days of instruction from Dr. Hector Ortiz were anointed and inspired from the Lord.  There were many times during the teaching of the class that the Spirit manifested Himself as to confirm what was presented.  There was such a depth to the topics that were taught.  It is encouraging to see many of our ministers (young and senior) involved in this program of study.  It is making a noticeable difference in their ministry.  We are thankful to Pastor Kaye Cabales and Kirkland Family Church for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities.  (Our next class, Church and Community, will be October 27 -31, 2011 in Kirkland.  If you are not yet a student, but would like to enroll in the Seminary, please contact Bishop Knoblich at dknoblich@aol.com)

 

Washington State Convention
It is not too early for you and your church to begin planning for State Convention. This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program!

Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you and those in your church to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room.   Remember, last year, the rooms went fast.  When you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy to get the special group rate. 

 

Events Calendar for 2011

June 19-24                  Senior Camp - Millersylvania (Shelly Symonds, Director)
June 24-26                   Young Adult Camp - Millersylvania (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)
June 26 - July 1           Junior Camp - Millersylvania
July 1-2                       PeeWee Camp - Millersylvania
July 8-10                     Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage 
August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick
Sept. 22-25                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Introduction to Pentecostalism - Dr. Hector Ortiz)
Oct. 27-30                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church & Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

 

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

State Leadership Directory

In an effort to update our state directory, we are asking all pastors and church leaders to review the contact information here: http://wacogop.homestead.com/WA_State_COGOP_Directory_2010.pdf.

Be sure and check the listings of all individuals in your congregation, including the local church listing, for updates.  You can send corrections to Rob Judd at rjjunior@hotmail.com

Overseer's Insight: May 2011

Dear Saints,

During the month of April we had our Ladies Retreat, Youth Convention, and Men’s Retreat.  Ladies Retreat was held at the Vancouver, WA Red Lion.  Sister Dawkins from Canada was the special speaker.  Ladies from Canada, Oregon, and of course, Washington attended the Retreat.  The theme of Retreat was “God Knows Your Name.”  Indeed, He does know our name and everything there is to know about us.  After all, He created us and formed us according to Psalm 129 before we even existed!  Much thanks to Retreat Director Sister Sherry Johnson and her staff for a great job and a blessed Retreat.

Youth Convention was held on April 15 and 16.  Pastor Rob Judd spoke on the Friday night session and preached on the theme “Fighting for the Great Life.” The Bremerton Youth Dance Team performed both Friday night and on Saturday. Also on  Saturday, there was a sermonette and a DVD with some group discussion.  Sister Shelly Symonds and her District Youth Leaders did a wonderful job preparing for the Convention.

Men’s Retreat on White Pass was held on the last weekend of April.  We were blessed by good weather and by a might presence of the Lord.  We were also blessed by the attendance of several of our Spanish-speaking brethren.  Our special speaker, Bishop Sam Clements, was not able to attend the Retreat due to the storms and tornadoes in the Southeast.  Though we would have enjoyed Brother Clements being with us, God apparently had other plans.  The Retreat Theme was on “Being Men Of Commitment.”  Messages were presented on being Men of Commitment and Men of Valor.  When Retreat ended, there were 2 saved, 8 delivered, 5 filled with the Holy Spirit, and 2 healed.  To God be the Glory!  Our thanks goes to Bishop Frank Smith, Retreat Director, and his dedicated staff. 

Upcoming Events

Senior Retreat

During the weekend of May 13-15 Senior Retreat will be held at the Washougal Salmon Falls Retreat Center.  It is my understanding that Brother and Sister Riley from Kentucky will be back this year as the special guests.  Please encourage all Seniors in your church to attend.  The messages, singing, worship, and fellowship are totally awesome.  Much thanks to Senior Director, Brother James Cabales, and the New Horizons Church for sponsoring this special Retreat. 

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Our next Gordon-Conwell Course (June 2-5, 2011 at Kirkland) will be Theology I as taught by Dr. Hector Ortiz.  Registration forms will be sent out soon.  Please remember that your registration form along with a $50.00 registration deposit is to be sent to Dr. Knoblich, one month in advance of the class, that is, by May 2, 2011.  The deposit will be credited to the tuition cost for the course. 

Washington State Convention
It is not too early for you and your church to begin planning for State Convention. This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program. 

Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you and those in your church to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room.   Remember, last year, the rooms went fast.  When you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy to get the special group rate. 

Excerpts From State Overseer’s Annual Address

During the month of March we looked at how we are to incorporate “Shalom” in reaching the people.  This month we will expand upon our mandate of reaching people and breaking strongholds through the theology of Prayer.  Please read: 

V.  The Theology of Prayer

Jeremiah 29:7  emphasizes the importance of prayer for the city.  The Lord wants us to Pray for the Peace of the City.Prayer is strongly needed to live and work with the struggles that are present in the city.

How Powerful is Prayer?

In Eastern Europe, we have seen how the power of prayer brought down Communism.  It brought down the Iron Curtain.

The problem with Prayer for us is, generally we have confined it personal needs or individualistic concerns.  Our prayers have been “vertical” in nature, ones that transform us into the likeness of Jesus.

However, our prayers must go beyond the individual.  They must take feet. They must be directed outward.  Why?   Because sin and evil go beyond the individual.  Sin infiltrates systems, all types of social systems, whether they are schools, governmental agencies, political structures.  

All social structures and institutions have moral values associated with them, whether they are for good or evil.  When sinful and evil structures exist in society, those are the things we must pray against.   

The Scripture in Ephesians chapter 6: 11-13 tells us:

 ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

***This is not an Individualized scripture!!  This is not an Army of One!

This Scripture portrays how the whole Church should be armed as a Body together to fight against principalities and powers.

Even John 3:16 is not as much as an Individualized Scripture, as we have taken it!  The word “World” is translated as “Cosmos.”  This word is all encompassing and refers to the Redemption of the Universe, all social structures of humanity, the geo-physical world, the Entire Created Order!!!

(You see, all Creation will bow before HIM!!!)

We must realize that there is a fight for each City.  There are satan’s angels and God’s angels fighting over each city.  These angels infuse the systems and structures, people groups, and individuals of that city.

Each City has a particular spirit associated with it.  All cities are caught in a spiritual warfare, the forces of God and the forces of satan battle for the City’s soul.

The Evil One is out to control and destroy each city.

***Yet, in the shadows of that City, if we look hard, Stands One who loves the City and Weeps over it!!! 

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34).

Jesus is saying the same to us today!!! 

One thing I want us each to realize:

In a city that has the potential of being seduced by satan and his angels, We are responsible before God and our fellow citizens in ways that contribute to making our city a City of God or allowing it to drift toward being a City of satan.

I believe there is more meaning to the scripture, “to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Prayer changes the fate of Nations.  Prayer changes the fate of Cities.

Our Job:  Engage in Heavy Duty Warfare.

To bombard heaven with prayers, to tear down the Berlin Walls.

To take the City out of the grips of the devil.

To go to the Babylons of  this world and Seek for Peace, Pray for Peace.

CONCLUSION:

I believe the Historical Statement by John F. Kennedy bears repeating:

Let’s not ask what our Country (City) can do for us, rather let us ask, what can we do for our Country (City.)

Be a Vital Part in Ministry in your City.  Work through your Church, volunteer,

Work to change things for the better.

Events Calendar for 2011

May 6-7                       Camp Focus/Workday - (Millersylvania) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 13-15                   Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)
June 2-5                       Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Theology I - Dr. Hector Ortiz)

June 19-24                  Senior Camp - Millersylvania (Shelly Symonds, Director)
June 24-26                   Young Adult Camp - Millersylvania (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)
June 26 - July 1           Junior Camp - Millersylvania
July 1-2                       PeeWee Camp - Millersylvania
July 8-10                     Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage 
August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick
Sept. 22-25                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Introduction to Pentecostalism - Dr. Hector Ortiz)
Oct. 27-30                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church & Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Local Church Report: Rivers Fellowship (Tacoma)

Among the highlights of April was a joint Good Friday service with Iglesia Promesa De Jehova, the Spanish-speaking congregation that shares our building.  We were blessed in a wonderful communion service as well as sharing a dinner together.

We are currently remodeling our ladies restroom in the sanctuary building and will have it ready to go for Mother's Day!  Several members contributed to the work and we applaud the shared efforts of our people.

We welcome Bill Thoms into formal covenant fellowship in the Body.  He was a part of our congregation many years ago and God has led him "back home."  We will also be welcoming another new member in May.

Local Church Report: KFC

The past few months have been busy ones here at Kirkland Family Church.  After the membership classes that were held in February,  in March nine members were added to our church body.  It was a beautiful service with such a sweet spirit!  Our State Overseer, Bishop Knoblich was with us that Sunday also and shared the Word with us. 

In April was Ladies Retreat and a lot of our ladies were blessed to attend.  It was a great retreat!  The guest speaker, Lucille Dawkins, did a great job!  The spirit was felt from the very beginning.  A big thanks to Sherry Johnson and staff for all the effort put into this retreat! 

There was a great turnout for Youth Convention held here at KFC!  Pastor Rob gave a good Word Friday evening.  The spirit ministered greatly to our young people! We got to see some youth worshiping the Lord in dance--they are very anointed.  There was fun and games--lots of group activities and pizza
for lunch.  Thanks Shelly and your team for putting together another awesome convention!!  You guys rock!!

Easter Sunday the church was packed!  It was a time of celebration!  The congregation shared in communion to honor the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.  Thank you Jesus for the gift of life!  After service there was an Egg Hunt for the children.  Our youth group helped hide the eggs.  It was a good time for everyone.  Thanks Rhonda for organizing this event!  There was a potluck dinner to complete this celebration.  Great food
and fellowship!  We are so blessed by the goodness of our Father!  Looking forward to all He has for us!

Overseer's Insight April 2011

Dear Saints:

 

The month of March was extremely busy, but productive.  First, we had the Youth Harvest Training in Washougal.  In our area, there were youth leaders from ten churches represented.  Brother Trevor Reid and Brother Maurace Caswell did an outstanding job presenting materials to the students.  The main theme they presented was “context and culture,” and how we must be very attentive to these areas in ministering to our young people. 

 

The District Conventions in Kirkland and in Kennewick were well attended and blessed of the Lord.  District Overseer, Roger Jones, spoke on the giants in our lives and how we can defeat them.  In the Tri-City District Convention, Brother Smith spoke on the need for ministering in the harvest, allowing the Spirit to have pre-eminence among us, and the importance of being faithful stewards.  The Lord blessed mightily in both Conventions.  Our appreciation to our District Overseers for the  work that they do.

 

The month of March ended with the SOPAS (School of Practical and Advanced Studies) in Portland.  There were two schools going on at the same time with 33 Spanish-speaking and 47 English-speaking students!  There were students from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. From our Region, we had 10 pastors attend and a good representation of students.  Bishops Menke, Varlack, and Pratt did an outstanding job on their presentations.  They taught classes on Pastoral, Ecclesiology, and Theology.  The classes were very instructive and gave much food for thought.  Bishop Knoblich’s presentation was a practicum on “Protecting our Children from Abuse and Neglect.”  Throughout each session the presence of the Lord was evident.  I would encourage all to attend SOPAS III when it comes back in our Region.

 

April’s Events

Three important events are coming up in April.  These are Ladies Retreat, Youth Convention, and Men’s Retreat.  The Youth Convention and our Ladies and Men’s Retreats are designed with you in mind.  Come expecting to be blessed.  You will certainly be enriched by attending these.  Looking forward to seeing you there!!

 

Easter is also coming up toward the end of the month. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the Hallmark event for the Christian. Thank God, that because He was risen from the dead and is alive, we too, are risen out of death unto new life in Him!  What a Glorious Hope we have!

 

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Our next Gordon-Conwell Course (June 2-5, 2011 at Kirkland) will be Theology I as taught by Dr. Hector Ortiz.  Registration forms will be sent out soon.  Please remember that your registration form along with a $50.00 registration deposit is to be sent to Dr. Knoblich, one month in advance of the class, that is, by May 2, 2011.  The deposit will be credited to the tuition cost for the course.

 

Washington State Convention
It is not to early to begin planning for State Convention. This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 19-21, 2011. Dr. Hector Ortiz, Center for Biblical Leadership  Ministries Director, along with Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary will be our special guest speaker.  Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room. When you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy to get the special group rate. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

 

Events Calendar for 2011

 

April 8-10                    State Ladies Retreat - (Vancouver Red Lion) (Sherry Johnson, Director)

April 15-16                 Youth Convention - Kirkland (Shelly Symonds, Director)

April 29-May 1           State Men’s Retreat - White Pass (Franklin Smith, Director)
May 6-7                       Camp Focus/Workday - (Millersylvania) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 13-15                   Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)

 

June 2-5                       Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Theology I- Dr. Hector Ortiz)

August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Columbia Center Red Lion - Kennewick           

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Overseer's Insight March 2011

The month of February began with Adult Retreat. My, how the Lord did bless at Retreat! We were privileged to have as our special speakers, Cathy and John Payne from the International Offices. Our Retreat Theme was: “Driven By The Spirit.” Truly, that is what we all endeavor to do, i.e., to be completely led by the Spirit of the Lord. And without doubt, Sister Payne was directed by the Spirit to minister to us. Our worship at Adult Retreat was heavenly, thanks to Sister Shirley Smith and the Horizon Church musicians. We are indeed thankful for our many dedicated workers that helped out at Retreat. Each and every one are a blessing.

On Sunday, the last day of Retreat, Sister Knoblich and myself received news that my mom, Ernestine Knoblich, was not doing well in the hospital. We left Retreat early to be with her. The family was called in since we knew the time was short. She passed away on Tuesday morning. We had the funeral/Celebration service for her on that coming Saturday. Though we miss Mom, we know she is rejoicing in heaven. Sister Knoblich and myself want to say thank you to all of our church family for your many expressions of love and support. It is so heart-warming to see our whole kitchen table covered with cards, cards that share your sympathy and condolences. Again, thank you Church family for your prayerful support.

As of the writing of this newsletter, ‘Youth Harvest Training’ will be in full swing in Washougal at the New Horizons Church. We are expecting an anointed time of teaching and preaching. Our pastors and youth leaders will benefit greatly from this training session.

District Conventions
During February, we had District Conventions, in Tacoma and Washougal. The Lord anointed and used our District Overseers, Bishop Rick Bear and Bishop Frank Smith to minister the Word. Brother Bear’s message compared Alexander the Great and Jesus Christ. We learned that there really is no comparison at all. It caused one to think of just how great and awesome is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Pastor Smith preached on the importance of reaching into the Harvest, the importance of being directed by the Spirit, and the importance of Biblical stewardship. The Lord moved in a special way in both Conventions.
The month of March will usher in two more District Conventions, in Kirkland and in Kennewick. The dates are March 12 and March 19 respectively. Please come and support your local District Convention. District Convention is a great place for worship, instruction, and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there.

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL AND ADVANCED STUDIES (SOPAS)
The School of Practical and Advanced Studies is scheduled for three days, March 24-26, 2011 in Portland, Oregon. As you recall, in November of 2009 we had SOPAS I in our Region. SOPAS II will be offered this time, again with an emphasis on Leadership Development, Ecclesial Identity, and an Introduction to Hermeneutics and Homiletics. It will not be necessary to have taken SOPAS I to take SOPAS II. Dr. Wallace Pratt and myself are excited to announce that, SOPAS II will be offered in both English and Spanish. So, spread the word!
(Note: There are No Tests, for those who may be apprehensive about attending.)
(For students completing the reading assignments, a Certificate of Completion will be awarded. The reading assignment is “Foundations For Facing Forward: Holiness” by General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard)
This is a Must School for Pastors, Ministers, and Aspiring Church Leadership.
I strongly encourage all to attend. It will be worth it!
Information regarding the tuition and lodging has been sent out to the pastors, so be sure to mark this time on your calendars.

Excerpts From State Overseer’s Annual Address
During the month of January we looked at our “Mission” or “Ministry” in reaching the people. This month we will expand upon our mandate of reaching people through having a clearer understanding of the theology behind “Shalom.” Please read:

***Your Gospel (The Great Commission) gets larger when you understand “Shalom” in all its ramifications. Jesus was an agent of Shalom, and He is sending us to be His Agents of Peace.
How you go about to seek the Shalom for the city has much wider implications than just praying for “Peace.”
It means getting out and ministering to the poor, the disenfranchised, the marginalized, in our communities. It means bringing them groceries, helping them find adequate housing, making sure they have access to adequate health facilities. It means providing them transportation when necessary. It means fighting against crime and darkness in the City.

***You see Church, when you have a “Presence” in your Communities, when you become the Shining Light that is set on a Hill, that is how you push out darkness!

***You, Church, are the Light to show them THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!!
If we don’t push out darkness and take our Nation and Cities back, no one else will!
I am not saying that your Church is to be a Welfare State to the poor, but we are to seek justice for them. Charity creates dependence on others, a type of “welfare dance.” That’s not what we are looking to do.

2. The Ambulance Analogy.
Often, we as churches get stuck in “Ambulance Mode” when people drive off the cliff. Being in Ambulance Mode is fine and good, but we would accomplish a whole lot more by getting a protective barrier built in preventing people from going over the cliff! This means we may need to confront the mayor and the city council to get this barrier put up. That is what it means to Seek for the Shalom of the City.
***What can you do in your communities and cities, besides offering groceries?
You can influence legislation that will change health standards in the poor areas or that will target areas of crime or help to provide more educational assistance.
You can influence legislation that will help to influence better living conditions in the poor sides of town.

***Remember, if you allow Oppression, one day it will come back on you! Don’t put your head in the sand and pretend these conditions don’t exist. If you allow Hitler (Anti-Christ) to move in, it will bite you soon.
We as the Church must be CONSCIENTIOUS of our Responsibility to Society!!! Otherwise who will?!
SO, LET’S UNPACK THE “SHALOM!”
Where Sin has overtaken our communities and cities, that’s where we should be. Our job is to go to a broken people.

*The Geography of the Gospel should coincide with the Geography of Evil.
Jesus reached the Poor, had compassion on the poor, and so should we! The Poor are the Salvation of the Church. Why? Because God blesses you by your service to the Poor!

3. ***And the amazing thing about it, when you go after this Peace in the City, when you pursue it, you will discover peace for yourself!
As you give Peace out, you will find it. It’s kind of one of those things, when you sow it, you will reap it.
Amazingly, when Babylon finds her Peace, then the People of God will have Peace. (See Jer. 29:7) When Babylon is Healthy, then the Church truly finds her Best Health.
***Some people cannot find the totality of peace that God wants for their lives, because they have not followed through on what God has called them to do in the city, in their communities. God has called them to go into the city to seek the peace of the city.
(Next month we will look at the Importance of Prayer in Reaching our Cities.)

Events Calendar for 2011
March 12 District Convention - Kirkland (Roger Jones, District Overseer)
March 19 District Convention - Tri-Cities (Franklin Smith, District Overseer)
March 24-26 School of Practical and Advanced Studies (SOPAS II) - Portland, OR

April 8-10 State Ladies Retreat - (Vancouver Red Lion) (Sherry Johnson, Director)
April 15-16 Youth Convention - Kirkland (Shelly Symonds, Director)
April 29-May 1 State Men’s Retreat - White Pass (Franklin Smith, Director)

May 6-7 Camp Focus/Workday - (Millersylvania) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)
May 13-15 Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)

June 2-5 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church
(Theology I- Dr. Hector Ortiz)

August 19-21 Washington State Convention - Columbia Center Red Lion - Kennewick

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

March - The Month of Missionary Focus

The economic outlook is gloomy at best.  Our country’s budget is in a state of hyper inflation and incredible unbalance while the politicians admit they have no answers.

 

 In every challenge there is an opportunity for growth.  In light of our current economic condition let’s look at a few things we might do to demonstrate to our children, our neighbors, and each other that our economics system is not based on printed paper, backed by thin air, but it is based on the tried and timeless promises of provision of our heavenly Father.

Meditate for a moment on the lives of those who have chosen to respond to God’s call, those who have dedicated their lives to responding to the need He has called them to fill.  Think about their concern that their source of support is jeopardized by our disastrous economic condition.  This is our opportunity to let God’s provision for them flow through us.  This is an opportunity to be a vessel of blessing and use this unique time in God’s plan to participate in whatever missionary work the Lord lays on your heart.  If you have not chosen an avenue for giving before now, perhaps this is your chance to begin a flow of blessing from either your excess or in your need.  There may be those among us who have generously supported various causes who are now unable and some generous souls have gone on to be with the Lord.  It is time to examine how the Lord would have you to give.  There is someone praying, "Lord, we trust in you to fill our need." His way to fill that need is through our obedience.

If you have had no interest in missionary support in the past remember that “where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” Mat 6:21   I challenge you to generously give in the area that the Lord lays on your heart or follow the suggestions of your pastor and watch your interest in that endeavor grow; you might even find yourself praying for your chosen cause and that would be the beginning of another flow of blessing to both your prayer focus and to yourself.

Carol Dillard

State Stewardship Director

Local Church Report: KFC

Kirkland family church began the year with a New Year's Eve celebration.  We gathered at the church  for fellowship, food, fun and games.  It was a good evening!

January is stewardship month and Debbie Yaros taught a stewardship class during the Sunday Schoo hour.  The ladies and men's classes were combined during this time.  Debbie is an excellent teacher and has a heart for this ministry!  Many are still commenting on what they have learned!  The subjects included budgeting, tithing and giving, retirement, and the church financial structure.  This class was a blessing to all!

Ten youth and 8 adults attended and worked at Teen Retreat.  A big thanks to those who planned and supported the fundraiser for retreat.  Every camper's tuition was paid and transportation was provided.  It takes us all working together!  God met our youth at retreat and we give Him praise for all He has done!!

Adult Retreat was such a blessing!  We were blessed by the worship and Word.  Kathy and John Payne ministered as the Lord directed!  Again, God is so good!!

In February, a service was held to honor our Senior members.  kathy Johnson did a great job planning this service.  Each senior was honored by being escorted to the front by a youth or adult and then heard why they were appreciated and loved.  They were each presented with a rose and there was prayer for each one indivivually.  There was such a sweet spirit in this service.  We love our Senior members!  After service fellowship and food was enjoyed at a potluck dinner. 

Several have asked about church membership and Pastor Shelly is teaching a membership class during the Sunday School hour for those who are interested in joining the church.  Prasie God for all He is doing!! 

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