Blogs
Mikal Johnson
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When We Do Not Know What to Pray
November 5, 2024 |
A man was preparing for a walk to town through the woods to conduct some transaction. As he pulled on his overcoat, he heard his daughter’s voice coming softly from her room. Knowing she was ... read more
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Naomi White
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Full of His Unfailing Love
October 29, 2024 |
Here I am again, with my ring of verses. I carry them with me and watch them grow a bit more every season. Let me tell you, my stack of index cards scribbled with verses has grown quite a bit this ... read more
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Jenny Shotwell
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Tomorrow Will Worry About Itself
October 22, 2024 |
Life is really busy sometimes.
That sounds like a simple statement to say — because it’s true! But what does busy mean? I often wonder this when I speak ... read more |
Cheryl Broadway
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Courage to Connect Reflection
October 15, 2024 |
While reflecting on the experiences seen, heard, and felt during the 1st Pres “Courage to Connect, Let’s Journey Together” Women’s Conference, I thought about what connection means to ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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How We Show Love 1st
October 8, 2024 |
Our recent event on parenting in the age of social media brought together insightful voices to address one of today’s most pressing challenges for families. The evening began with a ... read more
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Gina Dingman
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To Serve Others
October 1, 2024 |
Scripture teaches us that we are to serve others as Christ served us. Your 1st Pres Neighborhood Closet truly represents the service of care that Matthew is speaking about. So, let’s meet some of ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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Thirsting for the Lord
September 22, 2024 |
Sometimes life can be so difficult. As humans, we know that on one level we will have joy and happiness but also pain and suffering. This is all part of our daily experiences and sometimes it is very ... read more
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Susie Olson
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Embracing Christian Community
September 17, 2024 |
In the beginning, God created the world, then Adam, and saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so He created Eve. From there families were built and communities began. Life ... read more
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Tracee Dahm
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Fall Kickoff
September 10, 2024 |
Although one couldn’t tell from the exceptionally warm weather we were having, our congregation came together to kick off the fall season. God gave all of us another chance to wake up ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Labor of Love
September 3, 2024 |
Every year we celebrate Labor Day in early September. It is a time to remember the common laborer and the work that helps keep our country going and to give a day of rest from our ... read more
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Doug Grace
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The Good News
August 27, 2024 |
“You never know how strong you can be until it is the only choice you have.” This quote comes to mind every time I think of my baby sister, Sandy, and her Angel of a husband, Dave ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Come As You Are: You Are Enough
August 20, 2024 |
What an honor and joy it was to participate in Family Camp at Camp Spalding this year alongside some of our amazing 1st Pres families! We spent the greater part of last week enjoying time ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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Fortunate & Grateful
August 14, 2024 |
Today I’d like to share a bit of why Micah 6:8 has been one of my lean-on verses for the past 23-24 years. For a summer or two in the early 2000’s, we were paying our youth a $25 stipend to teach ... read more
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Craig Catlett
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Gen*er*ous
August 6, 2024 |
Gen*er*ous. 1. Liberal in giving or sharing. 2. Not Petty or mean.
3. Abundant. 4. Magnanimous. This is, of course, a dictionary definition. Notice that a monetary value is not mentioned. ... read more
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Heather Bell
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Growing in God's Word
July 29, 2024 |
As Presbyterians we believe that knowledge of God and God’s purpose comes from the Bible. We grow in our knowledge by reading God’s Word. I imagine most people have an established routine for how they study. ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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Standing Up For Love First
July 23, 2024 |
Greetings in the name of our Lord! We are excited to announce an upcoming event that promises to deepen our understanding of the world around us and inspire us to live out our faith more fully.
... read more |
Mikal Johnson
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The Way of Love: a meditation
July 16, 2024 |
Mikal has compiled meaningful quotes and Bible verses that describe what love is. As we strive to always Love 1st, these are beautiful reminders of how we can show and feel love.
... read more |
In Honor of Chris Gray
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The Quilt
July 9, 2024 |
As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles.
... read more |
Bonnie Piovesan
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Prayers of our Presidents
July 2, 2024 |
I have a book at home with various prayers from our presidents that I normally set out on my coffee table in July. I had originally thought to share a prayer from one of our former presidents for a devotional at a small gathering. The challenge was that some of the ... read more
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Jenny Shotwell
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What a Divine Gift
June 30, 2024 |
One of the many reasons I have for the existence of God is music. Think about it! Music is amazing! I know, I know, that sounds so cliche coming from me. I understand. But really - think about it. Beyond the unbelievable perfection of intervals (except the trichord ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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Saying Goodbye
June 18, 2024 |
I recently returned from a trip to Western Washington and Oregon to attend to several difficult family situations. For the past 60 years my family has leased a small cabin in the San Juans. Coincidentally it is on Orcas Island where Pastor McLane grew up! The cabin is ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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God's Grace in Friendship
June 11, 2024 |
Fair warning — my mind is ebbing, flowing and even floaming, like those waves that dash and dart, teasing to where the edge of the beach really is. So, before reading any further, you may want to take a Dramamine or put on a pair of pressure point stretchy ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Planting Seeds in My Heart
June 4, 2024 |
One of my favorite places to be in the spring and summer is in my yard working in my flower gardens or just sitting on our patio enjoying the warmth of the sun. I love watching everything green around me bud, flower, and change almost by the hour. It ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Harold Piovesan
May 28, 2024 |
Whenever I think of a good example of a godly man, I often think of my husband’s grandfather Harold Piovesan. He was the patriarch of the Piovesan family as he was the first Christian in his family. He also sang silly songs. He loved sweets, especially pies. He was not ... read more
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Naomi White
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Holy Joy
May 21, 2024 |
Isaac and I have recently been encouraged and empowered in our parenting by a book we’ve been reading together called Woven, by Meredith Miller. Woven discusses how to nurture lasting resilient faith in our children in ways unique to each family, anchoring ... read more
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George Sayler
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The Earth is the Lord
May 14, 2024 |
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and they who dwell within” proclaims Psalm 24:1. Such a wonderful proclamation! A world of fullness provided for those who dwell in it. In His grace and love God also gave mankind dominion ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Does it Matter?
May 7, 2024 |
Have you ever wondered what did Jesus actually look like? The stained glass window depicting Jesus at First Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, where I grew up, was beautiful. Jesus had a loving, welcoming expression on his face. His skin was fair. His hair was ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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Where is God At Work?
April 30, 2024 |
At the last Session meeting, Elders were asked to meet with their committees and ask the question “Where is God at work in our committee?” After much discussion about our Coffee House Conversations and community-based activities, ... read more
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Tracee Dahm
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Earth Day
April 23, 2024 |
I have always believed in fate, and I found it extra fitting that I was chosen to randomly write a blog on Earth Day. I love our planet. I guess you could consider it a bias since it is the only planet we can exist on, but I do respect and love our planet. I once had ... read more
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Heather Bell
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The Lord's Prayer
April 16, 2024 |
When a disciple asked the Lord to teach them to pray, Christ demonstrated a short prayer that perfectly summarized what Christians believe and how we should live.
... read more |
Kierstie Renninger
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Feeling God's Grace and Love
April 9, 2024 |
We’re just over half a year into this incredible journey of Family Ministry here at 1st Pres, and I am so excited for all the ways God is at work!
... read more |
Bonnie Piovesan
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Preventing Joy
April 2, 2024 |
My dear Pastor in Ohio gave me many notes to ponder over the years I attended his church. He had a way of opening the Word and shining light on the messy areas of life. One such sermon provided me with one of those life-changing perspectives we often take ... read more
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Pastor McLane
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Who is Jesus, Really?
March 26, 2024 |
Who is Jesus, really? This may seem like an odd question to ask, but I think it is an important one. Many of us have spent our entire lives in the church and have read the gospels and the rest of the New Testament multiple times. As we have engaged the story ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Life Made New
March 19, 2024 |
Easter is by far my favorite “holiday”. For me, there is a sense of renewal all around me. The days are brighter and warmer. The trees and the flowers start to bloom. The birds return with their songs. There is new life everywhere. This time of year also reminds ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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Unconditional Faith
March 12, 2024 |
Every day when I wake up, I listen to “The Prayer of the Day”. This is a service provided by the Bible App I use for spending time in the Word. I have found it a wonderful way to connect with God and start my day with Him in my heart. A Bible passage shows up on my ... read more
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Jenny Shotwell
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Something to Lean On
March 5, 2024 |
Recently, I had a great privilege to speak to the women’s group here at First Presbyterian. There was no topic given (tricky!) so I took the opportunity to share a bit about my life. Specifically, I focused on some key moments that have shaped me and ultimately led ... read more
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Naomi White
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God Gave Us a Spirit
February 27, 2024 |
Hello! I am returning with my stack of favorite verses, verses that have carried me through the ups and downs of life. Today I want to tell you about my newest addition. It is a verse that I have avoided since I was a child ... read more
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Susie Olsen
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New Job, New Year, New Me?
February 20, 2024 |
Being the new kid at the church, ok; old kid, is both exciting and challenging. Meeting new people, learning new tasks, and trying to fit in has been as rewarding as it has been taxing. ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Give Up or Take Up?
February 13, 2024 |
This year Lent begins tomorrow, February 14 … it’s not just Valentine’s Day! With that in mind, have you ever been asked the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?”. I think the question is often asked in jest because few of us actually give up anything. We might ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Bread of Life
February 6, 2024 |
I started the new year wanting to learn something new, so I overcame the intimidation of sourdough and dove right in. Despite the short list of ingredients, I found myself eager to give it a go and probably mess it up. I was quite literally drowning in sourdough the first ... read more
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Heather Bell
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God's Love For Us
January 30, 2024 |
I grew up with a family Bible on display in our entryway. It sat opened on a special wooden stand from The Holy Land. Mom would turn the pages to different stories. I have no idea what translation that Bible would have been. It was not one that ever left the ... read more
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Craig Catlett
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The Winds of Change
January 23, 2024 |
We have only to look in our pockets or purses to discover the wad of keys or “fobs” we carry that are the telltale signs of change in our lives. Our homes, our cars, our recreational vehicles, lockers and safe deposit boxes forever portray the current state of our ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Color Blind
January 16, 2024 |
Recently I stumbled upon some YouTube videos of color-blind people receiving EnChroma color blind glasses for their birthday. Color blindness is normally found in boys and men and can vary in intensity. Some men can see some colors and others see ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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Winnie-the Pooh and Other Wise-full Characters
January 9, 2024 |
Yes, it’s the start of new year. So, while we can all still catch a whiff of that fresh, possibilities-abound, New Year’s aroma, let’s take on a complex (deep and important) subject: ‘Change’. What’s your initial gut reaction when you hear (or read) that word? Anxiety, ... read more
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Tracee Dahm
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The Blessing Jar
January 2, 2024 |
People often make resolutions with the start of the new year fast approaching. Webster defines a resolution as a firm decision to do or not to do something. About five years ago, I decided a resolution did not work well for me. While I think it is important to ... read more
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McLane Stone
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The Greatest Gift of All
December 26, 2023 |
As a child, my family approached Christmas morning with great anticipation. From the moment we finished our Thanksgiving meal, we would dive into the many traditions in preparation of Christmas morning. It began with my brother and I climbing a ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Endless Love
December 19, 2023 |
One of my favorite carols as a child was the 12 days of Christmas. It was such a silly nonsense song that you could sing really loud. As kids we would come to the 5 golden rings part and somehow, we seemed to sing that part even more obnoxiously each time. In ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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The Candle of Peace
December 12, 2023 |
Each December many Christian churches celebrate Advent, which is a four-week season of reflective preparation for Christ’s Nativity at Christmas and also the expectation of Christ’s return in the Second Coming. We celebrate these events by symbolically ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Traditions & Memories
December 5, 2023 |
When you think of the Christmas season, what traditions and memories come to mind? Candlelight services, Christmas carols, time with family and friends? Many of us have wonderful traditions and memories that bring smiles to our faces. But, at times, ... read more
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Jenny Shotwell
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Unexpected Joy
November 28, 2023 |
Halloween has ended and … Christmas has begun?
That’s certainly what it feels like! Just two days ago I turned on local radio station 98.1 and sure enough Christmas music was ... read more |
Heather Bell
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Thanksgiving Thoughts
November21, 2023 |
Our hearts overflow with Thanksgiving for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. You might have a favorite scripture about giving thanks. Most of us have a traditional prayer that it said when we eat our Thanksgiving dinner ... read more
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Tyler Renninger
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Making Music Together
November 14, 2023 |
When I was in middle school, my band director took us to an event at North Idaho College. This was my my first time in such an auditorium. I still remember being in awe of the size, and of how many students were on the stage. I don’t remember what we played, ... read more
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Mikal Johnson
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The End is the Beginning
November 7, 2023 |
The Great War officially began on 28 July, 1914 and lasted until 11:00 am, Central European Time, 11 November, 1918. The total number of deaths, civilian and military, on both sides, is estimated between 15 and 22 million souls. Around 10 million of those were ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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For All the Saints
October 31, 2023 |
I’m not much of a Halloween gal. And, dressing up doesn’t thrill me unless I can be something or someone beautiful — whatever that means at my age. I’m thinking: a princess, queen or ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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The Lord Will Indeed Give What is Good
October 24, 2023 |
Before there were Walmarts, Starbucks and Costcos, people worked the land and the Lord blessed them each year with a harvest that sustained and nourished them throughout the winter months. My memories of fall take me back to my parents and the ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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God's Masterpieces
October 17, 2023 |
I love living in the Pacific Northwest because God has blessed us with a beautiful place to live. We have a beautiful lake and are surrounded with mountains filled with trees. He also gave us four seasons that are like a beautiful portrait that God continues to change. If I ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Comforting Quilts by Design
October 10, 2023 |
I get all “mushy” inside when seeing a quilt, because I know how much love and care went into making it. Our sanctuary will be draped in quilts when the Presbyterian Women present a program called, “Quilts and Sweets” this Tuesday, October 17th, starting at 1:00 pm ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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The Spirit is Moving Here
October 2, 2023 |
Just as the children almost gave the whole sermon when Pastor McLane asked them during a recent young disciple time, about why it would be important to be able to ‘let something go’; I could write every blog I ever share on the astoundingly touching and wise ... read more
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Naomi White
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Impacting Lives
September 26, 2023 |
Hello again! I’m back with something a little different today. Instead of sharing one of my favorite verses, I thought I’d share about one of my favorite ministries. The Love 1st Neighborhood Closet. I’d like to take a moment to share my admiration, respect, pride, and love ... read more
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Kent
Kimball |
Turkish Delight
September 19, 2023 |
I flew to Turkey with my old friend Paul, a retired Presbyterian pastor. We saw some magnificent things. Cappadocia, where there are thousands and thousands of "fairy castles"...homes that people carved out of stone. They look like ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Young and Old
September 11, 2023 |
This past Sunday, our church kicked-off our fall season the way every season should start: with a potluck. Potlucks are a great way to bring everyone together. Cover several tables with good food and suddenly people seem more cheerful ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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There's Room at the Table
September 4, 2023 |
Friends, I first want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the support and encouragement that’s been shared with me as I transition into my new role at 1st Pres, and answer a call that God planted deep in my heart. I’m so excited for all that God has in store for ... read more
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Pastor McLane Stone
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Exciting News
August 28, 2023 |
In worship this past Sunday, I shared the exciting news that Kierstie Renninger will be serving as our new Director of Family Ministry. Kierstie has been faithfully serving the youth of our congregation in various capacities for over six years. As Director of Family ... read more
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Gina Dingman
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The Noisy Offering: What Can I Say?
August 21, 2023 |
It sounds like it could be LOUD, NOISY and maybe a bit of FUN!
The first time I experienced the “Noisy Offering” at church was quite some time ago. It was a bit loud-that was the excitement of the children who were going pew to pew with their offering buckets ... read more |
Janet Starkey
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Beginnings & Endings
August 14, 2023 |
My first grandchild, Constance Nora, was born on Sunday, July 30th. She is healthy and in the arms of her enormous, loving family. We are so very blessed. My dearly loved and former father-in-law, Chuck Wallin, turned 98 on August 8th. I think they waited to meet ... read more
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Tyler Renninger
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Jury Duty
August 8, 2023 |
I enjoy a good courtroom drama. There were a few times staying home sick, watching the daytime TV, and Matlock reruns would come on. Then a little later it was JAG. This started me reading books by John Grisham. Grisham became my favorite author for a few years, and ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Again and Again and Again
August 1, 2023 |
I still remember the hurt and pain in the girl’s face as she finally turned around in her bus seat to look at us, telling us to leave her alone. I was an obnoxious middle-school student, trying to make a new friend with my seatmate on the bus. She began teasing the Chinese ... read more
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Mikal Johnson
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My Own Personal Narnia
July 25, 2023 |
I know it started after we moved to Federal Way, because I remember the exact spot I was in.
My mother gave me a copy of The Hobbit a few years earlier, when we were still in Rohnert Park, California. I would have been in ... read more |
Heather Cederblom Bell
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Personal Confession
July 17, 2023 |
This is an example of Presbyterian prayers of confession. “Almighty God, we acknowledge, and confess that we have sinned against you, in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We have not loved our ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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Be Devoted to One Another in Love
July 10, 2023 |
Why are we holding Coffeehouse Conversations? As stated in Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” The act of listening, the act of understanding those who have overcome challenges, the act of showing kindness ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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Freedom
July 4, 2023 |
As we are nearing the 4th of July holiday, I always reflect upon its significance. It is of course the day our country declared its independence. It is freedom from foreign rule. It has special meaning to me because I grew up in a political family. My mother ... read more
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Naomi White
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Full of His Unfailing Love
June 27, 2023 |
I’m here again with my little ring of index cards. These verses have comforted me ever since I headed to college, and when I am having a rough day I bust them out and work through them. I thought I would share one of these verses with you today! ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Knit Together in Love
June 20, 2023 |
Many families celebrate and make memories around a shared meal. There just seems to be something about sharing a meal that allows people to relax and it promotes conversation in a way that other kinds of gatherings do not allow. Since we moved to CDA ... read more
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Pastor McLane
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Trust & Vulnerability
June 13, 2023 |
This past Sunday, we began our summer sermon series: Walking with Abraham. In Genesis 12, we are introduced to the central theme of the story of Abram: the Lord calls Abram to go where he is sent and to trust in God’s promises. For Abram, this will mean leaving ... read more
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Kyler O'Connor
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A New Adventure
June 5, 2023 |
Being Interim Director the past year and a half has been so much fun, and working in our nursery for the few years before that was also a fantastic experience! We have always had such a wonderful congregation, and a wonderful staff as well. It has been ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Blooming in Perfect Time!
May 30, 2023 |
Spring is such a beautiful illustration of change and growth. This past winter was particularly difficult on much of my garden … partially my own doing, partially acts of nature. By all means, my thumbs are far from green, but I love to learn and I’m giving it my best ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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Oldest New Kid on the Block
May 24, 2023 |
As someone who is blessed to have been a part of this incredible FPC congregation for 27 years, it seems a strange thing to be introducing myself. Yet as your newly hired part-time Pre-K-1st grade ... read more
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Donna Brundage
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Connecting with Those in Need
May 15, 2023 |
I graduated from college in 1980 with a degree in Communications. About halfway through my sophomore year, I said to myself that I would never do this for a living. But I stuck it out so I ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Mom's the Word
May 8, 2023 |
My thoughts are wandering, as they often do, and now that Mother's day approaches they have drifted to those women who have taken on that role for me in my life. I’m happy to report there have ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Honoring Those Who Have Passed
May 1, 2023 |
I love to read obituaries in our Coeur d’Alene Press! They’re like reading short-story biographies about people you may not even know. You often learn so much about the people, their family connections, their hobbies, and a bit more about their personalities. If ... read more
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Tyler Renninger
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Happy Little Trees
April 24, 2023 |
These days when you scroll through social media you are bound to see “memes”, which are pictures with various captions that are meant to be funny, make a point, or share a quote. Some of them even seem to know what you watched on TV last, or what you had for ... read more
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Teri Burch
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The Presence of Flowers
April 18, 2023 |
My mother loved having a flower garden. She had a rose garden and a mixed flower garden with dahlias, tulips, crocus, daffodils, bleeding hearts, daisies, snapdragons, geraniums, foxglove, gladiolas, zinnias, and iris. She also had lilac bushes, forsythias, and ... read more
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Kent Kimball
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Prince of Peace
April 11, 2023 |
There's trouble in the air. Just read the papers. Jerusalem, a lightning rod for three world religions. Growing tensions between China and USA. Mass shootings in our cities. And of course Ukraine. And this is just the short list. Everywhere we seem to be reeling ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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Holy Week
April 4, 2023 |
Holy Week is the most important week of the entire Christian year. It is a time to remember what Jesus went through during the last days of his life on Earth and a time for each of us to explore our relationship with Christ. From Palm Sunday through Christ’s death on ... read more
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Susan Yarbrough
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Presbyterian Women - Uniting and Strengthening
March 28, 2023 |
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I look back on the many organizations that I have joined over the years. I continue to reap much joy and inspiration from my quilt groups but I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a group as much as my current Presbyterian ... read more
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McLane Stone
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Oh Lord, You Know!
March 21, 2023 |
As we approach Easter, it is natural that we will spend much of our time in the New Testament. After all, Easter is about Jesus’ resurrection, and these events are recorded in the gospels. However, did you know that the Old Testament also speaks about resurrection? ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Examining the Mirror's Reflection
March 13, 2023 |
It wasn’t the Facebook post itself that bothered me, it was the extreme response to it that riled me. The post read:
“Amazing Calendar (2018): 1-1-18 Sunday ... read more |
Bonnie Piovesan
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Great Cloud
March 6, 2023 |
Winters in North Idaho are pretty dark and cloudy. The sun comes up late and goes down way too early. People get very excited on sunny winter days because they are so rare. More often than not we are surrounded by cloudy skies ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Celebrating Amazing Women
February 28, 2023 |
March is Women’s History Month and what better time to think about strong and heroic women in the Bible. Women who are truly amazing.
Melanie Rainer wrote in a March 2020 blog “It can be easy to read the Bible and only see the stories of the amazing men ... read more |
McLane Stone
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God of the In-Between Spaces
February 21, 2023 |
Generally speaking, I share a healthy optimism for life and its peculiarities. I enjoy my work and am grateful for the opportunity to walk with our church family as we seek to follow the Lord. I cherish the moments I share with my family, and I look forward to ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Support of Love1st
February 14, 2023 |
It is truly an exciting season of growth in the life of the church. This week, I want to share a little more about my heart for our youth and opportunities you have to jump in and serve with us.
... read more |
Naomi White
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The Do Do Passage
February 7, 2023 |
In my bible, Romans is highlighted and underlined so much it’s practically a neon rainbow. One passage, however, often calls to me more than others. My dad calls it “The Do Do Passage” … now that I think about it, maybe that’s one of the reasons it sticks ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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Children — one of my portals
January 31, 2023 |
Mountains. Music. Waves. Whales. Rivers. Roses.
What type of beauty brings you immediately to the brink of the amazing love of our Creator? While there are endless entry points into this infinite grace of God, one of my portals is children ... read more |
Deborah Rambo Sinn
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My Story ... well, some of it
January 23, 2023 |
Before I was hired here at First Presbyterian in December, I came to several services. When I saw “Love First” as the church’s motto, I felt I might be home. Here I sense that Label First, Judge First, and Suspect First will not be part of my experience. What a relief. Now ... read more
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Judy Flieger,
Teri & Bill Burch, Ann Smart |
Family Promise - to Bless Families
January 17, 2023 |
As a church family, we have the opportunity to reach out and meet the needs of those in our community who find themselves homeless and are working to better themselves. By offering safe shelter, food and to meet other needs they may have, we are filling those ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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New Beginnings
January 10, 2023 |
I did it. You probably did it, too. A brand-new year often seems to spark a desire to start the year off in a positive way. I don’t like to make resolutions, but I do try to make some reasonable goals to shoot for in the year. Whether the goal is to get healthier, finish that ... read more
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Kent Kimball
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Looking for Gold
January 3, 2023 |
Every once in a while, I crack open an old book, Hymns of Faith and Inspiration, by Pamela Kennedy. As the title implies, there is gold in the notes and words on each page. The following are just two examples of that gold. ... read more
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McLane Stone
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Experiencing Joy & Small Graces
December 27, 2022 |
Charley and I have been reflecting on the significant changes in our family’s life over the past few months. Unsurprisingly, Leighton has introduced many new experiences. Whether planning travel around nap times or judging all restaurants by whether or not ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Mary, Did You Know?
December 19, 2022 |
In a visit to Juneau from my home in Sitka, Alaska some 30 years ago, an acquaintance invited me to tour The Shrine of Saint Thérèse, 22 miles north of Juneau. The refuge and retreat center grounds are beautiful, located on Lynn Canal in the Inside Passage ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Oh, Christmas Tree
December 13, 2022 |
I love the Christmas Season! Spending time with loved ones, carols, special foods and traditions, and especially Christmas trees. All year long, I look forward to grabbing a cup of cocoa and sitting on my couch just to look at my tree decorated and shining with ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Smörgåsbords and Saints
December 5, 2022 |
When I was growing up, Advent and the preparations for Christmas were always magical. Our church was small, established in 1920 as a mission to the Swedish immigrants living in Palo Alto, CA. It was built with loving hands by craftsmen, many of them members, ... read more
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Kyler O'Connor
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Reaching Out
November 28, 2022 |
Hello everyone, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
With the holiday season officially kicked off this week, I thought we could take some time to remember the importance of being available during this extremely busy, but also very emotional time ... read more |
Ellen Taylor
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My Road to Thankfulness
November 20, 2022 |
You know, sometimes I just feel like God needs to get my attention. I get so busy doing “things.” I make endless to-do lists, and I congratulate myself when I am able to check completed items off. I attend church meetings, I exercise, read the paper, and ... read more
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Matt Broadway
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Stewardship
November 15, 2022 |
This is the time of year where we tend to start reflecting on what has happened, where we are headed, and what we’ve learned along the way. The past few years have been packed with amazing benchmark moments for 1st Pres. God has truly blessed us. ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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My Father's Flag
November 7, 2022 |
My father passed away on April 1, 2022. Like many people these days, my father was absent during my life. I spent most of my childhood wondering where he was and longing to see him. Over the years, I tried to reach out, hoping that we could start ... read more
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Gina Dingman
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Living the Love 1st Mission
November 1, 2022 |
I have learned that it is important to “sit in the boat” and wait to hear the voice of God leading this ministry. Psalm 27:14 tells us to, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” This verse has served me well. ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Simple Gratitude
October 25, 2022 |
"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." -Karl Barth
Ahh… fall is finally here, and so are the traditions that come with the season; crisp air, falling leaves, cozying up on the couch ... read more |
Naomi White
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Called to Love
October 18, 2022 |
I’m here again with my little ring of index cards filled with my favorite verses. The deck is worn out and marked up from lots of use, but there is plenty of space for future additions. I thought I would share one of these verses with you today! ... read more
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Diane Wakkinen
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How Does God Want Us to Love Others?
October 10, 2022 |
Did you attend the Redemptive Compassion training this past June? If you did, you’ll already have had a taste of Lois Tupyi and her dynamic and compelling message. She is an inspirational speaker! Whether or not you saw her on-screen in June, we all have the ... read more
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Bob Freund
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For What and Why?
A Session Devotion October 3, 2022 |
It’s not something that we would normally focus on but tonight, let us focus on “THE DIVIDE” — The Divide that is all around us and the unnecessary stress it is causing us to experience in our daily lives. It seems very hard to have a conversation with anyone ... read more
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Kyler O'Connor
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Boundaries
September 27, 2022 |
Happy September, Everyone! This month, I have heard about the topic of boundaries from several different people. What do healthy boundaries look like; how do we enforce our boundaries in a good way; how do we establish boundaries; and how were ... read more
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Your Nominating Committee
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Seeking Leaders Learning to ‘Sleep in the Boat’
September 20, 2022 |
Despite the past couple of years of navigating through personal, local, national and world-wide turbulence, we know that God is heading us into a hope-filled future. We are grateful that as a church family, through the incredible faithfulness of Jesus Christ, we ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Wonderfully Made
September 13, 2022 |
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
It was a peaceful and quiet morning. I held my sweet ... read more |
Neal Nybo
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Climbing Past Our Fears
September 6, 2022 |
I’ve shared with you that I have gotten increasingly afraid of heights as I have gotten older. This presented a real problem for me when Carolyn and I were hiking with friends in Sedona, Arizona a few years ago. We started up a trail towards Cathedral Rock — which leads ... read more
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Roger Grigg
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Discernment - A Lesson from God
August 30, 2022 |
As most of you already know, the PNC completed its assignment, and we have made the wonderful announcement of the calling of Pastor McLane Stone to be our new Pastor at First Pres! Co-chair Becky Clegg and I often remarked how blessed we were that all ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Stained Hands
August 23, 2022 |
If you have ever been huckleberry picking, then you probably have had stained hands. That wonderful purplish red hue declares to the world that berries have been found and will be enjoyed. I look forward to huckleberry season all year long. I love being out in the ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Rest
August 15, 2022 |
It amazes me how quickly time passes. Often it seems the day begins with plans of what I want to accomplish, and, before I know it, the day ends with things still left undone. Days turn into weeks and weeks into months where I never feel like I can catch up with all the ... read more
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Ellen Taylor
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A Dream or a Calling?
August 9, 2022 |
I believe that everyone has a dream and a calling. How we spend our lives and the people whose hearts we touch are one of the reasons we try to fulfill these dreams. Whether we chose to be teachers, scientists, doctors, politicians or a million other things, the choices ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Learning Kindness
August 1, 2022 |
Kindness has been and continues to be a hard-fought lesson for me. It is not my automatic manner, but I’m learning and trying to make it an ingrained trait. As a child, my siblings and I were very polite to strangers and adults we met, but it took me a long time to learn ... read more
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Naomi White
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Running Towards Christ
July 25, 2022 |
I’m here again with my little ring of index cards filled with my
favorite verses. I thought I would share one of these verses with you today! ... read more |
Bonnie Piovesan
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The 3 R's
July 18, 2022 |
You are probably familiar with the 2 R’s: Rest & Relaxation. After all, who doesn’t like a little R&R from time to time? Rest and relaxation are healthy breaks in our normal routine that give us time to reflect and recharge and hopefully come back refreshed, ready to ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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On Transformation
July 11, 2022 |
Jackson Kiddard began life as an entrepreneur in 19th century France. He later became a renowned philosopher and yogi, eventually traveling to India where he passed away in 1901. Though not much is known about his life, his wise words remain true. ... read more
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Gina Dingman
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Seeking Discernment & Wisdom
July 5, 2022 |
Wow, what an amazing training! The Redemptive Compassion Training from Love INC (In the Name of Christ) was quite a revelation for me. Before I retired, I worked 25+ years in the field of early care and education. Our program primarily served families from ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Our One True Hope
June 27, 2022 |
My mother passed away on June 16th . Her passing was a long goodbye as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for over 11 years. It’s a terrible, sad disease that causes a person to slowly fade. It was difficult for my brother and me as we watched our ... read more
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Donna Schwandt
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The Hand and Feet of Jesus
June 20, 2022 |
You are the hands and the feet of Jesus. By that I mean our congregation. Recently my daughter and her family were visiting and I was going to church to help with a funeral reception and she said to me “your church does the best at being the hands and feet of ... read more
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Kent Kimball
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This One's a Keeper
June 14, 2022 |
I don’t read novels. I never have, never will. Oh sure, I can curl up and devour an atlas for hours, or maybe a great autobiography. But fiction doesn’t interest me. Most of my family loves reading. They read entire series of books by authors like J. R. R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis,... read more
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Kyler O'Connor
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Life's Seasons
June 7, 2022 |
I turned 25 this weekend, and for the past month it has made me think a lot about time. I had a literature teacher in seventh grade who was very into metaphors and similes, her favorite being about life’s seasons. In the beginning of life, you are in the very start of spring, ... read more
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Naomi White
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Rest Secure
May 31, 2022 |
I have a little ring of index cards filled with my favorite verses. They have comforted me ever since I headed to college, and when I am having a rough day I bust them out and work through them. I thought I would share one of these verses with you today! ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Leaving a Legacy
May 23, 2022 |
Perhaps it’s getting older that has hit me with the concept of leaving a legacy and asking myself what kind of legacy will I leave behind? I have no children of my own; my side of the family all live on the East Coast, so I’m not surrounded by family; I’m not overflowing with ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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Fruit of the Spirit
May 16, 2022 |
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
Ahh … spring … a season of growth, renewal, and anticipation of warmer, sunny days! In youth group, we have been ... read more |
Neal Nybo
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Seeing the Future Written On a Page
May 10, 2022 |
Pastors sometimes have a perspective no one else gets to see because of where they sit in a sanctuary. I was sitting once on a crowded stage at a special service. There were band members, choir members, and orchestra members all shoved together. I was sitting ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Running Strong
May 2, 2022 |
I am a natural-born runner. Now, I am not the kind of runner who wakes up early and actually runs. I am not the athlete who has practiced and pushed themselves to win a race. In fact, if you see me running, then you might want to start running, too, ... read more
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Yvette Wyatt
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Crazy, Amazing LOVE
April 25, 2022 |
The peak of the Easter celebration has crested; yet the joy, gratitude, and reverence of this mystical event continues to resonate in my thoughts. I am always overwhelmed by the truth that God’s love is so crazy amazing. To know that the Father, God-almighty, ... read more
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Brandie Edwards
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Visionaries
April 19, 2022 |
For some time Brandie has admired a painting hanging in the church’s Fireside Room. He was inspired to contact the artist, Stan Miller, a few weeks ago. That date happened to be the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassination, April 4th. This is what Brandie ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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Relentless Kindness
April 11, 2022 |
I recently watched Season 1 of Ted Lasso after being intrigued by what I’d heard — that it’s really good. After I did a little research I realized that the star, Jason Sudeikis, wasn’t the actor who had so many roles in what I call ‘boy humor’ — the main reason I avoided ... read more
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Scott Fischer
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Gifts of the Spirit
April 4, 2022 |
I joined 1st Presbyterian Church in 1985, and, within about 6 months, I was on Session, originally asked to be an alternate. As I recall, I was told at the time that no one ever resigned from the Session, so I wouldn’t have to do anything. Then, about a month later, ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Who Inspires You?
March 29, 2022 |
Have you ever met someone who inspired you to share the love of Christ? My husband and have been fortunate to have two such people in our lives.
We first met the Lamberts after my husband got out of ... read more |
Neal Nybo
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An Electrifying Opportunity
March 21, 2022 |
A member of my church was an engineer and an officer in the Air Force during the Korean War. He had been trained as a nuclear weapons specialist. He was stationed at an underground site that tested and assembled the triggering system that detonated nuclear ... read more
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Susan Lauer
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Some Lenten Contemplations from a 1st Pres Newbie
March 14, 2022 |
Dan, Evan and I have been beautifully blessed by the love of 1st Pres from the moment we walked through the doors in January 2020. From your warm smiles and down-to-earth welcome to the holy flexibility and freedom within the PC/USA as a denomination, ... read more
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Kyler O'Connor
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Be Still
March 8, 2022 |
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Before you read this, make a 60-second timer and sit still, and try to think of nothing. Ready? Go! ... read more |
Naomi White
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Our Great Love
March 1, 2022 |
I’m a rule follower, I love getting gold stars and good grades, and I am an oldest child through and through. So when my parents would say, “I’m proud of you,” I would assume it was because I had done something praiseworthy. But when I messed up, or ... read more
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Emily Rogers
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Grace for a Curly-haired Girl
February 22, 2022 |
There once was a girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very, very good; and when she was bad, she was horrid! Perhaps, like myself, most curly-haired little girls became well-acquainted with that old nursery ... read more
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Kierstie Renninger
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For I Know the Plans I Have For You
February 15, 2022 |
Ahh… February, the groundhog saw his shadow and love is in the air. This past weekend gave us a glimpse of the spring and sunshine ahead. Some even refer to those first days where the temperature creeps above 40 and we shed the big puffy coats for a walk ... read more
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Bonnie Piovesan
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Peaceful Highway
February 7, 2022 |
I have moved a lot in my life. Highways, freeways, and interstates make up a lot of my childhood memories. Seeing the arch on I70 in St. Louis was exciting because it meant that we were heading west. Seeing the cactus and endless desert from I40 would fill me with ... read more
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Kent Kimball
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My 'Adventure Cruise'
January 31, 2022 |
Recently I took a trip to the bottom of the world. Antarctica is a frigid and mysterious place, filled with untouched beauty. It has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Of all the dynamic, peculiar, and remote places I’ve visited, it has had the most ... read more
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Stephanie Rogge
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Getting Rid of Clutter
January 25, 2022 |
It’s that time of year again. Time to take down the decorations and clear out clutter. It seems like every year after we put away the Christmas decorations, I get the “bug” to get organized again. I guess it comes from having to pack up the totes and trying to find ... read more
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Brandie Edwards
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Why Believe?
January 17, 2022 |
Why do I believe in God? It’s a question that many have asked each other. I have asked that question of myself for years. Up until three years ago, I really didn’t have a definitive answer, but then it hit me: prophecy. Prophecies are what brought my attention ... read more
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Chris Gray
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Things Aren't What They Seem
January 10, 2022 |
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a space in the cold basement. ... read more
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Janet Starkey
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The Day After
January 3, 2022 |
The first week of January seems like a good time to think about resolutions. While it’s not pointless to think about resolving to do better, be better, if you do nothing, then why bother? I decided to look for some help and found some tips to help make and ... read more
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