“Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.” Volume 42

here@FIRST

first presbyterian church

September2012

Here@First is available in a PDF format on the church web page at www.fpcyakima.com. For inquiries, submissions,omissions, corrections, contact Curtis Rosenkranz in the church office. 248-7940 x 113 curtis.rosenkranz@fpcyakima.com

First Presbyterian Church of Yakima9 South 8th AveYakima, WA 98902(509) 248-7940

Our Core ValuesGlorifying God with our best.

Pioneering and ongoing outreach.

Engaging and nurturing relationships.

Being a cornerstone in the community.

Equipping people for ministry through biblical foundation and service.

Intercessory Prayer 8:30a - 9:30a Chapel EveryoneContemporary Worship - led by Contemporary Worship Team 8:00a & 9:30a Sanctuary EveryoneTraditional Worship - led by Organ & Choir 11:00a Sanctuary EveryoneWorship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) 12:15p Chapel EveryoneKidZone Sunday Classes 9:30a Upstairs K-5th Sonbeams 9:30a Mezzanine L2 2½ yr & 3yrCubbies 9:30a Room 103 4yr & 5yrAdult Ed Bible Class 9:30a Adult Ed Adults40 Days of Purpose 9:30a Mezzanine AdultsGolden Circle 9:30a Lounge AdultsStudents (6th - 12th grade) 9:30a Youth Room LL7 Gr 6-12

Sunday Mornings

Sermon SerieS

“Won’t You BE A Neighbor?”

I loved watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a kid. “Won’t you be my neighbor?” is what Mr. Rogers would sing each episode. You’re singing the song in your head now, aren’t you?

Did you know that Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister? Perhaps this is why he focused on the concept of neighbor. Jesus states that the greatest Commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus further lifts up the concept of, not simply loving our neighbors, but “being a neighbor” in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Being a neighbor is characterized by the compassion we should have for those around us. It is foundational to the way we follow God as we journey through life: We are expected to “be neighbors” by having compassion for others.

The Session of FPC Yakima has been going through a process of trying to answer the question, “To whom are we called to be neighbors?” We came up with several areas of focus. They are as follows: children, youth, parenting, marriage, and multi-generational/cultural.

In this fall series, we will be challenged to “have compassion,” like the Good Samaritan, for our Yakima community. God is calling us to BE neighbors to those around us. So, won’t you please, won’t you please, please won’t you BE a neighbor?

September 9 “Who Is A Neighbor?” Luke 10:25-37

September 16 “Being a Neighbor to Youth” 2 Timothy 1:1-14

September 23 “Being a Neighbor to Children” Mark 9:34-37 & 10:14-16

September 30 “Being a Neighbor to Parents” Ephesians 6:1-4

September 2: G-M September 9: N-S September 16: T-Z September 23: A-F September 30: G-M Please bring a dozen cookies on your week, and non-perishable food items for Calvary Rescue Mission.

Cookies & Cans

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M-W-F Exercisers 8:45a-9:45a Gym/GR Sr AdultsMonday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 10:00a Adult Ed Everyone Overeaters Anonymous 12:00p Adult Ed Everyone Trailseekers 2:30p Gym Al-Anon 5:15p Adult Ed EveryoneTuesday Women’s Bible Study (Spirit Led Life) 9:15a Gym Women Women’s Bible Study (Women in the Word) 9:45a Parlor WomenWednesday Women of Action 9:30a Chapel Women SOZO Prayer 5-9p SOZO Team Youth Group - Mid High 6-7:45p Youth Room LL7 6th - 8th gr Youth Group - Senior High 7-9p Youth Room LL7 9th - 12th gr SOAR: School of Spiritual Transformation 5:30p Chapel SOAR StudentsThursday Contemporary Worship Rehearsal 5:30p Sanctuary Worship Band Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00p Choir Room ChoirFriday SOZO Prayer 9-Noon / 5-9p 2nd Floor SOZO Team

Weekday Events

September EventsSunday, September 2 Prayer Sunday all morning Sanctuary EveryoneMonday, September 3 Labor Day / Church Closed all day Entire Church EveryoneWednesday, September 5 Women’s Ministry Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room CommitteeWednesday, September 5 SOAR 1st Year Student Orientation 5:30p Chapel Soar StudentsThursday, September 6 Happy Travelers 1:30p Adult Ed CommitteeThursday, September 6 Senior Adult Ministries 3:00p Adult Ed CommitteeSaturday, September 8 Prayer Shawl Ministry 9:00a Mid High Rm KnittersSunday, September 9 Kick Off Sunday Sunday, September 9 Kidzone Open House (K - 5th) 10:30-11:00a 2nd floor ParentsSunday, September 9 Chat with the Elders 10:45 & 12p Adult Ed EveryoneSunday, September 9 FM Parenting Class Kick Off (7 wks) 11:00a Gym Families/ParentsSunday, September 9 Kidzone Leader Meeting 11:15a DF Lounge Kidzone TeachersMonday, September 10 Edith Ferry Circle 11:30a Parlor WomenMonday, September 10 Living Waters Meeting 6:00p Parlor Mission InterestTuesday, September 11 Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Room 203 CommitteeTuesday, September 11 Service Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Adult Ed CommitteeTuesday, September 11 Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Parlor CommitteeTuesday, September 11 Worship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00p Rhino Room CommitteeTuesday, September 11 Business Ministry Team Meeting 7:00p Library CommitteeWednesday, September 12 SOAR Kick Off 5:30p Chapel Soar StudentsWednesday, September 12 Weds@First Kick Off (9 weeks) 6:30p EveryoneThursday, September 13 Student Min’ Leadership Meeting 6:30p Youth Room SM LeadersFriday, September 14 SOAR Retreat Ghormley Soar StudentsSaturday, September 15 Starting Points Class 9:00a Adult Ed EveryoneSunday, September 16 Kids Backpack Blessing 9:30a Sanctuary All kidsTuesday, September 18 Preschool Staff Meeting 12:00p Parlor TeachersThursday, September 20 MOPS Set Up 5:30p Gym MomsFriday, September 21 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:00a Gym MomsSaturday, September 22 Sunfair Parade 10:00aSaturday, September 22 Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00p Mid High Rm KnittersSaturday, September 22 Kiev Music Concert 7:00p Sanctuary EveryoneSunday, September 23 Ghormley Family Round Up 1:00p Ghormley EveryoneTuesday, September 25 Living a Spirit Led Life Kick Off 9:00a Gym WomenTuesday, September 25 Kaffee Klatsch 9:30a Garden Room EveryoneTuesday, September 25 Session Dinner and Meeting 6:00p Garden Room/Mid High Elders & Prog. StaffSaturday, September 29 Young Life Volunteers @ Fair All Day Fair Grounds Volunteers (page 6)Sunday, September 30 Congregational Meeting Elect Officers 10:35a Sanctuary Church MembersTuesday, October 2 Adult Ed Meeting 7:00p Adult Ed CommitteeTuesday, October 2 Committee on Ministry (Presbytery) 9:00a Adult Ed CommitteeWednesday, October 3 Women’s Ministry Meeting 4:00p Rhino Room CommitteeThursday, October 4 MOPS Set Up 5:30p Gym MomsFriday, October 5 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:00a Gym MomsSunday, October 7 World Communion Sunday all morning Sanctuary Everyone

Calendar

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Happenin’ @ FirSt

Exercise at the churchYou are invited to join us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as we condition our bodies for the glory of God. Come for some light-weight exercise, walking, and fellowship from 8:45a-9:45a. Meet in Gym, or Garden Room depending on events. $18/mo/ea covers the cost of our YMCA certified instructor.Contact Marv Becker with questions 966-8855

Happy Travelers Trips for Fall 2012

September (TBD) — Tour of Wine Glass Winery. Bring a sack lunch. A visit

to Donald Mercantile for ice-cream following the tour.

October 12th — Visit Liberty Bottle Works. Meet at the church at 11:30a

for lunch at Country Harvest. Tour scheduled for 2p. Costs: buy your own

lunch. Feel free to make a donation to assist with gas costs.

Serve the Lord through brewWe need another volunteer

at the Higher Grounds

Espresso Bar. Do you have

Barista experience? Call

Rhonda at the Church if you

would like to serve.

Sock DriveFPC and Union Gospel Mission are teaming up for a

sock drive that will run through Sun, Sept 9. Folks are

asked to donate NEW socks for all ages – men and

women. Leave donations in the box in the Garden

Room. This drive is a national promotion campaign

tied to a new movie released Aug 15 - The Odd Life of

Timothy Green.

Chat With the Elders - September 911a and 12:15p in the Adult Ed Room.

Worship Band Stage ProjectStaging was built in the northeast corner of the sanctuary during the first two weeks of August to accomplish three primary goals: 1) to hide and upgrade all the wiring used to connect musicians to the sound system, 2) to provide storage for unused equipment, and 3) to make the worship leadership more visible to the congregation. Many from the congregation contributed to the labor and planning of this project. Those assisting

in the building of the stage were: Jason Cavanaugh, Marcus Huck, Harold Cook, Larry Allen and Doug Cairns. Ray Kemp built the storage cabinet. Planning and installation of sound and electrical wiring were Dave Geho, Deb Kent, Jason Cavanaugh, Austin Kent and Doug Cairns. The carpeting was installed by Matt Barker. Thank you everyone!

Mark your calendersfor a Congregational Meeting on

September 30th at 10:35 a.m. for the

purpose of electing church officers.

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Happenin’ @ FirSt

ShutterbugWe need your photos! Are you attending

an event or small group or other shindig at

FPC? We need photos of everything! Large

or small. Contact Curt or Deb in the office.

Family Life EducationHas God been tapping you on your shoulder to

do something significant in His kingdom here on

earth?Do you have a heart for parents and children?

Would you like to be part of building loving

families?Maybe you are being led to join a team of people

wanting to educate and support parents on

healthy ways to raise children?

Beginning in the fall Certified Family Life Educator

and author Laurie Kanyer will offer training for

future parenting educators. This training will

equip you to begin to teach parenting classes

here at First Presbyterian.

Take time to pray and contemplate this

holy calling of educating parents. For more

information contact Shan Trick at 248-7940 x142

or email at shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

Kaffee KlatschTuesday, September 25 at 9:30a in the Garden

Room. Rob Rife, Director of Worship at

Westminster Presbyterian Church, will give us a

talk and performance of traditional Celtic music.

Coming for the Fall term of Adult Ed.

I & II THESSALONIANS Taught by Ron Sanders @9:30a in the Adult Ed Room.

Jesus is coming again – the marvelously heart-warming

theme of Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians, is a

stirring message of hope that we need to hear. It forces

us to lift our eyes to the far horizon of ultimate issues.

Certainly, in today’s post 9/11 world where we seemingly

lurch from crisis to crisis, it is a message we do well to

heed.

LIVING A SPIRIT-LED LIFE

WOMEN’S CLASSRESUMES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th

COFFEE@9AM - CLASS@9:15 / GYM

Come join us for the Living a Spirit-Led Life Bible

Study. We will be looking at the foundations of

our faith, putting the pieces in place that allow

us to live a life in close relationship with our

Heavenly Father. We will spend time learning

to listen to God and hear His voice. This is a

great opportunity to invite a friend and join

other women seeking to live a life full of love

and adventure in God’s kingdom. If you’ve been

wondering if now is the time, the answer is “yes!”

Needing childcare? Be sure to call

Monnie at 248-7940 x117 to make a reservation.

Lamplight Fall SessionBible Study for Cancer PatientsLamplight Bible Study resumes for another 9 week session, from Sept 24 - Nov 19. Meetings are held at North Star Lodge every week on Mondays from 11:30a - 1:00p. Feel free to bring your lunch.Free informational luncheon on Monday Sept 10 at noon. Meet teachers: Lori Oswalt, Steve Trotter, Bill Starr, Kathy Starr, and Marilee Shivley. For more information please contact Marilee at 452-5882.

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Happenin’ @ FirSt

CSB and GEMS Ministries start Thursday, September 13 at 6pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church. These are gender-specific discipleship ministries that have some similarity to Boy Scouts or Campfire Girls. Each evening involves a ton of fun activities that help parents and other adults guide the next generation toward becoming Christ followers. There are programs for infants through 6th graders and leadership opportunities for 7th and up. Call 966-1900 for details, or just come Thursday to check it out!

FPC Day at the Fair!Young Life BBQ BeefSandwiches

Saturday, Sept. 29

Free Fair Ticket!sign up @ Connection Center

It is that time of year… Can you smell the BBQ beef, hot

off the spit, smothered in spicy sauce, the crunch of the peppers and onions...

My mouth is watering, how about yours?

Saturday, September 29 FPC has been asked to fill 34

shifts in the Young Life Booth at the Central Washington

State Fair. Sign up now, get a free ticket into the fair and

a free sandwich after your shift, all the while helping a fantastic youth focused

organization in our valley! What a great deal!

Feel free to invite your friends and family to help, too. The more the merrier!For more info call Ericka in

the church office at 248-7940.6

WedneSdayS @ FirSt

September 12 — November 7, 6:30p - 8:00pNo family dinner will be served this session.

Wednesdays@First Kids

Childcare Infant - 5yrs old(available until 8:00p)

Children K-5th

(available until 8:00p)Cubbies Room 103 (next to Childcare)

Mid High Youth Group(6th - 8th grade)6:00p - 7:45p Dinner served. Meet in new Youth Room off of gym.

Senior High Youth Group(9th - 12th grade)7:15p - 9:00p Dinner served.Meet in new Youth Room off of gym.

Book Study on “Celebration of Discipline”“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” -Richard Foster

We are going to study and practice together spiritual disciplines with the goal of becoming these “deep people” that Richard Foster talks about. Our hope is that as we draw deeper into Jesus we will find more depth in our willingness to love the people around us.

Books will be available to purchase for $15.

Teachers: Jack Peebles & Tyler Van HornWho: Adult men and womenWhere: David Ferry LoungeSpace Available: Unlimited

Welcoming the Stranger: Christian Response to ImmigrationRalph & Cheryl Broetje grew up on family farms, learning Christian values and the value of hard work. As their farm workforce changed from mostly Caucasian migrants to young Mexican men, they traveled to Mexico to understand who these workers were. As apple farmers and long time mission-centric givers, the Broetjes are very concerned with the community built around them where they share their lives with a thousand workers. As immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time, voices on all sides argue strongly for action and change. Our economy depends heavily on these workers in the Yakima Valley. What would God have us do in this context?Join us as we start this Bible based inquiry into what God calls us to do regarding the sojourner among us.• The Immigration Dilemma• Who are the undocumented immigrants• Nation of Immigrants: A historical perspective• Our legal system today• Thinking Biblically about Immigration• The politics and policies of Immigration reform• The church and immigration today• A Christian response to the Immigration DilemmaCheryl and her staff will lead participants in an investigation, a Biblical journey, and discussion on this issue. Cheryl is the founder and Director of the Center For Sharing in Pasco, Wa. Teaching will center around the acclaimed book by Matthew Soerens and Jennny Hwang, “Welcoming The Stranger”.

Teacher: Cheryl Broetje Who: Adult Men and womenWhere: Parlor (next to Garden Room)Space available: 20 people

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paStor JaCk Jack peebles — Senior pastor — jack.peebles@fpcyakima.com

Pastor Jack

Dear Church Family,

The arrival of September means ministries and life at First Presbyterian Church are back in high gear. Personally, I love it when September arrives and the sounds of returning children to our preschool fill the halls of the church building.

During the September and October sermon series, “Won’t You BE a Neighbor?” we will be exploring the theme of neighbor. More specifically, we will be exploring how we are called to BE neighbors to those around us. (For more on sermon series, please see the sermon description on page 2)

Last year, the Session had an opportunity to discern and identify who it is we are called to love and serve. Or to put it another way, to whom are we called to be neighbors? As we looked at a demographic study of the area surrounding First Presbyterian Church, we discovered the average age within a twelve-mile radius is 27! A good percentage of those individuals are Hispanic, many are single, and many have small children. In light of this, we discerned the following mission priorities. These are the areas we need to focus on as we reach our community: children, youth, parenting/marriage ministry, and multicultural.

To that end, we have great opportunities set for this fall on Sunday mornings. I want to highlight two of them: Our own Laurie Kanyer will be offering another class on parenting. Not only did her class last year appeal to a number of parents that are already connected to FPC, but it also proved to be a tremendous outreach to our community. Here’s the description:

Raising and caring for children is one of the most important jobs a person will do for their entire life. What takes place at home can affect a child’s path for the rest of their life. Recognizing this we at First Presbyterian as committed to assist parents in their journey. This fall we will once again present a parenting skills course with Laurie Kanyer, MA, Certified Family Life Educator.

Throughout this course, Laurie will cover topics such as Exploring Child Development, Recycling Child Development, Building Strong Families, Helping Children to Behave, and Getting Children to Cooperate. I am delighted we will be providing this opportunity to equip parents! As Margaret and I are parents ourselves, we know parents need all the help they can get!

Additionally and new this year, I am equally excited there will be an offering on discipleship for children (K-5th grade) taught by John Stolzenbach at the same time Laurie’s class will run. This is in addition to our KidZone led by Susie Woodin and her wonderful children’s staff.

Over the years, I have served in five different Presbyterian churches in either an ordained or non-ordained capacity. The healthiest of those congregations are the ones who make children and youth their priority. In other words, the kids of the church are not seen as an afterthought and they are not simply viewed as the church of tomorrow. They are the church today! They are up front and center in all areas of the church life! Healthy churches know they must raise up their kids as disciples of Jesus.

I leave you with these wonderful words to contemplate that show where Jesus ranked children. If children were important to Jesus, they had better be important to us!

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Looking forward to seeing you this fall!

Living and loving for Him,

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CHildrenSusie Woodin — Children’s ministries director — Susie.Woodin@fpcyakima.com

diSCipleSHiptyler Van Horn — associate pastor of discipleship —tyler.vanhorn@fpcyakima.com

Tyler

One OF the best parts about being raised in this church community was developing relationships with people from many generations. I needed these relationships to survive adolescence and my family needed these relationships to survive me. In my early adult years it was people from this community that offered support and advice as I went through college, started my teaching career and then transitioned into fulltime ministry. Now as a young husband and new father, this wide variety of people provide wisdom, compassion and even challenge. Thank you, the people of First Presbyterian, for being this kind of community for me.

Now as one of your pastors, I am inviting you to keep this legacy of community alive in our church family. Coming this fall are two excellent ways to be intentional about community beyond just Sunday mornings.

rOUnD UpOn Sunday, September 23 we are having our all church Round Up at Ghormley Meadow. This is one of the best multi-generational activities we do at First Presbyterian, and it only works if we all make a point of being there. One thing we are adding to the Round Up this year is a worship and baptism service at the Ghormley pool. Come with us to celebrate the new life we find in Jesus and in his family.

bIstrOStarting Friday October 12 we are bringing the Bistro Supper Clubs back. Our hope is to encourage groups of people to meet the second Friday of each month to have dinner together in one another’s homes. This is an excellent way to meet people from our community and invite people to participate in the life of our community. Signups will be available at the Connection Center and at the Ghormley Round Up.

Peace to you all,

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CHildren Susie Woodin — Children’s ministries — susie.woodin@fpcyakima.com

Hey Parents...You are invited

to our KidZone Open House.Please join us Sunday, September 9 directly after the 9:30a worship

service from 10:30a-11:00a in your child’s KidZone classroom. This

is your chance to meet your child’s leaders, see their classroom, fill

out a registration form, and see the fun we will have this year in

KidZone. We will also have coffee and Howard Johnson Cinnamon Knots .…

mmmm…….Can’t wait to see you!

Welcome to autumn KidZone Kickoff!sunday mornings starting sept. 9th from 9:30-10:45 a• Sonbeams and Cubbies go directly to their classrooms when they arrive at 9:30• K-5th graders attend 9:30 worship with their parents, and are excused to KidZone after the children’s message.

In KidZone, we take the responsibility of teaching kids about Jesus very seriously. It’s also one of the most rewarding responsibilities we have. KidZone isn’t just Bible stories, scripture, and teaching kids about Jesus. That is a big part of our time together, but one of the most important aspects of KidZone is the relationships that are built between the kids and their leaders. Kids need to know that they are loved not just by their family, but by God and by people outside of their homes. That’s what leaders in KidZone help each child to understand. We make sure they know that we care about them, and that God loves them more than anyone.

ClassessOnbeaMs: ages 2 ½ - 4 years (no diapers please) rm L2 CUbbIes: ages 4 & 5 years (pre-Kinder.) rm 103. Sonbeams and Cubbies will learn that the Bible is God’s Word and that God loves and cares for each of us. Through interactive storytelling, every child will experience God’s love and grow to know more about Jesus. Starting with creation, moving to Jesus’ teachings about God, and ending with the Good News about Jesus, we are helping our little ones to begin to associate God and Jesus with loving people.

KInDer - 1st GraDe (rm 208) & 2nd - 3rd GraDe (rm 217)it’s all about God’s story…Genesis through Revelation. By laying a strong foundation of Bible knowledge and understanding, the Kindergarten and 1st graders will “Look at the Pieces” while 2nd and 3rd graders will “Make them Connect” as they get a view of God’s story as presented through the old and new testaments. Kids will also discover how much God wants each of us to become part of His story!

4th & 5th GRADES: 2nd floor (Rm 203)class will experience “LIVE” to help them ‘live” for Jesus! God gives us so much and we need to remember to thank God for what He’s done in our lives. We use these lessons to remind kids of God’s presence in their lives. Kids will learn that God made us, God cares for us, and we should praise God every day. As a result, kids will remember what God has done in their lives and the lives of others and understand the importance of putting God first in their lives.

COLbY’s rOOM – rm 221 (special needs classroom/requires previous notification)

Now is the time to answer God’s call to train up our children. We have leaders who have been answering this call for over 30 years. But we are in constant need of new people to join us in this great responsibility that God has given us. We are all held accountable to God’s children. We all are responsible for teaching kids about Jesus…who He is, what He means to us, and why it matters. We can’t continue to let the few committed volunteers bear the whole load. The entire church needs to join together in answering God’s call. If not YOU…then WHO?

We have a place for you…become part of a legacy that continues to make a difference in the lives of children every day.

how can you help make a difference?Sonbeams and Cubbies currently need volunteer staff as classroom helpers, as well as a person or two who would love to come in and lead music for just a few minutes each Sunday morning.

K-5th Grade classes are in desperate need of large and small group leaders. -The large group leader is responsible for presenting the message or Bible story to the kids on Sunday morning. This may involve video, fun activities and object lessons, or live drama, (drama is provided by a separate group of people, not by large group leader.) This could be a 1-2 times a month commitment…whatever works for your schedule.

-The small group leader is responsible for mentoring kids in their groups, through activities and games that are provided to help reinforce the message for the day. This is where the relationship aspect really comes into play. Your main job is to simply be a friend to the kids, and show them that you care about them. It’s important to have the same small group leaders each week, so we try to have team of 2 that share a group of kids, so that each Sunday there is at least one familiar face.

-We are always in need of drama team members also. This is a very flexible area, as you are part of a call list when needed. If you are free, wonderful! If not, no worries.

You would be a true hero to these kids and current leaders by becoming part of our team.. Please…take the time to pray about where you could serve in KidZone. You will love it… I promise!

Please call me at 248-7940…God bless and thank you!

Susie

Hey KidZone kids on Sept. 16 bring your backpacks to KidZone

for a special backpack blessing during the

9:30a children’s message and KidZone.10

CHildCaremonnie miller — Childcare director — monnie.miller@fpcyakima.com

Who/What is your ezra????As I tackled the never ending mess in my office, I came across a tote full of “Praying for Ezra” bracelets. Our FPC family purchased and handed out the bracelets as a way to help this very special family that had a huge need for prayer. In February of this year Ezra Wells (2 years old) was involved in a tragic accident resulting in severe head trauma. Ezra spent many months in Children’s Hospital undergoing several surgeries and intense physical therapy.

While all of this was happening in the Wells family they always shared the love of our Lord and Savior in everything they posted on Ezra’s prayer page and also the articles that were written in the Yakima Herald Republic. Their main goal was to share the love of our Lord in all things, the good, the bad, and even in the days that nothing seemed to be happening in their little boy’s recovery. They stayed faithful to the Lords will being done. I have to be honest and say I am not sure if I could have been as faithful as this family is to this day.

A quick follow up posted by Mom Amy on Ezra’s page:

Hello! I know it has been awhile since I've posted. Honestly, there isn't much going on right now. I do, however, want to remind you of the extent to which God has healed Ezra so that you can celebrate and give thanks to the Lord with us. Ezra has been staying busy this summer doing all the things two year old boys should be doing...climbing hills and rolling down them, navigating playgrounds, eating ice cream, terrorizing his sister....etc. In fact, there have been people we have encountered in the store who have been unable to tell that he had been injured. We love being able to tell people just how much God has done in Ezra. He is speaking really well too. He is still hard to understand at times...I'm not sure whether to attribute that to his age or to his nerve damage. But I have noticed huge improvements in his vocabulary and sentence structure, compared to before the accident. It is reassuring to see him develop past where he was before the accident as we were still unsure of the full extent of his brain damage. We have a few appointments coming up, but most are just follow-ups. We do have one in September with endocrinology. We noticed some extra hair growth while he was in the hospital. They are concerned he may have some thyroid issues. Nothing is certain yet, but we are going to get it checked out just to make sure. Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for my family. We are thankful for every moment with our children and are blessed to be given the responsibility of raising them to love and serve the Lord.Blessings to you! Amy Wells.

As I read posts like this and so many others that Amy has shared I begin to wonder Who/What is my Ezra? What am I praying for with that kind of love and intensity for the Lord’s will to be done? In all things that I bring before the Lord, am I truly handing them over to Him or do I hold onto just a piece to have my control? In all of the prayers we raise, is our goal to show the glory of our Lord and Savior?

So as I wear my “Praying for Ezra” bracelet I am not only praying and giving thanks for all of the miracles that have happened in Ezra’s life but also mine. I wear it as a reminder of how in all things I am to share the glory of MY Lord and Savior.

"For these three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love but the greatest of these is Love"1 Corinthians 13:13 We place our Faithin the One who holds us in His handsWe cling to the Hope that He will carry us when we cannot take the next stepWe are covered in Loveby those He sends to walk this road with us.

Who / What is your “Praying for Ezra”?

Monnie

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Happily eVer aFter

h@F: How did you meet and how long have you been married?

r&s: We’ve been married over 23 years. We met briefly in Yakima as youth workers and really got to know each other as counselors at Camp Ghormley. Susie specifically remembers Roger’s Yoda impersonation at the campfire that illustrated an important theological point. Roger remembers getting to give Susie a stage kiss during a skit. Sparks were flying at Ghormley. One thing that attracted us to each other was our knowledge that the other person passionately loved Jesus and was pursuing a deeper walk with Him. This foundation for our relationship has been a key throughout our 23 years of marriage.

h@F: Often the old adage ‘opposites attract’ is evident in a marriage. Wall papering together might be a life threatening activity in some marriages. How have you managed things like home improvements?

r&s: If it was up to Roger, the house would still look that same as when we purchased it 16 years ago. Thankfully, Susie is the driver when it comes to home improvement. Roger leans more toward the upkeep and maintenance of the house and Susie is more of the visionary. Roger’s idea of home improvement is doing the dishes. Susie’s idea of home improvement is updating every floor surface in the house.

h@F: What is the best thing about your marriage?

r&s: We both like to have a lot of fun together. We especially like to make each other laugh every day. We enjoy being together, but we also have times when we do things on our own. That balance seems to work really well for us. For example, Susie likes to travel and go on mission trips. Roger likes to stay home and putter around the house and yard. We have come to a point in our marriage that it is a joy to give each other freedom to do what makes us happy. We’ve achieved a really healthy balance of having activities together and giving each other freedom to pursue individual interests. A funny example of this is that Roger likes to hunt for ducks. People ask Susie, “What do you do with the ducks?” She says, “I don’t do anything with the ducks. That’s Roger’s hobby.”

h@F: The church has had a big impact in your lives. Can you expand on that?

r&s: We have both been involved in serving Christ in the church in various ministries: VBS, youth ministry, TREK interns, Ghormley,

Outreach Camp, Bible teaching, leading mission trips, SOAR. Currently, Susie is called to serve Christ as the Co-Director of SOAR: School of Spiritual Transformation that is a community-wide ministry hosted and sponsored by FPC. Roger just finished his sixth year as MC of VBS and is the Bible teacher at SOAR. Serving is a joy for both of us.

h@F: Sometimes a spender marries a saver. How do you approach your finances?

r&s: In our marriage, Roger is the spender and Susie is the saver. Early on in our marriage, we made a commitment to tithe. This has become easier and easier as the years have gone on. We know the Lord loves a cheerful giver and it is exciting to see how God uses these resources. Additionally, we have worked out a system so each spouse gets some “mad money” each month (although Susie just saves hers). This system works well because the regular budget involving mortgage, bills, insurance and such stays the same, but each of us has a chance to spend a little money freely on hobbies, etc.

A warm thank you to Roger & Susie for sharing these thoughtful responses.

h@F is excited to bring you an interview of roger & susie bennett who celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary in May 2012!

“And they lived happily ever after.” Many of us grew up

hearing those words at the ends of stories hoping that would

be true for us, too. Sadly, in real life (even after a fairy tale

wedding) many marriages fall apart. God has blessed us here

at FPC with many couples whose marriages have stood the test

of time. Over the coming months H@F will spotlight advice

from some of them. Read with us as we look closer at the

‘really hard work’ that creates the ‘happily ever after’.

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Encouraging women up to be intentional about their faith.

Women’S miniStrieSericka Clark — Women’s ministries — ericka.Clark@fpcyakima.com

Save the Date!Spring Women’s RetreatMarch 8, 9 and 10, 2013

Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan

Did you know worship is a spiritual gift? I have a friend who LOVES to worship. She dances, waves banners, lifts her hands high, sings loud and laughs. She laughs a lot. When I think of those who are filled with the Spirit, filled with JOY, I think of this friend. I can’t help but smile, and perhaps even laugh, when I see her worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Her gift is infectious. And I love it. It makes me want more. More of the Spirit, more of the overflowing love of Jesus Christ. More time soaking in His amazing grace.

Another friend recently shared one of her spiritual gifts – mercy. Specifically with marriages. She has

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and

though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body...and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many...But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.

I Corinthians 12:12-20

a heart for wives and helping them to be strong, faithful and dependent on God in their marriages. She shares her testimony how God saved her marriage, she encourages women one on one, has hosted classes on godly marriages and spoken to large groups of women. I have taken part in the classes which, by the grace of God, have taught me key elements in making my marriage strong. I love to see how God is using her and how she follows His lead. It is encouraging.

A couple of years ago my small group was study-ing Romans; a particular verse grabbed my atten-tion: “Share with God’s people who are in need. Prac-tice hospitality.” Romans 1:13. Practice hospitality. I used to consistently say that was NOT one of my spiritual gifts. But clearly in this scripture we are asked to practice hospitality. Not just some of us, but all of us. So, I asked the Lord what that looked like in my life. I reminded Him my house is super small, I have noisy dogs, my dishes don’t all match, and I don’t have air conditioning. I was telling Him I am exempt from the hospitality gift. What He told me was awesome…He asked me to be hospitable in the office where I work. He asked me to create and keep an environment where people feel comfortable, loved, accepted. He asked me to welcome strangers.

I share these stories with you about our spiritual gifts in hopes of exciting you to keep using your gifts for the glory of God. I also want to encour-age you to see how your gifts complement other people you worship or work with. Tap into your

original design – seek the wonders God has woven into your being and wow Him. Bless your Daddy in Heaven by using your gifts. He loves you so much and DELIGHTS in your

success. Let’s give Him the glory, the honor and the praise. Amen.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

In September...• Wednesdays@First begins Septem-

ber 12 at 6:30pm. See page 7 for details.

• Women in the Word Bible Study begins Tuesday, September 18 at 9:45am in the Parlor.

• Living a Spirit Led Life Bible Study begins Tuesday, September 25 at 9:00am in the Gym.

Praise Him with the

sounding of the trumpet,

praise Him with the harp and lyre,

praise Him with tambourine and

dancing, praise Him with the

strings and flute,

praise Him with the clash of cymbals,

praise Him with resound-ing cymbals.

Psalm 150:3-5

In October...• Women of Vision - Strong Women,

Strong World / Speaker: Reneé Stearns. Saturday, October 13, 9-11am, Four-square Church

• Father of Lights Movie - Date to be Announced! This is the 3rd of Darren Wilson’s documentaries on God’s pow-erful love and miracles in our world.

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deVotional Janet krieger

For I am the perfect father . . . But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because you Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, everything He has belongs to you.Galatians 4:4-7

Read 1 John 3 We Are His Children

As brothers and sisters in Christ we have a common heavenly Father and our Father cares for us and loves us like no other. Believing in Christ, we become the royal children of God our King. We are able to love our God, serve Him and ultimately become like Him when we know His Fatherly character.

Father God has authority over us and expects to be obeyed. As earthly parents expect obedience from their children, God expects that we, His creation, are obedient to His authority. Authority is defined as “the power to influence or command thought, opinion or behavior.” When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, He is to become the authority over our life and His Word is to be the source of authoritative instruction for our daily walk. We can have confidence that His authority is neither harsh nor vindictive but rather is gentle and long suffering.

"When Israel was a child, I loved him as a son, and I called My son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the more he rebelled, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. It was I who taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn't know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with My ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. Hosea 11:1-4

Father God is faithful; He never changes, every promise of God’s will be fulfilled. His eternal desire is to love us. He is present through the joys and achievements, the disappointments and hurts of this life. He is present now.

For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Father God is generous. He knows our deepest desires and is ever attentive to the details of our life. He provides far beyond our basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. God uses the extravagance of His creation to bless us.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Father God is affectionate toward us. He has pursued us, He chose us, and He loves us. Far too often we live with the mistaken view that we are unacceptable because of sin. Yes, we do sin but we have been made right with Father God by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. We are royalty, daughters and sons of the King. We are His treasures. God has infinite capacity to experience joy with our every moment. We are unique and we are loved by Him. Moses spoke a blessing over each of the tribes of Israel. To the tribe of Benjamin he proclaimed, "You shall dwell between the shoulders of God." (KJV) And, that is where we also dwell . . . Children held in the loving arms of our Father God. That is a blessing to claim and declare in our own lives.

God's beloved; God's permanent residence. Encircled by God all day long, within whom God is at home. Deuteronomy 33:12 (MSG)

Father God is always thinking of us. There is never a place we are, a situation we are experiencing or a time of life that He is not present. We do not need to seek His attention, He is always turned toward us and is listening. God is constantly thinking loving thoughts over us as if we are His only creation.

Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you." 1 Peter 5:7 (LB)

Father God accepts us unconditionally. We can be completely honest with Him about our lives, the choices we have made and know He loves us just as we are. Our response should be to “Be still and know” that He is God. Psalm 46:10 Corrie ten Boom wrote “Don’t wrestle . . . Nestle.” We do not need to strive to earn God’s love but can settle into His arms and experience peace and contentment in His acceptance of us.

For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3:17

Which of God’s six character traits mentioned here is the most meaningful to you?

Janet14

StudentSJeff murray — Student ministries director — Jeff.murray@fpcyakima.com

Greetings Church!This is an exciting time in Youth Ministry. Five students have gone through our Ecclesia class and are ready to become members of First Presbyterian. They will be presented on Sunday, September 16th and some of them will be baptized at the Round Up on Sunday September 23rd in the Ghormley Pool!

I’m also very excited to announce our new Intern Kelsey Schmidt! Kelsey is a recent graduate from Whitworth University. Her and her husband Aaron have moved here and are both excited to be part of our church family. Please welcome Kelsey if you see her!

Jeff

The new Youth Room is under construction. Check it out soon.

A few things have changed since the last school year. We will no longer be holding Youth Group and Sunday School in the powerhouse. We have a new youth room on the basement floor (LL7 next to the gym). Sunday School will take place down there from now on. We will also be breaking up into two classes: Middle School and High School. So here is the rundown... 9:30 in the sanctuary, 9:45ish (when worship through music ends) we head down to the new youth room and we will be done at 10:45a. Some Sundays the whole group will stay together and others we will split up by age groups. I look forward to seeing your student there!

Youth Group will also be in the new youth room and it will follow the same schedule as before. Middle school meets on Wednesdays @6p and ends @7:45p. High School starts @7:45p and ends @9p. We will have a meal with both groups together from 7:15p-7:45p. Please contact Dave Whiteside if you’d like to host a meal. Dave@bortonfruit.com

Please be in prayer for our youth community and all the challenges that they will face this year.

Peace to you!

Kelsey

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Family Shan trick — assistant director Family ministries — Shan.trick@fpcyakima.com

Raising and caring for children is one of the most important jobs a person will do in their lifetime. What takes place at home can affect a child’s path for the rest of their life. Recognizing this we at First Presbyterian are committed to assisting parents in their journey. This fall we will once again present a parenting skills course with Laurie Kanyer, MA, Certified Family Life Educator.

Meet our teacher:Laurie Kanyer is an author of a number of books on parenting, and also a longtime featured writer for a bi-monthly column in the Yakima Herald Republic called The Parent Connection. She holds a masters degree in Human Development and has been a Certified Family Life Educator since 1990. She currently serves at FPC as a marriage mentor. Laurie has been happily married to her husband Doug since 1981, and is the mother of three lovely grown children. For the last fifteen years of her career Laurie provided education, counseling and case management services to pregnant and parenting women who received TANF Grants (Welfare grants). Serving over 500 women annually she cared for clients who were educationally disadvantaged, emotional challenged, in recovery from chemical dependency, domestically abused and living in poverty.

GROWING CAPABLE PARENTS - GROWING GREAT KIDS7 week class startingSeptember 9 @11a

in the gym.For more information

contact Shan Trick

KEY PARENTING THEMES.Exploring Child Development “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” Psalm 139:14You will come away with a better understanding of what to expect at every age and learn helpful parent methods to support healthy development.

Recycling Human Development “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13You will be able to review the parenting style you were brought up with and consider healthier styles for today.

Building Strong Families “Encourage each other and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11Parents will learn these strengths identify your current strength and learn ways to enhance your family.

Helping Children to Behave “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:1320 tips to improve your toolbox of skills to improve the behavior of your child.

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Meet our teacher:John Stolzenbach and his wife Sue moved to Yakima in July of 2011 to be closer to their two daughters in Seattle. They soon found their new church home at FPC, becoming members on Easter. Before going to seminary at the age of 36 to become a pastor, John was a 6th grade teacher in Columbus. He was ordained as a pastor when he was 41 and spent 27 years in a parish setting.

Jesus, himself, said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." As we journey together along this Pathway of Discipleship it is our aim to discover (or rediscover) some of the obvious things along this trail and some of the hidden treasures God wants to reveal to us, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Kids will meet @11a in their classroom adjacent to the gym.A snack will be provided each week.

Childcare is available for ages 0-5, located across from the office.

Sept. 9Acknowledgingthe leader

Sept. 16Studying God’s word

Sept. 30 Praying

Sept. 23 Worshiping together as a family

October 7 Asking for forgiveness and forgiving others

October 14Serving others

October 21Class celebration

Meanwhile...for the kids...

Pathway of Discipleship

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Dad and I have been back from Tanzania for nearly a month and have had time to reflect and put our experiences in perspective. Both of us have an overwhelming desire to go back and I, especially, am eager to share my experiences with any and all. Our team of 19 plus two leaders from Florida Campus Crusade for Christ office worked together with several Tanzanian pastors and one Kenyan evangelist. We showed the Jesus Film 22 times…mostly in Swahili but also for the first time in Sokumo to a tribe in northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria. We were split into two guest houses in the town of Bunda and from there went out daily in small groups into the surrounding bush area to meet with different tribes. One day I was trekking into a remote village with several others from our team and a lady rushed out from her hut; shouting, gesticulating and weeping. Our translator finally was able to make sense of her emotions and explained to us that this lady had met the Lord years ago and had been faithful to Him alone in her village. Every day she had prayed that someone would come to share the Gospel with her townspeople. She recognized in us

the answer to her prayer. We showed the film there and nearly a third of the inhabitants indicated they had made decisions to follow Christ. (This percentage was pretty normal in our experience.) On the weekends our group was split up and sent to teach in about eight different local churches. Dad gave a seminar on Biblical marriage as well as a sermon one Sunday. I told the story of Zaccheus with a flannelgraph set Mom had packed for me and near the end of our stay I taught the teachers at a Compassion International School how to use the set to tell Bible stories. We had excellent interpreters the entire time. In some villages the people had never seen a white person before. They crowded around to “pet” our arms (in intrigue as they do not have hair on their arms). The very last Saturday evening I was relaxing at the hotel. My lessons were all completed and we had invited the hotel workers and their families to a private showing of the Jesus film. (They were very curious about us as we were the only white people in the town the entire two weeks we stayed there.) When the call for commitment was given 100% of the viewers received

Christ!!! I believe the Lord used my dad mightily there. During our time there he sought out each worker and established a friendship with him or her…trying out his Swahili, encouraging any of their attempts at English, showing photos from home, etc. Because of his quiet sincere witness they believed. When that showing was over the chief Tanzanian coordinator arrived at the hotel looking for me. He said that pastors from two churches had heard me speak to the children and wanted me to preach that following day. I wasn’t prepared with a sermon and could only be in one church at a time but I agreed (grumblingly). However, I worked on my sermon through the night and spoke the next day on giving your all to Jesus. Afterwards one of the pastors wanted to prophecy that God would use me as a ”great preacher to the African peoples”. I don’t know about that, but I am presently looking into seminaries and Bible schools. Thanks to each of you who made this trip possible with your financial support. I would appreciate your continued prayers for me and for the Tanzanians we ministered to.

miSSionS report : tanzania

Peter Schilperoort

Hey buddy, Can you Spare an Hour? The Trailseeker Program, a scripture-based after-school program for young, at-risk Yakima boys and girls, is seeking a few good men and women to volunteer their time between 2 and 10 hours each month. The program, housed at First Presbyterian Church, takes place on Monday during the school year. Here is a list of specific needs, so you can determine if your schedule, your ability, and your heart will fill the need.

Trailseekers is a long-standing program in Yakima and Tri-Cities with a strong impact on the children and families who participate. Staff meeting takes place Sept. 10th. at 2:30p. Kick-off Monday is Sept. 17th. Please prayerfully consider your small part in His service! Thank you.

trailSeekerS

Jill Skone

Drivers, to transport students from their school to church (or to YMCA) Time: 3-4 Mondays per month, 2:10 – 2:30 to transport students from church (or YMCA) to their homes (4:00 – 4:30) 3-4 Mondays per month. Call Greg Nebeker at 307-1100.

substitute Drivers, (see above) to fill in occasionally for regular drivers

snack assistants, to assist and/or fill in for snack preparer. Time: Mondays, 2:00 – 3:00. Call Mary Pooler at 697-8265.

Female adult, to monitor and help girls in locker rooms at YMCA. Time: 1 Monday per month, Oct – May, 2:30 – 4:00. Call Jill Skone at 697-7257.

small group leaders, (male and female) and small group leader assistants (student groups of 6). Time: 2 – 3 Mondays per month, 2:30 – 4:00 (actual Small Group time: 3:15 – 4:00). Call Greg Nebeker at 307-1100

Male adult, to monitor and help boys in locker rooms at YMCA. Time: 1 Monday per month, Oct – May, 2:30 – 4:00. Call John Stolzenbach at 426-2689

Kiev Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

First Presbyterian Church / 9 South 8th Ave Yakima

18

atFirst Presbyterian Church

Yakima.

ONE NIGHT ONLYSaturday, September 22 @ 7p

Kiev Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

www.musicmissionkiev.org

The Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus has premiered over sixty great masterpieces in Ukraine since it’s inception in 1993. Many of these performances have been broadcast over radio and television across the former Soviet Union. The repertoire of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus includes great choral literature of Ukraine, and choral-orchestra masterpieces from all over the world. In the seventeen years of its existence as the only private orchestra and chorus in Kiev, the KSOC has been recognized as a valuable musical entity in the Ukrainian culture.

Don’t miss this

spectacular

FREE event!

First Presbyterian Church / 9 South 8th Ave YakimaAn opportunity will be given, if you feel so led, to contribute financially to the KSOC mission.

Free! Free!

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Ghormley Church Family Round UpSunday, September 23 @ 1p

Sign up at the Connection Center or in the office by Monday, September

WANTED

Everyone!FUN FoR All AGES BBQ Costs

Weeuns 0~5 : Free

Buckaroos 6~12 : $5

Cowpokes 13~Adult : $10

gAMeSDAnCingBAptiSM

& BBQ

BuS riDe AvAilABle

Meet At ChurCh pArking

lot At noon

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDYAKIMA, WA

PERMIT NO 59

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9 SOUTH 8TH AVEYAKIMA, WA 98902