Greetings from Pastor Rob

Rainy Fall Greetings, Saints.

There were about 38 men at the retreat last weekend, including a bunch from Fellowship Church in Spokane. Good food, good conversation (& Bible, of course) and good sports! Some shot guns at the range, others hiked up the hill and many participated in the corn hole tourney. Our own team of Jeff and Doug took the corn hole honors. I talked to a couple guys who just needed to get away from the pressures of life and relax for a weekend. I think that happened. Thanks to Steve for organizing. 

In my morning reading, I've been chewing over something Jesus said. The disciples asked how he could have so quickly made the fig tree wither and he said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matt 21:21-22.  Really? Mountains moved and recalcitrant trees withered simply by faith? If I read it correctly, all's that is necessary is to have faith, not doubt and believe in asking. Can I screw up enough faith for a Lamborghini? Or losing 25 pounds on the Krispy Kreme diet? As was pointed out to me years ago, that statement by Jesus isn't the only one on prayer. Praying consistently (long term) and praying according to God's will are also included. Prayer is so much more than a list of things we want. It's really learning to get close to the heart of God, tuning in to his desires. Then we will know what to ask for and when. Keep praying. 

What's Goin' On...

*This Sunday during Ace we get to meet the new candidates for the elder board: Rob M and Doug B. Come on down! We'll interview them a bit and you can ask any questions you have. Our treasurer Penni L will be there to help us decipher the budget. 9am in the fellowship hall. This is all in preparation for the annual business meeting Sunday, Nov 23. 

*This Monday, Nov 17, the middle and high school Awana clubs will have a Thanksgiving Bingo night after they pack the OCC shoeboxes. If you can donate a few simple (under $5) wrapped prizes, that would be awesome. Drop them in the box under the table in the fellowship hall. Thanks to those who have done so already!

*We begin our Christmas Pageant Preparations Sunday! Ages 4 yrs and older are welcome to join us.  We will meet downstairs during KidZone.  This gives us 4 Sundays plus a dress rehearsal before the pageant (Dec 14th).  We need lots of angels & shepherds, an Angel of the Lord, 3+ Magi, a king, a priest, Ceasar, and of course, Mary & Joseph.  We will also need older teens and adults to help with costumes and staging organization. Any questions please contract Jayne K.

*Next Saturday, Nov 22, we'll have a Discovery Class at 10am at the church. Join us to find out about how we operate, what we believe and a bit about the church history. This is a step toward membership but you can attend if you just want to find out a bit more about the church. Coffee and donuts included. Please sign up at the table just inside the fellowship hall. 

*Sunday, Nov 23 is the absolute last day to drop off your OCC shoebox for kids. SO... this Sunday is the last opportunity to grab a box and instructions in the foyer.

*Thanksgiving is nearer than you believe! If you're a single person and would like to join in on a Thanksgiving meal at 1pm at Karen R"s, see her or Joyce L (or ask the Back Row Ladies). The food will be amazing.   AND...

*Saturday, Dec 6 is the day for the Women's Christmas Brunch from 10:30am to 12:30pm. The theme is Christmas Traditions. See Laurie J if you'd like to set one of the tables. Sign up to attend or to decorate (or both) this Sunday after the service.

This Sunday...

Story Hour, Ambassadors for Christ and Ace all begin at 9; Ace will have the elder and budget interviews rather than teaching just this week. In the service, we'll worship, pray and hear from the third chapter of Daniel where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to bow to the king's new statue. You probably know the story... let's see how it might apply to us in the 21st century.   

See you Sunday?

Pastor Rob

p.s. 

The Chattaroy Elementary PTO is looking for funds to help families with a Thanksgiving meal, thesauruses for the 3rd grade students and a Sweetheart's dance for the community. If you can assist, send donations to Chattaroy Elementary, 25717 N Yale Rd, Chattaroy, 99003. Q's? cespto@rsdmail.org.  

p.p.s. Musings: "A few years ago I heard the dry erase board was up for invention of the year. Well... it is remarkable."