June/July 2010 Volume 27 Issue 6

FIRST PRESS a newsletter of First Presbyterian Church in Anchorage, Alaska

Communion will be Sunday, June 6 and

Sunday, July 11.

I NS I D E T H IS IS S UE :

Special Events 1

Associate Pastor’s Pen

2

Youth Ministry Intern Bios

3

Youth Director Page/ Announcements

4

The Kids’ Page / July Birthdays

5

June/July Calendars 6—7

PW Program Chair Corner

8

Announcements / PW Events

9

Running the Race 10

Questions&Answers / June Birthdays

11

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 7 — 11, 2010 9:00 A.M. — 12 NOON

PRESCHOOL — 6TH GRADE

REGISTER ONLINE!

WWW.FIRSTPRESANCHORAGE.ORG

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ALL I EVER REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW, I LEARNED AT VBS The title of this newsletter article is borrowed from Robert Fulghum who wrote the poem, ―All I ever really needed to know I learned in kindergarten.‖ Fulghum continues, ―Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand box at nursery school.‖ His poem

goes on to explain the beauty of sharing, playing fair, returning things to where you found them, washing your hands and taking naps. How and why did we ever get away from afternoon cookies & milk and a nap? Most first time commitments to Christ take place during middle school. Programs like Christian Summer Camps and VBS have a lot to do with preparing young people to engage with matters of faith, church and the Scripture. One of the more challenging ―hoops‖ that seminary students seeking ordination have to jump through is passing the bible content exam. I don’t take standardized tests very well and I had to work really hard to pass this one. Plus, students have to pay a fee each time they take it, so I figured I better pass it on the first try! Most of my classmates did not seem very concerned about passing this exam and when I asked them how in the world they knew so much about so many different biblical characters, without fail they would answer, ―Sunday School when I was a kid‖ or ―Vacation Bible School.‖ While I have lead and worked at a couple of different VBS programs over the years I never attended one as a kid. Maybe that’s why I had to work so hard to pass the bible content exam. For those of you that would like to try your hand at a seminary level bible content exam you can take practice tests on-line at http://www.whitneyhq.com/biblecontent/. This year VBS will take on an Egyptian theme focusing on Joseph and how God was at work throughout Joseph’s many wild adventures. Soon this church will be filled with crazy screaming kids and adults dressed in Egyptian garb chasing them around while hoping they learn a little something about God. A biblical story connected to a different theme provides the backdrop of each day.

Day One – God Gives Us Hope Day Two – God Gives Us Special Abilities Day Three – God Gives Us Wisdom Day Four – God Gives Us Forgiveness Day Five – God Gives Us a Family

I am looking forward to VBS this year. I am looking forward to hearing the great questions little ones often ask. I am looking forward to the honesty that young people bring to matters of faith. And I am looking forward to snack time. If you are able, please consider being a part of this wonderful ministry of our church. Contact Diana Rotkis if you are interested akrtks@ak.net or 929-0465. You will be blessed. Pastor Karlin

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YOUTH MINISTRY INTERN BIOS

Hello! My name is Kara Rushford-Emery. I am from lovely Springfield, Vermont. I attend Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts (25 miles from Boston) and will be a junior there in the fall. I am studying psychology as a major and youth ministry as a minor. I enjoy a good book, fun games, good music, a good laugh, and good company. I always love trying new things and meeting new people. Besides loving Jesus, family and new and old friends, some of my favorite things (in no particular order) are: coffee, tea, C. S. Lewis and Donald Miller books, casually playing basketball (although I have been known to insist I was cheated out of a WNBA career), writing and journaling, black and white photographs, and the ocean. I look forward to being a small part of all that the Lord is doing this summer in Anchorage, and getting to know you all better!

I just finished my sophomore year of college at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I am majoring in Youth Ministry. I enjoy long walks on the beach and the occasional poetry session. Did I mention I am fluent in sarcasm? Some of my great life adventures/accomplishments so far are traveling to Israel and Africa, attempting to eat the World’s Largest Burger, driving across country, running a half-marathon (without training, not to brag…), and I am the current record holder of the fastest 50 pound bag of Idaho potatoes ever cut at Five Guys Burgers and Fries in the greater Cleveland area. I grew up in a family of 5 with 2 sisters and 2 dogs, Jingles and Checkers. I came to know Christ at the ripe age of 8 years old and it was not until I was 17 that I felt called by God to go into full-time ministry. From that point on I have been taking advantage of every opportunity to work with youth. My passion is for the redeeming, unconditional, and consuming love of God to flood the hearts of humanity.

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1 Samuel 27:1

"But David thought to himself, 'One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.'" 1 Samuel 27:1 What's wrong with this statement? Most will probably look at it

and think "nothing." Why? Because David was being attacked my Saul. David was being chased around in the wilderness. David would be killed by Saul if he had the chance to get his hands on him. But something's not right with this verse. David thought to himself. He didn't inquire of God. He didn't ask God what to do. He didn't trust in the promise of God through Samuel to make Him king, or through Jonathan that he would be king, or of the one chasing him saying, "I know you will be king." They all said it. But David stopped believing. Instead of trusting in God, he trusted in himself. God didn't make it into this verse, and because of that, David did something rash. Bad things will happen. You will get into slumps, and feel like it's a pit that has no way out. But you need to turn in the right direction. Trusting in yourself and your own abilities is not the right decision. You need to trust in God - The One who loves you, The One who is there for you, The One who gives your life meaning and purpose. David decided not to, and things got worse before they got better. We all stumble and fall. We all make mistakes. But it's how we respond to these mistakes that make or break us. If you're in a slump, or things aren't going right… turn to God. He's the only one who can show you the way back out of the pit you're living in. Tim Baker, Director of Youth Ministries

2008 PW GLOBAL EXCHANGE PRESENTATION — Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Nancy Collins share her impressions of the 2008 PW Global Exchange to Eastern Europe. Join us on Saturday, June 12 from 1–3 p.m. here at First Presbyterian Church. Stop by the church after the Alaska Women’s Run. Snacks will be provided at the presentation. Questions? Call Jo Ann Bantz at 345-1690 or email bantz@alaska.net.

YOUNG FAMILIES MEET & GREET —

Please join us on Sunday, June 6 at 12 noon, following the 11 a.m. service, at Frontier Land Park. The park is located on the corner of 10th Avenue & E Street. Turn right outside the front of church. Let the children play. Let us get to know one another! Contact is Anne Hazelton at 222-5303.

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ATTENTION: AUGUST NEWSLETTER ARTICLES & ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE DUE THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2010 AT 4:00 P.M.

7/1 Jessica Bailey Paul Cartland Valerie Zerda 7/2 Margo Campbell Oliver Lamkin 7/3 Joseph Adzima Gayle Allen Leah Bailey Stefan Coleman Laura Lindemuth 7/4 Chan Anderson Andrea Neeser Tim Sharp Todd Smoldon 7/5 Millie Renkert 7/8 S. Clark Baker Susan Heverling 7/9 Arthur LeMaster Caitlin McNeil Ventis Plume 7/11 Larry Baker Helen Lindemuth

7/12 Blake Adzima Bonnie DeArmoun Salem Mason Alexander Nauman 7/13 Kathryn Foster Daniel Joling Stephanie Patton 7/14 Susan Green 7/15 Ev Irving 7/17 Lana Bell Mary Dye Ray Lammon, Jr. Andrew Wilson 7/18 John Ingles 7/19 Lois Beyer 7/20 Mary Smith Ronald Sturgeon 7/21 John Childers Georgia DeKeyser 7/22 Tyler Jarose 7/23 Brenda Oakley Christopher Schnell

7/24 Allison Berry Laurie Decker Terry Hamm Matthew Huettl Kristine Keddington Lauren Lindemuth 7/25 Dennis Berry Tammy Lindemuth 7/26 Ruth Graham 7/27 Harold Lee Susan Miller 7/28 Naomi Oakley Ron Slaymaker 7/29 Ralph Duerre Grant Dye Gregory Minks 7/31 Sara Junge Frankie Klingbeil Christian McWorkman Griffith Steiner

JULY BIRTHDAYS

7/4 William Dann & Jenny Alowa 7/5 Shawn & Kristen Scorup 7/8 Jordan & Jennifer Privoznik 7/9 Mark & Carrie Allio 7/11 Brian & Kristen Balega 7/15 Scott & Carrie Gruhn 7/16 Bryan & Michelle Meshke Steve & Kim Rice 7/17 William & Frances Elam Vincent Vitale & Judith Rich 7/24 George & Martha Rapuzzi 7/25 Christopher & Mardra Jay Eric Noble & Lois Rockcastle 7/29 Alan & Cynthia Powers 7/30 Ray Lammon Jr. & Martha Wilder

ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC —

Please come to our Annual Church Picnic on Sunday, July 18 at 12 noon on the Church Patio. The fellowship committee will furnish hamburgers, hotdogs, bratwurst, buns, condiments, beverages, and cake for dessert. Please bring a side dish to share. Come and share a fun time with friends, new and old! Contact is Judy Powell at 229-4132.

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Volume 27 I ssue 6 Page 8 F i r s t Press

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN PROGRAM CHAIR CORNER

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Schedule of Events for 2010-2011

September 11th, 2010 – Fall Kick-Off Luncheon; 12 noon – 2 p.m.

October 3rd, 2010 – Fall Bake Sale; after each service

December 11th, 2010 – Christmas Luncheon; 12 noon – 2 p.m.

February 12th, 2011 – Valentine Luncheon; 12 noon – 2 p.m.

April 16th, 2011 – Spring Tea; 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

May 1st, 2011 – Spring Bake Sale; after each service

May 25th, 2011 – End of Year BBQ; 12 noon This last year of events was a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to the next event in the fall. All who were able to come to the barbeque had a great time as well. Gary McNeil graciously grilled for us and the weather was superb. Pastor Karlin was hoping we could barbeque every Wednesday during the summer. ☺

Presbyterian Women were able to collect enough items for two auction baskets for the CPC Tea, one coffee related and the other tea related. Many thanks to Jean Adzima and Donna McLeod who were instrumental in obtaining items, and also thanks to all who donated for this wonderful cause. Presbyterian Women’s Secret Sisters Secret sisters were revealed at the BBQ. If you weren’t there you will receive in the mail who your secret sister was. We will start a new round in the fall. This sure has been a fun ministry. If you have any ideas or comments to share with me, please let me know. Feel free to call me at 277-3074. I hope you have a great summer! Enjoy all of God’s glory and continue to be a light for Him! Your sister in Christ, Tammy Lindemuth

MALAWI CHURCH TRIP — Dr. Tom and Ruth Nighswander just returned from Malawi and reported that the Presbyterian Church we built there with the congregation’s generous contributions is thriving. There is however, still some work to be completed. More concrete is needed for the floors, whitewashing for the walls, landscaping, pews, and a baptismal font. In addition to the work on the church, the group would also tour the Malawi Children’s Village, teach some classes at the local school, rock the AIDS babies at the orphanage, and a safari could be arranged. Malawi is a safe and beautiful country with friendly poor citizens. The accommodations are comfortable and are centrally located on Lake Malawi. continued on page 9…

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PW EVENTS

Church Archives — Meets 1st Mondays, June 7, July 5 @ 1 p.m. in Choir Room Help needed with filing. Learn church history. Leader: Rachel Michaelsen 272-7440. Book Club — Summer Luncheon, 2nd Wednesday, July 14 @ 11:00 a.m. in Room 8 Childcare provided. Chair: Barbara Ratliff 333-0468. PW Board Meeting — Meets 2nd Thursday, June 10 @ 1:30 p.m. in Library All women invited. Childcare available by request only. No meeting in July. Ladies’ Night Out — Meets 3rd Mondays @ 6 p.m. at various restaurants On summer break… Lillie Berry Circle — Meets 4th Mondays @ 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in Library

On summer break… Margaret Walkup Circle — Meets 4th Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. in Library On summer break…

…continued from page 8 MALAWI CHURCH TRIP —

When Rick and I first went to Malawi it was a life-changing trip for us. The children would follow us for miles to hope to get our empty water bottles. The students were delighted to get a gift of a pencil and a Polaroid photo of themselves. If you can make this trip Christ will change your life too. Please remember the Great Commission of Christ from Matthew 28:19, ―Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.‖ If there is enough interest we would like to begin meeting to plan a trip for next February or March. The ideal number of participants would be 10–12. If you are interested, please call Liz Hickerson at 272-7170 or email her at ehickerson@gci.net. Blessings to you all, Mary Mystrom

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RUNNING THE RACE MEN’S MINISTRIES I just finished my twelfth year teaching at East High School this year. It has rarely been boring, and always changing. Each day has brought new challenges and opportunities for spiritual growth. One of the most significant changes that has taken place during this time is the racial and ethnic diversity of the students in the school. About six years ago the minority population became the majority of the population. Last year, the fastest growing ethnic group in the school was classified as ―multi-ethnic,‖ meaning that the student population at East is truly a hodgepodge of humanity. With all this diversity, a variety of cultures, and over 70 languages spoken by the students at East High, one might think that we have constant strife and struggles, but it is just the opposite. For the last six years we have seen a decline in suspensions for assaults, fighting, and drug use, even while our diversity has continued to grow. It is obvious that most of the students are ―buying in‖ to what the teachers and administrators desire for them, a commitment to excellent and academic growth. On any given day you will find Hmong, Korean, Chinese, Black, White, Hispanic, and Pacific Islanders in my room at lunch studying and talking with each other, committed to learning and growing.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Revelation 7:9-10

It is not just the population at East High that is becoming more diverse. East High is just a microcosm of a city that is changing. We have the potential to become a place that can be used by God for great things if, like the students at East, we are steadfast in our focus on ―who‖ we are and ―why‖ we are. We are a chosen people, saved by grace, and focused on the Word and spiritual growth so that we can fulfill the purpose for which God has created us. As we run the race this summer, let us use our time in God’s creation to reflect on and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. Your brother in Christ, Todd Smoldon

MEN’S BREAKFAST —

The Men’s Monthly Breakfast will not take place this summer. Hopefully, we will be spending the third Saturday of the month enjoying the beautiful world that God has created with family, golfing, fishing, biking, or camping. Our next breakfast will be Saturday, September 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 8. See you in September!

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JUNE BIRTHDAYS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS by Librarian Dorothea Lovejoy

Question:

The Bible frequently speaks about ―Saints‖. Who are they?

Answer:

The answer may surprise you! Old Testament scripture verses define ―saints‖ (Holy Ones) as those who trusted and served God. Daniel 7:18, 22, 25, 27. In the New Testament, the word ―saint‖ always refers to a sanctified person, one ―set apart‖ to God for His possession and service. This aspect is POSITIONAL based on the atoning blood of

Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:12; 10:10-14). In this case, believers are saints regardless of their progress in experience and spiritual growth. According to Romans 1:7, believers are not called to become saints, they are saints, and that by Divine call, just as Paul was an Apostle by Divine call. Romans 1:1. The term ―Saints‖ (Holy Ones) does not designate some rank of Christian superior to others, but describes all those God has set apart for Himself. In the New Testament the term ―saints‖

refers to believers in Christ. Christians are ―Saints‖, those who belong to God. (Acts 9:13, Romans 8:27; 15:25-26; 16:2 and I Corinthians 14:33.) A ―title‖ is an honor to be cherished and lived up to, especially a title given to the believer by God! The Christian believer is set apart to reflect a Holy God, His incarnate Son, Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even more importantly, the Christian is set apart to be a witness to those who do not know God’s plan of redemption.

Volume 27 I ssue 6

6/1 Richard Garner Catherine Garner Mary Graham Wolfgang Junge 6/2 Ramona Duerre 6/3 Vernon Lindemuth Chuck Yockey 6/4 Chaline Lobti 6/5 Mardra Jay Amanda Lindemuth 6/7 Laura Davis Pat Whittier Hae-Sook Yum 6/9 Katie Loughman Richard Mittelstadt 6/10 Benjamin Campbell

Rebecca Coleman 6/11 Donna Hitz Elizabeth Sherwood Michael Stover Carolyn Ward 6/12 Trey Segers 6/14 Jay Adzima Dee Berline-Nauman Angela Cole Cortney Powers 6/15 Both Bithow Howard Harris 6/16 Dorothy Revell Debra Wilson 6/17 Kim Aasand Howard Hancock

6/18 Brandon Mommsen 6/19 Pamela Carberry Dale Riley 6/20 Andrew Noble Susan Wrigley 6/21 Emily Britton Kelsey Cole Stephanie Painter 6/22 John Beard Jennifer Owens John Wrigley 6/23 Michael Cimino Margaret Cook Henry Joling Lorraine LeMaster Abigail Nauman

6/24 Katie Bell Rick Hitz Sonia Holmes Joan Lindemuth David Scarbrough 6/25 Eric Aasand 6/26 Doris Barnett Michael Hiller Annika Ostberg 6/27 Curtis Holler Beverly Wright 6/28 George Brown Delores Dougherty Natasha von Imhof 6/30 Nona Mahugh Peter Pickett

Senior Pastor Rev. Peter Loughman Associate Pastor Rev. Karlin Bilcher Director of Youth Ministries Tim Baker Office Manager Gary Jackson Finance Secretary Nicole Brown Chancel Choir Director Janet Stiles Primary Choir Director Joan Lindemuth Handbell Choir Director John Zimmerman Organists Jan Gruhn & Marie Matetich Pianist Larissa Melnik Contemporary Worship Leader Anthony Lyndaker Librarian Dorothea Lovejoy

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