FI R S T PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH O F SANDPO I N T, IDAHO D ecemb er

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1 FI R S T PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH O F SANDPO I N T, IDAHO D ecemb er From the Pastor People often ask me how my bees are doing. I currently have two colonies. So far, this winter they seem well. The more you get into bee keeping, the more details you become aware of, such as the word, hive meaning the wooden boxes that the bees live in, while colony is the actual group of bees that consists of thousands of workers, lots of drones, and one queen. The colony lives in the hive. There are also different types of bee boxes, from the deep brood boxes where the bees set up their living space, to medium size and shallow honey supers where they store the honey that the beekeeper takes, to comb supers, boxes that are designed for that honeyon-the-comb kind of delicacy. Most bee boxes in the United States are known as the Langstroth Hive System because the Rev. Langstroth, from Philadelphia, first built these bee boxes in The more I learn about this system, the more I wonder about the system itself. Every time I want to look in the bottom deep, the big box where the queen is laying eggs, I need to lift the other boxes off the stack. You ve probably seen those types of bee boxes stacked out in fields or orchards. I don t really like lifting all that weight (up to 70 pounds or more!). It s also traumatic on the bee s living situation. How would you like someone ripping off your roof to move your furniture? It s disruptive. No wonder I like wearing a veil and gloves and white coveralls, using a smoker tool to calm the confused bees. This system of bee keeping is amazing, and I have lots to learn, but there are other systems. The A-Z Hive System is popular in Europe, especially Slovenia. It helps the bees live well, and it doesn t involve heavy lifting for the bee keeper. Shawna and I will visit Slovenia to learn more about this system as part of the Sabbatical next summer, and I ll present a workshop next fall. This bee keeping technique has a very long history, and is more user-friendly for the bee keeper because there is no heavy lifting. Most Slovenian bee keepers don t need a veil or gloves because the bees are not disrupted as abruptly as the box-stacking system. Regardless of which system is used, one aspect of bee keeping that I enjoy is the quiet and focus it invites. For me, it is an active form of contemplative prayer, as I experience connection with God, the creation, and my place as someone trying to help this world be a better place. Since bees have been doing what bees do for millions of years, I become the learner, even as I am the bee keeper. It reminds me of mystery, that once we discover a truth, we also discover that deeper or larger truths lay just beyond, and then more, and more. Mystery invites continual awareness and discovery. Soon we celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus reminds us that God mysteriously invites us to experience the sweetest gift of all: God s love. Finding ways to raise daily awareness of God s mysterious holiness helps us claim our connection with God, one another, and the entire creation. From shepherds to singing angels, it is good news that Jesus is born! Merry Christmas! Peace, Pastor Andy

2 2 SABBATICAL REFRESHER Last month I wrote an article about getting funding for a Sabbatical through the Lily Foundation, and there was also a recent, customized press release in the Bonner County Daily Bee. In the newsletter, last month I finished with, Watch for December Grapevine Newsletter for a review of the itinerary Pastor Andy and Shawna will be following during the Sabbatical experience. So here is a look as some of that itinerary. The broad view includes: Flying to Germany, then to Ireland. Also visiting Scotland, England, then back to Germany, then to Slovenia, then back to Germany, then to Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and back to Germany, then to Seattle and the Pacific Ocean, then back to Idaho. This all happens over July, August, and September of Busy, busy, in a restful sort of way. Here is a closer look at a portion of this: I will take some vacation at the end of June, and the Sabbatical begins July 1. On July 3, Shawna and I fly out of Spokane, going through Seattle and onward to Frankfurt, Germany. Two summers ago, we had friends visiting us, Zahni and his family, and now we will stay with them. They live near the airport in Frankfurt so they will pick us up on July 4 th. They are looking forward to showing us around the area, including museums and other sites they value. After a few days, Shawna travels to southern Germany to see other friends and former host-families. She had been an exchange student during her Junior year of high school. While she heads south, I will fly from Frankfurt to Ireland and spend a week at the Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine community near Limerick. This includes a three-day solo retreat in the God Pod accommodation ( and then merging in with monastic life in their guest hall for a few more days. This abbey also has a long tradition of keeping bees, for honey and wax, and to help pollinate their working farm. Contemplative prayer through bee keeping is a main theme of the Sabbatical. At the end of that week, in mid-july, Shawna flies to Dublin, and I meet her there and we stay two days, just being tourists. From there we head south of town to the Glendalough Hermitage, which is a Celtic site and natural area, with an extensive visitor s center ( The Hermitage itself is run by nuns and has a few quaint cottages. The grounds include several buildings, gardens, a chapel, and an outside prayer labyrinth. We will be at the Hermitage for three days, and will likely take several hikes to explore the trails, the ruins, and the surrounding area. After this, it s back to Dublin airport for a flight to Scotland. More on Scotland next month FORGIVENESS RETREAT FEBRUARY 24-25, 2017 Save the date for an upcoming February Forgiveness Retreat, hosted by Pastor Andy Kennaly and Sharon Anderson, Ruling Elder. It will be held the evening of Friday, February 24 and during the day on Saturday, February 25. More details will be announced in January.

3 3 CHURCH OFFICERS At the Congregational Meeting on December 4, the report of the Nominating Committee was received. New Deacons include Anna Bates, Dan and Jill Murphy for three-year terms, with Sue Helander continuing with a two-year term. Elders for three-year terms include Cynthia Dalsing, Judy Labrie, and Dave Pietz. A two-year term on the Memorial Committee is filled by Bart Casey, while Tim Cochran will serve for one year on the Personnel Committee. Shirley Parker was nominated for a one year term on the Nominating Committee. For all these, the vote was unanimous. Many thanks to the outgoing officers: - Cynthia Dalsing served one year on session, and is now going back on for three years - Bill Love is rotating off session after many years of service, and was also chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee - Marilyn Robertson is rotating off after serving on session, including helping us become an Earth Care Congregation in the PC(USA). - Mary Bauer is rotating off the Deacons after heart-felt service for many years, especially focused on the food bank and other ways to include people in receiving care - Sue Helander has served as the leader of the Deacons and although this term is ending, she is renewing for another two years - Shirley Parker has served as secretary of Deacons and is rotating off after years of wonderful service Thanks to all those who provide leadership, setting the tone for the mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Your hard work is appreciated, to the glory of God!

4 4 A heartfelt thank you to Harry Menser for donating the beautiful trees for the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall; and to all who brought greenery and holly and helped with the Christmas decoration of our church. God Bless you for your generosity! FINANCE With month ending November 30, 2016 please be aware of the following needs and priorities as we meet the financial needs of our church for The Year-to-Date Budget requirement through November 30, 2016 is $121, Offering received Year-to-Date ending November 2016 is $108, Year-to-date financial giving is short $13, of meeting the Annual Budget. 2. Our church has done an extremely great job in controlling expenses for the calendar year of Our current budget expense through October is $ under the established budget requirement. Job well done! As we enter the Holiday season and a new year, it is again time for us to consider being good stewards of all that God has given us. Shortly you will be receiving the 2017 Pledge Letter, please prayerfully consider your commitment for Gods work through our church in Please be thinking about preparing your reports for the Annual Meeting. Reports will be due by Thursday, January 12th. Thank you.

5 5 THE LIBRARY This month s featured book is The Good Book by Peter Gomes. With compassion, humor, and extraordinary insight, Rev. Gomes helps readers reconcile the Bible with themselves and their times. He points out how over the centuries passages have been misused, and he highlights principles that help each of us handle personal situations. The section on temptation is fascinating. The 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury has called it easily the best contemporary book on the Bible for thoughtful people. This really is a good book! Anna Bates Volunteer Librarian OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Operation Christmas Child has once again come to an end. This year was amazing. There are 12 girls between the ages of 5 to 9 who will be experiencing the joy of a shoe box. 9 boys in that same age group will also receive a shoe box. 6 shoe boxes were filled for the older boys between 10 and 14 years old. That is a total of 27 shoe boxes that our Church family has generously donated to spread God's love to the children of the world. Tracy Gage

6 6 Thank you to all who have ordered poinsettias for the Sanctuary. WARMING TREE You are invited to donate a warm clothing article, such as mittens/gloves, hats, scarves, etc. to be given to those in need this winter. Please place articles on the Warming Tree in the Fellowship Hall. Thank You from the Deacons!

7 7 Despite it being voting day, PW met for the monthly meeting. Dave Pietz gave a program on Community Resources here in Sandpoint. It was very informative. Thank you, Dave. Discussion was held on the Rummage Sale and no definite decisions were made concerning future sales. Total made was $1, Shoes for a cause amounted to 75 pounds and $22 income. Members decided to decrease Mission to National PW to $350 down from $400. This is due to decreased membership and Fair Share income. Cookie Sale will be held Sunday December 11th and 18th - proceeds to go to the Betty Menser scholarship fund. Christmas decorations will be on sale by donation, for December 4th and 11th. No one volunteered to do Heifer Project so it will be discontinued at this time. Our December meeting will be Tuesday at noon December 13th with a potluck. The program will be Christmas caroling with Bud Smith playing the piano. During the business meeting we will decide what local mission to support. The Bible Study will follow at 1:15 - lesson 4 with Barbara Rolph leading. DVD supplement will also be shown. As always, PW appreciates the support of the congregation and all women are invited to attend.

8 8 A note from the national office of Presbyterian Women. The date has passed, but Barbara Rolph wishes to share the letter. "And be thankful" (Col. 3:15). Grateful Monday Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. On Giving Tuesday, worthy organizations (including Presbyterian Women) will ask you to consider making a financial gift to support their work. But today, on the eve of Giving Tuesday, Presbyterian Women is celebrating Grateful Monday. It s Grateful Monday because: We have an amazing mission statement, the PW Purpose, that guides our lives in faith, as a community and as individuals. The PW Purpose brings us together to celebrate and work, finding guidance in the Holy Spirit and Jesus amazing witness. The world knows (and relies on) our care and concern. PW s advocacy, mission work and offering grants have made short- and long-term impact on the lives of women, children and marginalized people throughout the world. Our care and concern changes us, strengthening our faith in God and inviting us into relationships with all of God s world. We are the church. Presbyterian Women support the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the church worldwide. Our foremothers in faith continue to inspire and guide us. Thank you for sharing your gifts with Presbyterian Women! And thank you for sharing what you are most grateful for. Our PW gratitude word cloud is proof that you abide by the words: And be thankful (Col. AN EARTH CARE MESSAGE FROM KERMIT THE FROG Kermit often sang It s not easy being green. We might agree with him regarding expectations during the holiday season. It seems there is constant pressure to purchase more, to give more, and to receive more. The materialistic Christmas emphasis surrounds us. So, let s try to remind each other of the true meaning of Christmas, as we celebrate Christ s birth, enjoy family times together, and share thoughtful gifts with simplicity and love.

9 9 December 19 Brandon Casey 21 Marvelee Higgins 22 Geri Stockman 26 Lois Scott 30 Harry Menser & Phyllis Townsend

10 10 Calendar Announcements December 4 Food Bank Collection 4 Congregational Meeting 6, 13, 20 Advent Devotionals, 6:00 p.m. 7 Church Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. at Connies Café 11 Deacons Meeting, 8:00 a.m. 11 & 17 Cookie Sale after Worship, Betty Menser Scholarship Fund 13 PW Meeting at Noon Christmas Potluck & Caroling Worship & Music Meeting, 4:00 p.m. 14 Piano Recital by Caytlin Reese s Students, 5:30 p.m. 15 Sandpoint Youth Orchestra Concert & Reception, 5:00 p.m. 20 Session Meeting 6:30 p.m. 21 Church Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. at Connies Café 24 Christmas Eve Service 5:30 p.m. 25 Christmas Day Simple Service 10:30 a.m Office will be closed Regular Monthly Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship, following service 6:00 p.m. Al-Anon Book Study Group 1:30 p.m. Contemplative Prayer Group 3:00 p.m. Choir Practice, 5:00-6:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Companions in Christ on 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, Church Breakfast 8:00 a.m. at Connies Café 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month 12:00 p.m. Al-Anon 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

11 11 First Presbyterian Church Ministers: Members and Friends Pastor Andy Kennaly 417 North Fourth Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho Pastor cell phone: