EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
February 2024
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
Ps. 147:3 “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20
Dearly Beloved,
Scars may seem ugly to us. They leave marks on our body where there once were no marks. Scars may bring reminders of bad memories or present agonies. If we were to have a Show And Tell on our scars, we would volunteer to reveal our scars and then tell stories of how the scars appeared and how they have affected us. Behind each scar is a story…not only of the initial injury or wound, but also of eventual healing. Where once there was a cut and open wound with blood and puss oozing out, now the wound has closed and skin has grown back together and formed a scar.
On the evening of Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews (20:19). They were afraid that if they would crucify Jesus, perhaps they would seek to arrest and kill His followers as well. Even though the surprising news of Jesus’ rising from the dead spread, they were still gripped by fear.
It was at that time Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” To their fear Jesus spoke peace! May the calm and rest and security that only Jesus can bring be with you! Just as Jesus brought peace and calm to the howling winds and raging storms on the restless sea of Galilee, may He speak peace and calm to raging winds of fear within them!
“After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the LORD!” Jesus showed them His scars in His hands and side. His scars were evidence that though He had died, He rose again from the dead. The very same Person they saw hanging on cross and buried in the rich man’s tomb is the same Person Who now stood before them alive from the dead! He was speaking peace to overcome their fears! And now the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Risen LORD! His scars were not ugly to them; they were beautiful! And despite the pain behind the scars, they told a story of powerful and loving redemption for those who believe in Jesus as the risen Savior and LORD!
Ponder the profound words of this poem Jesus of The Scars by Edward Shillito as we approach Holy week.
If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow,
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.
The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars, we claim Thy grace.
If when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near,
Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine;
We know today what wounds are, have no fear,
Show us Thy Scars, we know the countersign.
The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.
Shepherding you in Christ’s Love,
Lance
I Have Learned
I learn as the years roll onward and leave the past behind,
that much I have counted as sorrow, but proved the Lord is kind;
that many a flower I longed for had a hidden thorn of pain;
and many a rugged bypath led to fields of ripened grain.
The clouds but cover the sunshine, they cannot banish the sun;
and the earth shines out the brighter when the weary rain is done.
We stand in the deepest shadows, to see the clearest light;
and often from wrongs own darkness comes the very strength of right.
So the hear from the hardest trial, gains the purest joy of all;
and from lips that have tasted sadness, the sweetest songs will fall,
for peace comes after suffering, and love is a reward of pain,
so after earth comes Heaven, and out of our loss the gain!
Maurie C Clay
Good News Club
On Feb. 9, 25 students attended the Good News Club and on Feb 16, 24 attended. No decisions were made this month.
We started a series on Esther. The kids really like the Bible story and have been listening with great attention, wondering what is going to happen next! How is the Lord going to display His love and peace?
Our club has encouraged Community Bible Church to have people go through training and start a GNC at Butte View on Tuesdays!
Women Unite!
The March Women's GatheringOur Women’s Gathering was once again blessed.
Janet Holland and Jolene Zagaris both shared their testimonies. Their walks of faith were so different, yet similar. They both began their love for Jesus at a young age, then sought ways to learn more and to draw close to Him. In their own ways they have been involved with Good News Club and to work with children and young people. They both still desire to learn more about God and to worship Him. I encourage you to get to know both of these ladies and see their joy when talking about our God.
Thank you, once again, to Mike Sturman, for sharing your delightful treats with us! And, for being Sally’s chauffeur! Gerry, your treats and prizes were eggcellent!
~Submitted by Margaret Castle
The Monthly Women's Group meets the first Monday of every month. Women of all ages are invited to meet at 6:30PM in the FBC Fellowship Hall for fun, fellowship, prayer, etc. New activity each month. Bring a friend!
We are stronger together!
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Knitting and/or Crocheting
The group of ladies that attend the monthly knitting/crocheting group hosted/taught by Janet Holland are honing their skills and having a great time of getting to know each other.
Janet has demonstrated the patience to work with beginners to those that are either quick learners or have some experience in knitting. Janet has many talents to include weaving and needlepoint. A lesson in needlepoint is being planned for a future knitter's group session!
This is a fun group! Many stories and much laughter is shared. It is never too late to join in!
Thank you Janet!
BUNCO NIGHT IN FEBRUARY
Gerry Knight once again served as MC and Gerry and other brought prizes and goodies.
The next BUNCO is March 21 @ 6pm in the FBC Fellowship Hall!
Valentine Friendship Dinner
Thank you to Pastor Lance, Robin and Patty for helping with this fabulous time of food and fellowship! And thank you to Lillie Payne from Tom's Cabin for once again catering a delicious meal!
"Longer, Daddy, Longer..."
Gary Smalley & John Trent, PH.D.
from Leaving the Light On
Recently a woman grabbed my arm at a conference after I (John) had finished speaking on the enormous need we all have for affirmation.
"Dr. Trent, may I tell you my story?" she asked. "Actually, it's a story of something my son did with my granddaughter that illustrates what you've been talkin about - the importance of affirmation.
"My son has two daughters, one who's five and one who is in the 'terrible twos'." When a grandmother says this child is in the "terrible twos," believe me, she is!
"For several years my son has taken the oldest girl out for a 'date' time, but he had never taken the two-year-old until recently. On his first 'date' with the younger one, he took her out for breakfast at a local fast food restaurant.
"They had just gotten their pancakes and my son decided it would be a good time to tell this child how much he loved and appreciated her."
"Jenny, " her son had said, "I want you to know how much I love you, and how special you are to Mom and me. We prayed for you for years and now that you're here and growing up to be such a wonderful girl, we couldn't be more proud of you."
Once he had said all this, he stopped talking and reached over for his fork to begin eating...but he never got the fork to his mouth.
His daughter reached out her little hand and laid it on her father's hand. His eyes went to hers, and in a soft, pleading voice she said, "Longer, Daddy, longer..."
He put his fork down and proceeded to tell her some more reasons and ways they loved and appreciated her, and then he again reached for his fork. A second time...and a third... and a fourth time he heard the words, "Longer, Daddy, longer..."
This father never did get much to eat that morning, but his daughter got the emotional nourishment she needed so much. In fact, a few days later, she spontaneously ran up to her mother and said, "I'm a really special daughter, Mommy. Daddy told me so."
Build a Car
Jim Foster offered a learning experience for all ages!
He promised those involved would have fun and get dusty!
He would teach them to: to be safe, use minor tools, drill press, scroll saw, 1” belt sander, sandpaper, respect others and tools, read and use tape measure and understand "his" drawing.
And he supplied: all materials (choices of paint colors are limited); Provide a warm place indoors;
masks/safety glasses; Band-Aids/splints/ large bandages 😏
Thank you Jim for once again, offering something fun for others with your God given talent of woodworking!
Another Opportunity for Our Women!
“15 Minutes a Day Toward Becoming a Woman After God’s Own Heart”
Bible Study: “Experiencing God’s Peace” Philippians, written by Elizabeth George. A study from the Woman After God’s Own Heart series. From the back of her book: “In Experience God’s Peace, Elizabeth George guides you through the book of Philippians and helps you discover God’s perfect and lasting peace in every area of your life - no matter how turbulent. You’ll learn how you can …
- Make a difference where you are -Overcome anxiety
- Be content in every situation -Look to the needs of others
- Trust God in all things
There’s no greater rest than the rest that come from knowing God’s peace. Begin making that your experience today! “
- Begins March 20, meeting each Wednesday for 5 weeks.
- Meeting @ Janet Holland’s Humble Home, 480 Riggs Ave in Emmett. 10:30 a.m.
- Lead by Margaret Castle (208-369-6986)
- Books cost about $8.00
Please text or call Margaret if you would like a book or have any questions.
Gathered To Scatter Conference
Everyday Churches Unleashing Hope Among Everyday People
By Ascent
Date and time: May 17 · 12pm - May 18 · 2:30pm MDT
Location: Summit Church
10375 W Overland Rd Boise, ID 83709
COST & Refund Policy
Early bird registration of $49 by March 31 with Code (Contact Pastor Lance for the Code)
Normal cost is $119/pp or $139 after May 1
Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.
About this event
- 1 day 2 hours
Our neighborhoods are aching for the good news of Jesus Christ.
God wants to empower everyday churches to proclaim the Kingdom in everyday places. Learn how regular congregations are reimagining and reorganizing to bring hope into the cafés, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and the common places we spend our days.
At Gathered to Scatter you will learn how:
- Regular churches are reaching people who might never come to a traditional "Sunday" church
- You can unleash your church's pioneering leaders without destroying your established congregation
- Develop powerful leaders even if you don't have a big staff
While many leadership events are oriented around well known speakers, "Gathered to Scatter" is led by practitioners deeply experienced in leading small and mid-sized congregations. Join us for a new vision of what an everyday Church can be!
Schedule (**titles subject to change, themes are listed**):
Day 1 (Friday, May 17)
9.00 – 11.30: Optional Pre-Conference Tracks
Option 1: Pre-Conference Track on Micro-Communities & Distributed Church Models
Option 2: Mustard Seed Track: For Small Church and Churches in Small Places
12.00 – 1.00: Arrival
1.00 – 2.15: The Power of Everyday Churches and Average Christ-Followers in the Kingdom of God
2.15 – 2.45: Break
2.45 – 3.45: Developing Leaders & Teams in Small-Staff Congregations
3.45 – 4.00: Break
4.00 – 5.00: Workshops
5.00 – 7.00: Dinner Break
7.00 – 8.30: Practical Mission for Every Congregation & Community
8.30 – 10.00: Social Time (Optional)
Day 2 (Saturday, May 18)
8.30 – 9:00: Morning Prayer & Worship
9.00 – 10.00: Discipleship Strategies for the Everyday Congregation
10.00 – 10.30: Break
10.30 – 11.30: Leading Change/Moving People Onto “Next”
11.30 – 12.30: Lunch
12.30 – 1.30: Workshops
1.30 – 2.30: Closing Session: Motivation/Power of the Holy Spirit
**if you plan on attending a pre-conference, please make sure to purchase an additional ticket for this**
Mission Northwest is pleased to announce a new opportunity in theological education for both pastors and lay leaders. In partnership with several other evangelical Regions*, our Region will be collaborating with Kairos University/Sioux Falls Seminary to make ATS- accredited theological training available to subscribers at an economically reasonable rate.
For a $25 per month subscription, students will be able to pursue a Certificate in Theology, by taking online classes through Kairos University.
This opportunity, to be known as M28 (for Matthew 28/Great Commission), is ideal for church staff members in training, new pastors to ministry, co-vocational pastors and mid-career pastors who will not choose traditional seminary training at the MDiv level. By completing this certification, those pastors will be positioned to pursue a level of ordination recognized through Mission Northwest; meaning they will become better trained and credentialed for local ministry.
In addition, lay leaders who chose to participate will benefit from seminary-level training at an affordable cost, and be able to enhance their own congregational service.
Kairos University utilizes a competency-based model of theological education. This means a student’s prior competencies in education, leadership and ministry are considered during their initial assessment and the formation of a learning pathway. Each student’s path will be crafted as the student, academic dean, and student mentor confer around the competencies needed for a successful and faithful ministry.
Students will take 10 required courses to complete their certification. Ministry competencies will be assessed by a student mentor, who is someone with an M.Div. level of education, selected by the student and approved by the region. It is expected that a lay leader’s pastor will serve as their mentor.
The Rev. Dr. Dan Cash has been appointed as the Academic Dean for this program working under the supervision of Executive Minister, Rev. Mark Thompson. In addition to working with students in their progression through certification, Dan will coordinate monthly Zoom calls to help build a sense of community among each cohort of participating students.
Other Regions participating in this endeavor include Indiana/Kentucky, Ohio, Great Rivers and Michigan. Watch for more information on M28 in future news releases and social media posts.
2021 MISSION NORTHWEST
601 S. Ross Point Rd.
Post Falls, ID 83854
(208) 777-2733
office@MissionNW.org
Skillet Pork Chops with Potatoes and Onion
A great cold-weather dish that takes little prep time and yields tender chops.
Recipe by chefjenwin
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 4 Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pork chops (1/2 inch thick), trimmed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
4 Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
3 cubes beef bouillon
¾ cup hot water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Coat the pork chops with flour, and place in the skillet. Brown about 4 minutes on each side.
In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 the Parmesan cheese mixture over the pork chops. Layer chops with the potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese mixture. Top with onion slices.
In a small bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in hot water. Stir in the lemon juice. Pour over the layered pork chops.
Cover skillet, and reduce heat. Simmer 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender and pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
354 Calorie 16g Fat 31g Carbs 21g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label
Chuckles
"Yes, ma'am, but how do your know that I don't'?"
Calendar of Events at FBC
March 21 ... BUNCO Night at 6pm
March 24 ... Rooted @ 6-8pm
March 27 ... Experience God' Peace (Philippians) Women's Study 10:30am, Janet Holland's house
March 29 ... Good Friday Community Service, 7pm at FBC
March 31 ... Rooted @ 6-8pm
Every Sunday.......... coffee, juice, munchies and game for kids 9:30am in the FBC Teen Room
Every Wednesday ... Draw Near To God In Prayer 7pm
Every Thursday ....... men's small group 9:30am
Want to read past newsletters?
All newsletters are posted to the FBC Website. Go to www.FBCemmett.org and click on the 'News' dropdown, then 'Church Newsletters". There you will find a list of all the past newsletters that have been posted to the website.
Note: you can click on any picture within the newsletter to enlarge it!