First Press April 2021 - Volume 69 - Number 4 - First Presbyterian Church of Spokane
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First Press
April 2021 - Volume 69 - Number 4
April
Ramblings from the
Reverend
Friends,
“Efficacious.” It’s a word that I first learned in seminary and has always seemed as if it was a semi-
technical term that wouldn’t really be used outside of the seminary setting. Here recently, though,
I have heard it quite a bit. As we have learned about various vaccines, they are often described
by a standard of how “efficacious” they are. Basically, as we have learned, efficacious means, “It
works.” So, in the case of the vaccines to say that a particular vaccine was efficacious meant that the
trials had been run, the testing had been done, and the vaccine worked as it was designed to do.
In the theological world, efficacious has much the same meaning. It applies
to Jesus, and, in particular, what Jesus did for us on the cross and on Easter
morning. The cross worked, and the empty tomb is the proof!
The efficacy of the cross, and it’s Easter proof, validated Jesus. It validated his sacrifice, certainly,
but it also validated his claim that he was singularly ushering in the Kingdom of God. It validated
that Jesus, and his sacrifice on the cross, was the way in which God was going to rescue us from our
individual and corporate sin. It was God’s plan proven, a plan which rescues us from sin and death.
That is what we will celebrate this Easter Sunday. We will declare that what Jesus did for us and
for all creation worked. We were not capable of healing ourselves but God had a plan for our
healing. Jesus implemented that plan and we are the recipients of what Christ has done for us.
What a worthy celebration! We join the angels and the women at the tomb and the disciples
in glorying that God has done this for us. We celebrate Jesus, the ultimate expression of
God’s sacrificial love. We celebrate that his death was not the final word for him – and
through him, for us! We celebrate Easter and the hope that we have in Jesus, that his
light is greater than the darkness, that his grace is greater than sin and death.
So, join us during Holy Week as we commemorate the way in which Jesus went
about achieving God’s plan of love and redemption. Gather physically (please
register online if you want to be present inn the sanctuary) or virtually with us
on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (both services starting at 7:00pm).
Join us this Easter to celebrate the efficacy of God’s plan enacted and achieved
through Jesus Christ. Sign up for one of our three services on campus or join us
on line. Let us proclaim together that “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!”
Blessings and Peace,
John Sowers
First Press Newsletter (USPS 197-760) is published monthly, except for June and July when combined, by First Presbyterian Church,
318 South Cedar Street, Spokane, WA 99201-7030. Periodical postage paid at Spokane, WA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
First Press Newsletter, 318 South Cedar Street, Spokane, WA 99201-7030.
2
Easter Lilies
Given in Memory of:
Lowell Anderson by The Farrington Family
Richard Earl (Dick) Baker by Chad Pfeifer & Mary Beth Baker- Pfeifer
Stephen Michael Baker by Chad Pfeifer & Mary Beth Baker- Pfeifer
Mary Frances Beckman by Ned Beckman
Dulane & Benita Fulton by Jack & Shirley Vines
Hedley “Lea” Greene by Bugs Greene
Kathryn Hancock Pfeifer by Chad Pfeifer & Mary Beth Baker- Pfeifer
Dick & JoAnn Harrison by Ann Harrison
Jahn R. Hedberg by The Hesslers
June Hill by Heidi Peters Given in Honor of:
Victor Hill by Ilene Hill & their children
Jennifer Johnston by Melanie Felgenhauer Nacki Aldrich, Willis and Anne Aldrich
Mr. C.L. Kane by Shirley & Don Whittaker by Kris, Noah, Jordan & Sarah Munir
Frank Kendall (Dad) by Christie Jones Bob & Sue Ann Carter
Dick Krumland by Debbie Scanlon by John & Elaine Carter
Our sweet puppy, Lily by The Felgenhauer Family Doris Dorwin
Hilmer and Dorothy Lodge by Frank & Rosemary Otto by Tim & Marcia Dorwin
Don Meekoff by Anonymous Carmen Hagman
Joe and Clara Murin by Rodger & Trudy Pettichord by Anonymous
Our Parents
Charlene Odeen (sister-in-law) by Virginia Odeen
by Kim & Eric Johnson
Harold Odeen (husband) by Virginia Odeen Margy Swenson and Darrel Swenson
Juergen and Irmgard Otto by Frank & Rosemary Otto by Mitch, Marci, Merrick & Nels,
Pat and Eva Pettichord by Rodger & Trudy Pettichord Spouses & Grandkids!
Kathy Schaeffer (sister) by John & Jan Priddy
Lucille Miles (aunt) by John & Jan Priddy
Joe Ruth (Karen’s Father) by Keith & Karen Liptack
Donna Salgado by Phil & Wendy
Jason Scanlon & Mike Scanlon by Debbie Scanlon
Hans Schimanski, Ruth Schimanski by Heidi Peters
Bruce & Winnie Speas by John & Elaine Carter
LaVonne Stier by Daughters, Donna, Shirley and Gerri
Gerry Strong by Blair & Susan Strong
Dr. Richard Villalobos by Ann Harrison
Jack & Margaret Vines Jack & Shirley Vines
Edi and Ernie Watne by Bonnie & Jerry Wilmot
Dr. & Mrs. W. Paul Whittaker by Shirley & Don Whittaker
Willene Wick by Andrew Wick
3
Belonging ...
“Our deepest satisfaction comes not from achieving personal autonomy but through acceptance into
unconditional love and in unbreakable belonging to a people.” Jeremy
- Linneman, thegospelcoalition.org
Why belong to The Church?
Because we are called together for ...
encouragement Hebrews 10:25 mentoring Titus 2:1-10 shared life 1 Corinthians 12 God's
plan Ephesians 2:11-21 servanthood Mark 10:35-45 maturing Ephesians 3:14-21, 4:13-16 participation 1 Co-
rinthians 10:16, 11:17-34, 12:13 guidance Hebrews 13:17 growing in mercy Titus 3:1-7 care Acts 20:28
support Colossians 3:16
“In Christ, we can
find true belonging:
What does it mean to belong to True belonging is
being fully known
this church? and being fully
We are not in competition with other congregations. In Christ, we are participants in the loved.”
Body of Christ; his Church. We also seek to live distinctively in the way God has called and - Jeremy Linneman
shaped us to be as a particular church during this time and in this place. thegospelcoalition.org
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Our Mission
Embodying and demonstrating Jesus in fruitful relationship with God and others to the glory of God.
“… thus you shall know them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:20
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit,
because apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Our Values
Christ Centered Transformation. We respond to Christ’s invitation to have all of life transformed by his Gospel.
Missional Journey. We speak the Good News and act boldly for compassion, justice and mercy in Christ’s name.
Intergenerational Community. We believe every generation has a gift to give one another.
Living in the Gap. We affirm the sovereignty of God as we live with grace in the tensions between diversity & unity;
faith & doubt; mystery & revelation.
Spirit of Possibility. We trust in the creative leading of the Holy Spirit with the freedom to risk together.
Find out more at https://www.spokanefpc.org/mission-values
4
Do YOU belong to First Presbyterian Church?
If you are new to us, we hope you are feeling a sense of belonging. If you’d like to
consider taking the next step in becoming a part of us, please contact us or sign up to join
the class below ...
Call 747-1058 or send an email
trudyb@spokanefpc.org
2021 Spring New Member Class brendan@spokanefpc.org
In this new season, we have created a new process for
joining us. It’s a chance for us to get to know you and you
to get to know us and one another.
If the dates below don’t work for you please let us know. We are planning another class in June that will follow the
same process and similarly include a Zoom option on a Thursday and an in-person option on a Sunday.
1. Sign up
Online at https://www.spokanefpc.org/adults - OR - call 747-1058
Space will be limited to 12 in-person and 6 screens online
2. Watch 5 short videos to learn more about who we are as a community in Christ
Videos will be available beginning May 3 online at https://www.spokanefpc.org/adults. Please watch all 5
before your Story-telling Gathering date. They are 10-20 minutes each. If you need help accessing these,
please call us at 747-1058.
3. Participate in a 2-hour Story-telling Gathering
Choose one of these options when you sign up
Zoom Group: 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, May 13
In-person Group: 11:00-2:00 on Sunday, May 16 (Box lunch included)
4. Meet with one of our elders
You choose to meet in-person, via Zoom or through a phone call for 30-40 minutes. This will be a chance for
you get to know and be known by one of our elders. The assigned elder will call you to set up a time to meet
sometime between May 13 and May 22.
5. Join in a communal (re)affirmation of faith
You’ll answer a few questions to (re)affirm your faith in Jesus Christ. The In-person Group will do this in the
sanctuary during worship on Sunday, May 23. The Zoom Group be recorded doing this over Zoom (date to
be determined) so it can be shown in worship on the 23rd. During this worship service you’ll be welcomed
by the congregation. With you, we continue being shaped into the people God is inviting us to be together;
living out expressions of Jesus Christ that are guided by our Spirit-inspired vision, mission and values.
… Join
“You choose your friends because
their ideas and style are similar to
your own, God puts different
people in a congregation so they
can learn from each other.”
- Peter Adam, thegospelcoalition.org
5
Serve. “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved
into the neighborhood.”
—John 1:14, The Message
Local Look:
Habitat’s Annual Luncheon is a Lunch-In!
Join us virtually for a wonderful opportunity to learn more
about the affordable housing crisis in Spokane, and the
solutions we are partnering with Habitat to provide. Be a part
of a family’s home ownership success story by supporting
Habitat for Humanity Spokane! FPC was recently chosen as
Habitat’s Faith Builder of the year, for our legacy of support
that includes finances and a LOT of hours worked on the
construction sites. Watch for our next Habitat work day in May!
Register for the luncheon by visiting habitat-spokane.org/HBL2021/ In the “who invited
you” menu, select Stephen and Patti Aspinwall or Ross Carper (FPC-Habitat liaisons)
DID YOU KNOW:
In collaboration with 2nd Harvest food bank,
Manito Presbyterian Church, and the Presbytery,
we have distributed nearly 50 TONS of food to
south hill neighbors since the pandemic began.
2nd Harvest recently ended the neighborhood
distribution program after nearly a year. THANK
YOU SO MUCH to all who helped in this effort!
Russet Hill Apartments resident and Praxis student Yakaw volunteered to help
every single week with our food distribution in his neighborhood! Way to go!
6
Global Glimpse:
World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine is Back!
FPC’s Shift middle school ministry
asks for your partnership
For individuals and families who may be looking to
steward stimulus funding they perhaps don’t need,
our very own Shift middle school ministry has a deal
for you! They are SOOOO excited they will be back
next month doing their fasting weekend (can you
believe teenagers not eating for 30 hours?), growing
in their understanding of needs in our world, and
growing closer to Jesus. World Vision has secured
up to 6x matching multipliers for hunger-related
donations — which means sacrificially giving up a
few hundred or a thousand in stimulus dollars will
turn into an amount that feeds multiple children
for YEARS. If you’re in a position to give and want to
join kids at FPC as they help feed kids around the
world, visit Shift’s team fundraising page by typing this
link into your Internet browser: bit.ly/spokane-shift-30
FPC Financial Update
• Pledged income after two months is $12,583 favorable to budget. Non-Pledged income is
$19,996 favorable to budget.
• The expenses are $17,116 favorable to budget.
• Net income is $49,466 favorable to budget.
Financial Update - 2021 Operating Budget
February-21
Church Only Month Year to Date YTD Budget
Income $ 144,495 $ 305,073 $ 272,723
Expense 96,488 207,805 224,920
Income over (under) expenses 48,007 97,268 47,803
7
Compassionate Boundaries
Most of us recognize that First Pres is a downtown church. Many of us were drawn to our church because of its
location—convenient to get to, a landmark building, a community of believers from all over the Spokane area.
Being downtown comes with challenges too. Over many decades, Spokane’s homeless population has in-
creased, and the reasons for homelessness have become ever deeper rooted. Transient visitors are drawn
to our building at night for its high porches, raised above street level, and for the shelter provided by
the porch roofs. Most nights of the week, after staff and members have gone home, our church building
shelters homeless people on the steps as they eat, sleep, and rest. While our official policy is “no camp-
ing,” our leadership and staff have consistently chosen to offer a tacit wel-
come overnight, even as we seek to support the shelter services in town
and direct people there when we can. Our facilities staff—Gene, Chad, and
our custodians, Sylvester and Patrick—are practiced and gracious at invit-
ing people to access shelter resources, and giving help where needed.
In the last few months, they have also noticed a significant spike in
the challenges that our homeless neighbors bring. There has been
more trash left behind each night, including untouched food, drug
paraphernalia, piles of cardboard, clothing, sleeping bags, even
tents; there have been fires lit on our porches, scorch marks on An exterior FPC stairwell
the doors, and human waste left in stairwells and behind bushes. earlier this winter.
Each morning our staff faithfully cleans up the church’s property, gently asks
those sleeping there to find resources and move along, and tries to respond
to the requests (and sometimes verbal abuse) that come their way. During the
school day, with children and teachers on the premises, sometimes people
resting on the steps have to be asked to move along too. One Friday recently,
an angry man kicked in the stained glass windows at our southeast entry door
which we will be fixing soon. (See the pictures accompanying this article.)
For many months all this has been hidden from the sight of the larger
church body, as most of us stay home during the pandemic, as the fa-
cilities staff takes care of the property, balancing the personal toll of
constant cleanup with the enjoyment of the rest of their work. But in
the end, no one is served by letting these circumstances continue.
Like so many other downtown churches and businesses, we are con-
cerned to balance the dignity and care of our neighbors with protection of
FPC Entry Doors
our staff, school children, and property. And First Pres. church has always had Jesus’ 3/5/21
heart to serve the poor. First Pres members and staff have truly poured donations,
service, love and care into serving our homeless neighbors at City Gate, Union Gos-
pel Mission, and elsewhere—for decades. We are still receiving donations each week to bring to City Gate.
So how can we walk that fine line, both caring for those who come to our door, and being good stewards
of the property and lives within our church building? It’s the challenge of compassionate boundaries.
In light of the recent challenges, we have established a small working group of staff members, dea-
cons, and other concerned church members, to research and pray and discern next steps. We have af-
firmed our values: building relationships where Jesus is exalted; inviting all to experience the trans-
formation that Jesus alone can bring; living in the tension between “now and not yet.” We are looking
at our place in bigger systems to understand our role—what are other churches and non-prof-
its doing? Are the shelters available or at capacity? How is the City of Spokane helping or harm-
ing the homeless population? How much of the current situation is due to the pandemic?
8
Recently after much discussion we installed a few “no trespassing”
signs at a few porches—not because signs by themselves keep anyone
away, but because our no-camping policy can only be enforced if it is
posted in legal language. Most importantly this allows us to choose
when and whether to enforce. (Without signs posted, even the police
cannot legally request someone to move—something we have learned
the hard way.) They will enable our staff to keep our boundaries
clear, so that we may offer a true welcome to all, as God calls us.
As of this writing, the signs have been in place for
about two weeks, and the number of overnight
campers and amount of trash are both measurably reduced for now—very good news.
Of course the deep challenges of poverty and homelessness continue; there is no one answer to
these challenges, faced by many churches and businesses across the nation. So I write to let you
know what’s happening in your church, and to ask for your help. First and foremost, I invite you
to join me in praying daily for our homeless neighbors, for the most vulnerable in our society,
for those who are so broken in body, mind or spirit, that they cannot even function “normally”—
lamenting with them over the brokenness our society faces. Pray too for our church staff and
members, as we work to maintain compassionate boundaries in creative and gracious ways.
Second, I ask you to join me in considering what we are doing, as individuals and as a church
community, to continue reaching out with the compassion and love of Jesus to the least of these.
We will have new and growing opportunities in this area when Hope House women’s shelter opens
its doors this month, at 1301 W. 3rd Ave, not far from us. We are hoping to ask the city to install
and maintain a portable toilet nearby, as we continue forging relationships with others doing
the difficult work of caring for the homeless and ultimately enabling them to find homes.
May the peace we have in Jesus Christ extend beyond our sanctuary, out the
doors to our steps, to our sidewalks, our neighborhood and neighbors.
You can find more of FPC’s policies regarding “the stranger at the door”, benevolence, and mission
outreach, online at spokanefpc.org/care, or by requesting them from the church office.
-Betsy Wynne
From the Counselor’s Corner
The pandemic seems to be lessening. Many are getting vaccinated. Most of us have
learned in this past year what solitude offers: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Now, as we become more active, the key is to bring our solitude into our activity. Gratitude
in being still in life/nature leads to the felt awareness of gratitude in our increasing
activity. Integrating than polarizing is our task: it is not one or the other, it is both.
Easter reminds that God love us. Forgives us. Now our life is to love our own self. Forgive my own self. This
experience leads us to love our family and friends. To forgive our family and friends. The last challenge is the
hardest of all: to love all. Nature, wild life, every person in this world. To forgive and to love. Love never dies.
Gary Steeves, M.Ed.—Pastoral Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Gary continues to offer counseling via teletherapy.
206-957-4707 or GSteeves@Samaritanps.org
9
Congregational Care
To BE or Not....
From the time we are little, the question is often asked “ what do
you want to Do when you grow up?” Not so much who do you want
to be? The emphasis seems always to be placed on the doing.
I can recall a time when I was invited to a picnic for a noted
congresswoman from California. Many high achieving women were in
attendance. I was excited to be there, but felt somewhat intimidated
by the perpetual question of “and what do you do?” Well, I had four
kids under the age of 10 and so mostly what I did was laundry, cook,
clean, and carpool! Not much to brag about. Feeling insecure and
undervalued about my stay at home status, I was almost relieved
when my youngest got stung by a bee so that I could make a hasty
retreat. This was in the time before being a housewife was elevated
to becoming a “domestic goddess” and the great example of the
total woman was to meet hubby at the door clothed in Saran Wrap!
Thankfully, times have changed -somewhat. Now women
are told they can do it all: have a job, have a family, have
a house in the woods, grow your own food, cook a gourmet meal every
night, and still have an active social life! Put a little aside for date nights,
summer retreats, and the charity of your choice, and you’re all good.
Whew! What a trap...I feel exhausted & defeated just writing this.
In his sermons on lamentations, Pastor John (who is in good company with God & Jeremiah), describes
the steadfast love of God which compels us to be with people on the margins. To love our neighbor
as ourselves, surrender our privilege to live our lives as we see fit, and instead invest in others. This,
my friends, is what a Stephen Minister is called to BE. It is not in the doing; it is in the Being.
Listening to a young mom living a life of quiet desperation, feeling trapped, not able to
speak her heart with others without feeling guilty; or a man of a certain age expecting
to comfortably retire after years, who is phased out of his job; or a couple in the throes
of divorce; loss of any kind; illness, disability, whatever is troubling you.
Following this protracted period of isolation you may feel a need to seek out
someone who is not going to try to fix you, but is willing to be with you-to listen,
give voice to your concerns, sit with you in sadness... to lament.
If, on the other hand, you feel the call of the great commission to “go into all the world to
preach the gospel” -adapted to “as you are going through this world, Be the Good News;
spread God’s light & love to those you meet- then there. is a place for you as well.
A new 50-hour training session for future Stephen’s ministers will begin in late September or early
October until March 2022. During that time you will learn how to provide one on one Christ centered care.
Learning how to express compassion, not in what you do, but in being who we are called to BE in Christ.
More about the training next month. However, if you have questions,
speak with Shirley Whittaker, our trainer, at 467-7608.
If you are interested in this ministry, please contact Betsy Wynne at 747-1058, or Kim Johnson at 747-6580.
10YOUTH
MINISTRIES
4/6: No Shift
4/13: Start of 30 Hour
Famine Season!
4/20: Shift 6-7:30
4/27: Shift 6-7:30
4/7: No Praxis
4/14: Praxis 7-8:30
4/21: D-Groups Off Site
4/28: Praxis Pandemic
Party #3
WESTPORT IS
HAPPENING!
We are excited to announce
that both our friends in
Westport and here at FPC
are committed to making
our Student Leadership
trip happen this summer!
Current seniors WILL be
allowed and encouraged
to join us this year. The
week of the trip will be
July 31 - August 8th
and applications will
be available soon.
11Contacts
Coming Up (509) 747-1058
Pastoral Team
John Sowers (250)
Betsy Wynne (253)
APR. 1 Maundy Thursday
Admin/Family Ministries
Brian Grow (244)
APR. 2 Good Friday Worship/Music
Derrick Parker (307)
Catherine Hessler (309)
APR. 4 Easter FPC Christian School
Gretchen Hausman (120)
Children’s Ministries
Tani Carlson (165)
APR. 26 FPCS Flower Pickup Junior High
Kezia Rhodes (175)
High School
APR. 29 Habitat Luncheon Brad Hauge (174)
Adult Ministries
Brenda Norton (243)
Tegan Brindley (252)
Missional Engagement
Ross Carper (246)
Newsletter, Bulletin, First Word Email
April Egly (aprile@spokanefpc.org)
Barton School Becky Rempe (212)
Deacon Prayer Line: 747-1050
Office Hours
Office is open M-TH 9-1pm.
Office doors remain locked. Mask required.
Sunday Worship Services
Online and by reservation until further
notice.
For more information about ongoing programs, visit our website
at www.spokanefpc.org or pick up a brochure at the church
.You can also read
