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 work-

ers, 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 su-

pers where they store the honey that the beekeeper takes,

to “comb” supers, boxes that are designed for that honey-

on-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 1852.

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 proba-

bly 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 liv-

ing 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 cover-

alls, 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 in-

volve 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 his-

tory, 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 dis-

rupted as abruptly as the box-stacking system.

FI R S T PR E S B YTE R I A N C H U R CH O F S A N D PO I N T , I D A H O

D ece mb er 2 0 1 6

2 0 1 6

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 dis-

cover a truth, we also discover that deeper or larger

truths lay just beyond, and then more, and more. Mys-

tery invites continual awareness and discovery.

Soon we celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus

reminds us that God mysteriously invites us to experi-

ence 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 an-

gels, it is good news that Jesus is born!

Merry Christmas!

Peace, Pastor Andy

2

SABBATICAL REFRESHER

Last month I wrote an article about getting fund-

ing 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 fol-

lowing 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, Aus-

tria, and back to Germany, then to Seattle and the

Pacific Ocean, then back to Idaho. This all hap-

pens over July, August, and September of 2017.

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 sum-

mers 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 4th. 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 (http://

www.glenstal.org/hospitality/god-pods/), 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 (http://

www.glendaloughhermitage.ie/hermitage/). The

Hermitage itself is run by nuns and has a few

quaint cottages. The grounds include several

buildings, gardens, a chapel, and an outside pray-

er 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 For-

giveness Retreat, hosted by Pastor Andy Kennaly

and Sharon Anderson, Ruling Elder. It will be

held the evening of Friday, February 24 and dur-

ing the day on Saturday, February 25. More de-

tails will be announced in January.

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 fo-

cused 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

FINANCE

With month ending November 30, 2016 please be aware of the following needs and priori-

ties as we meet the financial needs of our church for 2016.

1. The Year-to-Date Budget requirement through November 30, 2016 is $121,847.00.

Offering received Year-to-Date ending November 2016 is $108,595.44. Year-to-date fi-

nancial giving is short $13,251.56 of meeting the Annual Budget.

2. Our church has done an extremely great job in controlling expenses for the calendar

year of 2016. Our current budget expense through October is $358.00 under the estab-

lished 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

2017.

Please be thinking about preparing your reports for the Annual Meeting. Reports will be

due by Thursday, January 12th.

Thank you.

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!

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 amaz-

ing. 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 chil-

dren of the world.

Tracy Gage

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

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 $1,454.03. 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 invit-

ed to attend.

8

AN EARTH CARE MESSAGE FROM KERMIT THE FROG

Kermit often sang “It’s not easy being green.” We might agree with him regarding expecta-

tions 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.

A note from the national office of Presbyterian Women. The date has passed, but Barbara Rolph wishes to

share the letter.

Grateful Monday

"And be thankful" (Col. 3:15).

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 com-

munity 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.

9

December

19 Brandon Casey

21 Marvelee Higgins

22 Geri Stockman

26 Lois Scott

30 Harry Menser & Phyllis Townsend

10

Calendar Announcements

Sunday Worship—10:30 a.m. Fellowship, following service

Monday 6:00 p.m. Al-Anon

Tuesday Book Study Group—1:30 p.m. Contemplative Prayer Group—3:00 p.m. Choir Practice, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday 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

Thursday 12:00 p.m. Al-Anon 7:00 p.m.—Alcoholics Anonymous

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.

26-30 Office will be closed

Regular Monthly Events

11

First Presbyterian Church

Ministers: Members and Friends

Pastor Andy Kennaly

417 North Fourth Avenue, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

208-263-2047 office@fpcsandpoint.org

pastorandy@fpcsandpoint.org

Pastor cell phone: 208-304-5488

www.fpcsandpoint.org