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From the Pastor…

Most of my writing for the newsletter this

month is focused on the Sabbatical article about

Slovenia. For this space on the front page, I

want to make sure to say, “Thank you!”

As we have a Pastor’s Appreciation Potluck

celebrating 6 full years of shared ministry, and

the beginning of year number 7, I want to thank

you for including in the Terms of Call a

Sabbatical after every six years of service. We

are especially blessed to have full funding

provided through the Lilly Foundation’s

National Clergy Renewal Program. But if we

didn’t have that funding, even the gift of three

months for Sabbath mindfulness is an amazing

and helpful gift in itself. Being able to have

special experiences that would otherwise be

financially out of reach is a real bonus.

Sabbatical blessings all start with the

congregation showing love, care, and concern

for those serving in ministry. I appreciate your

hospitality and foresight, so thank you, thank

you, thank you for your support.

The Sabbatical is a special time, but I am

thankful for the ways we share in ministry all

the time. As the Peace Garden continues to

expand outreach into the community, as retreats

dive deeper into contemplative traditions and

spiritual disciplines, as the week to week

rhythm of worship, word, and sacrament give

shape to our life together, I am thankful for the

many ways the living God shows Christ’s love,

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SANDPOINT, IDAHO

May 2017

acceptance, and empowering in the lives of

people. Your ministry is important, and it is

amazing to serve with you in this corner of the

Kingdom of Heaven.

Once again, THANK YOU, and may God’s

Spirit continue to bless you and keep you as

we follow Jesus on the way.

Peace, Pastor Andy

THE GRAPEVINE

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BUILDING FUND

The Building Fund pledges have helped us pay ourselves back for the times the cash flow was

lacking and mortgage payments were due on the remodel funding. Although the official bank

mortgage was paid off, our church funds were in the hole because we borrowed from our savings

funds to pay the bank. The Building Fund pledge process of paying ourselves back is now complete,

however it is still important to give. If people who pay pledges toward the Building Fund would

continue giving this money, directed into their General Fund giving, then our budget would be in a

much stronger position moving forward. Thank you for your generous contr ibutions to the

ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church as we love, live, and learn the joy of faith.

SABBATICAL REFRESHER

The Sabbatical experience includes two main areas. One involves me (the Pastor), along with my

wife Shawna, and the other part involves the congregation. This article looks at the Pastor area,

especially the travel portion to Slovenia.

To set this in a broader view of travel, the overall itinerary includes: Flying to Germany, then to

Ireland, and 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 the Seattle area and then

back to Idaho. This all happens over July, August, and September of 2017. Busy, busy, in a restful

sort of way.

Here is a closer look at the trip to Slovenia:

After visiting The Gates of Freedom exhibit in Wittenberg, Germany, Shawna and I will fly from

Berlin, Germany to Ljubljana (pronounced Lube-lee-on-ah), Slovenia. This country has one of the

highest per capita ratios of bee keepers to the population of anyplace, so it is no wonder Apitourism

is becoming quite the buzz for their economy. The culture is shaped by a long history of beekeeping.

This is the homeland for the Carniolan subspecies of honey bee (Apis melifera carnica, Pollmann),

which is the second most popular throughout the world (next to the Italian Honey Bee). I have

Carniolan queens in my bee colonies in Sandpoint.

Landing at the airport in Ljubljana, we pick up a car rental and rendezvous with our guide. The three

of us will spend 8 days traveling the countryside visiting farms, wineries, and other tourist highlights.

Staying at various farmsteads overnight will allow for wine tasting, honey sampling, home cooked

foods, and other specialties. This type of tour is normally in a group, so it will be unique to have it

more private. We will be quite spoiled, but are very thankful for this week!

I have already purchased through the Lilly Foundation grant two Slovenian A-Z Hives. Seeing

established Bee-Houses first hand, visiting museums and bee keeping societies, and learning about

the history and current practices of bee keepers will be fascinating. The tour itself is coordinated

through ApiRoutes, an Apitour travel agency based out of Maribor.

The tour includes visiting Lake Bled, one of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine resort areas, with

walking, a boat tour, and Bled’s famous cream cake. We will also visit Lake Bohinj and hike to the

waterfall Savica. Bohinj cheeses are semi-soft and sharply flavored, but we’ll need to make sure.

beekeeping that we will visit

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Visiting an Apicultural museum in Radovljica, we’ll see some 600 original beehive fronts whose

motifs painted in oil depict the lives and beliefs of the people. Painting the front panels of

beehives is very traditional in Slovenia, and the bees can tell which hive is theirs by the unique

colors and patterns. During the week we will also visit an apitherapist and biodynamical

beekeeper, trying out the special api-therapeutic chamber that allows one to breathe air from

beehives. Bee wax sculpting and crafting workshops, along with honey wine; there are many

aspects of exploration. We will visit a place famous for pumpkin oil, and an herbal and

beekeeping farm. The Postojna cave is so large there is an electric tourist train that takes you

through the chambers in these underground caverns. The Predjama castle sits at the mouth of

another cavern halfway up a cliff. In the Karst region we will sample famous dry-cured hams and

teran wine, along with delicious Karst honey, again staying at a farm overnight. Along the

Mediterranean coast, we will visit the saltpans in Secovlje along with a museum. Piran is a

quaint town with medieval structure, narrow winding streets, squares and churches, and the sea.

There is much to experience in Slovenia, a country with LOVE written right in the name. We are

looking forward to the bee house tours, learning about the culture, and tasting so many foods

from the farms. Our guide and the others hosts have delightful reputations, and we feel we’ll be

in good hands as we explore. At the end of the eight days, we turn in the rental car, then catch an

overnight train to Munich, where we will transfer to another train that will take us back to our

friend’s house in southern Germany. We’ll spend several days there before borrowing their

motorhome to camp our way into the Franciscan world of Italy, which will be a feature in the

Grapevine Newsletter next month…

If you want to explore some websites about Slovenia and beekeeping, here are some links:

http://www.slovenianbeekeeping.com/ This is an American who sells hives and leads tours and is

where I ordered my new hive boxes and equipment and who advised me on structuring the tour

http://www.keepingbackyardbees.com/the-slovenian-beehive-arrives-in-the-us/ This is an article

about A-Z hives just starting to get discovered by American beekeepers

http://www.authentic-routes.com/tours-for-beekeepers This is the tour company we will use

http://mro.si/muzeji-in-zbirke/cebelarski-muzej/ This is a museum that shows many displays on

beekeeping that we will visit

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PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION

First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint recently set up an account with the Presbyterian

Foundation. This enables us to have the “GIVE NOW” link on the church website, and we have

a “QR scan” code that allows smartphone users direct access to a donation page. On that page,

people can select giving toward the General Fund or the Peace Garden Project. They submit their

name, address, and financial information which allows an online donation to take place in a

secure, structured way. The QR symbol can be used on other church publications, posters, or

flyers. The hope is that donations and community support will increase beyond the traditional

“pass the plate” system of Sunday morning. Many younger people, for example, don’t even use

paper checks. Many people don’t carry cash. Giving through electronic modes is more and more

popular. Visit www.fpcsandpoint.org and you will see the Give Now button and the scan code.

Tell your friends and relatives, and encourage people to support your important ministry.

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RENEWAL GROUP – PASTOR SABBATICTAL

As the time for the pastor’s sabbatical draws closer, the Renewal Group has picked up the pace

preparing for the time that Pastor Andy and Shawna will be away. Thanks to the huge generosity

of the Lilly Foundation grant, our congregation will have the opportunity to travel on a somewhat

parallel track, in spirit of course, with Pastor Andy and Shawna. No, we aren’t going to Europe.

But let me offer some hints about how our two journeys will touch.

For example, Pastor Andy will spend time in a “God Pod” at a monastery in Ireland

contemplating Celtic spirituality. We will host a retreat on Celtic Spirituality presented by an

Irish nun.

Pastor Andy will visit the birthplace of our Presbyterian faith while in Scotland. Don’t be

surprised if you hear the sound of bagpipes during one of our Sunday services.

Franciscan spirituality will be a study theme for Pastor Andy while in Switzerland and Italy. We

expect to host an international choir to join us in an inter-faith service.

Pastor Andy and Shawna will explore downtown Berlin on a bicycle tour. We will anticipate the

annual arrival of Bike and Build as they pedal across America raising awareness and money for

affordable housing causes.

Pastor Andy’s participation in several events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the

Protestant Reformation will certainly bring a connection to our annual Reformation Sunday

service this fall.

Pastor Andy will expand his knowledge of beekeeping during a visit to Slovenia. Well, perhaps

we can offer honey for the rolls during our fellowship time following worship.

So as you can see, this time of renewal will bless both Pastor Andy and Shawna as well as our

entire faith community.

Renewal Team: Judy Labrie, Sharon Anderson, Barney Ballard, Jim Shirrell, Lynn Pietz,

Bill Love

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Membership Outreach

On May 13th, we will be cleaning up our section of highway 95. We meet at the Westmond Store

at 10:00 and take off from there. It takes only about 1 ½ hrs. After completion, we will be meeting

back at Sylvia & Chuck Humes’ home in Sandpoint for lunch. Nothing to bring, just gloves for the

cleanup, everything else is provided. Let’s help make America clean again!! Call 263-4008 if you

can help.

It’s” Lost in the 50s” time. Yea!! Our booth will be right across from Farmin Park at Jones Square.

It is promising to be a very busy spot. So that means we will need lots of help. Please check the

bulletin board at the church and sign up for a time slot. Our success depends on you. Since the

booth’s inception, we have been fortunate to be able to fund many projects within our church.

Please help us to do that again this year. We need help on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

Keep May 19th & 20th open for our “Lost” booth. Thank you so much.

Attention Families of College-Bound Students

Are you aware that four Deacons’ Fund offers college scholarships? We all know how expensive

post-high-school education is, so please apply if you are interested. The application form must be

completed by May 26, 2017. See Susan Bristol in the church office or call Dan Murphy (425-0256

-01863) or Jim Shirrell (208-290-7376) if you have questions

Thank you, Marilyn Robertson, for baking our Communion bread!

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Progressive Dinner, June 10th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Church Family and Friends,

Please mark your calendars for FPC Progressive Dinner on June 10th. This event

will stay within a 5 mile radius of Sandpoint Core. We’ll have four different stops,

each stop will feature a portion of a meal. Stop #1 will be appetizers, stop #2 will be

salad, stop #3 an entree, and stop #4 dessert. This will most likely be our last social

activity with Pastor Andy and Shawna before they leave us. This is casual style

eating, easy conversation, mingling and moving! More information will be included

in the bulletin and we’ll provide an insert that indicates the areas you can assist with.

Please RSVP by end of May.

Sue Helander

Thank you, Marilyn Robertson, for baking our Communion bread!

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FINANCE

As of April 23, 2017 please be aware of the following needs and priorities as we meet the

financial needs of our church.

1. As of April 2017 our Year-To-Date Budget requirements is $43,716.00. Current offering

received through April 23, 2017 is $41,412.37. Currently year-to-date financial giving is

short $2,303.63 of meeting the giving budget. With one Sunday left in April we should meet

our current annual giving budget. Big thanks to everyone.

2. The new online Ministry Partnership Fund is up and running on the church web site

office@fpcsandpoint.org. The Ministry Fund will allow individuals to make online donations

to the Peace Garden or General Fund. Please check it out.

3. Per Capita Apportionment was paid March 31, 2017. Total due was $3366.00 payable to

the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest. As of March 31, 2017 60 out of 94 members have

paid. All members are encouraged to please pay the $34.00 per capita for 2017.

Please note “per capita” on your check’s memo line.

Dave Sturgis, Finance

PW met April 11th with Jan Griffiths presenting the program on Daybreak along with discussion

about Alzheimer’s disease. In addition Ellen Weisman spoke on happenings at the Senior Center

and thanked PW for past support.

Discussion was held regarding the Rummage sale. An invitation was made to join in on a tail

gate yard sale in July. PW agreed to participate and will wait until May to decide on the

rummage sale.

CHANGE OF PLANS – May meeting will be a potluck at Dee Driesbach’s home. The program

on bees by Pastor Andy will be rescheduled for the fall. May 9th will be the concluding meeting

until fall.

Congregation: please bring in your “Treasured Items” for PW to sell at the tail gate yard sale.

Items at this time are in the choir room. (Due to moisture in regular storage area.)

Watch the bulletin insert for announcements concerning future PW celebrations.

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MAY BIRTHDAYS

1 Mary Bauer

7 Virginia Ross

8 Jim Shirrell

9 Don Helander & Mark Kennaly

12 Brian Casey

16 Jack Parker

18 Ted Farmin

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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

May

9 Presbyterian Women’s Potluck at Dee Dreisbach’s home—12:00 noon

(last meeting until September)

9 Worship and Music Meeting—5:00 p.m. on May 9th

13 Highway Cleanup—Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Westmond Store

16 Session Meeting—Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

19-20 Lost in the 50’s

26 Deacons’ Scholarship Application Deadline

Upcoming Music Concerts/Recitals

Bella Note’ Recital, Wednesday, May 10th beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Music Conservatory Concert, Sunday, May 14th at 5:00 p.m.

The Festival at Sandpoint Youth Orchestra, Sunday, May 21st at 4:00 p.m.

Regular Monthly Events

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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