Note: This website continues to be
developed. Questions or concerns regarding the Montesano Church of God should be
emailed to:
goodnews@mchog.org
Our web site is up and on-line. It is a work in progress and is continually being up-dated. All the links are working. If you experience problems let us know. If you have a dial-up connection please be patient as it may take a few moments for this site to load completely...
We invite YOU to come back and visit with us often.
Watch archived services from the 2011 North American Convention
A TIME OF PRAYER
Each Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. in the Fireside Room. Come and pray for others and the needs of our church.
Women of Faith second Tuesday @ 7:00 P.M.
Board of Elders third Saturday @ 9:00 A.M.
XYZ group third Thursday @ 11:30 A.M.
East County Rotary Breakfast & Meeting
Thursdays @ 7:00 A.M.
Senior Exercise Group (Montesano Community School) is on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8-9 in the Youth Room
Girl Scouts meet on selected days… some Wednesdays and some Fridays. They change their meetings around so they vary.
All groups meet only during the “school year”
High School - various activities
CASA for volunteer training on an as needed basis
Keeping in shape is great,
But soul-building reaches much more discipline than body-building.
Choose the trainer of your spirit well
9:30 a.m. Fellowship, juice and coffee
in the Fellowship Hall
9:45 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Ask someone,
"Would YOU like to come to church with me?"
A highly successful program CONTINUING this Winter...
in the Youth Room downstairs
It has been said that nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted...
11:00 - 11:29 a.m. Grab a cup of coffee or glass of juice and head for a Sunday School class. Classes are available for ALL ages.
11:30 a.m. Sunday School
A class for ALL ages
12:15 P.M. Dismissal
We provide a Nursery for all services...
Marc Rice
Senior Pastor
His office hours - Tues - fri. 9 - 12 and 1 - 3 P.M.
Sometimes things that happen in worship have long term impact. I have been enjoying hearing testimonies from several in our congregation who participated in Baptism Renewal Sunday on January 8th. Most everyone present came forward that morning and took a “stone” from a basin of water as an act of “remembrance or intention”. Some came forward to reaffirm and remember their own baptism. Others came to demonstrate their intention to go deeper in their walk with Christ and perhaps to commit to follow Him through baptism. Still others took more than one stone to share with another person in some meaningful way.
Through this worship initiation we have several people – both children and adults - who have asked to be baptized this coming Easter Sunday on April 8. As I meet with them I would like to continue to extend the invitation to all those in our church who feel led to consider this next step of faith. I am finding that many of our children and young people are expressing a desire to take this step in their faith journey. I am also learning that although many of our adults have a relationship with Christ, for some reason they have “missed” or postponed this important step of discipleship in their own walk with Him.
If you are a believer and have not been baptized let me encourage and invite you to join with those who will be baptized this coming Easter Sunday. This would be a great step in your own walk with Christ this year. If you have questions about Baptism, please come and talk to me. (360) 249-3242 J
Looking forward to a life-changing Lenten Journey with you all…..
Pastor Marc
THE HELPLESS TURTLE
By LeRoy Schatz
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Have you ever felt like a turtle lying flat on its back, totally helpless? There you are at the mercy of God. It clearly gives the words “Wait upon the Lord” a whole new meaning.
I had just come out of the operating room and was lying flat on my back in the recovery room, hoping to quickly return to my top floor private room with the best view of the city. I was anxious to be with my loving wife of 52 years. Then it happened! I was told that I could not move for at least three hours. A tube was placed in a main artery and it was life threatening.
What happened next I could never make up. I tried to raise my head to look around. Right away an RN said to me, “do not life your head.” She spoke with thirty years of authority. I listened and obeyed. Sometime later I became restless and once again began to lift my head. As if on cue, a male RN leaned over and said “do not lift your head.” Once again said with authority, and once again I obeyed.
Now wouldn’t you know, Mother Nature was calling me. What do I do now? Let’s revisit Psalm 46:10. Be still and know that I am God. The good Lord has definitely got my attention! I must wait upon the Almighty God and trust in Him or die. Okay, I will obey! At that very moment I died to myself and gained a new lease on life.
I met many caregivers over eight days of pain and suffering, but I met the greatest caregiver of all – I met Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
My hospital experience can best be described by these words: Psalm 23 – A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness, for His name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I witnessed many acts of mercy during my stay. I experienced many medical complications that defy logic. Yet in the end, what really counts is experiencing the love of God. I no longer feel like a helpless turtle. I now feel at peace!
ever with you
close beside you
in the daylight
in the darkness
at each moment of each day
I am in you
I am love
I am God
PANCAKE DAY AT ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL
Each year on Shrove Tuesday (better known as Pancake Day) you will find Pastor Marc next door! I am not so sure how many pancakes he eats on that day, but let’s say he probably doesn’t have pancakes for breakfast because that is his lunch and dinner. (He may also have that for his snack in the afternoon, too!)
Pancake Day at St. Mark’s has been a long-standing tradition in Montesano, one that has seen many a pancake turners, and this year is no different. Serving up Pancakes, Ham and Applesauce leaves the restaurants in Montesano quite empty on that day! A silver offering is taken during your meal which is served from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Stop in for your pancakes and tell Pastor Marc hello!
Notes and Things…
PRAYER HOUR EVERY WEDNESDAY
Do you ever wish you were closer to God? Do you sometimes feel a twinge of guilt for neglecting prayer? Do you envy the people who seem to have it all together? Do you long for peace and stillness of heart?
Many people today think they cannot pray. They view praying as a special gift of church activists, the elderly or saints. If you are among these people, or if you just need encouragement for your ongoing prayer journey, take heart.
Every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. there will be a prayer hour in the Fireside Room. Bring your prayer concerns and join other prayer warriors for an hour of prayer each and every Wednesday. Prayer isn’t for specialists; prayer is for you and for me.
Videos on this site are courtesy YouTube.com/southwindradio
2012 LENTEN
LUNCH SERIES
Once again the Montesano Ministerial Association will be sponsoring the Lenten Lunch Series on the Fridays during Lent. There will be several opportunities for you to participate in the upcoming Lent Season and they are listed here.
2/21 Shrove Tuesday “Pancake Day”
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church L
2/22 Ash Wednesday Services
12:00 noon @ St. John’s Catholic Church
6:00 p.m. @ St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
7:00 p.m. @ Montesano United Methodist
2/24 Lenten Luncheon #1 @ 11:30 a.m.
Montesano United Methodist Church
3/2 Lenten Luncheon #2 @ 11:30 a.m.
Montesano Church of God
3/9 Lenten Luncheon #3 @ 11:30 a.m.
St. John’s Catholic Church
3/16 Lenten Luncheon #4 @ 11:30 a.m.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
3/23 Lenten Luncheon #5 @ 11:30 a.m.
Montesano United Methodist Church
3/30 Lenten Luncheon #6 @ 11:30 a.m.
St. John’s Catholic Church
4/6 Community Good Friday Service
Montesano Church of God @ 7:00 p.m.
Lunch of soup will be served beginning at 11:30 with a short 30 minute service beginning at 12:15. This will give you the opportunity to stop in during your lunch time for the Lenten Series and not miss any work.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
Plans are continuing for the beginning of Sunday School for all ages. The target date is Sunday, February 5th.
There are many names for those we often call “teachers” (it is such a simple word and one that all of us can relate to). In looking up the word “teacher” in the Thesaurus it had me thinking of many other names we can call those who will shape the minds of our children (and adults).
There are educators, tutors, instructors, coaches, trainers, lecturers, professors, educationalist and many more names. I like to think of “Teachers” as moms, dads, grandparents, God-loving individuals, or teams, that have a desire to share with young minds about our Lord and Savior. They are those who enjoy children and activities, those who have a relationship with God, and those who are willing to share their talents with someone else.
Much planning has gone into the Sunday School materials that have been purchased for our program. Each lesson is well planned out. You don’t have to “find something to teach”, as it is already provided for you in the teaching materials. You don’t have to come up with an idea for a craft, or a song. That is already there for you too.
So, whether you are called a teacher, tutor, coach, trainer, mom, dad, grandparent or an individual that wants to share… there is a place for you in the Sunday School program at the Montesano Church of God.
Lyle Bowe is the Elder Representative for the Christian Education Department. He is looking for you to step up and say you are willing to make this program work. Without help from people just like you, the materials will only sit in boxes for the next target date.
SMALL GROUP RESUMES
"A small group will resume meeting at the home of Orville & Marj Crass on Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. You are invited! Lots of laughter, love and learning together from God's Word as we study the works of excellent Christian authors. We will complete Max Lucado's book, "Come Thirsty" with a review of Chapter 17 - "If God Wrote You A Letter" and then plan together for a new study adventure. For directions to the Crass home, call Marj at 581-1885 or 249-3329. Group leader will be Jerry Phillips."
KIDS FOR CHRIST IS ONLINE!
We are on-line! Please take a look and share with others.
http://montekidsforchrist.wordpress.com
KFC MOVES ON UP !
The KFC has moved up and will be meeting in Classroom 9 beginning January 29. A very special Thank You to Mark Bolam, Harry Beeler, Rita Beeler and Pona Samuel for moving the furniture and books to the new room.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE AT MCHOG
This year the Annual Montesano Ministerial Association Good Friday Service will be held at the Montesano Church of God on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. Following the Good Friday service there will be finger foods/ finger desserts (cookies) in the Fellowship Hall. A sign-up sheet will be made available for those who are willing to help in the preparation of the snacks when we come closer to the date. Be watching for more information.
EASTER PRAYER VIGIL
Mark your calendars now for the Easter Prayer Vigil. This year the vigil will be on Saturday, April 7 beginning after the Holy Saturday service until 4 p.m. in the Chapel. There will not be a sign up sheet as in the past, but instead the chapel will be open for you to come in to pray at your convenience. Prayer request cards will be located at the Welcome Desk for two weeks leading up to the Prayer Vigil.
DARE TO DREAM…
What is your wildest dream?
What have you done
to make it happen?
WOMEN OF FAITH MAKE PLANS FOR THE “KITCHEN WISH LIST”…
The Women of Faith are making plans for helping
with the Kitchen Wish List. Items on that list include, but are not limited to… 2 large crock pots, a good set of knives, 2 kitchen shears, a large (2 qt size) glass measuring cup, wire wisks, a set of three stacking cookie cooling racks, a large “mini cupcake” pan (24 slots), potholders, scrubbies for washing dishes, bottle/glass brushes, pot scrubbers, 8 x 8 baking dishes, 9 x 13 baking dishes, 8 qt stock pot, 6 qt saucepan, 4 qt saucepan, 3 qt saucepan, 5 qt sauté pan, 3 qt sauté pan, fry pans in varying sizes, hand mixer, salad spinner, stove drip pans (2 lg/2 small for a Whirlpool stove).
A list is available at the Welcome Desk if you wish to sign up to provide one or more of these items. You are encouraged to “share with a friend or two” to provide items on the wish list.
Thriftway Receipts
The Women of Faith continue to collect PickRite Thriftway receipts. Annie McGarrah has volunteered to collect the receipts and turn them in each month. You are reminded to turn in your receipts to the basket in the Fellowship Hall. Receipts should not be more than 3 months old. 1% of the total before taxes (not including alcohol or tobacco) is given back to the Women of Faith for use in their activities.
NORTHWEST MINISTRY CONFERENCE
The Northwest Ministry Conference will be held March 22-24 at the Overlake Christian Church in Bellevue. Registration is available online at www.ministryconference.org. There will be a “Tim Hawkins and Friends Comedy Concert on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for that concert are available at www.timhawkins.net. If you have questions, you can contact Gary Dixon at 206.949.9945 (9AM – 8PM PST) or e-mail at dixon_g@msn.com.
Granny’s Front Porch
Music & Lyrics By David New
A collection of selected songs written and performed by Pastor David New is available at the Welcome Center. A donation of $5 is asked to cover production costs. Monies collected above those costs will go to a mission fund. The CD features a variety of musical style sand songs written over a 40 year period of ministry.
Now heard on South Wind Radio
EASTER BAPTISMS
Pastor Marc will be performing baptisms on Easter Sunday. If you would like to be baptized on that day (or any other day) please see Pastor Marc or contact the church office.
MISSING IN CHURCH!
I was thinking as I sat in church, looking over several empty pews, “Where are you today?”
It occurred to me that many times we come to church when we need the church. When we are going through a difficult time or a crisis, we may find it easy to attend. However, when we don’t need the church we find it easier to stay away.
But, did/do we ever consider that at that time we don’t necessarily need the church, the church may need us? There may be other hurting people, or those going through crises that need us to be there for them?
We may just be too tired or have too much going on in our lives and find it easy to stay home – but please consider these thoughts today…God may need you to be in church to meet a need that is sent your way. It may be something as simple as smiling at the person in the next pew, encouraging the person next to you or giving a hug to someone as you pass through the aisle.
I know that I miss you when you are gone and I also hope my presence is missed when I am away.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
See You in Church!
Janet Rice
PRAYER CHAIN
It's time to update the "chain" again! If you have changed your email address, phone number, etc this is a good time to let me know. There is a form available at the Welcome desk.
To be on the prayer chain, all you do is bring concerns of the congregation to the LORD through prayer. If a person desires to be a caller, they only get 4-6 people to call. Others like to be contacted via email, which I and Laura do.
If some one tells you of a prayer concern, make sure we have permission to put it on the "chain" .
Thanks for all those that have been involved!
Sandy Casberg
COMING IN FEBRUARY
You may be thinking… “February? We just finished up with 2011 and started January.” I know, time seems to go by faster with every glimpse. Planning ahead is key for this exciting event. Rita Beeler is once again spearheading a Valentine’s Dinner. The dinner is scheduled for Friday, February 10th. The full menu is still in the planning stages and entertainment is being confirmed. All you need to do is mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend. As usual, reservations will be needed for planning and there will be a small fee this year to help defray the costs associated with the dinner. Be watching your bulletin and the next Monte Messenger for more information. Right now… mark that calendar with a huge red heart and plan on an evening out!
5TH QUARTER…
It is hard to believe that the 5th Quarter is coming to a close this month. It has been an exciting time for those involved in the planning, executing, participating in and cleaning up afterwards. To spend time with what has primarily been high school students has been a lot of fun! And not just for the kids, but for those who have come to help out. As this season of 5th Quarters come to an end, we look forward to what the fall of 2012 will bring us. To each and everyone who has helped in a small or large way (financially, by providing food or supplies, cooking, baking, setting up, serving, taking down, supervising)… a huge Thank You is not nearly enough to show how much you are appreciated in this endeavor. I think that Pastor New did know what he was talking about when he shared his ideas and then let us take the ball and throw it!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH
By Pat Schmidt
I have a favorite T-shirt. Pastor New would say it’s my banner. It says on the front, “TEAM IMPACT”. This shirt means a lot to me because my mission in life is to make an impact on this world for Christ and to do it with the help of other people.
Pona Samuel and I would very much like to thank each and every one of you who worked so hard to make the Christmas for Kids wrapping and children’s party a complete success. There were a lot of you and I feel we made a solid impact in our part of the world (Montesano) for Christ. We gave away a lot of bibles and my friend Yesenia was there to tell the Latino people what an impact the Egermeier’s Bible Story Book has made on her children. (All in Spanish, of course. It’s so much fun to listen to her.)
The children were coming up from their party with smiles on their faces; their parents saying that they had to pry them loose as they were having so much fun. I went downstairs only to discover several tables of children working on crafts, older children playing ping-pong and a baby taking a nap, cradled in the arms of Toni Aubuchon. What a team effort! You people are awesome.
We were privileged to serve 29 families for a total of 79 children. Our goal was not to give toys to disadvantaged children, but to somehow make a difference in the lives of these families, while helping them with a very present need. You did that by just being there, by talking with them, helping them wrap and letting them know that we really do care about each and every one of them. Your effort was tremendous and hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Working together we did make a “TEAM IMPACT”.
SANDY INVITES YOU TO JOIN
“SANDY’S TEAM”
I'm going to have a Relay for Life Team again this year. If anyone would like to be on my team contact me at church, or by phone 581-5582, or by email mikeandsandy5@comcast.net
The Relay will be June 1 & 2 at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma.
Xtra Years of Zest News
The Potluck is BACK! Bring a dish to share on Thursday, February 16th at 11:30. Now, you all know, there is no age limit. You just need some of those eXtra Years of Zest and an appetite. Invite a friend to come along and share in this time of food, fun and fellowship.
A REMINDER
FOR THE March 2012 MONTE MESSENGER.
Articles for the March 2012 Monte Messenger are due by Thursday, February 23rd. Turn your articles in to the church office or send them to Darla via e-mail at
goodnews@mchog.org to have them included in the upcoming March 2012 edition of the Monte Messenger. The 25th day of the month is now set as the day to have articles in to the church office for submission into the following month’s Monte Messenger. This is done in an effort to make sure the newsletter is out in time for planning your activities for the upcoming month.
Articles for the March 2012 Monte Messenger are due by Thursday, February 23rd. Turn your articles in to the church office or send them to Darla via e-mail at