Written by: Stefanie Peacock- Women's Ministry Leader

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.   —Proverbs 31:20

For the past several years, many sisters have delivered hot, nutritious meals to the elderly who are disabled and home-bound here in Spokane.  But there is something about displaying the heart of Jesus when you tread out into snow filled streets and neighborhoods to make sure these elderly have a hot meal for the day.

Proverbs 22:9 explains the heart of how we feel when we deliver each meal.  It reads- "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor."  Above is a picture of one our friends that we deliver to.  Her smile is a pure joy to encounter as she approaches the door with a huge "Thank You very much" every time we come to the door.  Many of them are very surprised that we would be out in the weather and driving conditions in order to bring them a meal, they are even more encouraged.  And yet as this scripture says, we are the ones who feel blessed and encouraged to be able to give and encourage those in need.

Jeff Lanctot and Manny Trembley have been Christians for many years as well as great friends. They both had a dream for God to use their talents to make a movie. That movie is now a reality and will premiere on December 18, 2008. The name of the movie is "Harry Christmas" which they began filming back in March of 2007. The film's cast are members from the Spokane Christian Church starring Manny as "Harry" and Autumn as "Helen."

Lets be praying that God use this film in a way that brings Him glory. Bring your friends!

When: Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 7:00 PM - Pacific Time

Where: The Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane, WA 99201

You can buy tickets ($5 in advance $6 online by clicking HERE.

Or you can go to the official website http://www.harrychristmasmovie.com

For booking Information email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.  A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."   —1 Timothy 3:8-13

These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there.   —1 Chronicles 6:31

All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king.   —1 Chronicles 25:6 

What an amazing day to see the Spokane Christian Church experience its first Deacon appointment.  This past Sunday Andrew Cook was appointed Deacon of Worship along with his wife Christi. Andrew and Christi moved to Spokane along with 20 others to plant the Spokane Christian Church just 6 years ago. They both have demonstrated a sincere heart for vertical worship and a strong desire to see all people connect with God. 

Through their leadership they have been able to balance a variety of styles of praise into worship from band songs to a-capella songs to listening to gospel CD's. Andrew has a desire to help all people connect with God, some times that means through a video, other times through a song, other times through a play, through the sharing of a testimony, the congregational singing or maybe through prayer.  God has richly blessed us with a couple that understands the importantance of having diverse worship. 

The church was planted just over 6 years go, led by Mark and Annie McCune.  Here is a short letter from Mark and Annie McCune written to the Church.

"Annie and I are excited to hear the news of the appointment of the first deacon in the Spokane Christian Church, that of Andrew Cook as deacon of worship.  We are so grateful for the visionary leadership provided by Jermaine and Stefanie as they continue to direct the church forward.  This appointment is yet another milestone in the maturity of the church.

Andrew has taken a vision hatched five years ago and has brought it to life.  He and Christi have taught us and modeled for us the importance of balance in music worship.  Their passion for vertical worship has inspired not only the Spokane Christian Church, but many congregations throughout the U.S., including our ministry here in Seattle. Andrew's example as a true worshiper of God has deepened my passion to worship.  He consistently calls me to worship more deeply.  That is what a great worship leader does.

Andrew's appointment as deacon of worship is encouraging to all who all who know him.  I only pray that he and Christi's music ministry will continue to grow, and that they will continue to call us higher as we seek to worship God."

Love to all,
Mark, Annie, and the kids

Jermaine Peacock along with his wife Stefanie, Mike and Linda Yochum, Corbin and Jen Anderson, Dan and Kate Mills would pray over Andrew's appointment and ask God to bless and protect their ministry.  Here is Jermaine's charge to Andrew shared during his appointment right before the prayer: 

"Andrew Cook, I charge you to be a deacon of worship to the Church.  Keep the faith that is in Christ while serving the Spokane Christian Church. Keep God as the focus and guide for your decision making and service to the church.  Be responsible for the planning and execution of all congregational worship services in support of the overall vision and direction of the Church. Meet the diverse worship needs among Christians and visitors to your best ability.  Oversee the lead worshippers, singers,musicians, technical ministry and those that would speak during communion and contribution with love and respect in Christ."

God has been moving in an amazing way through the past couple of weeks.  During our Midweek services we have been having a expository study on Prayer(s) of each book that has prayer represented in the Old Testament. As a guide, we have been studying through Herbert Lockyer's book, "All the Prayers of the Bible."   As a Church we completed the Old Testament study on prayer in which we began back in January.  Throughout the year, studying these prayers made for great discussion, convicting us to repent of our shallow prayers and inspiring us to stand in the gap to follow in the steps of our ancient brothers ands sisters.  God literally moves through prayer as evidenced in the Word of God.  We also began our study on New Testament prayers of the bible.  

On the past few Sundays the messages have been focused on praying to have the heart of God for our lost world.  We've been talking quite a bit about praying the kind of prayers the church should be praying for those in places of influence.  We’ve discussed our circles of influence, those circles include family, friends, workplace, neighborhood and city.  The Spirit is moving by inspiring courage and boldness in the hearts of the saints.  We began a campaign called Spread the Word in which every small group in the congregation is participating.  The goal is for each small group to adopt a street, pray for those that live in that street, the next week going house to house door knocking while passing out free copies of the New Testament and asking for the residents' prayer requests.  

Ultimately the vision is to pray for everyone, love this city by letting them know personally that we care and to capture God's heart for those that live in Spokane.  We believe that God wants all men to be saved as it says in scripture: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  —1 Timothy 2:1-4  

The past few Sundays have been filled with friends from the community thanks to God working through the saints.  God brought  the Tigers Middle 7th and 8th grade football team and their parents, campus students from Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University, and a hand full of friends from the local neighborhoods.  God used the Church through a blood drive in which friends and members alike donated blood for those that needed it.  God also used the Wishing Star Foundation that hosted a Harvest Custom Party at our building in which several volunteers from the community and children from the neighborhood attended.        

God used sisters from the church (Emily, Verlinda, Shawna, Monica, Nicole, Stefanie and Chris) to help Lori become a baptized disciple in the Lord.  Lori commended the sisters on their love for her and one another minutes before her baptism.  Lori's gratitude to God was obvious for everyone present to see.  It was a great time of joy to see how God worked in Lori's life to move her through the cross to make Jesus the Lord of her life. God's Word lived out by the disciples brought about the kind of fruit that helps people become loyal followers of Christ.   If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. – —John 15:7-8  

The past few weeks have been amazing.  I'm reminded of how God moves his followers to action by his love.  Thank you God for moving among us in your Church.