1 Kings 17:8, 9
Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.”
Do you feel inadequate? Do you wonder what you can possibly do to make a difference for the kingdom of God? Are there times when an opportunity to serve will arise or a person asks you for spiritual guidance and you feel that you are the last person qualified to help? You are not alone. Everyone, even those who have accomplished grand things and appear to be brimming with self-confidence, struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
The story from our journey through the scripture that we learn from today is perhaps the least adequate person in the world to meet Elijah’s need. There was an extreme famine that had enveloped the land as a result of the king’s idolatry and injustice. Now Israel and the surrounding nations were feeling the burden of King Ahab’s sins.
It’s interesting to me that it was God who commanded this impoverished widow to be the one to feed the prophet. I’m sure she’d probably heard that this whole famine was his fault. Yet, God had chosen her to be a servant to Elijah. Would she obey or cave to her inadequacies? After all, things were so bleak for her that she presumed she and her young son were consuming their last meal. Her obedience unlocked the door of faith for her so the oil wouldn’t fail nor would the meal until the famine concluded. But more significantly, the prophet would later be instrumental in raising her son from the dead.
Can you imagine how different this story might have been if the inadequacies of the widow had prevented her from caring for Elijah? But, hey! This devotional thought is not about the widow, it’s about you. Be encouraged to sluff off the feelings of inadequacy and trade them for obedience. Not only does God want to work miracles through you but he’s got some just for you as well.
Prayer for today:
Father, we take instructions from the widow and choose to obey your commands. You make us adequate and we accept the gift with boldness and courage. Amen.
Pastor Wes
Newsletter – July 2026
SFNAZ UPCOMING EVENTS
COFFEE W/ PASTORS
Tuesday, July 14th | 8:30-9:30a
Meet at Little Garden Café on N Waikiki Rd. to have coffee with the pastors of SFNAZ!
ALL CHURCH & COMMUNITY BBQ
Wednesday, July 15th | 6p
Summer is a great time for fun, fellowship, and BBQs! Meat and drinks will be provided; please bring a bag of chips, side dish, or dessert to share. There will also be water activities for the whole family, so remember to bring towels or extra clothes. Can’t wait to see you there!
ALL COMMUNITY HYMN SING
Sunday, July 19th | 6-7:30p
Come sing some of your favorite hymns. We would love to have you worship with us!
FLOWER CUTTINGS W/ JOY
Saturday, July 25th & August 8th | 9am
SFNAZ ladies, bring a brunch item to share, visit, and go home with a fresh cut flower bouquet. Space is limited, sign up on Church Center!
ALL CHURCH NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
Wednesday, August 5th | 6:30p
Instead of regular mid-week activities, join us at the Spokane Indians baseball game! Sign up on Church Center to reserve your spot. Cost is $15 (limited number of tickets available).
SFNAZ FAMILY CAMP | August 28th – August 31st (Pinelow Park)
Bring the family for a fun weekend at our annual family campout! This year we will be camping at Pinelow Campgrounds in Loon Lake. Registration is open on Church center. Book 1 night or stay all three.
- Camper/RV spots w/ full hook-up – $50 per night
- Tent Camping – $30 per night
- Lodge Rooms – $42 per night (13 & up) $21 per night (12 & under)
Hamburgers will be provided for lunch on Sunday after church service. Please be prepared to have a side to share.
MONTHLY EVENTS
FELLOWSHIP HOUR | Sundays 9:30a
Join us over the summer for fellowship, come enjoy a drink or treat from the café. The class currently meeting in the Fireside Room will continue in the library. Learning & Growth for children and youth will pause until Fall Kickoff on September 6th. Childcare begins at 10:30a.
SENIOR LUNCHEON | Wednesday, July 8th 12p
Join us at Old European. Call Roberta to RSVP 509-325-0711.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS | 5:30 – 6:20p
Join us in the Holy Grounds to enjoy a meal before midweek activities. The cost is $5 per person or $25 for families of 6 or more.
Weekly Schedule:
SUNDAYS
- 9:30a
- FELLOWSHIP HOUR | Join us over the summer for fellowship, come enjoy a drink or treat from the café. Learning & Growth for children and youth will pause until Fall Kickoff on September 6th. Childcare begins at 10:30a
- 10:45a
- Nursery for children 3 and under
- Children’s Church for Pre-K and K
- Grades 1st-6th will join parents in church for worship, then be dismissed before the sermon for Children’s Church
WEDNESDAYS
- 3p
- Summer Music & Drama for grades K-8 (July 8-August 26) – Registration closes on July 15.
- 6:30p
- Nursery | 3 and under
- Pre-K – 6th grade | Small group lessons, games, and music
Needs in Children’s Department:
- Teacher once a month on Sundays for Pre-K/Kindergarten class 10:45a
Upcoming Events:
- July 20th – 23rd | Kids Camp 3rd – 5th grade
- July 23rd – 26th | Middle School Camp 6th – 8th grade
Text “kidscamp” or “mscamp” to 509-467-8986 for the registration links.
- July 27th 12-2:30p | Swim Party | All kids up to 6th grade
- August 4th Time TBD | Pre-teen Swim Party (5th and 6th grade)
We look forward to having you join us. If you have any questions, please email me jordanr@sfnaz.org
NEEDS IN YOUTH DEPARTMENT:
- Prayer warriors for our teens and youth leaders. You can grab a prayer bookmark with a specific teens name on it from the small kiosk by the sanctuary or ask Pastor Justine and she can get a bookmark to you.
- Social Media Manager – social media is a great tool, but Pastor Justine always forgets to post! If you are social media savvy, you could work with Pastor Justine on a weekly basis to create and schedule 3-5 posts on Facebook and Instagram. Must be 16+. Talk to Pastor Justine if you are interested.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Sunday – 9:30a
- FELLOWSHIP HOUR
Sunday – 10:45a
Worship Service
Wednesday – 6:30p
- Youth Group 7-12th grade – Games, Snacks, and Fun!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Water Game Night – Wednesday, 7/8 – Youth group will be playing a variety of water/messy games. Wear clothes that can get wet.
- All Church BBQ – Wednesday, 7/15 – Join the church family for an evening of fun and fellowship. There will be water games so you may want to wear clothes that can get wet. Bring a side to share.
- Bins Bonanza – Thursday, 7/16 – Time to go thrifting! We will adventure to the Goodwill bins to search for treasures then grab a sweet treat. $5 plus some money to purchase whatever unique things you find. Sign up on Church Center.
- Connect Serve Day – Monday, 7/19 – Let’s help serve dinner to the community! Sign up on Church Center.
- Un-Birthday Party – Wednesday, 7/22 – At youth group we are going to celebrate everyone’s (un)birthday with party games, ice cream, and a pinata!
- Middle School Camp – Thursday-Sunday, 7/23-7/26 – All preteens going into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade are invited to an awesome experience at summer camp! We will worship God, make friends, play games, and have the best week of the summer! Sign up (and get more info) on Church Center.
- High School Camp – Monday-Friday, 7/27-7/31 – All teens going into 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, or just graduated are invited to summer camp! We will spend time playing games, hanging out, and getting to know God. Sign up on Church Center.
NOT YET BUT COMING SOON
- Board Game Bash – Monday, 8/3 – Bring a game and a snack to come hangout for the morning!
- Night at the Ballpark – Wednesday, 8/5 – Youth group is taking over the Spokane Indians baseball park! Get your tickets ($15) ASAP on Church Center, limited spots available.
NAZARENE YOUTH CONFERENCE UPDATES
Our teens and sponsors are currently at Nazarene Youth Conference, be praying for them as they travel and encounter God. Be watching the SFNaz Youth social media accounts for pictures and updates. When they get back ask them about their trip, they would love to share with you!
Questions, comments, concerns? Email justinew@sfnaz.org
YOUNG ADULT HANGOUT | Tuesdays – 6p
Calling all young adults (18-30) to come meet with Pastor Lake in the library for a weekly time to hang out and connect with other young adults.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY | Sundays – 9:30a
REFUGE MEN’S GROUP | Tuesdays 6:15p – 8:00p
ADULT BIBLE STUDY | Wednesdays – 6:30p
Are you looking for a way to connect with SFNaz? Life groups are the perfect way to build community that matters. We would love to have you be part of our life group family. Check out Church Center or contact the office. We’ll do our best to find a group that will work for you. Would you like to lead a Life Group? Please let us know by contacting the office. We’ll host a training session as soon as possible.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY | Thursdays 6p – led by Richard Flatt Are you curious about Celebrate Recovery? We’d love to have you there. Whether you are interested in how we address hurts, habits and hangups for you or someone you know, or want to help support the program. We hope to see you there. If you have any questions, please contact Richard Flatt 509-499-6118.
TITHES & OFFERING
Thank you so much for your faithful support of our church! Here are a few options available to continue with giving of tithes & offerings.
- Online giving is available. Visit https://sfnaz.org/giving
You may mail your check directly to the church
Spokane First Church of the Nazarene
9004 N Country Homes Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99218
Faithfulness in Giving
Income Expense +/-
- General $ 176,310 $ 182,354 -$ 6,043
- Missions $ 10,493 $ 7,137 +$ 3,355
Thank you for giving generously to your church general fund. Your faithfulness in giving help to meet our budgeted expenses.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER
Prayer Chain by Email
- Contact the church office to receive prayer requests by email (office@sfnaz.org).
Prayer for District Churches
- July 1 Juliaetta & Kamiah Valley View
- July 5 USA/Canada Region Director Jeffrey Johnson
- July 8 Global NYI Director David Gonzalez
- July 12 Global NDI Director Sam Barber
- July 15 Global NMI Director Jim Ritchie
- July 19 Kids’ Camp
- July 22 Mid-High Camp
- July 26 High School Camp
Missions Prayer Request
- July 5 Ethiopia & Zambia
- July 12 Ukraine & United Kingdom
- July 19 United States & Uruguay
- July 26 Venda & Venezuela
PRAYER REQUESTS
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Bereavement: Trina Sainsbury passed away on June 16th. Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 10:30am here in the sanctuary. Please continue to pray for Curt and the rest of the Sainsbury family.
July Emphasis: Education
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV)
Nazarene Missions International Focus
Each July, Nazarene Missions International (NMI) highlights the importance of Education in fulfilling the Great Commission. Around the world, educational ministries equip pastors, teachers, and church leaders to faithfully serve Christ and strengthen the Church.
This Month’s Educational Emphasis
📚 Educational Institutions
- Supporting seminaries, Bible colleges, and universities that prepare local pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders worldwide.
- Raising awareness of the vital role these institutions play in developing the next generation of ministry leaders.
🙏 Year-Round Commitment
- Continuing our dedication to prayer and fasting for missionaries around the world.
- Educating our congregation about global missionary needs and opportunities to serve.
❤️ Mission Giving Your faithful support through:
- Faith Promise Giving
- Alabaster Offerings
- Missionary Giving
helps provide resources for missionary education and ministry throughout the world.
Ministry Spotlight
District Mission Trip to Maui
Dates: June 19–29
Pastor Dan Lewis is leading a district mission team serving in Maui. Please continue to pray for the team as they minister, encourage local churches, and share Christ’s love with the community.
Contact:
- Dan Lewis
- Email: dan@richlandnaz.org
Missions Prayer Focus
Pastor Victor’s Kenya Mission Trip
Dates: July 23 – August 6
Please pray for Pastor Victor Morrison and his ministry team as they serve in Kenya. Ask God to give them safety, strength, wisdom, and many opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those they encounter.
Dinner Church Ministry
Please continue praying for our Dinner Church Ministry as it reaches our community through fellowship, meals, and discipleship. May God continue to use this ministry to connect people with Christ.
Contact:
- Victor Morrison
- Email: Victor.MorrisonX5@gmail.com
- Phone: (509) 999-9206
Missionaries We Support in Prayer
Please remember these missionaries and ministries throughout the month:
- Tim & Michelle Eby — South Africa
- Yoan & Astrid Camacaro — Italy
- Monica Boseff & The Open Door Foundation — Romania
- Bruce & Cinda McKellips — Portugal
Stay Connected
Stay informed about the work of Nazarene missions around the world by subscribing to:
news@nazarene.org
Thank You
Thank you for your faithful prayers, generous giving, and ongoing support of world missions. Together, we are helping make Christlike disciples in the nations.
Your Missions Team
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