The Pastor's Ponderings

Two Important Anniversaries

June is always a time for celebrating anniversaries. Many couples celebrate their wedding anniversary in June and schools plan reunions to celebrate the anniversary of a graduating class.

This June we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of two significant occasions: reunion and ordination.

In June 1983 the General Assembly was held in Atlanta confirming the vote of the presbyteries of the northern UPCUSA and the southern PCUS to become the reunited Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Thankfully, we don’t hear references to the southern church or the northern church anymore, but we still face challenges in being the church and being relevant for the 21st century.

The other event took place on June 23, 1983. I was ordained to the ministry at my home church, the Baptist Temple (part of the American Baptist Churches USA) in Charleston, West Virginia. Later that summer I headed off to my first call as the associate pastor of the First Baptist Church in Erie, Pa.

Life has taken different twists and turns and after serving as an associate pastor, hospital chaplain, and pastor, I felt called to seek a call in the Presbyterian Church USA. Since September 1992 (when I joined the Presbyterian Church) I have served as pastor, interim pastor, and the stated clerk on presbytery staff.

Over the years I’ve gotten to know lots of people, made some enduring friendships, and served some great congregations - including this one!

It’s odd how things come to pass. It’s now twenty-five years later and the denomination formed that day in Atlanta is now my denomination - my family - and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Celebrating 25 years –
Denise

Time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case this preschool year. I have really enjoyed my time with these children.

This month we focused on spring activities, particularly Mother’s Day. We’ve gone on a bug hunt, had snacks outside and on a few sunny days played outside. The four year olds (now mostly Five) have been very busy practicing their songs for graduation. We think we’re finally ready for our celebration on Friday, May 23.

The three year olds have grown in every way and I’m happy to say 17 out of the 19 will be returning to us next year.

A huge thanks to:

• Pastor Denise - for taking the time to read to the classes each month. As well as getting to know the children.
• Ellen Kendall - for substituting whenever we needed her, being my constant source of support and for all of the wonderful things she quietly left on the preschool doorstep this year.
• Karen Seale - for cheerfully helping me with everything from learning to Xerox to putting our amazing pamphlets and programs together.
• We’ll be saying goodbye to our teachers:
• Erin Hemming will be teaching full time at Woodberry Forest School.
• Melani Lyon is applying for a full time position in the Orange School system.
• Whitney Wade will be a full time substitute.
• Yes, Mrs. “Ski” is returning!

I feel this year has been a great success and that all of our hard work has paid off. Have a wonderful summer!! And I’ll be seeing you in the fall!

Kim Szydlowski, (Mrs. “Ski”)
 Preschool Director

“Thank You Notes ”

Dear Friends of Orange Presbyterian Church,
The words “Thank You” are not enough to tell you how Charles and I felt when we received your card and check. We are so amazed how you have been a blessing to us in so many ways. We pray we have been a blessing to you also and will continue to be. The money you gave us will help out a lot with Charles’ medical bill. Once again “Thank You!” and may God bless this Church always with kind, giving and good people as you have here now. We are truly blessed to have friends like you.
Sincerely,
Karen and Charles Seale

To the family of Orange Presbyterian Church,
Thank you all for every ounce of love and support that has been given during my lifetime, especially within the past four years of college. I cannot express how amazing it is to receive letters, notes, and packages!! They always brought a smile to my face and met every chocolate craving. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such a loving church family. Thank you for everything! May God be with you all with every endeavor.
Always,
Eva Graves

Thank you so very much for my prayer shawl. I felt wrapped in peace, love and hope as I lay in my hospital bed during my surgery time in the hospital. It has gone with me to my radiation treatments. Many thanks for all the prayers and cards you have sent to me. They have cheered me up daily and help me maintain my positive attitude.
 Love,
Joyce Palmer

Presbyterian Women Circles

The Presbyterian Women wish to thank the congregation for their gifts to their mission offering this past year. The Thank offering in November raised $420.10. The Birthday offering in May raised $335.00. The money went to aid the projects supported by Presbyterian Women across the country.
Thank you.
The Presbyterian Women of OPC

Presbyterian Men Breakfast Meeting

On Sunday, June 15 the Presbyterian Men will be holding a breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 8 am. Please join us as we discuss the Presbyterian Men’s Sunday, offer a devotional, and receive a progress report on the basement work. Individuals interested in reporting at 7 am on the 15th for cooking duty should contact Bill Chapman.
Rod McLeod

Mark
your calendars

Vacation Bible School
July 7-11, 9-11:30am

(See Lynne Clements for more information or to volunteer.)

Youth Sunday follow-up notes

   Thanks to all the youth and adults who helped with Youth Sunday on May 18. Those participating in worship were: Gina Liu, Martha Clements, McKinley Clore, Ann Taylor Mohrmann, Leslie Clements, Grace Kendall, David Woolfrey, Alec Kendall, Dean Sherwin, Emily Frobom, Kassie Esperas, Brennen Richardson, L.J. Esperas, Braiden Esperas, Houston Carter, Garnett Baker, Liam McLeod, Hannah Frobom, Lyndsey Norberg, Allison Norberg, Elsa Haberland, Dianne Haberland, Ann Clements, and Alexis Conley.

   We extend a BIG thanks to Rod McLeod and Christopher Wynkoop for their directorial leadership of the play, In the Beginning. Thanks to the Youth and Christian Education Committee for organizing the barbeque.

Graduate Recognition – Class of 2008

   On Sunday, May 18, we recognized our graduates for the Class of 2008. Please note the graduates and their future plans.

• Martha Clements: Orange County High School, honor graduate. Plans to attend Virginia Tech and major in Interdisciplinary Studies eventually becoming an elementary school teacher.
• Logan Collins: Orange County High School, honor graduate. Plans to attend Virginia Tech and has interest in political science, sociology, and journalism.
• Drew Stancill: Woodberry Forest School. Plans to attend Virginia Tech with a pre-med major.
• Taylor Roby: Orange County High School. Plans to attend Bridgewater College.
• Jeanie Crane: Piedmont Valley Community College, Associate degree in Liberal Arts. Plans to attend Lynchburg College or JMU to obtain a degree in physical education.
• Eva Graves: Radford University, BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (August). Currently doing an internship at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO, as an Adventure Guide for Army troops and their families.
• Taylor Sherman: Radford University, BA in Business Marketing. Will work for Fastenal (Industrial and Construction Supplies) beginning in June.
• Neale Nickels: University of Virginia, BS in Environmental Sciences. Neale plans to work in Charlottesville, continue running with the Charlottesville Fire Department, and playing with his band, “Joyride.”
• Beth Haberland: Virginia Tech, M Ed in Instruction and Curriculum. Will be married in July and hopes to teach in one of the local school systems.
• Mika Richardson: University of Virginia, Master’s degree from the School of Nursing. Will be married in September and working at UVA Hospital in General Medicine.

Hebrance Scholarship

The Hebrance Scholarship was awarded to Lynne T. Clements who is attending Union Theological Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education.

Feed My Sheep - Sheltering Arms

   We are planning to prepare the evening meal for the residents of Sheltering Arms on the second Thursday. We’ll try this for a six-month trial period. Look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex. Dinner is usually served at 5:30 p.m. and Mary Lee will give you an updated number of residents. This is another simple way we can reach out to individuals and families facing crisis situations in our own community.

   This week Elizabeth Szunyogh measured the dinning room windows and will make new curtains. Thanks to Elinor Vasquez who donated the material.

   Several people made a specific contribution to purchase a dishwasher for the shelter. Thanks to Rod McLeod for picking it up from Lowe’s. It is currently in the process of being installed.

Prayer List of Churches: (churches in the Presbytery of the James)

• Week of  June 1:  St. Giles, Richmond; St. James, King William; Summit, Stafford; Swift Creek, Moseley; Tabor, Crozet
• Week of June 8: Tappahannock NCD, Tappahannock; Three Chopt, Richmond; Thyne Memorial, Chase City; Trinity, Richmond; Tuckahoe, Richmond
• Week of June 15: Victoria, Victoria; Village, Richmond; Waddell Memorial, Rapidan; Wesley, Weems; Westminster, Charlottesville
• Week of June 22: Westminster, Petersburg; Westminster, Richmond; Woodlawn, Hopewell; Woodville, Richmond; Wylliesburg, Wylliesburg
• Week of June 29: Zion Hill, Amelia; Aberdour, Jarratt; All Souls, Richmond; Amelia, Amelia

Treasurer’s Report for May, 2008 

Income for Operating Expenses -- $12,135.61
Estimated Budgeted Expenses -- $15,958.16
Pentecost Offering        $251.00
2-Cents-A-Meal          $104.0
Income needed monthly to cover budgeted expenses: $15,153

Gail Chapman, Treasurer

Session Highlights

At its May 15 meeting the session:

• Reviewed current 3-year property insurance policy with Brian Hargett of Mason Insurance and discussed proposals to said policy.
• Approved to add Workers Compensation Insurance for OPC staff (not to exceed $600/year premium).
• Approved to refer proposal to increase property insurance coverage from $2.25 M to $2.5 M to Property Committee for inclusion in 2009 budget.
• Approved that Lynne T. Clements be awarded the Hebrance Scholarship for 2008 in the amount of $1430 to be distributed to UTS-PSCE in Richmond, VA.
• Approved to adopt the “Shepherd Plan” for our congregation to be implemented July 1, 2008.  The purpose of the Shepherd Plan is to assist the church in communicating with families the news and activities of the church; to provide support for the families of OPC; and to enrich the concept of the church as a family.
• Approved the use of the sanctuary for the marriage of Jerusalem Marston-Reid and Shannon Spade on August 4, 2008 at 3:00 PM. The pastor will officiate.
• Committee Night in June will be held on Thursday, June 12th.
• Mission & Outreach Committee reminded Session that OPC will be providing dinner for the guests of Sheltering Arms the second Thursday of the month.  A six-month volunteer roster will be posted in the Narthex.

Respectfully submitted,
Suzanne Sherwin, Clerk

Acolytes

Kim Dukes

Harold and Pat McCauley

Ann Taylor Mohrmann

Eric Frobom

If you are unable to help on the day assigned, you are expected to obtain your own substitute and call the church office so that the correct information will appear in the Bulletin each Sunday.
If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, please secure your own substitute.
Thank you for sharing in our common ministry.