The Pastor's Ponderings

Why Can’t We . . .

Every so often someone begins a sentence that way...and I anxiously wait for what comes next. The last time I heard those words they were connected to a much bigger project - our local homeless shelter. Over the last few months we have had several opportunities to connect with Sheltering Arms. Jean Berckman, chair of the Mission and Outreach Committee talked to the director and saw their great need. We are now looking for volunteers to provide dinner on the second Thursday of the month. Look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Then the Presbyterian Women decided have a kitchen shower. Calls were made and a list of needed items was printed in the bulletin: dish towels, flatware, etc. There was a big ticket item - a sturdy mixer. Perhaps that’s something we could do. During a Minute for Mission we heard about their needs and listened to a description of the way they cleaned and sanitized dishes. A good residential dishwasher would meet their needs, but seemed to be beyond our reach. And then it happened - a conversation after worship. “Why can’t we . . . Why can’t we buy a dishwasher for Sheltering Arms?” Word spreads to a few people and like magic checks and cash earmarked for a dishwasher start coming in to the church office. (One day there was a check in the mail from a complete stranger. Memo: Sheltering Arms dishwasher.)

The Presbyterian Women had a shower in May complete with games and door prizes. Lots of kitchen items were given and a beautiful red mixer was purchased. Elizabeth Szunyogh measured their kitchen windows and made curtains. And the dishwasher - well, it’s in place and being used every day. Thanks to Lowe’s of Charlottesville (who gave us a discount), Rod McLeod who made the delivery, and Sherman’s for the installation.

Mary Lee Hensel, Executive Director, says: “My staff is begging to be the one to do the dishes each night instead of hoping they don’t have to do them like before.”

The abundance of God is without limit. Thanks be to God for those give generously. Thanks be to God for those who dream and ask the question: “Why can’t we . . .?

Looking for what’s next —
Denise

Introducing the Shepherd Plan

On July 1 the church’s new Shepherd Plan begins. Every one (members and visitors) is assigned to a flock and each flock has a Shepherd. Currently we have 14 “flocks” and we’ve asked folks to take the responsibility of being a “shepherd.”

Your shepherd will be calling sometime soon to see if all of the church’s information on your family is correct. We want to make sure that we have correct mailing addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. We are also checking on birthdates (don’t worry, we won’t publish the year) and anniversaries. Your Shepherd will also be asking you about the best way to contact you if we need to get information to you in a hurry.

We hope with the new shepherd Plan to stay in communication with the church family on a regular basis and to be able to assist families in times of crises and to celebrate with families in times of joy. We hope to grow closer as a congregation and to learn more about each other. You might have your shepherd call to ask for your help with a small project. You can also call your shepherd if you need to have something you want the church to know.

This is a ministry of the Congregational Care and Commitment Committee and comes out of our Commitment Conversations from last fall. The Shepherd Plan is a way to supplement and enhance the pastoral care of the congregation.

With the shepherds making calls to spread the word about things happening, the calling tree will be disbanded. You will have someone new calling you. The calls may be more frequent as we try to help invite and remind members of church activities. Thanks to all of you ladies who have staffed the calling tree for years.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Congregational Care Committee.
                       Carole Sue Graves

Commitment Conversations Follow-up

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I have been doing some serious eating at church over the last month. Empty Bowls and Chili…the Church picnic turned potluck, etc...the pastor’s anniversary party on the 29th. It’s been rather nice. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to eat meals with different people, to hear stories and laughter and to join my church family for fellowship. Remember October and the commitment conversations? This was one thing that the congregation requested. And it is happening. Thank all of you for making it happen.
Carole Sue Graves

A month ago I was thinking of all the things that I wanted to get done in those last two weeks of preschool. I can’t say that we accomplished too many of them, but we sure had fun.

• The three-year-old class celebrated the end of preschool with a teddy bear picnic at Taylor Gibson’s house. It was a beautiful day with lots of yummy food. The parents had just as much fun as the children.
• The four year olds (or the “big” kids as they refer to themselves) put in many hours practicing for their graduation program. It was well worth it because they were a big success. I was so pleased that most of them remembered to sing in front of such a large crowd!
• We say goodbye to Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Wade and Mrs. Hemming. We wish them the best next year.
• Thank you to Ellen Kendall for all of the food and decorations at our graduation reception and to Pastor Denise for handing out diplomas. It was a special day.
• We will have our preschool Open House for new families the last week of August. Our enrollment numbers are looking very good now so I am hoping for a full house.

I have enjoyed every moment of my first year as director but I couldn’t have done it without the constant support from so many people in the congregation. Thank you again and have a wonderful, safe summer.

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

New Orleans Work Camp Report

   Our recent mission trip to New Orleans was full of unexpected gifts and challenges. While working daily to rebuild a home that is still uninhabitable 2 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina, our team had to constantly guard our tools from theft in that very poor neighborhood. It was discouraging to have tools stolen from inside the house when we stepped outside and copper plumbing pipes cut out overnight. On the other hand, we heard daily of the homeowner’s desire to move back to the house she’s lived in all her life and the incredible, ongoing commitment of First Presbyterian of New Orleans to bring home as many people as possible. This very small congregation of around 30 members continues to house and support workgroups from around the country. The construction coordinator, Leroy, told us that at one point these was only about $2000 left in their re-build fund. By the end of that month, additional donations brought the balance up to over $60,000 so the work continues.

There is still so much to be done to re-build this city, one house and one neighborhood at a time but, as we saw repeatedly, “out of chaos, hope.” Check out us at work at http://orangepc.org/NO-08/.

We are grateful for your support, prayers and the letters of encouragement that allowed us to complete this mission trip. On another note we are saddened to learn of the sudden death of First Presbytery’s, Rev. Clifford Nunn, shortly after we returned home. His passion, leadership and unflagging faith inspired this small congregation to perform miracles in Christ’s name.
Susan Anson
Gene Whitaker

Presbyterian Men Update

The Presbyterian Men held their final breakfast meeting of the current year on June 15 with Albert Packard as the speaker. 

Al described his many occupations, including teaching, acting, fishing, lobstering, being a funeral director, and leading handbell and church choirs. He is currently working in the fireworks industry.  We appreciated his bringing many photos and work-related items to share.

The Presbyterian Men also participated as leaders in the June 15 “Gifts of Men” worship service. Appreciation is expressed to Dr. Hall for her help with organization.  We have a new appreciation for what she does each Sunday.

Folks are reminded of our trip to see the Richmond Braves on July 8, no reservations are needed, and we will leave the church at 4:30 p.m.

The men will be working in the basement installing ceiling grids and lights on Saturday, June 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come and join us!
Bill Chapman
Rod McLeod

Statistical Report from the General Assembly

A June 20, 2008, press release from the Stated Clerk’s office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA:

At the end of 2007, there were 2,209,546 active, confirmed members in the PC(USA), a net loss of 57,572 from the previous year. The total membership was 2,941,412. This includes 291,635 baptized but not confirmed members (mostly children) and 440,231 inactive members. These members were found in 10,820 particular churches across 173 presbyteries and 16 synods. Twelve congregations were dismissed to other denominations, and 71 churches were dissolved. The number of ministers of the Word and Sacrament increased by eight to 21,368. There were 93,226 elders and 64,581 deacons.

Of those congregations that submitted their annual numbers, the total loss in membership was just over one percent from 2006. Total receipts of contributions, however, increased by nearly 29 million dollars to $2,162,131,650.

Commenting on the numbers, Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick said, “Any decline in membership is a disappointment, to be sure, because those numbers represent members we know and love who are no longer part of our congregations. A number of people thought the figures would be higher in 2007, with some even predicting a split down the middle, given the challenging issues with which we are grappling. However, while it is deeply painful to lose this many members for any reason, it is obvious that the vast majority of Presbyterians are committed to staying in the PC(USA) and doing Christ’s mission together.

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

• Week of  July 6: Ampthill Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Ashland Presbyterian Church, Ashland; Bethany Presbyterian Church, Charles City; Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Nottoway; Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville.
• Week of July 13: Beulah Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville; Blackstone Presbyterian Church, Blackstone; Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, Ruckersville; Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Richmond; Bott Memorial Presbyterian Church, DeWitt.
• Week of July 20: Brandermill Presbyterian Church, Midlothian; Brett-Reed Memorial Presbyterian Church, West Point; Burkeville Presbyterian Church, Burkeville; Byrd Presbyterian Church, Goochland; Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Weems.
• Week of July 28: Charlottesville First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville; Chase City First Presbyterian Church, Chase City; Chester Presbyterian Church, Chester; Christ Presbyterian Church, Richmond.

40 oz.      Marie Callender’s® Family Crock Pot Dinner (Meat Included)
1.5 lb.     Boneless Pork Filet
5 lb.        Breaded Chicken Chunks
1.5 lb.     Meaty Beef Ribs
28 oz.      Meatloaf and Gravy
1 lb.        Beef Fajitas
1 lb.        Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb.        All Meat Hot Dogs
1 lb.        Broccoli

1 lb.        Peas and Carrots
28 oz.      Pasta Sauce
1 lb.        Pasta
32 oz.      Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk
32 oz.      Hawaiian Punch
12 ct.      Corn Tortillas
7 oz.        Blueberry Muffin Mix
1 dozen   Eggs
1             Dessert Item

JULY  SPECIAL #1
7 lb.          Assorted Meat Grill Box .... $20.00
1.5 lb.       New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
2.5 lb.       Boneless Netted Boston Butt Roast
2 lb.          Meaty Beef Ribs
1 lb.          Mild Italian Sausage

JULY SPECIAL #2
4.5 lb.       Steak and Chicken Combo Box....$20.00
1.5 lb.       Kansas City Strips (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb.       Bone-In Ribeyes (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb.       Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Filet (4 x 6 oz.)

JULY  SPECIAL #3
10 lb.        Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders....$18.00

JULY  SPECIAL #4
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box...... $16.00
6 ears       Corn
2 lb.          Carrots
2 lb.          Yellow Onions
1               Cello-Wrapped Lettuce
1               Pineapple
4               California Oranges
1               Seedless Watermelon
6               Russet Potatoes

Payment due: by Friday, July 11 (Cash or food stamps only!)

Online orders can be paid with a credit/debit card (www.anglefoodministries.com)
Questions? See Carole Sue Graves, Pastor Denise or Melinda Clark at Orange Baptist Church 672-2996
Pick-up food: Saturday, July 26, 12 - 1 p.m. (Orange Baptist Church)

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non denominational organization dedicated to food relief  and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the U. S. (With the purchase of each regular box, $1.00 is contributed to Love Outreach.)

Treasurer’s Report as of June 22

Income for Operating Expenses -- $11,841.10
Estimated Budgeted Expenses -- $9,031.14
Income needed monthly to cover budgeted expenses: $15,153

Final figures for the month of June will be in the July 6 Sunday bulletin.

Gail Chapman, Treasurer

Session Highlights

At its June 19 meeting the session:

• Opening and closing prayers were led by Elder Somerville.
• Thank you notes received from: Charles and Karen Seale, Charles Nunn (pastor of the New Orleans Presbyterian Church), Mary Lee Hensel, Sheltering Arms, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
• Voted to advertise in the church newsletter and bulletin the Angel Food Ministries opportunity to stretch the food budget. This is a ministry of Orange Baptist Church and anyone can participate (see announcement on page 4 of this newsletter).
• Had discussion regarding the financial accounting system the church currently uses.
• Reported an earlier decision via email regarding Mission and Outreach’s request for disaster relief funds to be sent to Myanmar ($500) and China ($500) through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
• Voted to waive fees for the use of the building for a girl scout troop meeting every other Tuesday.
• Voted to have OPC participate in the new hymnal project. (Worship Committee reports that we are one of a small number of congregations the hymnal committee will use to seek input regarding a new hymnal to be published by the PCUSA.)
• Reported the upcoming Vacation Bible School dates: July 7-11 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.
• Heard report of the June 17 Presbytery meeting.
• Discussed the possible conflicts with the July 3 Committee Meeting night with each committee deciding when to hold their meeting.
• Heard prayer concerns and offered prayer for healing and comfort for many.

Faithfully submitted,
L. Lynn Clements, clerk pro tem

Acolytes

Sandy McLeod

The Norberg Family

Emily Frobom

Sharon Mohrmann

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.