Orange Presbyterian Church
Welcomes The Sanford Family

Steve, Norma, William, and David Sanford

Sanford Family Contact Information

New Members - Steve (papadukes04@yahoo.com) and Norma (nhsanford@yaho.com) Sanford and children William and David, 13305 Woodley Road, Orange, VA  22960. Telephone number 540-672-5347. 

The Pastor's Ponderings

Time Away

   We know there is a rhythm to life. We have need of purposeful activity as well as rest. and relaxation. To live a healthy and balanced life we need to experience time for work and for rest.

   At the conclusion of the work of creation, God then moved into a time for Sabbath rest. The Creator of the universe set the pattern and knows of our need to balance our lives.

   Many of us look forward to taking a vacation from the usual routine – to travel and relax. Some like to take a book and head to the beach or the mountains, while others plan an itinerary that keeps the traveler on the move to see new sights.

   Personally, I like to do both. Over the years I’ve developed the habit of taking some time away from my usual routine during the month of August. This year I’ll follow that same pattern and plan to be away from Thursday, August 16 to Wednesday, August 22.

   While I always take a book or two for restful reading, this is one of those vacations that will include a pretty detailed itinerary. Since moving to a new home (and it’s been almost a year), I decided I need to get to know the state of Virginia, er, I mean commonwealth. I’m going to spend some time visiting friends and then travel in the Northern Neck area – tours, ferry ride, historical sites, you name it.

   I hope you’ve had some time to get away this summer to relax and break out of the ordinary routine.

“Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. Other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.”  ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I’d Like to Give to You.  

Heading on vacation, ,
Denise

Officer Nominating Ballot for the Session Class of 2010

In an effort to fulfill the requirements for election of Elders for the Session Class of 2010 the following list has been compiled to assist the congregation in nominating for service those whom they would like to represent them in the Session Class of 2010. We have compiled this list from those who are eligible for election as of July 1, 2007. Please circle the names of those whom you would like to nominate and return the ballot to the church office by August 31, 2007.  Click here for a copy of the ballot to print.

Health Kits

In September we will collect Health Kits to send to those in the US and around the world suffering from the effects of natural disasters, violence and grinding poverty. Health Kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families. There will be a list of required items posted in the narthex in August.

Mission and Outreach Committee

VBS a Soaring Success!

Many thanks to VBS Director, Lynne Clements, and all the volunteers for a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School. More than 60 children, youth, and adults were involved in a high-flying week!

Christmas in July

The Presbyterian Weekday School received lots of new toys, gift cards, and cash to purchase supplies for the upcoming school year. We are so thankful for your generosity.

The Preschool Board

News from Mission and Outreach Committee

   Each year the Mission and Outreach Committee receives many requests for financial assistance from a great variety of church affiliated and other organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering, spreading the gospel, and helping to deal with disasters throughout the world. Our responsibility and challenge is to commit our financial resources with prayerful consideration, creativity, wisdom, and enthusiasm.

   This year we have a benevolence budget of $13,076. A little less than $10,000 is designated to specific charities (line items in the budget). Payments are made quarterly throughout the year. Recently we received an urgent request from the Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, a new church development not far from Orange. The presbytery also asked us to consider giving further assistance to help them bridge the transition from receiving financial support from Presbytery to becoming fully self-supporting. Blue Ridge Presbyterian now has 101 members, an active church school and youth ministry, and developing an outreach program. The session approved sending them $1,000 to help them through this challenging time.

   Another opportunity came I the latest bulletin form the Medical Benevolence Foundation. Help was requested for a number of medical centers in Africa, India, and Nepal. Because of matching grants from American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), for every dollar sent to the Good Shepherd Hospital, DR Congo, an additional $5.32 will be added. The session approved our recommendation to send $200 which translates into a total of $1,064.

Jean Berckman,
Mission and Outreach Chair

Update On Stamps For Missions

Since our last newsletter report, we have received three letters from Mrs. Peggy Reinhold, who is always prompt to reply to each mailing of cancelled stamps. 

Briefly, her financial report showed total receipts for 2006 from the sale of stamps and gifts to be $5,747. Of that, $5,200 was sent to Church of Christ, Presbyterian, in the Congo. The remainder was used for postage and other expenses related to the stamp project.

Mrs. Reinhold is moving to Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Center on August 1st. She will continue the stamp project, but requests no more mailings until after August 15, 2007.

Please note:

• Collections of stamps will be more selective from now on:  No flags (except new ones with the gold background), no Madonnas, snowflakes, vegetables, flowers, love-birds, non-profit, pre-sorted first class, etc.
• Please save all commemorative stamps, stamps in a series, express mail, priority mail, and all foreign stamps.
• Please see the posted letter in the narthex and beside the church office for full details.

Lavinia Phillips

The Sixth Annual Lobster Fest

When: Sunday, August 12, 2007
Where: OPC Fellowship Hall
Time:  6:00 p.m.
Why:    Because It’s Fun & Delicious!

What:  Menu as follows…. Steamed Clams, Corn on the Cob, Cole Slaw, Maine Baked Beans, Chips, Boiled Lobster with Drawn Butter, Rolls, Drinks, Relish Trays, Watermelon, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Hot Dog Plates available for non-seafood appetites.

How Much:     $20.00 Lobster Dinner
                        $6.00 Hot Dog Plate
                        $7.50 Extra Lobster

Lobster, clams and corn transported directly from Boothbay Harbor, Maine on Saturday, August 11th.

All proceeds over cost will be used towards the Piano Restoration Fund.

All orders must be placed through: The Packards (672-3322) by 7/25,or Church Office (672-4240) by 8/8.  Come one, come all, OPC members and friends, and enjoy this wonderful time of Feast and Fellowship!

Treasurer's July Report

Planning your summer vacation? We wish you a safe and enjoyable time and ask that you not forget your church here. We will continue to do the Lord’s work but need your financial gifts to carry them out. Please speak to me if you have any questions.
Gail Chapman, Treasurer

July Session Highlights

• Approved unanimously for membership upon profession of faith/letter of transfer: Norma and Steve Sanford and their son William. Son David Sanford was unanimously approved for membership upon receipt of sacrament of baptism on Sunday, July 29, 2007.
• Approved unanimously the request to transfer Mary Moore Sandbridge’s membership to Crozet United Methodist Church.
• Approved unanimously $200 from Benevolence Endowment to Medical Benevolence Foundation to aid the Good Shepherd Hospital, DR Congo.
• Heard first reading of proposed revisions to Endowment Funds policy.
• By common consent elected elders McClung and McLeod as commissioners for Called Presbytery of the James Meeting on Sunday, July 29, 2007, 4:00 PM, Crestwood Presbyterian Church, Midlothian, VA.

Respectfully submitted,
Marc A. Hogan, Clerk

Needs at Love Outreach Food Pantry

The Love Outreach Food Pantry, is trying to help with the needy. Each month they are collecting different items.  Items can be bought to the narthex of the church and will be taken periodically to the Food Pantry. Look for a basket to place your items.  The items for the rest of the year are: 

• August:  flour
• September:  sugar
• October:  cooking oil
• November:  body soap
• December:  cake mix and frosting.

 Thanks in advance for your generous support of this important ministry!

Kim Dukes

Amy & Fedie McClung

Marc Hogan

Fedie McClung

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.