There’s a 100% Chance Of Rain - Sunday, June 10

The weather forecast says there is a 100% chance of rain, so you better bring your boots and your umbrellas to church on Sunday, June 10th, because there’s going to be a flood!

The youth choir with the help of the adult choir and some other male members of the church will present the Jazz Cantata, 100% Chance of Rain by Walters S. Horsley. A musical about Noah and the flood, the story is more about Noah and his family than the animals he took along with him. We have a cast of eight characters plus some extras and a narrator. Some of the songs include:

• Now the Lord Was Unhappy or It’s Gonna Rain
• Follow the Instructions (a choral reading - rap)
• Oh, How It Rained
• Mrs. Noah’s Song
• Love the Lord

Please come and support our youth and be amazed at their talents.

The Pastor's Ponderings

The Winds of the Spirit

Even though this is the June newsletter, I want to hold on to a significant moment in the church calendar found this year on the last Sunday of May. That special occasion is the celebration of Pentecost.

Did you know that Pentecost was originally an Old Testament festival? It was calculated as beginning on the fiftieth day after the beginning of Passover. It was called the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), and in the Old Testament was originally an agricultural festival celebrating and giving thanks for the “first fruits” of the early spring harvest (see Leviticus chapter 23 and Exodus chapters 23 and 34).

In the Christian calendar, Pentecost falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter. Our worship on Pentecost Sunday will include a reading from Acts, chapter 2, describing the coming of the Holy Spirit in a great rush of wind and tongues of fire resting upon each of the disciples.

There is always speculation about the meaning of all the languages heard on that first Pentecost Sunday. It was a time for those present that day to come to faith and to be filled with the Spirit of God.

You may recall that after Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to the disciples in the upper room filled with fear. Jesus promised them a comforter, an Advocate, to be with them. Even though the Spirit was present there in the beginning of all things, at Pentecost the Spirit makes a grand entrance. And our lives have never been the same.

One commentary offers the following description of the Spirit’s work in the world: “Because Jesus did not give his disciples a compendium of knowledge that would cover every conceivable situation, God gives the Spirit to help Christians apply the message of Jesus to the new and ever-changing circumstances in which they will find themselves.” (from Proclamation 4: Aids for Interpreting the Lessons of the Church Year, p. 15)

The Spirit’s presence in our lives refreshes us and guides us. We are energized to follow Christ - not as fearful disciples, but as those filled with the Spirit of the living God.

Living in the Spirit,
Denise

Vacation Bible School
July 23 - July 27, 2007
9:00 –11:30 am

Mark your calendars and plan to be part of Vacation Bible School this year. This year’s theme is: “Soaring to New Heights with God.” We need plenty of teachers and helpers. Volunteers need to come to a Vacation Bible School meeting on Tuesday, May 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. Please see Mrs. Lynne Clements (672-1120) to volunteer or if you have any questions.

Matthew Wilson Gibson received the sacrament of baptism on Sunday, May 13th. He is pictured here with his parents, Ryan and Rachel, and big brother, Taylor.

Special Farewell Reception on June 10th

The Easons and Tysingers are planning moves this summer: Robert and Anna Belle Eason will move to Roanoke to be near their daughter. Travis and Dottie Tysinger are moving to Staunton, VA. We wish them the best and will honor them with a special reception on June 10th.

Confirmation Class to Make Profession of Faith on
Pentecost Sunday

For several months now members of the Confirmation Class – John Dean Sherwin, Claire Crane, and Robin Kendall have been meeting with Pastor Denise Hall to study topics that are important to the Christian faith: to study the Bible, the sacraments, the creeds, discuss what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and talk about being a member of the church. The class assisted in worship on Maundy Thursday and participated in a mini-retreat along with their mentors.

Robin, Dean, and Claire were examined by the session on May 17, 2007 to become confirmed members of the church. They will make their public profession of faith during worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Claire is the daughter of Warren and Alice Crane and Margaret Thompson is her mentor. Robin Kendall is the daughter of Robert and Ellen Kendall and Elinor Vasquez is her mentor. Dean Sherwin is the son of Ted and Suzanne Sherwin and Fred Sherman is his mentor.

Graduates and Sunday School Teachers
to be Recognized June 3rd

During the service of worship on June 3 we will have the opportunity to recognize Sunday School teachers. We want to show our appreciation to them for their dedication to Christ by faithfully serving as a teacher this past school year.

We will also recognize our college and high school graduates. Our college graduates are: Beth Haberland (Virginia Tech) and Amy Kendall (William and Mary). The high school graduates (OCHS) are: Claire Crane, Robin Kendall, Erin Roop, John Mohrmann, Darron Breeden, and Matthew Blakely.

Special Thank You Notes Received

To the dear ladies who made my prayer shawl. I was very touched by your beautiful handiwork and the kindness and love that went into making my shawl. When I wrap it around my shoulders, I feel lifted up and surrounded by all your love and good thoughts for my speedy recovery! Thank you for caring! God bless you all. Cynthia Pedersen

I would like to thank all of those who were responsible for the lovely prayer shawl; to those who knitted and prayed for me; to the church for your love and support; to Denise who is both friend and pastor to me. I was very touched by the gift and the anointing and will hold my shawl close in the coming days during my surgery and recuperation. May God bless your ministry as I have been blessed by you. With love, Debbie Rexrode

Dear OPC Men:

I would very much like to help get us organized and motivated to re-establish monthly meetings of the Presbyterian Men. However, even though I have prayed about it, talked with Denise, and reviewed some materials, no great ideas have emerged for content designed to maintain our interest and participation.

Denise has shared information with me on the July 20-22 Men’s Conference at Massanutta and I plan to attend to seek ideas and materials. Please talk with me if you think you might be interested in going. I have placed brochures with an application form on the kiosk in the Narthex, with copies in the window seat.

We could drive home each night to save money and could attend only the first two days. The cost for the conference and six meals is $123 without lodging. There is an “Early Bird $10 discount if received by June 1st. Please consider attending and helping to restore the Presbyterian Men for OPC.

A letter from Stan Huie of District 2, Presbyterian Men In the Presbytery of the James, states: “For your leaders, this will be a motivating event with a special optional seminar on Saturday afternoon ‘Essentials For A Successful Men’s Ministry.’ Your men will come back charged up to reach out to the men in your congregation. …Your men will be introduced to resources to help bring that experience back to your church.”
Bill Chapman

Treasurer's April Report

Please speak to me if you have any questions.
Gail Chapman, Treasurer

The 72nd Birthday of the
Andrews Steinway
Sunday, June 3

Come join us after worship service on June 3, 2007 for a Birthday Party for the Andrews Steinway piano. There will be sandwiches and finger foods along with musically decorated desserts and a birthday cake. We will play musical games for all ages. Make a gift to the piano and tie it on the money tree.   Restoration history ...

April Session Highlights

• Approved the Summer Schedule for worship: June 10 through August 26 worship will begin at 10:00 am.
• Met with members of the Confirmation Class - Claire Crane, Robin Kendall, and John Dean Sherwin. They were examined and approved for membership. They will make their public profession of faith on May 27, 2007.
• Approved request by Anna Collins, OCHS Foreign Language Club sponsor, to use the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen for a dinner on Thursday, May 24, from 3 - 7:45 pm.
• Elected Lynn Clements to be one of the elders commissioners to the meeting of the Presbytery of the James on Saturday, June 9, at the Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA.
• Approved the pastor’s absence on Sunday, May 20, and Elder Crawford Harmon’s preaching.
• Discussed the parking lot and Willis house situation. A document will be placed in the June newsletter (see page 1) seeking input from the congregation.

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: 

• June:  laundry detergent
• July:  paper towels
• 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!

Linda Nash

Ralph & Carol Sue Graves

Alice Parcell

Lavinia Phillips

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.