Commitment Sunday is November 11

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” Hebrews 12:1

   Over the past month, nearly 60 members and friends of Orange Presbyterian Church gathered to talk about what brought them to Orange Presbyterian, what keeps them coming, and what are our hopes and dreams for the coming year.

   We have reflected on the scripture found in Hebrews 12 that reminds us, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...” Our lives have been blessed by those who have come before us in our church. Now we are challenged to consider how God is calling us to witness to the world. Each of us has a unique gift to bring.

   We are all called to make a commitment, both young and old. Please take time to pray about your individual response and your response as a family. During worship on Sunday, November 11, we will have the opportunity to present our very lives to God as we make a commitment of our time, talents, and treasures and place those cards on the communion table.

   If you have not received a time and talent card or pledge card, you can stop by the church office. Extras will also be available in the narthex. If you are unable to be in worship that Sunday, please bring your commitment cards to the church office so they may be included in the dedication.

The Pastor's Ponderings

Giving Thanks

     The crunch of the leaves underfoot… the crisp, cool morning air… turning back the clock this weekend for an extra hour of sleep… the pumpkin on the front porch… the change of  the wreath on the front door... All these things remind me that we’ve moved into a new season.

   Fall. Autumn. It’s a time when we turn our thoughts to giving thanks. Here’s an opportunity to focus on what we have and the many ways we’ve been blessed. For example: I’m so fortunate to have a warm place to sleep in the winter. I'm so fortunate to live in a safe community where I can take walks. I'm so fortunate to be able to see the beauty around me.

   Let me offer you a two-part challenge this Thanksgiving season. The first part is to take a moment or two and actually create a list of all the things for which you are grateful. Allow yourself to be enveloped in heart-felt gratitude. Now take that gratitude and be willing to pass it on.

True gratitude involves action. Lend a hand to help a neighbor. Pitch in and volunteer to do something at the church. Make a gift for someone in the nursing home. Give your time to a child. Listen to a friend. Give back as often as you can. Even a friendly greeting can make all the difference in the world. Create your own opportunities for gratitude. Do you know those who never seems happy? Be ready with a smile and a kind word each time you see them.

   I am reminded of the old gospel hymn:
            Count your many blessings
             Name them one by one,
            And it will surprise you
            What the Lord hath done.

Still counting,
Denise

As in September, the month of October has flown by in our preschool. The days are chocked full of adventures.

Early in the month the four year olds found a large praying mantis outside. He joined us in our classroom for a few days and survived off of insects the children caught. After his release, he delighted them by remaining in our play area for several more days.

Last week fireman Bart paid us a visit and brought all of his equipment as well as take home bags and firedog pins. We practiced in stop, drop and roll! Mrs. Kendall brought fire hats to go with our fire safety song.

This week will be filled with Halloween festivities. The three-year-old class will have a “Parade of Costumes” and a candy hunt. The older children will participate in games, make pumpkin pudding, watch “Where the Wild Things Are” and  end the day with spooky snacks.

As always we would like to thank Pastor Denise for visiting us this month and  our fairy godmother, Ellen Kendall, for her constant support and generosity.

  Kim Szydlowski, Preschool Director

Willis House Update

In September the Session approved the Property Committee’s recommendation for the removal of the Willis House and develop parking spaces on the entire property and along the entrance to Brooking Street. This will create new gravel parking spaces for an approximate cost of $65,000. Property Committee is proceeding with plans to implement this proposal.

A building permit for the house demolition has been obtained from the county. Craig Jacobs will be removing all house parts they can use. Any outside doors or windows on the first floor will be left until a day or so before the final demolition starts. The property committee will advertise for bids to remove the house, hemlock trees, large tree stump and grade the area so it falls away from the sidewalk as soon as we have a schedule as to when Craig Jacobs will be finished.

Plans for developing a new parking lot will continue to be discussed. The intent is to hire an architect to develop a plan to incorporate the new area with the present parking lot making it a nice attractive space with the main entrance moved up the hill to a safer location.

Rebecca “Ashley” Cromwell:  
A New Employee to Clean Our Church Home

The Orange Presbyterian Church welcomes Ashley Cromwell to it staff. Ashley is to assume the cleaning duties for our building as of November 1. She lives in Madison and works for Pig ‘N’ Steak. We need to keep in mind that Ashley is only responsible for cleaning most of the rooms and sanctuary once a week. As most areas of the church are used several times each week we all need to work together to keep our facilities presentable throughout the week. Little things like taking your bulletin and other material with you when you leave your pew on Sunday, picking up and disposing of trash you see and, especially, be careful about food dropped on the carpet. 

Treasurer's October Report

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

October Session Highlights

At its stated October meeting, the Session:

• Approved the formation of a Presbyterian Men’s group, with Bill Chapman and Rod McLeod serving as co-chairs.
• Approved a request the Presbyterian Men for a winter fund-raiser “at a time when such an activity will not conflict with other efforts to raise funds.”
• Approved a request from Rod McLeod to create a historical documentation of the Willis House.
• Approved $500 from Benevolence Endowment for Mission Challenge ‘07 fund.
• Approved a Christmas pageant at 10 AM on Sunday, December 23.
• Approved a Christmas Eve service with communion at 7 PM.
• Approved a Piano Dedicatory Concert on November 17 at 7:30 PM following the Harvest Dinner.
• Approved to discontinue the Presbyterian Weekday School monthly payment of $320 to the church’s operating budget.
• Received report from the commissioners on Presbytery of the James meeting, Tuesday, October 9.

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: 

• November:  body soap
• December:  cake mix and frosting.

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

Acolytes

Mr. Lynn Clements

Richard & Thelma Sanford

Leslie Clements

Kim Dukes

Melani Lyon

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.