Peacemaking Offering

On Sunday, October 8, we will join other congregations around the world to receive a Peacemaking Offering. The goal is to use these gifts to equip those in our community, in our denomination and worldwide to bear witness in word and deed to the reconciling gospel of Jesus Christ.  Many diverse strategies are used to bring people together to work for justice and peace.

The Pastor's Ponderings

Sunrise, Sunset

A Guiding Light
   Last week I spent some time away and enjoyed a week on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was my first visit to that area of beaches and I hope it isn’t my last! In addition to my favorite beach activities of walking along the shore line, eating all kinds of seafood and catching up on some reading, I spent a day visiting lighthouses – Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke Island, and Currituck Beach Lighthouse. And yes, I walked the 268 steps to the top of Hatteras. What an outstanding view!

An Internet site reveals this information about the purpose of lighthouses: “Lighthouses guide ships sailing near a coast. They are built in different kinds of places: important locations on a coast, harbor entrances, islands, rocky ledges or reefs, and even in the water. They project strong beacons of light at night so ships can see them. Lighthouses help ships identify their locations, warn them of danger, and serve as a marker of nearby land.” (The Library of Congress, America’s Story)

The lighthouse has often been used as a Christian symbol. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). And in the Psalms we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Clearly, it is obvious that all of us need markers along the way to point us in the right direction. May all of us use God’s Word and the example of our Lord to guide us in our day-to-day living.

Guided by the Light,
Denise

The new preschool year got off to a wonderful start with an Open House attended by forty families. 

Our three year old class of 18 has finally settled in and thanks to an extra set of hands from Ellen Kendall, we have few tears these days. Oh, what a difference a year makes!  The four year old class of 27 has been confident and energetic since day one. 

This month we’ve painted every day, made applesauce, play dough in the kitchen, music in the fellowship hall and Pastor Denise even paid us a visit this week to read a story.  Thanks also to Gene Whitaker and Bill Chapman for the fence they installed in our grassy area. The children love being able to play in the sand, write with chalk and water paint.  We’ve even planted some flowers.

Again, thanks to everyone for your constant support.
                            Kim Szydlowski, Preschool Director

Presbyterian Women Circle Meetings

The Morning Circle will meet Tuesday, October 2, 2007at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Winnie Higgins (224 Boxley Lane). You may reach circle leader Joyce Palmer at 854-8911 if you have any questions.

The Luncheon Circle will be meeting on Thursday, October  4, 2007, at 12:30 p.m. at the home of Kay Nix (26248 Constitution Hwy). We will meet at the church at noon to car pool to Kay’s home. Any questions call Elinor Vasquez at 672-3292.

The Presbyterian Men to Meet October 23 for Dinner

The new Presbyterian Men’s organization at Orange Presbyterian Church will meet on October 23 for a spaghetti dinner in the Fellowship Hall Tuesday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. Co-Chairmen Bill Chapman and Rod McLeod will lead a discussion of plans for a church-wide dinner to raise funds for future work projects in the church and community. Reservations are required and may be made by using a form to be found in church bulletins or by calling Bill Chapman.

There will be no charge for the dinner. Any men who were unable to attend our organizational meeting are encouraged to join by contacting Bill Chapman at chapmans1@verizon.net or by calling Bill Chapman at 672-1794.

Treasurer's September 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

September Session Highlights

At its last meeting Session:

• Unanimously approved Gail Hassmer and Jim Darling for membership by letters of transfer.
• Heard discussion from guests about the disposition of the Willis Property
• Unanimously approved $3800 ($1300 is new funding) to pay for new choir robes and stoles.
• Voted 11-2 to rescind previous motion to use Bailey Endowment for piano restoration’s final payment and instead take the money from American Century account ($2735).
• Approved by common consent to leave offering plates on Communion table after the collection.
• Approved unanimously a new offering procedure beginning the first Sunday in October 2007.
• Approved unanimously changing the membership status of several members from Active to Inactive after sending them a letter advising them of their change in status.
• Approved unanimously $500 from Benevolence Endowment to help defray our missionaries Mike and Gail Haninger’s travel cost incurred for Dr. Mike’s medical treatments.
• Unanimously approved to use 25% Peacemaking Offering to the Piedmont Conflict Resolution Center.
• Unanimously approved $300 from Merrill-Lynch account to pay for new iron fence to create play area between the church and PMI.
• Approved by common consent sending a letter to Thomas Purcell concerning his law firm’s use of the church’s parking lot.
• Unanimously approved hosting the Community Thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 18 at 6 PM.
• Approved unanimously Sunday School curriculum
  • 4 yr. old – 5th grade: We Believe (PCUSA)
  • 6th – 12th grade: Youth Specialties and Empty Bowls Project
  • Leland Lord: What We Believe: Eight Truths Presbyterians Affirm
  • Adult class: Present Word (PCUSA)                                     
• Elected Elder Sherman as a Commissioner for Presbytery of the James meeting, Tuesday, October 9.
• Approved unanimously calling a congregation meeting for Sunday, October 14 to elect Elders for the class of 2010.
• Amended the Property Committee’s motion on the Willis House postponed from the May Session meeting. New wording now reads: [The Property Committee] recommends remove 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. [Session further] directs the [Property] Committee to proceed with plans to implement [this proposal]. After prayerfully consideration, Session approved the motion.
• Unanimously approved use of Sanctuary by the Community Chorus, Sunday, December 9 at 3 PM and the use of Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall by Celebrate Orange for New Year’s Eve “Music on Main Street” celebration on Monday, December 31.

Respectfully submitted,
Marc A. Hogan, Clerk

A Special Invitation from Mitchells Presbyterian Church

On Sunday, October 21, 2007, the Mitchells Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 140th anniversary. We are invited to join them in their celebration service at 11:00 am that morning. The worship service will be followed by a covered-dish luncheon. Immediately following lunch, there will be a time of reminiscing and sharing, in which everyone is invited to participate.

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: 

• October:  cooking oil
• November:  body soap
• December:  cake mix and frosting.

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

Acolytes

Ellen Kendall

Carol Roop

Ann Taylor Mohrmann

Louise Whitaker

Lynne Clements

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.