 This past Sunday, folks who attended worship heard a great sermon by Wayne Bernardo. And afterwards, they enjoyed fun and fellowship.
The church hosted an old-fashioned Coffee Hour in the East Room -- just like the good old days. Where you there? If not, know that we missed you. And we're sorry we couldn't save you an Oreo or two. 😊
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 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ Isaiah 6:8
This scripture is part of our foundation; a pillar of who we are and want to be. It is part of our vision. We, the members of Orange Presbyterian Church, give our time and our talents to our community to make a difference in other lives. We hear the call and show up, again and again. God asks, Who shall care for the hungry, the sick, the needy? Here am I, Lord, respond those who stock the Blessing Box and volunteer at the Food Pantry. Here am I, Lord, respond those who serve in free clinics, both in Orange and elsewhere. Here am I, Lord, respond those who prepare communion, work yard sales, and bazaars. God asks, Who shall tend my flock? Here am I, Lord, respond those who keep Sunday worship going after our pastor left. Here am I, Lord, respond those who serve on session and committees. Here am I, Lord, respond those who write letters and give rides to shut-ins. God asks, Who shall be stewards of this place? Here am I, Lord, respond those who mow the grass, tend the garden, and clean the church. Here am I, Lord, respond those who serve on the Presbyterian Weekday School Board. Here am I, Lord, respond those who serve on the Finance and Endowment Committees. God asks, Who shall support this work? Here am I, Lord, respond those who tithe regularly. Here am I, Lord, respond those who donate to support our mission work. Here am I, Lord, respond those who contribute quietly but faithfully. How will you answer the call? Fill out your stewardship packet today. Or, simply contact the church. When you say Here am I, Lord, let us know what you’re here for. Will it be regular church attendance? Service on committees or session? Work in the community? Faithful tithing? All of the above? The pandemic has dispersed our church family. It is time to return. Time to answer God’s call and say Here am I, Lord.  YOUR CHURCH FAMILY NEEDS YOU!
Will you answer the call? For OPC to continue, we need your active participation. Listen to God’s call and consider becoming more active. The Nominating Committee will begin calling this week, looking for folks willing to serve on the session. Every member of this year's Session is rotating off at the end of the year. Without a session, OPC simply can’t continue as an organization. Will you answer the call to lead? If it's been a while since you served, know that some things have changed. First, Session members are no longer required to be committee chairs. So you don't have to do double duty. Second, Session members no longer have to commit to a full three-year term. You can agree to serve for two years. Or if you're on the fence, you can even volunteer for just one year as a trial. The Pastor Nominating Committee is progressing in their work, and we may soon have a new pastor. If you've been unhappy with the direction OPC has gone, this is a great opportunity to "right the ship." Will you answer the call to serve? Don't consider yourself a leadership type? There's still lots to do. Every committee needs more support. Even if you can commit to doing one small thing, that still lightens the burden for others. So when the Nominating Committee calls, consider volunteering to help with a committee. How will the Spirit move you to answer? With a small congregation, an individual's participation -- or lack of participation -- has a huge impact on the health of the church. What will your impact be? Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Lord. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8 - Ralph Graves Communications Team Leader  Come to the garden alone (like it says in the hymn), or come with others. But be sure to come visit our Memorial Garden soon. Flowers continue to bloom, and butterflies and bees flit from plant to plant. Come witness God’s creation!
 Buckshot celebrated a major milestone on Saturday, August 7. The next day, his church family threw him a surprise birthday party. According to Buckshot, he turned 49 -- again. It's actually his ninetieth birthday, and he's still going strong. After worship everyone enjoyed all kinds of goodies and balloons outdoors.    The Memorial Garden was in bloom this Sunday. And God's creatures were hard at work.
 A few weeks ago we put out an appeal to the congregation. The supplies for the Blessing Box were running low.
And you responded! Thanks for helping restock the box. Your generosity keeps this vital ministry alive.  This past Sunday the 44th Annual Anchor House Foundation "Ride for Runaways" stopped in Orange. OPC provided the facilities for the rest stop. The riders had started the day in Charlottesville. OPC was their second rest stop of the day. The next was at Mitchells Presbyterian Church in Rapidan. Anchor House Foundation is a shelter for runaway and/or abused youth. The Foundation has been a safe space for young adults in Trenton, New Jersey since 1979. Their annual charity ride is one of their biggest fundraisers. Jennie Hill Robison snapped photos of the resting riders, and even video. Personally, I think this is a good look for our parking lot! - Ralph Graves |
