 The Town of Orange Ministerial Association put together a Rise Against Hunger food-packing event, hosted by OPC. There were 118 volunteers in our Fellowship Hall working together to package 10,000 meals, and $3,709 was raised additionally. Churches that were represented included OPC, Orange Baptist, St. Thomas Episcopal, Trinity United Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, and Anglican Fellowship. Together, with Rise Against Hunger, we continue to fight world-wide hunger. Thanks to everyone who helped with set-up, packing, child care, and clean-up! 
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 “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was.” Mark 4:35-36a The temperature is rising, and the days are long. We are in the dog days of summer. People have been coming and going on vacation. I am so glad for that because vacation is so important for mental, physical, and spiritual health. Getting away from the routine helps us step away and get a look at the big picture – what really matters. Even Jesus took time to get away from the ever-present crowds. And we all know God rested on the seventh day! If you have not done so yet this summer, I encourage you to take some guilt-free time for yourself. That’s what I will be doing this weekend. On Thursday I will be going to Baltimore, MD to attend the PC(USA) Big Tent event. This is an opportunity for Presbyterians to come together for worship, continuing education, social justice issues, and more, all under one big tent. This is a great chance for me to get to know the larger connectional church and bring back what I learned to our church family. Stay tuned for that! But of course, that is continuing education, not vacation. I do have plans for the latter. On Saturday, Cameron and the boys will be joining me in Baltimore for some time to play. I always look forward to spending quality time with my family and making good, lasting memories.  Of course we cannot stay in the place of rest forever, there is still work to be done, and plenty of opportunities to work. One thing I am looking forward to is the Rise Against Hunger event. Like in previous years, OPC will be partnering with our neighboring churches for this event. What a wonderful way to serve our neighbors near and far.
I am thankful for time to rest, and to be renewed. I am thankful that God knows that we are limited creatures and calls us to times of rest. And I am also thankful that after a good rest, I can come back to the vast mission field God has called me to and continue on. So, dear friends, take the time to rest and enjoy these dog days of summer. Take a deep breath in so that we can go forth in the name of God. In Christ, Pastor Rebekah |
