The Olive Branch APRIL 2012

Transcription

1 The Olive Branch APRIL 2012 Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Richard D. Cline, minister Pat Dressler, secretary Web Address: (office) Office Address: The Fabric of Our Lives One of the earliest examples I remember of actions and their consequences involved throwing a pebble into a pond. The pebble s displacement of water from its impact created a ripple pattern that grew larger and larger, reaching areas far from where it was thrown. These ripples, or waves, are good examples for the impact each of us has upon others. Each day we impact the lives of others. A fair number of these impacts are planned; we call someone, we send an to a friend, we meet someone for lunch. Yet the majority of our impacts are with people we barely know. It s the clerk behind the counter, the waitress in the restaurant, the driver with the signal on trying to switch lanes, the company representative on the phone, the couple we meet while walking, the people at the table next to ours, the children playing in our neighborhoods, the visitor sitting beside us in church these men and women make up the fabric of our lives. They are the individuals we impact on a daily basis, with our acts of kindness or indifference, words that build up or tear down, friendliness or coldness. Our lives crossed, and the ripple of what we said or did left a mark upon their lives. As Christians we have been chosen to reveal Christ to others. The question found in John s gospel, Sir, we would see Jesus, is the one we should have at the heart of our conversations and actions. We are at our best when Jesus is seen by what we do and what we say. And if you are looking for a place to start, let me recommend some instructions from the Apostle Paul: let the words that come out of our mouths build one another up, not tear each other down. Or as my grandmother use to say, if you can t say anything good about someone, don t say anything at all. But I am convinced, there is always something that can be said to encourage and lift up another. And it is in those words that Christ is seen. Blessings, Richard

2 This Lenten Season at Olive Branch Church has shown the fallacy of the shallow, primitive theology that God protects from harm those who are faithful. Several of our saints have developed life threatening diseases, received life altering injuries and received life shocking grief. These were not the consequences of sin or faithlessness. These were the consequences of being human. This isn t red letter Christianity, but my observation is that God is less concerned that we live free from hardship and more concerned with how we respond to hardship, in our lives and in the lives of others. Has He not blessed us this season? The prayers of the faithful have sustained those who are ill and injured. The message of those who grieve has brought comfort, reassurance and hope to all of us. The peaceful spirit of the seriously ill has inspired us. The pastoral care we have witnessed and received in hospital calls, funeral services and home visits has shown us God s love in the midst of human frailty and suffering. A God who walks with us through hardship is not as simple to understand as one who would deliver us from hardship. But a God who would call His Son to the cross for us and raise Him from the dead is not a simple God. He is a holy and awesome God. The God who brings us the glorious victory of Easter is the God who walks with us in times of trouble. His blessings are abundant, even as we undergo hardship. Andy Bradshaw Board Chair The following scriptures will be used during the Sunday worship in April. April 8 Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, April 15 Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31 April 22 Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48 April 29 Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18 New Church Addresses Both Richard and the church office have a new internet provider. We have switched from Widomaker to Cox, which will necessitate a change

3 in address. Please note that there is no change to our website address. Our new addresses are: Richard Cline: Pat Dressler and general mail to the church: April 1 & 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 Linda Hutton Kid s Club Nancy Sheppard Marney Brickhouse Tracy Hutton Tonya Meadows April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 SERVING IN APRIL Elders Doug Dill, Bob Schmidt Hunter Creech, Fred Rothermel Doug Dill, Ralph Hutton Jim Thacker, Kim Riffle Norm Harbour, Missy Harbour Deacons Abby Matschke, Barbara Schmidt Dale Teagle, Morgan Rowe Harold McKeel, Dennis Williams Lucy Hall, Marci Millican Ellen Sullivan, Roy Sullivan Tonya Meadows, Tracie Hutton Mike Ayers, Norman Hall Maralyn Carr, Don Morse Lewis Williams, Sean Gormus Dawn Gormus Sheila Yeatts Acolytes April 1 8:30/11:00 Haley Creech, Kylie Rutherford April 8 8:30/11:00 Lauren Ries, Maggie Sheppard April 15 8:30/11:00 Justin Cooper, Patrick Gormus April 22 8:30/11:00 Angelica Poland, Todd Meadows HOMEBOUND Tommy Hoar, Audrey White Church Family: Murray & Paulette Moyce, Grace Hatfield, Jimmy Anderson, Lena Jeffries, Jeffrey Johns, Pat Allred, Jimmy Allred & family, Jesse Hall, Nancy Cates, Russell & Sarah Waid, Bruce Kerr, Judy Biggs, Helen Pruitt, Jerry Ainsworth, Mike Dente, Sr., Dave & Bonnie Willard, Patty Neary, Paula Thacker, Lucy Hall, Bob Eley, Robert Wilkins, Bill Fletcher, Paul Biggs, and the family of Andy and Jeanne Bell. Family and Friends: William Phares, Jr., Bob & Betty Millican, Bill Perkins, Eric Sieman (Marney Brickhouse s son), Trevor Waite (Ellen Waite s grandson), Jan McGinnis, Bertha Shaw, Tim McKinny (close friend of the Duke s), Christina Vitek (Irma & Bob Gustafson s 5-year old granddaughter), Eddie Ratcliffe, Debbie Iversen, Sarah Kerr (Bruce and Carol Kerr's granddaughter), Joshua H. Johnson (Cheryl & Gene Johnson s 18-month grandson, Mondo Rodriguez (friend of Bob & Barb Schmidt), Peggy Dickens (Vicki Anderson's sister), Joyce Parker (Judy Eley s aunt), Don & Linda Patten (friends of Keeta Hodson), Thomas Wynne, Karen Dutton, Karen Evans, Gary Sullivan (Roy & Ellen Sullivan s son), David Barrow, Cheryl Hodson & Hannah Hodson (Keeta Hodson s daughter-in-law & granddaughter), Kelly Hipple, Amy Johnson, Joyce Holt (Mabel Jones daughter), the Kanode family, and the men & women in our Armed Forces. NOTE: Please review the names listed for our Prayer Concerns, and contact the church office if someone s name is able to be removed from the list or if you would like someone s name added. April 29 Maggie Sheppard, Bryant Walker Deaconess

4 BRADSHAW-MEMORIAL-SCHOLARSHIP-FUND/ So far this year we have given several cash and kind donations to families within our church who are or were in need. I would appreciate a call if CWF can be of service and will take care to be sure that we act quickly and quietly as possible to preserve the dignity of those recipients. Giving, sharing, caring, but most of all loving is what God wants us to do each day. Just one more thing, isn't it beautiful outside? God's paintbrush has been busy! Blessing to all, Marney Brickhouse CWF President Christian Women s Fellowship NEWS FROM CWF: Our CWF project for this year was a make-over for Richard's office. It has now been completed and we are now working with Steve Perger to make improvements to the rest of the New Fellowship Building. My personal thanks to all who helped make this possible. Our evening dinner meeting in March included an Irish dinner "Corn beef and cabbage" and many other goodies. The day started out with dark clouds, rain, and snow, but many came out and enjoyed the wonderful speaker, John Javid who shared not only the Christian Outreach Program with us, but some of his personal experiences as a Christian Pakistani growing up in an almost 100 percent Muslim neighborhood. John and Richard worked together and he shared some of those experiences too. Thanks to all the CWF ladies who helped with the Youth Yard Sale. It was a beautiful day and through the generosity of our church friends and family the fellowship hall was full. Many thanks, to everyone who gave of their time and food for the reception following the funeral service for Chris Bell. I never cease to be amazed at the generosity and caring when we put out a call for help. May God Bless You Always. We are excited to announce that Donna Webster, the Virginia Director of Woman's Services, let us know that the Nancy Bradshaw Scholarship Fund will be announced during the Women's Luncheon at the 2012 Regional Assembly. Those funds will be distributed for the 2012 camp season. For those who would like more information go to Tuesday Morning Circle: Our circle meeting for April has been changed (for April only) to the third Tuesday, April 17 th, 11:45 a.m. at Interlude. Donna Haulsee Circle Leader BLESSING BOXES DUE BY OCTOBER 1ST Your blessing boxes are due by October 1st. We would like to have them dedicated on October 7th during worship. If you fill your box, please leave it in the narthex or give to one of our ladies. Please fill free to take another blessing box and fill it. Half of your blessing box offering goes to support the mission of the whole church through the Disciples Mission Fund and half goes to support Disciples Women's ministries in leadership training, study materials, leadership at retreats around the country, development of women-specific ministry and education, funding for Bread for the World, Church Women United, World Day of Prayer, and even more. So, every time you put something in that blessing box, you are helping far more than you could have ever imagined. That is why they are called BLESSING BOXES. Gail Key

5 David and Diane Love William and Janet Fletcher 20 Marney Brickhouse 21 Brett Matschke 22 Kathy Kirby 24 Donna Perger 25 Jack Heslink 26 Tyler Hutton Maggie Sheppard 20 Christy Jensen NOTE: If you have not seen your birthday listed, and would like it included, please contact the office. Update from the Program Planning Team Advocates WORLD OUTREACH April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29 Easter Lilies Marney Brickhouse NOTE: Please note all the available Sundays for this month! The 2012 Flower Chart is posted on the Narthex Bulletin Board. If you wish to donate flowers for the Sanctuary sign up by the appropriate week (PLEASE PRINT). You are asked to bring your flowers and place them on the floor in front of the communion table by 8:00 a.m. on your Sunday. APRIL BIRTHDAYS 1 Derrick Trexler 2 Jonathan Griffin 6 Larry Smith 8 Judy Wanner 11 Ann Bradshaw 16 Nancy Sheppard 17 Chuck Sheppard 19 John Speegle OBCC is a giving church in many ways. As of March 4, 2012, over $2000 was given to the Week of Compassion (WOC) offering. All monies given will certainly be needed and used for urgent humanitarian causes. This past month tornadoes have struck in the Midwest, Southeast and Mid Atlantic areas of the U.S. Week of Compassion reports on their web site that no Disciples churches were damaged by these storms but families within congregations in those areas have experienced losses. Churches in the Ozark Lake area have organized to help in those communities that were hit. The, blankets, tool kits, and hygiene kits that we have given in the past will be readily used by WOC working with Church World Services in those cleanup efforts. We will have two options for participating in the Easter offering. First, we are asking each of you to journey to a new life by turning the Cost of Betrayal ( Thirty Pieces of Silver ) into an Offering of Love. Judas Bags are available in the narthex for this offering. We ask that you place a special offering each day during Holy Week into the Judas Bag. As you collect your 30 Pieces of Silver daily, include with it your commitment to receiving the resurrection life that is offered. On Easter Sunday as we join together to celebrate the eternal victory, bring your Judas Bag and place it on the cross that stands in the yard in front of the church. We have designated all the proceeds received from the Thirty Pieces of Silver to our Easter offering. Secondly, if you would prefer to make your offering in the church there are envelopes in the pew. Whichever means you choose, give generously to this special offering.

6 Carolyn Hunt PPT World Outreach Advocate April 5: Maundy Thursday at 7:00 p.m. April 5: Prayer Vigil at 8:00 p.m. continuous through April 6, 7:00 p.m. April 6: Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. April 8: Easter Sunday Sunrise Worship at 6:30 a.m. (outdoor worship area), followed by breakfast by the Disciples Men Regular Worship at 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. The Necessity of Evangelism I ask myself: "Am I like Peter, James, and John who could not watch and wait with their Lord, or Peter who later denied his Lord?" "Am I like Judas who betrayed his Lord?" "Am I like Thomas who doubted his Lord?" "Am I faithful to my Lord to go into the world and share His Gospel?" I want always to watch and wait with my Lord in prayer. I want never to betray Him with some careless word or action. And I never want to doubt His love for me as revealed at Calvary. I know at times, I too, will fail Him. I know, too, like them, I am forgiven. With love and gratitude, not wanting to deny my Lord, I go and tell..."he is alive"!!! Louise Smith PPT Evangelism Advocate Schedule of Worship for Holy Week Notes from the Wild Side We have a new chili cook-off winner, BETH NEASE!!!! Her chili raised $ Congratulations Beth, you are among the elite top chefs here at Olive Branch. We raised over $ with this year s chili cook-off; thank you Hunter Creech for coming up with a dollar equals a vote concept. Our youth-sponsored yard sale was very successful. We raised over $ We would like to give a shout out of thanks to all the people who helped price, bake, and work with us on this event. Without your help it would not have been possible. The youth group "Walked with Llamas" and had a Bible study, on Saturday, March 24th. Thank you, Beth, for making such a wonderful experience happen. This year the youth group wants our mission to start at home. We are donating $ toward the playground. We are taking this year off from traveling on a mission trip to make the budget of $5, a little easier to meet in the future. We will be having a guest speaker come to Olive Branch. Chistina Saadeh, the site leader of Raleigh County, West Virginia, will be at Olive Branch in April or May to talk to us about her

7 continuing journey to spread God's work. I will let everyone know when this will happen when we confirm a date. All are invited to come hear Chistina speak. CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK SITE!! Abby Matschke and Courtney Holt An Easter Prayer Thank you, Lord, for rising from the tomb to live in our hearts. May the innocence of each child remind us of the joy of sharing Your love. May the caroling of each bird remind us to sing Your praises. May the majesty of each sunrise remind us to shine in Your light. May the beauty of each flower remind us Jesus lives and is Lord of Life. And it is good. Thank you, Holy Father, for Easter, for Jesus, and for all Your goodness. Stay with us this day and always. In Jesus name, we thank You! AMEN. COMING: Naomi Marrow s Backstage Productions presents Joseph on Friday, April 20 th at 7:00 p.m. If you have never seen this group, you have a real treat coming. These are young people that meet here at Olive Branch each Friday evening to learn acting under Naomi s direction. Check the Sunday bulletins for further information. Thanks for your generous cash donation to our Food Pantry. That and your regular food donations are a great help to us in providing for the needy. Please invite your members to stop by, Monday Thursday, a.m., to see how their donations are used. We d welcome their visit. God Bless, Tony Melzer St. Olaf Catholic Church

8 Dear Olive Branch Christian Church, We thank you for your generous donation of $ to The Salvation Army of Greater Williamsburg. We greatly appreciate your donation during these difficult economic times and thank you for your concern for those in our community. Because of your generous support we are able to help more families, individuals, older adults and youth not only during the holiday season but all year round. We try very hard to Do The Most Good with the generous donations of this community. Thank you for your generous support. God bless you. Sincerely, Roger Hasty Captain Corps Officer Williamsburg Corp Register Now for Summer Camp!!! Craig Springs Camp Craig Springs Camp, Secrets of the Kingdom, early registration deadline is MAY 15th. We would encourage any completed 3rd grader - graduated 12th grader to attend one of the Triple Camps. The dates for the Triple Camps are July and July 29 Aug 3. There will be information on the bulletin boards located in the Narthex and in the Education building. Please see Missy Harbour if you need registration information. Detailed Information GAP Conference June 7-11 (graduated 12 th to age 22): Be part of God s Adult Preparation camp/conference at Craig Springs for young adults. Great music, small group discussion, team and individual activities, hang out time, mission work, recognizing God and finding your purpose in life. Join us on the mountain for a long weekend of music, Christian growth and spiritual conversation. Nature Camp June (Counselors from rising 10 th grade through graduated 12 th ): An opportunity for at-risk children to experience a week of camp and an opportunity for high-school age counselors to develop skills for ministry and service. Counselor registration fees cover the cost of room and board. Counselors will be selected based on their qualifications reviewed by the directors. NOTE: Different registration form (see website). Special Camp for Special People July 1-6: NOTE: Different registration form (see website). Special Camp is a Christian camping experience for your adults and adults who are mentally and developmentally challenged. It is a fun-filled week of Bible lessons, singing, crafts, and family group activities. Each weekday we have time. In the afternoon we have swim time, canteen, and an afternoon activity. In the evenings we have a total camp activity including carnival night, a birthday party, the annual Talent Show, and a dance. The end of the week slide show on Friday morning is the perfect end to a great week! Our staff consists of Counselors-in- Training (youth ages 12-17), Counselors (age 18 and older), Coordinators (age 21 and older), crafts persons, music leader, Keynote/Chaplain, and Nurses (certified EMT, LPN, RN, MD or OD). CYF Conference July 8-13 (grades completed 9 th graduated 12 th ): This

9 conference is a life changing event for all high school youth who are seeking a deeper level of spirituality and closer walk with Jesus. We will journey together, learning how being a Christian impacts the world we live in and our personal relationship with everyone we meet. ChiRho July 8-13 (grades completed 6 th completed 8 th ): Christian education and self exploration couldn t be more fun when done amongst your peers. Come join us as we work on developing our identities and making friendships that last a lifetime. This camp will be held during the same week as the high school-age camp (CYF), but the camps will be operating separately. This is truly a time for middle-schoolers to bond. AMPDD (Art, Music, Photography, Dance, Drama) Camp July (completed 6 th graders graduated 12 th ): This camp offers a rare opportunity to participate in a camping experience that provides youth of similar ages and interests the chance to flex their creative talents. Campers choose an area of focus for the week, and each day a significant amount of time is spent exploring their interests. In addition to the various arts, campers also experience a positive accepting, faith-based camping program and are able to form a close-knit community with others that have similar interests. At the end of the week the campers lead a show that is open for friends and family to attend. We strongly encourage youth to bring their own materials and instruments, yet we strive to have as many materials and instruments present as possible. Don t know anything about the area you are interested in? Our staff is present to help you learn and explore. Come enjoy the freedom to express yourself in an open and supportive faithbased week of fun and excitement. First Triple July (completed 3 rd to graduated 12 th graders). Second Triple July 29-August 3 (completed 3rd to graduated 12 graders). Come join us for an exciting week of fun in a safe, Christian environment where new friends and old friends get together! These camps are open to Juniors (completed 3-5 grades), Middle-schoolers (completed 6-8 grades), and High-schoolers (completed 9-12 grades). We will have a week filled with a variety of total group activities, small group study, and worship where campers will be with each other as a whole camp and in separate age groups. These camps provide the opportunity to have each individual s life cross paths with Jesus and other youth and adults from around the region. Be sure to get your registration in as soon as possible, since these camps fill up quickly! New Covenant August 5-10 (completed 1 st -completed 4 th ): New Covenant introduces elementary school-age children to the experience of Christian camping. Plenty of opportunities for faith-building activities and play abound! Experienced staff and counselors make this camping experience meaningful! Outdoor Adventure August 5-10 (grades completed 9 th completed 12 th ): This camp is an opportunity for senior high youth to get up close and personal with God s creation. The week will feature a combination of backpacking, canoeing, overnight camping, and other outdoor adventures. Family Retreat August (all ages welcome): This is for any family unit who wants to spend a long weekend at Craig Springs enjoying their time together. NOTE: Different registration form (see website).

10 Kaleidoscope Camp The 2012 Kaleidoscope Camp Brochures from Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center are here. Camps are available for ages 7-16 and run from June 24th to August 2nd. For more information please see the bulletin boards located in the Narthex and in the Education building. You can also get information on the web at or see Missy Harbour for a brochure. Hey, Kids!! This is YOUR page in The Olive Branch, and will be included in each newsletter. Surprise! It's Empty! Jesus Is Alive! Early in the morning, on the Sunday after Jesus was crucified, two women (Mary and Mary Magdalene) went to the grave where Jesus had been buried. As they were just about at the tomb the earth suddenly shook and an angel came down from heaven, and rolled away the stone at the entrance of the tomb. The women looked at each other and rubbed their eyes, they couldn't believe what they had seen, because it was very early in the morning, and they were still a little sleepy. The angel was so bright, almost as bright as lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. They were surprised to find an empty grave and wondered what had happened to Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly, two angels in dazzling bright clothes appeared to the two women. Now they were not only surprised -- they were also afraid. The angels spoke to the women and said, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? Jesus is not here, he has risen just as he told you he would." Come and see for yourself, the tomb is empty." When the women heard these words, they remembered that Jesus had told them that he would be crucified, but that he would rise again on the third day. Now they were no longer surprised at finding an empty grave. Then the angel spoke again, "If you want to find Jesus He's on his way to Galilee." So the women hurried away, to tell his disciples and everyone else what they had seen. They didn't know what to feel, they had been so sad that Jesus was dead and now they were so excited He was alive! They just knew they had to find Jesus, and they had to tell the disciples the good news. As they were running down the path they turned a corner, and there was Jesus. "Greetings," He said. The ladies fell at His feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my disciples to come to Galilee, that is where they will see me." The disciples came to Galilee, and had heard by this time that Jesus was alive. They were sitting around talking about it, when Jesus walked into the room and said to them, "Peace be with you." The disciples

11 immediately stopped talking. Even though they had heard He was alive, they were shocked to see Him standing there with them. Jesus said to them, "Why do you like at me like you've just seen a ghost? Why don't you believe what you're seeing? Look at the scars in my hands and feet. It is really me! Touch me and see; I am not a ghost but a real person." The disciples mouths were open in amazement because they still didn't know what to think. They were so full of joy, and yet it was so impossible. Jesus understood what they were thinking, so He said, "This is what I told you would happen, that everything must happen that has already been written in the Bible." The best reason we have to be happy today is that the grave is empty, Jesus is alive, and he loves us very much! That is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday! LET S PRAY: Dear God. Thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Thank You that He arose from the dead and is now living; and because He lives, we can have eternal life. We praise you! Jesus has risen -- just as he said he would! Amen. Can you find this story in the Bible? Matthew 28:1-10 Mark 16:1-7 Luke 24:1-12 John 20:1-18 He is not here! He has risen! Can you find you way to the empty tomb?

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13 Easter is Really for Jesus Easter is not just for the bunny, With goodies and treats that he brings. Easter is when the church celebrates And alleluia is the song that we sing! Easter is really for Jesus, Who died and then rose from the dead. We must always remember the love Jesus showed And all of the things that He said. So, remember this Easter when you go to Church, And this message you tell everyone. That Easter is all about Jesus And the bunny and treats are just fun! Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Norge, VA Permit No. 2 The Olive Branch published by Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 7643 Richmond Road P. O. Box 190 Norge, VA (757) Address Service Requested

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