OCEAN Views. From the Pastor Terry Dougherty. Dear Friends in Christ,

Transcription

1 OCEAN Views OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 Dear Friends in Christ, From the Pastor Terry Dougherty A couple of months ago, friends of mine completed the pilgrimage trail to Sant Iago da Compostela. They saw every variety of weather (most of it nice); they wore out both socks and shoes not to mention themselves It was a real pleasure to view their updates on Facebook; to wonder at, and feel envy for, their journey. Many years ago, another friend climbed Craogh Phoraigh (Patrick s Mount) in Ireland. It is a steep trail paved in sharp flinders and insole-seeking pebbles, on which he witnessed people climbing barefoot, and on their knees. He brought me back an example stone; I wouldn t want to walk over a field of stones like it I think of these things as we approach Lent, because both were and are, by design, penitential journeys regardless they now also enjoy some tourist cachet. Lent is a misnomer in English, since it derives from the Old English len(c)ten, a word only indicating Spring time. But it names the church season known to the early Greek church as Sarakoste (short for Tessarakoste; translated fortieth ), and to its Latin inheritors as Quadragesima (same meaning). That season grew out of the early church s fascination with the events surrounding Jesus Passion and Resurrection. Remembrance and re-enaction of these events were annual in the early and medieval church. Combined with this, the months before Easter were also the time Catechumens (converts on their way to membership in the church) were most focussed on their instruction leading toward Baptism which ideally took place on Easter. Taken together, these trends led to the dedication of Lent as a forty day (in Ordinary days; 46 total, as Sundays are not in Ordinary time) season of self-examination and preparation; of renewal of faithful practice, for the Church, prior to Easter. Reconciliation to the Community of Faith was also stressed, for those who had strayed, or had been forced out. Practices of penitence and forgiveness were modeled, and to this day every Christian and congregation is reminded, in Lent, of our dependence on mercy, grace and forgiveness expressly given us, by God, through Jesus Christ.

2 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 2 Though we hopefully examine ourselves often, regarding our daily walk and our treatment of others, Lent is a great time to undertake a wider life-review, marked at the end by repentance, and by change. Not every practice that leads to this desired end will be right for every person. We may choose (or need) more attention to our life of prayer and contemplation, or to our reading and meditation. We may choose self-denial, even up to fasting or giving up of some good we perceive to have become an idol in our life. Then again, we may choose giving, rather than losing, as our best practice. We do well to begin in remembrance of our frailty, and our mortality; and always to return to that remembrance. We do well to set ourselves some time apart, in quiet, to enter into our own wilderness, where nothing will distract us, and where our prayerful silence will leave us open to the presence of the living God. We do well to recall that we need help. We need God, we need others, we need to be part of a compassionate, believing community. We do well to feel, and to give, trust. We do well to give thanks. We do well, at the last, to believe in the Promises of God, and to live into them with our undivided, sacrificed selves. The truth is, no matter how attractive, or complete, or satisfying someone else s road may look, it cannot be the one Jesus called each one of us into at our Baptism. That is unique, as is the nature of our one relationship with Christ. That is the road each of us must follow, the one to which Jesus invited and called us, saying come, and see. We walk each step, learning who we truly are, even as we also bear each other up. I wish you all a most meaningful Lent Ocean View Presbyterian Church 67 Central Avenue Ocean View, DE Service Sunday, 9:30 A.M. Pastor Terry Dougherty Church Office Website ovpc.org Session Don Bailey Cathy Yantz Bob Clark Mike Quinn Bruce Hobler Ellen Neumann Karen Colwill (Clerk of Session) Deacons Earlene DeFazio Sandy White Eric Neumann Cindy Benjamin Ollie Robling Sue Baer Newsletter Editors Lorie and Jim Hartsig

3 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 3 An open letter to my friends at OVPC Elsie Young I have been remembering the blessings in which I have been flourishing. God surely has been in our midst, working miracles greater than the whole. Think of the activities in our journeys at OVPC Bible Studies, weekly and monthly meetings and duties, Sunday Worship, glorious music, informative, challenging sermons, friendly greetings, prayer, special seasonal music, beauty in a decorative setting, sharing in Sunday School, PNC introducing Terry and Pam to the congregation and the joy of accepting and receiving them. The completion of the Transition Team in concluding Jerry s and Marge s stay with, such a fantastic meal, the Advent Devotional, Nativity Festival, healing service, newsletter, 2018 budget and calendar, annual reports. During all this we have been surrounded by Hope, Love, Peace and Joy. Personally, I have received such joy in each card, letter, photocard, visit, cookie, smile, hug and hello Thank you. I give thanks to all who have set in motion our church life encouraging me not to skimp on my time to glorify God. As I read in Buechner this morning, Jan 10th For all thy blessings known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, we (I) give thanks enjoy my Presence. Now onward to 2018 to new blessings full of Praise and Thanksgiving. PEACE Souper sunday Sunday February 4th Wear your favorite sports jersey to church and bring soup (cans or packaged) for the Pyle Center.

4 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 4 Session Report Karen Colwill, Clerk of Session OVPC Minute from Session January 2018 The Session of OVPC met on Monday, January 8, 2018 in Fellowship Center. Pam Ruarke, New Castle Presbytery Committee On Ministry, opened with prayer and devotions at 7:00 P.M. Orders of the Day: Welcomed Pam Ruarke as Moderator of the OVPC Session Meeting. (Pastor Terry can moderate Session after he is ordained on January 28, 2018.) Welcomed Pastor Terry Dougherty to his first OVPC Session Meeting. Bob Wolf, Chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the 2018 proposed budget. MOTION made, seconded, and approved the 2018 OVPC Budget. The approved 2018 OVPC Budget will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting to Review Finances on February 25, Session reviewed the External Audit Report by Sombar & Company, Certified Public Accountants. Accountants conclusions: All in good standing. The Monthly Committee Reports were received. MOTION made, seconded and passed to approve Session Minutes of December 11, 2017, with a correction. Approved the 2017 Membership Report. We have 84 active members. The 2018 New Castle Presbytery s Beach Retreat is March 2nd and 3rd. World Mission is the theme of the retreat. The registration fee will be paid by OVPC for any member who wants to attend. Please see the Clerk of Session for details. Registration deadline is January 15th. MOTION made, seconded and passed to approve the December 2017 Financial Reports. The 2018 Per Capita is $29.00 per member. The Ordination and Installation of Terence Dougherty is scheduled for Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 4 o clock at Ocean View Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in Memorial Hall. Please RSVP to the office by January 15, Reminders: Leadership Training, January 19th and 20th Annual Reports due January 15, The office is closed, January 15, The decision to cancel Sunday worship service is a joint decision by Session, Buildings and Grounds and Pastor Terry. Pam Ruarke adjourned the meeting. Pastor Terry Dougherty closed with prayer at 9:35 P.M.

5 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 5 Quick Comments February 14th - 6pm Soup and Salad dinner followed by a worship service. Did you know...that you can listen to sermons online? Download the sermon.net app to your phone (or tablet), then search for and subscribe to "Ocean View Presbyterian Church". There, you will find past sermons and anthems. So, if you happen to miss church one week, you can still hear the message. It is also available on our website at The beginning of 2018 brought us the gift of a new pastor but also the biggest snow storm of the winter so far. With the severity of the storm, the leadership of OVPC decided to cancel services for the safety of the congregation following a policy adopted by Session in 2016 that we would like to review with you again. In the case of inclement weather the decision as to whether or not to cancel worship and other events rests with the pastor with input from Session. The decision is made based on government reports such as driving restrictions put in place, upcoming forecasts, and an assessment of the condition of the church facilities. If the decision is made to cancel, the next step will be to notify the congregation and community. This will be done by: Reporting the closing to WBOC and WMDT TV to add to the crawl at the bottom of the screen and their websites blast to members and friends announcing the closing Changing the home page at to report the closing Changing the church s voice mail message to report the closing Deacons will call those on their shepherds list

6 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Jennifer Read Ray Keeney Christina Timmons Grayson Wheatley Linda Bowers Mary Reed Jim Hartsig Dale Smith Don Bailey Cate Read Feb 6 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 13 Feb 13 Feb 17 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 F E B RUA RY Bob & Elaine Wolf Jim & Carole Trent Mike & Jennifer Read Surely as cometh the Winter, I know There are Spring violets under the snow. - R. H. Newell P A G E 6 Feb 10th Feb12th Feb 14th Betsy prepares cupcakes for the January Circle meeting. YARN...You Are Ready to Needle....Knit or crochet or just watch and learn. Join us in Fellowship Center the first Monday of the month from 10 am-2 pm... bring your lunch. See you on February 5th

7 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 7 Presbyterian Women in New Castle Presbytery Annual Retreat 2018 " I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:11 "The Lord Is My Shepherd" Friday, April 20 - Sunday April 22, 2018 Dunes Manor Hotel 2800 N. Baltimore Ave. Ocean City, MD 21842

8 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 8 Christian Education Karen Ruben-Hamilton Lenten Season Lenten Book Study: Five Risks Presbyterians Must Take for Peace: Renewing The Commitment To Peacemaking in The PC(USA) As a continuation of discussion on Social Justice issues, we will meet as a large group in Fellowship Center during the six Sundays in Lent and have an opportunity to share reactions as Presbyterians to this thought provoking book. This 110 page book is available on Amazon.com in paperback for $10.49 or Kindle for $8.80. Bev Bailey will also have a few for purchase. Study Schedule: Feb 18 Mike Quinn Introduction Feb 25 Mike Quinn Risk 1 March 4 Mike Quinn Risk 2 March 11 Pastor Terry Risk 3 & 4 March 18 Cathy Yantz Risk 5A March 25 Jen Read & Gary Baer Risk 5B Please come prepared having read the assigned chapters for the week. Our leadership for weekly discussions will be Mike Quinn, Pastor Terry, Cathy Yantz, Jen Read and Gary Baer. I thank them in advance for their time in preparation of our time together..for raking the stones left by the snow plows from our neighbors yards. Don Bailey Jim Hartsig Mike Quinn Sue Sigvardson Eric Neumann Bob Doherty Ed Hiner Dave Sergison Bill Wivel

9 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 9 When a Con Man Calls frauds using false identities are on the rise The Puppy Breeder As a dog lover, you should know we just got a beautiful litter of purebred golden retriever puppies. Just $200 each The Doctor Representative Research shows conclusively that these new capsules will stop your disease in its tracks. Learn more about protecting yourself against fraud at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork

10 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 0 Sewing Circle Amy Peoples Dear Ladies, This Sunday, January 28, 2018 is a big day in our church history with the Ordination and Installation of Pastor Terry. What a joy for OVPC Welcome Terry and Pam The Sewing Circle has its usual events scheduled so mark them on your calendars and join the different groups. Don t be left out, all are welcome. Reminder that Sunday, February 4, is Souper Bowl Sunday, wear your team s colors to church and bring canned soup for the Pyle Center. On Monday, February 5, 2018 YARN will meet from 10-2PM. Come and bring your lunch and help make Prayer Shawls and other projects they work on. Anyone who has received a Prayer Shawl will tell you how much these beautiful shawls mean to them. Hope you will join this special group. Sunday, February 11, there will be a Coffee Hour after the church service hosted by Cathy Yantz and Ellen and Eric Neumann. Wednesday, February 14 will be a busy day for us in the Sewing Circle. We will meet for lunch at 12 noon. Bring your sandwich or salad and refreshments will be provided by Earlene Defazio and Marti Sommer. We will be studying Lesson # 6, In Community with the Reality of the Present. This month s lesson will be led by Cathy Yantz. After our lunch, meeting, and lesson we will set up tables for Ash Wednesday s Soup and Salad Supper. It will be held at 6PM that evening with Frankford Presbyterian Church joining us for supper and the service following. Be sure and take notice of the Lenten Soup and Salad Lunches schedules throughout Lent at the different churches in our area in our church bulletin. OVPC will be hosting the Lenten lunch on Wednesday, February 28, 12 noon followed by worship service led by Pastor Terry. Come and join us; You are missed when you are not in attendance.

11 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 1 Buildings and Grounds Ray Keeney Minutes of B & G Committee Wednesday, January 10, 2018 The meeting was called to order at 4 PM. Twenty members attended. Ray went over the purpose of the meeting: 1) To organize a more formal committee 2) To set times and dates for monthly meetings 3) To address problems that have surfaced over the years with our facilities 4) To assemble a comprehensive list of problems and issues 5) To identify current uses of our facilities 6) To develop a list of all current and future needs 7) To determine the most efficient and practical use of the facilities 8) To develop a Long Term Plan for the upgrade of existing facilities and the construction of new facilities. We then went over a handout listing some problems and suggested solutions to stimulate the discussion. Pastor Terry then commented that the notes and sketches that Ray presented were not a single individual s VISION but rather a VISION for the whole church. Terry added that Ray s courage in stepping forward with recommendations and a preliminary drawing to get us thinking will lead to something that may take years of work before it is fulfilled. Ray asked that those interested in continuing with the development of this Long Range Plan and help with the ongoing maintenance of our facility please bring any additional issues and concerns to our next meeting along with your own sketch. We will also need lists of supplies and materials that require space and a description of those items. (i.e. Deacons- description of materials etc in the kitchen and space required) Finally we need an individual to be responsible for the management of the buildings thermostats. (Thermostat CZAR) Buzz volunteered with Bob Wolf as his back up. The next monthly meeting of the Building & Grounds will be Thursday, February 22 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Center. The meeting was adjourned at 5 PM.

12 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 2 Christian Education Bev Bailey Coming Soon.A Unique Educational and Missional Opportunity. Want to know more about what is happening in Syria? And Lebanon? Mark your calendars now for the weekend of April at OVPC Billie Sutter, a Certified Christian Educator for the Presbyterian Church USA, now living in Atlanta; and a member of the Syrian Lebanon Partnership Network (A volunteer mission arm of the Presbyterian Church, USA), will be with us to talk about her 2017 trip to both countries; what she saw and heard, and what is now happening there. The weekend will begin on Friday the 13 th at 6 pm with pizza, salad, and dessert in Memorial Hall. Afterward, Billie will show us a power point presentation about her trip, and give us more information about both countries and their relationship with the PCUSA. She will share with us her more than 15 year interest in this corner of the world. Saturday morning there will be a workshop to learn about the Syrian Lebanon Partnership Network and the Overture they are bringing to General Assembly. She will also share some ways we can help the people and churches in Syria. We will invite the churches in New Castle Presbytery to join us that morning. On Sunday Billie will preach during worship and there will be a reception afterward which the Dabaj family will host. They will bring us some of their delicious Syrian food. This important weekend (April 13-15) is brought to you by the Christian Education and Worship Committees, with assistance from the Mission Advisory Team. If you have questions, contact Bev Bailey or Karen Rubin-Hamilton. Keep your faith in beautiful things; in the sun when it is hidden, in the Spring when it is gone. - Roy R. Gibson

13 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 3 Strategic Themes Jen Read and Pam Price (from the January Leadership Retreat) Social Justice 1. A member of the group will visit Georgetown Presbyterian to see how they work their Code Purple, how they handle the related liability and other issues related to opening our church as a Code Purple. 2. A member of our group will contact La Esperanza to see if we can fit into the systems they have developed for Rapid Response and Family Support. This will be reported to session. 3. Encourage Christian Education to continue dialog about issues related to our disenfranchised population and to develop a reading list; we will also to ask if they would be willing to get subscriptions to Sojourners magazine. 4. Encourage continue connections to the groups that utilize our facilities, i.e. AA, NA, Al Anon, etc. Prayer Life/Discipleship 1. Social Media will be developed in coordination with the Communications Committee, such as Facebook, and include a daily message or meditation. 2. We will track our ecumenical activities and announce planned activities through , bulletins, website, FaceBook, newsletters and announcements during worship. 3. Utilize and expand the visitation plan. a. Visitors to worship continue and support the plan in place b. Visitation will include sick, shut-ins, caregivers, lonely, etc. i. Deacons will need to contact the volunteers on the Time and Talent lists, train and schedule visitations. 4. Establish a Stephen Ministry a. In the first quarter, sign the covenant with the Stephen Ministry in St. Louis. There will be a $1,675 one-time fee. b. First quarter commission Stephen Ministry leaders. c. Third quarter identify candidates, train and commission the first class. d. Fourth quarter support and fund ongoing peer supervision, continuing education and additional Stephen Ministry leader training.

14 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 4 (Strategic Themes continued) Mission 1. Create a mission committee a. Develop a job description for the committee b. Invite the sewing circle and deacons to discuss missions and what each group does and ensure there is no infringement. c. Take finalized request to session. 2. Organize and coordinate mission activity plan for OVPC a. Terry and Pastoral Support committee will take funding request to Princeton. b. If approved, execute the plan. Facilities/Safety 1. Illuminate the outside of the church at night a. Get pricing for fixtures and research options for illuminating the inside of the stain glass windows. 2. Research options available for an electronic marquee (church sign). 3. Make a long-term plan to reconfigure the building which would include usage, visible design, and the possibility of acquiring additional real estate. 4. Project request in progress to replace sanctuary doors. 5. Develop a cemetery database. a. Explore software alternatives b. Present to the Communication/Tech Committee for approval. c. Request approval from session if a cost is involved. d. Develop guidelines, review and modify existing guidelines and publish them. e. Develop information to put on the website and in a brochure (Cemetery and Communication/Tech Committees) f. Cemetery Committee will have the cemetery signed repaired and repainted 6. Develop a plan to address safety and security needs regarding external threats. 7. Develop a key policy to ensure all keys are accounted for.

15 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH F E B RUA RY P A G E 1 5 Photogenic Jim Hartsig All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant. Henry David Thoreau, Walden

16 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PUNCH FOR A BUNCH 3 qts ice water 1 can frozen OJ concentrate 6 oz lemon juice 2 large cans pineapple juice 2 c water 2 c sugar 4 liters 7-up (added just before serving) With many thanks to Linda Bowers for making the reception following Terry s Installation/Ordination the success it was F E B RUA RY 2018 P A G E 1 6

17 OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FEBRUARY 2018 PAGE 1 7 Friday Night At The Movies Join us Friday February 2 nd at 5:30 at Bob and Elaine Wolf s home to share a potluck supper followed by our monthly movie. Since movie night falls on the Friday of the big Super Bowl weekend we have chosen a movie about how the game can change lives. Based on the true story of Vince Papale the 2006 film Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear shows how a down on his luck teacher/bartender can beat the odds to become a Philadelphia Eagle at the age of 30 and how his ride lifts an entire community along with him at a time when strikes and layoffs were the norm. If you are interested in hosting movie night, or have a special movie request, please contact Bob Wolf. Remember that you can be a host without having the movie at your home --- OCEAN VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 67 Central Ave Ocean View, DE 19970