Pastor s Page. Pastor Scott

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1 March 2015 Vol XXXIII No. 3 Pastor s Page 2 Committee News 3 & Session 4 Announcements 5 Volunteers 6 Calendar 7 Miscellaneous 8 Upcoming Events Thursday, March 5 OCPC sponsors Community Café meal at Cambridge High School from 5:30-6:30 Sunday, March 8 Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to set your clock FORWARD by one hour! Thursday, April 2 Maundy Thursday communion service at 7 PM Sunday, April 5 Easter Sunday 8 AM Sunrise Service at Lake Ripley Cemetery followed by continental breakfast at church; 10 AM Worship and communion Lenten Poem by Ann Weems Lent is a time to take time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us, a time to let the events get up and walk around in us, a time to intensify our living unto Christ, a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts, a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and listen to his Word, a time to touch his robe and feel the healing surge through us, a time to ponder and a time to wonder. Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God! Perhaps we re afraid to have time to think, for thoughts come unbidden. Perhaps we re afraid to face our future knowing our past. Give us courage, O God, to hear your Word and to read our living into it. Give us the trust to know we re forgiven and give us the faith to take up our lives and walk.

2 2 Pastor s Page I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy. Kahlil Gibran The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 The Word is - Serve. As followers of Christ, service is our calling. Jesus, calling the disciples to him, said: If anyone would be first, he must be last and servant of all. Reflecting on the word: Serve, I was reminded of three creative ways I have experienced disciples serving beyond the walls of their church building. Community Dinner: Like many communities, Cambridge serves a monthly community dinner. On Thursday, March 5, we will be serving the community by providing the food, serving it, joining others for the meal itself, and then cleaning up. These types of meals are growing in numbers in communities around the area and in every state. Knowing that Jesus ate with people where they lived, these meals are a form of communal communion. By our service, we are providing a ministry of presence in Christ s name. Flowers: A few weeks ago, members of the McFarland UCC church surprised the McFarland School District faculty and staff by delivering Daffodils to each school building for each person to have at least one. In memory of a former member, who was a retired teacher with a love for Daffodils, they decided to engage in a simple act of service, by sharing flowers with others in education. Their generous, lovely offering was a way of saying Thank you to all the teachers and staff for their service to the children and youth of the community, knowing that it has been a very difficult year, during a time when it is difficult to serve in the field of education. Weekend Lunch: Each Thursday, members of the Lakeview Moravian Church (where Staci serves as pastor) and St. Luke s Episcopal Church gather to shop and then put together snack packs for 58 students who attend the elementary and middle school across the street. Each snack pack consists of non-perishable food items making up - 2 snacks, 2 breakfasts, and 2 lunches. These snack packs provide simple meals for the growing number of students who might go the weekend without a meal. Serving others beyond the walls of our buildings, out in the community, is where we are called to serve in Christ s name. We do so by our simple acts of kindness, helping others with rides to medical appointments, delivering meals on wheels, providing food to college students, delivering flowers to a school, or providing meals for students who go hungry when school is not in session. I wonder where Christ is calling us to serve next? Perhaps it is where, as Fredrick Buechner says, The place where your deep gladness and the world s deep hunger meet. Pastor Scott

3 Mission News By Cheryl Stitz Souper Bowl Even with the cancellation of our Souper Bowl of Caring on February 1, we celebrated on February 8 and collected $99.00 and 16 canned goods for the Cambridge Food Pantry. OGHS Since 1949 Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world. Your generous gifts to this Special Offering help provide relief to those affected by natural disasters, provide food to the hungry, and assist in helping to empower the poor and oppressed. To find out more about One Great of Sharing or to donate online use the link below. Envelopes will also be available in the pews. Pres House Basement Pres House is planning an expansion of their basement space, because of the lack of space to serve the growing needs. Pres House is serving as many as 100 students for Sunday night meals and more than 75 at the monthly meals they serve to residents. The expansion will include a commercial kitchen and banquet space for 120+ students. Pres House has received an anonymous donor pledge to match all gifts dollar for dollar up to $300,000. More information on this project or if you interested in making a donation see the link Easter Flowers For Easter this year, OCPC will be offering white lilies ($11 for a 6-1/2 pot), hyacinths in blue, pink or white ($10.50 for a 6-1/2 pot) and hydrangeas in pink or blue ($18 for an 8 to 10 pot). We will be ordering them once again from the Deerfield Greenhouse. ANYONE can purchase a flower in honor of a loved one, in memory of a friend or family person, or in celebration of the Easter season. Please contact Judy Pearson or someone on the Worship/Theology Committee (listed in our church directory). You may purchase as many as you wish, or bring in your own flowers to brighten the sanctuary. Deadline for purchase is Sunday, March 22, Checks may be made out to OCPC. You may take your flowers home after the April 5 th Easter worship service. Orders can be left with, and questions addressed to our office at (Please note all pots are foil-wrapped. Ribbon and a bow may be added to any flower for $2 each.) Thank you to everyone. Christian Education News By Melanie Rumpf Just sharing a bit of information for Sunday school families and congregational members as well. We will have Sunday school March 8, 15, 22 and 29. A reminder that March 29 is Palm Sunday. Although the Fellowship schedule has the CE Youth Breakfast on the schedule for March 29, the date is being changed to one of the Sundays in April after Easter. We ll share details with you as soon as arrangements are finalized. Looking forward to a continuing faith journey for us all.. The Worship / Theology Committee reminds you that volunteers are always needed to assist during worship services. Please sign up on the clipboard in Fellowship Hall.

4 THE SESSION: Class of 2015 Jerry Thiltgen Building and Grounds Finance-Stewardship Mark Touhey Building and Grounds Finance-Stewardship Personnel Class of 2016: Cheryl Bettenhausen Fellowship Mission Judy Pearson Clerk of Session Memorial Hostess Worship/Theology Class of 2017: Debra Cade Communications Personnel Charleen Janus Fellowship Nominating Dick Trailer Building and Grounds Finance-Stewardship Personnel Treasurer: Dick Trailer BOARD OF DEACONS: Class of 2015 Randy Johnson Moderator Judy Schroeder Rose Ann West Secretary Class of 2016: Al Bettenhausen Building and Grounds Worship/Theology Linda Porter Class of 2017: Trent Bettenhausen Nancy Kristiansen Nominating Pastor / Moderator of Session: Rev. Scott Marrese-Wheeler (608) Cell Pastor@OCPChurch.com DEACONS CORNER By Deacon Rose Ann West, Secretary Local churches and organizations take turns planning, preparing, and serving the monthly community dinner. OCPC along with Rockdale Lutheran will be hosting this event again this year on Thursday, March 5. We will serve our usual menu of barbecue, buns, beans, chips, pickles, and deserts. We need your help to make this a success, so please join us for this wonderful opportunity to provide a community service. Please see the sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall offering you the opportunity to donate or prepare food and to assist with set-up, serving, and/or clean-up. Set-up time begins around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. and the dinner is served at 5:30. Please note that the location has changed to be held at the Cambridge High School. Contact any Deacon if you have questions. It is sure to be an evening of sharing, fun, and communicating with friends and neighbors. SESSION NOTES By Elder Judy Pearson, Clerk of Session Session met on February 11, 2015 at OCPC. Pastor Scott opened with prayer and the reading of Matthew 9:2. The scripture is what is read before the coming of the Easter season. Elected Elder Pearson to be the representative to the JKP meeting on February 21, 2015 at Covenant PC in Madison. Elder Cade will also attend. Approved a motion to begin an arbitration process with our insurance company on the roof repair. Membership review for new church directory is in progress. Plans were made for the coming of the Easter season, beginning with Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015 service at 6 p.m. Ruth will be asked to send out s to the membership of the time change. Still in need of a CE moderator. Special thank you to our continuing Sunday school teachers: Trent & Kari Bettenhausen, Joe Leto and Melanie Rumpf. Approved vacation day for Pastor Scott for Sunday, March 22, Also approved was vacation time and continuing education time from June 15 June 29, Special thank you to Mike & Cheryl Stitz for the east door repair in the sanctuary. Special thank you to all who have helped to clean in the church, especially Dick Trailer who has cleaned all the floors in the building up and down. The Committee on Ministry will make their annual visit to our April 8, 2015 Session meeting. Discussion of the possible need for a humidifier for the piano. Annual meeting had a very good attendance. Thank you to Ruth Poole for the booklet containing all reports and Elder Cade for the design. Budget Update: Year-to date Income: $10,053 Year-to-date Spending: $11,351

5 Birthday Greetings On Thursday, March 12, member Vivian Olson will be celebrating her 93 rd birthday. Cards and greetings would be appreciated. You may send them to her at: Willowbrook Nursing and Rehab Center 901 Mulberry St. Lake Mills, WI Looking Ahead Easter is fast approaching on the first Sunday of April. The following is our tentative schedule for Holy Week and Easter this year: March 29: Palm Sunday with special music and procession of the palms April 2: Maundy Thursday Communion/Tenebrae Service 7 p.m. April 3: Good Friday (Tentative) Ecumenical Cross Walk 12 noon (Veterans Park) April 5: Easter Celebration: 8 a.m. Sunrise Communion Service at Lake Ripley Cemetery 8:30 9:45 a.m. Breakfast Fellowship 10 a.m. Easter Celebration (Procession and Opening of the Alleluia Box) Ken Bilstad Carol Floyd Mary Hartwig Alice Quam Mary Trailer Stacey Brandenburg (friend of OCPC & Julie Floyd Anderson) Griffin Clark (grandson of Bill & Patty Strohbusch) Nancy & Lori Davis (relatives of Kay Lund) Don Dieter (Marilyn Schuster s brother-in-law) Jane Feggestad Leo Jazdzewski (member of The Promised Band) Nancy Koplin Egil Kristiansen (Jan Kristiansen s brother in Oslo, Norway) Charlene Charlie Porter Scott Simon (Carol Simon s son) Harry Bud Stilling and family (friends of Dale & Ann Febock) Our children and unchurched children and families, our military around the world, our enemies, our church leaders, families and individuals experiencing financial, job-hunting, health, or relationship problems. Families who are grieving the loss of loved ones. If you would like to be added to our weekly prayer list, please leave word in the church office or contact the pastor. Permission to be included in this publicly posted list has been obtained from those listed or their families. Our Sympathy Our church family sends our sympathy and prayers to the family, and friends of Amelia Martin August 17, 1923 February 20, 2015 Amelia, who lived in DeForest, was a member of our church for more than 20 years. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 21, Details will not be available until March 15 from the Ryan Funeral Home, Windsor/DeForest Chapel.

6 If you are unable to serve Communion, as Usher/Greeter, or Lector, please try to find someone to substitute for you. Or, contact Al Bettenhausen (608) or Judy Pearson (608) APR 2 * Melanie Rumpf * Judy Pearson (Maundy Thursday); 10 AM Easter Apr 5 - * Debra Cade MAR 8 5 MAR 22 MAR 29 Ann & Dale Febock Debra Cade; Jo Kubina Trent, Kari, Tyce & Tara Bettenhausen Mark Olson; Wayne Spalding Judy Schroeder & Mark Touhey APR 2 The Letos; 10 AM Easter Apr 5 Cheryl & Al Bettenhausen MAR 8 5 MAR 22 MAR 29 APR 2 Judy Pearson Cheryl Stitz Charleen Janus Jerry Thiltgen Jenine Spack Trevor Leto; 10 AM Easter Apr 5 Julie Anderson MAR 8 5 MAR 22 MAR 29 MAR 8 5 MAR 22 MAR 29 APR 5 APR 12 Charleen Janus; Jo Kubina Judy Schroeder & Mark Touhey Mary & Dick Trailer Palm Sunday Melanie Rumpf Sunrise Service/ EASTER Service Melanie Rumpf MAR/APR Mar 1-15: OPEN; Mar 16-31: OPEN; Apr 1-15: OPEN

7 DATE BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES DATE BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES Mar 3 Bill Strohbusch Mar 12 Vivian Olson Mar 5 Scott & Staci Mar 16 Mark Touhey Marrese-Wheeler Mar 6 Grace Leto Mar 22 Joe & Jodi Kelter Mar 6 Michael Porter Mar 23 Mary Trailer Mar 10 Harry Cade Mar 24 David Homann Mar 11 Mark Olson Mar 27 Shelly Kennedy Sunday Schedule Worship Service 10:00 Communion first Sunday of each month Sunday School 10:00 from September through May Abbreviation Key AA: Alcoholics Anonymous CCA: Cambridge Clergy Assoc. CC: Communications Committee CE: Christian Education FC: Fellowship Committee GN: Good News MG: Membership & Growth OA: Overeaters Anonymous SG: Support Group WT: Worship & Theology YG: Youth Group March 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday AM Our 166 th Anniversary 5 5:30-6:30 PM OCPC sponsors Community Café at Cambridge HS 7:30 PM AA 8 Daylight Saving Time Begins 9 AM Choir Practice Library Day PM Session 12 7:30 PM AA Library Day St. Patrick s Day :30 PM AA 20 Newsletter articles due Library Day End of Annual Reading Program :30 PM AA Palm Sunday 30 31

8 Kudos To: Mike and Cheryl Stitz for the wonderful Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday. Just as great postponed! Also everyone who supported the event and all of the people who helped setup and cleanup. The Stitzes for refinishing the door on the east side of the sanctuary. It had water damage due to the leaking roof. Dick Trailer for cleaning floors in the whole church... upstairs and down! Debra Cade for making the Ash Wednesday sign for out front of the church. The new Session members and for taking a leadership role in our church. Those who delivered Meals-on-Wheels during February Kay Lund, Judy Pearson, Jenine Spack, Ralph Spaulding and Patricia Strohbusch. All those organizing and volunteering to work at the Cambridge Community Café. CHURCH SCHEDULE WORSHIP SERVICE & CHURCH SCHOOL: 10:00 a.m. Sunday COMMUNION: First Sunday of each month FELLOWSHIP & REFRESHMENTS: Following worship service each week. VIDEO OF WORSHIP: Cable Channel 98 or 987 Sun 5:30 PM; M-T 8 AM & Noon (Link to video also available on our website or Facebook page) OFFICE HOURS PASTORAL OFFICE HOURS: Generally 9:00-12:00 Tue BUSINESS OFFICE HOURS: 8:00-12:00 Mon Thu TELEPHONE/FAX: Office@OCPChurch.com or Pastor@OCPChurch.com WEB: Visit us on Facebook: Oakland-Cambridge Presbyterian Church Cambridge Community Café Thursday, March 5 th is the next Cambridge Community Café! The meal will be barbecues and buns, baked beans, chips, pickles and desserts served by OCPC and the Rockdale Lutheran Church. Meal will be served at the Cambridge High School from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (See the Corner on page 4 for more details.) COME JOIN US! THANK YOU!