The Good Life and Times

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The Good Life and Times Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) December 2010 Dear Friends, As we celebrated Thanksgiving and now have begun the Advent season, I am reminded again of the many

1 The Good Life and Times Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) December 2010 Dear Friends, As we celebrated Thanksgiving and now have begun the Advent season, I am reminded again of the many blessings God has given me. As we approach the day when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, I am most thankful that God so loved the world that He sent His Son for my salvation and for yours. Among the many blessings I am especially aware of at this season of the year are the gifts of friends and family. Bill and I have friends and family scattered across the world and we especially enjoy remembering them at this season. I am thankful for this congregation. You are an amazing group of folks. On several occasions, our pastor emeritus, Joe Palat, has commented that we are knee deep in talent around here. I see that every day. I am thankful for those with talents for music especially during the Advent/ Christmas season with all of the beautiful carols we ll sing and the lovely cantata the choir is preparing. There are people in this congregation with other talents in the arts. Janis Jackson has made a pair of gorgeous banners for use during this season. She also has made a new clerical stole for me that matches the banners. Sensational!! We have talented cooks in this church as we saw at our Homecoming/Thanksgiving dinner and as we see every month at our potluck dinners and fellowship times. We have talented teachers who gladly share in the teaching of the Sunday School class and in the book study in the Christian Woman s Fellowship. Each brings something special to the lessons. 1 We have people who are talented in the area of managing the life of the congregation. Our trustees, elders and deacons are without parallel in any congregation I have ever experienced. Each uses all of his or her talents to serve God and to serve this congregation. And each does it all with grace and good humor. What we have most in this congregation is an abundance of people who are talented at sharing love with each other, with those who visit us, and with people in the community and around the world, most of whom we will never meet. I am grateful that God sent me to Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to serve in ministry. Bill and I both wish each of you a blessed Christmas season. Blessings, Pastor Margaret Edward Wayne Parker December 23, 1933 November 30, 2010 We are saddened by the death of Elder Emeritus Wayne Parker. Wayne has served this congregation faithfully as elder and trustee, Sunday School teacher and the general go-to person on any project. Wayne and Sue, his wife of almost 55 years, met in his hometown of Robinson, IL. After serving in the US Army, he attended Indiana State University. Wayne was a junior and senior high school teacher, coach, and dean. In retirement, Wayne fished, golfed, enjoyed family and friends, and spent many, many hours in work here at Ocoee Christian. We offer our sympathy and love to his wife, Sue and their sons.

Upcoming Events December 1 December 9 December 28 December 28 December December 31 Andrea Graber Susan Smyrock Janis Jackson Megan Vandergrift John Kroft Rachel Battaglia MEETINGS (7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted) Wednesdays (6 p.

2 Upcoming Events December 1 December 9 December 28 December 28 December December 31 Andrea Graber Susan Smyrock Janis Jackson Megan Vandergrift John Kroft Rachel Battaglia MEETINGS (7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted) Wednesdays (6 p.m.) Choir Rehearsal Mondays except 2 nd (6:30 p.m.) Quilting Group Mon., Nov. 29 (8 a.m.) Men s Prayer Breakfast Wed., Dec. 1 Christian Nurture Comm. Monday, Dec. 13 Board Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 8 Worship Comm. Thursday, Dec. 16 (9:30 a.m.) Daily Bread STUDY GROUPS Sundays (9:45 a.m.) Sunday School Nov. 28: First Sunday in Advent Hanging of the Greens Dec. 5: Second Sunday in Advent Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12 Dec. 12: Third Sunday in Advent Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46-55 Dec. 19: Fourth Sunday in Advent Christmas Cantata The Promised Hope starts with a baby s first cry by Tom Fettke Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Dec. 26: Christmas Sunday Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20 October Financial Report (as presented to the Board in November) Received: Weekly Offerings $ Capital Improvement Campaign Week of Compassion (Pakistan) Reconciliation Offering Samaritan s Purse TOTAL $ Expenditures General Expenses $ Transfer to Capital Savings Fund Church Finance Council (Special Day Offerings) TOTAL $ Our Capital Improvement Campaign continues. As of November 21, 2010, we have received $36, In addition, there are pledges outstanding in the amount of $11, All pledged commitments are up to date. If you have already given, thank you! If you have made a commitment to give, thank you for that commitment and for continuing to honor it. If you have not yet given, please consider doing so. Gifts may be made to the church to honor someone who has made a difference in your life or in memory of a loved one. If you have questions about giving, please contact Jean Grafton, who serves as the treasurer for this fund, or Mark Battaglia, chairman of the church board and trustee. The first phase of the project repainting the sanctuary has begun with scaffolding in place to begin the work which will take about a month to complete. 2

3 From the Pulpit Have you ever wondered what the preacher sees when she s standing in the pulpit? Every Sunday, I see people who have come to worship God, who love one another, and who have become my family and dearest friends. One of the best moments of each week is my first glimpse of the congregation waiting to worship. But on Sunday, November 28, the first Sunday of Advent, I saw a congregation that was close to being the one I dream of seeing every Sunday. What made it different from other weeks? We had people with five different native languages Spanish, German, Dutch, Chinese, and English. Quiet translation was going on for Spanish and Chinese speakers. We had people of differing racial/ethnic backgrounds Asian, Hispanic, African-American, and Anglo (white). And we had at least one person in every decade of age from a little less than two years old to more than 80. All of that diversity in about 50 people! How beautiful!! The board met on November 8 for the regular monthly meeting, with Mark Battaglia, Board Chairman, presiding. The usual business of the board included the reading of the minutes, the treasurer s report, and the minister s report. The standing committees of the church also reported on their activities. Two special reports were received: a recommendation for the 2011 budget and the nominating committee recommendations for officers for the class of 2013 (to begin serving in January 2011). Following discussion and small revisions to the proposed budget, the board voted in favor of the budget and directed that it be presented to the congregation at the annual congregational meeting. Anticipated income for 2011 is $79,350.00, including $10,000 for the Capital 3 Improvements Project and $ for Special Offerings (missions and benevolence). The anticipated expenses for 2011 total $81, The nominating committee recommended the following officers for the class of 2013: Trustee Ray Graber Deacons Leonard Argentine, Rachel Battaglia, Michelle Graber, and Charlotte Reynolds. The board also agreed to a change in the Pastor s Call which will increase her vacation time from two weeks annually to four weeks annually. The board also approved a Resolution of Gratitude to Bob Jackson: WHEREAS, Bob Jackson provides exceptional musical leadership in worship at Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) each Sunday; and WHEREAS, he inspires the choir to sing beyond their own, or anyone else s, expectations; and WHEREAS, he has always been willing to play the piano and lead in worship at extra services; and WHEREAS, he played a wonderful program for afternoon fellowship on November 7, 2010, Ocoee Christian Church s Homecoming Day; and WHEREAS, he does all of this in a spirit of Christian cooperation and goodwill: now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the General Board of Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) expresses gratitude to Bob Jackson and commends him for his service to his congregation. Adopted by the General Board of Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); November 8, 2010 Follow-up of Board Actions: The Annual Congregational Meeting was held on November 14, The budget was approved, the nominees for trustee and deacons were elected, and the change to the pastor s call was approved. The Resolution of Gratitude was presented to Bob Jackson in the worship service on November 28, 2010.

Special Events for the Christmas Season Friday, December 3, 6:15 p.m. (carpool) Field Trip to Port Orleans for Bob s Christmas Show Saturday, December 4, 1 p.m. Ocoee Christmas Parade Sunday, December 5, 11:45 a.

4 Special Events for the Christmas Season Friday, December 3, 6:15 p.m. (carpool) Field Trip to Port Orleans for Bob s Christmas Show Saturday, December 4, 1 p.m. Ocoee Christmas Parade Sunday, December 5, 11:45 a.m. First Sunday Potluck Saturday, December 11, 9:30 a.m CWF Christmas Party Sunday, December 12, 3 p.m. Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. Christmas Dinner (Mexican Fiesta theme) Sunday, December 19, 10:45 a.m. Christmas Cantata Friday, December 24, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Friday, December 31, 11:30 p.m. Watch Night Service Special Christmas Events additional information The CWF Christmas Party on Saturday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Joanne Battaglia s home. Please bring a dish to share for a Christmas brunch and a gift to exchange (consider a regift or something you have made) Christmas Caroling and Supper on Sunday, December 12, at 3 p.m. We will go sing carols and then return to the church for a light supper. The Church-wide Dinner on Saturday, December 18 will be held in the fellowship hall. A Mexican-style dinner is planned. The Christian Women s Fellowship is continuing in the study of Heart to Heart: A Spiritual Journey for Women by Patricia D. Brown. The CWF continues to gather items to complete Baby Kits for Church World Service. Everyone in the congregation is encouraged to participate in this ministry. Several members of the CWF have been working on new chrismons for our Christmas tree in the sanctuary. This project will continue with more ornaments to be added next year. Sandy Basford, Carolyn Rogers, and Margaret Marquis attended the Florida Disciples Women s Ministry retreat at the Christian Church Conference Center in Silver Springs. Highlights included a tour of the conference center, learning more about Week of Compassion, Global Ministries, and Church World Service, and getting to know women from around the region. The Annual Christmas Party will be a brunch at the home of Joanne Battaglia on December 11 at 9:30 a.m. All women and girls in the church are invited! Please bring a dish to share. For the gift exchange this year, the CWF is encouraging everyone to consider something you have made or regifting something that has special meaning to you that you would like to share with another. The next regular meeting will be on January 19, We continue to collect the pull-tabs from soda cans for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House in Orlando and UPS codes from Campbell s products for Christmount, our denominational conference center. 4

Celebrate a Courageous Christmas with Week of Compassion! "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.

Families struggling, whether in a Central American village or North American suburb-news reports and neighborhood conversations seem to tell the same story. Now the Christmas season.

..are upon us, and we find ourselves overwhelmed by an increasingly packed calendar, menus to prepare, presents to purchase, and all sorts of gatherings of families and friends.

This Christmas, what if you gave the gift of clean water, the gift of a new start after a severe flood, the gift of a new way to feed and support your family?

5 Celebrate a Courageous Christmas with Week of Compassion! "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined."-isaiah 9:2 If this was a year for anything, it was the year to be overwhelmed. From El Salvador to Haiti, Pakistan to Nashville, Chile to Iowa, 2010 has been a year of overwhelming disasters. Families struggling, whether in a Central American village or North American suburb-news reports and neighborhood conversations seem to tell the same story. Now the Christmas season...or at least ads for the Christmas season...are upon us, and we find ourselves overwhelmed by an increasingly packed calendar, menus to prepare, presents to purchase, and all sorts of gatherings of families and friends. This Christmas, Week of Compassion invites you to be overwhelmed by something else: JOY! This Christmas, what if you gave the gift of clean water, the gift of a new start after a severe flood, the gift of a new way to feed and support your family? We invite you to share your passion for making a difference in the world by giving a Courageous Christmas gift on behalf of someone this holiday season. Week of Compassion will send you a Courageous Christmas Card to give to those you are honoring this Christmas with your generous gift. Go to where you will find more information and a link to make your gift. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." --John 1:5 The men will meet for breakfast and prayer on Monday, December 27, at 8 a.m. Gift List for Our Ministries When you are shopping, please take this list with you and add items for our brothers and sisters in our own community and around the world. At this season of the year, especially remember the children. For the baby kits packed by CWF cloth diapers infant T-shirts or undershirts (no onesies) baby washcloths infant gowns or sleepers diaper pins infant-sized sweaters or sweatshirts receiving blankets For Christian Service Center Canned and boxed nonperishable food, especially the restaurant size cans of fruit, large containers of chicken broth, individual/snack size containers of fruit and protein-rich items, regular-size cans of protein rich food (meat, fish, etc.) Baby products such as diapers (especially sizes 5 & 6), wipes, formula (powder or liquid form), baby food Jackets or sweatshirts Socks (We again have a sock tree in the fellowship hall.) Gloves Thank you to Sandy Basford, Mark Battaglia, Matt Battaglia, Bill Marquis, and Peggy Vandergrift who decorated the fire engine and represented us in the Ocoee Christmas Parade! A big thank you to Leonard Argentine who loaned us the fire engine 5

6 Simple Gifts By Doreen and Michael McFarlane Serve God with gladness! Come into God s presence with singing! Psalm 100:2 When the two of us headed to China for the first time, in 2006, we understood it would likely be for one year and possibly two. As it turned out, we lived and worked in China for four years, and we can say with all our hearts that we have been deeply blessed! It is our hope that we too have been a blessing. We spent three years as visiting professors at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, then last year, took on new assignments, this time in the magnificent city of Shanghai at Shanghai University and at the YMCA. Our work in Shanghai had one aspect that was very different from that at the Nanjing Seminary; most of our students and the people we interacted with were non-christians and even atheists. In most cases it was not that they had chosen to be "against" religion but only that they did not have a religion! Learning this brought immediately to my mind an old hymn we used to sing as children in Canada. Its second verse went like this. How kind was our savior to bid these children welcome. But there are many thousands who have never heard His name. The Bible they have never read. They know not that the Savior said: "Suffer little children to come unto me." In Shanghai, we were living among the people, and seeing them as gentle and kind and giving but without any religion, many never having heard the name of Jesus. We were not permitted to proselytize, as the Chinese government does not allow it. Still, there was no reason why could not talk about Christianity and, maybe even more importantly, to try to model in as simple and sincere a way as possible just how a Christian behaves. It was easy to love and serve the Chinese people, as they were always so good to us. This gave us pause to think about who we are and what we need to do as Christians in the world. Dale Beck serious illness friend of Debra and Courtney Stricklin Chloe & Jaiden Bottone health great-grandchildren of Dixie & Leonard Argentine Ken Bradford & family health problems Bill Calhoun health issues brother of Margaret Vandergrift Darrell Cooper lung cancer Lydia Gardner breast cancer Michelle Burgos supervisor Raymond & Rose Hammell - health issues Michelle Graber s parents Jennifer & Mark Huey Charlotte Reynolds daughter & son-in-law Dorothy Palat health issues Family of Wayne Parker Betty Robison and her siblings: Helen Hatch and Jim Davis - health issues Richard Robison back injury Scarlet Sanders cancer friend of Michelle Burgos & Darryl Seal Debra Stricklin having medical tests Gertrud Strobel health and mobility problems John Hambuch s sister Jan & Matt Trulock return of cancer for her friends of the Grabers Week of Compassion staff, headed by Rev. Amy Gopp Rev. Rebecca Hale (Transitional Regional Minister) & Regional Staff Those who are hungry and those who are homeless Our shut-ins James Hall Mary Hieldbrandt Harold Marcum Martha Peacock Serving in the military: Major Matt Kime US Embassy, Kuwait Janis Jackson s nephew Daniel Redding Afghanistan - Betty Robison s greatgrandson Whitney Rogers Norfolk, VA Jean Grafton s grandson Our missionaries throughout the world 6

7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Andrea Graber 7 Christian Nurture Committee 2 3 6:15 p.m. carpool to Port Orleans for Bob Jackson s Christmas Show 4 1 p.m. Ocoee Christmas Parade 5 9:45 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 11:45-1 st Sunday Potluck 6 6:30 Quilting Group Worship Committee 9 Susan Smyrock :30 a.m. CWF Christmas Party 12 9:45 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 11:45-Fellowship 3 p.m. Caroling 13 7 Board Meeting :30 a.m.- Daily Bread Happy Anniversary, Sue & Wayne Parker 6:30 p.m. Christmas Dinner 19 9:45 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 11:45- Fellowship 20 6:30 Quilting Group p.m. Christmas Eve Service :45 Sunday School 10:45 Worship 11:45- Fellowship 27 Office open by appointment 6:30 Quilting Group 28 Janis Jackson & Megan Vandergrift Office open by appointment 7 Elders Meeting 29 John Kroft Office open by appointment 30 Office open by appointment 31 New Year s Eve Rachel Battaglia 11:30 p.m. Watch Night Service 7

Contact Information Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 15 S. Bluford Ave. P.O. Box 128 (for all mail) Ocoee, FL 34761 407-656-2010 ocoeechristianchurch@embarqmail.com www.

8 Contact Information Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 15 S. Bluford Ave. P.O. Box 128 (for all mail) Ocoee, FL Pastor Margaret Marquis Usual Office Hours Monday & Wednesday, 1 4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. - noon Call Pastor Margaret at any time, day or night, when you need her (24/7/365!) Please send any news for the newsletter to arrive no later than December 21 for inclusion in the January newsletter. When you are in the hospital please let us know as the hospitals will not do this for you. As the result of federal privacy laws, hospitals cannot release any information about you unless you give them permission to do so. They will not notify your church or your pastor that you are in the hospital. Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) P.O. Box 128 Ocoee, FL The Good Life and Times is distributed monthly to the members and friends of Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). 8

Get Ready! Christmas Is Coming!

Issue 388 December 2017 Get Ready! Christmas Is Coming! I get frustrated when I see Christmas decorations lining store aisles in October. I break out the Christmas music after Thanksgiving. And Christmas