Announcements 3-31-24 Easter

Announcements: 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. For April we are asking for canned fruit, fruit snacks, and applesauce. 

Easter Devotional: A Savior Is Risen An Easter Devotional By Zondervan. Do less. Connect more. This beautiful 40-day devotional for the Lenten and Easter season offers biblical reflections and full-color springtime photography to take you from burnout to burning a little brighter as you celebrate new life, fresh starts, and everyday redemptions.

 

OFFICE HOURS: The office will be closed from April 1st through April 7th. If you need assistance please call and leave a message or email Louise or Pastor Aaron. We respond as soon as we are able. 

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Beginning Sunday, April 7th., the adult class will focus on Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference? In this six-session study, we will talk about our relationship with God, the importance of prayer, how prayer matters, and how we can use prayer to discern God’s will. Adult class is held from 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM in the church library. Join us as we continue our faith journey and share the importance of God in our daily lives.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING: Today we will be taking up a special offering for one great hour of sharing. Please consider making a donation using the provided envelope or online to this wonderful program. 

CALENDAR:

Office closed 4/1 – 4/7 

4/4 – 10:00 AM – PW Council Meeting

4/7 – 9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service – No Children’s Church



Announcements 3-24-24

 Announcements Continued: 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for juice, juice boxes, and shelf-stable milk. 

BOOKS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Clothed with the Sun: Biblical Women, Social Justice and Us by Joyce Hollyday (PCUSA STORE) The Bible holds a great treasure of amazing women. They are judges and prophets, caregivers and teachers, prominent matriarchs of large clans or quiet disciples, women who suffered alone or sang joyous praises to God amid the crowds. Their stories come alive in these pages as they are interwoven with the lives of modern women, bound together by common threads of strength and courage in the face of vulnerability and violation. From Eve to Revelation’s woman clothed with the sun–from the first creative impulse to the close of time–female energy has been and will continue to be a river of life and wisdom, of dignity and hope.

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: 

Schedule: 

Church and activities open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Noon – Special Music Sam Garnett

2:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

5:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

OFFICE HOURS: The office will be closed from April 1st through April 7th. If you need assistance please call and leave a message or email Louise or Pastor Aaron. We respond as soon as we are able. 

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Session 3 of OTDE will finish on Easter Sunday. However stay tuned for more information on our next exciting class taught by Linda Lowry. The new class will start in April and take us through May. The adults will take a break for the Summer and start up again with another installment of Off the Deep End in the fall. 

SPECIAL MUSIC OFFERING: Today we will be taking up a special offering for our wonderful music program. Please consider making a donation using the provided envelope. 

CALENDAR:

3/25- 1:00 PM – Staff Meeting 

3/28 –  5:30 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 10

           7:00 PM – Maundy Thursday Service

3/29 – 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Good Friday Prayer Vigil 

3/31 – 9:15 AM – Adult Bible Study 

         10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

         10:30 AM – Worship Service! Happy Easter 

BIRTHDAYS: Beverly Ross 3/28, Wayne Tracy 4/1, Lorraine Weindel 4/6



Announcements 3-17-24

Announcements Continued: 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for juice, juice boxes, and shelf-stable milk. 

BOOKS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr.  Biblical womanhood–the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers–pervades North American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn’t biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history–ancient, medieval, and modern–to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr’s historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women’s roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

POT LUCK: Join us after the Palm Sunday Cantata on March 24th for a potluck lunch. John Calvin will provide drinks, please bring a dish to share. Drop off for food will begin at 9:00 AM. Please bring serving utensils. If you would like to help please reach out to Mary Antill. 

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: We will be hosting a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday, March 29th.

Schedule: 

Church and activities open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Noon – Special Music Sam Garnett

2:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

5:00 PM – Special Music Kelly Cuppett

CALENDAR:

3/18- 1:00 PM – Staff Meeting 

          6:30 PM – Session Meeting 

3/19 – 10:30 AM – Grace Circle

3/20 -2:30 PM – EJIC Meeting 

         6:30 PM – Cantata Rehearsal

3/21 –  6:00 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 8

3/22 – 10:00 AM – Cantata Rehearsal 

                          – Set-up for Cantata

3/24 -9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service with Palm Sunday Cantata followed by Lunch

BIRTHDAYS: Alex Prince 3/19, Bhanu Patel 3/20



Announcements 3-10-24

 Announcements Continued: 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for juice, juice boxes, and shelf-stable milk. 

BOOKS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: “You Have Stept out of Your Place”: A History of Women and Religion in America By Susan Hill Lindley. Women throughout American history have repeatedly been accused of “stepping out of their places” as many have fought for more rewarding roles in the church and society. In this book, Susan Hill Lindley demonstrates that just as religion in the traditional sense has influenced the lives of American women through its institutions, values, and sanctions, so women themselves have had a significant effect on the shape of American religion through the years.

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us for the next tablecloth dinner on March 12th at 6:30 PM at Outback Steakhouse. Sign up and let us know if you would like a ride

EASTER EGG HUNT: We will have our community Easter Egg hunt on March 16th. We need donations of Candy and candy-filled eggs. Please bring your donations to Louise in the office by Thursday the 14th.

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: We will be hosting a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday, March 29th. We hope to have an all-day vigil with at least two people in the sanctuary throughout the day. Please take a moment to consider what time you would like to come in and pray. Use the signup sheet in the Bulletin, or sheet in the Narthex, to let us know when you would like to come in and pray. If you are not ready to sign up don’t worry there will be several more chances and even if you are not able to sign up please plan to drop in on Good Friday. 

BELL CHOIR: Bell ringers are needed for Easter Sunday. There will be one rehearsal on March 17th after the service. Let Kelly know by March 12th if you are interested in participating. 

CALENDAR:

3/11- 10:00 AM – Staff Meeting 

         12:15 AM – Playschool Committee Meeting 

          6:30 PM – Outreach Committee Meeting

3/12 – Table Cloth Dinner at Outback Steakhouse

3/13 – 6:30 PM – Cantata Rehearsal

3/14 – 10:00 AM – PW Game Day

          6:00 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 8

3/17 -9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service with Children’s Church 

        11:45 AM – Handbell rehearsal



Announcements 3-3-24

 Announcements:

ANNUAL MEETING: Join us for our annual meeting on March 10th during the Worship service. 

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us for the next tablecloth dinner on March 12th at 6:30 PM at Outback Steakhouse. Sign up and let us know if you would like a ride

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for juice, juice boxes, and shelf stable milk. 

BOOKS FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: In Our Own Voices: Four Centuries of American Women’s Religious Writing By Rosemary Skinner Keller and Rosemary Radford Ruether (PCUSA STORE) Drawing from primary source documents such as diaries, letters, speeches, sermons, essays, and books from seventeenth-century colonial settlements in North America to today, this volume recovers the contributions of women to American religion. With its breadth and richness of sources it will be of interest and use to feminists, church historians, and students.

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: We cannot experience the glory of Easter if we do not first experience the pain of Maundy Thursday, the loss of Good Friday, and the sadness of Holy Saturday. Setting aside a specific time in church to wait and pray with Jesus, to reflect on the events that led up to his death and resurrection, to speak to God and seek his guidance and listen to his heart, is essential to preparing our hearts for the Joy of Easter. To that end, we will be hosting a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday, March 29th. We hope to have an all-day vigil with at least two people in the sanctuary throughout the day. Please take a moment to consider what time you would like to come in and pray. Use the signup sheet in the Bulletin, or sheet in the Narthex, to let us know when you would like to come in and pray. If you are not ready to sign up don’t worry there will be several more chances and even if you are not able to sign up please plan to drop in on Good Friday. 

EASTER EGG HUNT: We are hoping to provide the community Easter Egg hunt again this year. However, before we start to advertise this event we would like to get our volunteers in place. We are looking for people to staff the craft tables (easy crafts no art skills needed), snack table, help with bunny pictures, and hide Easter Eggs. Please let Louise know ASAP if you are available to help on March 16th from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM. 

CALENDAR:

3/4- 10:30 AM – Worship Committee Meeting 

       1:00 PM – Staff Meeting

        6:30 PM – Christian Education Meeting

3/6 – 6:30 PM – Cantata Rehearsal

3/7 – 10:00 AM – PW Council Meeting 

         6:00 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 5 and 6

3/10 -9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service with Children’s Church 

        11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal



Announcements 2-25-24

 Announcements: 

EASTER EGG HUNT: We are hoping to provide the community Easter Egg hunt again this year. However, before we start to advertise this event we would like to get our volunteers in place. We are looking for people to staff the craft tables (easy crafts no art skills needed), snack table, help with bunny pictures, and hide Easter Eggs. Please let Louise know ASAP if you are available to help on March 16th from 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

PROGRAM OF HOPE:  Join us to make Sandwiches on Tuesday at 2:45 PM and to serve at POH on Wednesday at 8:00 AM. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us for the next tablecloth dinner on March 12th at 6:30 PM at Outback Steakhouse. Sign upp and let us know if you would like a ride.  

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for Diapers of all sizes (both adult and child), feminine products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and hair products. 

BOOKS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: As we enter black history month now is a great time to recommit ourselves to understanding and supporting the call for racial Justice and Healing. This month we will be recommending books that can help us on that journey. All books are available on the PCUSA store. Creating a Culture of Repair: Taking Action on the Road to Reparations BY Robert Turner. The inequality remains even after laws and policies have been corrected. Calculating and implementing financial reparations will require large-scale government action, which can feel out of reach or overwhelming for the average person. Robert Turner provides an accessible guide for individuals and groups wanting to influence significant institutional action while also acting on their own to repair the effects of racial injustice in our communities, churches, and spheres of influence. Dividing into categories of individual, social, institutional, and spiritual repair, Turner offers the longest list of reparations currently published, with more than one hundred actions readers can begin practicing and advocating for to help balance economic injustice, undo hurtful decisions from decades past, and rally public support for bold and principled legislation.

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER VIGIL: We cannot experience the glory of Easter if we do not first experience the pain of Maundy Thursday, the loss of Good Friday, and the sadness of Holy Saturday. Setting aside a specific time in church to wait and pray with Jesus, to reflect on the events that led up to his death and resurrection, to speak to God and seek his guidance and listen to his heart, is essential to preparing our hearts for the Joy of Easter. To that end, we will be hosting a Prayer Vigil on Good Friday, March 29th. We hope to have an all-day vigil with at least two people in the sanctuary throughout the day. Please take a moment to consider what time you would like to come in and pray. Use the signup sheet in the Bulletin, or sheet in the Narthex, to let us know when you would like to come in and pray. If you are not ready to sign up don’t worry there will be several more chances and even if you are not able to sign up please plan to drop in on Good Friday. 

ANNUAL MEETING: Join us on March 10th during the Worship service for our annual meeting. 

SESSION MEMBERS: Class of 2024: Jeremy Moore, Sue Crawford, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield. Class of 2025: Beverly Kennedy, Andrew Nolan, Sandy Cranfill. Class of 2026: Joan Albright. Others: Louise Ochart (Staff), Kelly Cuppett (staff), Ragina Isham (Insurance/Staff Committee Volunteer), Linda Lowry (Deacon), Bill Bottomley (Treasurer)

CALENDAR:

2/26- 1:00 PM – Staff Meeting

2/27 – 2:45 PM – Sandwich-Making 

2/28 – 8:00 AM – Program of Hope

          6:30 PM – Cantata Rehearsal

2/29 –  6:00 PM – Sailboat Church Zoom Book Study Chapters 5 and 6

3/2 – Playschool Arts and Fun Fair 

3/3 -9:15 AM – Adult Sunday School 

        10:15 AM – Choir Warm-up 

        10:30 AM – Worship Service with Children’s Church 

        11:45 AM – Choir Rehearsal

BIRTHDAYS: Asher Ochart 2/25, Ernestine Price 2/28, 

Joshua Hebert 3/2, Sue Crawford 3/2



Announcements 2-18-24

 Announcements: 

PROGRAM OF HOPE: We will be making lunches and serving at Program of Hope in February. Please join us on February 20th and 27th at 2:45 PM to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. Then join us on Wednesdays in February at First Presbyterian Church to serve at Program of Hope. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

SPECIAL THANKS: Thank you for the men’s clothing donations for Program of Hope. A special thanks to those who sorted, sized, put on hangers or folded and boxed the clothes: Sharon Fortin, Mary Antill, Amy Cardinale, Barbara Remmelts, Sue Crawford. Thank you to the sandwich makers: Mary Antill, Janet Capiton, Carolyn Calvin, Lorraine Hicks, and Sue Crawford. Thank you to those who worked at First Presbyterian Church for the Program of Hope:Rev. Aaron Ochart, Richard Britson, Sue Crawford, and three volunteers from Little Farms UCC.

BOOKS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: As we enter black history month now is a great time to recommit ourselves to understanding and supporting the call for racial Justice and Healing.This month we will be recommending books that can help us on that journey. All book are available on the PCUSA store. Anchored in the Current: Discovering Howard Thurman as Educator, Activist, Guide, and Prophet by Gregory C. Ellison II Howard Thurman was famously known as one of the towering giants of American religion in the twentieth century. His writings have influenced some of the most important religious and political figures of the last century, from Martin Luther King to Barack Obama. Theologians such as James Cone and Cornel West regularly signal their indebtedness to him. He was a mystic, a preacher, an educator, a theologian, and much more. It is impossible to understand the African American church today without an appreciation for his contributions.

Anchored in the Current illuminates how Thurman’s life and wisdom lead these influential names on the ancient quest to connect with the Ultimate, all while discovering the contemporary need to seek racial justice and sharpening the minds and faith of those who come after us. 

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us for the next table cloth dinner on March 12th at 6:30 PM. More information to follow. Sign-up and let us know if you would like a ride  

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for Dippers of all sizes (both adult and child), feminine products, tooth Brushes, tooth paste, soap, and hair products. 

BIRTHDAYS: Barbara Rammelts 2/21, David Boan 2/22, Richard Bristson 2/24



Announcements 2-1-24

 Announcements: 

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: If you missed giving to this wonderful ministry last week, which helps fund our food bank, we are still happy to accept your donations any time. 

PROGRAM OF HOPE: We will be making lunches and serving at Program of Hope in February. Please join us on February 12th, 20th and 27th at 2:45 PM to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. Then join us on Wednesdays in February at First Presbyterian Church to serve at Program of Hope. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

BOOKS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: As we enter black history month now is a great time to recommit ourselves to understanding and supporting the call for racial Justice and Healing.This month we will be recommending books that can help us on that journey. All book are available on the PCUSA store.  Getting to the Promised Land: Black America and the Unfinished Work of the Civil Rights Movement by Kevin W. Cosby Too often, all oppressed people in America are lumped together under the moniker “people of color,” as if each group’s experience under the yoke of systemic racism has the same economic and social repercussions. But the American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) hold a unique claim to economic and reparative justice: for ADOS, after all, is the only group whose ancestors were forcibly brought to America, enslaved, built much of the wealth of the country, yet continue to be specifically excluded from the same social, political, and economic rights of other Americans. To that end, Rev. Dr. Kevin W. Cosby lays out the first theology of the ADOS movement, turning the traditional lens of Black liberation theology from Moses leading escaped Hebrew slaves in Exodus to other biblical leaders like Solomon, Daniel, and Nehemiah.

In the stories of Nehemiah and other biblical leaders, Cosby finds inspiration on how to rebuild Black America including the necessity of government reparations for ADOS. Cosby calls all Americans to move from a place of relative nonengagement and detachment to a place of active support of ADOS’s efforts for justice and healing.  

TABLE CLOTH DINNER: Join us for the next table cloth dinner on March 12th at 6:30 PM. More information to follow. Sign-up and let us know if you would like a ride 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for Dippers of all sizes (both adult and child), feminine products, toothbrushes, tooth paste, soap, and hair products. 

FLOWERS: The flowers today were donated by the Mayfields in celebration of Cameron’s Birthday. 



Announcement 2-4-24

 Announcements: 

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: This week we are collecting for the Super Bowl of caring. This money will go to our own food pantry. We have been blessed to serve many people in our community through our food pantry, gas cards, and grocery cards. Please consider giving generously to this wonderful mission. 

PROGRAM OF HOPE: We will be making lunches and serving at Program of Hope in February. Please join us on February 6th, 12th, 20th and 27th at 2:45 PM to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. Then join us on Wednesdays in February at First Presbyterian Church to serve at Program of Hope. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

BOOKS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH: As we enter black history month now is a great time to recommit ourselves to understanding and supporting the call for racial Justice and Healing.This month we will be recommending books that can help us on that journey. All book are available on the PCUSA store.   No Innocent Bystanders: Becoming an Ally in the Struggle for Justice by Shannon Craigo-Snell and Christopher J. Doucot The struggle for justice is ongoing. In answering the biblical call to act justly and love mercifully, can Christians cross lines of privilege to walk humbly not only with God but with their marginalized neighbors as well? No Innocent Bystanders looks at the role of allies in social justice movements and asks what works, what doesn’t, and why. It explains what allies legitimately can accomplish, what they can’t, and what kind of humility and clarity is required to tell the difference.

This book is a start-up guide for spiritual or religious people who are interested in working for social justice but don’t know how or where to begin. Drawing on the lessons of history, the framework of Christian ideas, and the insights of contemporary activists, it offers practical guidance on how to meaningfully and mindfully advocate alongside all who struggle for a more just society.

CANTATA REHEARSALS: Join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM starting February 7th (no rehearsal on Ash Wednesday). The Cantata will be on March 24th at the 10:30 Worship Service with a dress rehearsal on March 23rd. Music reading not required; learning tracks will be provided.

THANK YOU: The PW wishes to express their appreciation to the Session for all the hard work they do to keep the church running. 

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry. This month we are asking for Dippers of all sizes (both adult and child), feminine products, tooth Brushes, tooth paste, soap, and hair products. If you prefer to donate a small amount of money just mark it for the food pantry and we will shop for you.



Announcements 1-28-24

 Announcements:

CLOTHING DRIVE: We are doing a clothing drive for Program of Hope. We are looking only for these specific items: men’s t-shirts and sweatshirts size XL or larger, men’s pants, and men’s shoes. We will be collecting clothing until Jan 31st when we will have a sorting party. 

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: We will have a congregational meeting on February 4th to elect new Elders.

PROGRAM OF HOPE: We will be making lunches and serving at Program of Hope in February. Please join us on February 6th, 12th, 20th and 27th at 2:00 PM to make sandwiches and assemble lunch bags. Then join us on Wednesdays in February at First Presbyterian Church to serve at Program of Hope. See Sue, Richard, or Sharon for more details.

DEVOTIONALS FOR LENT AND EASTER: Get yourself ready for Lent by ordering your devotional now. Here is this week’s suggestion: Pause: Spending Lent with the Psalms by Elizabeth F. Caldwell. The season of Lent encourages Christians to consider a different pace—one of slowing down, noticing, pausing—than what our dominant culture values. The invitation to pause with the Psalms begins on Ash Wednesday, starting with a mark of ashes on our foreheads that reminds us that in spite of our failures—things we have done or failed to do—we belong to God. Readers are then guided into an exploration of Psalm 51 and the theme of a clean heart. Each chapter helps readers to connect an image drawn from that psalm, such as paths, faces, blessing, tables, waiting, thanksgiving, listening, being alone or abandoned, and hands, with their own lives. At the close of each chapter, readers are invited to try a different prayer practice to help them continue to reflect on the theme and psalm each day. This intentional engagement—without feeling burdensome—opens just enough space and time for a creative spiritual practice to flourish, sustaining the life of faith during the Lenten season in ways that can make a difference in God’s world.

CANTATA REHEARSALS COMING SOON: Would you like to be a part of the choir for a short time frame? Join the Palm Sunday Cantata Choir! Join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM starting February 7th (no rehearsal on Ash Wednesday). The Cantata will be on March 24th at the 10:30 Worship Service with a dress rehearsal on March 23rd. Music reading not required; learning tracks will be provided.

MONTHLY FOOD PANTRY DONATION: Each month we are asking you to Donate one or two items to the food pantry each week. This month we are asking for Proteins including canned chicken, tuna, SpaghettiOs pasta, pasta sauce, and soups. If you prefer to donate a small amount of money just mark it for the food pantry and we will shop for you.