The Olive Branch 1 MARCH 2019 OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) Richard D. Cline, minister Web Address: www.ob-cc.org Susan C. Fournier, secretary Office Email Address: [email protected]757-566-8077 (Church Office) Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 1:30PM RESIST RETIREMENT Jeff Haanen has a fascinating article in the March, 2019, issue of Christianity Today, about the subject of retirement. It seems that the concept of retirement as a “never-ending vacation” was invented by the financial services industry in the 1950s – a concept that continues to carry great influence today as witnessed by the financial companies’ commercials of “gray-haired couples blissfully holding hands, walking white-sanded beaches…[with] the message: save enough and you too can have paradise.” Retirement as paradise – who wouldn’t embrace such an idea? More time to spend with family, fresh adventures to chase, learning new skills and pursuing educational and vocational opportunities. Such things don’t sound bad at all. It’s a good life – if you can find it, or perhaps better afford it. But for many, such a retirement is an illusion, or as Mitch Anthony puts it, “Retirement is an illusion because those who can afford the illusion are disillusioned by it, & those who cannot afford the illusion are haunted by it.” But I wonder – where does the faith community fit into retirement? What is the Christian response to retirement? It starts with understanding that retirement is a modern concept with no Biblical foundation. As Ralph Winter observed, “Most [people] don’t die of old age, they die of retirement… Where in the Bible do they see [retirement]? Did Moses retire? Did Paul retire? Peter? John?... The closest the Bible comes to retirement is Numbers 8:25: ‘At the age of fifty they [the Levites] must retire from their regular service and work no longer.’ Hauling around the furniture of the tabernacle was hard physical labor. However, later in life, Levites were commanded to ‘minister to their brothers in the tent of the meeting’ -- a hint that God didn’t intend for our work to stop completely but to morph and mature with age.” Just because one has reached retirement does not mean an end to service for Christ. Our elders are a vast resource of great value. The Bible associates elders with wisdom, character, and mentorship. Those of us who grew up in a faith community know well the influence our elders had upon us. I am a product of an older minister who guided and influenced my path into ministry. Retirement is a time to give of oneself to guide and shape the faith- journey of others. And in the process, discover God’s purpose for each of us, in each new season of life. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Once a servant for Christ, always a servant for Christ. Embrace the service you can give to others – and find real fulfillment. Blessings, ~Pastor Richard WELCOME NEW MEMBER! Elizabeth Ripley joined OBCC on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Her contact information will appear in the new directory. We welcome her to the OBCC family!
Transcript
The Olive Branch
1
MARCH 2019
OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)
Richard D. Cline, minister Web Address: www.ob-cc.org
Susan C. Fournier, secretary Office Email Address: [email protected] 757-566-8077 (Church Office) Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 1:30PM
RESIST RETIREMENT
Jeff Haanen has a fascinating article in the March, 2019, issue of Christianity Today, about the subject of retirement. It seems that the concept of retirement as a “never-ending vacation” was invented by the financial services industry in the 1950s – a concept that continues to carry great influence today as witnessed by the financial companies’ commercials of “gray-haired couples blissfully holding hands, walking white-sanded beaches…[with] the message: save enough and you too can have paradise.”
Retirement as paradise – who wouldn’t embrace such an idea? More time to spend with family, fresh adventures to chase, learning new skills and pursuing educational and vocational opportunities. Such things don’t sound bad at all. It’s a good life – if you can find it, or perhaps better afford it. But for many, such a retirement is an illusion, or as Mitch Anthony puts it, “Retirement is an illusion because those who can afford the illusion are disillusioned by it, & those who cannot afford the illusion are haunted by it.”
But I wonder – where does the faith community fit into retirement? What is the Christian response to retirement? It starts with understanding that retirement is a modern concept with no Biblical foundation. As Ralph Winter observed, “Most [people] don’t die of old age, they die of retirement…
Where in the Bible do they see [retirement]? Did Moses retire? Did Paul retire? Peter? John?... The closest the Bible comes to retirement is Numbers 8:25: ‘At the age of fifty they [the Levites] must retire from their regular service and work no longer.’ Hauling around the furniture of the tabernacle was hard physical labor. However, later in life, Levites were commanded to ‘minister to their brothers in the tent of the meeting’ -- a hint that God didn’t intend for our work to stop completely but to morph and mature with age.”
Just because one has reached retirement does not mean an end to service for Christ. Our elders are a vast resource of great value. The Bible associates elders with wisdom, character, and mentorship. Those of us who grew up in a faith community know well the influence our elders had upon us. I am a product of an older minister who guided and influenced my path into ministry. Retirement is a time to give of oneself to guide and shape the faith-journey of others. And in the process, discover God’s purpose for each of us, in each new season of life.
Once a Marine, always a Marine. Once a servant for Christ, always a servant for Christ. Embrace the service you can give to others – and find real fulfillment.
Blessings, ~Pastor Richard
WELCOME NEW MEMBER! Elizabeth Ripley joined OBCC on Sunday, February 17, 2019. Her contact information will appear in the new directory.
We welcome her to the OBCC family!
I am very grateful to the additional members who have stepped forward to fill leadership positions since the January newsletter was published.
DEACONS Steve Garrett Linda Garrett
DEACONESS Ellen Waite
We are working hard together to make sure that the upcoming year will be the best ever at OBCC. With your help and support, we will have an excellent year.
~Doug Dill
CWF NEWS SAVE-THE-DATE REMINDERS
Saturday, May 18th: 2019 CWF LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, New Fellowship Hall
Delicious salads, gift basket drawings, door prizes, and fashions from Christopher & Banks are on the schedule. If you would like to be a model or make a basket for the drawing, please call
Marney Brickhouse 757-880-2545. Friday May 31st - Sunday June 2nd: CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S RETREAT Lynchburg, VA Sponsored by Olive Branch Christian Church CWF
The theme is LOVE LOVE LOVE (Love the Lord, Love yourself, Love each other) This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to work together and enjoy a spiritually uplifting retreat.
Please give call Marney Brickhouse (757-880-2545) if you need more information and/or would like to attend. On a personal note: I would like to say a special thanks to all those who have already said yes to the help I have needed to make this the 2019 Women’s Retreat really meaningful.
~Marney
CWF TUESDAY MORNING CIRCLE Twelve ladies braved the wet. cool weather to come to the February Tuesday Morning Circle. Shelia visited us to give us an update on the successful yard sale on February 9th and to let us know about the many upcoming events of the busy CWF ladies.
Kay told us about the event coming up with the ladies in our District 9. It seems that this will be another busy year.
We enjoyed a great lunch with many different foods to try.
Elaine began what is going to be an interesting study on the twelve disciples, starting with Peter. We all learned a lot about him. Come and join us in March to see who Elaine chooses for us to learn about next.
Our next meeting will be March 12th at 11:45 at Interlude.
See you there, ~Donna Haulsee
MONDAY CWF TO MEET MARCH 18 AT 3
The study will be Breaking Free from Fear. There a several extra books, in case you need one.
In March the group will meet at the afternoon time (3 PM). Evening meetings will resume in April.
~Carole Kerr
YOUTH GROUP
We meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 PM. All 5th-12th grade folks are welcome to join our discussions. Please invite the youth in your life to come!
~Kelsey Creech, Youth Outreach Ministries
BOOK CLUB: Our next book, Forgotten God by Francis Chan, is the topic when we meet on March 2. The next 2 chapters. ~Kelsey Creech
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
The March 5th meeting will be at 2 PM at the Janet Dombrowski home (4732 Westhampton). ~Dick & Betty Barber
SERVING THIS MONTH
Elders
March 03 Norm Harbour, Missy Harbour
March 10 Kim Riffle, Joshua Fulgham
March 17 Joshua Fulgham, Elaine Henk
March 24 Barb Schmidt, Bob Schmidt
March 31 Chuck Walker, Bob Lawrence
Deacons
March 03 David Love, Diana Love Steve Garrett, Linda Garrett
March 10 Tracy Creech, Dale Teagle Janet Dombrowski, Susan Rinehart
March 17 Will Hatcher, Jane Hatcher Mel Watson, Kaye Watson
March 24 Linda Williams, Phyllis Taylor Patty Barker, Stacey Mullins
March 31 Val Mason, Sheila Yeatts Andrew Pfister, Keeta Hodson
Deaconess
Elna Pitts
Worship and Wonder (Ages 3-8)
March 03 Kim Riffle, Patty Barker
March 10 Linda Williams, Carolyn Hunt
March 17 Landa Simmons, Kelsey Creech
March 24 Missy Harbour, Kim Riffle
March 31 Kelsey Creech, Joshua Fulgham
March 03 OPEN
March 10 OPEN
March 17 OPEN
March 24 OPEN
March 31 OPEN
Church Family: Pat Allred, Harold Barker, Charles & Betty Boy, Mel Bryant, Jr., Phillip Day, Doug Dill, Phyllis Gardner, Lucy Hall, Norm Harbour, Joyce James, Lena Jeffries, Gail Key, Mac McWilliams, Dallas Mitchell, Joann Mitchell, Charlie Pruitt, Robbie Robertson, Marvin Seal Family (Nancy Griffith’s brother), Dale Teagle, Donald White
Family and Friends: Professional and volunteer women and men who protect and defend us, our nation, Jason Arthur (Lorraine Beasley’s son), Rob Berclaw (Karen Marrow’s friend), Chris Burrows (friend of Pergers), Paul Chisari (Sue Rinehart’s friend), GJ Gerner (Stacey Mullins’ co-worker brother), Bobby Wayne Higgins (Dwayne Davis’ brother & Elizabeth Gardner Davis’ son), Shaun Hooker (Don White’s son), David Hunt (Jim Hunt’s brother), Roger Manganiello (Gene & Cheryl Johnson SC friend & neighbor), Angie Maricotte (Gene & Cheryl Johnson SC friend), Marolyn Pierce (Carolyn Hunt’s sister), Megan Raikes (Phyllis Gardner’s great niece), Quentin Roane (David & Carol Pitts’ friend), Janice Ryan Family (regular attendees), Robin Moscati’s friends), Pam, Mark & Brooks Saunders (Jim & Paula Thacker’s daughter & family), Brenna Schumacher (Barkers’ niece), Paul Smith (Susan Kohlman’s brother-in-law), Trevor Smith (Larry & Louise Smith’s grandson), Arnold VanDyke, Walter Via (Janet Neal’s friend), Margaret Wilhelm (Elizabeth Ripley’s sister)
The OBCC Family extends condolences to the Marvin Seal Family and to Nancy Griffith, Marvin’s sister. Marvin (Skilly) died on February 15. He will be interred in the OBCC cemetery at a later date. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 19th at 4 PM at OBCC, with a repast following at the Moose Lodge #757.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be sent to the Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg; 4445 Powhatan Parkway; Williamsburg, VA 23188.
The OBCC Family extends condolences to the Janice Ryan Family. The Ryan Family moved here recently and started to attend OBCC. The Ryans are longtime friends of Robin Moscati. Peter Ryan died on February 20, shortly after suffering a massive stroke. Funeral services are planned for Sunday, March 10, at 2 PM, followed by a reception in the New Fellowship Hall.
01 Patty Barker 04 Anthony Griffin 10 Linda Garrett 10 Lucy Hall 12 Marlies Brantley 16 Jane Hatcher 16 Carol Pitts 20 Mel M Watson 22 Emily Dill 22 Tammy Rutherford 27 Lewis Williams 31 Richard Griffin
03 Patricia & Rusty Bullock 22 Rudy & Cecelia Ruskey 31 Curt & Rosa Griffin 31 Clay & Shirley Harrison
MARCH 10
(reset clocks March 9 at bedtime)
FOOD SHARING PROGRAM UPDATE
Your weekly food donations not only improve our neighbors’ physical well-being, your donations support spiritual relationships. Your giving spirit bonds us together in our mission to reduce food insecurity in the lives of our neighbors and glorify our Heavenly Father! We are thankful for your caring bond with our neighbors who are grateful for your daily food support.
~Will & Jane Hatcher
COMFORT MINISTRY SUPPORT GROUP The breakfast is held on the second Saturday of the month at Jimmy's Grill in Norge at 10:00 AM. If you are on a grief journey, please join us. We have a good meal and laugh a lot. Call Judy Eley at 757-566-0927, if you would like to attend.
OBCC TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY: wants volunteers to provide rides to some of our members who are unable to drive themselves to worship services, nearby appointments, and/or Bible Study sessions at church. Please consider serving as a volunteer driver! Contact Robbie Robertson to volunteer (757-707-3944; [email protected]).
Need a ride? Please contact Robbie Robertson.
If you can help to develop van policy/procedures, please let Pastor Richard know.
OUR CHURCH VAN IS IN USE!! There are still some details to take care of. We need some volunteers to make that happen. If you are interested in being a part of our van ministry, please let Pastor Richard or the church office know. Ways to be of help: develop ride & driver policies, van maintenance (monitor and execute), coordinate scheduling, driver (clean driver record required).
WORLD OUTREACH NEWS:
WEEK OF COMPASSION REPORT: What a blessing and a big thanks for the support of our Week of Compassion collection of $860 as of publication. The response is heart-warming! We know our church is a caring family. Your generosity is evidence of the caring that extends beyond our walls into our community and beyond.
March 5 Shrove Tuesday 6:00 PM Pancakes & Bingo at Olive Branch (NFH) NOTE :
Refreshment at 6 & worship at 7
March 6 Ash Wednesday 6:00/7:00 PM Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church 7801 Church Lane, Toano 757-566-0162 Rev. Lori Beach Speaker: Rev. Richard Cline Father, Forgive Them From Olive Branch Christian Church Offering Benefits: From His Hands
March 13 6:00/7:00 PM New Zion Baptist Church 3991 Longhill Road, Williamsburg 757-258-0491 Rev. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr. Speaker: Rev. Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly
Today, You will be with Me
From Hickory Neck Episcopal Church Offering Benefits: Hospice House & Support Care
March 20 6:00/7:00 PM HERE AT OBCC (Soup Supper) 7643 Richmond Road, Williamsburg 757-566-8077 Rev. Richard D. Cline Speaker: Rev. David Lehman Behold Your Son From Williamsburg Mennonite Church Offering Benefits: Child Development Resources
March 27 6:00/7:00 PM Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 7479 Richmond Road, Williamsburg 757-564-3745 Rev. Alex Witt Speaker: Rev. Lori Beach My God, My God From Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Offering Benefits: Avalon
April 3 6:00/7:00 PM Williamsburg Mennonite Church 7800 Croaker Road, Williamsburg 757-566-3026 Rev. David Lehman Speaker: Rev. Alex Creager I Thirst
From Stone House Presbyterian Church Offering Benefits: Williamsburg Retreat Center
April Judas Bag Distribution (find an envelope in a basket in the NFH and Narthex)
April 10 6:00/7:00 PM Stone House Presbyterian Church 9401 Fieldstone Parkway, Toano 757-565-1130 Rev. Alex Creager Speaker: Rev. Alex Witt It is Finished From Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Offering Benefits: Proclaiming Grace Outreach
HOLY WEEK 2019
April 14 Palm Sunday Easter Giving Service: 8:30 AM Dominion Village: 9:30 AM Sunday School: 9:45 AM Service: 11:00 AM Worship & Wonder (ages 3-8) 11:00 AM
April 17 6:00/7:00 PM Hickory Neck Episcopal Church 8300 Richmond Road, Toano 757-566-0276 Rev. Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly Speaker: Rev. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr.
Father, Into Your Hands
From New Zion Baptist Church Offering Benefits: Angels of Mercy Clinic
April 18 Maundy Thursday Service: 7:00 PM
Prayer Vigil begins at 8:00 PM
April 19 Good Friday Prayer Vigil Ends at 7:00 PM Service: 7:00 PM
April 21 Easter Sunday Easter Giving
Sunrise Service: 6:30 AM (Sanctuary East Steps)
Breakfast to follow
Service: 8:30 AM
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Service: 11:00 AM
Worship & Wonder (ages 3-8) 11:00 AM
Hang Judas Bags on the Cross or put in the collection plate
Easter Egg Hunt
2019 COMMUNITY SERVICES HOLY WEEK SERVICES
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS MARCH 10
OUR DAY OUT
Love was definitely in the air at our February meeting! We welcomed a new Volunteer, Martha Nicholas, who was someone Marney met at Chuck's car repair shop and enthusiastically shared some of the activities of our wonderful group. Martha, a retired nurse, had cared for her own mother with Alzheimer's Disease prior to moving to Williamsburg to be close to her daughter and family. We are reaping the benefits of Marney's outgoing nature and Martha's desire to feel useful in her new community. I call that a God Moment where need meets opportunity...Yep, He's awesome!
I asked Barb to share her Communion Meditation that she used in church, as it spoke words of contract, commitment, & negotiation, as referred to in her Agape Love message. I made the parallel between those terms as they apply to Eros Love in marriage relationships. Longest married in the group: Mac and Jeanette with 60+ years! Yeah!
Irma brought us love songs through the playing of the color-coded bells she purchased for this group. Everyone has great fun with that! Different kinds of candy were raffled off, and bags filled with chocolate hearts where taken home. Jane provided a lovely crafted box and filled them with, guess what? You got it--CANDY!!! We concluded our day with BINGO, where chocolate prizes are the biggest hit, except for Tyler, who always wants socks! His parents are still trying to figure that one out. I think he may have gone into the sock market business! (lol) We have to have the sweetest group anywhere around!!!
Sheila and Marney once again added love to our day with a wonderful meal and lovely, decorated tables. I think we must be really special to deserve so much Philia Love.
If anyone out there is in the need of Pragma Love (Enduring Love), come join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and have your cup filled. Becky Watson from Music for Wellness will be returning in March with her lively music. It's always a surprise as to what instruments she will bring to teach us to play. One thing for sure--it's always fun. Come see for yourself.
Love in Jesus’ name, Louise Smith, Co-Coordinator
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
UPDATED OBCC DIRECTORY AT CHURCH SERVICES: Look for a supply of the newly-revised Directory at both services during March. The delay allowed for the correct and complete update of leadership names. Those who are out of town or not ever able to attend church will receive a Directory in the mail. Please get new/changed information to the office whenever it occurs, so that the office records are up to the minute.
UPCOMING OBCC EVENTS: (Save these dates &
watch for details in newsletters and bulletins)
03/6,13,20,27 Lenten Services 03/10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME 2 AM 03/10 & 24 Dominion Village Sundays 03/5,12,19,26 Youth Group Meets 03/14,28 Girl Scouts Meet (EB)
03/02 10:00 AM Book Club 03/05 6:30 PM Pancakes & Bingo 03/06 ASH WEDNESDAY-LENT BEGINS 03/07 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Lifeline Screening 03/09 10:00 AM Comfort Ministry 03/13 10:00AM-2:00PM Our Day Out 03/18 3:00 PM CWF Monday Eve Circle 03/20 6:00 PM Soup Supper/Lenten Svcs at OBCC 03/21 5:00 PM Burnt Ordinary Meal 03/25 6:30 PM Elders’ Meeting 03/28 11:00 AM Naomi’s Lunch Bunch
MARCH 10 Move clocks forward at bedtime on March 9
FAMILY NIGHT RESUMES AFTER EASTER:
Good food, great fellowship, grand learning….all part of the evening outing. Come anytime!
SAVE THE DATE: The Lifeline Health Screening team will be at OBCC on Thursday, March 7. There are 4 ways to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129----call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle or text the word circle to 797979.
ROAD TRIP TO AGECROFT HALL On February 19, an elite eight group went to Richmond to learn about this unique place. The building was brought here from England piece by piece and reassembled with an updated interior. The original building dates from the 16-17th century. Luncheon followed at Baker’s Crust. Don’t miss the next outing!
2019 Chili Cook Off Winners: (l-r) Elaine Henk, Joann Mitchel, Marney Brickhouse
On March 17 the Discovering Disciples Adult Sunday School class will begin a new study led by Joshua Fulgham on the end times and the last days. Please join us as we search the scriptures and enjoy open discussion and fellowship. The class meets in the New Fellowship Hall.
“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, yea day, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”
Sending my thanks for all the prayers, cards, flowers, and visits during my recent hospitalization. I was discharged Monday, 2/25, but still have a way to go. I found 245 emails on my computer and haven't made a dent in them yet. It will be some time before I catch up. Thanks to anyone who has sent emails, but have not yet received responses. I am very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to being back and catching up on Deacon work and all the other news.
