A monthly newsletter from the Oak Arbor Church “Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who made us, and not we ourselves … Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” Psalm 100 By Rev. Derek Elphick We use Thanksgiving Day to thank God for family and friends, and especially our beloved country, the United States of America. Our heritage as a nation of free men and women is founded upon the lives, sacrifices, and dedication of our forefathers. There’s a strong historical context for this day. On March 30, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, a presidential proclamation was made requesting this country to set apart a day to “confess our national sins, and pray for clemency and forgiveness.” In that proclamation the president said “we have forgotten God” and “intoxicated by unbroken success, have become too self-sufficient...too proud to pray to the God that made us.” The Hebrew word for thanksgiving “todah,” (see Psalm 100) is rendered, “confession,” a confession before God of how much we need His help, and how much we err when we forget Him. Thanksgiving is the confession that without God we can do nothing. Oak Arbor News November 2016 FROM THE PASTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MONTH High School Vespers - Nov. 6 Potluck & Meeting - Nov. 13 Event for Parents - Nov. 14 “Many Paths to Salvation” Talk - Nov. 16 School Play - Nov. 18 Pancake Breakfast - Nov. 20 Thanksgiving Service - Nov. 24 For all our November events see our online calendar at www.oakarbor.org Thanksgiving Service and Food Drive Join us for our Thanksgiving Service on Thursday November 24th at 10:30 AM. This will be a family service, with one talk for everyone and no Sunday School, and will include a procession. Food donations brought to the Thanksgiving Festival Service will be donated to Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac. They accept donations of food or toiletry items. Offerings of fruit or non-perishable food items (wrapped to look nice on the chancel) can be brought up during the Thanksgiving church procession. Other donations can be placed on the table in the church foyer from Sunday November 20th until the Thanksgiving service. Oak Arbor Church 495 Oak Arbor Circle West, Rochester, MI 48306 248-652-3420 www.oakarbor.org OakArborChurch Pastor Derek Elphick [email protected], ext. 101 Assistant Pastor Joel Glenn [email protected], ext. 102 Newsletter Submissions: [email protected]Family Potluck Lunch and Celebration After church in the Social Hall on Sunday November 13th You are invited! This will be an opportunity for everyone to hear updates on our programs and services, and a time for Q&A. RSVP for the potluck by emailing the office ([email protected])
Transcript
A monthly newsletter from the Oak Arbor Church
“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who made us, and not we ourselves…Enter into His gates
with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”
Psalm 100 By Rev. Derek Elphick We use Thanksgiving Day to thank God for family and friends, and especially our beloved country, the United States of America. Our heritage as a nation of free men and women is founded upon the lives, sacrifices, and dedication of our forefathers. There’s a strong historical context for this day. On March 30, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, a presidential proclamation was made requesting this country to set apart a day to “confess our national sins, and pray for clemency and forgiveness.” In that proclamation the president said “we have forgotten God” and “intoxicated by unbroken success, have become too self-sufficient...too proud to pray to the God that made us.” The Hebrew word for thanksgiving “todah,” (see Psalm 100) is rendered, “confession,” a confession before God of how much we need His help, and how much we err when we forget Him. Thanksgiving is the confession that without God we can do nothing.
Oak Arbor NewsNovember 2016
FROM THE PASTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
THIS MONTHHigh School Vespers - Nov. 6
Potluck & Meeting - Nov. 13
Event for Parents - Nov. 14
“Many Paths to Salvation” Talk - Nov. 16
School Play - Nov. 18
Pancake Breakfast - Nov. 20
Thanksgiving Service - Nov. 24
For all our November events see our online calendar at www.oakarbor.org
Thanksgiving Service and Food Drive
Join us for our Thanksgiving Service on Thursday November 24th at 10:30 AM. This will be a family service, with one talk for everyone and no Sunday School, and will include a procession.Food donations brought to the Thanksgiving Festival Service will be donated to Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac. They accept donations of food or toiletry items. Offerings of fruit or non-perishable food items (wrapped to look nice on the chancel) can be brought up during the Thanksgiving church procession. Other donations can be placed on the table in the church foyer from Sunday November 20th until the Thanksgiving service.
Oak Arbor Church495 Oak Arbor Circle West, Rochester, MI 48306248-652-3420www.oakarbor.org
Family Potluck Lunch and CelebrationAfter church in the Social Hall on
Sunday November 13th
You are invited! This will be an opportunity for everyone to hear updates on our programs and services, and a time for Q&A.RSVP for the potluck by emailing the office ([email protected])
Amy Elder Bryn Brock Sue Elder Judi PaffordNathaniel
BrockSulie Tyler
Nov. 13DPE
Worship, 10:30 AM
Jim Pafford
Nancy Genzlinger
Bob & Karen Heinrichs
Angela KielRachel Mahrle
Ann-Marie McCardell
Karen & Dave Kostick
Liane de Chazal
Nov. 20DPE
Worship, 10:30 AM
Dale Steen
Pam Steen Pam Steen Kelly Wille Amy Elder Kim de Chazal Gay Elphick Judi Pafford
Nov. 24JCG
Thanks-giving
10:30 AM
Scott Mahrle
Susan Kendig
Liane de Chazal
Nov. 27DPE
Worship, 10:30 AM
Mike Wille
Gavin Rodda
Ann-Marie McCardellSue Elder
Dec. 4JCG
Worship, 10:30 AM
Marc Edwards
Marcia Bradin
Amy ElderNicole
SandstromBrent
GenzlingerCamille Rodda
TBD Sulie Tyler
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Alex & Nicole SandströmNovember 5, 2011
Robert & Marcia BradinNovember 13, 1965
Robin & Susan KendigNovember 18, 1967
Tom & Rita SteenNovember 23, 1956
Don & Suzanne CochraneNovember 25, 2011
Craig Steen & Donna DonakowskiNovember 28, 1992
Grant Decker Nov. 3
Emmett Goulding Nov. 3
Suzanne Cochrane Nov. 5
Jeffrey Buikema Nov. 7
Aldon Maddox Nov. 7
Gay Elphick Nov. 9
Clara Odhner Nov. 12
Jennie Pafford Nov. 12
Sullivan Brock Nov. 13
Kevin Wille Nov. 13
Suzanne Green Nov. 15
Martha Childs Nov. 17
Laurie Genzlinger Nov. 18
Carl Owens Nov. 19
Todd Elder Nov. 25
Kirk Barry Nov. 30
Thanksgiving Day Family Service
Family Service
Gift Giving Tree
The holiday season is quickly approaching and Rochester Area Neighborhood House is offering area businesses an opportunity to give back to the community and help make the holidays special for the children of our neighbors in need. Once again, Oak Arbor Church will be participating in this program. If you choose to participate, there are two options - a physical tree with tags or an online one. In order to get the gifts distributed in time for Christmas, our collection will begin early. Select a tag from the Gift Giving Tree (which will be in the church foyer soon), purchase the gift, return it unwrapped with the tag attached in the box. We will share the online option as soon as it’s available.If you buy a gift card (use our Scrip program!), please hand directly to Cara or Liane rather than leaving it in the collection box. The box will be located in the church foyer on Sundays and the school foyer during the week.If you have any questions, please contact Sherry McCardell ([email protected]).
“A Deep Breath for Moms” is a small group of women who meet in the Church Parlor most Thursday evenings at 7:15 PM (check online calendar for dates). Mothers with young or older children are invited to attend and enjoy the discussions and fellowship of other women. Various topics will be discussed each time, there is no official book or agenda so each session will stand alone. Join the Facebook page or contact Rachel Mahrle for more information ([email protected]).
What if… there’s a place for all faiths in heaven? What if… you and I believe in the same God? In this day and age it’s hard to practice both spiritual conviction and open-mindedness. It seems like greater conviction leads to less openness towards others. Can we ever do both well? Can a person of one faith not just accept but love that others have found God through a different faith?Wednesday, November 16th, 7:30 PM at Rochester Community House (816 Ludlow). Free event, no reservation required.This talk is open to the public and will be accessible and relevant to everyone who comes, so invite your friends and neighbors! We’re working hard at getting the word out with ads and flyers, but what’s really going to get people to show up is you inviting them! Please pick up a flier to share in the church lobby & visit the event on Facebook. Hope to see you there, along with many new faces.Questions? Ask Joel Glenn ([email protected])
Ladies’ Lunch, Friday Nov. 11th, 11 AM - 12:30 PM, Oak Arbor Social Hall
Ladies’ Lunch is for women of all ages to enjoy casual social time together, over a delicious lunch.Fresh salad greens, salad dressings, fresh baked bread and butter, and coffee and tea are provided. Please bring a salad addition to create a fresh salad bar.We have space for little ones to get their wiggles out, and toys and books to keep them busy.Hope to see you there! Questions, contact Bonnie Quinn ([email protected]).
UPCOMING EVENTS
FROM THE GENERAL CHURCH
Upcoming Christmas Events Family Craft Night
Saturday December 10th at 6 PM
Nativity Enactment, “Tableaux”Sunday December 18th at 6 PM.
Christmas Eve Festival ServiceDecember 24th at 5 PM.
The Psychology department at Bryn Athyn College invites applications for a tenure-track position in Psychology at the rank of assistant professor to begin July 1, 2017. A terminal degree (doctorate) in psychology or a related field is required for tenure track. A non-tenure track appointment may be possible for a candidate with a Master’s degree in psychology or related field.Bryn Athyn College is a small, private, coeducational, liberal arts college affiliated with the New Church, a Christian denomination based on the theology of Emanuel Swedenborg. Bryn Athyn serves as an intellectual center for all who desire to engage in higher education enriched, guided, and structured by the study of the Old Testament, New Testament, and theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. We seek applicants who are committed to the College’s mission and values, and who are interested in contributing to a curriculum shaped by New Church concepts. For information about Bryn Athyn College and its mission, see www.brynathyn.edu.The psychology major at Bryn Athyn College is vibrant and growing. A successful candidate must be committed to undergraduate teaching and have the ability to teach psychology courses from clinical, applied, and generalist perspectives. Area of specialty is open. The position also involves advising and mentoring students, and contributing to the curricular development of a psychology program that engages spiritual perspectives.To apply, please email a letter of application, CV, copies of graduate transcripts, and names of three professional references to Ms. Renee L. Rosenfeld, at [email protected]. In your letter of application, please discuss your interest in and ability to contribute to Bryn Athyn College’s New Church mission and to teach in a psychology program at a liberal arts institution. The application deadline is November 28, 2016. Bryn Athyn College is an equal opportunity employer.
Gift Cards Make Great Christmas Gifts
Did you know we have 731 brands of gift cards available to us through the Great Lakes Scrip program? Depending on the brand, Oak Arbor earns anywhere from 1.5% to 18% of the face value of the card. We will be placing an order in the next few weeks for anyone who would like to special order gift cards as Christmas gifts. Please visit shopwithscrip.com and click on “Sign In”, then “Shop” along the top bar to browse through all the brands and denominations available. (Brands like Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Game Stop, Starbucks, Williams Sonoma and iTunes, just to name a few.) To order simply contact Sue Elder ([email protected]) or Cara Clay ([email protected]).
Post-Halloween Candy Collection
Oak Arbor School is collecting excess Halloweencandy to be delivered to Rochester Area Neighborhood House’s Food Pantry.If you would like to donate, the collection box will be outside the main office until Wednesday November 9th (at noon). Thank you!
From the Oak Arbor Bookroom
Swedenborg Foundation has recently published another volume in its New Century Edition--New Jerusalem. This is a short work summarizing key teachings of the New Church. As the back of the books says: "New Jerusalem is an excellent starting point for those who want an overview..."
You can order this book directly through Swedenborg Foundation or contact Jim Pafford, who can order it for you. ([email protected])
The 1st & 2nd grade students will perform a short-but-sweet version of “A Birthday Party for Eeyore,” followed by some Thanksgiving poems.Admission is free, refreshments served afterwards. All are welcome!
Mitten Tree - Oak Arbor School will once again collect new outwear (mittens, hats, scarves etc.) to be donated to local children in need through Rochester Area Neighborhood House. Stay tuned for when the collection begins!
FROM THE OAK ARBOR SCHOOLFeed the Mind, Touch the Heart, Prepare for Life
Pancake Breakfast FundraiserSunday November 20th, 9 - 10:15 AM
Come and enjoy a hot breakfast before church! Oak Arbor School’s 5th-8th graders will serve you in the Social Hall from 9 to 10:15 AM. Make a donation in the basket as you arrive (cash or check); proceeds will help fund field trips. Thanks for your support!
Special Event for Parents, Monday November 14th, 6:30 PM in the Oak Arbor School Foyer
Oak Arbor School invites you to attend a program entitled “Discipline in the Context of Love” presented by Scott Daum (Coordinator for General Church Schools) and Dr. Saul Fisher (clinical psychologist, specializing in child and family therapy). See the description below.The event will include wine, cheese & appetizers starting at 6:30, with the presentation beginning at 7 pm.RSVP to Liane @ [email protected] so we know how many to set up for.Discipline in the Context of Love: “We know raising children is not an easy responsibility. In many ways the challenge of parenting is the challenge of self-examination, and this is the essence of what is known today as “mindful parenting.” New Church teachings also emphasize the importance of self-examination in the process of personal and spiritual growth, and parenting provides us with this opportunity. The challenges raised by children’s behavior provide an opportunity for discerning the genuine needs of the child and how we need to respond as parents. Our program will explore the conjunction between a theological framework and an understanding of the developmental needs of the child, and leave you with practical direction for problem-solving in your home.
The 5th & 6th graders had a mama rabbit and baby bunnies in their classroom for several weeks last month.
Registration for the ScrapBook Fundraiser on Saturday January 21st, 2017, has begun! Let Liane know if you’d like to attend, space fills up fast! [email protected].
