The OAHE MESSENGER May 2005 edition

Message from Pastor Brian Jones

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.  Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as  done for the Lord and not for your masters . . ."               

---Colossian 3:22-23a

Here’s a passage that you don’t hear much these days.  It was sometimes used in the 19th century to justify slavery.  Those who defended the institution of slavery claimed that slaves had their place in the world, and they should just be happy with that. 

But people who understood the Gospel knew that a violent and life-denying practice like slavery could never be justified by Scripture.  It has been clear for a long time that there is always someone around who is willing to do violence to Scripture in order to see to his own gain.

Careful readers will notice that this passage follows words to children and parents about being good to each other, and it precedes an admonition to slaves’ masters to treat them well.

So what this passage is really about is this: we are called to do whatever we do in a way that is consistent with the Gospel.  Treat others well and do your work faithfully.  One reason this is good advice for people in the church, is that others will be watching.  We are witnesses to our faith, even when we do not choose to be.  People are watching, and what we do in their presence is part of our witness.  It will speak to people about what we really believe.

As you may know, the self-study committee is continuing to work, and the session is working to determine what steps to take next.  The way we move forward will say something about our faith.  If we go ahead with faith in God’s promises, and love for each other, it may be a more important witness to the people of Pierre and Hughes County than anything else we do.   

Blessings,

Brian Jones

History of Oahe Presbyterian Church
CHAPTER 6

In January of 1976, the session recommended to the congregation that a board of deacons be established. The session also recommended that a nursery committee of four and a kitchen committee of twelve be established. The congregation voted in favor of all three of these committees/boards. In February of 1976, it became clear that after have no acceptances for the board of deacons the session would need to recommend to the congregation to rescind the vote of Sunday, January 18, 1976 to establish the board of deacons. The congregation voted to do so in an annual meeting on February 29, 1976.

A Mission Design was completed one year after Rev. Newell left Oahe Church. Some of the factors, which portray in part the church’s growth and development during Rev. Newell’s years as pastor, are:

1. Pairs and Spares Group was begun in 1965. This group was discontinued in 1973.
2. The first adult choir was organized in 1965. The choir was discontinued for a time before starting again.
3. The Christian Education Program was organized in 1967.
4. The family camp program was instituted in 1969 to replace the traditional bible schools. This was discontinued in 1982.
5. Neighborhood groups were organized for study and fellowship for the year of 1971.
6. The Presbyterian women organized for fellowship, devotions, programs and service activities but the group discontinued meeting in 1975. During the early 80’s the group organized again as part of the National Presbyterian Women and remains one of the strongest groups in the church...even organizing a fall retreat at Camp Rimrock each year since 1986. Nine to fifteen women annually attend the retreat.
7. Repeated efforts were directed toward developing, implementing and sustaining programs for junior and senior high youth.
8. A prayer chain was organized in 1974, and it continues today…modernized through the use of email to quickly notify the participants.
9. A resettlement committee helped the church support two Vietnamese families from 1975 to 1977.
10. The church organized a slow pitch softball team to participate in the city league, which continued until the early 1980.s.
11. A variety of Lenten observances ranging from neighborhood meetings to presentations in the form of drama to regular worship services have been held. The past twenty years the Lenten services have been held with the neighborhood churches of First Baptist, Resurrection Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal.
12. A variety of studies for adults were held.

The above indicates the creative and organization efforts of Rev. Newell and the response of the members to explore ways of expressing their Christian experiences.

Following his ministry, the church changed its by-laws by removing the Board of Trustees and establishing a unicameral system. They also engaged in a mission self-study. Rev. David Sedziol, of Pierre’s First Baptist Church, and Rev. Frank Thom, interim, provided pastoral leadership during this interim time.

.

DID YOU KNOW…….

The word “Presbyterian” comes from “presbuteros” – Greek for “elder.”  It refers to the system, in apostolic times, of choosing leaders from among the wisest members of the church.

The Presbyterian Church was founded on the ideals of the Protestant Reformation.

The Presbyterian Church is based on the concept of democratic rule under the authority of God.

John Calvin is the Father of Presbyterianism.

His teachings on the sovereignty of God, the  priesthood of all believers, and church structure form the basis of today’s Presbyterian Church. 

---Taken from “The History of the Presbyterian Church by Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. 1991)

One of the characteristics of the Presbyterian Church shared with other denominations in the Reformed family of churches is the practice of ordaining persons to the threefold ministry of minister of the Word, elder, and deacon.  Other denominations may have officers with similar titles, but we of the Reformed traditions are unique in that we ordain people to church office, who in other denominations, are called lay people.  The usual distinction between clergy and laity does not apply to us.  All church members share in the ministry of the church.  All people who join the church are required to profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviors and to promise their willingness to participate in the life and mission of the church.  

---Taken from “The Ordination Questions…A Study for Church Officers” by Howard L. Rice and Calvin Chinn

OPC’s LIBRARY


Boots is reviewing the books
 in our church library.

During the rummage sale the decision was made to add a bit of “rummage” to the library and so the leather couch as noted above was added.  The library has become a cozy place to study, to visit, to hold meetings.   The church library is always in need of Christian books to help fill the shelves.

While we are without a pastor, we are asking the worship assistants to be prepared to do the whole service, except the sermon and the prayers of the people.  You will need to call Meleta DeJong at (224-7093) and arrange to get the resources you will need for Sunday.   Or, if you want to prepare your own Assurance of Forgiveness, Prayer of Illumination, Invitation before the offering, Prayer of Dedication, and Commissioning and Blessing (which are not printed in the bulletin), you may do so. 

The bulletin will be available on Friday mornings.  When you meet with the supply pastor on Sunday morning, you will decide together which scripture passages each of you will read.  If you cannot serve on the date assigned, please exchange with someone else on the list and notify Nancy Jaros at the church.  You can leave a message on the answering machine or email her at the church.

OAHE TO RECEIVE PENTECOST OFFERING

On Pentecost Sunday (May 15^th) Oahe Presbyterian Church will officially receive the Pentecost offering.  The Pentecost offering is one of the four special offerings recommended to congregations by the Presbyterian Church (USA).  It was first designated as an annual special offering in 1998.  The focus of the offering is children and young adults.  The General Assembly uses these funds to support a variety of youth related activities including youth conferences, special youth ministries, young adult volunteer programs, and child advocacy efforts.  In fact, the 213th General Assembly designated 2001 through 2011 the "decade of the child." 

Of the amount received through the Pentecost offering, forty percent is retained by our church to support youth activities and children at risk right here in our own community.  The remaining sixty percent goes to the General Assembly and is divided between ministries to youth and young adults (twenty-five percent), young adult volunteer programs (twenty-five percent) and child advocacy ministries (ten percent). 

As we talk with our congregation about our church's future, a very common theme that comes up is the importance of youth.  Please give your prayerful consideration to the many good works performed by the Presbyterian church to sustain our youth through the Pentecost offering.  These efforts lift up some of the most vulnerable in our world.  Envelops have been distributed in the pews, and while officially designated to be received on Pentecost Sunday, you are welcomed to make a contribution by placing the special envelop in the collection plate on any Sunday.  Please give generously.

--Stewardship and Budget Committee

Self-Study Progress Report

A big thank you to all who participated in the listening visits.  We are now putting together your comments in order to give the Session some guidance in seeking a temporary pastor of the kind our congregation needs.

A few of you may not have been called on by the time this is published, but we thank you in advance.  We value the insights from every one of you as we try to discern who we are as a community of faith.

We ask for your continued prayers for the faithfulness of Oahe Church and for the integrity of our work.

--Ken Meyer for the Self-Study Committee

OPC CHOIR GOES ON “TOUR”

Back from last year’s tour to the annual Lenten concert, the ever popular 19 member Oahe Presbyterian Choir was asked to sing a number at the First Baptist Church on Sunday, April 10^th and then do a repeat performance at the home of Lloyd and Leona Kannegieter.  Above is a photo of the choir (we were missing three members) who gathered at the Kannegieter home.  The photo is courtesy of Lloyd Kannegieter. 

For the first time ever the men’s section of the choir numbers eight:  Duane Jenner, Dennis Pfrimmer, Thomas Butler, Mike Fugitt, Monty Bechtold, Ron Woodburn, Ken Droppers and Will Butler.  Singing soprano are:  Vicki Tipton, Peggy Meyer, Ruth Smith, Candy Sowers and Paula Weeldreyer.  The altos consist of:  KayCee Hodson, Mary Jenner, Shirleen Fugitt and Meleta DeJong.  Our choir director is Glenda Woodburn and our accompanist is Margaret Ellefson.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS TO PROVIDE SPECIAL MUSIC FOR SUMMER SERVICES

The Worship Committee has decided to use the sign up calendars for those interested in providing special music for our summer services.  Calendars for the months of June, July and August will be placed in the secretary’s office.  Feel free to sign up for the Sunday service for which you desire to provide special music.   If you need Margaret to accompany you, please contact Margaret to make arrangements.  Special music would be welcomed from any age individual or group.

Leadership at the Regional Level

By Will B. Butler

Several years ago I would not have pictured myself having much to do with the Presbyterian Church at the regional level, but that has changed entirely. After attending the Youth Rally for the first time in April of 2004 and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium in July of 2004, another opportunity was presented before me. On the very day I gave my presentation about how the Triennium helped to enhance my love of God and others, a visitor from Sioux Falls told me that the Presbytery of South Dakota was in need of a Youth Delegate to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, the regional division of the Presbyterian Church USA.

At first I did not think that I had that great of a chance, since many other youth within the Presbytery have given much more to Christ and have been involved for much longer in larger congregations. But, on a beautiful September evening, I was proven wrong as I got a phone call from the Presbytery saying that I had been nominated for this position. I spent the next couple of months preparing for perhaps the best spiritual experience of my life.

Once I finalized my preparations, I became somewhat nervous and uneasy reading the lists of names and policies. That changed, however, as soon as I got there and discovered how nice the people were. My job as a Youth Advisory Delegate was and is representing the youth in our Presbytery to the best of my ability. During that first meeting in January I got to give input on a slightly controversial college ministry project, as well as whether or not to move the current building of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies.

As I continue my work with the Synod, I'm reminded of one thing that sets our denomination apart from others: better representation. The Presbyterian Church not only talks about people's needs young and old- but it also gathers both types together to conduct the business of the church. As I go out to serve the church at the remaining two meetings on my term, I constantly think of the congregation here at Oahe Presbyterian. If there are any concerns in this area that anybody needs addressed, please feel free to let me know!

What more can you do?

I will do more than belong – I will participate.
I will do more than care – I will help.
I will do more than believe – I will trust.
I will do more than dream – I will work.
I will do more than teach – I will inspire.
I will do more than earn – I will serve.
I will do more than live – I will grow.
I will do more than be friendly – I will be a friend.
I will do more than talk – I will listen.
I will do more. --- Unknown

DEACON REPORT

Each month, one of the six deacons serves as "Deacon of the Month".  While all deacons are to "minister to those in need, to the sick, friendless, and any of those in distress", according to the Book of Order, the Deacon of the Month has certain assigned duties at Oahe Presbyterian Church. Those monthly duties are as follows: lead worship at the Board of Deacons' meeting; write a newsletter article; attend monthly Session meeting and report back to the other deacons; and visit at nursing homes, hospital, and with other shut-ins.  The Deacon of the Month tries to make weekly visits to the nursing homes, if possible. The Deacon of the Month for May is Paula Vockrodt.

The Board of Deacons also has an annual calendar with various responsibilities each month. Two of their big projects during the year are the collection of food for the Pierre Pantry in January and the Banquet on the first Thursday of December. Various member care correspondence is handled by Sandy Nelson and Peggy Meyer. The deacons also distribute local mission money within the community.

Because OPC does not have a full-time pastor and because of HIPAA regulations, the deacons are not aware of a parishioner who is hospitalized unless that person makes sure someone contacts the deacons.  They ask the cooperation of ALL members and friends of OPC in notifying them of desired hospital calls. Other deacons are Stacy Johnson, Larry DeJong, and Shirley Eisnach.