The
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Reflecting on Jesus Bold Statement this Advent
Rev. John Calvin Rhoad Jr. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give to you. I do not give The hard reality of life on this earth is - just as life began with great amazement and a sense of mystery, so it must one day end. Perhaps, during most Advent/Christmas seasons we don’t reflect on a statement such as that; but we are all impacted profoundly by death, as much, as we are by an impending birth. Jesus Christmastime birth is, and forever will be, an amazing and inspirational story; but when we reflect deeply upon it we understand that Jesus birth and life was for the primary purpose of one day dying in that His death would bring hope to the hard realities of earthly living. Jesus proclaimed to those who would stop to listen, “My peace I give to you”. Jesus emphasizes that not only is His blessing upon all of us, when Jesus says “my peace I give to you”; but Jesus enlarges that emphasis to state that it is “not as the world gives”. Jesus is proclaiming a power, a real power, that no one else possesses; so Jesus can end this Gospel statement by saying “do not let your hearts be troubled, do not let your hearts be afraid”. Such mighty words from a powerful person who was filled with love, grace and mercy! Jesus parting gift, perhaps His Christmas gift, was not so much a farewell as it is His welcome. Jesus assurance and eternal gift to us is His salvation. Jesus went to the cross, died and was resurrected – not for His own purposes, benefit, or merit – it was exclusively for us, that Jesus willingly did this. It was God’s intention, right from the humble birth that first Christmas to make real, exclusively through Jesus, an opportunity for us to one day come to Him! God sees into our hearts, in a way that none of us ever can – for God is the creator, the knower of all things – God loves each and every one of us more than we can truly comprehend. Advent and Christmas are truly a blessed time for all of us to reflect, share and recognize the extraordinary lengths at which God has gone to keep us as His children whom God loves at all the stages of our earthly life. God be praised. Amen.
WARNING: WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:
Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it. ---Anonymous
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Affirmations of Christmas I believe that Christmas is more than a time for parties and ornaments; it is a time for remembering Christ and the incarnation of God’s love in human flesh. I believe there are gifts more important than the ones under the Christmas tree, the things we teach our children, the way we share ourselves with friends, and the industry with which we set about reshaping the world in our time. I believe that the finest carols are often sung by the poorest voices; from hearts made warm by the wonder of the season. I believe in the angel’s message that we should not be afraid—that the Child of Bethlehem is able to overcome all anxieties and insecurities. I believe in prayer and quietness as a way of appropriating Christmas—that if I wait in silence I will experience the presence of the one born in the manger, for he lives today as surely as he lived then. I believe in going away from Christmas as the wise men went: "another way." I want to be different when these days are past—more centered, more thoughtful, more caring. And I believe God will help me. Amen ---Anonymous
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Adult Sunday School and Education Opportunities
It has been fun to have adult Sunday school classes again. We started with a quick study of the book Reading the Bible Again for the First Time by Marcus J. Borg and we are now discussing The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. We plan to continue adult Sunday school until May. We may also do mid week studies if there is enough interest. This would allow people who can not come on Sunday to participate also.
The Christian Education committee has discussed a study of music and we are also considering more traditional studies. Please contact Candy Sowers, Paula Vockrodt, Kate Divis, Chris Nelson, Ron Woodburn or Pastor John if you have any specific topic that you would like to have us consider. This is your church and we would like to provide tools for you to grow in your faith. Pastor John talked about "PEWS" during his recent sermons and reminded us that "education in our faith is realized as we continually turn to God’s Word for guidance and direction in our lives." Let us join together as a community of faith and learn with and from each other.
Hope to see you on Sunday. We can always get more books or share what we have. ---Candy Sowers
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YOLANDA CERRITO-VALLADARES ~ NEW ORLEANS HOME THAT THE OPC GROUP WORKED ON IN MAY IS ALMOST COMPLETE
The following story was received from the First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans. Many of you have seen the photos from our missioners working on her home and she has finally been able to move in. Yolanda Valladares moved into her home at 1320 Mendez in mid October. On November 8, we [First Presbyterian Church of New Orleans] dedicated her home. Yolanda has a wire from her utility pole to the line into the house, so she is still waiting for the electric company to connect her to grid electricity. It is ironic, because Yolanda bought her house many years ago from an energy executive. Please click on photos to view enlargements.
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by Ken Meyer
I have always thought the Christmas Joy Offering was the least of the four special offerings. But this year I looked more closely at how the money is used, and I changed my mind. I decided that even though this offering is not intended to serve any grand purposes, it is a good way to share the joy of Christmas.
One way we can express our appreciation for those who serve our church faithfully and well for inadequate financial compensation is through the Joy Offering. Half of the money received in this offering is distributed in small amounts to either retired ministers and their spouses who are struggling to get by on limited income or to currently serving ministers who need short-term financial help to cope with some unexpected problem.
The other half of the money goes to scholarships or other support for six “racial ethnic” schools and colleges related to our denomination. Most of these schools have a long history of educating minority students for leadership in the church and in their communities. Relatively small amounts of money can enable major changes in the life prospects of these young people.
The world can be changed for the better in small steps. A Samaritan stopped to help one unfortunate person, and think of what the story of that good deed has meant to humankind for the last 2000 years.
An Advent Reflection "During Advent opportunities for works of charity abound calling out for Christians from every side: a sack of food for a needy family, money dropped in a Salvation Army kettle, a donation to an Indian school, a toy for ‘Toys-for-Tots,’ etc. Unfortunately, these works of charity so easily can assuage the Christian conscience, while doing nothing to being about a solution to the root causes of the problem. "Works of justice, on the other hand, follow the road less traveled of Advent’s hope to pursue solutions for difficult problems. Hope comes through works of justice rather than simply performing works of charity." ---Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR
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Attention Medicare Beneficiaries
Don’t take anything for granted in Medicare Part D (prescription drugs). The insurance companies are changing their coverages as well as their premiums for 2008. The plan that suits you in 2007 may be far from the best for you next year. Drugs that are now covered may be dropped from the formulary. Deductibles and co-payments may change. In one plan the donut hole is covered now but will not be next year.
The good news: you can change your plan without penalty until December 31 (but it’s better to do it sooner rather than later). More good news: help is available. As in previous years, the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, will list the available plans in order of total annual cost (least expensive first) if you plug in the medicines you will be taking. Furthermore, RSVP has unbiased volunteers who will help you navigate the computer information. You can call 224-3456 or talk to Ken Meyer or Shirley Eisnach.
Don’t wait. Standing pat can cost you.
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“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”
The sanctuary has been decorated and the wreaths are hanging
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The first of the Advent candles will be lit on Sunday, December 2nd.
The choir and the children are rehearsing for the Christmas program which will be held during worship time on Sunday, December 16th followed by a brunch. .
On Tuesday, December 18th the Presbyterian Women will meet at the home of Ruth Smith and reviewing the fifth study of the Horizons Bible study.
On Wednesday, December 19th at 5:30 p.m. the congregation is invited to join the choir on their annual caroling expedition with a light meal to follow.
On Thursday, December 20th, at 6:30 a.m. the men will gather at Pier 347 for their monthly fellowship breakfast.
At 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 24th the annual Christmas Eve candle lighting service will be held.
The Vockrodt family will be lighting our way to the church with their luminaries.
And on Sunday, December 25th, we will gather with family and friends to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
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The annual session/deacon meeting was held on Monday, November 19th. The meeting was preceded by a pizza and soda supper. It was decided that in 2008 the two boards would gather for their annual meeting at the beginning of the year rather than the end to allow for planning instead of reflection. Below is a photo of the group.
The Meaning of the Christmas Wreath
“A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord”. Luke 2:11 NIV
Wreaths have been used as a decorative sign of Christmas for hundreds and hundreds of years. Christmas wreaths can adorn any part of your home, inside or out. In many homes, this symbol of growth and everlasting life can be found both inside and out. It is common to find a number of wreaths on doors, over the mantle, or hung in windows. The wreath is made of evergreens, most often pine branches or holly. They can be real or artificial. But, an artificial one just doesn't smell the same as a real wreath. It is decorated with a variety of items including pine cones, holly berries, fruits, and just about anything you can imagine. The wreath has significant meaning for the season. It's circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. From a Christian religious perspective, it represents an unending circle of life. The evergreen, most frequently used in making wreathes, symbolizes growth and everlasting life. Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it represents the thorn on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us. Today, it is sometimes hard to remember the real meaning of Christmas. We get all caught up in the hype of Santa and his arrival. The wreath over the hearth brings a warmth to our hearts as we stop to reflect upon the true meaning of this very special season.
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December 2007 edition
OPC
Serves Banquet 
