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Lenten & Holy Week Services
will be based on Gregory L.
Tolle’s book “Experiencing Easter”, The Lenten Journey
from Death to Life, CCS Publishing Co. 2007. If
you are interested in your own copy of the book please let
the office know.
February Birthdays
|
7 |
Kate Divis |
| 10 |
Kendra
Droppers |
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11 |
Renee Sears |
| 15 |
Kendra
Woodburn |
|
17 |
Riley Sears |
| 20 |
Dennis
Pfrimmer |
|
20 |
John Wall |
| 23 |
Megan
Vockrodt |
|
23 |
Will Butler |
| 27 |
Theoda (Teddi)
Blewett |
|
Worship
Assistants
|
March 2 |
Ron Woodburn |
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March 9 |
Paula Vockrodt |
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March 16 |
Meleta DeJong |
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March 23 Easter |
Peggy Meyer |
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March 30 |
Mary Sherman |
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April 6 |
Missy Slaathaug |
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April 13 |
Mike Fugitt |
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April 20 |
Ken Meyer |
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April 27 |
Megan Vockrodt |
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May 4 |
Glenda Woodburn |
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May 11 Mother’s
Day |
Duane Jenner |
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May 18 |
Shirleen Fugitt |
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May 25 Memorial
Day |
John Ellefson |
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June 1 |
Kate Nelson |
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June 8 |
Shirley Eisnach |
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June 15 Father’s
Day |
KayCee Hodson |
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June 22 |
Candy Sowers |
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June 29 |
Ron Woodburn |
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Please contact John Rhoad for the information
you need. If you cannot serve on the date
assigned, please exchange with someone else on
the list and notify John or leave a message on
the answering machine at the church.
PLEASE STAND AT THE NARTHEX DOOR FOLLOWING
THE SERVICE TO GREET THOSE WHO DON’T STAY FOR
THE FELLOWSHIP TIME. |
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THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS
FOR 2008
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost. |
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Evangelism and Eye Exams
by Meleta DeJong
 Evangelism
and eye exams…what does one have to do with the other? The past
couple of weeks I have been having on ongoing discussion with a
friend as to why I believe
evangelism and hands on mission go together. I believe that
evangelism can and should occur whenever, wherever and
with whomever.
The other day, I had an appointment with
my favorite optometrist, Dr. Denette Eisnach. As I walked into the
office I was met by the wife of the other optometrist who
immediately began asking questions about our mission trips. The
next few minutes were spent talking about why we go; why they want
to go; their plans, etc. It became time for my exam and the mission
trip discussion continued during the exam followed by a discussion
concerning women of faith trips which was then followed by a
dialogue on Bible studies.
During the course of the exam I had
photos taken of my eyes [it had been a few years since the last time
that had occurred] and while my friendly optometrist was explaining
the various reasons an optometrist/ophthalmologist takes photos of
the eyes and all of the diseases that can be discovered as a result
of the pictures, the discussion turned to a fellow optometrist who
became a believer because of these images. After seeing the
intricate manner in which the veins of the eyes are intertwined with
the brain and how each individual has a totally different structure
of retinas he came to the conclusion that only one great designer
could have created all of the different and individualized people on
this planet. That we are not descended from monkeys and apes but
have been carefully planned and sculptured as individual humans.
In reviewing the
pictures I was reminded that I have a birthmark on one of my
retinas..cool, huh? Not everyone can make that claim. And as we
were talking about the fact that blonde, blue eyed, fair skinned
people’s retinas are one color while we dark haired, dark eyed,
olive toned people have retinas that are another color completely,
we commented again upon the unique planning of each individual. We
talked about why the FBI uses retina scans as security measures …
because no two individuals’ retinas are alike and those retinas
cannot be changed or marred as can fingerprints. Is all of this by
chance? I think not. As scripture says in
Luke 12:6-7 (NIV) I)6
Are
not five sparrows sold for two pennies]? Yet not one of
them is forgotten by God.
7Indeed,
the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you
are worth more than many sparrows.
Only our creator could have, by design,
created each and every person in this world to have totally
different fingerprints and retinas.
Now the above discussion in many
optometrist’s offices would probably have not have occurred but it
did because the optometrist I visit is a very devout Christian who
loves to share her faith.
Good business…perhaps/perhaps not. Good
Christian. Definitely!
Evangelism can occur at any time, under
any circumstance, if we are ready and willing and comfortable enough
to reach out to one another. After all, at this point in time, we
are not likely to be persecuted for our faith. Perhaps laughed at;
perhaps disagreed with; perhaps thought a bit crazy but, hey, that
occurs during any discussion on any topic.
Let’s
give it a try. 
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|
2008 Session Committees |
|
Session
Rev. John Calvin Rhoad, Jr. Moderator
Kay “Boots” Johnson, Clerk
Cindy Droppers
Meleta DeJong
Ken Meyer
Mary Sherman
Candy Sowers
Paula Vockrodt
Worship Committee
Chair: Mary Sherman
Meleta DeJong
Margaret Ellefson
Shirleen Fugitt
Peggy Meyer
Ruth Smith
Glenda Woodburn |
According to the Book of Order, Section G-10.0102d, the
Session has the responsibility and power to provide for the
worship of the people of God, including the preaching of the
Word, the sharing of the Sacraments, and for the music
program, in keeping with the principles in the Directory for
Worship.
Responsibilities: The worship committee
oversees all aspects of worship, making recommendations to
the Session and assisting the Pastor as appropriate.
Our specific duties include:
Scheduling and approving communion dates and communion
servers
Securing head usher each month
Changing liturgical panels according to the church year
Assigning worship assistants
Scheduling people to light the Advent candles
Filling children’s worship bags (with C.E.)
Arranging for Sunday treats
Planning and serving the Christmas Brunch
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Buildings and Grounds Committee
Chair: Cindy Droppers
Ken Droppers
Tena Gaer
Mike Gaer
Ellen Hosman
Mary Jenner
Chris Nelson
Dan Vockrodt
|
The purpose of this committee is to maintain the upkeep and
to implement improvements to the property of Oahe
Presbyterian Church. Besides routine maintenance and upkeep
this committee is responsible for:
*
Negotiating contracts for snow removal, furnace and air
conditioning, etc.
*
To enforce the polices pertaining to buildings and grounds
such as the Facility Use Policy, the Key Holders Policy, the
Parking Lot Policy and the Policy for Borrowing Items From
Oahe Presbyterian Church
*
The renewal of the insurance policy as well as keeping an
updated inventory list for insurance reasons.
*
Schedule and prepare for facility use.
*
Make sure that the property is up to the current safety
codes
*
Make sure that the property is up to the current fire codes
*
The elder in charge of Buildings and Grounds is the vice
president of the Officers of the Corporation.
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Stewardship Committee
Chair: Ken Meyer
Monty Bechtold
Mike Fugitt
Ray Sowers
|
The purpose of this committee is to encourage good
stewardship by the members of Oahe Presbyterian Church and
by the congregation as a whole.
Our emphasis will be on mission interpretation and the
promotion of financial support for mission projects. We
will also pay attention to the use of human and financial
resources in supporting the work of the church.
Specific tasks:
Promote the four special offerings.
Recommend the allocation of discretionary mission
funds.
Celebrate our recognition as a 5 for 5 congregation.
Provide mission interpretation through minutes for
mission and newsletter articles.
Promote Just Coffee.
Explore further mission giving opportunities such as
micro-credit and alternative gifts.
(In the fall.) Prepare the church budget for next
year.
(In the fall.) Solicit pledges of financial support
for next year.
Other tasks may be added, as appropriate.
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Christian Education Committee
Chair: Paula Vockrodt
Committee to be determined.
|
Purpose:
To
provide for:
The growth of its members and for their equipment for
ministry though personal and pastoral care;
Educational programs including the church school,
sharing in fellowship and mutual support, and opportunities
for witness and service to the world.
To develop and supervise the church school and
educational program of the church. Book of Order G 10.0102
Responsibilities:
Provide an educational program that is consistent with
Reformed teaching about the Scriptures and presents the good
news of Christ in the most innovative and engaging ways
possible.
Supervise the church school and educational program for
children and youth by providing appropriate curriculum and
calendar of activities.
Provide learning opportunities for adults so their faith
and knowledge can grow, be challenged and stretched.
Train adults as they grow in personal faith and prepare
to bear witness to the world.
Provide training for new church officers.
Provide Vacation Bible School opportunities for the
children and youth.
Promote and support camping opportunities to members and
friends.
Be responsible for the development and maintenance of
the church library – to provide materials of importance,
relevance and interest.
Work in conjunction with the worship committee to
provide a Christmas program involving the youth.
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Personnel Committee
Chair: Candy Sowers
Boots Johnson
Duane Jenner
Paula Vockrodt
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The session has the
responsibility to provide for the administration of the
program of the church, including employment of non-ordained
staff, with concern for equal employment opportunity, fair
employment practices, personnel policies, and the annual
review of the adequacy of compensation for all staff,
including all employees. –Book
of Order G-10.0102.
PURPOSE:
To provide for an orderly,
focused and considerate means for the session to build a
healthy work environment.
MEETINGS:
The committee shall meet
quarterly or semi-annually and on the call of the
chairperson or pastor. The agenda for each meeting shall be
set jointly by the chairperson and the pastor. No meeting
will take place without the pastor present, unless the
pastor is notified and informed of the agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Recommend position
descriptions for all staff to session.
Review and recommend compensation packages for all
staff to session.
Meet with all staff, paid and unpaid, at least
once a year.
Recommend Personnel policies to session.
Insure that employment records are maintained for each
employee.
Act as a support group for the pastor and other members
of the staff.
Confer with the pastor on any important issues of
concern.
Intermediary for congregation/staff if there are
concerns or joys.
Insure compliance with Employment regulations.
Other tasks may be added as appropriate.
RELATIONSHIPS AND
ACCOUNTABILITY:
The committee is accountable to the session. It will
present a written report to the session following each
committee meeting |
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Mission Outreach Committee
Chair: Meleta DeJong
Lyman Chase
Larry DeJong
Duane Jenner
Dennie Pfrimmer
Ruth Smith
Glenda Woodburn
|
Mission Statement
”Hand in hand we go forth
to help others in need.”
Vision Statement
“Through hands-on assistance
we will use our time and talents to better the lives of
others. We go forward in love and compassion, working
through our Lord to meet the physical and spiritual needs of
others.”
Duties of the Mission Outreach Committee shall include:
1) Identifying mission projects at the local, state and
national levels;
2) Interpreting hands-on mission needs to our
congregation and other area churches;
3) Finding sources of funding to cover the cost of
traveling to and working on the mission projects; and
4) Reaching out to others, encouraging personal
involvement with the hands-on mission projects
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Board of Deacons
Chair: Sandy Nelson
Shirleen Fugitt
Ellen Hosman
Mary Jenner
Vicky Tipton |
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Top
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THE REV. JOHN CALVIN
RHOAD, JR IS INSTALLED AT OAHE PRESBYTERIAN |
|
Pastor John was
installed as a called pastor to OPC on Sunday, January 20th,
2008 at 3 p.m.
Members of
Presbytery assisting with the installation included: Elder
Peri Erdmann, Moderator, Presbytery of South Dakota; the
Rev. Rolly Kemink and Elder Karla Pickner of Onida, First
Presbyterian Church and Elder Duane Jenner of Oahe
Presbyterian.
Members and
friends of both the Onida Church and OPC were in attendance
at the installation. A reception followed.
The
charge to the minister included:
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (“The Message” translation).
“I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking
over our shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the
final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to
break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message
with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and
urge your people. Don’t every quit. Just keep it simple.
You’re going to find that there will be times when people
will hae no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on
spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their
fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase
mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept
the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive;
do a though job as God’s servant.”
The
charge to the congregation: 1
Thessalonians 5:12-23 (“The Message” translation).
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor
those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given
the responsibility or urging and guiding you along in your
obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love? Get
along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our
counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on.
Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the
exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each
person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that
when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each
other. Look for the best in each other, and always do you
best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all
the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way
God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Don’t
suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word
from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible.
Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out
anything tainted with evil. May God himself, the God who
makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole,
put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for
the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ”. |
Please click
on photos to view enlargements.
L-R: Ram, Jin Ciu,
Pastor John,
Jin Yi, Tai Li |
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 Presbyterian
Women in Mission
In 2007, the Presbyterian Women of
Oahe Church had three special mission projects besides their four
regular offerings. For one, we sent $87 to a shelter for abused
people in Rapid City. We have supported this program for several
years now.
Another project was knitting or
crocheting baby caps for newborns in Africa. I imagine the whole
congregation was well aware that was going on. The caps often help
women decide to seek prenatal care and delivery at a hospital.
Without the caps, many of the mothers would not get prenatal or
hospital care. We completed 565 caps to be sent overseas this year.
Many of you participated in providing
new or used sheets for hospitals overseas. Not only did the
congregation supply sheets, but they also gave money for postage to
send them. We sent fifty-two sheets, which will be welcomed by the
health care facilities in other countries.
Thank you for your help in responding
to these mission needs.
Peggy Meyer,
Mission Coordinator
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HELP NEEDED WITH
LENTEN MEALS
 Oahe
Presbyterian will be hosting the Lenten meals on February 13th
and February 27th. If you would like to make a special soup or have
ideas of a recipe for us to use please contact Candy Sowers at
224-9693 or Paula Vockrodt at 224-6776 (please leave a message if we
aren't home).
We will have a sign
up sheet at the church for soup and bread. We may also need some
help with greeting, set-up and clean-up but the confirmation class
may be involved too. We will keep you posted. As always, thanks
in advance for your help and we hope you will join us for food,
fellowship and worship throughout Lent.
Candy and Paula
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SMALL WORLD???
Shirley
Eisnach
At a Thanksgiving Eve service at St. Andrew's
Pres byterian
Church in Tucson, AZ, Darla (Eisnach) Wrage of Medford, WI,
and Danna (Eisnach) Nesler visited with Dr. Dan and Jane
Park. All are former members of OPC. On another Sunday,
Danna Nesler was able to visit with the Parks again and
with Pastor John and Wanda Wall at St. Andrews. Dan and
Jane are spending the winter months in Tucson and attend
their son David's church, which is St. Andrews. That is
also the Nesler family's church. So.....there are 9 people
at St. Andrews with OPC connections.
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Session Elects Officers
for 2008: |
-
Duane Jenner….
OPC Treasurer and Commissioner to Presbytery
-
Kay “Boots” Johnson..
Clerk of Session
-
Larry DeJong and Candy Sowers:
…
Audit Committee
-
Candy Sowers and Meleta
DeJong:
Nominating Committee
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Confirmation Calendar &
Topics –
2008
 |
|
09 Jan:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “Bible”
16 Jan:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “God”
23 Jan:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “Jesus”
30 Jan:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “Holy Spirit”
3 Feb
(Sun): “Souper Bowl of Caring” Mission Project:
6 Feb
(Wed): Ash Wednesday – Lenten Service –
No
Confirmation Class*
13 Feb:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “Apostles Creed”
20 Feb:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm “Lord’s Prayer”**
27
Feb: Confirmation Class
4-5pm: “10
Commandments”**
5 Mar:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “ Dogmatics” **
12 Mar:
Confirmation Class 4-5pm: “Sacraments”**
19
Mar: Confirmation Class 4-5pm:
–
“Presby. History/Polity/Statements of
Faith”
20
Mar: Maundy Thursday (at OPC - time TBA)
21
Mar: Good Friday (Ecumenical - Noon, OPC)
23
Mar: Easter (Sunrise Service w/breakfast –
6:30 am
at Resurrection Lutheran)
28-30
Mar (Fr-Sun): 2008 Presbytery of South Dakota,
Youth Rally at the Ramkota Hotel, Pierre |
6
April: 10:30 am: Review & Statements of Faith
21
April: Meet with Session at 6:30pm.
11
May: Confirmation Sunday
–
Pentecost &
Mother‘s Day!
*Feb 6th, 13th,
20th, 27th/March 5th & 12th
throughout Lent we will have Ecumenical services and a soup
supper each Wednesday which you will be invited to, and
welcome to, attend, from 5:30pm with Service at 6:15pm. We
will host & serve the supper on February 13th &
27th.
**Feb/March
– Confirmation class will be visiting other Christian
Churches.
For further
info:
Rev. John
Calvin Rhoad Jr. at:
224
2737 (church),
494
0144 (home)
email:
jcrhoad@yahoo.com
web:
www.oahepresbyterian.org |
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Adult
Sunday School Update
 Adult Sunday School has
begun a new Bible study series, "The Present Word."
We started with Unit II:
"The Awareness of God's Instruction" on January 20 and 17. This
study focuses on the Gospel of Luke and includes short daily Bible
readings and a study that can be read and discussed during class on
Sunday morning. Reverend John Rhoad and Candy Sowers will lead
these sessions Sunday mornings following the fellowship time.
 Contact Pastor John or
Candy if you would like a personal copy of the study. During Lent
and into the Easter season, TaiLi Rhoad will lead an adult Sunday
school series on Jesus' "I Am" statements in the Gospel of John.
Examples of these statements include "I am the Light of the World"
and "I am the Door." This study takes a unique approach by
presenting the Greek text and translation at the beginning of each
lesson. The study is scheduled to last for seven sessions on Sunday
mornings following fellowship.
The Christian Education
Committee also plans to have a movie night to view and discuss the
new film "Amazing Grace." The film was released in 2007 and tells
the true story of William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament who
led the fight to abolish slavery in England. The committee may also
schedule a follow-up study of the movie. The date for the movie
night has not been set; please watch the bulletin for further
information.
Please join us on Sunday
mornings to share your insights and to grow with us as a Christian
--Candy Sowers for the
Christian Education Committee
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Why God Gave Us Four-Score Years
(Anonymous Humour)
On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at
anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life
span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten
years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain
people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a
twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty
long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog
did?'
And God agreed .
On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into
the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun,
have calves and give milk to support the farmer 's family. For this,
I will give you a life span of sixty years.'
The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for
sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created humans
and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this,
I'll give you twenty years.'
But the human said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me
my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave
back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'
'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
 |
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and
enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to
support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to
entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on
the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
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YOU CAN DO IT TOO
Thomas Edison, the individual
credited with inventing the modern incandescent light bulb,
apparently tried over 6,000 different materials for the filament
before he settled on the one that would burn for 1,500 hours and
give off 16 watts of light. Which filament did he eventually settle
on? The last one – the one that worked!
 William
Carey was a cobbler of no particular academic merit, yet he spent
years of trying to get to India to preach the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, and hurdling the many roadblocks that were placed before him
by the British East India Company.
The British East India Company was
strongly opposed and denounced him on the floor of Parliament,
fearing it would put their profits in peril. They called him a
moonstruck fanatic and other things, referring to Carey as a “nest
of consecrated cobblers.”
The company refused him passage on
one of its ships and would not allow him to live in its territory,
so Carey had to go to a Danish held area.
He finally did made it to India. But
while waiting to go he taught himself Hebrew and Greek, and later
while in India he translated portions of the Word of God into over
20 languages and dialects.
When asked about his spiritual gift
he said, “I can plod.” |
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 FRONT
ENTRY AT OPC TAKES ON A NEW LOOK
There has been a much-needed change at OPC since the first of the
year. The worn and very faded carpet in the front entry has been
ripped out and replaced with carpet tiles. Making for a new and
updated look to the narthex.
Larry and Meleta DeJong and
Duane Jenner were the ones who removed the old carpet and then
spent a large amount of time trying to scrape off the glue that was
underneath. It needed to be thoroughly removed before the new
carpet tiles could be installed. Thanks to them for the “time spent
on their knees” at the church that day the floor was ready for the
carpet layers to come in the following day to finish the project.
Thanks to their hard work in removing
the old carpet and glue themselves the cost of the project cost much
less than it could have. Buildings and Grounds would like to
express our sincere gratitude to them and also thank them for a job
well done.
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Confirmed in Faith
