Devotion: May 2008
Rev. John Calvin Rhoad Jr.

THE ASCENSION
This first day of May is recognized as Ascension Day. An extraordinary and important day to remember in our life of faith.
Well, the scene is set. The faithful followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ have been with Him and following Him now for several weeks, for 40 full days, after He had risen from the dead. What great joy was filled in the hearts of those who believed. Yes, it was not an easy thing to believe and many gazed intently upon, and felt the wounds, and yes, there was no doubt, it was Jesus!
Jesus had overcome death. Many were becoming excited and aware that God was truly among them. God is indeed for us, many of Jesus followers were realizing - despite all the hardships that life can, and does bring.
“Jesus, Jesus - why do you plan to leave us?”
Jesus was clear in teaching the faithful - “do not be troubled,” He said - “be joyful.”
“Now you know your sins are forgiven.”
“Now you know God’s promises are true.”
Those who had gathered there, that day, as Jesus was ascended into heaven. They just could not help but gaze… their eyes were fixated upon what have must seemed so unbelievable that they were compelled to keep staring…

Luke 24:50-53 (Good News Bible),
“Then Jesus led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where He raised His hands & blessed them. As He was blessing them, He departed from them & was taken up into heaven. They worshiped Him & went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy & spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God.”

I mean Jesus was parted from them and carried into heaven. We are told so little in our Biblical account.
Jesus was simply taken away up into heaven…
He did not die…
He was simply lifted up.
Jesus ascension was His Father’s act of withdrawing Him from His disciples’ gaze upward into a cloud. The upward ascension of Jesus was comparative to a sign of exaltation. The cloud figuratively represents a sign of God’s presence.

What does the Ascension mean for us today?
It means that Jesus is Lord of the whole universe. This, for us, and all believers should be a source of enormous encouragement, hope and excitement.
The Ascension was first: the restoration of the glory that the Son had before the Incarnation - for Jesus reigns in power and glory from heaven.
Secondly, the Ascension was the glorifying of human nature in a way that had never happened before - for Jesus is our High Priest and our eternal King.
And thirdly, the Ascension signifies the start of a reign that had not existed in this form before. Now, we know with certainty that Jesus has not abandoned us. Jesus is truly watching over us in the fullness of His power; by His grace, mercy and love.

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May Happenings        

May 6-8: Pastor John at Wee Kirk Conference in Sioux Falls

May 11:   Pentecost Sunday

                  Mother’s Day

                  Confirmation

                  Last Day of Sunday School

                  Wear Red to Church

May 17:   Rummage and Bake Sale at OPC

May 18:   Commencements for Pierre and Stanley County Schools

May 25:   Presbyterian Heritage Sunday

May 26:   Memorial Day observed

May 28:   OPC works on Habitat for Humanity House

May 29 - June 11:  Rhoad Family on Vacation

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An Hour A Week?

I’ve heard pastors joke about the fact that they only work an hour a week.  I know that sometimes I forget that the pastor is “caring” for a lot of people and taking care of the daily administration of the church.

Reverend John Rhoad started his ministry at OPC on October 15, 2007, just over six months ago.  It seems like he hit the ground running.  Fall is always a busy time in the church.  Everything is starting again – church school starts, the Nominating Committee shifts into gear (or high gear), planning starts for Thanksgiving and Advent, and all the “routine” business (busyness) continues.  Then we hit the New Year.  Confirmation, Lent, Easter, weddings, planning for summer programs.  Wow.  Time flies. 

The agenda for every Session meeting includes a Pastor’s report.  It is amazing to hear everything that Rev. John has done, all the things he is already involved in.  I would like to give some indication of what he has accomplished:

• Attended almost every committee meetings (Building & Grounds, Christian Ed., Mission Outreach, Personnel, Stewardship, Worship & subcommittees). 

• Met or visited with chair of committee(s) before and after meetings. 

• Attended Presbytery meetings and Cluster meetings within the Presbytery.

• Attended Ministerium meeting(s), ecumenical meetings and Lection Bible studies with local pastors.

• Met with pastors to plan Lenten services.

• Worked with new technology to incorporate them into worship services.

• Prepared worship service every week & oversees the preparation of the bulletins.

• Prepared and presented children sermons each week.

• Prepared materials for the Worship Assistants.

• Holy week – prepared for 4 worship services.

• Chaplain at Legislature and City Hall.

• Conducted worship at retirement homes, Maryhouse, Golden Living Center, County Jail and the Women’s Prison.

• Took communion to shut-ins.

• Visited people in the hospital.

• Conducted confirmation class for youth – the first in several years.

• Taught Sunday school classes for all ages.

• Met with members and friends of the church – counseling, regular visits, shut-in visits, phone visits, etc.

I wonder if many of us would take on such a workload? 

This isn't in order of importance and it doesn't go into much detail but it is a reminder that our pastor is a busy man.  I didn’t mention that he is getting to know our congregation and community  – meeting new people, learning about them.  He has a young family as well and they need his time and energy too. 

Thank you Reverend John for all you do and all you have done! 

Candy Sowers
Personnel committee

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May 17th Rummage and Bake Sale Just Around the Corner

Spring is finally here, and so is the church's annual rummage and bake sale.  This year’s sale will be Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Proceeds this year will be donated for improvements and repairs at Camp Rimrock and Pioneer Camp.  Because this mission is so important, First Presbyterian in Onida has offered to make donations for the sale, too!.   How wonderful.

Donations may be brought to the church the evenings of Thursday, May 15, or Friday, May 16, from 6-8:30 p.m.  Use the lower level back door.  Donations may also be brought the morning of the sale.  Please pre-mark items. Blue painter’s tape works well as it is easy to see on the item and also easy to remove after the sale.

If you will be out of town the week of the sale but have items to donate, please contact Cindy or Ken Droppers at 224-6668 or Kay Cee Hodson at 224-4236.  Also, please contact one of them if you need a pickup and some strong arms to haul any larger items you want to donate.  They‘ll recruit some help.

Baked goods may be brought to the church the evening of Friday, May 16, or the morning of the sale.   All items sell well.  Buyers usually snap up everything offered.  Breakfast items (muffins, rolls, etc.) and pies are always popular.

Workers are needed to prepare for the sale and also on sale day.  If you can help this year, please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex.  Different shifts on sale day are available.

Thanks, everyone!  Your help always makes the sale successful and fun.

Buildings and Grounds Committee
KayCee Hodson 

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Kate and Chris Married April 12, 2008   Kate Divis and Chris Nelson joined together in marriage on April 12, 2008.     A couple’s shower with given to the couple to be prior to the wedding.  In keeping with the couple’s theme one half of the tables were decorated in Kate’s honor; the other half honored Chris and were decorated with goose decoys. Chris enjoying his cake while Kate opens the gifts.   The newlywed game was played during the shower.  Chris and Kate were the champions winning over  the Eisnachs and the Jenners. Even the cake reflected the couple’s preferences.

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MISSION OUTREACH IS REACHING OUT

The Mission Outreach Committee has decided to focus on two areas of outreach mission for 2008.

Camp Rimrock repair is the number one priority of the committee and funds raised through the youth and the rummage sale will be put towards replacing the roof on the lodge.  The committee will be seeking other funds for the project and members of the committee plus volunteers from both OPC and Onida First Presbyterian will be replacing the roof should the camping committee approve the project.

On the local scene the committee has reserved the night of May 28^th to work on the newest Habitat for Humanity home in Pierre.  We will be working from 5 p.m. to dark and would welcome all from both Pierre and Onida to join the committee on our volunteer project.  This is an opportunity for our churches to reach out to the Pierre/Ft. Pierre communities. 

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OPC HEARS FROM ARDETH

Hi, Kay Cee!

You can tell everyone that the scars on my chest, back and leg are all healing well but primarily still have to rebuild stamina.  Nearly two months in medical facilities does sap one's energy!

I'm able to take care of myself, drive, and participate in whatever I wish -- with some judgment in the level of exertion.  Only restriction is to not lift over 15 pounds or so with my left arm  for a month.    I'm not very good at slowing down but have noted that I need to take some time to rest after being up on my feet, walking, etc. for a while.

The physical therapist at the hospital is helping my with exercises to improve mobility with my left shoulder.   Am using the exercise bike and tread mill to gradually improve energy level.

I trust your landscaping changes at the church are working well.   Rob Curtis has done my spring "clean up" and trimming.   We may put some rock in the berm area around the evergreens -- it's a tough area to keep grass watered.  We also need to replace the tree in the back yard.  The present one is a catalpa and the heavy hail a couple of years ago took its toll.

If the forecasters are correct, our 70 degrees of the last two days will be replaced with rain/snow beginning tonight.  Heavy snow is forecast for the Hills!

Give my greetings -- and thanks for prayers and cards -- to folks in Pierre.   I'm grateful to be home and gaining strength.

Shalom,

Ardeth

P. S.   Was saddened to hear about Boots' husband's death.

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MISSION OUTREACH COMMITTEE TREKS TO THE CAMPS FOR A REVIEW

The men of the committee spent a couple of days in the Black Hills checking out the repair needs of Camp Rimrock and also viewing Camp Pioneer.

Duane Jenner, Lyman Chase, Dennie Pfrimmer, Larry DeJong and Rolly Kemink traveled to the camps on behalf of the Mission Committee.

The lodge roof was examined and its condition was discussed.  It was decided that the current shingles could possibly last for one more year if need be.

The trip to Pioneer Camp was to familiarize the fellows as to the location of the camp as with the exception of Rolly and Larry none of them had ever seen the camp.

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