How do we know the true church? Certainly this is not a new question – it has been asked time and time again. It is interesting to note that the Encyclopaedia of American Religions lists over 1,500 religious denominations, sects, faith groups and religious organizations… Some churches currently gather in the USA while others have faded away; but the vast majority of churches consider themselves to be Christian. Some churches believe that they are the only true Christian church.

But, what does it mean to be the true church?

This certainly is a question that can easily be expanded to an entire book but we can be sure that to be a true church of our Lord Jesus we must be faithful and adhere to God’s Word. God’s Word, the Bible, is a guide for all time. It leads us, not only individually – but corporately as well.

The church consists of fellow believers who turn first to the Bible for guidance. In the Reformed tradition, which Presbyterians come from; we accept that since we are sinners we can only be reliant on our Saviour to guide and lead us through the power of the Holy Spirit and the inspiration of God’s Word to be a true church. So being a true church means we are led by God as a family of God united by Jesus. We demonstrate God’s leading by continually seeking to love, forgive and accept one another as Jesus demonstrated in His own life and example.

Ephesians 2:19-22 explains these truths to us about the church: You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all – irrespective of how we got here – in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day – a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.” (The Message)

I pray that we all might grow in our love, faith and commitment to feel that God is fully using you to be a part of His church.

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*Please click on photos to view enlargements*

OPC and the RELAY FOR LIFE For the second year we have had very strong teams and have new bronze, silver and gold teams this year. We had a strong planning committee who were dedicated and worked to make this a successful event. Over 109 survivors registered for both survivorship events. One walker, Julie Deis, walked over a marathon of 28 miles. The luminaria committee offered another outstanding evening with the scrolling power point and over 2000 luminarias were lit. The event is a fundraising success; it appears that the goal will be reached. Some bills are being processed now and hopefully a final report will be available at the wrap up
	Walking their lap
	Luminarias in honor of Lloyd Kannegieter and in memory of Leona.
	Oahe Presbyterian’s Relay for Life Team

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Presbytery Meeting Highlights

by Duane Jenner, Oahe Commissioner to Presbytery

The Annual Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of  South Dakota met on June 25-26, 2010 at Camp Rimrock, Rapid City, SD. The meeting was called to order by Moderator Meleta DeJong. This being Meleta’s last meeting as Moderator of the Presbytery, she thanked the many people who prayed, supported, and help her out during the past year. She did a wonderful job as Moderator which we can all be very proud.

Some of  highlights, included a report from Mr. Jim Uthe, Commissioned Lay Pastor to Bemis Holland Presbyterian Church, and First Church, Castlewood. He reported on the Cornerstone Prison ministry in which he participates. The Cornerstone Church (Christian Reformed Church) serves the Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Pastor Steve Mormon is the pastor of the Cornerstone Church. Jim indicated how well received and appreciated this ministry is to the inmates.

We also heard from Ms. Christy Reiner, the Executive Director of “In His Steps”, a ministry in Bethlehem. This is part of the PCUSA’s Israel/Palestine Mission network that works for peacemaking/reconciliation within the body of Christ. She showed pictures of the West Bank and Gaza and talked about some of the underlining issues that make peace so very difficult in that area. After hearing her report, upon the recommendation of the Social Action and Witness Committee, Presbytery voted to designate $1000.00 from Peacemaking Funds to the “In His Steps” ministry.

Presbytery voted to the following division of Mission dollars in 2011. 51% Presbytery of SD, 26% Synod of Lakes and Prairies, and 23% General Assembly. Also voted on was the Presbytery’s share of per capita for 2011. It will remain the same for 2011 as it was in 2010. The per capita breakdown is as follows: Presbytery of SD $13.05, Synod of Lakes and Prairies $4.90, and General Assembly $6.80.  Reports were received from the standing committees.

The sermon in the worship service was delivered by the Rev. Steve Boots, who specializes in Congregational Transformation and Development out of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies office.  Rev. Boots also conducted a several hour training for all attending the Presbytery meeting. I was not able to attend this however I heard nothing other then very positive remarks from those in attendance. It is my understanding that Rev. Boots met with our Session on the following Sunday and plans are in the works for him to spend some additional time with our congregation as well as several others across the State.

This ended the day on Friday and we continued on Saturday morning. A highlight of the day was the report of the Camp Visioning Task Force. The following recommendations were voted on. POSD will continue to engage in the ministry of camping and that our camping program has a priority in reaching Presbyterians in our Presbytery and Synod and that any curriculum should have a Reformed “flavor” to in consistent  with Scripture and the Book of Order.

Voted to approve the following mission statement: The Presbytery of South Dakota Camping and Retreat Ministry’s mission is to provide opportunities to encounter God in Jesus Christ and to grow in the Christian faith and to provide life-changing experiences to people of all ages.

Voted to approve the recommendation that the Presbytery of South Dakota Camping and Retreat Ministry maintain a presence in the Black Hills and as much as possible a consistent schedule and place for summer camps.

Voted to approve the recommendation that the camping committee continue using a summer-long model of counseling staff and use either a program director or camp director in that capacity.

Voted to approve the recommendation that the camping committee and Presbytery hire a year-round camp director, if the way be clear.

Voted to approve the recommendation that there be a phased development of Pioneer  focusing on camping and group on-site usage (20-50 people in a mini-lodge scenario). This would proceed over several years depending on usage. Wilderness options would be maintained. Rimrock facilities would be appropriately maintained  and used for traditional camping experiences.

Voted to refer the recommendation that a Board of Directors be established to the Property/Legal Sub-Committee of Council and to the Administrative Review Committee to be brought to the October 2010 meeting of Presbytery for consideration and action.

Other action included  a voted to grant the status of “Honorably Retired” to the Reverend Mr. Allen Sager, effective July 1, 2010 with thanks for his ministry in the Presbytery of South Dakota.  Presbytery also voted to approve the call of the Reverend Dr. David Ullom to serve as Pastor of the Wildflower Presbyterian Church , Sioux Falls, SD. Also voted to approve the terms of call for the Reverend Ms. Jennifer Swier as Designated Associate Pastor, at the First Presbyterian Church, Sioux Falls, SD.

The members of Presbytery also voted to elected those individuals nominated by the Nominating Committee to the various committee and Council openings. Also elected as Moderator of the Presbytery is Rev. Charles Ayars, from First Presbyterian Church, Sioux Falls, SD. Also elected to be Presbytery Moderator Elect is Pat Hammond, First Presbyterian Church, Sioux Falls, SD.

The final action of the day was the installation of the Rev. Charles Ayars, as Moderator of the Presbytery of South Dakota. Moderator Meleta DeJong, installed the newly elected Moderator and presented him with the Moderator’s Medallion and gavel.

The next scheduled meeting is on October 22, 2010 at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Marion, SD.  There are many more details of which I would be glad to share meeting minutes or visit with anyone wanting additional information. It continues to be a honor and privilege to serve as your Commissioner to the Presbytery of South Dakota.

PW Holds Annual Planning Potluck

OPC's Presbyterian Women (PW) group is ready to kick off a new year of fellowship!  The group held its annual planning potluck at the home of Meleta DeJong and entertained two new members: Boots Johnson and Theoda Blewett.

PW will hold its annual retreat at Camp Rimrock September 17 - 20.  Retreat is always a refreshing time of fellowship, when we focus on studying God's word with our sisters in Christ and worshiping our Creator in the beauty of the Black Hills.  

Beginning in October, PW will meet the second Tuesday of each month through April, Our focus during the year is Bible study and a variety of mission projects.  This year's study promises to be eye-opening as we look at perhaps the least understood book of the Bible: Revelation.  

PW is a great way to grow in your walk with God while getting to know your OPC sisters even better, and we welcome all women of the congregation.  

If you are interested in joining or have questions about our group, please contact Kate Nelson, PW Moderator,  or any of the PW members.  

We hope you join us this year!

*Please click on photos to view enlargements*

Logging Begins at Pioneer Camp Logging at Pioneer Camp has been discussed for several years but with the invasion of the pine bark beetles it became a necessity.
Pioneer Camp	Pioneer is comprised of beautiful prairies, hills, trees, streams and flowers.	One of several slash piles left from the logging.

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Oahe PW Gathering Money to Purchase Bikes for the Congo

One of the mission projects selected for the 2010-2011 year would be for the Presbyterian Women from Oahe to try to earn enough money to purchase one or more bicycles for the Congo…bicycles cost $80 and the money is sent to the Congo to purchase the bicycles there thus helping to restore their economy.

A bike in the Congo that is used to transport not only people but goods to market.	The bicycles are used to take goods to market…such as sugar, salt and clothing.  They may travel up to and over 62 miles to the market.  The bicycle mission program will be linked to agricultural programs where the villagers are starting to produce an abundance of food but lack the money to send their children to school, pay for health care, or fund a bicycle to allow them to get their produce to market in the cities. Ruth Smith and Glenda Woodburn assumed the responsibility of the project and have presented minutes for mission for the last three Sundays.  Because of this mission and as of this date, $1135 has been earned.  This is sufficient to purchase 14 bicycles. As each $80 is earned a small paper bicycle is placed on a wall in the sanctuary.   It is heart warming to see 14 such bicycles traveling along the walls towards the front of the sanctuary. Please note below the bicycles.
	<<Glenda Woodburn presenting a minute for mission on our PW Bicycle Project. >>Glenda and Ruth Smith standing in front of a few of the 14 bicycles purchased as noted on the wall of the sanctuary.

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RELAY FOR LIFE NOTES
By Ruth Smith

OPC BANNER IS IN STORAGE ROOM/OLD OFFICE DOWNSTAIRS
BRONZE AWARD SIGN IS ALSO DOWNSTAIRS (for campsite)

Candy & Ruth co-captains, KayCee luminary committee

Ø  Attended captains meetings when I could, set up web-site but not good at using it or advertising it

Ø  Newsletter articles

                May – Time of Remembrance by KayCee

                June – Imagine a World with More Birthdays by Candy

                July Relay for Life by Ruth, Banner with information by Candy

Ø  Bulletin announcements at appropriate times with information about Time of Remembrance, Luminary purchase info and deadlines, Luminary Decorating, Walk night schedule, Walking Taco donations and workers.  Also did announcements during church with information updates

Ø  Gave invitations to survivors who contacted me for the Survivor’s Dinner (Lloyd & Mary Jenner)  Don Hosman is also a survivor but he didn’t say anything, I did order a t-shirt for him (I think Roberta got it).

Ø  Renee and Rhiannon Sears did bulletin board

Ø  Order deadline 7/4

Ø  Luminary decorating at church 7/7 for church family, 7/8 for community (set-up done 7/6)

Ø  Gladys Maberry ordered chips for Walking Taco’s (came in 7/16)

Ø  Took final orders and decorated a few luminaries after church 7/11

Ø  Bank night, 7/12 took luminary orders, luminaries & money to St Joe’s school

Ø  Survivor’s Dinner – I offered to help but that was just something I wanted to do

Ø  Shopped for Walking Taco’s with Boots ($73 was donated, chips & meat were donated, $24 extra money went to the ACS after paying for food items)

54 – 3 oz bags of Nacho chips (smaller bags or a combo of small & large might be better) 8 bags were left over because we ran out of meat
7# ground beef
6 cans black beans
7 envelopes taco seasoning
2 large pkgs(3#?) grated cheese (1 cheddar, 1 cheddar & jack) – had about 1/3 pkg. left
2 64 oz  Pace Chunky Salsa – 1 mild, 1 medium
5 onions (1 or 2 would have been enough)
2 5# bags of shredded lettuce – almost used 1 bag (Roberta bought leftover bag)
Napkins, plastic forks & gloves from church, paper dishes provided w/chips in case people didn’t want bag of chips.

Ø  We priced WT at $4 – may want to have smaller bags & charge less or both large & small and Taco meat with and without beans (just some options)

Ø  Ice chest & ice for cold items used for refilling serving containers

Ø  Would need crock pot or roaster to keep meat warm IF we had more (then need an extension cord to plug it in if doing in the park)

Ø  Duane brought change for us to start with - 20 $1's, 4 $5's and 4 $10's.  We got lots of $20’s so I took them over to the bankers and got over $100 in $5’s and $40 in $10 after we had taken in that many $20’s. Cash box is a must, donation jar was nice too (some people put their change in it).

Ø  At the end of the Relay, about 5 a.m. started picking up bags that people at church might want.  (COULD make list of ones we should pick up because it is hard to remember @ 5 am)

Ø  Sunday did a thank you and report to congregation, set out luminaries for people to take

Ø  Bulletin announcement thank you and newsletter follow-up will be done.

Ø  Can also get thank you cards from ACS office if you want to send out thank you’s

BOWLING PARTY HELD - Photos courtesy of John Rhoad

L-R:  Glenda Woodburn, Mary Jenner, KayCee Hodson, Marcia Graves, Ron Woodburn	Duane Jenner	Even little Miss Ekle took a turn at bowling
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Make a Joyful Noise! Join the choir as we begin a new choir season on Wednesday, September 8. Rehearsal will be from 6:30-7:15 p.m. at the church New members are always welcome. No tryouts necessary!!! All that is needed is: A love of music and a desire to make a Joyful Noise.	PEACE, PRAISE And PASS THE PANCAKES  Sunday, September 26th  PEACE SUNDAY With Praise Worship Followed by Pancake Breakfast
POSD WORK CAMP Come, enjoy one last vacation in the hills. Help to close up the camp for the winter months. Talent unnecessary…desire to help is all that’s needed. First week in October. Enjoy good company, good food, good music, and good exercise.
PW RETREAT Camp Rimrock Sept. 17th - 20th (Friday - Monday) All OPC Women invited and encouraged to attend.

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Church Signs and Other Things

By Rev. Johnny Rhoad,
Oahe Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)

Submitted: Friday Religion Page Devotional Article, 20 August 2010

Personally I find church signs to be a curious thing. All sorts of information, or sage advice can be found on them. And likely they are most effective when the church pastor had nothing to do with it.

This was our case recently at the Presbyterian Church when members of the church decided to post the message - “Exercise Daily - Walk with God”.

Perhaps at first I wasn’t sure if it was more of an attempted subliminal message meant for me personally to get more physically active. With three young boys I like to think that I do get some physical activity - like most of you - I do like to hike in our great parks like Framboise or Farm Island, and more honestly I prefer to bike it with the kids. I also like to swim with the family, or better yet go ice skating. Plenty of things that we can do living in this wonderful city. But as I reflected on that church sign further I realized that the message contained within was much deeper than just a nod to get more physically active.

We all are challenged to live our lives to the fullest through what God has given to all of us. Now some of you may stop reading this at this point - not wanting to reflect any further on matters that are the most central and foundational to who we are, and what are we doing. But I will continue with this reflection.

To walk with God really means to trust God. And it is important for it to be an everyday matter. Trusting God means accepting God’s mercy, peace and love; which are real and everlasting.

The New Testament Book of Jude begins by saying, “to those who have been called by God, who live in the love of God the Father and the protection of Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be yours in full measure.” (Jude 1 & 2, Good News Bible)

Jude is calling out to you, as you are called by God. And it means you are protected, redeemed and saved through the Son, Jesus Christ. And so Jude writes to us that we owe our lives solely, and only, to Jesus for through Him alone are we brought to everlasting life. What Jude says is true. For we will all fall away and perish if it were not for the grace of God keeping us.

You are personally called, called out of the world - above the world - to higher and better things. You are personally called to those things unseen and eternal - called from sin, greed and personal destruction to Jesus Christ. You are personally called from vanity to seriousness, from uncleanness to holiness; and we are all called to pursue divine purpose and grace in our very lives.

Jude concludes his thoughts by stating, “May mercy, peace, and love be yours in full measure.” These things are mentioned as the greatest blessings which are God given.

Mercy, is the pardoning of our sins and our full acceptance with God. God’s mercy is the fulfilment of all the good we have, or could ever hope for.

Peace - is with God, and with others whom we meet - peace, in our own conscience. We can have no true and lasting peace but what flows from our reconciliation with God by Jesus Christ.

And then Love is mentioned - love to God - love to our family - love to our Church family, and love to all the world.

Jude prays that mercy, peace and love may be multiplied - really saying that you personally should not be content with bits and pieces in your lives; but that your souls and your lives should be filled.

God’s mercy to any of us is a real mercy that we receive as undeserving sinners and the peace that results when we accept this truth is grounded in God’s eternal love which is manifested perfectly and most completely in Jesus Christ. Remember John 3:16-18 which is often used as another popular sign - it proclaims, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

So remember this - from the mercy, peace, and love of God all our comfort flows, all our real enjoyment in this life, and all our hope of a better and everlasting life.

And how can we best remember?

I think that this is really sound advice - “Exercise Daily - Walk with God.”

Well last weekend our Church sign had a different statement it said: Church Rummage and Bake Sale, Saturday - 7:45am-2pm.

So now I am wondering: What does the Church sign say today?