OLCC,P eNewsLink
December 6, 2019
From the Desk of Pastor Paul
Greetings,
As we head into December and the Advent / Christmas season, we are also in the midst of our 2020 Stewardship appeal entitled “Striving For God’s Kingdom”. As the information in the 2020 stewardship packets reminded us, “Giving should never be about what the church needs. Giving should always be about what the giver needs. Jesus suggested people should give to show they trusted in God more than they trust their money.” In giving generously, we trust in the provision of a loving God!
As of this week, we have received 124 Faith Promises for 2020 totaling $374,260. There are also about 70 people or families who made faith promises in 2019 but have yet to return a 2020 Faith Promise Card. We ask anyone who has not yet returned their 2020 Faith Promise Card to do so as soon as possible so we can continue to pursue the ministry objectives our ministry teams have identified for next year!
On Sunday, we will continue our Advent message series entitled “Embracing the Unexpected” as we look together at Matthew 3:1-12. In these verses, John the Baptist is putting on quite a show in the Judean desert and people are flocking out to hear and see him in action. I’m sure what they heard was completely unexpected: “You brood of vipers! Bear fruit worthy of repentance!” I’ve yet to use that line in any of my messages! But we’ll see Sunday why John was so blunt with those who came to him.
Remember as well that this weekend is our “And There Was Light” musical offering to the community. No tickets are necessary so invite others to join you (we are counting on your generosity in a free will offering to help with the expenses involved) either Friday night at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. It will be a wonderful presentation of the coming of the Light of the World into our darkness to offer us the light and peace of his salvation!
See you Sunday,
Pastor Paul
Sunday's Scriptures
Pray for one another...
Continued healing and health for: Elizabeth Belcher, Julie Blom, Nancy Burton, Nancy Carter, Marilyn Colton, Tom Conrad, Peter Cooper, Alan Coopland, Cheryl Flammer, Dorothy Friedl, Jackie Johnson, Mary Bahr Jones, Joyce Kilbourne, Larry Lankford, Nina Linebaugh, Trudy Morse, Bill & Joyce Pitchford, Sarah Robertson Nadeau, Les Schoonover, Justin Smith, Chuck Storey, Dan Tyrrell, Madie Zurkan, as well as all those serving as caregivers for aging parents or other family members.
Special Word of Appreciation
At this very special time of the year, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Members of OLCC,P for your unfailing support for so many years The prayers, cards, and delicious meals lovingly prepared helped make our bleak times more bearable - and the hugs help too! You have walked beside us through so many medical issues. We especially thank Pastor Paul and Rev. Linda for being with us and encouraging us along the way. And, dear Emily, for your care and concern each time. God bless all of you this Christmas Season.
Sincerely,
Stephen and Dorothy Friedl
Dorothy: dorwalfrie@aol.com
OLCC, P Calendar
Live! At the Lake: And There Was Light
Next weekend we will be having a very special Christmas Concert.
Combined choirs, orchestra, and four award winning Christian artists will be performing tonight, December 6th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th at 4:00 p.m.
This show is a gift to our community. There will be a freewill offering. Bring your friends and family.
Advent Candle Lighters are Needed!
We are looking for a family, group, or committee to help by lighting the Advent candles for the Family Christmas Eve service at 3:00 p.m. The words used during the lighting will be provided. Please sign up using the sheet in the Lakeview Area today or email Jennifer at jennifer@olccp.com.
Blood Pressure Screening
Do you know your number?
Stop in the Health and Wellness room #201, following both worship services Sunday and have our nurses check your blood pressure. It is painless and may just save your life.
Art in Advent
The children in Rotation Sunday school will learn about the Christmas story through art on December 8 & 15, as they paint a nativity scene on canvas and create other beautiful Christmas-themed works of art for the Glory of God. These activities will be led by Ms. Laura Wass, art teacher at Eagle Creek Academy (Oakland Township).
Birth Announcement
Congratulations on the birth of Fiona Bell,
daughter of Kirk and Andrea Bell and
granddaughter of Margaret Bell,
born December 4, 2019.
Fort Street, Open Door
Join Pastor Paul and others in serving those less fortunate at the Open Door Outreach at Fort Street Presbyterian in Detroit, Thursday, December 12th. Meet in the OLCC,P parking lot at 7:30 a.m. No experience required, only a heart willing to serve others!
Life Principles by Charles Stanley, DVD series
Thursdays, December 12 and 19:
9:30 a.m. or 7:15 p.m.
Led by Bonnie Horner
Dr. Charles Stanley has faithfully highlighted the 30 Life Principles that have guided his life, empowered his ministry, and helped him to grow in his knowledge, service, and love of God. This series has been designed to help you apply these timeless truths to your life and enjoy life at its very best. Each DVD message walks you through Scripture and shows you how to live the Spirit-filled, victorious life you were created for. We will cover these topics:
December 12 -Fight Your Battles on Your Knees
December 19 -Victim or Victor?
ROMEOs
Join other Retired “Old” Men Eating Out (ROMEO) for conversation and food (What more do you need?) on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month.
Location: The Grill on Orchard Lake Road in Sylvan Lake.
See Dave Dutton for more information.
J.U.L.I.E.T.s December 12th at 11:30 a.m.
J.U.L.I.E.T.s meet for lunch on the second Thursday of each month for friendship, fellowship and food. Our invitation to join us for lunch is extended to ALL ladies of every age, who attend or are members of OLCC,P. Christmas holiday desserts will be served.
Greek Jalapeno Restaurant located at 6636 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford Twp.
Rides can be provided. Contact Jorgann Cornwall for more information.
Presbyterian Men's 38th Annual Communion & Advent Breakfast
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Grosse Pointe Memorial Presbyterian Church
16 Lakeshore Dr. Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236-3725
7:30 a.m. Welcome
8:00 Communion Celebration
8:30 Breakfast and Fellowship
9:30 Presentation of the George Irwin Service Award
Tickets Must be Purchased by December 7, 2019 Purchase your tickets on-line at http://pbydetroit.org/On-LineDonations.htm and scroll down to the bottom of the page
Or Purchase your tickets by mail by following the steps below. Make checks payable to: Presbytery of Detroit (Memo: Presbyterian Men)
Mail participants’ names and check to:
Presbytery of Detroit
Attention Sandy Jensen, Director of Operations
17575 Hubbell, Detroit, MI 48235-2708
Fifth Annual Grace Centers of Hope Christmas Craft Workshop, Saturday, December 14,
9:00 a.m.-noon. Members of OLCC,P will be crafting with the women and children of Grace Centers of Hope's Women's Center. Donations of Christmas fabric or small ornaments suitable for a 2" table-top tree are welcome.
Contact Christy Forhan (248-935-9624 or christyforhan@ameritech.net) for more information.
Congregational Meeting
The Session has called a congregational meeting following the 10:30 worship service on Sunday December 15th for the purpose of electing Sue Peterman to serve as a Mission and Outreach Elder in the Class of 2022. All members are kindly requested to attend this brief but important meeting. Thank you.
Christmas Carols, Cocoa, Cookies & Crafts and Ugly Sweater Time
December 15 at 11:45 a.m.
Join the church family for an afternoon of holiday fun and festivities. Light lunch served.
Enjoy Cocoa and Cookies, crafts and carols. Snuggle up with a cup of warm cocoa in your Ugly Sweater while making holiday crafts. Ugly Sweater Parade with prizes!
2020 Faith Promise Cards
If you have not already returned your Striving For God’s Kingdom 2020 Faith Promise Card, please do so as soon as possible. Additional Faith Promise Cards are available in the sanctuary or through the church office. Thank you!
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
The children’s Christmas Eve service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on December 24th. Please contact Martha at <martha@olccp.com> if your child would like to play their musical instrument (and the song they would like to play) or is interested in reading a scripture passage. You may sign up in the hallway in front of Martha’s office.
Birthday Party for Jesus
On December 22nd, the children will have a birthday party for Jesus. It will take place during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. They will decorate Christmas cookies, play games, and have lots & lots of fun!
Christmas Eve Service Times
7:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
9:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Youth Group Mark Your Calendar!
Bible Study:
Armor of God Wednesdays from 7:00 –8:30 p.m. for high school students.
December 8
8:45 a.m. Confirmation Class
December 13
Steven Curtis Chapman concert. Tickets $25. All Youth.
Sign up soon! For details contact Pastor Linda.
December 15
Volunteer Sunday after church with Cookie and Carols
Springhill Payment is due now!
New Church Office Hours
Beginning in January, there will be new hours for the church office. The office will be open beginning at 9:00 a.m. (changed from 8:00 a.m.) until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. (changed from 8:00 a.m.) to 12 noon on Fridays. Business Administrator Stacey Cheff will only be in the office Monday through Thursday. Please make note of these changes beginning in January. Thank you.
Xpujil 2020 is a Go!
We have a team of seven who will be travelling to Xpujil, Mexico from February 25 - March 3 to come alongside Mexican villagers to help build cisterns for a safe source of drinking water for their families. There's room for three or four more people on the team; if you've been thinking this is something you'd like to do, we're more than happy to have you.
The week includes four "work days", an opportunity to visit local Mayan ruins and other sights of interest, getting to know the family of Todd Luke's wife Maria, who feed us wonderfully, worshiping on Sunday with the Presbyterians in Xpujil (in the church OLCC,P helped build), and an afternoon and evening of "r and r" in Playa del Carmen, before flying home from Cancun. If you're interested in going, or just want more information, please contact Dodie Berry (248-363-4471).
Winter Weather Policy
Winter Weather Policy – below are our practices related to winter weather and church activities:
- If West Bloomfield Schools are closed due to snow/ice/extreme cold, our office and all activities for that day are cancelled
- If West Bloomfield Schools observe a 2 hour delay, our office will as well and scheduled activities will continue later in the day
- Any Sunday worship changes or cancellations will be publicized as needed
Please click on the link below to help the Presbyterian Churches in Northeast Syria
Lollipop Preschool
Contact Us
Rev. Dr. Paul H. Thwaite (Sr. Pastor): paul@olccp.com
Rev. Linda Cochran (Temp. Supply Assoc. Pastor) linda@olccp.com
Margaret Bell (Organist): mtbellmusic@gmail.com
Afsoon Berenjian: (Nursery Attendant)
Stacey Cheff (Business Administrator): stacey@olccp.com
Emily Grakul (Faith Community Nurse): egrakul@yahoo.com
Martha Piesko (Director of Children’s Ministries) martha@olccp.com
Bruce Snyder (Dir. of Music Ministries): bruce@olccp.com
Jennifer Taub (Office Administrator): jennifer@olccp.com
Doug Wilson (Sexton)
Follow us on Facebook at Orchard Lake Community Church
Email: info@olccp.com
Website: https://www.olccp.com/
Location: 5171 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI, United States
Phone: 248.682.0730
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLCCP/
Open Door
The following items are in immediate need: Peanut butter and jelly, sliced bread, soup, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, size 5 and 5/6 diapers and baby wipes.