Author Robert P. Jones describes the elevator ride to the observation deck of One World

Trade Center in the terms that follow. “While tourists ascend to the platform a time-lapse

video displays the transformation of Manhattan from a colonial outpost to the steel-and-

glass skyline it is today. Up until the twentieth century, St. Paul’s Chapel and Trinity

Church were the most noticeable and pronounced structures dotting the Manhattan

skyline.”

“As the timeline moves toward the present day, however, these tall-steeple churches are

dwarfed and eventually rendered invisible as churches are eclipsed architecturally and

culturally by commercial centers” (Sustaining Grace, ed. by Scott Hagley, p.4).

The point of his observation is that the local church in the previous century has moved

from being a centerpiece of its community to another optional activity within the bounds of

its community. That transition continues today as succeeding generations consider the

fellowship and worship within the church as simply one of many options offered to enrich

their lives. Without a doubt, we live in a new era of spiritual life as we navigate the current

climate of mission, spiritual expression, and involvement in the local church.

What has not changed, and will never change, is the difference we can make in the lives of

those whom we know and love. Our faith in Christ directs us to care, to love, and to serve

those with whom we are in contact. Such compassion does not go unnoticed. People will

seek out persons who truly love and care. As our Lord Jesus said, “By this all people will

know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Let us continue to love and care.

In the mercy of Christ,

Rich

We will resume two worship services at 9:00 am and 10:30 am starting this Sunday, March 19.

This year’s Good Friday Community Worship service will be held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 4800 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, at 12 noon. A wide variety of local Christian churches will be represented. All are welcome!

The cost of each Lily plant is $9.50.

Sign up for a lily dedication in honor or memory of loved ones at the message center in the Lakeview area or contact the church office to sign up by March 20

Join us this Sunday, March 19 before and after the worship services. The Health and Wellness Team will be in the Lakeview area taking blood pressures and answering questions as to how we can maintain a healthy blood pressure.

We look forward to seeing you for a quick, free, painless check of your Blood pressure.

The journey of faith is a very personal one, but it is not meant to be traveled alone!

Pastor Rich will lead our New Members’ class for two consecutive Sundays today, March 19 and next Sunday, March 26 directly after the second service.

We extend this invitation to anyone interested in joining OLCC,P. Contact the church office at leida@olccp.com if you would like to attend and for more information.

Join us the first and third Monday of the Month in the Lakeview area for knitting.

If you know of someone in need of a prayer shawl, please contact Emily Grakul at 248-346-7062 or Doreen Dutton at 248-804-5995.

See you Monday, March 20 at 1:00 pm!

Kim Hakala continues to offer her free Chair Yoga Class on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. Join the group for a relaxing and energizing Chair Yoga class and consider donating a nonperishable food item to Open Door Outreach too. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing, socks, and bring a water bottle and a food donation.

The Quilt Ministry has resumed and are making "I Spy" quilts for deserving children. Please join the group if you are able - no special talent required - one only needs to be able to sew a straight seam.

They meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2:00 pm and the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:00 am.

Contact Helene King - cell: 248-520-3190, email: hmking56@gmail.com.

First Presbyterian of Pontiac will be hosting an Easter event for the entire Pontiac area.

This fun event consists of breakfast, Easter crafts and activities, the Easter Story, the Easter Bunny (parents like to take pictures) and the Easter Egg Hunt in the sanctuary. The eggs are empty so that all the kids get the same bag of goodies after they return them back to the dining room. It is really a lot of fun.

Would you like to participate this year? All invited to attend! Invite family, friends, and neighbors!

• When: Saturday, March 25
• Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Where: First Presbyterian of Pontiac
• Address: 99 Wayne St, Pontiac

If you would like to volunteer to be a part of this great mission opportunity, sign up this Sunday in the Lakeview Area or contact Glen Christoff at g_christoff@sbcglobal.net.

Some of the volunteer opportunities include:

• Filling bags with candy and Easter related trinkets
• Volunteering with crafts or the egg hunt
• Helping in the kitchen
• Working at the giveaway table (gift bags after egg hunt)
• Even dressing up as the Easter Bunny (unless someone volunteers first).

Thank you for volunteering!

Join us on Saturday, March 25 for the much anticipated Lakeside Coffee House. The doors will open at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Sit back and relax to the music of Jean Watson and Rufus Harris. Free-will offerings will be accepted and donated to the Hospitality House Food Pantry.

Meet friends for Sunday lunch or other social activities throughout the year. Contact Thelma Golden, 248-515-6842, for more information

The GLU youth will be creating LOVE BOXES again this year for our college students. The boxes will be filled with goodies and gift cards!!

Please email Kelly at kellyh@olccp.com by April 1 if you would like to participate.

Be sure to include the students favorite snacks, places for gift cards, and their mailing address.

Our Thursday Bible Study with John Vermeulen has resumed. Did you know that Esther, Obadiah, Jonah, John 2 and John 3 are among the least read books of the Bible? Join us as we take a closer look at the least read books for the next 7 weeks. Each book has a great message that can be applied today.

This week will be studying the book of, Joel. All are welcome to join us for Thursday Morning Bible Study where we learn more about the Bible and God’s hand in our lives.

Donuts and coffee will be provided.

Join us on Zoom for our Winter Daily Bread Devotions during the winter months Monday through Friday at 9:00 am.

Free devotional guides are available for pick-up 24/7 in the Little Free Library outside our entrance.

The Zoom link is

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88183107041?pwd=ZG9mSTIwYi9BaDRkOHdFWGpYRlpBdz09

And to lead the class, you can sign up here Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian: Our Daily Bread Devotional (signupgenius.com)

Did you know that the OLCC,P church library is available for all of us to use? We have a fiction section, a children’s bookcase, Chicken Soup for the Soul, devotional books and books by popular Christian authors like Max Lucado. There are books on grief, health issues, parenting. And of course many books to support Bible study. Some selected books are on the shelves in the gathering area, but the library itself is just beyond Heritage Hall. Next time you are at church, feel free to check out a book.