OLCC,P eNewsLink
February 28, 2020
From the Desk of Pastor Paul
Dear Friends,
We have entered the season of Lent. Even though our Ash Wednesday service was a victim of the weather, the 40 day journey of spiritual reflection and introspection began nonetheless. For the next 40 days (excluding Sundays which are still celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection and living presence among us) we are invited to a deeper consideration of our faith journey with Jesus Christ.
Using the devotional book by Jean Watson entitled Everything Can Change In Forty Days, we will be considering the idea of transformation. Jean says “Transformation is not a magic pill we can take; it’s a process of surrendering ourselves to God. Our job is to simply worship the Lord and let him change us into the image of his Son so He can change the world through us” (p.3) We are transformed as the Holy Spirit works to lead us to die more and more to sin and live more into righteousness. God’s ultimate desire is that we will be shaped into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Copies of Jean’s devotional book are available for $10 in the office or on Sunday. I hope you will consider using it as a guide for your Lenten journey. Classes will be meeting on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. or 7:15 p.m. to reflect on and discuss the themes from Jean’s writing. Jean will be with us in person on Maundy Thursday to bring us her personal testimony of transformation.
That journey of transformation begins as we recognize that we need to be transformed. Jesus said he came not to call the righteous but sinners. Sunday we will look together at 2 Corinthians 4:7-12,16-18 as Paul describes the reality that we are all broken vessels, people in need of God’s transforming work in our lives. Where might God want to begin a work of transformation in your life during this Lenten season?
See you Sunday,
Pastor Paul
Pray for one another...
- Continued healing and health for: Elizabeth Belcher, Dodie Berry, Mary Bragg, Nancy Burton, Tom Conrad, Peter Cooper, Alan Coopland, Craig Forhan, Jackie Johnson, Larry Lankford, Nina Linebaugh, Bill Marvin, Trudy Morse, Lisa Pence, Bill & Joyce Pitchford, Sarah Robertson Nadeau, Jack Rothley, Peggy Simon, Dara Sperstad, Melanie Telford, Doris Wiegert, Madie Zurkan
- Mission: the work of our Xpujil 2020 Mission Team—Dennis Berry, Barb & Glen Christoff, Chuck & Sue Mogg, Brenda Starynchak
Thank You!
Thank you to all my friends who sent cards, visited and called while I was in the hospital and rehab. Thanks also to Pastor Paul for checking up on me.
God Bless, Doris Wiegert
You can send a note or card to Doris at
The Neighborhoods
of White Lake
10770 Elizabeth Lake Road #110
White Lake, MI 48386
Also words of encouragement and prayers would be appreciated for Jack Rothley
Jack and Pat Rothley
1246 B
Rio De Janeiro
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
A Note from Chuck Storey
Thank you my dear sweet church family for the special heartwarming tribute after my last solo performance on 02-16. It seems like just yesterday I was singing my first solo, literally shaking like a leaf as a high school student singing at an outdoor service for my very first solo. Well I thought that was it, this just wasnt for me, and I was ready to quit.
Thank god I didn't! Because I went on to do many great worship moments with you since 1977. Yes there have been times when I have come and gone, but thankfully I've been mostly here with you. The one thing I want to share with you other than my humble gratitude is that I wouldn't have made it without the help of the Stephen Ministry program. They have guided me through a myriad of difficult situations I have faced especially for the last 3-4 years. My Stephen Minister kept me propped up and facing the right direction so I could keep going on, when at many times I was ready to give up. He has prayed with me, and offered thoughtful directions and resources to the numerous problems I was facing. This person deserves a gold star in heaven for saving me in so many ways. You have no idea.
After the service, I went out and greeted friends, and then looked to the right and there was a group of very special people. They were people whose loved ones funerals I had sung at over many years. Well, that just broke my heart even further. I have bonded with these individuals spiritually and I consider them all as part of "my" family.
So thank you, thank you, I love you all and will miss you. You can't be replaced. I've catalogued some of our moments on YouTube. I started recording performances for my Mother who wanted to come to performances but as she grew older just couldn't make it. That meant so much to her that the church gave me so many opportunities to share one of my "earned" gifts to Gods glory.
As a few of you know, I grew up across the street from the church, and delivered papers door to door (just ask Pat Colvin). I was her paper boy. I started into Theater for many years and hosted many cast parties at our lake home on Cass Lake. I always used Orchard Lake Community Church as a landmark to look for as they were finding their way to my home.
Now I can say that instead of OLCCP being a landmark, it has defined me as the person I have grown to be. That has been evident at the numerous parties that were given in my honor, from the many hats I've had over the years, from Theater, to my years at OCC, to my High School friends. Ive been blest because my Church family has taught me how to be a good person and productive in my community.
Thank you, and love to you all,
Chuck Storey
OLCC, P Calendar
One Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing boxes will be sent home with the preschool and elementary school children Sunday. The monies collected will be used for hunger and/or relief causes supported by the Presbyterian Church. Please return your box on April 5th, Palm Sunday
Prayers from our Children
All children and youth are invited to create a drawing, write a prayer, poem, or letter to God (younger children may need extra support from their families). Their entries will be illustrated by an artist and compiled into a prayer book. Copies will be made for the entire congregation to enjoy. Feel free to be creative. Please submit all entries to Martha by March 1st.
Prayer Shawl Meeting
The meetings are the 1st and 3rd Mondays, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the library, and all knitters are welcome. The next meeting is March 2nd.
Daylight Savings Starts March 8
Daylight Savings Time starts next Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 a.m., so be sure to set your clocks ahead.
Parable Festival
The Parable Festival will take place on March 8th in Fellowship Hall, immediately following the second worship service. Come and cook, garden, build, and create as you learn about the "Prodigal Son", "The Lost Sheep", The Lost Coin", "The Good Samaritan", The Wise Man and Foolish Man, and "The Mustard Seed" Please RSVP to Martha at <<martha@olccp.com>> by this Sunday, March 1st. Lunch will be served. All are welcome to attend.
National Oreo Day
We will be celebrating National Oreo Day after the second service next Sunday, March 8th. This holiday aims to celebrate the Oreo Cookie – one of the most favorite cookies by not only Americans but also people from all over the world.
Live! At the Lake presents "Singing and Sipping with Bach!" Sunday, March 15th at 3:00 p.m.
The Rackham Choir and Chamber Orchestra will perform two of Bach’s most contrasting choral pieces — the festive and sacred Cantata 29, a celebratory work sung in German, and the charming secular Coffee Cantata, written in the style of a comic opera and sung in English. The performance will highlight the musicianship of former Rackham intern soloists Ryan Hurley, Aurora Haziri, and Dominik Belavy, accompanist Joseph Jackson, and celebrated conductor, Suzanne Acton. As a "hook," Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company has offered to donate artisan coffee, so that patrons may sip coffee during Bach's Coffee Cantata, thus the title "Singing and Sipping with Bach."
The Rackham Choir has set the ticket prices at $25. Tickets are available at www.olccp.com/live-at-the-lake, and in-between services on Sunday.
Women's 2020 Winter Bible Study
Slaying the Giants in your Life
You can win the battle and live victoriously!
by Dr. David Jeremiah
Wednesdays,10:00 - 11:30 a.m., until March 18
Listen! Can you hear thundering footsteps approaching? The Bible warns us of "giants in the land" -- and whether they're literal like Goliath or figurative ones like failure, fear, worry, guilt, anger, temptation, resentment or doubt, their goal is the same: to crush God's people.
Do you need the tools to slay these daunting foes? David Jeremiah shows you from scripture how to stand up to these bullies and win -- with God's help. These are daunting giants, but thankfully we have access to God's Word, which is a wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and power. We are not weak - we are empowered!
In each class, we'll watch a DVD message by Dr. Jeremiah, then discuss the day's topic. Each session stands on its own, so please join us when you can for this eight week study. Everyone is welcome.
Please contact Bonnie Horner, 248-880-2327 or bnnhrn@yahoo.com to sign up.
Easter Lilies
Easter lilies can be purchased for $9 until March 29th.
The sign up is in the Lakeview Area. Please indicate ‘in honor of’ or ‘in memory of.’ Checks should be made payable to OLCC,P with ‘Easter Lily’ in the memo line. You can drop a check in the offering plate or mail it to OLCC,P.
Lenten sermon series “Everything Can Change in 40 Days” by Jean Watson
February 27 – April 2. 9:30 a.m. or 7:15 p.m.
Books on sale this Sunday for $10.
Do you long for change in yourself, in those you love, or in the world around you? Have you prayed for transformation to no avail? In Everything Can Change in Forty Days , Jean Watson encourages us to stop trying to create change and simply live a lifestyle of worship, allowing God to work in us and through us. If you feel discouraged or stuck, perhaps now is the time to set aside forty days to renew your faith and believe that, with Christ, everything can change! Pastors Paul and Linda to lead classes.
Our Living Hope, Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday, April 5 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services
Filled with the joy and promise of a world redeemed by the love and victorious resurrection of our great Savior. Our Living Hope, is the perfect foundation for what just might be your most powerful and compelling Easter service ever!
Featuring powerfully explosive songs of worship and praise and filled with testimony of the impact of God's love and mercy on our lives. Our Living Hope sets a new standard of excellence for contemporary worship choirs everywhere!
Holy Week 2020
Palm Sunday, April 5
Services at
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 9
Service at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 10
Service at Covenant Baptist At 12:15 p.m.
Rev. Paul Thwaite preaching
Open Door
The following items are in need:
Sizes 4, 5 and 5/6 diapers, Hamburger Helper, Sloppy Joe mix, pudding, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, and Women’s deodorant.
Per Capita
Per capita is a fundamental way in which all Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations support the work of the wider Church.
Each year it costs OLCC,P over $30 for each member. When the full amount is not covered by the congregation, the money comes out of our Mission Budget. If all of the members of OLCC,P would prayerfully consider paying their own family’s per capita, it would allow your Mission Team to have more to give to others in need.
The 2020 Per Capita offering is $30.55 per OLCC,P member. To provide your per capita online, please visit the OLCC,P website, select the “Giving” tab, select “Donate Online” found on the top right side of the page, and follow
the instructions.
(If you use offering envelopes, a Per Capita envelope is included.)
Picture Directory
For those of you who did not get your picture taken for the pictorial directory and would like one, the cost of the directory will be approximately $10.00. Please put your name on the sign-up sheet in the Lakeview area so we can get a feel for how many directories we have to purchase. If you did get your picture taken, you will automatically receive a directory free of charge. Any questions can be directed to Nancy Ratajczak (248-568-7960) or the office.
Chancel Flowers for 2020
Pick your date(s) to sponsor flowers for the chancel to honor or in memory of someone. The sign-up sheet is in the Narthex next to the elevator. The cost is $36.
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
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
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/