Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Tim Harvey Called as Pastor

Interim Pastor:
J. D. Glick
Minister of Nurture
and Music:
Carol Elmore
THE
VISITOR
P u b l i s h e d
b y :
Oak Grove Church of the Brethren
2 1 3 8 M c V i t t y
R o a n o k e , V A
E-mail:
churchoffice@oakgrove
cob.org
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 1 5
R o a d , S W
2 4 0 1 8
Tim Harvey Called as Pastor
by Martha Gregory
Website:
www.oakgrovecob.org
Phone:
(540) 774-3217
DEADLINE FOR
MARCH
VISITOR:
FEBRUARY 15
NEWSLETTER
COMMITTEE:
Rena’ Brown
Carolyn Broyles
Jonna Detweiler
Rita Evans
Nancy Hylton
Josephine Keller
Sarah King
Carla McCauley
Emily Nelson
It is both a blessing and a joy to report Oak Grove’s Church Council has called Tim Harvey as our pastor, and he has accepted the call. His first day at Oak Grove will be Monday, April 13, and his installation will be during morning worship on Sunday, April 19. Our Pastoral Search Committee recommended Tim’s call and salary/
benefit package to the Church Board, who enthusiastically approved and passed a motion to be presented to our Called Council Meeting on Sunday, January 4, 2015. This meeting followed our Saturday evening “Meet and Greet” with Tim and his family and his trial sermon during morning worship. During our time together on Saturday, the church family met Tim and his wife, Lynette, as well as their children, Emily, Zach, and Rose. Tim shared his personal story, and we had an extended time for questions and answers. We had excellent attendance during the weekend, as the Oak Grove family was anxious to meet our candidate and pleased to overwhelmingly vote in favor of calling him to become the pastor for Oak Grove.
Tim is currently the pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in downtown Roanoke. His wife, Lynette, is chairman of the math department at Patrick Henry High School, where Zach is a student. Emily is a freshman at Bridgewater College, and Rose is a stu-­
dent at James Madison Middle School. Tim graduated from Broadway High School, having grown up in Broadway, Virginia. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemis-­
try from Virginia Tech and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Tim’s home congregation is Bethel CoB. As he described his growing up years with his family there, it reminded me a great deal of Oak Grove and the involvement of our families here. He was active throughout his life in music, children and youth activities, participating in youth Sundays, and attending National Youth Conference. While a student at Virginia Tech he attended Good Shepherd CoB in Blacksburg, maturing in his faith and serving in the ministries of the church. The congregation and pastor sensed in him a call to ministry, and this was reinforced with his attendance at National Youth Conference. Tim did work in the science field for several years between his graduation from Tech and his years at Eastern Mennonite. He was licensed to the ministry in 1991 and or-­
dained in 1999. He has served as youth minister/associate pastor at Dayton CoB and as pastor at New Hope CoB in Stuart, Virginia. He has been pastor at Roanoke Central since June of 2004.
Tim has served as a member of the Church’s General Board from 2003-2008 and was chair from 2007-2008. He served our denomination as moderator of the 2012 Annual Conference. He is also interested in outreach with other community groups, both congregational and secular, being very involved in Congregations in Action, an interfaith group of congregations partnering with local schools. Tim will be applying to be an ap-­
pointed member of the Roanoke City School Board this spring.
We look forward to Tim and his family joining our congregation and becoming part of the Oak Grove family. We are thankful for God’s continuing guidance as Tim becomes our pastor. We look forward to his leadership and to new challenges and opportunities for ministry, while building on the caring spirit of outreach in place here at Oak Grove.
PAGE
Joyful Hearts
by Joyce Harmon
As we plan for the year 2015, I must say how excited I am about the way the Joyful Hearts worked this past year. For example, you contributed to the efforts of mak-­
ing disaster kits the month of November, and there was a great turnout for our Thanksgiving lunch. Special thanks to Garland Brown for the coordination of this project. Thank you also for the great turnout at our Christmas lunch, which was held at Ruth’s Restaurant. Our Rescue Mission project amounted to 45 gift cards, which was a great success. A special thank you to Marianne Pittman for another wonderful program.
Our February meeting will be coordinated by Paul White. We have been invited to the Park Oak Grove for information presented by admissions director, Tammy Angell. She will tell us about the facility;; then we will be treated to lunch at no cost. Please let Paul know if you plan to attend by Sunday, February 15. Our meeting date is February 26 at 10:30 a.m. Thanks again for your par-­
ticipation in our Joyful Hearts.
Disaster Relief Coordinator Needed
by Teresa Broyles
It has been several years since Oak Grove has had a Disaster Relief Coordinator. Below is information Buddy Crumpacker has shared regarding the responsibilities of a church coordinator. When there is a need for workers to help rebuild damaged homes, the District Disaster Response Coordi-­
nator contacts the church representative. The church coordinator’s responsibility would be to inform the congre-­
gation of the project to see if anyone is available to go and to let the district coordinator know of any inter-­
est. The district coordinator will organize the trip. If Oak Grove is interested in sponsoring a trip, the District Coordinator will give the church coordinator any available dates, and he/she will be responsible for secur-­
ing a trip coordinator (if you are not able to coordinate it) and to encourage people in the church to respond. If the church chooses to take on their own project, an itinerary for the travel days and any overnight lodging needs to be planned. The District pays all meals, fuel, and lodg-­
ing. The District van is available for travel but can only be driven by approved drivers (must have a CDL). All meals and lodging will be provided while at the job site. Our congregation has been very active in responding to disasters around the area, but this can only happen if someone is available to keep us informed of the projects. Contact Teresa Broyles if you would be willing to fill this role.
After Church Fellowship by Teresa Broyles
Volunteers are needed to help with After Church Fel-­
lowship snacks on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Fellowship time after worship provides us with an oppor-­
tunity to greet visitors, catch up with friends, and take care of church business while enjoying a snack. Two bev-­
erages and one or two snacks to serve approximately sixty people keeps things simple for one or two people to prepare and clean up. Snacks are available in the kitch-­
en, or you can provide your own and turn receipts in to Teresa Broyles, Missions and Service Commission chair-­
person. If you would be willing to help out on one of these Sundays once or twice a year or have questions, please contact Susan Gibson. Your help would be greatly appre-­
ciated!! Children/Youth Christmas Program on December 7, 2014
THE
2
VISITOR
PAGE
3
Welcome, New Oak Grove Members!
Robin Wertz Craig,
Elsie and Sharon Wertz
by Jane Grisso
On Christmas Day, 1945, a young Seaman Second Class returned from World War II. His sweetheart was waiting. Eighteen days later, a wonderful union began when Ezera Wertz and the former Elsie Craighead wed.
Ezera, who passed away on March 30, 2014, was often called “The Mayor of the Roanoke City Market.” He and Elsie grew delicious fruits and vegetables in the Castle Rock area of Roanoke County. Elsie, a fine cook, is a whiz at canning, freezing, pickling, and jelly making. The Wertz’s Country Store on the Roanoke City Market and the Wertz’s produce stands on Brambleton Avenue quickly became favorite shopping destinations.
A long-time pillar of the Poages Mill CoB, Elsie, along with her two daughters, moved their memberships to Oak Grove on November 16, 2014. An excellent seamstress, this talented lady is the mother of three (Sharon, Karen, and Robin), the grand-­
mother of two (Christy and Melissa), and the greatgrandmother of three (Jordan, Savannah, and Justin).
Sharon, a mom and grandmom, is a nurse, as was her late twin sister, Karen. A lady who loves flowers and gardening, Sharon is a “chip off the ‘young’ block.” She is employed at Park Oak Grove Retirement Community (home of JoAnn Porter, another recent Oak Grove member).
Robin resides with her husband, Bob, in Scottsdale, Arizona. An excellent photographer, she travels exten-­
sively. As her mom reports, “Robin has been every-­
where.” She also enjoys hiking. Bob, an excellent cook, is in the pharmaceutical business.
Welcome, ladies! Russ and I have been life-long friends of the Wertz family, and we are delighted to have them as members and to have the honor of being their deacons.
Jennifer Johnson
by Gloria Harmon
I have known Jennifer Johnson and her family since before she was born, but when I interviewed her for this arti-­
cle, I learned an important fact that I did not know. Jennifer was the first baby dedicated in the Smith Mountain Lake Church of the Brethren. What a wonderful start to a lifelong walk with Jesus! While we are thankful for that start, we are also grateful that Jennifer’s grandparents, Sarah and John THE
King, started bringing her to Oak Grove COB at the age of three and that Jennifer chose to be baptized at Oak Grove on December 7, 2014.
Both as a child and as an adult, Jennifer has been and is an active part of the Oak Grove Fellowship. She grew up participating in the Oak Grove children’s and youth activities. Jennifer graduated from Franklin County High School in May of 2014 and started the nurs-­
ing program at Virginia Western Community College in September of that year. Now in her second semester of the program, Jennifer is starting a new job with At Home Caregivers as a CNA. She also continues her ac-­
tivity at Oak Grove. Besides her schoolwork and the new job, Jennifer is serving as an intern with Carol Hipps in the youth and children’s program at Oak Grove. She is, of course, doing a wonderful job!
I am always amazed at Jennifer’s maturity and willing-­
ness to help. As I interviewed her she mentioned her trip to National Youth Conference with the Oak Grove youth as a milestone in her faith journey helping her make the decision to be baptized. Jennifer also credited helping her mother, Shelly Haas, and her stepfather, Darren Haas, through his illness with helping to focus her faith. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been able to watch Jennifer develop into the strong, caring person she is today and look forward to seeing all the future holds for her.
Joe Lankford
by Spencer Knox
Joe Lankford, born on February 27, 1997, has lived in Cave Spring his entire life with his mother, Missy, his father, Joe, and his younger sister, Joslynn. His family has three dogs, Daisy, Spike, and Maho, a fish named Herman, and 15 chickens. Joe is going to be attending George Mason University this fall and is planning to major in Computer Science. He enjoys several physical activities, such as baseball, white-­
water kayaking, marching band, and long boarding. One of his favorite places is Camp Bethel. He has loved Camp Bethel since he was very young and is beginning his fourth year staffing there this summer. Because his family would frequently visit other con-­
gregations, he grew up attending several different church-­
es. Joe likes to call this “church hopping.” He attended various Presbyterian and Methodist churches in the area before he first visited Oak Grove. Joe heard about Oak Grove through his friends from camp. Joe has been at-­
tending Oak Grove for two years, and he joined the church on December 7, 2014. He said that he wanted to join, because he loved the congregation and wanted to be officially involved with the church. We would all like to welcome Joe to our congregation!
VISITOR
PAGE
Joslynn Lankford
by Ellen Phillips
Have you met Joslynn Lankford yet? If not, I am sure you have heard her sing. She LOVES to sing. I first heard her sing six or seven years ago at a Little League baseball game. I remember marveling at this cute little blonde-haired girl belting out the National Anthem. She told me that she has sung for many of the Southwest County softball and baseball games over the years. In fact, this past baseball season she did an amazing job singing the National Anthem at a Salem Redsox game. Joslynn shares her vocal gifts with the church as a mem-­
ber of our very talented youth choir.
Joslynn is a freshman at Cave Spring High School and attends the Computer Information Technology pro-­
gram at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology. Her favorite subject in school is science, and her plans for college are to study veterinary science. She is currently gearing up to play softball for her high school team. Her other interests include kayaking with the River Adventure Program at Camp Bethel, spending time with her dogs, participating in theater performances, and, of course, singing.
Joslynn first started coming to Oak Grove with her brother Joe in the summer of 2013. Joe worked at Camp Bethel that summer, where he befriended some of the Oak Grove youth. At the end of the summer, they decid-­
ed to check us out. Joslynn knew some friendly faces from Oak Grove from her many years as a summer camper. Joslynn says our church was the first small church in the area that her family had visited, and she liked it. She especially enjoys participating in youth activ-­
ities, her favorite being the choir. This year she hopes to follow in her brother’s footsteps by working as a CIT (counselor-in-training) at Camp Bethel.
I got the chance to know Joslynn a little better this summer at the junior high workcamp. During the trip to Columbus, Ohio, I enjoyed watching our youth interact outside the church environment. I noticed how willing Joslynn was to volunteer to lead the songs for our group, to pitch in to help make dinner, or to grab a brush and start painting. However, what impressed me most about Joslynn was how she made an effort to include everyone. She noticed those kids who were on the “outside” and would often encourage them to join the group. Joslynn is a delightful young lady, and I am so pleased that she has decided to commit herself to Christ and join our church on December 7, 2014. I have enjoyed getting to know her, and I know you will, too. Oak Grove via Camp Bethel. They made friends with our youth at summer camp and as they say, the rest is history! Missy grew up in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke County and after earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bridgewater College, she moved to Northern VA, then Waynesboro. She is now back in Roanoke working for Bristol Myers-Squibb as a Community Business man-­
ager in Oncology (aka Drug Rep). It’s a good thing Missy enjoys traveling because her territory covers quite a bit of Virginia including Richmond, Charlottesville, and the South Hill areas. This lucky lady got to travel to Boca Raton, FL, for a conference recently while the rest of us dealt with the coldest days of the year!
Missy and Joe have been married 21 years and chose to come back to Roanoke to be near both their families. They live in the country with their two children, Joe Jr. and Joslynn, three dogs and several chickens. Along with traveling, Missy enjoys exercising, cooking, and genealogy. Welcome to the Oak Grove family, Missy!
Missy Lankford
by Teresa Broyles
Missy joined our Oak Grove family through transfer of letter on December 7, 2014 — the same day her children were baptized. Her kids brought their family to THE
4
VISITOR
“Selfie” of the Oak Grove Quilters
PAGE
5
Where Does Our Outreach Go?
Youth Yard Sale
by Teresa Broyles
by Martha Gregory
Oak Grove COB has $27,500 budgeted for out-­
reach this year. Outreach is where part of your tithe is used, but do you know where that money really goes? Over the next few months Mission and Service will share about all the different organizations we support. You can also learn more about these organizations from their websites.
Mission & Ministry Board - $8.600
The Mission and Ministry Board is called by the Church of the Brethren to extend the church’s witness around the world. It leads out in God’s mission, serving as a bridge between the local and the global and creating opportuni-­
ties for service and partnership.
The Mission and Ministry Board supports congregations in their task to create joyful com-­
munities of faith that proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, cultivate discipleship, respond to human need, and make peace.
The Mission and Ministry Board cares for the whole fabric of the community, building up the Church of the Brethren as a distinctive part of the body of Christ, cherishing its unique heritage, and strengthening its witness.
It’s Yard Sale time, let’s make a rhyme.
It’s time for hard work, backs that hurt.
Jewelry and balls, boots and overalls,
Books and clothes, a bed to doze,
Tables and chairs, lamps in pairs.
Lots of those, some of these,
Tell me what this is if you please.
Down on your knees, up on the stage
We need volunteers of every age.
Bring it in, set it out
Decide what it’s all about.
Pick a price, find a place
We need to fill a real big space.
Bring everything you think will sell
And be sure to tell
The date to everyone you meet:
Saturday, March 14, 2015.
There’ll be lots of things to sell
Including biscuits, hot dogs and sweets to eat.
So call you sister and your mother
Borrow the truck from your brother.
Donate, volunteer, be involved
Get ready to help and then to shop.
There are lots of youth with things to do,
Round Table, FaithQuest, a work camp or two.
Just bring yourself. Help out. Enjoy.
We can use every woman, man, girl and boy.
Try out the drums, ride the exercise bike
Take a quick look at a book
Unpack a box, sweep the floor
Wonder how many things can go in home décor.
Corral the hangers,
Find the price tags and pens
Price a few things, misplace your supplies,
And then start all over again.
There’s usually something you can do
To help out in this Youth Yard Sale.
To support our kids as off they go,
Learning and listening and sharing
The things they know about their faith
And their call to a ministry of loving and caring.
Bethany Seminary - $1,000
Founded in 1905, Bethany Theological Seminary (located in Richmond, Indiana) is the graduate school and academy for theological education for the Church of the Brethren.
Bethany Theological Seminary equips spiritual and intellectual leaders with an Incar-­
national education for ministering, proclaiming, and living out God's shalom and Christ's peace in the church and world.
The Youth Yard Sale will be held this year on Sat-­
urday, March 14, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall. There will also be a bake sale during this time, and we will serve breakfast biscuits and hot dogs for lunch. Please mark your calendars and watch for a bulletin insert soon with lots of details on volunteer opportunities.
You may bring donations to the church beginning Saturday, February 28. If you have any questions, please call Martha Gregory or Carol Elmore.
THE
District Fund - $8,000 — The Virlina Dis-­
trict…
is made up of 92 congregations and fellow-­
ships in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina
is served by a Board and various committees of more than 250 volunteers who work togeth-­
er to strengthen the ministries of the district’s congregations
provides resources, programs, training, and service opportunities to congregations and their participants.
VISITOR
Rescue Mission Wish List for February:
Dinner Napkins
Virlina District News
PAGE
6
Pilgrimage XIX
Camp Supporter Luncheon
Our annual Camp Supporter Luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 14, from noon until 3:00 p.m. All Camp representatives, pastors, youth leaders, friends, and supporters of Camp Bethel are encour-­
aged to attend this event. Please ensure that at least ONE person from your church is in attendance. You do not have to be an official Camp Bethel Representa-­
tive to attend.
After a free “Valentine” lunch in the Ark, we will share and distribute all the tools and information need-­
ed to communicate Camp Bethel to your congregation. Go to www.CampBethelVirginia.org/rep.htm. for more information.
Sow the Seed Banquet
Plant seeds of FAITH in the lives of children, youth, and young adults! Participate in the “Sow the Seed” Scholarship Banquet on Thursday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m. All donations ($50 per person, or more if you wish) from the evening directly fund “camperships” and our summer camp ministries.
Please RSVP by February 26 to 992-2940 or [email protected]. Payments accepted in advance or at the table, and your gift is tax deducti-­
ble. Our base fee for a week of camp in 2015 is $290. Give the gift of CAMP;; it is an experience that can change a life forever. Summer Camps 2015
The theme of Camp Bethel’s 2015 summer camps will be “POWER UP AND ELEVATE: LIVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT!” On-line registration began January 1. Go to www.CampBethelVirginia.org/summer.htm. For all summer camp information such as brochures, forms and schedules. Your favorite counselors are returning in 2015!
Brochure packets were mailed in January to all campers, churches, camp reps, and pastors. Register early and guarantee your chosen week. NEW activi-­
ties and adventures, NEW family adventures, and NEW pick-your-own pricing!
Pilgrimage XIX will be held March 13-15 at Camp Bethel. People from 57 congregations in our district have attended this event. It is a spiritual retreat for adults of all ages. It is for the new Christian and the one who has been a Christian for decades. Pilgrimage is for everyone, because no matter where a person is on his or her faith journey, it is always good to take another step and draw closer to God.
The basic structure of the weekend is the same each year with talks, small groups, fun times, wonderful worship services, and much more. Yet God continues to work in different ways through this ministry. Prayerfully consider if this is your year to attend. If you would like more information, please contact Karen Haynes at [email protected] or (336)765
-5263.
Older Adult Escapade
On Saturday, March 21, the Virlina District Commis-­
sion on Nurture will hold an Older Adult Escapade from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Summerdean CoB. This FREE event is for everyone 50+ years old.
Come enjoy lunch, fellowship, fun, laughter, and be spiritually refreshed!!! Bring a friend, meet new friends, rekindle old friendships in an event that is planned just for you. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Cards/Letters for BVS Workers
At the current time, Virlina District has four individuals in Brethren Volunteer Service serving in projects within the United States. There is one BVSer not from Virginia serv-­
ing on a project in Roanoke. As these individuals are away from family, we ask you to consider writing a note of appreciation, encouragement, and/or support. The names and addresses for the BVSers are as follows:
Join our 2015 Summer Camp Staff
You can find application information at www.CampBethelVirginia.org/summerstaff.htm if you want to serve as a Senior Counselor, Adventure Coun-­
selor, or on Kitchen Staff.
THE
VISITOR
Katie Furrow (Monte Vista CoB)
337 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Bryan Hanger (Roanoke, Oak Grove CoB)
337 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Taylor Kaase (Williamson Road CoB)
2990 Carlisle Pike
New Oxford, PA 17350
Chris Luzynski (Williamson Road CoB)
P. O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776
Sara Seibert (Massachusetts)
1212 5th Street
Roanoke, VA 24016
PAGE
7
February Middle School Events
Sun., Feb. 1
11:00 a.m. — Souper Bowl of Caring — collect individ-­
ual cans of food for the Oak Grove Backpack Ministry
2:00 p.m. — Brethren Bowl behind Penn Forest Elementary School (intergenerational touch football game)
Sat., Feb. 7 8:00 a.m. — Project WARM — meet at the woodlot on Indiana Street in Salem. We will split, load, and deliv-­
er wood to those who would not otherwise have heat in their homes.
Fri., Feb. 13
5:30 p.m. — All-Church Mashed Potato Bar and Game Night
Sun., Feb. 22
12:15 p.m. (following worship) — Pizza and Movie
February High School Events
Sun., Feb. 1
11:00 a.m. — Souper Bowl of Caring — collect individ-­
ual cans of food for the Oak Grove Backpack Ministry
2:00 p.m. — Brethren Bowl behind Penn Forest Elementary School (intergenerational touch football game)
Sat. & Sun., Feb. 7 & 8 9:30 a.m. Saturday through 2:00 p.m. Sunday — IYC Retreat (Interdistrict Youth Cabinet led by Bridgewater CoB students) at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren
Fri., Feb. 13
5:30 p.m. — All-Church Mashed Potato Bar and Game Night
Sun., Feb. 22
12:15 p.m. (following worship) — Pizza and Movie
Home Depot Workshop
How to Build a Heart Box
Saturday, February 7
The workshop time is between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. All materials are furnished by Home Depot on 220.
——
Making Valentines for
Shut-ins and Rescue Mission
Sunday, February 8
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Oak Grove Fellowship Hall
——
Children/Camp Bethel Sunday
March 1
We are excited about our children being worship leaders for our worship, celebrating children and Camp Bethel! Children should come to the sanctuary at 9:45 a.m. on March 1 to practice their part of the service. ALL are in-­
vited to wear your Camp Bethel t-shirts on that day.
Looking Ahead . . .
Events for your 2015 Calendar
March 1-14 — Set up for Yard Sale
March 14 — Youth Yard Sale
March 20-22 — Roundtable (Senior Highs)
April 4 — Hide Easter eggs, then Easter Egg Hunt with kids
April 10-12 — FaithQuest at Camp Bethel (Senior Highs)
May 3 — Pastors’ Breakfast with the Graduates June 7 — Graduation Sunday
June 19-21 — National Junior High Conference
June 21-25 — Junior High Workcamp at John Kline House, Broadway, VA
THE
VISITOR
Youth Choir singing at Camp Bethel in December
PAGE
8
Nursery Schedule for February
Date
Babies
Preschool
Children’s Church
February 1
Rena’ Brown & Anna Hosey
Ron & Stephanie Robinson
Ron & Stephanie Robinson
February 8
Susan Lindsey & Linda Lemon
Randall Eakin & Arlene Kramke
Ron & Stephanie Robinson
February 15
Kathie Robinson & Pam Conner
Mel Purcell & Joyce Bolender
Ron & Stephanie Robinson
February 22
Marc & Mary Wilson
Beth Shearer & Katie Woodard
Ron & Stephanie Robinson
Sunday Morning Statistics
Date
Sunday School
Worship
Budget
Special Gifts
January 4
108
195
$4,966
$48
January 11
83
159
$3,824
$20
January 18
87
140
$2,311
$863
January 25
89
155
$4,688
$374
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
“The Day a Demon Came to Church” — Mark 1:21-28
“Training for the Race” — I Corinthians 9:24-27
“Getting the Mountain into the Valley” — Luke 9:28-43a
1st Sunday of Lent: “Over the Rainbow” — Genesis 8:20-22, 9:8-17
March 1
2nd Sunday of Lent: “What Do We Learn from Children?” — Mark 9:33-37;;
10:13-16
3rd Sunday of Lent: “Righteous Rage” — John 2:13-22
4th Sunday of Lent: “Living in the Light” — John 3:19-21
5th Sunday of Lent: “A Heart Transplant” — Jeremiah 31:31-34
Palm Sunday — “The Triumphal Entry Tempered by Tears” — Luke 19:41-44
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29 A Word from our Interim Pastor . . .
Several years ago I had the opportunity to hear Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, speak in Harrison-­
burg. He suggested that we tend to perpetuate violence by the way we raise our children, including punishing them when they do wrong. When he misbehaved as a child, he was never punished, but rather his parents would do pen-­
ance. They reasoned that the child’s naughty behavior was evidence they had failed as parents. Arun Gandhi told the following story to illustrate this approach.
As a teenager, Arun went with his father to a nearby city located eighteen miles away where his father was attend-­
ing a meeting. Since he did not have anything to do while waiting for his father, he was given chores to do, including taking the car to a garage to be serviced. While waiting for the car, Arun went to double-feature John Wayne movies. He lost track of time. At 5:30 he remembered he was supposed to pick up his father at 5:00. It was nearly 6:00 by the time he had gotten the car and driven across town to where his father was waiting.
His father asked why he was late. Afraid to admit the truth, he lied by saying the mechanic had been late in getting the car done. The problem was the father had phoned the garage and learned the car had been ready for some time. Arun was caught in a lie.
His father decided to walk home, believing he had failed as a father if his son felt the need to lie. Walking would give the father a chance to figure out what he had done wrong in raising his son. Arun slowly followed his father in the car through the sugar cane plantations as he walked in the dark. Arun Gandhi said he never told another lie.
I do not tell this story because I followed this principle in raising my children. They got spanked when I thought they had done wrong. I tell it because it challenges all of us to seek alternatives which break the cycle of violence which we tend to perpetuate. J. D. Glick
THE
VISITOR
February 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Souper Bowl Sunday
(individual size items for
Backpack Ministry)
9:14 am — Youth Choir
2:00 pm — Flag Football at Penn Forest
Elementary
8:00 am — Northern
Area Ministers Mtg.
5:30 p.m. — Evangelism
& Membership
5:30 pm — Handbells
8:00 am — Project
WARM Wood Splitting
5:30 pm — Property
7:00 pm — Choir
12:30 pm — Backpack
Ministry
8:00 am — Project
WARM
9:00 am — Children’‛s
Project at Home Depot
6:30 p.m. — Fellowship
Class Game Night
Youth IYC Retreat
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1st Sunday of Lent
9:14 am — Youth Choir
12:15 pm — Youth Pizza
& Movie
12:30 pm — Peace &
Justice Group
10:00 am — Quilters
5:30 pm — Handbells
8:00 am — Project
WARM Wood Splitting
10:30 am — Joyful
Hearts @ Park Oak
Grove
12:30 pm — Backpack
Ministry
9:14 am — Youth Choir
12:15 pm — Oak Grove
Family Ministries; valentines for shut-ins
6:30 pm — Executive
Committee
7:30 pm — Church Board
10:00 am — Quilters
6:00 pm — Christian
Education
5:30 pm — Handbells
8:00 am — Project
WARM Wood Splitting
7:00 pm — Choir
12:30 pm — Backpack
Ministry
5:30 pm — Mashed
Potato Bar & Game
Night
9:45 am — Staunton
Avenue Food Dist.
12:00 pm — Camp
Bethel Rep. Luncheon
Youth IYC Retreat
Newsletter Deadline
9:14 am — Youth Choir
10:00 am — Quilters
5:30 pm — Handbells
8:00 am — Project
WARM Wood Splitting
7:00 pm — Choir
12:30 pm — Backpack
Ministry
Coming in March:
March 1 — Children’‛s/Camp Bethel Sunday
March 5 — Sow the Seed Banquet at Camp Bethel
March 13-15 — Pilgrimage @ Camp Bethel
March 14 — Youth Yard Sale
March 20-22 — Roundtable for S.H. Youth
March 21 — District Older Adult Event @ Hollins Rd.
March 22-25 — Awakening Services