The Olive Branch

November 2013

Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Richard D. Cline, minister Pat Dressler, secretary Web Address: www.ob-cc.org 757-566-8077 (office) Office Email Address: [email protected]

favorite foods. I like to believe God enjoys watching us

add new faces and ways of doing things to our worship. Our youth brought some new things to our Bon Appetit! service. Misha and Alisa, our friends from the Ukraine, surprised us by being in worship Sunday.

I am by no means a great cook. My mother The Spirit is moving and pushing us in new ways. So was an incredible cook, and nothing I manage to thanks be to God! And let us be open to being put together can come close to her creations. But I surprised! Bon Appetit! do know enough to appreciate the importance of Blessings, Richard seasoning, and that there is a cornucopia of spices, flavorings, and seasonings beyond just salt and pepper that can be used to make the ordinary into the extraordinary. The last Sunday of October some extra seasonings were added to our worship and created a most wonderful day. Our youth took over, and led us to taste and see the Spirit moving and creating a new thing in their lives and ours. The entire 11:00 service was youth led, and everything was done well. I want to thank all the youth that participated: Hunter Gardner, Bryant Walker, Kayla Walker, Ryan Matschke, Kelsey Creech, th Curtis Morse, Lauren Morse, and with special November 28 thanks to Kylie Rutherford for stepping up out of The Church Office will be closed both November 28th & 29th. her comfort zone to bring the morning message. I know the entire congregation of Olive Branch is thankful for our youth’s witness, and thankful for Abby Matschke and the time she spends as youth leader. Also a special shout out goes to Hunter Creech for helping the youth prepare for their Sunday service.

Continuing with our cooking theme, I find it fun to discover new spices and seasonings, some from places in our world that I know little or REMINDER!! Daylight Saving Time ends on nothing about, and combine them with my Sunday, November 3rd. Set your clocks “BACK ONE ordinary dishes to create new ways of enjoying my

HOUR” on Saturday night and be assured of Andy Bradshaw arriving “on time” for Sunday morning worship. Board Chair

The following scriptures will be used during the Sunday worship in November. The underlined passages are the primary passages for Pastor Richard’s The annual congregational meeting will be sermons. held on Sunday, November 10, 2013 in conjunction 3rd: Romans 8:31-39; Psalm 90:1-6, 9-12 with our Thanksgiving Dinner. Two agenda items 10th: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Job 19:23-27a will be election of officers and approval of a 17th: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Isaiah 65:17-25 budget. Now is a good time to reflect on the 24th: Colossians 1:11-20; Jeremiah 23:1-6 importance of each. Unlike our political elections, our ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ congregational leadership hasn’t been selected in competition with one another. They have been nominated by a committee of five of our brothers and sisters who have prayerfully sought God’s leading in their selections. Some leaders have been nominated because of their particular leadership skills, others because they are trusted by the congregation, still others so that they will have the opportunity to grow and mature spiritually. Our vote is an expression of our commitment to follow CONGREGATIONAL MEETING them, trust them and support them. & LUNCHEON Selection to a church office is a double IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING blessing. It is a blessing to the congregation THE 11:00 A.M. WORSHIP because of the extraordinary talent and spiritual th Sunday, November 10 gifts they share with all of us. It is a blessing to the one selected because of the opportunity to serve God’s kingdom and the opportunity for spiritual Come join your church family for a delicious growth. and fun-filled Thanksgiving celebration. Thanks to those who have served so well and to those willing to serve next year. MENU Unlike our government budget, the church budget is not a battle over debt ceilings, deficit Provided: spending, taxes and entitlements. It’s a faith based Turkey, Ham, Dressing/Stuffing, Gravy, budget in which our ministry advocates and Bread, Coffee and Tea stewardship committee have set out the needs and ambitions for next year. Our vote acknowledges Members are requested to bring: our agreement and commits to contribute sufficient vegetable dishes/sides and to meet those plans. desserts to share Please attend the annual meeting so that, along with the good food and fellowship, you can The Congregational Meeting will follow thank and support those who will be leading us in lunch, at which time the budget, church officers, etc. the new year and so that you can express your will be discussed and voted on for 2014. commitment to meeting the 2014 budget. We look forward to seeing you there!

Despite those differences, these schools all share a commitment to the church, emphasize spiritual faith and values, and cherish a commitment to a liberal-arts Update from the education. Program Planning Team Advocates Theological Institutions -

Seven Disciples theological institutions educate ministers for thousands of Disciples congregations as well as for

Hygiene Kits - 107 Hygiene Kits and $120 in cash were other denominations. Located received in support of Church World Services. These in large metropolitan areas, gifts were blessed by Pastor Richard at our 5th Sunday these schools serve as luncheon in September. Thanks to all who prepared theological, spiritual, and intellectual centers. the kits and those who contributed. The kits are sorely . needed by Church World Services in response to . Christian Theological Seminary natural disaster around the world. . Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago . Thanksgiving Offering - Support our students so they Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University . can Come Home to a Disciples of Christ Institution! Disciples Seminary Foundation Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps . Lexington Theological Seminary underwrite the education of students attending our 14 . Phillips Theological Seminary member undergraduate institutions and our 7 seminaries or divinity houses. You are helping ensure Historically Related Undergraduate Institutions - that when students from your congregation go away Three other colleges and universities maintain historic to study they will Come Home to a Disciples institution. relationships with the Christian Church (Disciples of Our Thanksgiving Offering will be received on Christ). These institutions do not receive funding from November 10 and November 17. the denomination. For two centuries, Disciples . Drake University theological institutions, colleges and . Northwest Christian University universities have trained Disciples . leaders to think clearly and rationally and to minister to the Associate Theological Institutions - world around them. While those first instructors and Three additional theological institutions have associate students might not recognize modern campuses, those affiliations with the Christian Church (Disciples of classic values live on in the 21st Century. Christ): . Undergraduate Institutions - Fourteen Disciples Atlanta United Divinity Center undergraduate institutions serve nearly 27,000 . Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico students in a wide variety of settings - from rural . Yale University Divinity School college towns with several hundred students to a . metropolitan setting with almost 9,000 students. Please give generously to this year’s Thanksgiving Offering!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thank You, Carolyn Hunt PPT World Outreach Advocate

“The Necessity of Evangelism”

Psalm 30:11-12 says, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent, O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You Notes from the Wild Side… forever." Kylie Rutherford gave the sermon this year for My mother was raised by sharecroppers Youth Sunday, October 27th. It was truly a blessing to who had survived the Great Depression and knew watch all the youth participate! well the meaning of the word "poor". She lived We raised $410.00 at our car wash, to help our during World War II, Korea, and sent her own son Alzheimer's team. The Kids really had a great time off to Viet Nam. She never had much material gain washing cars. but was the most thankful person I ever knew. We plan to help the Salvation Army with bell When I spoke at her funeral on October 20, I had to ringing, and planning to have game night in the thank so many for all that they had done for my coming months. We meet on the 3rd, and 17th of mother, by the ways they enriched her life. Mama November. would have been very upset had I not. She loved well and was well-loved in return and her church CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK page!! was full at her funeral. Her gratitude was often repetitious; she wanted to make sure she had not Abby Matschke and Courtney Holt forgotten to thank someone for any small act of kindness. Kind of refreshing, wouldn't you say, in ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ our world that often times forgets the simple social grace of "Thank you"? Youth Sunday I want to thank each of you for your kindness to me and my family through your The Worship Committee would like to thank all prayers, cards, and other thoughtful acts of love. of those participating in Youth Sunday. It is wonderful "Thank you." to see these young leaders taking part in their church At this Thanksgiving time of year, let us not in so many different roles. We especially would like to forget to thank our heavenly Father for the thank Kylie Rutherford, Curtis Morse, Kelsey Creech, abundance of His grace and mercy to us. He gave Bryant Walker, Kayla Walker, Ryan Matschke and His very son Jesus as a living sacrifice for our sins Hunter Gardner. You all are such a blessing to Olive that we all might have that Eternal Life that I know Branch. without a doubt, my mom now enjoys. And out of Susan Kohlman PPT Worship Advocate that gratitude, let us share with others what Christ has done, so that they too, can share in the gift of life that is Eternal. Beyond that, let us be obedient to our Lord in sharing from our plenty with those who have little. When we do, we reap the blessing of faithfulness. Oh, let us give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. (Psalm 136:1) I love you, in Jesus’ name. Louise Smith

PPT Evangelism Advocate November 3 Danny & Elna Pitts

November 10 Robert & Irma Gustafson Come and See—Where Jesus Lives November 17 Lewis Williams November 24 Available According to the Gospel of John, the first words attributed to the Disciples are spoken to NOTE: If you wish to donate flowers for the Sanctuary, sign Jesus, and they ask him “Where are you staying?” up by the appropriate week (PLEASE PRINT). You are Scholars say these words can be translated many asked to bring your flowers and place them on the floor in front of the communion table by 8:00 a.m. on your Sunday. ways. Where do you “live”, “abide” “dwell” or “stay”? Their first words are to ask where Jesus lives—or perhaps we could interpret them to say, “Where can I find you if I need you—or lose sight of you? Rather than give directions, Jesus simply invited his Disciples to “Come and see”. As a friend tucks her children into bed each night she asks them “Where did you meet God

today? The children often relate the wonders of creation which tell them of God’s presence; "For when I was hungry, you fed me" sometimes they talk about the kindness of a friend,

a teacher, or even a stranger that lets them know As an expression of our thankfulness, let God is with them. us give. Adults, though, often find it harder to see As an acknowledgment of out many God in daily life, to see where Jesus lives. Perhaps blessings, let us share. we’re too cynical, too hurried and harried, too often As a role model for Christian compassion, reminded of the ugly places in the world to see the let us care. place where God lives. Sometimes we must leave As an expectation of God's grace, let us not judge. our regular lives behind in order to go and find As brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, God anew. Sometimes we have to be called again, remind us we ARE our brother's keeper. like the first Disciples, to “Come and see”. Last fall many of us became aware that God was doing miraculous things in a little hospital in a B E A N S small and remote village in India. Dr. Anil Henry,

Beans provide a protein and antioxidant our global mission partner, told us about the many packed punch. Pick up a couple extra cans for the times and ways the “good news” had been found food bank this month! Cash donations are also there. Hearts longing to see Jesus, to know again where he abides, heard Dr. Henry say to us, “Don’t always accepted simply mark your donation "Food send money; send people. Come and see”. Sharing Program". “Where are you staying, Lord?” we ask as disciples. “Come and see” he answers yet again. Are YOU A Poet ? “Come and See” has now become the theme for many American Disciples who have become part of We are looking for some food pantry People-to-People Pilgrimages to visit the Christian poetry. A simple limerick or elegant prose…all are Hospital Mungeli, its School of Nursing and the welcome. Drop them in the food pantry collection Rambo Memorial School. You’re invited to join basket with your canned goods and we will share our journey, to become a pilgrim. If you’re unable your literary works on the Sunday School bulletin to travel with us, we request your prayers. Perhaps board, in the church newsletter, and with the St. you might remember this old gospel song and pray Olaf food pantry staff. it with us: Thank you for your support of the food Open our eyes, Lord sharing program. We want to see Jesus, Devon and Beth Nease To reach out and touch him To tell him I love him. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Open our ears, Lord And help us to listen,

Open my eyes, Lord, Elaine Henk continued her study on the I want to see Jesus. Beatitudes. November will completer this study, but she has another study planned. If you want to be a part of a pilgrimage to We missed the ladies who were unable to India, please contact Landa Simmons at attend, and are looking forward to seeing you and [email protected]. The next pilgrimage any other ladies at our next meeting, Tuesday, will leave the states on or about January 27. November 12th, 11:45 a.m., at Interlude. Donna Haulsee Landa Simmons Tuesday Morning Circle Leader An Afternoon for Alzheimer’s Sunday, November 17th

Bar-B-Que BINGO & Luncheon!

1 Curt Griffin 2 Jerry Ainsworth Andy Bradshaw Sandy Wanner 4 Murray Moyce 6 Hunter Creech Do you LOVE to play bingo? Do you LOVE to Cheryl Johnson eat? Then come on down to the New Fellowship Hall 8 Irma Gustafson after the 11 o’clock worship service on Sunday, November 17th, and join with your Olive Branch family for a Bar-B- 9 Danny Pitts Que Luncheon, followed by BINGO…two really fun 10 Helen Bradshaw events in one afternoon! This is a “fund-raiser” for the Bob Gustafson Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Elaine Henk Suggested “donation” is $7.00 for adults/$4.00 for 13 Sean Gormus children. Menu: Bar-B-Que, coleslaw, chips and drinks. 15 Abby Matschke We’re asking our OBCC church family to assist by 18 Becky Allred requesting donations of new items and gift certificates 22 Caitlin Rutherford from merchants in the area to be used for BINGO prizes. 25 Patricia Allred It is guaranteed to be a blast! If you are willing to help Doug Dill contact local businesses, please give me a call or see me at 27 Daniel Abid church. 28 Jennifer Pullen Debbie Wilkins (804) 815-2629 29 Chris Powell

NOTE: If your birthday is not listed, and you would like it included, please contact the church office.

Deaconess Schedule for December

1 Connie Cason 8 Linda Hutton Christian Women’s Fellowship News 15 Phyllis Gardner 22 Carole Kerr Tuesday Circle… The Tuesday Circle met October 24 Carole Kerr 8th, at Interlude, with 6 ladies and two honorary 29 Edie Larkin members attending. What a feast…chicken, potato salad. Deviled eggs, yams, beans, slaw, and much more.

of Thanksgiving. In the beauty of autumn, let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours. Think of our families and friend. Share a meal with someone who is hungry. Call someone who is alone. Call someone who is ill.

Pray for our troops and their families And do give thanks to God from our hearts.

The Adult Choir meets Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for rehearsal. Come join us in lifting our voices to the Lord! We welcome one and all. Emilio Pesante Adult Choir Director

Veteran’s Day

Monday November 11th

Bell Choir rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. If ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ you are interested in learning to play the “bells”, please come and enjoy this special way to add praise to our worship services. Bob Schmidt Handbell Choir Director

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude to God, whose love is with us forever. Thanksgiving is a time of changing seasons, when apples are crisp and leaves turn golden in the chill breezes of fall.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on changes, Remembering that we too have grown and changed from one season of life to another.

Let us remember the true meaning

Rutherford’s morning sermon as a testimonial to the way God often answers prayer in ways we may not fathom.

Christ is not dead at Olive Branch!

Following are some selected photos taken before and during this service.

Worship Through the Glass

Gustafson

Youth Sunday Children’s Moment October 27, 2013

Olive Branch got a taste of tomorrow’s church on October 27, when our younger segments of the congregation assumed key roles in Sunday worship in celebration of Youth Sunday throughout Disciples of Christ. The youngest of our family surprised all by their poise and clever props that were designed and constructed by teachers, Emily Friend and Tracey Hutton. Under direction of Hunter Creech, the seniors were in charge of the balance of the program. Those seniors participating were Kelsey Creech, Ryan Matschke, Hunter Gardner, Kayla Walker, Curtis Morse, Kylie Rutherford and Bryant Walker. Curtis Morse treated the listeners to a public debut of his original piano composition, “Angel at Bethesda,” and Ryan kept the younger congregants in Gustafson rapt attention during her children’s sermon. Kylie

November 10 Denise Cooper, Barbara Schmidt Abby Matschke, Arnold Cooper Primary & Intermediate Sunday School Classes Rehearse November 17 Skip Jensen, Tracey Creech

Lucy Hall, Dale Teagle

November 24 Maralyn Carr, Harold McKeel Don Morse, Mike Ayers

Acolytes

November 3 8:30/11:00 Kelsey Creech, Kayla Walker

November 10 8:30/11:00 Zachary Cooper, Sarah Allred

November 17 8:30/11:00 Haley Creech, Emily Lang

November 24 8:30/11:00 Lauren Ries, Lauren Morse Gustafson

L to R: Skylar Jensen, Riley Jones, Reagan Jones, Mason Deaconess Jensen, Nora Lang, Benjamin Lang, Andrew Rutherford & Conner Martin Connie Cason

Kid’s Club

November 3 Tracey Hutton November 10 Tracie Heslink November 17 Edie Larkin November 24 “need someone”

SERVING IN NOVEMBER HOMEBOUND Tommy Hoar, Audrey White Elders Church Family: Pat Allred, Jimmy Allred & family, November 3 Sheila Yeatts, Doug Dill Jeanne Bell, Judy Biggs, Duie Brantley, Caleb Brickhouse, November 10 Bob Schmidt Lucy Hall, Lena Jeffries, Murray & Paulette Moyce, Patty November 17 Hunter Creech, Fred Rothermel Neary, Donna Perger, Charles Pruitt, Helen Pruitt, November 24 Marney Brickhouse, Ralph Hutton Norma Stockton, Roy Sullivan, Richard Thiel, and Russell & Sarah Waid.

Deacons Family and Friends: The women and men of our Armed Forces, John Adams (Cheryl Johnson’s nephew), November 3 Val Mason, Emily Friend Catherine Baker (Russell Waid’s sister), Andrew Danny Pitts, Elna Pitts Balmaceda (friend of Andrew Pfister), Johnnie Baum

(Louise Smith’s brother-in-law), Cathy Blackwell (friend (pastor at Christy Jensen’s home church), Judith Roberts of Dawn Gormus), Deb Brookover (Linda Garrett’s (Jeanne Bell’s aunt), Pam, Mark & Brooks Saunders cousin), Vicki Bruce, Patricia Caviston (friend of Gene & (daughter, son-in-law & grandson of the Thacker’s), Cheryl Johnson), Christian (co-worker of Cleve Roberta Scheels (Gene Johnson’s sister), Kathleen Wright); Jim D’Amelio & family (co-worker of Cleve Schumann (Jeanne Bell's mother), Louise Simmons Wright), Connie Deeds (friend of Cleve Wright), Carlton (Landa Simmons’ mother-in-law), Charlie Sturtz and his Edwards (Vickie Anderson’s brother), Elwood Edwards wife Jeanie, June Thorpe (Pam Williams sister), and (friend of Chuck Walker), Evala Gordineer (Norm & Cecelia Ruskey’s nephew and his family: Stewart Lucy Hall’s daughter), Katie Graves (Nola Grave’s (Tommy), Rachael, and their two kids: Micah and daughter), Mike Guthrie, Dan Hardy (friend of Barb Madelyn, doing mission work in Yanji, China. Schmidt), Alex Hindman, Cheryl Hodson (Keeta Hodson’s daughter-in-law), Kathy Kirby and son, (Underlined, bold print indicates Malakai Tyler, Tim & Priscilla McKennie (friends of a new person on the Prayer List.) Gertie Duke), William “Tommy” McMichael, Dot Minchew, Suzane Mohita (Tammy Rutherford’s mother), Nathan (friend of Beth Nease), Todd Pierce (friend of NOTE: To add or remove a person’s name from the Prayer Naomi Marrow), Danette Poole (friend of Pat Dressler), List, please contact the church office: 757-566-8077. Eddie Ratcliffe (Karen Daniels’ father), Rev. Gina Rhea

Live Nativity Planning for 2013

Yes, this is a picture from “last year's” outdoor live nativity. And while it is a good picture, it cannot begin to capture the warmth and Christmas spirit that flowed over our gathering last Christmas Eve. Close to 200 people stopped, walked, listened, and enjoyed our church's Christmas gift to the community.

There are ways everyone can be involved, as builders, actors, servers, food preparers, greeters, and readers. The Nativity will be constructed on Saturday, November 30th, with one performance on Christmas Eve from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Speaking for all of those who participated last year, just being a part of this event brought a special blessing to our Christmas experience. I hope you will be a part of this year's community gift.

Pastor Richard

“WE WON’T FORGET!”

Photo by Gustafson

The Olive Branch Pictured are members of our Olive Branch team who participated in the Williamsburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 26, 2013. From left to right: Robert Gustafson, Petra Hall, Harold Barker, Irma Gustafson (kneeling), Val Mason, Norman Larkin, Debbie Wilkins (team captain), Louise Smith, Tracie Heslink, Missy Harbour, Linda Heslink and Abby Matschke. Also present but not pictured was our own Christy Jensen, Chairman of the 2013 Williamsburg Alzheimer’s Walk. Note: Contributions may still be made toward our team’s goal of $2,250 before the deadline of November 30, 2013. Simply hand your donation(s) to any team member or place the same in the offering plate prior to November 30. Be sure to indicate on the envelope that it is for Alzheimer’s.

Make checks payable to Alzheimer’s Association.

OBCC Proposed 2014 Budget

The Stewardship and Finance Committee has received approval from the OBCC Board to present the proposed 2014 budget to the congregation at the upcoming congregational meeting on Sunday, November 10th. Below is a summary of the proposed budget for 2014 as compared to the budget for 2013. Detailed printouts of the proposal for congregational consideration will be available in the Narthex beginning Sunday, 3 November. Questions concerning the 2014 budget proposal can be directed to the OBCC Stewardship and Finance Committee Chair (Skip Jensen).

2013 2014 ITEM Approved Proposed Change Budget Budget from 2013 Expenditures $ 259,840.00 $ 258,903.16 $ (936.84) A Administration $ 23,300.00 $ 21,800.00 $ (1,500.00) B Personnel $ 149,440.00 $ 158,078.16 $ 8,638.16 C Christian Education $ 5,150.00 $ 5,150.00 $ - D Evangelism $ 950.00 $ 950.00 $ - E Membership $ 6,400.00 $ 7,250.00 $ 850.00 F Property $ 42,300.00 $ 32,700.00 $ (9,600.00) G Stewardship and Finance $ 100.00 $ 75.00 $ (25.00) H World Outreach $ 24,000.00 $ 25,900.00 $ 1,900.00 I Worship $ 4,100.00 $ 2,900.00 $ (1,200.00) J Youth and Recreation $ 4,100.00 $ 4,100.00 $ - Income $ 259,840.00 $ 258,903.16 $ (936.84) K1 Congregational Giving $ 253,140.00 $ 252,203.16 $ (936.84) Per Month $ 21,095.00 $ 21,016.93 $ (78.07) Per Week $ 4,868.08 $ 4,850.06 $ (18.02) K2 Parsonage Investment $ 6,700.00 $ 6,700.00 $ - K3 Building Use $ - $ - $ - K4 Interest-Checking $ - $ - $ -

K5 Other Giving $ - $ - $ -

Children’s Story

Giving Thanks

Scripture: Give thanks to the Lord for his love and his wonderful gifts for us. (Psalm 107:8)

Do you know what the picture is above? It is called a cornucopia. It is also called a horn of plenty. Long ago the cornucopia was made from a curved goat’s horn that was hollowed out and filled with fruit and grains. Today, the cornucopia is usually made from a basket. It is often used as a decoration for Thanksgiving because it is a symbol of all the good things that we have to enjoy. We have a lot to be thankful for. What are some of the things for which you are thankful? This month we celebrate “Thanksgiving”. Let us be sure to remember who it is that gives us all the good things that we have. The Bible tells us that every good gift comes from God. It also says to “give thanks to the Lord for his love and for his wonderful deed”. So, let’s be sure that we thank him for his love and his goodness to us. Write 5 Things You Are Thankful For.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we thank you for all of the good gifts you give to us. Most of all, we thank you for your love and for the gift of your son, Jesus. AMEN.

THANKSGIVING

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