The Olive Branch

1

DECEMBER 2018

OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

Richard D. Cline, minister Web Address: www.ob-cc.org

Susan C. Fournier, secretary Office Email Address: obcc1833@gmail.com 757-566-8077 (Church Office) Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 1:30PM

NO DRY BIRD, PLEASE!

Thanksgiving 2018 has come and gone, and now our thoughts and energies are on Christmas and all that it entails. These two special days, so close to each other, are wonderful opportunities to be together with family. Family gatherings often carry mixed blessings. There is always the danger of hurt feelings or resentment. Being with family members have a way of dredging up past wrongs, hurtful mistakes, or missed opportunities. Instead of a day of joy, it resembles an uncomfortable meal with a turkey cooked way too long – dry and tough to swallow.

Yet both Thanksgiving and Christmas present exciting opportunities to use two of the most life changing energies we have: thanksgiving and forgiveness. These two forces can transform our perspective, our attitude, and our lives. I know their power. Forgiveness has allowed me to recover and sustain joy in my life. Forgiveness has allowed me to know the power of love, God’s love for me. Thanksgiving puts into the proper perspective all that God has given to me, blessings that I did not deserve.

When I give thanks, I am reminded how utterly dependent I am on God. When I am forgiven, and when I forgive, I understand how it releases a debt that burdens the soul. Of the two, forgiveness has the most power, for it reminds me that I am not God and it releases me from the trap of bitterness.

Hopefully this past Thanksgiving was an opportunity to give thanks to God for the blessings we so easily take for granted. Hopefully you gave thanks for the people in your life that fill your life with joy. Perhaps you finally forgave someone, family or

otherwise, for a wrong you have been carrying for way too long. If not, there is still time; Christmas is a time for miracles. God sent us one, in the form of an infant child, long ago.

Blessings, Pastor Richard

1 SERVICE AT 11 AM IN SANCTUARY ON:

December 23 to hear the Christmas Cantata presented by our choir. There will be a meal following the service.

CWF NEWS

CWF ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER is set for Monday, December 3rd. All are welcome to join in food and fellowship at 6:30 PM in the New Fellowship Hall. Please bring a dish to share.

CWF YARD SALE REPORT Goodies of all kinds and wonderful Christmas and vintage items went out the door on November 17th, leaving CWF with a funding infusion for projects. Thanks to all who gave, bought and helped pull off this successful day.

CWF TUESDAY MORNING CIRCLE Tuesday Circle met at Interlude on November 13.

The Tuesday Morning Circle was begun with sixteen enjoying a great cover dish lunch, including a birthday cake for Elaine’s birthday. We sang to her and to Cheryl Johnson whose birthday was in

October, and to Nancy Griffith, who was unable to attend.

Please remember Nancy and her sister, who resides in Tappahannock. Nancy is spending a lot of time with her.

A short report on upcoming events was made by Donna. Elaine is starting a new lesson on the twelve disciples. She will begin from a book by William S. McBride, PHD, with a journey to locate anyone purported to involve any of the twelve. Elaine will have a study each month with one disciple for the next twelve months. Come join us! It will be so interesting!

Our next meeting will be December 11th at Interlude. Come join us! You will enjoy the food, spending time with your Olive Branch family.

See you there, ~Donna Haulsee

MONDAY CWF WILL NEXT MEET IN 2019

The new study will be Breaking Free from Fear. If you have not already ordered a book, please email Carole Kerr (mrskerr@verizon.net), so she can order one for you.

The group will take a break during November and December. In January, the group will begin a new year of study at its afternoon time (3 PM). Evening meetings will resume in April, 2019.

~Carole Kerr

YOUTH GROUP

We meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 PM (except, of course on holiday Tuesdays). All 5th-12th grade folks are welcome to join our discussions. Please invite the youth in your life to come!

~Kelsey Creech, Youth Outreach Ministries

AFTERNOON DELIGHT-CHANGES The next meeting-a holiday party-will be at 12:30 PM on Thursday, December 6th at the Larkin home. Come to enjoy!

The January, 2019, meeting (set for the 1st) will be on January 8th instead at 2 PM. ~Dick & Betty Barber

SERVING THIS MONTH

Elders

December 02 Landa Simmons, TBD

December 09 Missy Harbour, Norm Harbour

December 16 Kim Riffle, Jim Thacker

December 23 Joshua Fulgham, Elaine Henk

December 30 Fred Rothermel, Robbie Robertson

Deacons

December 02 Janet Neal, Janet Dombrowski Donna Haulsee, Phyllis Taylor

December 09 Val Mason, Sheila Yeatts Andrew Pfister, Keeta Hodson

December 16 Lisa Day, Tracey Hutton Tracy Creech, Phillip Day

December 23 Linda Williams, Boyce Mason Danny Pitts, Elna Pitts

December 30 Cindy Robertson, Lewis Williams Stacey Mullins, Elna Pitts

Deaconess

Karen Barrow

Worship and Wonder (Ages 3-8)

December 02 Linda Williams, Ann Bradshaw

December 09 Linda Williams, Carolyn Hunt

December 16 Missy Harbour, Patty Barker

December 23 Landa Simmons, Patty Barker

December 30 Landa Simmons, TBD

December 02 OPEN

December 09 OPEN

December 16 Judy Eley

December 23 OPEN

December 30 OPEN

Church Family: Pat Allred, Michael Ayers, Betty Barber, Judy Biggs Family, Charles & Betty Boy, Marlies Brantley, Connie Cason, Jeryl Dieleman, Emily Dill, Jessica Fulgham, Josh Fulgham, Bob Graver, Nancy Griffith, Lucy Hall, Norm Harbour, Keeta Hodson, Dick Ivy, Lena Jeffries, Norm & Edie Larkin, Bob & Jeanne Lawrence, Mary Lee Leary Family, Diana & David Love, David Marrow, Ryan Matschke, Dallas Mitchell, Joann Mitchell, Robin Moscati, Charlie Pruitt, Robbie Robertson, Fred Rothermel, Kay Stefancic, Roy & Ellen Sullivan, Richard & Barbara Thiel, Jerry VanCleave, Ted & Vivian VanHolten, Sarah Waid, Betty Weisman Family, Brenda, Shannon (Starmer), & Sheila White, Dennis Williams

Family and Friends: Professional and volunteer women and men who protect and defend us, our nation, Jason Arthur (Lorraine Beasley's son), Betty & Clyde Avery, Susan Bookless Family (Carole Kerr’s friend), Chris Burrows (friend of Pergers), Mae Callahan (Paula Thacker’s Aunt), Julia Cox (Sarah Waid’s sister), Pat Dressler, Cheyne Elliott Family (Sandy Wanner’s & Judy Jones-Wanner’s grandson), Charles Friend Family (Emily Friend’s brother), John Flowers (Susan Rinehart’s cousin), Adam Griffith (Nancy Griffith’s grandson), Anita Hadad (Harold & Patty Barker’s friend), Col. Delton Hill, USAF (Ret) & Betty Hill Family (Irma Gustafson’s cousins), David Hunt (Jim Hunt’s brother), Ann Kendrick James Family (Cheryl Johnson’s niece), Tish & Finn Jensen (Skip Jensen’s parents), Barbara Kendrick (Cheryl Johnson’s sister), Lynn Kerr (Bruce Kerr’s brother), Nancy Kirk Family (relatives of Gene & Cheryl Johnson), Lee Mershon Family (Kay Ainsworth’s brother), Vince Mason (Judy Eley’s brother), Ken McCrickard Family (Thackers’ friend), Val Muroff (friend/Aunt of Landa & Cris Simmons), Kelly Phillips Family (extended family of Ann & Andy Bradshaw), Marolyn Pierce (Carolyn Hunt’s sister), Paul Pittman (friend of Carol & David Pitts), Sharon Richardson (friend of Carol & David Pitts), Lilly Stratton (Michelle Wright’s friend’s mother), Pete Thacker (Jim Thacker’s brother), Arnold VanDyke, Harriett Wright (Cleve Wright’s mom), Paulo (Susan Rinehart’s friend)

THE OBCC FAMILY EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO 2 CHERISHED FRIENDS:

Betty Weisman passed on Monday, November 5, after a battle with cancer. Her funeral was on Saturday, November 24 here at OBCC.

Susan Bookless, friend of Carole Kerr and Susan Fournier, passed on Monday, November 5, also after a battle with cancer. Her funeral was Saturday, November 10th.

Please keep both of these families in your prayers.

NOTE OF SYMPATHY AND LOVE: Sympathies are extended to the Judy Biggs Family. Judy passed away on Sunday, November 18. Her OBCC funeral is set for 11 AM on December 1st.

14 Hunter Creech III & Tracy Creech 23 Larry & Louise Smith 27 Katie & Christopher Lambert

4 Donna Garrett 4 Dana Rothermel 6 Kay Ainsworth 8 Taylor Cline 8 Skylar Jensen 8 Fred Rothermel 12 Robert Hutton 13 Tracy Creech 16 Karen Marrow 16 Cleve Wright 17 Dawn Gormus 20 Todd (father) Meadows 20 Ellen Sullivan 20 Ronnie Yeatts 22 Bryant Walker 23 Patrick Gormus 23 Jim Henry Thacker 24 Keeta Hodson

FOOD SHARING PROGRAM UPDATE

As we move into winter and the Christmas Season, it is appropriate to review and reflect on the statistics of our Food Sharing Program. Year to date we have donated 4,291 individual items of non- perishable subsistence, as well as $2,620, to the St. Olaf Catholic Church Food Pantry for distribution in our local community. Our target for 2018 was 4,200 items, and, thanks to your generous and steadfast support, we have exceeded that goal. Yet, even as we exceeded our goal, it’s getting colder outside, higher heating bills are beginning to arrive, and the numbers of those in need are also increasing. As an important church partner in the St. Olaf food ministry, I suggest that we RALLY with cash and canned goods as a demonstration of the love we all share in Christ Jesus. We are so blessed. Let each of us translate a portion of what we have into an outpouring for those less fortunate in our community. Bring your non-perishable food stuffs and monetary gifts to church and drop them off in the basket in front of the church office. Will Hatcher and I will ensure it gets to the St. Olaf Food Pantry. On behalf of the local recipients of your giving, thank you very much. Thanks to Will for providing delivery and coordination with St. Olaf.

~Steve Perger

OUR DAY OUT

November found us remembering our Veterans with grateful hearts and recounting the abundance of our personal blessings from the hand of God. We are truly blessed in our country and in our faith.

We had much to celebrate with a new guest in Alva Clary, Emily Dill's beautiful mother who is now living in the area. And there was the surprise return guest, Angie Key, who enjoys our fellowship so much that mom Gail has committed to bringing her all the way from their new home in Colonial Heights once a month to join in our fun. A special bonus was the presence of our wonderful buddy, Keeta Hodson, who has been absent from us since our June meeting, having broken many bones in a July 4th tumble. She is still bandaged in places but her spirit of joy and servitude gave special emphasis to the words "Things I am thankful for...".

We shared in a delectable Thanksgiving feast as Chef Sheila and her staff, Marney, Edie, and Jane served platters of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, collards, green beans, cranberry-apple Jello salad, rolls, and a variety of pies. It doesn't get any better

than that. An additional "Things I am thankful for..."

I would be remiss not to thank God for my right-hand-man and Bingo caller Larry, musician Irma, craft provider Jane, reminder phone caller Val, ride provider Harold, and all our other buddies: Barb, Donna, Keeta, Susan, Ken, Paula, Jim, Dale, Christy, Carole, and Maralyn. Our wonderful guest list is comprised of Norm, Lucy, Bob, Jeanne, Tyler, Michael, Bruce, Jeanne, Angie, Mac, Pat, Alva, Betty and Norm. Thanks, also, for Susan Fournier's staff support.

My cup of joy and blessings is truly running over with this group that I love being a part of. I am so very grateful for Our Day Out. If you would like to drink from this cup Faith, Food, Fellowship, and Fun, I would certainly welcome some new volunteer buddies. We need you, and, I suspect, once you came, you would soon find that you need us as well.

Love in Jesus’ name, Louise Smith, Co-Coordinator

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

UPCOMING OBCC EVENTS: (Save these dates &

watch for details in newsletters and bulletins)

12/9 & 23 Dominion Village Sundays 11/4,11,18 Youth Group Meets

12/01 10:00 AM Book Club 12/03 6:30 PM CWF Christmas Dinner 12/04 8:00 AM Rocky Hock Trip 12/06 2:00 PM Small Group Party 12/08 10:00 AM Comfort Ministry 12/09 11:00 AM Woodside HS visit & meal 12/10 6:30 PM Elders’ Meeting NOTE DATE CHANGE

12/11 11:45 AM CWF Tues Morning Circle 12/12 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Our Day Out 12/14 7:00 PM Backstage Performance & Food 12/16 11:00 AM Bells of Glory 12/20 5:00 PM Burnt Ordinary Meal 12/23 11:00 AM ONE CHURCH SERVICE ONLY 12/24 OFFICE CLOSED 12/24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service 12/25 OFFICE CLOSED 12/27 11:00 AM Naomi’s Lunch Bunch 12/31 OFFICE CLOSED 01/01/19 OFFICE CLOSED

Monday & Tuesday, December 24 & 25 Monday & Tuesday, December 31 & January 1

COMFORT MINISTRY SUPPORT GROUP The breakfast will be held on the SECOND SATURDAY of the month (December 8) at JIMMY'S GRILL in Norge. We will still meet at 10:00 AM. When Five Brothers reopens at its new location, we will meet there (the old Friendly's Restaurant-Richmond Road close to High Street). If you are on a grief journey, please join us. We have a good meal and laugh a lot. Call Judy Eley at 757-566-0927, if you would like to attend.

OBCC TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY: wants volunteers to provide rides to some of our members who are unable to drive themselves to worship services, nearby appointments, and/or Bible Study sessions at church. Please consider serving as a volunteer driver! Contact Robbie Robertson to volunteer (757-707-3944; rrcrmia@icloud.com).

Need a ride? Please contact Robbie Robertson.

If you can help to develop van policy/procedures, please let Pastor Richard know.

HYGIENE KITS PROJECT COMING IN JANUARY….WITH LOVE Here is what you will need. Please have your kit at OBCC by Monday, January 28, 2019.

*One hand towel about 15”x 28” to 16”x 32” (no fingertip, bath, dish, micro-fiber) *One washcloth

*One wide-tooth comb-remove from package

*One finger/toe nail clipper-remove from package

*One bath-size bar of soap-in the wrapper/box

*One toothbrush-in the package

*Ten standard size Band-aids

►Put items into a 1-gallon zipper-close plastic bag ►Squeeze out excess air from the bag & seal it ►Donate $2/kit in a separate envelope for shipping

**PLEASE do not add** extra items OR toothpaste

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Sunday, 11/20 Angel Tree Wishes on tree

Monday, 12/03 6:30 PM CWF Christmas Dinner (NFH)

Sunday, 12/09 Christmas Giving 11:00 AM Performance (Woodside HS) Potluck Meal after 11 AM Service

Tuesday, 12/11 Angel Tree Gifts Deadline

Wednesday, 12/12 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Our Day Out (NFH)

Friday, 12/14 7:00 PM Backstage Performance (NFH) Christmas Carol

Sunday, 12/16 Christmas Giving 11:00 AM only Hand bells

Sunday, 12/23 ONE SERVICE ONLY 11:00 AM Christmas Cantata

Monday, 12/24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service

Mon & Tue, 12/24 & 25 OFFICE CLOSED

Sunday, 12/30 Regular Sunday services

Mon & Tue, 12/31 & 1/1 OFFICE CLOSED

ELDERS MEETING DATE NOTE: The meeting date is different for December, 2018. The group will meet Monday, December 10 at 6:30 PM in the New Fellowship Hall.

OUR CHURCH VAN IS IN USE!! There are still some details to take care of. We need some volunteers to make that happen. If you are interested in being a part of our van ministry, please let Pastor Richard or the church office know. Ways to be of help: develop ride & driver policies, van maintenance (monitor and execute), coordinate scheduling, driver (clean driver record required).

WORLD OUTREACH NEWS:

THANKSGIVING OFFERING REPORT: A total of $1,595 has been collected as of this printing.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOXES: Nearly 100 boxes were dropped off for shipping. Thank you!!!

CHRISTMAS OFFERING SET FOR DECEMBER 9 & 16

This offering---one of five annual special giving Sundays---provides a wide range of services in our region. Camps, conferences and retreats provide an setting of hope and renewal. Revitalized and new congregations as well as hard-working pastors and leaders are supported. New ministers are called, commissioned, and ordained. Pastoral care for pastors and congregations provides essential support in times of crisis. This offering also makes ministries of reconciliation and anti-racism come alive. These funds also help to connect congregations to give witness to ministries of justice, hope, and compassion.

Your generosity makes the difference in our shared ministries. Become a light of revelation and hope.

Please be sure to mark your gift clearly as Christmas Offering.

BACKSTAGE SHOW COMING ON DECEMBER 14: The Backstage Production troupe will share Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with the OBCC family at 7 PM on December 14 in the New Fellowship Hall. It’s their way of saying thank you for all that the OBCC does for them. Plan to join them for a brief performance and refreshments. Finger food refreshment contributions are needed.

THE ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS meets upstairs in the Education Building & will begin a new study. Discussion is lively. Refreshments are served. All are welcome. It is NOT too late to join in!!

WALK WITH OBCC

Thank you for supporting the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Despite the weather, a good time was had by all teams. OBCC donated $4,471.00, good for 6th place of all 72 teams. We are small, but we are mighty generous!!

You know that our support to Alzheimer’s isn’t about participating in the walk, getting a purple shirt, or a wrist band. It’s about our generous contribution working to advance care, support, and research for finding a cure for this dreaded disease.

I am very proud and grateful for the 15 team members who came out in the rain to support the walk on October 27th in New Town, Williamsburg.

As we bring an end to our focus on Alzheimer’s 2018, please remember that Alzheimer’s does not take a break. It continues to move about seeking who it may devour next. So, let us remember that Together, We Can End Alzheimer’s.

I appreciate your support and encouragement in making this a successful campaign.

~Phyllis Taylor, Disciples Walkers Coordinator

Rain did not deter these folks from walking!!

ROAD TRIP REPORT: It was fun and food at the Virginia Diner on November 6th!

STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE NEWS This committee presented the budget at the recent congregational meeting. It was approved. Your giving in 2019 brings OBCC programs to life!

NOTE: At the Annual Congregational Meeting on November 11, I provided estimates for 2018 Income and Carryover which were incorrect. I estimated income at $335,396 and carryover at $59,295. The corrected estimates are: Income-$300,205, Carryover-$24,104. In June, 2018 a CD matured and was transferred to General Fund Income which inflated the number I used in making the estimate. Our income will still exceed our expenses but by a smaller amount than I projected. I apologize for the error but wanted to set the record straight. The matured CD amount is in our General Fund and available when needed. Thanks to a faithful, giving congregation, OBCC continues to be in excellent financial condition. Please let me know if you have questions.

~Jim Hunt

THE CAMPBELL invites you to join them each Sunday morning at 9:45 upstairs behind the sanctuary. After gathering time, the class watches a short video and has discussion. Currently it is studying the history of Christianity, utilizing a lecture series by Dr. Bart Ehrman, Chair of the Religious Studies Department at UNC Chapel Hill. Upcoming lectures will include the most-timely discussion of The Beginning of Jewish Christian Relations, The Anti-Jewish Use of the Old Testament, The Rise of Christian Anti-Judaism. After the shootings at the Synagogue, many of us want to know more about origins of this hatred for the Hebrew people. Please join us; let’s explore together.

UPDATED OBCC DIRECTORY TO BE PRINTED IN JANUARY, 2019:

If you have revisions to information for the 2019 edition, please let the office know by January 20.

Directories will list the names of member & friends for whom we have address, phone, and/or e-mail. It will include an updated list of leaders and committee members, as well as a variety of community resource contact information.

The directory should be available in late January for pick up at the church.

WORSHIP AND WONDER TRAINING: will be conducted in early January, 2019, for new volunteers and will serve as a refresher for current volunteers. If you would be interested in learning more about this wonderful children’s ministry, please contact any of the current storytellers and greeters: Missy Harbour, Kim Riffle, Linda Williams, Landa Simmons, Jim and Paula Thacker, Patty Barker, or Ann Bradshaw. They can help you schedule a time to visit and observe. More details are coming!

CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM THE DILLS: Once again, as in years before, we have purchased Gideon Bibles in honor of our church family and friends. We do this in lieu of Christmas cards, in the hope that these Bibles will make a difference in someone’s life. Whenever you see one in a hotel room, a hospital waiting room, or the many other places they are, know that this Bible was bought for you. Thank you for your continued friendship and prayers. Peace, Doug & Emily Dill

CLAY HARRISON MEMOIR IN PRINT Wings of Faith is now available from Clay Harrison or from the publisher www.lulu.com for $15.00.

The 282-page book is filled with 100 poems, family photos, and orginal art from VIPs. There are stories about how we encounter angels in our lives and how we entertain angels unawares during difficult moments in our lives.

NEW PRAYER GROUP: Prayer is one of the most important actions that a child of God can do. Prayer is our one on one talk with our Lord, and it is a necessity, not an option or recommendation, or something to put until the last minute in our day to day lives. I have seen prayers answered, as well as every one of us. Prayer is real; and it is through continual, from-the-heart prayers that God not only hears us, but answers us. It is with great joy that I invite everyone to join the Thursday evening prayer group. The group will start on December 6, at 6:30 pm. We will start with a small study, and then lift the needs of our families, friends, strangers & others in need.

~With the love of Christ, Joshua Fulgham

MEMORIAL TRUST REPORT, SEPTEMBE 2018: The Olive Branch Memorial Trust Fund, as of September 1, 2018, has a market value of $69,748.54. It is invested in the Christian Church Foundation Joint Investment Trust (market value on 9/1/18=$3 67,388.26) and in a Chesapeake Bank checking account (balance=$2,360.28). The specified purpoase of the Fund (set up in 1983 by Mrs. Ethelyn McSherry) is to perpetually support the work of Olive Branch Chriatian Church and to support programs which alleviate hunger and malnutrition throughout the world. The investment income payout in 2018 will be $2,500, distributed as follows: OBCC-Our Day Out: $1,000 St. Olaf Food Pantry: $ 400 Salvation Army: $ 300 St. Andrews Society: $ 150 Meals on Wheels: $ 150 Week of Compassion: $ 500 Christy Jensen submitted her resignation as Trustee for the Olive Branch Memorial Turst Fund, effective December 31l 2018. Lorraine Beasley will become a Trustee on January 1, 2019. Her appointment was approved by the OBCC Baord on November 5, 2018.

~Kay Ainsworth, Trustee

OUR DAY OUT HEADS-UP FOR JANUARY: Douglas Panto of the Alzheimer Association Williamsburg Branch Office (of the Southern Virginia Chapter) will present a program on Wandering and Safe Responses at the January 9th session of Our Day Out. He will speak from 10:30-11:20.

Please invite anyone you know who could benefit from this very important information. Education is just one of the important facets of ODO. It aims to help caregivers with the challenges they face daily. ~Louise Smith

GIRL SCOUTS BACK AT OBCC: Welcome! Daisy Troop #1385 (K-1) will meet every other Thursday from 5:30-7PM in the Southeast Sunday School Room in the Education Building. They will first appear on December 20th and depart after their June 20, 2019 meeting. They are very happy to have found a home!

The Olive Branch © published by

Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

7643 Richmond Road Williamsburg, VA 23188-7024

(757) 566-8077

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PAID Norge, VA

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