From the Pastor What stands out in Mark’s story of Jesus calling his disciples is the quickness of all the action. “Immediately Jesus called them. Immediately they left their nets and followed him,” Mark tells us. We can try to explain “immediately” all we want -- they saw something in Jesus, they had heard about him, they were tired of fishing. But what if we simply take our homiletical cue from Mark -- something about an epiphany dic-tates “immediately.”

We use the word “epiphany” to speak of sudden, surprising realiza-tions and discoveries; profound “ah-ha moments” of clarity that reshape our understanding, and redirect our lives. Epiphanies are not slow and gradual. They are unexpected and abrupt.

As we reflect on the response of 1st century Galilean fishermen, and you and me in the 21st century, we first might need to acknowledge that though epiphanies happen, we do not create them. In one manner of speaking, they are at the discretion of a sovereign God who mysterious-ly choses to provide glimpses of his glory, kingdom, and Son.

But in another manner of speaking, we have the capacity to respond to the God we have hints about in the creation, and we hear about through God’s self-revelation through histo-ry. We can, through more inten-tional attentiveness, prayer and oth-er spiritual practices contribute to the likelihood that we will sense, see, feel, or hear God and God’s kingdom penetrating into our lives and into the world around us.

“The time is fulfilled,” Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is at hand.” The language about the kingdom would have stirred up the deep-seated and long-held yearn-ings among his people of a day when people would live together in har-mony; the child would play over the den of the adder; swords would be hammered into plowshares; and suffering, pain, and death would be no more.

And then Jesus invites his hearers to repent: to believe, change their lives, turn around and live in this new reality that establishing a beachhead in this fallen world. He did not say, "Keep doing what you're doing, the kingdom of God is a ways off yet" or "the kingdom of God is what you will experience after you die." Now is the time; not just at our death; not when our spouse is ready, not when I am ready to stop fishing and do something different, but now.

Those who long for a life of purpose and meaning beyond the acclaim and compensation of culture and economy; those who don’t want to be a part of the problem but the so-lution to hunger, homelessness, en-vironmental degradation, injustice and abuse; those who want to have their life’s work drawn up into the service of things that are lasting; resonate with the message and re-spond to the call when they hear it: “follow me;” “live in the world but not of it;” ground and secure your life in Christ; live as a citizen of his kingdom in all realms of life; don’t be anxious, distracted, all-consumed by poverty or wealth, good or bad circumstances… “for the present form of this world is giv-ing way” to the reigning of God among us!

Inside This Issue

Worship & Music 2

Kids Corner 3

Youth 4

Our Faith

Community

5

Mission & Outreach 6

Mission & New Members

7

Session & Birthdays

8

In the Mailbag 9

Calendar 10

Called together by the Holy Spirit

to follow Jesus and express God’s

love to all.

Olivet Presbyterian Church

The Olivet Branch

Volume 32, Issue 2 www.olivetpresbyterian.org February 2018 www.olivetpreschool.org

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February Scripture and Sermon Titles

February 4, 5th Sunday after Epiphany Youth Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 “Souper Bowl” of Caring Offering Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Sacrament of Communion at all services Scripture: Isaiah 40: 21-21; 1 Cor. 9: 16-23; Mark 1: 29-39 Sermon: (9:45): Waiting for Strength from the Lord February 11, Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: 2 Kings 2: 1-12; 2 Cor. 4: 3-6; Mark 9: 2-9 Sermon: This is my Son, the Beloved February 14, Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 pm February 18, 1st Sunday in Lent Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: Genesis 9: 8-17; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 9-15 Sermon: Seth Lovell preaching February 25, 2nd Sunday in Lent Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Romans 4: 13-25; Mark 8: 31-38 Sermon: The Promise Rests on Grace

We look forward to offering music for our Ash Wednesday service and working toward Palm Sunday and Easter Services. We have been blessed this past month with our own Chloe Horne and John Youel, and Harpist Anastasia Jellison joining us for our worship, and we will invite our own Katherine Nies to sing and play for us on February 11th and Peyton Hayley James (one of Jim Taylor's students) to sing for us on the 18th. We look forward to working with Worship Arts, and preparing our 3-5th graders to join the Choir with us on Palm Sunday as we offer John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth".

Ash Wednesday Worship

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of preparation for celebrating the redemption wrought by God in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance, and for the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We begin our journey to Easter with an Ash Wednesday worship service on Wednesday, February 14, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

Coffee Fellowship Time

Each Sunday, we hold a Fellowship Time at 10:45am. Join your church family to get to know someone new, or strengthen old friendships. As always, we need refreshment providers for this ministry. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the wall in the Fellowship Hall. Church Fellowship Committee members take care of drinks, set-up, and clean-up.

Wintry Weather Sundays

In the event of inclement weather, the chairs of the Worship, Christian Education, and Property Committees, and staff members will discuss whether services and classes should be cancelled. Any cancellation announcement will be recorded on the church’s voice mail, posted on our website, posted on Facebook and emailed to those on the email list. Every effort will be made to have announcements on TV stations by Saturday at 9:00pm, if there is to be a cancellation of services.

Music Ministry

Olivet Preschool News

Olivet Preschool is now enrolling children 2.5-5 years old for the 2018-19 school year. Please contact director Rebecca Martin for information on class options, registration questions, or to schedule a tour (rebecca@olivetpresbyterian.org, 434.295.1367)

January is fun at Olivet Preschool. Ms. Kaci- Lynn Engle has been teaching our little artists how to paint polar bears, we've enjoyed making homemade hot chocolate, and recycling old box-es into boats, forts, you name it!

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Kids Connection We are excited for Kids Connection to begin again. This semester we were going to explore what it means to serve with JOY! Putting Jesus first, others second, and you last. In our Bible time together, we will be learning about what it means to be in God’s family, in Worship Arts we will be preparing to lead in worship, and in Recreation/Mission we will be balanc-ing our play with serving others. High-lights in the month of February include a pancake breakfast, an “Ashes To Go” ser-vice, and Star Wars night. See you on Wednesday! February 7- We Joyfully Serve February 14- Valentine’s Night (with Ash Wednesday “To Go”) February 21- Olympics Night February 28- Star Wars Night Tween Time Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and your parents! You are invited to an after-noon of food and fellowship on February 25th. Join our new Parish Associate, Kelly Kaufman, as we get to know one an-other. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 3:00-4:30pm. Activities will be pro-vided for siblings. Look for an email with more details regarding our time together.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

February 4 - Youth Sunday February 11 - Rise Against Hunger Food Packaging Event, 3pm-5:30pm @ Ivy Creek United Methodist February 14 - Ash Wednesday Service 7:00pm February 18 - Youth Lenten Study begins

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

February 18—March 25 - Youth Lenten Study - Middle School youth 3:00-4:30 - High School youth 6:00-7:30

March 18 - Iparent Event April 1 - Easter Sunday April 15 - Trivia Night

for more information about this youth ministry at Olivet, contact our Associate Pastor

for Youth and Family Ministry Seth Lovell

seth@olivetpresbyterian.org

The Congregational Care Committee and Youth Ministry Department are excited to welcome Dr. Adam Pletter to Olivet on March 18th to present his popular “Iparent 101” course. Dr. Pletter is a Childhood Psychologist who has been working as a psychologist for the past seventeen years, focusing more and more on the consequences of technology in adolescent development. Dr. Pletter is a parent, and has been utilizing first hand the practices he teaches of being a savvy and informed “digital parent.” This workshop shows parents how to use the built-in restrictions of electronic devices paired with age-appropriate Digital Access Boxes so that your child can safely expand their access as they grow and demonstrate that they can handle themselves. The program was built upon real-life parent questions and struggles and, with Dr. Pletter’s suggestions aiming to be simple and accessible to all. All are invited to attend this important event.

Iparent 101 Class @ Olivet March 18th, 2018,

2pm-5pm

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Sanctuary Flowers Dottie Reese and her flower team do an amazing job in preparing beautiful flower arrangements each Sunday to glorify God, and inspire our worship. On most Sundays, these flowers are provided by members of the Olivet community wishing to remember and honor loved ones,

or celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. The 2018 schedule for signing up to place flowers in the church is posted on the bulletin board in the hallway outside the Sanctuary.

Director of Youth Ministry Update As communicated prior to the congregation’s September vote approving Seth Lovell’s study leave and transition into a co-pastor role upon his return, we will strive to hire a Director of Youth Ministries to begin serving before Seth’s leave to provide for a strong transition and continuity in this ministry. If possible we would like the new Youth Ministry Director to begin in late spring and accompany the senior high youth on their summer mission trip to Belize. Members of a search team have been approved by Session, most of whom served on a youth ministry review task force recently: Alicia Dagli, Kacie-Linn Engle as Chair, Seth Lovell, Lori Rocco, and Juan Wade. Session has approved an updated job description and Personnel Committee has established a salary range for the position. The team is ready to publicize this ministry position and proceed with their search. Please hold them and this critical task in your prayers.

Music Director Update We were fortunate and blessed to have Jim Taylor join us in late November as our interim Music Director. Session has approved an updated position description and the following team to conduct the search for a permanent director: Alice Buchanan, Albert Connette, Amy Roberts, Craig Scott, Erica Umback, and Faye Warner. Jim has enjoyed serving with us and is interested in being considered for the permanent position. After publicizing the position the team will consider other interested applicants and proceed with interviews as necessary. The team’s time frame is to complete the process by mid-March with the transition to the permanent position in early April. Please hold them and this vital task in your prayers.

Lenten Devotional Booklet The season of Lent is a period of 40 days, plus Sundays, leading up to Easter. It is traditionally observed as a season for more intentional, spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and reflection, as Christians prepare to embrace more fully the mystery of God’s redemption of us in the death and resurrection of his Son that we remember during Holy Week and Easter. Once again, this Lent, members of the Olivet community are being invited to reflect on selections of scripture for each day, and write brief meditations and prayers for the whole congregation to use in observing a “Holy Lent”. These Lenten devotionals have been

a blessing to the faith and discipleship of many in the past. Copies of our 2018 Lenten Devotional will be available at the Ash Wednesday worship service on February 14th.

Lectionary and Lunch

Each Thursday, Pastor Albert leads a weekly study and discussion of the Scripture readings assigned in the common lectionary for use in worship the following Sunday. This is a great opportunity to share and study God’s word together, and enrich our engagement with that word in worship on Sunday. We meet from noon to 1:00pm in Room 202, and enjoy a simple lunch together.

Men’s Monthly Breakfast

All men of the church are invited to a monthly breakfast on Friday, February 2, at 7:00am, followed by a time of prayer and a devotional in the upstairs Youth Room.

Friday Book Discussion Group Several years ago, a group began meeting on Friday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00am to discuss “Mere Christianity”, by C. S. Lewis. The sharing and discussion was lively and meaningful, and on completing “Mere Christianity”, the group chose to continue to read and discuss additional books. With the beginning of the new year the group decided to read and discuss “Mere Christianity” a second time. Come join the discussion.

Habitat for Humanity Workday In 2018, Charlottesville-area Presbyterians will, once again, join together in providing volunteers and $40,000 in support in providing affordable housing to lower-income neighbors through Habitat for Humanity. This will be the 22nd year of our partnership with the local Habitat chapter. Olivet will join five other area-Presbyterian churches in providing volunteers for the second Saturday of each month from February through November; the first workday is February 10. No building experience is required. First-timers will be in the hands of patient and knowledgeable crew leaders. A typical build day is from 8:45am-3:30pm, with a break for lunch from 12:00-12:30pm. In the summer, everything moves an hour earlier. The construction team works very hard to plan tasks appropriate for the group size to make good use of volunteer time. For this reason, volunteers need to let our coordinator, Tom Thompson, know by the Sunday before, if they are able to volunteer for an upcoming Saturday workday.

Justice Ministry Update IMPACT (Interfaith Movement Promoting

Action by Congregations Together) is made up of 28 congregations that network together to seek solutions to serious community problems. IMPACT is not a direct service agency that helps individuals with specific needs, but a direct-action organization that seeks commitments of community leaders to solve community problems at their source. Over the years through IMPACT the faith community has had an “impact” on a number of significant issues like access to

dental care, public transportation, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.

Each year we go through a 3 step process with IMPACT. First, we listen, holding small meetings where we share stories about our lives and loved ones. And then we vote on a problem area to address at our annual meeting in October. Second, we research that problem through meetings with community stakeholders in order to identify solutions. Finally, we take action by holding an annual gathering of over 1,000 people to ask our local decision makers to implement the solution we have identified.

Last fall we heard hundreds of stories related to affordable housing and in October that was selected as the focus issue for this year. The previous year the stories and issue chosen related to the needs of the elderly. As the issue of elder care was researched the research committee began to focus on access to affordable housing in the county. And as this year’s issue has been researched, the research committee has decided to focus on access to affordable rental units in the city. We have learned that over 50% of the non-student residents of the city are renters, and many of them are very burdened by the cost of housing. In fact a person working a minimum wage job would have to work three full-time jobs to be able to afford a 2 bedroom apartment, which averages around $1,200/month in the city.

Olivet’s Justice Ministry Team is keeping abreast of the work, developing focus, and potential solutions of the research team. And they will be encouraging you to plan on attending the Nehemiah Action Assembly on Tuesday, April 24th, when final recommendations for addressing these issues will be brought forward. For more information about IMPACT or the issues being worked on talk to any team member: Clark Abell, Ann Bush, Albert Connette, Michelle Davis, Anne Geraty, Claudette Grant, Roni Jennings, and Linda Reaser

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Olivet Mission & Outreach love, serve, grow

Bill Robert’s Mission work update January 8, 2018 Dear Olivet Family, On August 1, 2017, I celebrated five years of ministry with Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC), and I am humbled to play a small part in God’s work of transforming hearts and lives. You, too, have played a part in God’s work at Love INC through your prayers and financial support of my work in this ministry. Your investment has given neighbors-in-need the opportunity to enroll in the “Loving Your Neighbor” Program and begin their journey of transformation. Here they participate in classes (i.e. New Image, financial management, parenting, health and wellness), develop trusting relationships, spend time in the Word, and discover or deepen their faith and relationship with God. The fruit of your investment lies in the words of participants in the “Loving Your Neighbor” Program. - “I just would like to say that these classes have taught me to have faith in the Lord.” D.S. - “I have learned to forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made in my life, financial and otherwise. But I know God is there for me. All I have to do is remember to keep faith, trust and to hand over my problems, troubles to God.” N.D. - “Through the Health and Wellness class I have learned that my body is like the temple of Christ, and everything I put in it, and do to it, should reflect the glory of God and His love for me and His church.” S.W. - “I have really enjoyed the class with my fellow classmates. I feel like I have learned more about Jesus and His word than I have before. I have gotten new insights on the Bible from my classmates. Also, I feel that I have a deeper relationship with Jesus than I had before.” C.W. - “I have learned so much and I have been able to see God changing my life and changing me. I loved Grace Based Parenting. I learned a lot of things that I was doing wrong and things I could be doing better as a parent.” A.G. During these past five years of ministry, my life has been and continues to be transformed and my relationship deepened with my Father. I am tremendously grateful for your love, prayers, and financial investment, and I pray that God blesses you and your family with hope, peace, joy, and love for 2018. In His service, Bill Roberts My ministry is made possible through the prayers and financial partnership of Love INC Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta, Olivet Presbyterian Church, and friends and family like you.

Louise and Cor Carelsen 970 West Leigh Dr.

Charlottesville, VA 22901 484.983.1221

Louise and Cor have 2 children – Adam, 7, and James, 9. Louise grew up in England and Cor grew up in South Africa. They met in South Africa. Before coming to Charlottesville, they lived in Ecuador. They have been in Charlottesville for about a year and a half. They like the location of Charlottesville, and the opportunities that are here. Cor works in the bicycle shop in Crozet, and Louise works at Sammy’s Snack Shop in Charlottesville. Louise likes riding horses, hiking, and birds. Cor enjoys outdoors, birds and hiking.

They were looking for a Presbyterian Church and when visiting Olivet, they liked the people, the minister, and the location.

They are impressed with the children’s ministry department and activities. They love Charlottesville and are so glad they settled here!

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Session Highlights The Olivet Session held its stated monthly

meeting on January 16, beginning the meeting with the welcoming of new elders Judy Grover, Audrey Lorenzoni and Jack Peeks, the sharing of a meal, joys and concerns, and prayer.

During the Clerk’s report Session approved December meeting minutes; entered into the Minutes the email approval of a Resolution of Appreciation for Dale Dealtrey upon her retirement; accepted the annual Cemetery Trustees’ report submitted by Stoney Stone; discussed a request from congregants that Olivet assist with renovations needed at neighboring Oak Union Baptist Church; and passed around thank you notes from staff for Christmas bonuses received.

Session received committee minutes and approved the following recommendations:

Preschool schedule change; discontinuing the Preschool after-care

program; Ash Wednesday service on February 14 at

7:00 p.m.; Youth Sunday for February 4 During old business Session approved

minor changes to the Music Director Job Description recommended by the Music Director Search Committee; approved Blair Engle and Steve Purdy as members of Personnel Committee; approved Alicia Dagli, Juan Wade, Lori Rocco and Kacie-Linn as Chair, to serve on the Youth Director Search Team; approved the content of the Position Description for the Director of Youth Ministries and the potential for an earlier start date.

During new business Session approved celebration of Scout Sunday on February 11; approved Director of Communication’s proposal to contract with a church website development company; approved guest minister to preach on Sunday, March 11; approved Youth Belize Mission trip fundraisers. The meeting was closed with a round of prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

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1 Emmett Barger Andrew Sime 3 Dylan Grist 4 Jody Mahoney 5 Rachel Petri Debbie Shelor 7 Andrew Pollard Faye Warner 9 Susanne Derrico 10 Chrissi Wood-Smith 11 Eli Lovell Seth Lovell Ben Schnell 14 Audrey Lorenzoni 15 Linda Powley Violet Yetzer 16 Jane Romness Shep Trundle 17 Tracey Roberts 18 Calvin Kaufman 20 Evie Angevine Kevin Martin Caroline Quist Charley Richardson 21 Shirley Bolton Alicia Dagli Jack Roberts 22 Carmen Nies 23 Frans de Jong Henry Houghton Andrew Jennings Charlotte Matthews Sarah Servine 24 Forrest Schnell 25 Katherine Nies Alex Rayle 26 Davis Bethke Gavin MacCleery 27 Mary Flippen 28 Jack Kelsey Marv Reese Smith Winslow

Birthdays

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Dear Olivet Friends, Thank you very much for the many gifts you gave me this last Christmas. The cards, phone calls, visits, delicious cookies, caroling, Ann Black’s special Lemon Cake and good wishes and prayers. My activity is very limited and I have moved to a new apartment in assisted living. Love to all, Berdine Swenson Hi Rev. Connette, Thank you for your congregation’s financial gift to PACEM. Every act of generosity furthers our mission and provides shelter, safety and compassionate support for our neighbors who are homeless. PACEM’s fourteenth shelter season is in full swing, and we want to thank you for providing the dollars that help underwrite the staff’s efforts to house our shelter guests and to connect them with the resources they need in order to eventually return to stable housing in our community. Thank you for your generosity. Gratefully, Jayson Whitehead, Executive Dir. of PACEM Dear Friends in Christ, As the year draws to a close, I am once again reminded of how blessed Massanetta Springs is. We have welcomed thousands of children, youth and adults to our grounds this year. Middle schoolers have grown in their faith, and high schoolers have been equipped for Christian Leadership. Wherever God leads, we will follow, and I thank you for making that possible. Your Covenant Church gift is important to our ministry, and much appreciated. In Christ, Clayton Rascoe Executive Director, Massanetta Springs Camp and Conf. Ctr. Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your donation to the Emergency Food Network. Your contribution will further our core mission, established in 1973: providing emergency help to hungry individuals and families in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Thank you. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Paula B. Johnson and Dori Hoffman-Latter

Dear Members and Staff of Olivet, We are sincerely grateful for your support of our family with the recent birth of baby Owen. The blanket is so cozy and warm and just the right size for keeping him warm on stroller rides! The meals that were provided to us were truly a blessing. The first few weeks are challenging, and were made much easier through this ministry. We stayed well nourished and had more time with the baby because of them. We cannot thank you enough!

We are very fortunate to be a part of the Olivet Community—thanks for showing us such a fine welcome!! Best, Sarah and Patrick MacPherson Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for the important part you played in Love in the Name of Christ this past year. Your donations helped provide assistance for over 1400 area families during 2017. From beds for those sleeping on the floor to children’s clothing and personal care items, your donations provided miracles, matching donors with recipients in need. We cannot thank you enough! Raymond Klein Executive Director Olivet Family, In December, I received a box of special homemade cookies and the 2018 Olivet calendar. I appreciate so much the thoughts and prayers that were involved in these gifts. I am so sorry that I was ill and did not get to have the carolers visit this year, but I am thankful that I was on their list to visit. Again, thank you so much for being such a wonderful “adopted family”. Love and blessings to all, Ruth Levers

Olivet Presbyterian Church 2575 Garth Road Charlottesville, VA 22901