THE OPPC REVIEW October 8, 2020

THANK YOU!

Did you know that January is recognized as National Thank You Month? Please don’t ask me why…I

don’t know. Frankly, I didn’t even know that there was a “Thank You Month”, never mind that it was

January. According to the Internet (and we all know that everything that one reads on the Internet is always

correct), it is because the month of January is the right time to contemplate on your accomplishments and

experiences of the previous year, and to remember those people who supported you in achieving those

things.” Well this may not be January, however please accept my heart felt “thank you” for your support

over this past year as I strived to do my best to serve you and our church in the role of Interim Church

Administrator.

The words “thank you” have an interesting derivation. According to Merriam-Webster, the first known use

of the specific words “thank you” in the English language occurred before the 12th century, and was derived

from Latin roots. In different languages, there is also the derivation from, or loose translations are: I will

remember what you have done for me; reward; gift; kindness; grace; extremely uncommon; rare and

precious. While the specific English language use of “thank you” dates back as noted above, the concept

of gratitude has always been a piece of human interaction. The fact that today, every language embodies

the idea of thanking someone, goes to show how human communication can survive across different

cultures and times.

Paul, in his letter to the Christians at Philippi (which he wrote while he was in prison) includes: “I thank

my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your

partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good

work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way

about all of you, since I have you in my heart” (1: 3-7).

As I conclude serving you and His church here in Orange Park in the Administrator’s role, how do I truly

and adequately express to you, in meaningful and appropriately poetic ways, the love that is in my heart?

Please accept from me those two simple words: “THANK YOU”. Behind these two words is a thank you

for: the opportunity to embrace this wonderful journey; for your care, nurture, understanding and love; and

for the opportunity to serve.

This past year has been very different from what any of us anticipated. We have all been through so much,

and it continues. If it has taught us anything, we have learned to make plans but to remain flexible. It has

taught us to hope for the good things, yet recognize the realities that develop. It has taught us that change

is constant. However, we do have one constant throughout all of this and that is our Lord’s love for us and

our love of, and for, one another. Please remember that we are a light unto the world; let that light shine to

others through us.

As I complete my current staff role, I think about my OPPC friends present and past, and look forward to

new opportunities to serve with you. We can all serve in many different ways depending on our own

personal skills, interests, desires, and abilities. As described in those well-known passages of 1 Corinthians:

“As it is, there are many members, yet one body” (12:20); and, “Now you are the body of Christ and

individually members of it” (12:27).

We are blessed to have John back safe and sound from Iraq. I have been blessed to be able to personally

work with Jess, Pam, Pheona, Julie, my fellow elders and deacons, and many of you. To all I say thank

you! And, thank you so much for your recognition at this past Sunday’s worship service.

Blessings,

Bible lesson

October 11, 2020

Joyous Persistence

Focus scripture—Philippians 4:1-9

Adapted from Feasting on the Word, Fall 2020

By Deborah Pendry

“Joy is a discipline of perception, not an emotion dependent on circumstances.”

What is your reaction to this quote? Have you had personal experiences that bear this out?

When I sing some old familiar hymns, I am filled with joy even when I am suffering emotionally.

Certain things will bring out that “joy inexpressible” because we are reminded that our hope is in

God not in our circumstances. Write out those things in your life that remind you of your joy.

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippian congregation and yet his joy

and his love for them come through so clearly. We know from other sources that Paul’s

imprisonment was miserable. In the passage we are reading today, he tells the Philippians he is so

grateful for them and the things they are doing. He prays for them and reminds them of Christ’s

teachings.

Read Philippians 4:1-9.

Paul is eliciting a call to joy that is anchored in community life. Paul talks of brothers,

comrades, and co-workers in verses 1-3. The word Rejoice in verse four is in the plural, as are the

other commands here leading us to conclude that joy is incomplete unless it is shared.

What is important to know? — From “Exegetical Perspective,” Annette Weissenrieder

Synergon[coworker] and synelthesan[struggle along with] have one thing in common: they express

an active participation of the coworkers in the mission. Cooperation in the mission signifies an

active fight, no quiet or passive participation. The choice of agonistic language deepens this

background further: participants in a competition never fight only for themselves or for their

family, but are always nominated as envoys of a city. Their service is to be interpreted as a service

for the city. Paul’s encouragement is clear: nobody fights alone; we always fight together.

Note: the term “agonistic” in this excerpt originates from the Greek word used to

describe the effort expended in athletic competition not the association we have

with the word agony.

Use the insights in this excerpt to relook at verses 1-3. Have your thoughts changed?

Read the companion passages in Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23. Reflect on the joy and reasons for it

celebrated in these texts.

Paul commissions individuals and communities in Philippians 4:8 with a list of qualities or virtues

to think of—and then immediately follows the list with “keep on doing the things” Paul has set

before them. Thus, living joyfully and faithfully involves not only what we think, but also how

those thoughts permeate our actions.

Use the list Paul provides in Verse 8 as a starting point for your “joyful inventory.”

Reflect on that quality in terms of: (1) the joy it can bring to life; and (2) a specific way you will

practice that quality in your everyday living.

“Whatever is true”—What joy can truth bring, and where might you live out the call to be truthful?

“Whatever is honorable”—The Greek word translated as “honorable” carries the connotation of

someone of character. What joy can dependability of character bring, and what does the challenge

to be a person of character call you to practice?

“Whatever is just”—What joy is there in justice (equitability in relationship), and what does justice

beckon you to do?

Whatever is pure”—The Greek word translated as “pure” derives from the root of “holy” (that

which is set apart for God). What joy might there be in “purity” that reflects such “Godward”

purpose, and what practice(s) might purity take in your life in terms of being set apart for God—

or set apart from that which separates you from God or faithful community?

“Whatever is pleasing”—The Greek word translated as “pleasing” has philos (“love”) as part of

its root. What joy comes from that which is pleasing or lovely in life, and how might you practice

its virtue?

“Whatever is commendable”—The Greek word translated as “commendable” carries the sense of

“well spoken of.” What joy may be found in that which is commendable, and how might you

embody this quality of character?

Now what is God’s Word calling us to do?— From “Homiletical Perspective,” Nathan Eddy

It comes naturally to Paul that prayer should be intimately associated with joy in the Lord. Prayer

here is relationship with God, not a technique. By perceiving and rejoicing in a living, unexpected

presence in the world even in difficult situations, one lets go of being one’s own savior. Instead of

worrying about “anything,” the Philippians are to bring “everything” to God (v. 6). The

“anythings” and “everythings” of life can be sources of endless worry—or the stuff of prayer.

Either way they are important. Like joy, prayer is not an escape but a practice of regarding the

same painful situation from another angle, one still open to multiple resolutions that God permits

us to consider.

Father, how grateful we are that our lives are filled with joy because of Jesus. Thank you

for the joy of community and our fellowship with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

FAITH IS SEEING LIGHT WITH

YOUR HEART WHEN ALL YOUR EYES

SEE IS DARKNESS.

PEACE BEGINS WITH ME

The ability to regulate emotions is an important factor in good mental health. Anger is a normal

emotion and can be expressed in a healthy productive manner. But difficulty managing anger and

other emotions often leads to additional problems in a person’s life, at work, school, home and in

relationships. Frequent feelings of irritation and hostility, negative thinking, arguing with others,

physical violence or threats of violence, and destruction of property are signs that anger is not

being managed appropriately. A qualified mental health professional can be a good resource for

those who are seeking help in managing anger. Anger management counseling is designed to help

individuals learn new coping skills, to recognize the signs of increasing anger and to find more

effective ways of expressing anger. Treatment can help an individual regain control of their

emotions and lead a happier more productive life.

Clay Behavioral Health Center offers a range of anger management

services designed to fit an individual’s needs. Available services

include traditional anger management groups, specialized services for

parents, life skills/emotion regulation groups for those who have

difficulties managing all emotions, groups for individuals who are

also dealing with a substance use disorder, and services for children

and youth who are unable to appropriately manage and express their anger. If you, a family

member or friend may need help, suggest Clay Behavioral Health. This may be the lifeline they

need.

Your donations for the PC(USA) Peacemaking and Global Witness Offering can still be made by

sending your contribution to the church, bringing it this next Sunday or going to the PC(USA)

website and donating directly. One fourth of your gift will stay in Orange Park, helping to provide

counseling and anger management classes to neighbors in need of and seeking a way to greater

peace.

Have you, like many people, watched or read news reports this year and wondered “What can I do

to help so many people hurting in this pandemic?” You have helped! A great many people are

better off because you made your offerings through OPPC.

❖ Beyond 90: Our donation allowed Beyond 90 to beef up their protocols and add

plexiglass separators enabling them to continue to offer services for refugees

seeking assistance, classes in computer literacy, Driver’s Drug & Alcohol Course

and new citizenship preparation classes for those with limited English.

❖ Mercy Support Services: Calls asking for help doubled during the pandemic at

MSS. Our donations helped people make rent payments when they lost their jobs,

kept the electricity on for the family struggling with loss of income, and kept many

out of crisis and hopelessness.

❖ Quigley House: During isolation no one knew how much domestic violence grew.

As abused people have been able to leave the scene of their abuse, we are helping

them find help at Quigley House.

❖ Clay Behavior Health: Help with drug addiction, depression, anger, and other

pandemic impacts was expanded thanks to our donation.

Combining our dollars creates real support for our neighbors near and far. Thanks for your faithful

giving – OPPC Missions Team

CALLING ALL CURRENT AND RETIRED TEACHERS!

OPPC is planning a contest for Clay County junior high school students to encourage them to take

action on social issues and plan missions. We need volunteers to help promote our contest with

school administrators and teachers; and to be the church liaison with the students who win funding

from OPPC for their project. Email or call Marjorie Phillips if you want to help:

marjorie.phillips@comcast.net; 904-910-3393

SEW AND SEWS

On behalf of the Sew and Sews I delivered 5 blankets to 5 of my students, since March. All the

parents were extremely pleased. Especially, not knowing the Sew and Sews personally they

thought it was such a kind act that they would make the blankets for their children. Of the 5, 1 of

them had a heart attack, 1 of them had open heart surgery, 1 had an emergency colostomy and the

other 2 were in the hospital for various reasons. The parents assured me that these blankets will

be treasured forever.

Paige Degryse

COVID-19 caused a delay, but we were proud to

accept this plaque recognizing our packing

team’s effort in 2019. This year we made a

donation in lieu of volunteering to pack.

GUESS WHO ATTENDED THE

PRESBYTERY MEETING TODAY……….

The Presbytery of St. Augustine met via Zoom this week. Even though it was the first time, it was largely very successful! Elder Marjorie Phillips served as our commissioner and Elder Cathy Sanders reported for the Nueva Esperanza Administrative Commission. Give thanks for gifts used well!

Dear Friends:

Blessings abound! Whether you join us via the live stream or in the sanctuary, we are so

thankful to God for seeing us through to this important time.

Regarding joining us on the LIVE STREAM: First, what is live stream? Live stream is

basically like watching live TV but through your computer, phone, or Smart TV. If you

can use Netflix, Facebook, YouTube, or any email application, you can view and

participate in the church service as it is happening.

1. Do this please...even if you plan to be in the sanctuary on Sunday.

2. Go to YouTube.com

3. In the search box (look for the magnifying glass icon) type "Orange Park Presbyterian Church." This will take you to our "channel."

4. Next you should see some test videos we did from the Sanctuary this week. On some you will see the number "3." That is just an image we are using to simulate a countdown banner.

5. Click the "Subscribe" button, and "ring the bell" if it will let you (we are working through some issues on the bell thing...stay tuned) The bell means you will receive notification whenever new content is added to the channel.

6. Find the video titled, "Welcome Back to Worship." It is a short introduction for what to expect on Sunday.

Finally, you know folks who have felt alone and forgotten through these 7 months. One

of the best things you can do for them is invite them to enjoy the service online or bring

them along to the church. If you need help getting access to the YouTube channel, give

Pastor John a call at the church.

PAULA BRUNSON: Myke and I have survived isolation by watching Acorn TV, reading, and Scrabble. We have made several “Sunday” drives to Fernandina, and down A1A to Flagler Beach. We also spent a couple of days in Ormond Beach. I visit with my granddaughter and great grand born in April every few weeks. I miss my volunteer days but go into church to sign checks as needed. I am keeping up with our card ministry. I have also met several times with the ladies from my life group. I’ve kept up with church online but I am looking forward to beginning live church

DAVE AND KATHY MORRISON: In the early days of isolation, Kathy and Dave took regular walks together and separately, until the heat became too much. Their spring cruise was moved to November and then moved again to 2021. They did enjoy a get-away to the Smoky Mountains with family to Black Bear Falls (where they in fact saw black bears). Both have been reading extensively and Kathy has reunited with her dormant sewing machine to make quantities of masks for family, family members’ friends, teachers and others. They are looking forward to a return trip to the mountains this fall.

KEITH AND CONNIE MARTIN: Keith has been busy with home improvement projects this summer. He is in the process of having a big garage built in his back yard, the slab has been poured. Connie has been loving being able to work from home. They went on vacation to Holden Beach in July and both wound up in the emergency room on the same day – Keith with a pulled hamstring while golfing and Connie injured her meniscus during a mis-step going down a step. Connie had an air cast for a few weeks and Keith is still going to physical therapy. They have enjoyed keeping in contact with their children and grandchildren.

The Family of Al Graybrook, The Family of

Darleen Lockwood, Ed & Joan Poole, Family

of Laura Hargrove, Dot Mullins, Family of

Felicia, Margaret Brannen, Ron Yrabedra, Tim

Carter, Canon Johnson & Family, Katy

Johnson, Carolyn Stevens, The Family of Jim

Ray, Students, teachers, administrative

personnel and their families who will be

returning to school, Melissa McCrosky,

Melissa McCrosky’s father, Carol Wallace,

Cathy Sanders, Anthony, Marvin and Family,

John Hoover, Rod Varella, Ava Long, Debbie

Mueller, Janet Hayes, Park Ridge Nursing

Home Residents, Bill Lewis, Janet Hayes,

Jennifer Theurer, Bill Phillips and Family,

Aunt Peggy & Uncle Glen, Boaz Family, Ray

Bandy, Steve & Ann Eakins, Anne, Maureen Chrul, Lynn & Niece, Sharon Goodroe, Susan Hurst,

Ann Marie, The Family of James Mercer, The Family of Jean Bartley, Lee Diehr, Brian Jackson,

Bonnie Gorman, Jack & Doris Welkenbach, Sarah Johnson, Mike Tomasso, Ben, Lily, Kathy

Daly, Sherry, Baxley, Mitchell McCormick, Doug Mercer, Rosalie Johnson, World suffering due

to Coronavirus, Marcia Gross, Leon England, Tina, Foster, Christine, Linda Coday, Harald &

Ingeborg Steinbrecher, Maverick Raulerson & Family, Tom, Darlene Davenport, Kash, Rachel

Magnaso, Kevin Grandstaff, Linda Crimm, Sean Hritz, Mary Tuggles, Melinda, Catherine

Nadeau, Marge Shultz, Lourene Plunkett Collins, Michael Jackson, Carlye Ellison, Cynthia Lewis,

Evelyn, Brenda Mauk, Don Aycock, Ekaterina Bykova, Ed Hayes, Brenda, Pam Caster, Karen,

Habel, TS, Joey Scott, Joan, Rita Eddins, James Rinker, Harold Wood, Dylan Williams, Sid &

Carolyn Sewell, Jean, Danielle Hinson, Mo Moore, Pat Rabb, Myra, Millicent Sirch, Ken & Jerri

Arsenault, Wayne Moore, Ruth Wall, Timmy Jerrell, Nancy’s mom, Mary Lee, Gary Koontz, Dick

Burke, Shawn & Melissa, Rrene Hewett, Steve & Anne Poole, Rhonda Hyler, Dottie & George

Lane, Ray Kerbs, Patricia, Paul, Allison, Dyna King, Hayden, Betty Turnage, Gloria Hess, Ray

Patterson