LOPC NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2019
Christmas Open HouseDecember at LOPC Women's Ministry Men's Bible Study Food Bank Ministry MNA Disaster Relief Bible Studies ESL Admin/Personnel Ministry Assimilation Ministry Education Ministry Fellowship Ministry Missions Ministry Outreach Ministry Worship Ministry The Session The Deacons Youth Group Children's Ministry Swimming & Banana Split Day
Calendar of Events Birthday Calendar Our Purpose & Mission Contact Us
Christmas Advent Tea (Women's Ministry Event) Friday, December 6th - 6:30 pm
Happy Birthday Jesus Party (Preschool Worship)
Sunday, December 8th - 10:30 am Christmas Cantata
(Community Event)
Sunday, December 15th - 6:00 pm Food Bank Trip to Anawalt, WV Thursday & Friday, December 19th & 20th
Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 22nd - 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday, December 24th - 5:00 pm (Church office closed December 24th - 27th)
Due to the holidays, the Adult & Children's Sunday School and Children's Preschool Worship will not meet on
Sundays December 22nd and 29th. All classes will resume on Sunday, January 5th.
Please watch for sign-up sheets in the narthex for future activities such as Praying Hearts / Busy Hands outings, gardening outings, workshops, and special events that are being planned.
Early-Morning Ladies' Bible Study
The Early-Morning Ladies' Bible Study is studying the book of Colossians using a commentary by R. Kent Hughes.
This group meets every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. (year-round). If you have an interest in attending or for information on meeting locations, contact Karen Hildebrand at 706-817-8570 or [email protected]. Mid-Morning Ladies' Bible Study
The Mid-Morning Ladies' Bible Study is studying "The Beatitudes." This group typically meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Del Webb Club House.
Contact Ginger at [email protected] or 706-347-8203. Ladies' Prayer Ministry
In the November's meeting we discussed Isaiah 1:18 as we talked about Elvina Hall's composition of the hymn Jesus Paid it All. We also looked at cross-reference verses during the discussion. Elvina was a member of her choir and was sitting in church listening to the preacher's sermon when she penned the words to this song. Our own choir will be presenting this hymn soon to the congregation.Think about the verse in Isaiah as you listen to the hymn.
On Monday, December 16th we will gather to discuss the hymn One Small Child by David Meese. This composer grew up with an abusive alcoholic dad, yet went on to accept Christ into his life. He became a classical pianist, but grew in his faith as he started composing songs based on the Word. Eventually he shared a testimony of forgiveness as he put away his
anger toward his abusive father. As we look at this song, we will also look at the very familiar verse in Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Come join us for a lively discussion, prayer time, and coffee. Copies of the hymn will be in the manila folder in the library for our study.
enjoyed studying the Word through the hymns we've looked at this year, so I encourage all who want to join us to come to this meeting.
In Christ's love, Barb Rountree
Prayer Ministry Coordinator Book Binders
The book for January will be The Wedding Dress by Rachel Houck. The following book will be Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown.
Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift-and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can't she find the perfect dress-or feel certain she should marry Tim?
Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it?
Charlotte's search for the gown's history-and its new bride-begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte's heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love All women in the congregation are invited to attend Book Binders even if you have not read the book we talk about. Our discussions are lively and all are encouraged to join in.
For more information please contact Mary Ann Johnson at 770-639-0319 or by email at [email protected].
EARLY MORNING MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
The Early Morning Men's Bible Study typically meets every other Wednesday morning in the LOPC conference room at 7:30 a.m.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 1:7a (ESV)
For more information, contact Pastor Marion Clark at 706-484-0600, ext.223 or by email at [email protected].
FOOD BANK MINISTRY
The Central Georgia Christian Food Bank held its annual Simple Country Supper on November 16th where attendees were given an update of the ministry as well as treated to a "country fixin's" dinner that included beef stew, chicken & dumplin's, cornbread, salad and dessert. Entertainment was provided by international opera star Jeffrey Wells, Amy Reber on piano, Lynne Fowlkes on flute, and Harold Parker on trombone. The following week Buddy Crews and two other members of the Food Bank Team, George Callaway and John Housworth traveled to Anawalt, WV to deliver food boxes for the Thanksgiving Holiday. These boxes were loaded with everything needed to prepare a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner; turkey, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, yams, canned soup, corn muffin mix, rice, peanut butter, and ham shanks to use for cooking beans.
The Food Bank is so appreciative of your participation in this ministry!
MNA DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY
The Sheds of HOPE team had work days November 5th and 6th and the LOPC staff treated the workers and Marilynn and Harold Sowell (who normally serve for the workers on their work days) and three of their
volunteers to a Mexican lunch. Pastor Sam provided shredded pork for carnitas tacos and the rest of the staff provided taco soup, spanish rice, toppings, drinks and dessert. Several came back for seconds, so by all accounts it was "lip smakin' good!"
From left to right: Gale Prince, Pastor Marion Clark, Yvonne Beasley and Rachel Bellefeuille
Marilynn & Harold were first in line for a change!!!
From left to right are three of the volunteers who help Marilynn & Harold serve lunches: Fran Gravgaard, Sue Vorreyer and Carla Larson
Please contact Dick Forrester at 706-473-7442 or by email at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved and/or contribute to this ministry.
ENGLISH AS SECONDARY LANGUAGE
An update from Russell Puppe: God has blessed our ministry. He has provided great volunteers and
enthusiastic students. We get to share the Gospel with them. We have also started a children's study group. We do Bible stories and memory versus for the children of the ESL students. They already know English. They also are excited and enthusiastic. To God be the Glory for this ministry.
Advanced Level Class - teachers Maureen Groza and family members Rosanne Boyd and Grandson Justin Boyd
Nursery with some of student's children. teachers Sandy Boyd, Ana Mendoza and daughter Kimberly
Foundation High Level Class - teachers Janice Fairburn, Suzanne Ramsey & Lori Moore; Russell Puppe
For more information regarding this ministry please contact Russell Puppe at 614-561-4146 or [email protected].
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
The Administration Ministry Team met did not meet in November. The current Administration Ministry team members are: Wes Hunt, Elder
Ken Johnson, Deacon
Jim Hildebrand - Officer nomination / training
Bill Boughner, Robbie McNeill, Johna Unger, Harley Wood and Pastor Sam Smith.
For any questions regarding the Administration Ministry please contact Wes Hunt at 706-467-2294 or by email at [email protected].
ASSIMILATION MINISTRY
The Assimilation Ministry Team met on November 6th and the following items were discussed:
The logistics of the new member luncheon to be held on Sunday, November 17th were discussed. Rachel Bellefeuille and Karen Morrison will work together to contact a potential new ministry team member.
Rachel also gave an update on the development of the Kid's Welcome Bag for visitors. Tommy Evans volunteered to handle the Google Docs for visitors in November.
Ambassador of the month assignments were reviewed for November - January. The current Assimilation Ministry team members are:
Kent Schumacher, Elder Fred Harris, Deacon Pastor Sam Smith
Rachel Bellefeuille, Dick Manwaring, Karen Morrison, and Peggy Roberts.
For any questions regarding the Assimilation Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact Kent Schumacher at 706-473-466 or by email at [email protected]
EDUCATION MINISTRY REPORT
The Education Ministry Team met on November 11th and the following items were discussed: Pastor Marion Clark -
Pastor Clark provided an update on the Adult Berean Sunday School curriculum for 2020, as well as the state of the Home Fellowship Groups.
Elder Russell Puppe -
The Education Ministry has spent less than projected in the 2019 budget year to date. The church is currently seeking a youth intern, which is a paid position.
The search for a new Youth Group Leader continues and prayers for guidance and success are requested.
ESL program is off to a great start and extremely well-attended. Child care services for certain ages will be offered,
LOPC is working with a PCA consultant to explore ways of ministering to members with special needs. Women's Ministry President Paula Dickerson -
The Christmas Advent Tea is approaching and plans for food, etc. are being finalized. Additional volunteers are needed to set tables.
The incoming and outgoing officers are holding transition meetings. Nursery Director Johna Unger -
Per Russell Puppe, no issues or concerns to report at this time. Children's Worship Director Rachel Bellefeuille -
Requested continuing prayer for coordination leadership and more teachers. Jesus Birthday Party is scheduled for December 8th (ages 4-9).
Children's Ministry Director Rachel Bellefeuille -
Currently working on Spring / Summer programs.
There is an increased focus on providing training to our teachers - looking into an event related to this in Atlanta, and other methods to do so.
The Kids' Art Worship was considered a success, with positive feedback from the attendees' parents. Deacon representative John Morrison -
Worksheets from last year's budgeting process are available as examples for Ministry Team leaders. A new deacon representative will join the Education Ministry Team early in 2020.
The current Education Ministry team members are: Russell Puppe, Elder
John Morrison, Deacon
Rachel Bellefeuille, Paula Dickerson, Harold Parker, Johna Unger and Pastor Marion Clark.
For any questions regarding the Education Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact Russell Puppe at 614-561-4146 or by email at [email protected].
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
The Fellowship Ministry Team met on November 11th and the following items were discussed: Old Business: Simple Country Supper, November 16th:
The logistics for setup, food, entertainment, and cleanup were reviewed, along with the program. New Business: Christmas Cantata, December 15th
The logistics for setup and providing food for the choir and orchestra were reviewed. The current Fellowship Ministry team members are:
Robbie McNeill, Elder Doug Attaway, Deacon
Ken Atkins, Sandy Boyd, Dick Forrester, Susan Merrell, Karen Brown, Harley Wood and Pastor Marion Clark. For any questions regarding the Fellowship Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact Robbie McNeill at 706-817-1566 or by email at [email protected].
MISSIONS MINISTRY
The Missions Ministry Team met in November but the minutes of the meeting are not available at the time of this printing.
Our current Missions Ministry team members are: Steve Barton, Elder
Arn Ditmar, Deacon
Al Anderson, Paula Dickerson, Roger Ervin, Carl Freeman, Jan Murray, Kent Schumacher and Pastor Marion Clark.
For any questions regarding the Missions Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact Steve Barton at 803-608-5625 or by email at [email protected].
OUTREACH MINISTRY
The Outreach Ministry Team did not meet in the month of November. The current Outreach Ministry team members are:
Ken Johnson, Deacon Pastor Sam Smith
For any questions regarding the Outreach Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact George Rountree at 706-817-2716 or by email at [email protected].
WORSHIP MINISTRY
The Worship Ministry Team did not meet in November. Our current Team members are:
Russ Murray, Elder Charlie Walker, Deacon Pastor Sam Smith
Amy Reber, Choir Direcctor
Barbara Pomarolli and Dick Manwaring Member at large: Barb Rountree
For any questions regarding the Worship Ministry or to volunteer to serve on this ministry team, please contact Russ Murray at 706-817-9030 or [email protected].
THE SESSION
The Session met on November 25th and the following items were discussed:
It was reported that 27 visitors attended the visitor luncheon on November 17th.
Deacon candidate Mark Stott has successfully completed the officer training course and was interviewed by the Session. He will be recommended to the congregation for election at the January congregational meeting.
The Session passed a motion to remove the following members from the roll based on their moving out of the area: Ray and Patty Brinkman; Phil and Beneta Hughes; and Stephen and Stacy Paine.
Motion: A congregational meeting has been called for January 12, 2020 for the purpose of electing church officers. The elected officers will be ordained and installed on January 19, 2020.
The ESL program continues with good attendance. The program appears to be meeting the needs of the attendees.The children's program has been received with much enthusiasm.
There will be no stated Session meeting in December. Our current Elders are:
Pastor Sam Smith (Moderator) Jim Hildebrand (Clerk of Session)
Steve Barton, Wes Hunt, Robbie McNeill, Russ Murray, Russell Puppe, and George Rountree, and Kent Schumacher.
The next regularly scheduled Session meeting will be on Monday, September 23rd in the Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.
THE DEACONS
The Deacons met on November 19th and the following items were discussed: Opening:
Dick Forrester opened the meeting with verses from the book of James as well as passages from a scriptural commentary entitled "Faith and Works." These readings serve as a reminder to the Diaconate that faith without works is dead, and works without faith are also dead. They must occur together. After the attendees shared prayer requests, Ken Johnson led the Deacons in opening prayer.
Teaching Moment:
Pastor Marion Clark led the Deacons in our continued study of Tim Keller's Ministries of Mercy. Chapter 8 begins the second part of the book which focuses on putting mercy into practice. It introduced the concept of four channels of mercy, including family, church, Christian institutional ministries (e.g. Atlas and Habitat), and the state, in that order.
Scriptural passages from throughout the Bible were cited portraying examples of and guidance on providing mercy.
Additional guidance applicable to the diaconate includes being attentive to one's surroundings for opportunities to assist those in need and maintaining a "warm neighborly demeanor" at all times to ensure we are perceived as approachable.
Ministry/Service Areas:
Administration/Stewardship - 2020 budget process has kicked off and ministries are encouraged to prepare.
Outreach/Assimilation - New member luncheon was well-attended and considered to be a success. Missions - Simple Country Supper was held this month.
Sheds of HOPE - One more build this year, scheduled for December. Church Use Applications:
Approved CUAs for major December events - Advent Tea and the Christmas Cantata - were revisited. Planning for Deacon support underway.
Maintenance Items:
Grounds - Contract locked in for 2020 landscape maintenance. Building - Sanctuary heat pump breaker replaced in November. Topics for Discussion:
Church Security - Office entry door to be locked by 9:45am each Sunday. All inner doors are to be closed during off hours. Law enforcement presence unanimously approved for Advent Tea, Candlelight Christmas Service, Christmas Cantata.
Retention of Food Bank storage shed for continued LOPC use was unanimously approved. The Deacons were encouraged to look for ways to involve the Deacon Assistants.
Our current Deacons are:
Ken Johnson (Chairman) Outreach/Assimilation, Doug Attaway Fellowship Ministry, Lincoln Bellefeuille audio/video system maintenance and tech support, Bill Boughner grounds maintenance, Bobby Craig Missions Ministry, Dick Forrester Sheds of HOPE Ministry and building maintenance, Fred Harris -Administration/Stewardship, John Morrison - Education Ministry, and Charlie Walker - Worship Ministry. The next regularly scheduled Deacon's meeting will be Tuesday, September 17th in the Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.
MAINTENANCE
On July 9th some of the Deacons changed out lights in the sanctuary to LED lights, which should be far more efficient in the future. Thanks guys!!
The LOPC Youth Group has weekly Sunday night gatherings from 5-7 pm, and they WANT YOU to join them.
They are looking for all middle and high school kids in and out of LOPC. (Youth Group is for rising 6th Grade students through High School.)
FROM THE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
FROM THE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Please continue praying for our children and teachers as we raise disciples who would love God and enjoy Him
forever!
"God established a testimony...which He
commanded our fathers to teach to their children that the next generation might know...so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God..."-
Psalm 78:5-7a
KIDS' ART WORKSHOP
Our Kids' Art Workshop was a great way for children to learn and expand their God given creativity. Using drawing and painting mediums, we explored the visual arts and learned art concepts such as scale and proportion, color-mixing, and shading. For more photos, please go here.
CHILDREN'S WORSHIP
The curriculum is by Grapevine Studies - Stick Figures Through the Bible, which uses stick figures,
words, symbols and colors to visually represent elements of the biblical account. This makes Bible study fun and engaging by turning it into a familiar, colorful, and imaginative format that meets the needs of learning styles including hearing, seeing, reading and writing, and kinetic.
December 1st: Jesus' Birth
December 8th: Jesus Birthday Party December 15th: Jesus' Birth
December 22nd: No Preschool Worship December 29th: No Preschool Worship
Please bring your children or grandchildren, and encourage friends to join us also.
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Don't forget that you can always go to the church website for the most current church calendar.
For more information on Home Fellowship Groups (HFGs) including contact info, please go to our church website.
Sunday, December 1st ... First Sunday of Advent Monday, December 2nd
Sheds of HOPE Build (Pavilion) ... 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3rd
Early-morning Ladies' Bible Study (meets in Hildebrand home)... 7:30 a.m. Sheds of HOPE Build (Pavilion) ... 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Women's Ministry Council meeting (Conference Room) ... 10:00 a.m. GriefShare Surviving the Holidays (LOPC) ... 6:30 p.m. Men's CBS (LOPC)... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4th
Men's Early-morning Bible Study (Conference Room) ... 7:30 a.m. Sheds of HOPE Build (Pavilion) ... 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. HFG - led by Wes Hunt (meets in various homes)... 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 5th
Sheds of HOPE Build (Pavilion) ... 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Ladies' CBS (LOPC)... 9:30 a.m. Mid-Morning Ladies Bible Study (Del Webb Club House) ... 10:00 a.m. Deacons set up for Advent Tea (Sanctuary/Narthex) ... 2:00 p.m.
Friday, December 6th
Sheds of HOPE Build (Pavilion) ... 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Advent Tea (Sanctuary)... 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8th ... Communion observed HFG - led by Russ Murray (LOPC) ... 12:00 p.m. ESL Classes (LOPC) ... 4:00 p.m. Youth Group meeting (Pavilion / Room 108) ... 5:00 p.m. Peapples HFG Christmas party (meets Peapples home)... 6:00 p.m. Wood HFG Christmas party (meets in Pomarolli home) ... 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 9th
Fellowship Ministry meeting (Room 108) ... 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10th
Early-morning Ladies' Bible Study (meets in Hildebrand home)... 7:30 a.m. Poinsettias Placed (Sanctuary / Narthex) ... 10:00 a.m. HFG - led by Kent Schumacher (meets in Kammerer home)... 5:45 p.m. Men's CBS (LOPC) ... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11th
Visit to Georgia War Veterans Home (Milledgeville, GA)... 12:45 p.m. HFG - Forrester/Clark (meets in Forrester home)... 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12th
Ladies' CBS (LOPC)... 9:30 a.m. HFG - led by Marion Clark (meets in Clark home) ... 2:00 p.m. Praise Team rehearsal (Sanctuary)... 6:15 p.m.
Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)... 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 13th
HFG - led by Russ Murray... (attend the Nutcracker in Milledgeville on 12/13 or 12/14) Saturday, December 14th
Choir Rehearsal-if needed (Sanctuary) ... 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 15th
Choir Dress Rehearsal (Sanctuary) ... 2:00 p.m. Christmas Cantata (Sanctuary)... 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 16th
Ladies' Prayer Ministry (Room 109) ... 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 17th
Early-morning Ladies' Bible Study (meets in Hildebrand home)... 7:30 a.m. Deacons meeting (Conference Room) ... 6:00 p.m. Schumacher HFG Christmas party (meets in Kammerer home) ... 5:45 p.m. Men's CBS (LOPC) ... 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18th
Men's Early-morning Bible Study (Conference Room) ... 7:30 a.m. Parker HFG Christmas party (meets in Parker home)... 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19th
Praise Team rehearsal (Sanctuary)... 6:15 p.m. Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)... 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22nd... No Sunday School or Preschool Worship Youth Group Christmas party (Sebastian Cove) ... 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 23rd
Tuesday, December 24th... church office closes at noon Christmas Eve Service - Communion observed (Sanctuary)... 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 25th ... Christmas Day - church office closed Thursday, December 26th
Sunday, December 29th ... No Sunday School or Preschool Worship Monday, December 30th
Decorations removed ... 10:00 a.m. Smith family Christmas Open House (Smith home) ... 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 31st
Our Vision
Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church exists to make, equip and deploy followers of Christ who love their families, neighbors and the world for the glory of God.
Our Mission
This church exists to: Glorify God
Nurture and equip God's people
Mobilize the church to build God's kingdom
Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church 113 Scott Road, Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: 706-484-0600 Email: [email protected] Fax: 706-484-0642 Web site: www.lopc-pca.org
