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Pastor’s Message

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ. As the weather begins to change and cool down, God’s constant and abiding presence is evident in diverse minis-try opportunities at Olivet UMC.

On October 2, 2018, a weekly GriefShare support group will begin meeting in the Conference Room of the Good News Center. Both a daytime (10:30 am – 12 noon) and an evening (6:30 – 8:00 pm) group are offered. This ministry is available for those suffering the loss of a loved one and will be co-facilitated by Hospice Chaplain Ruth Dixon and myself. The group is open to all persons within the community. Persons may begin attending anytime during the 13-week session. (See page 3 for more.)

Our new Kids For Christ ministry has taken off --- on a different night. The evening option has been moved to Sunday evenings (5:30-7:00 pm) so that younger sib-lings can attend Kids for Christ while our youth group meets. Created for potty-trained thru fifth grade chil-dren, this ministry includes a bible story, crafts, games, snacks, and hands-on learning for faith to life application insight. “Dig-In” curriculum is used on Sunday nights that

further aligns with that morning’s Children’s Sunday school class during 11:00 am worship. For the first three months through November 2018, this ministry is being offered to children within Olivet UMC. After that, the ministry will be offered within the community. May we continue to pray for all who will experience God’s love through this exciting ministry!

During this month of October, our Trustees (Chair Ray Dove, Sue Hammond, Mark Hendrix) will oversee two essential buildings and grounds improve-ments. First, successful Storm Water Management will be evidenced via grading, new pavers and new church steps. As approved by the Church Council, the Trustees continue to exercise healthy stewardship of the money donated toward this $20,000 project. (We are over half-way to our goal! May we continue to prayerfully consid-er what we can give to this much-needed capital im-provement.) Second, the church’s air handler will be moved from the ceiling to the ground and located in the closet next to the ramp. Doing so will grant easier access for future maintenance. Thanks be to God for our dedi-cated Trustees who use their gifts to serve God in these important ways! (See page 2 for more.)

On October 14, 2018 at 9:45 am, prayerfully con-sider joining our fall book/Bible study titled Unafraid : Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times. Written by Rev. Adam Hamilton, this study will be led in the Conference Room of the Good News Center. If you wish to participate in this study, contact Gerri in the office to order a book (410-326-8400) or feel free to or-der one on your own. (See page 3 for more.)

Yes! God’s grace and loving presence is evident in many ways at Olivet UMC! May each of us graciously share that love with those who so need to experience it in this hurting world --- all to God’s glory!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Linda

THE OLIVE BRANCH Olivet United Methodist Church Rejoicing in Jesus—Growing our faith—Passing it on!

October 2018 Newsletter

13575 Olivet Road, Lusby, MD 20657

410-326-8400, www.olivetumc-lusby.org

October Sermons

Oct 7 Wandering in the Wilderness by Chris Stelloh-Garner

Oct 14 The Upside-Down Kingdom: Where the Last are First

by Rev. Linda Motter

Oct 21 (Laity Sunday) Come Home by Ruth Lauderbaugh

Oct 28 The Upside-Down Kingdom: Where the Blind Can See

by Rev. Linda Motter ——————————————————————————————————-

Healing Service—Thurs, Oct 25 at 6:00 pm

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Olivet Committee & Group Updates

Church Council

Please join us on Tuesday, October 9, for our next meeting, which will be combined with our annual church conference. We meet from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Good News Center. All are welcome!

One of our Olivet goals this year was to offer Men-tal Health First Aid training. Rescheduled from earlier in the year, the one-day class is being offered November 10. Through a grant, it will be free – all in the community are welcome, so please share this info with your friends and neighbors. Please see page 6 for details and the required registration form.

Shalom, Chris Stelloh-Garner, Chair

Trustees

The parking area In front of the Good News Center has been tarred, striped and is looking great! The new heating and air-conditioning unit will be installed in the church this month, and the grounds in front of the church have been cleaned up and old bulbs dug up in preparation for the next steps. Progress! Progress! Progress!

~ Ray Dove, Chair

Garden Club (Trustees Sub-Committee)

The Trustees reviewed the updated proposal from the landscaper which added repairing the front steps and paving the front walkway. The Trustees are tasked with safety and maintenance of OUMC. Therefore, the Trustees, although having pretty shrubs and flowers would be won-derful, decided with the current available funds to: replace the front steps (approx. $4,200), pave existing concrete walkway (about $2,300), replace and pave rear sidewalk to parking lot ($11,000), grading, prep, etc. ($2,000), and grade and install French drains on North side away from church. (Possibly, install stone for rain garden (Approx. $3,000—still being negotiated.). Total about $20,000. A $10,000 deposit has already been made.

The Trustees decided to defer all planting of trees, shrubs, etc., and complete the front part of the church in-cluding walkway until further funds become available (about $20,000).

The Trustees asked Susan Hammond to present the project to the congregation. This occurred on Septem-ber 16, 2018, during Fellowship Time.

The Trustees are asking the congregation to assist in any way possible to help: remove the front steps, re-move pavers on right side of the church and stack on site, prepare the Good News Center (GNC) flower beds to re-ceive plants being moved, dig up flowers, roses and bulbs in front of the Church, install lighting, stabilize and paint all wrought iron fences, and locate and reconnect drains in

front, all to help decrease the costs from landscaper. EVE-RYONE, NO MATTER HOW YOUNG OR OLD YOU ARE, CAN HELP! AND, WE NEED EVERYONE!

Lastly: The Garden Club needs assistance removing invasive plants killing Red Bud Shrubs in back of parking lot and around trees behind GNC. For transplanting and sal-vaging plants in front of the church, we need 10—12 plastic gallon-size, or larger, plant pots (to transplant roses, irises and American beautyberries). If possible, we need three 5-10-gallon sized buckets for the azaleas. Please put them behind the church and let Gerri know that they are there.

Please check the Sunday bulletin and e-mails for types of help needed and work days. Thanks for all your support. This will be soooooo beautiful when completed!

~ Sue Hammond, Chair

Finance

As we enter the fourth quarter of the calendar year, Olivet’s finances continue to be sound. Our next meeting will be on October 9 at 4:15 pm.

~Bill Bernhardt, Chair

Worship Committee

Our committee met on Wednesday, September 12. We are in the process of preparing for the Advent Sea-son. It may sound a bit early for that, however, we only have 12 more Sundays until Christmas Eve, and there are a lot of preparations for the worship committee to tackle. Our Choir and Strummers have returned from their summer break, and it's a delight to have them back. We could always use a few more participants in the Choir. If you love to sing and are free on Wednesday evenings, please come. Strummers’ practice is 6:30 - 7:30 PM under the direction of Susan & Doug Hood. Choir practice is from 7:30 - 8:30 PM under the direction of Carl Zimmermann. The Acolyte Chair is seeking new Acolytes. If you know of a child who might be a responsible candidate, please contact Rebecca & Mark Hendricks at 410-449-8970. We would love to have more people involved in worship planning. For those not familiar with what takes place, we meet with Pastor Linda the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room to plan the Sunday morning services including selection of hymns, spe-cial music, sermon topics and any upcoming events and holidays. You probably never realized how much goes into preparing a worship service. If you are interested, please come. I will have more exciting Fall updates in November. See you then.

~Joan Fratantuono, Chair

Committee & group updates continue on next page...

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Kitchen Committee

The last catered fellowship meal for this year is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, and we are continually thankful to God and the support of our Olivet family for the unwavering encouragement and support. Last month’s wonderful turnout for the meal and fellowship, once again, encourages us as we strive to “Feed the Body, Fill the Soul, Thanks Be to God”

~ Ceferino Epps, Chair

Friends for Christ

Sundays, October 14 and 28, 5:00—7:00 pm

Sharing the love of Jesus through fellowship and study to young adults with special needs. All are welcome to come and share the love.

Southern Maryland Emmaus

The next Emmaus Reunion Gathering will be a breakfast meeting 9:30 am, Saturday, October 20, at Olivet UMC. A worship service will immediately follow breakfast in the Sanctuary.

The Emmaus Men's Walk is fast approaching the weekend of November 15-18, 2018. We ask for your pray-ers for our two pilgrims who will be attending.

In 2019, the men’s walk will take place September 20-23, and the women’s walk September 27-30. Prayerfully consider participation in this spirit-filled weekend. Please keep in mind that even though it’s called a “walk,” there is very little walking involved. If you are interested or would like more information, please see me.

~Joan Fratantuono, Chair

United Methodist Women

The UMW will meet on Tuesday, October 2, at 12:00 noon. Bring your lunch. We will talk about our gifts to missions and pledges. Our next meeting will be November 6, at 12:00 pm.

~Marianne Anderson, Co-Chair

United Methodist Men

The Annual Gathering of the Baltimore Washington Conference UMMen is scheduled for October 20, 2018, at the Conference Center in Fulton, MD, from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm. The Theme of Kingdom Minded Men speaks to the issue of bringing men to Christ as the focal point for daily living. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The cost is $20. Tickets are available in advance in the Olivet church office.

~ Ceferino Epps, UMM Member

2019 ROCK Youth Retreat

February 8—10—Ocean City, MD ROCK is a powerful and fun-filled weekend allowing youth to learn about the amazing love of Jesus Christ. It is a time for youth to more fully connect with God and their friends while listening to great bands and speakers. For details, go to www.bwcumc.org/rock.

Olivet Committee & Group Updates Cont’d

Book/Bible Study

Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times

by Adam Hamilton

Sundays beginning October 14 @ 9:45 AM

Modern day living can be full of struggles, fear and troubled times. And yet with assurance, Jesus shares, “Do not be afraid.” In light of this awareness, Adam Hamilton has written Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times. Prayerfully consider joining this 5-week Book/Bible study led by Pastor Linda beginning Sunday October 14 at 9:45 am in the Conference Room of the Good News Center. If you wish to participate in this study, contact Gerri in the office to order a book (410-326-8400) or feel free to order one on your own. Any questions? Contact Pastor Linda @ 410-570-4858 or lindamotter@icloud.com.

GriefShare: A Support Group

Tuesdays beginning October 2

Two offerings: 10:30 am or 6:30 pm

GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people experiencing grief and loss of a loved one. Feel free to let neighbors and friends in the community (not associated with Olivet UMC) know about this support group. Pastor Linda and Hospice Chaplain Ruth Dixon will co-facilitate the 13-week GriefShare group on Tuesdays begin-ning October 2, 2018. Both daytime (10:30 am -12:00 noon) and evening (6:30 – 8:00 pm) groups are available. Please be sure to let Pastor Linda know if childcare is needed.

GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Nor-mal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relation-ships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” Meetings will be held in the Conference Room of the Good News Center of Olivet UMC. Since each session is “self-contained,” persons are welcome to begin attending our GriefShare group at any point. If you wish to attend, contact Pastor Linda @ 410-570-4858 or lindamotter@icloud.com

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Let us break bread together...

Olivet’s Fellowship Dinner Catered by Hardesty Haven

Thursday, October 18

5:30—7:00 PM

Menu

Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Peas, Broccoli Salad ,Desserts

$13/adults; $6/children 12 & under Purpose: Christian Fellowship

(This is not a fundraising event.) ______________________________________

Olivet UMC 13575 Olivet Rd, Lusby, MD www.olivetumc-lusby.org

Mitford Series

Book Club— Book 6 A Common Life: The Wedding Story

by Jan Karon

Wednesday, October 24

1:00 PM

Everyone is invited to join us, even if you have not attended any of the previous gatherings.

Kids for Christ

(A new children’s ministry)

Kids for Christ Sunday School 11:00 am—12:00 pm

All children age 12 and under are wel-come to attend Sunday mornings at 11:00 am in the Good News Center of Olivet UMC in Room 1.

Kids for Christ Sunday Evening 5:30 —7:00 pm.

For children age 3 (potty trained) through 5th grade in Room 1 of the Good News Center.

Please contact Stephanie Thom at sthom127@gmail.com, or 484-425-7381 (call or text) to volunteer or get more information. Can't wait to see you there!

Praise God with Music & Song...

Consider being part of one of our musical groups. Ages youth—adult.

Practice is every Wednesday Strummers—6:30 pm

(Any string instrument)

Choir—7:30 pm

No auditions!

All are welcome at all levels!

Back by popular request!

Olivet Denim Shirts with

Embroidered Logo

Cost is $25 per shirt. Order forms are available in the Olivet church office and in the back of the sanctu-ary. Please submit your order and payment by October 14th! Ques-tions? Call Gerri in the church office at 410-326-8400.

NAMI Maryland Annual Meeting

The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt

October 20, 2018

The Board Development and Nom-

inating Committee (BDNC) is seeking

candidates for six Board of Director posi-

tions. Nominations should be submitted,

along with a resume and statement of

willingness to serve, to: Danielle Fletch-

er, NAMI Maryland, 10630 Little Patuxent

Pkwy, Ste 475, Columbia, MD 21044, e-

mail: adminassist@namimd.org.

October

Birthdays

01 Kate Wilson

11 Jamie DeWaters

12 Holly Shunk

15 Mildred Ward

16 Gail Smith

23 Shirley Conway

23 Cecil Seabaugh

30 Betty Gibson

Not listed? Call Gerri,

410-326-8400.

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Olivet Addiction Ministry—Part 32

A SON OF THE “RAT PACK”… RECOVERY WORKS

A recent obituary caught my attention because it was about addiction, recovery, and the Kennedy “clan.” He died on September 4, 2018 from a heart attack at the age of 63. Chris-topher Lawford was the son of Peter Lawford and Patricia Ken-nedy Lawford; he was a nephew of JFK.

The Lawford family had some serious problems from addiction. Christopher’s father was part of the famous Holly-wood “Rat Pack” which was notorious for the habits of its members with alcohol, drugs, and other things. Christopher commented about the group this way: “We can re-create the days when Frank, Dean, Sammy and my dad were together,” he told the Boston Globe in 2005. “But they all ended up dys-functional, messed-up guys. And they once had everything. Money. Good looks. Success. Yet at the end, they were misera-ble, miserable men alone, angry, drinking. So what’s that all about?” (1)

“Christopher himself also had the self-destruct button pushed in firmly. Having taken LSD as a 13-year-old, he later moved onto heroin and spent 17 years in the grips of addic-tion.” (2) But, with lots of help, he was able to reach and main-tain long-term sobriety. Mr. Lawford gave credit to his aunt Joan Kennedy — Teddy Kennedy’s first wife — for introducing him to an addiction treatment program in 1986.

“Joan did for me what no doctor, therapist, priest, or guru could do,” he told the Palm Beach Post in 2006. “She brought me to a church basement full of a diverse group of apparent losers who would teach me how to live without drugs and alcohol a day at a time, and a whole lot more.” (3)

Christopher Lawford became a strong advocate/spokesperson for recovery and wrote books about addiction and recovery. One book is Recover to Live: Kick Any Habit,

Manage Any Addiction. The following is from an interview about the book; he talks about the stigma of addiction, the difficulties in accepting treatment for addiction, and the ulti-mate rewards of recovery:

“I think the basic thing is the stigma and then how complicated this issue is. You know, if people were told they need to do these five things to recover from cancer, they’d do it in a heartbeat, but they won’t do the same with addiction. That’s the mental part of this disease. Addiction is a disease that tells you you don’t have a disease. You couple that with the stigma and denial that keeps people stuck – keeps all of us from talking about it and dealing with it – and we see why it’s so difficult for people to seek treatment and recovery.

“The solution is to point people to good answers...I must emphasize that we also need to paint the picture of what people can do in recovery. We need to help people seeking or starting treatment to see they’re in for the ride of their lives when they get recovery. We have to help people realize recov-ery is worth it.” (4)

He made use of this quote by Johann Hari:

“So the opposite of addiction is not sobriety,

but human connection.”

(1) https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/christopher-lawford-kennedy-family-member-who-wrote-an-addiction-memoir-dies-at-63/2018/09/05/cd5f7606-b147-11e8-9a6a-565d92a3585d_story.html?utm_term=.f4b3685f87cf

(2) https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/life-lessons-from-recovering-addict-christopher-kennedy-lawford-20160926-grojfn.html

(3) https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/christopher-lawford-kennedy-family-member-who-wrote-an-addiction-memoir-dies-at-63/2018/09/05/cd5f7606-b147-11e8-9a6a-565d92a3585d_story.html?utm_term=.f4b3685f87cf

(4) https://www.breakingthecycles.com/blog/2013/03/03/recover-to-live-an-interview-with-author-christopher-kennedy-lawford/

(To be continued…) ~submitted by Bob Evans

AA Meetings at Olivet UMC 13575 Olivet Rd, Lusby, MD 20657

Fridays at 7 pm - Saturdays at 7 am

For all Calvert County meetings:

http://calvertaa.org/meetings.htm

Dean Martin

Peter Lawford

Frank Sinatra

Sammy Davis, Jr.

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Olivet UMC

13575 Olivet Rd.

Lusby, MD 20657

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