The Christian Education Committee is promoting something that makes for an excellent New Year’s resolution. It is a program for reading through the Bible in the course of the year. It comes in the booklet by James E. Davison, called The Year of the Bible, An Enhanced Guide to Reading Scripture Together. Davison came up with this when he was the pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh.

Many of us have attempted to read through the Scriptures only to sink into the tar pit of a seemingly endless genealogical list or section of Jewish laws (assuming we got that far). So this raises the question as to why we should ever undertake such a project in the first place.

Davison takes a pragmatic approach when he wrote in the preface, “I have heard many stories of how reading through the entire Bible—either along with a congregation or individually—has opened people’s eyes to the riches of the Scriptures, deepened family and church relationships, or generally strengthened the faith of the persons who have followed the schedule of readings in this book,” (page vii).

Our understanding of what stories in Scripture say is usually shaped by Sunday-school. There Bible stories were presented as morality vignettes meant to inspire us to behave in an acceptable away. There were problems with that approach.

First, if a story exists to convey a moral lesson, once you learn the lesson, the story itself becomes irrelevant.

Second, the stories were not connected. They were presented much in the way my book on American folk heroes: here is the story of Babe and the Blue Ox, and there is the story of Paul Bunyan. My first interest in Scripture came when I picked up a book in my parent’s library, The Greatest Book Ever Written, by Fulton Oursler (1951). It presented the Old Testament as a continuous story. My fascination arose as I realized that Scripture is the story of a people, a people moving through time, a people facing in each era new and varied challenges. The trials of one person, then, must be seen against the backdrop of this ongoing drama. Scripture is a story, a story of a people.

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OCEAN ViewsKerry Shull

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Ocean View Presbyterian

Church67 Central Avenue

PO. Box 287Ocean View, DE 19970

Service Sunday, 9:30 A.M.

PastorKerry Shull

Church Office302-539-3455

Websiteovpc.org

SessionCarole TrentKaren Colwill

Richard PeoplesMike Quinn

Jennifer ReadHerb Sheetz

DeaconsMike Read

Jane SergisonJim Hartsig

Bruce HoblerAmy PeoplesKathy Sheetz

Newsletter EditorsLorie and Jim HartsigSend submissions to:newsletter@ovpc.org

Reflections (Cont.)

The third problem with a Sunday school approach is that even the story of this people has no meaning apart from the God who called them into existence. Scripture speaks of God electing a people with whom to exist in covenant relationship. That election is a matter of grace. To live faithfully before God means to reflect in our relationships in community that same grace-filled behavior that God has shown us. Right living, then, is living in a community in faithful relationship with God. A story, such as God’s testing of Abraham in asking him to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:1-19) makes no purely moral sense; but it does take on a significance when seen in the context of what it means to live in complete trust in God.

Finally, the story of God’s people moving through history has immediate concern for us now. We tend to see this story as one of stability. We are particularly enamored of the power and splendor of Solomon. In point of fact, the real story has to do with times of great peril, times of transition, times of wilderness wandering, times of exile, times in which Israel contemplated its certain demise. In other words, these were times such as ours. Rather than frantic activity, what this called forth was Israel’s willingness to be silent and to wait on God, a willingness to search its own tradition (story) to see what new form faithfulness would take.

We covenant together this new year to take a fresh look at an old story, a story that provides our sense of meaning and purpose.

“Every man should be born again on the first day of January.  Start with a fresh page.  Take up one hole more in

the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first day of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take

no interest in the things that were and are past.”-  Henry Ward Beecher

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....From The EditorsLorie and Jim Hartsig

I attended our Bethany Beach Women’s Club holiday luncheon and our president had written this prayer for us to recite before we ate. She said that she had attended numerous lunches this month and all had included a prayer before eating.......:)

May we be gentle with ourselves and with others as we do our best to navigate through the traditions

of December. (and the new year) May we avoid being so distracted with our own problems and duties that we forget the wider web of life of which we are a part.

May we go about our rounds of preparations and festivities with a light heart and with boundless patience.

May we be mindful of the needs of others, imparting words of encouragement and acts of kindness.

And may all the joys of the season be ours to share with family, friends and loved ones.

Amen.Happy New Year!

‎“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:  it is the time for home.” 

-  Edith Sitwell

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Women’s WorldBetsy Henifin

At our December meeting the ladies enjoyed a delicious pot luck.  Sue Baer offered a very meaningful installation service for our new officers.  Now we wish all of our church family a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!  Next Circle will be January 9, 2013.

Browser's Corner will be continued in the February newsletter.  The writer of BC cannot imagine that anyone has time to browse in the Pastor's office this time of year!    

Christian Education CommitteeBruce Hobler

The book, “Almost Home: Helping Kids Move from Homelessness to Hope” by Kevin Ryan and Tina Kelly, is being offered for study in January or February of 2013.

This is the story of homeless children in America and the tragic lives they encounter on a daily basis. Through programs such as the Covenant House these children are given a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives. Covenant House is located in several major cities in the U.S. The Covenant House staff provides acts of kindness, decency and love that contribute to empowering the lives of this group of “forgotten youth”. The book presents several actual stories about young people that were saved by the Covenant House outreach program.

The last chapter entitled “What You Can Do” offers strategies that individuals and communities can employ to address homeless children. Anti-trafficking, Advocacy Work and using a PC at home are a few of the interventions that can ultimately contribute to addressing this international crisis.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 115:30 pm

• Don't miss it! • Bring your friends.• Come and enjoy homemade chili by the best cooks in town. • Vote for your favorite, only $1 per vote. • And since it is movie night - enjoy a movie too! • Proceeds to benefit next summer’s International Student Event.

Fit Chick Chili Liz HoblerHot Pot Jen ReadSteamin’ Beans Lorie HartsigChili con Carne Elaine WolfSouthern Chili Amy PeoplesWhere’s the Beef ? Sue Baer

Featured Cooks and their Dishes

BIRTHDAYSAndy Smith January 2Bill Kellam January 3

80 years youngCindy Szlasa January 8Barbara Dietsch January 13Dave Kratch January 20Hilary Smith January 27

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The Deacons continue to collect needed items throughout December for delivery to Meeting Ground in time for Christmas. Thanks to all who have contributed to this mission.

 We have also distributed holiday gift baskets to members who might find it difficult to get out over the holidays.

 Have time on your hands? Be thinking about how you can donate some of it in service. Our upcoming Minute for Mission will be to ask for a Gift of Your Time. There are abundant opportunities available.

 The Deacons would like to thank Edna Ewing for her years of dedicated service as a Deacon. Edna will be missed. We would also like to extend a hearty welcome to Jane Sergison to the Board of Deacons.

 Finally, have a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Deacon’s ReportMike Read

ANNIVERSARIESBetsy and Buzz Henifin Jan 8, 1955

(58 years!!!)

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.” Robert Burns

The Session met with Bob Wolf, representative of the Communications & Technology Committee. This committee has accomplished a great deal since its formation which include: redesign of the Home page on our website, audio recordings of the Sermon and Offertory Hymn; redesigned the Newsletter to include online availability, design the “rack card” to introduce visitors to the community to our church, establish data backup of the Office computer, and support of the monthly movie night. The committee also has other activities in process. This is the first time Session has met with this committee. It is an active, important committee that has accomplished a great deal in the time it has been in existence.

Last month Session approved a request from the Worship Committee to purchase 20 new hymnals. There was discussion of the new hymnals. A MOTION was made and seconded to authorize the Worship Committee to purchase 40 new hymnals, the motion was defeated.

The Personnel Committee is completing the annual review with employees of the church and updating job descriptions as necessary.

Kerry would like to take his last week of vacation if he can find someone to preach on December 30, 2012. A MOTION was made, seconded and passed to approve the pastor’s vacation for Sunday, December 30th

Due to the lateness of the hour, the remaining items on the agenda were postponed until the next scheduled Session meeting, January 14, 2013.

The meeting was closed with prayer at 9:45 p.m.

Session ReportEariene DeFazio, Clerk of Session

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Building and GroundsBuzz Henifin

As the year draws to a close, B&G's co-chair is changing. Dave Sergison is departing and Bill Colwill is putting on the hat. Dave has done a great job and I know that he is returning to the work that he really likes with Cemetery Committee. We welcome Bill to the behind the scene, job packed activity that keeps the heat, lights and air conditioning working, and the building and grounds looking proper and nice. The B&G work is never done as we all know from the list of jobs for the Spring and Fall clean ups that never end. Not only a big welcome Bill, but thanks for volunteering for the job.

 B&G did assist in the creche displays. We got the risers out of storage and set up the big out door creche. Then we moved that creche to the front area of the property. Timers on our outdoor lights have been changed to keep up with the shorter days. Thanks to the security people who continue to keep the buildings secure and let B&G know when lights need replacements and other items need attention.

Photos by Jim Hartsig

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English as a Second LanguageJen and Mike Read

Kheuavan is from Laos.  She has lived in Frankford for 17 years.  She and her husband, a machinist at Mountaire, have three boys who love to play soccer.  Even though Kheauavan works in Ocean City, designing and making jewelry, she stays busy during her time off.  On weekends she drives her boys all over the Delmarva for soccer tournaments.  She loves to cook for her family and friends, and she and her husband both enjoy working in their yard.  Kheuavan and her family are Buddhists, but the nearest temple is in Philadelphia.  When they drive up there for worship, they usually stay all day because it is such a special occasion.  Kerry and Beverly work with Kneauavan every week.  She is very eager to improve her English because her boys all speak it fluently. 

Nativity FestivalElsie Young

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER-REAL JOY!  That is how I felt at the Nativity Festival.  The response from our congregation was completely positive. Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow.

After twenty days, I spoke with someone today who said, " That Creche thing at your church was wonderful.  I read every card and enjoyed the whole experience.  I felt wonderful."

A former member of OVPC said, "I'm so proud of that little church.  What a wonderful experience!"  Another said, "What a wonderful way to begin this Advent Season."  After a lady had looked at all the creches and sat through two music sessions, she said, “I thoroughly enjoyed this visit."  At least three people commented that they would like to see their creche in our display next year.

Those are but a few of the comments from 139 guests.  I counted 82 creches representing 25 countries.

To  ALL who were involved in any way THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU OVPC  for sharing  a great  ADVENT DEVOTIONAL.

Elsie

Communications & TechnologyBob Wolf

It has been some time now since any news from our group has been included in the newsletter but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy! We recently met with Session for the first time since the formation of our group and our report of completed activities and future plans were very well received and I think we will be seeing some exciting changes as we begin to work together more closely.

In addition to this excellent publication, thanks to editors Jim and Lorie Hartsig, our website continues to mature with the addition of new information and some minor ‘tweaks’ to the format. Some of the other things we are involved in are supporting the computer, software, and other equipment in the church office, assisting members with computer questions, sponsoring the monthly movie night, and the recording of our services for inclusion on the website. In the near future new speakers will be installed in the Sanctuary to replace those that are no longer functioning.

As with other groups in the Church, we have compiled a ‘wish list’ of things that we would like to do in the future and of course, each comes with a cost that will have to be funded either from church accounts or contributions from the congregation. Some of these items for 2013 include:

•A projection screen for Memorial Hall

•A larger computer monitor for Kaye

•A network upgrade to allow faster internet communications and expanded wireless coverage to Memorial Hall and Fellowship Center

•A new recording system for the Sanctuary

We encourage everyone to be involved in the content of our newsletter and website and welcome any and all ideas. Don’t let the ‘technology’ piece of our name scare you away – our main focus is on communication - both to our members, the community, and to the public at large. Here are some ideas for feedback to get you started:

For those who do not attend movie night – is there something we can change to get you to join us?

Would there be any interest in having a basic computer class (email, surfing the internet, etc)?

Would it be beneficial to provide a written ‘roadmap’ of what is on our website and how to access it?

Are there things happening in church that you find out about ‘too late’? How can we fix it?

The next meeting of the Communications and Technology Committee has not yet been scheduled so keep an eye on the bulletin and calendar.

Remember to visit our website often! www.ovpc.org

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OVPC CHURCH WEB CALENDAR: Our church facilities are becoming more popular with the community and our many committees. When visiting the OVPC web site please remember and get into the habit of looking at the calendar regularly for it can sometimes change on a daily basis. The calendar option is in the list on the left side of the Web Site’s home page.

Liz Hobler, Facilities Chair

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Photogenic Photos by Bob Turner and Jim Hartsig

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A Tasty Friday Night At The MoviesOur movie night in January will be held in conjunction with the Great OVPC Chili Challenge. Please join us as we partake in the chili tasting and watch the animated feature ‘RATATOUILLE’.

A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family's wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely - and certainly unwanted - visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy's passion for cooking soon sets into

motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Feel free to bring your own comfortable chair (and anything else you like when watching movies --- blanket and pillow?)….

If you have a special request for a movie, please let Bob Wolf know and we will do our best to obtain it.

OCEAN VIEW

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 287Ocean View, DE 19970