From the Pastor

A year ago I spent some time with local photographer Robert Llew-ellyn who was trying to get some pic-tures of owl, eagle, and woodpecker nests or holes in trees. I noticed he was constantly picking up leaves, small flowers, seeds, and other natural objects and examining them and put-ting them in his pocket. Responding to my surprised look he said, “I’ve resolved to explore the world around me as if I am visiting another plan-et.” I suspect when Robert walks in his backyard, or down a city sidewalk, or beside a mountain stream; that he sees things that none of the rest of us do, because he carries that perspective with him.

And I dare say, that those who anticipate God’s presence and king-dom penetrating into their lives and the world around them at any mo-ment, see and experience things that others do not.

One of the joys that led me to become a more avid birdwatcher, was the discovery that there are so very many birds that are not noticed or ap-preciated unless you look and listen for them. They don’t come to your feeder, they don’t stand on your gate-post and sing, and they don’t hop around in your yard. But they are there, some perhaps only seasonal-ly: warblers, cuckoos, thrushes, vire-os, kinglets, flycatchers, even the “elusive” snipe!

Isn’t growing in the spiritual life about cultivating our attentiveness, our capacity, to sense and see God’s hand at work in our lives and in our world; to sense and see God’s eternal

kingdom breaking in as heaven and angels bend near the earth. Growing in the spiritual life is trusting more with each passing day that our lives, our work, our love, our giving is aligned with the way the master wants the house kept for our and all of God’s children’s joyful thriving, now and for all eternity.

One year Tom Long taught a confirmation class with only three young girls in it. In one session they were discussing the Christian calendar and the various festivals and seasons of the church year. When they came to Pentecost he asked if they knew what that was. Since none of them did he proceeded to inform them that it was when the church was sitting in a closed room and praying as they were fearful, and not certain about what God wanted them to do as they awaited Jesus’ return. And the Holy Spirit came upon them with a rush of wind and flames that alighted on each person. And they went out into the streets to begin boldly proclaiming the good news about Jesus in all the lan-guages of the known world. Two of the girls simply looked at him with blank stares. But the third looked astonished, her eyes wide. “Reverend Long,” she said, “I must have been absent that Sunday!” The beauty of that moment, Long recounts, was not that she misunderstood Pentecost, but that she understood something about the church and the life of faith. In her mind there was the expectation that any moment, any place, any Sunday; God could be present.

Inside This Issue

Worship & Music 2

Kids Corner 3

Youth 4

Our Faith

Community

5

Mission & Outreach 6

Session Highlights, Resolution

7

In the Mailbag, Birthdays

8

Calendar 9

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 1 www.olivetpresbyterian.org January 2018 www.olivetpreschool.org

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December Scripture and Sermon Titles

January 7, Baptism of the Lord Sunday Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Sacrament of Communion at all services Scripture: Gen. 1: 1-5; Acts 19: 1-7; Mark 1: 4-11 Sermon: Baptized in the Spirit January 14, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany Ordination and Installation of Officers Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: 1 Sam. 3: 1-10; 1 Cor. 6: 12-20; John 1: 43-51 Sermon: Here I Am Lord January 21, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: Jonah 3: 1-5; 1 Cor. 7: 29-31; Mark 1: 14-20 Sermon: The Call to Follow Jesus January 28, 4th Sunday after Epiphany Worship at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00am Scripture: Deut. 18: 15-20; 1 Cor. 8: 1-13; Mark 1: 21-28 Sermon: Love Builds Up

We ended the Advent season on a high note providing music for four Christmas Eve services. Our Chancel Choir performed the "Gloria" from Vivaldi's Gloria and a beautiful new arrangement of Gustav Holst's "Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" at the 7 PM service with soprano Chloe Horner beautifully singing "O Holy Night" as the prelude to the

service. The children of the church offered two hyms, "In the Bleak Mid Winter" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" at the 4 PM service, and at the 9 PM service, Erica Umback offered brilliant piano preludes, Linda and Krista Edenfield sang "The Dance for Fulfillment" from Pfautsch's A Day for Dancing during the Offertory, and James Taylor offered "Every Valley" from Handel's Messiah.

Also, on 21 December, the Music Department participated in the Service of Remembrance. Katherine Nies was our pianist for the evening, and was joined by Sonja Dillard to accompany our hymns, and Ms. Dillard offered an unaccompanied "Lo how a Rose e're Blooming" for the candle lighting at the end of the service. Chloe Horner offered John Jacob Niles' "I wonder as I wander" as our gift of music for the evening.

We are looking to start the New Year off with new music as we offer a beautiful setting of "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" for Epiphany Sunday, and will be offering music by Michael Praetirus, Bach, an arrangement of "Be Thou my vision" by Alice Parker, and working on "Ave Verum" by Mozart, and preparing a brand new piece, "Jubilate Deo" by Peter Anglea.

We invite all who wish to join us on Wednesday Nights for music and fellowship to come and join us!We would especially like to invite the high School aged Youth to join with us!

In the words of St. Augustine, "He/She who sings prays twice!"

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, 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 op-tions, registration questions or to schedule a tour (rebecca@olivetpresbyterian.org, 434.295.1367)

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A Note from Kelly Kaufman Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a blessed Christmas season. It is hard to believe that 2018 is here. My role here at Olivet has transitioned a few times these last few months, from participant, to working a few hours a week, to working part time as the Parish Associate for Children’s Ministries. Many of you have been friends of our family over the last few years and some of you I have been getting to know! I am excited about the many opportunities we have at Olivet for Children’s Ministry and I have some exciting plans in store. Be on the lookout for age-focused fellowship events, family oriented learning, and a new monthly Children’s Ministry newsletter. Of course we are going to have many of our favorites, Vacation Bible School, Kids Connec-tion, and Trunk or Treat. During this transition I also want to take a moment to evaluate what we have been doing and think about what we could be doing. Be on the lookout for a survey coming your way in mid- January and help me assess what we are doing great at Olivet and what we can be doing even better! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for our children in 2018. Let’s come and see togeth-er! Christmas Pageant Thank You Thank you to everyone who helped with the Christ-mas Pageant. From preparing costumes, to dressing children, to preparing the stage, every detail was taken care of. What a wonderful way to begin our Christmas celebrations as our children shared the Holy story with friends, family, and visitors. Save the Date for Kids Connection The winter semester of Kids Connection begins soon. Save the date for Wednesdays from February 7- March 28, 2018. Registration for the winter se-mester will begin Sunday, January 7. Be on the lookout for more information. We hope your family is interested in participating. Our Ark is Growing During the fall our children have raised a little over $125.00 for Heifer Project International. With this money we could several different types of donations. A sheep or a goat, a rabbit or honeybees, or a flock of birds (chickens, ducks, and geese). Wow. Our children are amazing! We will continue raising money through May 2018. We collect our offering the 3rd Sunday of each month.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

January 12-14 - High School Mission Weekend January 28 - PACEM Meal

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

February 11 - STOP Hunger Now Event February 14 - Ash Wednesday Service

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

for Youth and Family Ministry Seth Lovell

seth@olivetpresbyterian.org

All middle school youth are invited to join us for the Middle School Conference at Massanetta where we will explore Isaiah 43:1-2 with the theme "Ya’ll are Mine." The conference will focus on the good news that we are created, claimed, and called by God. The OPC Middle School Youth Group will be traveling to Massanetta this summer from June 21-24. If you have questions, or would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity for middle school youth, please talk to Seth.

A BIG “thank you” to all who helped

make the annual Christmas

Fellowship Dinner such a successful

evening. The entertainment for the

night was a telling of the beloved

Christmas story “The Grinch Who

Stole Christmas.” The evening was

full of fellowship, good food, and

lots of laughs!

Registration for the 2018 Mission Trip to Belize closes this month as airline tickets are purchased. If you’re interested in going, make sure to speak to Seth today!

“Do not fear for I have redeemed

you, I have called you by name;

you are mine.” ~Isaiah 43:1-2

Left to Right: (Top) Mark and Audrey Lorenzoni, Elsa Bollmeier, Eliza Baker, Johnny Riordan, Elizabeth Fabiano, Gabby Wade, Seth

and Brittany Lovell (Bottom) Juan Wade, and Kylie Lovell

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Thank You Retiring Church Officers

On the last Sunday of January, the 28th, we will take a moment in worship to recognize retiring officers, and our refreshment time between services will be held in their honor. Marv Reese is retiring after the conclusion of several terms of service as a Deacon. And Chris Grover, Bill Newman, and John Spilman are

retiring from terms of service as Elders. As a Deacon, Marv was involved in extending Christian care, love, and support to members of our congregation in need. As Elders Chris, Bill, and John served on Session, and gave wonderful support and leadership to our Property, Church Support, and Personnel Committees respectively. While we will be recognizing and thanking them publicly on the 28th, please find an opportunity to personally thank them.

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.

Joining the Church Formalizing and making public our faith

commitment through uniting with a church is a significant step in our journey of faith with God. The next meeting of the Olivet Session to receive new members is being scheduled for late January. Speak with Pastor Albert, if you are interested in taking this step.

Let’s Recycle!

We can re-user your advent wreath base. When you are finished with it, please remove the greenery (leaving candle holders attached) and return it to the church office. Thank you!

Service of Ordination and Installation

As part of our worship services on January 14, we will ordain and install Judy Grover, Audrey Lorenzoni, and Jack Peeks to the office of Elder. We will also be installing William Park to a second term as elder, and Kyle Bollmeier, Alicia Dagli, and Sherry Purdy to the office of Deacon. We are grateful for the faith, commitment, dedication, and gifts of these officers that God has called forward through the voice and vote of the congregation. In the service of ordination, the congregation will be asked to promise their support and encouragement of these leaders. Following the service, everyone is invited to extend words of appreciation to them.

Annual Meeting of the

Congregation The Olivet Session has called a meeting of the

congregation for Wednesday, January 17, during the annual Chili Cook-0ff gathering. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on recommended changes in our pastors’ terms-of-call. Also, the 2018 budget, and the ministry plans it supports, will be discussed. The meeting will take place after we have had our fill of a variety of chilies, and turned in our votes, and before the results of the cook-off.

Annual Men’s Chili Cook-off

Our annual Men’s Chili Cook-off will be held on Wednesday, January 17, at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Now is the time for all men chefs to pull out their favorite chili recipes and stock up on chili powder. There are several categories: Best Beef or Pork, Best Poultry, Best Alternative Meat (venison, bear, rabbit?), Best Vegetarian, Hottest, and Best Overall. Please call the church office to let it be known that you’ll be participating.

Men’s Monthly Breakfast

All men of the church are invited to a monthly prayer breakfast on Friday, January 5th, at 7:00am in the upstairs Youth Room. Following the meal and a time of sharing and prayer, Juan Wade will lead a timely devotional and discussion.

Hurricane Harvey Response and Recovery

Trip Olivet is exploring organizing a Hurricane Harvey recovery mission trip to the Texas coast, likely the first full week of April, the week of public school spring break. If you would be interested in learning about this opportunity contact Albert at the church office, albert@olivetpresbyterian.org or 295-1367.

Olivet Calendars The Presbyterian Women are selling Olivet photo wall calendars for the coming year which make wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers. The calendars include pictures from seasonal events and ministries as well as dates for regularly occurring congregational gatherings. Copies are available in the hallway outside the church office for $8.

Greeting Cards You will find cards for all occasions in

the baskets outside the office and in the Fellowship Hall for $2.00 per card. The proceeds of every card purchased support the training of church leaders in Olivet’s partner Synod in Ethiopia. Money from card sales, books sales and individual gifts enable us to send $2,000 annually to East Gambella Bethel Synod.

PACEM Volunteers Needed

Olivet is once again this year blessed to serve as

hosts for homeless women in our community through PACEM. This grassroots organization coordinates space and volunteers to provide shelter for individuals in our community who are homeless. More than 80 faith congregations and community groups and 3,000 volunteers in the Charlottesville area come together each winter to address the need for shelter by opening their doors, serving evening meals, giving financially, and providing companionship. PACEM believes that a welcoming, safe place to shelter is the first step to addressing the crisis of homelessness.

This year Olivet will host the ladies of PACEM from January 20th through February 3.

A sign up poster to help with this ministry will be in the Fellowship Hall right after Christmas.

If you have questions before that time, feel free to contact one of our key volunteers: Renee Ferguson: rjferfuson297@comcast.net; Charlotte Matthews: cmatthews@virginia.edu or Mary Rike: mkr930design@gmail.com.

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Olivet Mission & Outreach love, serve, grow

Session Highlights The Olivet Session met for its monthly stated meeting on December 19 beginning the meeting with the sharing

of a meal and prayer. Over dinner elders examined newly elected officers in the areas of personal faith, duties of the office, and the government and doctrine of the church and then approved the ordination and installation of Judy Grover, Audrey Lorenzoni, and Jack Peeks on January 14, and the installation of William Park as elder, and Kyle Bollmeier, Alicia Dagli, and Sherry Purdy as Deacons

During the Clerk’s report Session approved November meeting minutes; learned of Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry approval of our amended covenant with Kelly Kaufman; called a meeting of the congregation following the Jan. 17 chili cook-off to present the 2018 budget and vote on changes in terms-of-call for Seth and Albert; and scheduled a meeting to receive new members for Sunday, January 21.

Session reviewed and accepted committee minutes and financial reports and discussed and approved the following recommendations:

- 2018 Budget of $535, 759 - Manse rental arrangement during Seth’s study leave - Securing an assistant nursery attendant to assure that 2 adults are present in the nursery at all times During old business Seth updated Session on progress in securing a cash-back benefit with our church credit

cards; Albert updated Session on the membership of the Music Director Search Team, and Seth shared an update on Property Committee review of church security

During new business Session approved committee assignments, committee leadership, and church officers for 2018. Session also discussed prospective members to approach regarding service on the Personnel Committee.

The meeting was closed with a time of sharing words of appreciation to Dale upon her retirement, and to elders Chris Grover, Bill Newman, and John Spilman who are completing terms of service on Session.

A Resolution in Honor of Dale Dealtrey Whereas, Dale Dealtrey began serving as Olivet ’s Parish Associate in August, 2014; and

Whereas, Dale is a person of deep and w ell-nourished faith who truly embodied her ordination vows, particularly in being a friend among colleagues in ministry, furthering the peace, unity and purity of the church, and serving the people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love; and

Whereas, Dale strengthened Olivet ’s ministry of welcoming new members, reaching out to inactive members, and supporting members going through a difficult loss or transition; and

Whereas, Dale helped facilitate num erous support groups and training events for members of the Olivet community; and was a faithful friend and wonderful provider of pastoral care to many in time of need; and

Whereas, Dale exhibited a gracious, hum ble, loving Christian attitude in her w ork and relationships at Olivet, and provided steady support and wise counsel as a member of Olivet’s staff, Worship Committee, and Session; and

Whereas, Dale enhanced Olivet ’s worship with choice words and heartfelt prayers, and inspired and nurtured the faith and discipleship of many through her sermons; and

Whereas, Dale w ill retire at the end of 2017; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Session of Olivet Presbyterian Church gives thanks to God for the ministry of Dale Dealtrey and honors her with this resolution; and be it further

Resolved, that a copy of this resolution shall be presented to Dale, shared in Olivet ’s monthly newsletter, and entered into the church records.

Done this 27th Day of December, 2017 by the Session of Olivet Presbyterian Church. Cindy Cass, Albert Connette Clerk of Session Moderator

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Dear Christmas Carolers, Thank you so much for your visit yesterday. It was delightful. Outside of family and a few of the Colonnades residents, you were my first guests since my move to Charlottesville. I enjoyed singing with you but the last carol I decided not to sing, I listened. How beautiful were your voices!! Then I became aware of this most wonderful sense of energy gracing my apartment which I have no words to describe. Thank you. I am sure the other residents were equally blessed by your presence. Also, I’d like to thank Ava, Thillian and Maggie for their lovely hand made Christmas cards. They are true treasures and are place on my dining room table to enjoy. I am honored they consider me a friend, sight unseen. They have a very thoughtful teacher who delivered them to my room. The cards were an unexpected gift. Thank you. I was happy to receive the 2018 Olivet Presbyterian Church Calendar for I do not have one for the new year. It helps introduce me to your church family, activities and missions of the church. I appreciate your friendly and welcoming spirit, all praise be to the Son, Father and Holy Spirit. A very Merry Christmas to each of you, Nancy Pfund

Deacons On Call in January Betty Hopson and Marv Reese will be on call for the month of January to respond to needs as they arise.

2 Ray McGrath Andrew Petri 3 Bode Harris Lanie Schnell 4 Lindsay Riordan 5 Eliza Baker Carrie Edenfield 7 Camille Hatter 8 Garland Freeauf 9 Cooper Geraty Emily Rayle Sasha Simpson Piper Stultz 10 Ryan Evans 11 Maddie Roberts Juan Wade 12 Bob Tatem 13 Campbell Derrico Joey Derrico Ferrell Mercer Thomas Olson 14 Bea Ferguson Jordie Roberts Jann Whitten 15 Charlie Miller 16 Ivy Allen Marty Carr Matthew Satterwhite 17 Sammy Derrico David Johnston 18 Alexandra King Ruffin King 19 John Barkley Jack Kirk 21 Tina Andersen Cynthia Pearce 22 Austin Cress Ricky Dettamore Cheney Knight 23 Molly Servine 25 Don Wagner 26 William Park John Sanborn 27 George Carras 28 John Effland III 29 Hayley Austin 30 Michelle Davis Al Reaser Polly Thompson 31 Ruffin King IV

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Birthdays