1019 Richmond Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401

The Rev. Lee Thomas, Pastor

(540) 886-9353

“The “The “The “The little church with a little church with a little church with a little church with a big heart”big heart”big heart”big heart”

The 23rd Letter of Lee to the Olivet Church,The 23rd Letter of Lee to the Olivet Church,The 23rd Letter of Lee to the Olivet Church,The 23rd Letter of Lee to the Olivet Church,

Olivet Presbyterian ChurchOlivet Presbyterian ChurchOlivet Presbyterian ChurchOlivet Presbyterian Church

2014

Sometimes, being a preacher’s kid must really be a little difficult. Not just because there are certain common expectations and myths about pk’s but also because sometimes you become the subject of sermons. Sometimes when you are preacher’s kid you also might be mentioned in church newsletters.

Such is the case today for my six year old daughter Miley Margaret. One evening last week, while I was sitting at the kitchen table she approached me and asked why her name is Miley Margaret. So I explained to her that she is named after two of her great-great grandmothers. One named Miley, the other named Margaret. She said “Well, Ok but from now on I would like for you to call me Millie or Rose.” So for the last few days when we’ve needed to address her there have been times when we’ve called her Millie Rose, instead of Miley Margaret. But she is still, and will always be Miley Margaret.

Many people are quite familiar with the passage from Isaiah, chapter 43:1-3 “But now, this

is what the Lord says-he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have

redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I

will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you

walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord

your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

God chose Israel to be His beloved people. He chose them to serve Him in a special way. You are also chosen and beloved by God your Savior. There are many ways you might go about doing that. Some of you serve on the session. Some of you are very faithful in bringing items each month to share with the needy through SACRA. Some of you teach Sunday school. Others are so faithful in global mission and outreach. Some of you are in the choir. (By the way, I’m so glad the choir is back in place after their summer break. It gets a little lonely in the chancel without them.) Some of you are encouragers who invite others to come and be a part of the things taking place here at the church. Perhaps some of you are being called to start a new kind of ministry in the church, maybe one that we’ve never heard of before. Just let me know if you are feeling that kind of call to service.

There are many ways that you can serve the Lord and be involved in His kingdom. We need you here at Olivet and hope to see you involved in the things happening around here. No matter your name or what you call yourself you have the title child of God. Serve your Father with gratitude and gladness.

Grace and Peace,

Lauren Leach September 3 Ray Leach September 4 Leah Kerschke September 4 Emily Harris September 7 John Smith September 7 Kaitlin McKibben September 7 John Charbeneau September 7 Judy Swann September 8 P.J. Sabo September 11 Brian Argenbright September 12 Patsy Hunter September 15 Glady Reid September 15 Lee Thomas September 17 Candi Smith September 17 Aesa Wronko September 19 Teresa Whitesell September 22 Buck Robinson September 27 Sonny Masincup September 29 Joel Balsley September 29 Ella Reid September 30 Eddie Landes September 30

Thanks to those giving the Children’s Messages in August: Jerry Argenbright, Kasey Reid, Scott McMurrain, Lee Thomas and Angela Leach.

Thanks to our greeters for August: Wilma

and Philip Balsley, Ruth Bailey, Dana Biby and Shirlene and John Charbeneau.

Heather and Michael Massey September 1

Becky and Bob Roger September 9

Tammy and Rick McKibben September 12

Janna and Gary Milstead September 27

Mary and Treacy Jones September 30

Please make the following change of address in your Church Directory:

Chuck And Rhonda Richie 1058 Woodmont Drive

Staunton, VA 24401

Keary and Beth Bonner Carson and Jane

2568 Farmworth Trail Virginia Beach, VA 23456

GREETERS

The OYF will resume meetings on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. They will be working with crafts that require the use of Clorox water, so they are asked to wear clothing that is old and can be thrown away if necessary.

They have many plans for the upcoming year which includes sponsoring an Agape Feast on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning in October. The congregation will be invited to participate in this covered-dish meal and worship.

The next Session meeting will be Sunday, September 21, 2014, at 12 Noon.

We had an average attendance in August of 114 per week. The weekly contributions averaged $2,254.00. Sunday School attendance averaged 51.

There will be a joint meeting of the Women on Sunday, September 7, 2014 beginning with a snack supper at 6:00 p.m. followed by the meeting. Individual Circles will meet after the main meeting to make their yearly plans. ALL women are invited to attend. Please join us as we begin another year of fellowship together.

The Women made a profit of $1,081.22 on the Yard Sale.

Our SACRA collections for the month of September will be non-perishable canned goods. Please leave donations in the social hall for the end of the month delivery.

SACRA is most appreciative of your continued support.

The Mission Committee is sponsoring a Mums

for Mission Fundraiser. Large mums will be for sale on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at $15.00 each. A sign-up sheet is in the vestibule if you would like to pre-order a specific color.

There will be a Baja Mission Dinner on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Please bring a main dish plus either a salad or dessert. Drinks and utensils will be provided. There will be lots of photos, presentations and stories from the trip. This is a great opportunity to those who have never been to Baja to learn more about why this mission has meant so much to so many.

The Mission Committee will hold a meeting on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Faith Seekers Sunday School room. Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend. Plans will be made for the next year and your ideas are welcome. See Terri Perry or Angela Leach for more information.

Rally Day will be held Sunday, September 14, 2014. Sunday School officers and teachers will be installed.

The service will be followed by a covered-dish picnic at 11:15 a.m. Chicken and drink will be furnished. Go to your Sunday school rooms for count. Dress casual.

The congregation is cordially invited to celebrate the

retirement of the Rev. Jack Wilkers at Third Presbyterian on Sunday, October 5, 2014 following the morning worship service at 12 Noon. RSVP by Monday, September 29, 2014. (office 886-6567 or e-mail at thirdpres@verizon.net.)

Session

News

Treacy and Mary Jones joined on August 3, 2014 by transfer from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro. For the last 12 years they have lived in Waynesboro where Treacy is a practicing dentist and Mary is a physical therapist. They met in graduate school at MCV and have been married 13 years. Treacy was born in Atlanta and raised in Waynesboro and Mary was born and raised in Arlington, VA. They have 3 children, Richard (12), Savannah (9) and Christopher (4). Treacy enjoys gardening and fishing. Mary enjoys reading and sewing. Richard is a 6th grader at Grace Chastain, loves to read, and is a Boy Scout. Savannah is a 4th grader at Grace, is a Girl Scout and competed in the Soap Box Derby this past Spring. Christopher loves playing with his siblings and all super heroes. We are excited about becoming members of this wonderful church!

Make Wood joined the Olivet family on August 3. 2014. He was born and raised in Staunton, is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High and Elon College in North Carolina.

After spending over 20 years in North Carolina he returned to Virginia in 2011. Mike owns and operates “Wood Works”, enjoys being outdoors and is an avid hunter. He is the son of Frances “Punkie” Wood and has a daughter, Grayson, who resides in North Carolina and attends college at UNC in Greensboro. He resides in Staunton and is looking forward to building a log cabin in the country this year.

Keep our college students in your prayers as they head off to another year!

Kaitlin McKibben 309 E. Lincoln Avenue

Ada, Ohio 45810 Birthday: September 7

Katie Rexrode 603 Apt. E, Calhoun Street

Radford, VA 24141 Birthday: March 24

Alex Weller 1503 Toms Creek Road Blacksburg, VA 24060

Birthday: May 18