The Olive Branch · They actually make wonderful sounds, and we had great fun with joyful Becky . and. her wonderful sense of humor and caring heart. Next month our own Andy Bell

The Olive Branch

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OCTOBER 2019

OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

Richard D. Cline, minister Web Address: www.ob-cc.org

Susan C. Fournier, secretary Office Email Address: obcc1833@gmail.com 757-566-8077 (Church Office) Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 1:30PM

SUCH MARVELOUS AND WONDROUS THINGS

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” (Jeremiah 33:3)

This past week several of our members went on a trip to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond. It was my first time to walk the grounds. What an extraordinary park! The diversity of the plants and shrubs and trees was incredible. I saw plants I never knew existed, much less growing and thriving here in Virginia. So many marvelous and wondrous things to see – and then I entered the butterfly house. Flying around from plant to plant were these beautiful insects, displaying all the colors one could imagine, in a variety of patterns. I just sat down in a chair, watching them fly all around. I felt at peace, relaxed, yet at the same time in awe of God’s diverse creation.

There is something about being in nature: walking, hiking, observing; that helps to center our spiritual selves. We are brought face to face with something we did not nor could not create, and at the same time we are reminded of the power of the God we worship and proclaim. We are taught that we are part of a larger purpose, part of a Divine plan. We are shown the value of all of God’s creation. Perhaps most importantly, we are taught that diversity is not wrong – but reflective of God’s creative plans.

This fall, take time to walk in the beauty of the world around you. Go pick some apples, sit outside while the leaves swirl around you, stand on a beach and look into the vastness of the ocean, hike a trial,

paddle a kayak, marvel at the majesty of one of Olive Branch’s 300-year-old trees – and listen to God.

Blessings, ~Pastor Richard

CWF NEWS

CWF TUESDAY MORNING CIRCLE

On September 10th, it was once again time to enjoy the Olive Branch ladies’ good cooking and nice Bible studies on the Disciples. This month we studied Matthew. Our study leader, Janet Dombrowski, enlightened us on this interesting disciple. This has been a good study on special men.

There were ten attending, and those unable to come were missed.

Look for a great event on the horizon: Christmas Yard Sale on November 23. Help will be needed! You can check on your Christmas decorations to see what you might donate and plan what you might bake for sale on that day. Of course, help to set up and work during the sale time will be important. Watch for details.

Our next meeting will be October 8 at Interlude.

See you there, ~Donna Haulsee

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

The October 1 meeting will be at 2 PM at the Barber home. ~Dick & Betty Barber

MONDAY CWF TO MEET OCT 21 AT 7 PM

Breaking Free from Fear study will continue. There are still extra books, in case you need one.

The group meets at its evening time of 7 PM. ~Carole Kerr

The youth were asked to help with directing guests at our Community Fun Day.

~Emily Ready, Youth Leader

COMFORT MINISTRY SUPPORT GROUP

The breakfast is held on the second Saturday of the month, now at Sandy’s Pancake House in Lightfoot (6495 Richmond Rd-next to Smith Memorial Baptist Church) at 10:00 AM. If you are on a grief journey, please join us. We have a good meal and laugh a lot. Call Judy Eley at 757-566-0927, if you would like to attend.

Oct 06 Karen Marrow

Oct 13 Marney Brickhouse

Oct 20 Dale Teagle

Oct 27 OPEN

SERVING THIS MONTH

Elders

Oct 06 Joshua Fulgham, Harold Barker

Oct 13 Marney Brickhouse, Elaine Henk

Oct 20 Barb Schmidt, Bob Schmidt

Oct 27 Chuck Walker, Bob Lawrence

Deacons

Oct 06 Tracy Creech, Dale Teagle Patty Barker, Susan Rinehart

Oct 13 David Love, Diana Love Mel Watson, Kaye Watson

Oct 20 Linda Williams, Phyllis Taylor Janet Dombrowski, Stacey Mullins

Oct 27 Karen Barrow, Sheila Yeatts Andrew Pfister, Keeta Hodson

Deaconess

Linda Hutchens

Worship and Wonder (Ages 3-8)

Oct 06 Linda Williams, Carolyn Hunt

Oct 13 Missy Harbour, Kim Riffle

Oct 20 Landa Simmons, Patty Barker

Oct 27 Josh Fulgham, Patty Barker

Church Family: Pat Allred, Helen May Garrett Baker Family, Harold Barker, Charles Boy, Mel Bryant, Jr., Jeryl Dieleman, Emily Dill, Janet Dombrowski, Phyllis Gardner, Lucy Hall, Petra Hall, Missy Harbour, Clay Harrison, Val Mason, Mac McWilliams, Dallas Mitchell, Robin Moscati, Stacey Mullins, Robbie Robertson, Richard Thiel, Jerry VanCleave, Arnold VanDyke, Ted VanHolten, Jane & Larry Vaught, Sarah Waid, Wade Weisman

Family and Friends: Professional and volunteer women and men who protect and defend us, our nation, Jason Arthur (Lorraine Beasley’s son), Kevin Barker (Naomia & Charles Barker’s son), Blair Barnett (Sheila Yeatts’ friend), Jerry Boone & Family (Tracey & Ralph Hutton friends), Franklin Boyce (Garrett family cousin), Kirk Carlton (Janet Neal’s friend), Paul Chisari (Sue Rinehart’s friend), Dawn Clark (Marney Brickhouse's co-worker), Alva Clary (Emily Dill’s

mother), Mary Collamore, Donna & Carol Davis (Gene & Cheryl Johnson’s cousin), Rev. Ronald Degges (past president DHM, DoC), Tommy Ellis & Family (Linda Garrett’s brother-in-law), Kristal Hacker (Janet Neal’s friend), David Hunt (Jim Hunt’s brother), Arne Jackson (Tracey & Ralph Hutton friend), Virginia Jenkins (Karen Marrow's daughter), David Johnson (Gene Johnson’s brother), Johnny Johnson (Gene & Cheryl Johnson’s son), Scott Kerr (Bruce & Carole Kerr’s son), David Kidd (Roy & Ellen Sullivan’s son-in-law), Phyllis McClure (Nancy Griffith’s friend), Bob Nealis (Stacy Mullins friend), Susan O’Rourke (Emily & Doug Dill’s neighbor), Anna Patten (Keeta Hodson's friend's granddaughter), Marolyn Pierce (Carolyn Hunt’s sister), Lee Ann Reid (Jim & Carolyn Hunt’s niece), Jessie Rodgers (Gene & Cheryl Johnson’s friend), Megara Sanderson (Pastor Richard’s co-worker), Kempton Shields (Pastor Richard’s brother-in-law), Michael Stertz (David & Carol Pitts’ Family), Mel & Paula Tenenbaum (Irma Gustafson’s friends), Sharon Thrackson (Gene & Cheryl Johnson’s niece), Jamie VanCleave (Jerry VanCleave’s granddaughter), Lisa Vitek & Family (Irma Gustason’s daughter), Gloria Wajciechowski (Janet Neal’s friend), Gray’s niece, Karen (Emily Friend’s request), Angel (friend of Burnt Ordinary), Heather (Michael Ayers’ daughter)

FOOD SHARING PROGRAM UPDATE

BOGO is a way to shop for your food donations. When you buy one item for yourself, you can get the second for free or for half the price. This food buying strategy can supersize your food donations. Our neighbors who receive your food support respond with supersized, grateful smiles. We are thankful you include those neighbors who need your support in your grocery shopping experience.

School has started again, but that does not completely solve the hunger that lurks in evenings and on weekends. Please keep the food flowing!

Thank you for your generosity! ~Will & Jane Hatcher

01 Kevin Waid 02 Steve Perger 04 Mac McWilliams 08 Nicholas Onesty 10 Courtney Holt 12 Mike Garrett 13 Susan Campbell Fournier 14 Norm Larkin 14 David Pitts 15 Nancy Cates 15 Dale Teagle 16 Riley Jones 16 Hayley Sheppard 17 Dustyn Meadows 19 Linda Heslink 21 Devon Watson 23 Josephine Gardner 27 Daniel Abid 27 Jimmy Biggs, Jr. 27 Morgan Onesty 29 Nancy Griffith 29 Sarah Waid

18 Joyce Allen & Mark Pfister 26 Jeryl & Margie Dieleman

WORLD OUTREACH NEWS: SHOEBOX/CHRISTMAS CHILD Our next effort will be the Shoebox Project. Watch for more details in bulletins. Distribution day was September 29. Due date for all boxes is October 27. Boxes will be available along with a sheet of instructions with boy/girl labels attached.

RECONCILIATION SUNDAYS The second of 2 giving opportunities will occur on October 6. Watch for bulletin inserts.

~Sheila Yeatts

OUR DAY OUT

Another day of fun, sprinkled with tears of remembrance of 9/11/01 as we shared with Becky Watson from Music for Wellness. She is a retired Navy Captain, whose husband Rod is also a Navy veteran. She told us of their assigned duties on that September 11th day that few of us will ever forget. After their Navy days ended, they settled in Norfolk where Becky established Music for Wellness, which creates music products and programs to enhance the quality of life in supporting the health and well-being of veterans, community heroes, and retirees. She strongly believes that our minds, bodies, and spirits can be enriched with music. She is continually learning and growing as she attends seminars and workshops to broaden her horizons, all the while being a wife and mother to a college student and high school sophomore.

We played shaker type drums and the funny instruments (see the picture--boom whackers!). They actually make wonderful sounds, and we had great fun with joyful Becky and her wonderful sense of humor and caring heart. Next month our own Andy Bell will be singing and playing show tunes. Come out and sing along!

The food, craft, and Bingo were all enjoyable. The love we have for each other is evident in the fellowship we share. When it's time to go home, we all depart with hugs and kisses...until next month rolls around or we see each other in church...

~Love in Jesus, Louise Smith, ODO Facilitator

OFFICE CLOSINGS

OBCC’s secretary will be on vacation in October. Here are the office hours while she is gone. Kind volunteers will staff these hours to allow the secretary to travel and to assist Pastor Richard.

During this time, a call to the office with your needs will work better than email, as email will not be checked regularly. If you have planned your projects with these dates in mind, you’ll avoid surprises.

Thanks in advance from Susan, who will be glad to go on her adventure and equally happy to return to OBCC on October 21.

Thursday, Oct 3 Gone mid/late-morning Friday, Oct 4 CLOSED

Weeks of October 7 and October 14:

Mondays-Thursdays 9 AM-12 NOON Fridays CLOSED

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

PURPLE SUNDAY AND THE WALK Remember to wear purple on Sunday, October 20, to show your support for this important cause.

There is a donation/walk registration form in this newsletter for you. Please consider a donation….or even a walk on the OBCC team.

Spectators on walk day are also welcome.

The walk is on Saturday, October 26, beginning with registration at 8:30 Am. A ceremony will start at 9:40 AM with the walk to follow at 10:00 AM. Meet in New Town at the Gazebo at 5150 Main Street to show support.

~Phyllis Taylor

SUSAN SAYS….. Join in a potluck supper and talk in the New Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, October 2, at 6 PM. Enjoy an informative talk, good food, and fine fellowship.

We want to thank our Olive Branch Church Family for Bruce's 90th birthday party. It was wonderful. Thank you to all who attended. Thank you to all those who provided food and helped in any way. It was a memorable day.

~Carole and Bruce Kerr

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS: The Adult Sunday School class meeting upstairs in the Education Building will begin a new study series in September. The topic for September is Simplicity: Finding Contentment in a Busy Life. All are welcome to join in lively discussion, fellowship, and Bible study of this timely subject.

NEW MINISTRY UNDERWAY: The new Our Hands at Work Ministry is underway! Find the coordinators, Patty Barker & Janet Neal, to volunteer your talents and get answers to your questions about the scope of the ministry’s work. Please plan to join this new team of caring and giving!

The Ministry’s purpose is to provide assistance to church families that need simple, basic assistance performing tasks around their homes. These might include tasks like light bulb changes, light yard work, light home repairs or painting, donation pick up and drop off. Join the gathering pool of individuals who could provide such help.

DEACON MEETING SCHEDULED for October 1st at 06:30 PM in Andy's Classroom. Maximum attendance is essential for this meeting. Thanks for planning to include this important meeting in your schedule!

~Will Hatcher

NEWS FROM THE PPT

Fresh-baked bread and a welcome basket with various church items will soon be delivered to those who join the church. Our evangelism packet will also

UPCOMING OBCC EVENTS: (Save the dates; watch for details in newsletters & bulletins)

Stay in the know! Visit our website at www.ob-cc.org

Like us on Facebook. Share!

10/1,8,15,22,29 Youth Group Meets 10/3,10,17,24,31 Disciples Men’s Group 10/7,14,21,28 Prayer Group 10/1,8,15,22,29 Choir Rehearsal 10/10,24 Girl Scouts Meet 10/4,6,11,13,18, 21,25,27 Backstage Meets 10/03-20 Susan on vacation 10/01 Small Group Meeting 10/01 Deacon’s Meeting 10/02 Susan Says… Series (rescheduled from 9/25) 10/03 Lifeline Screening 10/06 World Communion Sunday 10/06 Reconciliation Sunday Offering (2nd of 2) 10/08 CWF Tuesday Morning Circle 10/09 Our Day Out 10/12 Comfort Ministry Meets 10/14 Columbus Day 10/17 Burnt Ordinary Meal 10/20 Alzheimer’s Purple Sunday 10/21 CWF Monday Evening Circle 10/24 Naomi’s Lunch Bunch 10/26 Alzheimer’s Walk 10/26 NFH Private Rental 10/27 Christmas Child Shoeboxes due 10/28 Elders’ Meeting 10/29 All Saints’ Names deadline 10/31 Halloween

be updated with information and placed in our worship areas for our visitors.

Communication is an important part of a church’s ministry. Effectively conveying the right message to the right people at the right time increases event participation, develops community outreach, and keeps members well informed.

A recommendation was made to the board that there be an assessment of all the different forms of communications we now use to look into what other possible communication channels we could be using. This is under review.

Some of the upcoming events for OBCC:

Oct 6–27 Operation Christmas Child Nov 3 All Saints Sunday, Angel Tree Project Nov 23 Christmas Yard Sale Nov 24 Community Thanksgiving Dec 1 Advent begins Dec 15 Christmas Cantata Dec 24 Christmas Eve services

Watch for more information as it becomes available. God’s Blessings,

~Kim Riffle, PPT Chair

BOOK CLUB, ANYONE??? Is anyone is interested in starting the book club back up the first Saturday of each month?

The first one would be on Jan. 4th, 2020, 10-11 AM.

The book would be the faith-based book about courage and hope for the Alzheimer’s caregiver...In The Lingering Light.

I will lead the group.

Please respond directly to me at 757-880-0190 OR scrkdr@cox.net.

Thanks! ~Susan Rinehart

All Saints’ Day---Heads up! This service will be on Sunday, November 3rd. On that day, we will remember our loved ones, friends, and church members who have passed away since last year’s service. If you wish to have someone’s name listed, please call or e-mail the church office by the end of Wednesday, October 30th. Please include a full name, month of death, and relationship.

Names already on the list are: Betty Weisman, Judy Biggs, Marvin Seal, Peter Ryan, Lena Jeffries, Charles Pruitt, Norman Harbour, Betty Boy, Doris Turner.

SUSAN SAYS….. Learn about stress and how to decrease it

1) Regular exercise The ancient fight or flight response is still activated when we feel stressed. More adrenaline & cortisol are generated to prepare us for action. Exercise metabolizes these excess stress hormones & restores the body to a calm, relaxed state.

2) Learn and practice relaxation techniques If you can slow down your mind and body long enough to realize that you are not in mortal danger, you can remain calm. One way to do this is by breathing deeply. Another straightforward technique is to focus on a word or phrase that has significance for you. Repeat this word or phrase if you find yourself becoming tense. Relaxation lowers your pulse rate, respiration, and blood pressure.

3) Change your attitude to stress Everyone experiences stress, but how you manage it makes the difference. Try to think of it as a challenge, because you are unlikely to be able to avoid it altogether. Reversing negative attitudes can help reduce tension. For instance, your stress may be triggered by a problem that you think is impossible to solve. Try writing down your question and come up with as many solutions as possible.

4) Learn how to say no A common cause of stress is having too little time to accomplish what you have to do. Often, we create stress because we can’t say no. We take on additional responsibilities even when we know we don’t have time for them. There are many reasons people can’t say no. They may fear conflict or rejection. Think about why you find it difficult to say no. You have to know and accept your limits. You don’t have to respond with a blunt no. Learn how to phrase your no in ways that let people know gently.

5) Keep a stress diary Keeping a stress diary can help you to learn how to manage your stress by making you more aware of situations that cause it. Keep a record of the date, time, and place when you feel stressed out. Perhaps you could give each occasion a stress rating on a scale of one to ten. Note what you were doing at the time and who you were with. Use this diary to try to understand your personal stress triggers.

6) Reduce caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar intake Reduce your consumption of drinks containing caffeine or alcohol. These are stimulants that increase your stress levels. People tend to use alcohol to alleviate stress, but unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking or drugs just replace one problem with another. Replace caffeinated drinks with water, natural fruit juices, & herbal teas. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, has healthy antioxidants, & contains an amino acid that calms the nervous system. Refined sugars are well-known for giving your body a temporary boost & then causing an energy crash, that leaves you feeling tired & irritable. A healthy, nutritious, well-balanced diet will help you to cope with stress.

7) Talk to others Expressing your feelings to others can help to reduce your stress levels. When you feel stressed, take a break and call a friend. A reassuring voice that makes you feel nurtured and understood will help you to keep your problems in perspective.

8) Make it a priority to do something you enjoy Some people enjoy hobbies like music, art, or gardening. Others find enjoyment in solitary activities like meditation or walking. Don’t let stress make you give up on your favorite activities.

9) Smile and laugh Laughter goes a long way to reducing stress because it releases endorphins and decreases excess levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Laughing can trick your nervous system into making you feel happy. What you are experiencing inside your brain is often reflected on your face. A smile or a laugh can immediately help to relieve the tension. Watch your favorite comedy and feel your stress dissolving as you laugh your way through it.

10) Sleep better Stress can affect your ability to sleep, but lack of sleep is also a fundamental cause of stress. It’s a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. Your brain and body are out of whack and even when you feel tired, you may toss and turn for hours. Try turning off the TV earlier, dimming the lights and giving yourself some time to unwind and relax before going to bed. Getting enough sleep is essential to fuel your mind and body. If you feel exhausted, it may cause you to think irrationally, and this only increases your stress.

Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (ESV).

If anyone has questions or topics to discuss, please email me at rukette@gmail.com.

~Susan Rinehart, RN, Parish Nurse

HALLOWEEN SYMBOLS WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

We associate Halloween with different symbols such as skulls, witches and bats. What do these symbols mean and why are they so popular during the Halloween season? Read on to find out.

Bat Bats are nocturnal creatures that are typically associated with Halloween. In the movies, we also see some bats transform into vampires. Of course, this doesn’t happen in real life. However, there is a type of bat known as the vampire bat, which is the only mammal known to feed on blood. According to superstitious beliefs, death is on its way when a bat circles a house 3 times.

Jack-O-Lantern The Jack-O-Lantern is another common symbol we see during Halloween. Pumpkin carving has been a tradition for many years. The vibrant orange symbolizes life and positive change. The Jack-O-Lantern got its name from an Irish legend. A drunk man named Jack always played tricks on everyone. On one instance, he played a trick on the devil and the devil placed a curse on him. When Jack died, he was not allowed to enter heaven because he was a mean person. He wasn’t able to enter hell, too since the devil wouldn’t let him. The devil game him a burning ember, which he then placed inside a hollow turnip. From then on, he was known as Jack-O-Lantern.

Witch From way back, witches have always been known as supernatural beings. This is the perfect symbol for Halloween since unseen energies are said to be the strongest during this season. Witches are also called when there are messages from unseen forces that need to be interpreted.

Skull The skull serves as a reminder that life is not eternal, and after death, we shall all return back to the earth. It also symbolizes death and danger.

Black Cat Most people associate black cats with bad luck. However, in some parts of the world, black cats are considered good luck. The color black also means mystery, and in this case, magic!

Corn Sheaves The significance of corn sheaves and stalks of wheat is pretty straightforward. Halloween comes in the autumn, the traditional festival of Samhain celebrated the end of summer and the end of the harvest, so these images are meant to represent the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Corn and wheat are symbols of agricultural change, and the change of the seasons.

The Colors The color orange likely represents autumn, when the leaves change from green and orange pumpkins are ripe for the picking. As mentioned earlier, the Celtic festival of Samhain marked the transition between “light” days and “dark” days – so the black likely represents those dark days of winter when there are fewer daylight hours to attend to the fields and crops.

Masks and Costumes Back in Celtic times, celebrators of Samhain would wear costumes in order to treat the roaming spirits of the dead. It was thought that if you could trick the spirit, the spirit would refrain from bothering you about pesky things like tributes and respect. On a night that the veil between the spirit world and the natural world was so thin, it’s best to pretend to be someone else. As far back as the Middle Ages, poor children would go door to door collecting handouts in return for their prayers for the dead. They were called Guisers. In the 1950’s, trick-or treating became all the rage in the United States, but it actually started out in Great Britain & Ireland as something called Souling.

The Olive Branch

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The Olive Branch

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The Olive Branch © published by

Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

7643 Richmond Road Williamsburg, VA 23188-7024

(757) 566-8077

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