LOPC shares Christmas Cheer

Some LOPC members and the LOPC Hand Bell Choir were spreading Christmas cheer today at the Oconee House Senior Living Facility. Drinks (including cider) and yummy cookies by Barbara Janzen and Christine Ellison and others were enjoyed by the residents. Please go here to see a video of the Hand Bell Choir playing Silent Night.

The Provision

Luke 2:14                                The Provision

12/13/15          D. Marion Clark

Introduction

If there is anything that amplifies the difference between the very young and the growing older generations, it is found in the contrasting perspective about the coming of Christmas. Every year, we older persons will say the same thing in November: “What! November already? Christmas is coming again!” The one common reaction we can count on is how “surprised” we are that Christmas comes so fast. We are not ready. There is too much to do. How will we get through it all?

Ho Ho Ho!

Yvonne and Briana Beasley were celebrating an early Thanksgiving at the Blue Willow Inn.
Briana told Yvonne "Mommie I haven't had enough fellowship!" (laugh, laugh-what a character she is.) So on the way home they stopped into Fred's in Greensboro.
They would make great Santa elves!
Ho Ho Ho!!! 

Trip to Lexington, SC

Deacons Dick Forrester & John Meyer

 

Dick Forrester and Pastor Marion Clark

On November 12-13, 2015 a group of three (Pastor Marion Clark, and deacons Dick Forrester and John Meyer) drove to Watershed Fellowship, a PCA church in Lexington, South Carolina for a few days of sharing God's love with the people and buildings that were affected by floods.

Our work at Watershed Church included removing walls to increase the size of the worship area and to add more Sunday School rooms. We were doing both demo and new construction. For more info and photos go here.

The Persistent Widow

Luke 18:1-8                                         The Persistent Widow

11/8/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

The first written record of the phrase, “Don’t take no for an answer,” is found in Winston Churchill’s autobiography, My Early Life. It is easy enough to see how such a quip would come from the man known as the British Bulldog. He was a larger than life figure whose very manner inspired a nation to withstand the overwhelming attacks of Hitler’s Germany.

Happy Halloween

Who knew that Yvonne has a dark side? (Just kidding.) She and daughter Briana handed out candy at Gale's home in downtown Eatonton. The police close the street and around 1200 "Trick or Treaters" wander the neighborhood collecting candy. Such fun!!!!

O God beyond All Praising

Here are the inspiring words from Sunday's offertory.

O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;

Flood Pictures

My home state of South Carolina took a beating from rain and flooding over the weekend. Here are links to pictures of Columbia:
http://www.gettyimages.com/photos/sean-rayford-flood?assettype=image&family=editorial&excludenudity=true&phrase=sean%20rayford%20flood&sort=newest

And of my hometown of Kingstree. This pictures is taken from the same street I grew up on.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153715573991789&set=o.38843147901&type=3&theater

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:30-37                                    The Good Samaritan

Introduction

After more than thirty years of reading, teaching, and preaching Scripture, it becomes difficult to recall each time a particular Scripture passage is read. But I remember well one reading of the parable of the Good Samaritan. On September 11, 2011, representatives of various faiths in Center City Philadelphia were invited to read from their sacred writings and offer up prayer in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We gathered in Rittenhouse Square. I invited a church member – an Iranian Christian – to read this parable, which I then followed with prayer. Is there a better passage that presents the Christian perspective for how any of us are to live with and treat our neighbors, whoever they may be and wherever they may live?

The Quarter Slot Sisterhood on Stage

From book to the stage, Barbara Pomarolli's book, The Quarter Slot Sisterhood, is heading, hopefully, to the stage in Atlanta. Kerri and a co-author have written the stage play, and producers are now trying to raise the funds to get it on stage. Below is the promo for it. Check it out and be sure to click like, assuming that you do like it. Which actor do you think is Barbara?

Ladies Retreat

Several of our church women leave today for a two-day retreat of the Central Georgia Presbytery Women. The retreat is being held at Houston Lake Presbyterian Church in Kathleen, GA. Sara Ivill is the speaker. Keep the ladies in prayer for traveling mercies and for blessing on their time together.

And pray for the husbands who somehow have to take care of themselves for two days!

Community Bible Study

It is good to see the Community Bible Study ladies back for the fall. More than 100 women in and around the lake community meet weekly from fall through spring to study God's Word, and LOPC is blessed to provide the location for them to meet. To learn more about this ministry, check out their website at http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/.

The Parables of Jesus

Last Sunday, Sam began a series of sermons on The Parables of Jesus. Here is the full series:

September 20        The Lost Son                            Luke 15:11-32

September 27        The Unmerciful Servant           Matthew 18:23-35
October 4              The Good Samaritan                 Luke 10:30-37
October 11            The Talents                                Matthew 25:14-30
October 18            The Vineyard Workers              Matthew 20:1-16
October 25            The Hidden Treasure & Pearl   Matthew 13:24-30
November 1           The Sower and the Seed           Matthew 13:1-8
November 8           The Ten Virgins                        Matthew 25:1-13
November 15         The Great Banquet                   Luke 14:12-24
November 22         The Two Debtors                      Luke 7:41-43

Funerals

There are two funerals for loved ones of church members tomorrow, September 22.

11:00
Betty Ruth Johnson
mother of Brenda Pinson Roberts
A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
(Also visitation tonight from 6-8:00)

2:00
Lonnie Dahl
son of Debbie Collins
Roswell United Methodist Church
814 Mimosa Blvd
Roswell, GA 30076

New Pathway Addition

The path from the kitchen to the pavilion has had a nice pavement except for the small space between the sidewalk and wooden stairs. Thanks to Arn Ditmar and Dick Forrester that space can now be crossed without concern for wet and muddy conditions. Arn served as chief designer, project manager, purchasing specialist and hands-on construction supervisor.  Dick filled the common-laborer/photographer/correspondent roles.

Mugs & Muffins "Craft Extravaganza"

Anna Williams assists Barbara Pomarolli with deco box

If you were not able to join the Women in the Church this morning for their Mugs & Muffins / Craft Extravaganza, you missed a treat. Mary Ann Johnson, who leads the Praying Hearts / Busy Hands ministry organized these "Pause to Create" sessions.


Teresa Parker taught a session coffee filter flowers, Anna Williams - decorative boxes and tablescapes, Barbara Pomarolli - card making, Becky Geihsler - needle kits, and Mary Ann Johnson - basic knitting and crocheting.


Mary Ann Johnson teaches knitting and crocheting

For more information on the Praying Hearts / Busy Hands ministry, please contact Mary Ann Johnson at 706-453-9838.

Habitat Groundbreaking News

This past Sunday I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the next two houses that Habitat for Humanity in Greene County is building in Greensboro. the groundbreaking story of the groundbreaking is that the houses are numbers 49 and 50 that Habitat will have built in the county. Director Elaine Matthews gave an excellent presentation of what building those houses over the last 19 years have accomplished for the county. Here is her message:

Anawalt, WV

I had a wonderful trip with Buddy Crews and Gene Edwards to Anawalt, WV last week. They were taking food supplies to the food bank in the community. It was an honor to see the work of our Food Bank ministry in cooperation with the Food Bank of Anawalt. Here are some pictures:

Beard Example

Some of you have asked me how long I plan to grow my beard out. Well, I met my model in Anawalt, WV. Here are Buddy Crews and Gene Edwards with the local pastor, Don Farmer, a very pleasant and scholarly minister.

Sharing the Classics

The first day at work together and already we are reading each other's mentors.

Matthew 5:43-45; Luke 6:35-36         The Problem of Good

8/19/12, 8/9/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

The Stank Eye

This blog post is for our new Senior Pastor, Sam Smith. Sam, you should now be practicing your "stank eye," to keep order in this congregation. I've tried, but this is a tough bunch.

Raising Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-14                                   Raising Dry Bones

8/2/15              D. Marion Clark

Introduction

When Jewel Morrison sang the song “Dem Bones” a couple of months ago, I was so impressed with the song that I promised to preach on the story of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel. So, thank you, Jewel, for singing the song again today in preparation of the sermon.

Atlas Camp in the News

LOPC's camp for ATLAS made the news for the Lake Oconee News and the Eatonton Messenger this past week. Check your copies.

Also check out the Facebook page for ATLAS, as they featured the camp.

Sam on the Radio

Sam Smith has already made it on the radio with the famous radio personality Doug Hesse. To hear the interview, click here.

The family has arrived safe and sound. Sam preaches this Sunday.

Welcome Smith Family

From left to right: Christopher (11), Kaitlynn (15), Jodi,

Kaili (3), Kaebrie (9), Sam, Collin (18), and Yazzi.

The LOPC family welcomes Reverend Sam Smith, his wife Jodi, and their children: Collin, Kaitlynn, Christopher, Kaebrie, and Kaili. We are so thankful and blessed that God has called him to lead our flock. Pastor Smith will preach his first sermon as Senior Pastor on Sunday, July 26^th during the Morning Worship Celebration which begins at 10:30 a.m.

A New Heart

Ezekiel 36:24-38                                 A New Heart

7/19/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

A few weeks ago Jewel Morrison sang for the prelude the song that we know as “Dem Bones.” I was struck by the rendition of it, which presents more than a funny children’s song, but gets the message across about the power of God’s word. And so I told her I was inspired enough to preach on the text, which I will do in two weeks. The message this morning treats the passage that precedes the Valley of Dry Bones passage in Ezekiel 37.

Thanks from ATLAS

Dear Members of Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church,

I can't tell you how much your wonderful camp meant to me, the staff of ATLAS, and especially to the 30 children who participated in The Leader in Me Camp!  Your commitment, organization, and teamwork among yourselves and with the ATLAS staff were amazing. You reflected the love of Christ in everything you did. Your church provides a perfect example of Christian outreach to our community. 

With the thanks and blessings of the ATLAS board, staff, and families to all of you! "Well done, good and faithful servants!"

Rob Mitchell

Homosexuality and Scripture

Genesis 2:24                                        Homosexuality and Scripture

7/12/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

We have begun a new era in our country. Our Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex marriage is the right of every citizen. We are told that anyone disagreeing with this new development is on the wrong side of history. The real question for us, as Bible-believing Christians, is whether we are on the wrong side of Scripture. Have we misinterpreted what Scripture, which we regard as God’s Word, really has to say? There is now a growing number of people who profess to be Bible-believing Christians who contend that we have gotten it wrong. And so it is time for a review.

Camp Atlas Day Camp

What a great time for boys and girls at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church and Atlas Ministry's Camp Atlas - The Leader in Me!!!


Girls show off their cooking skills

For more photos, please go here.

Walking in Wisdom

Colossians 4:5-6          D. Marion Clark

Introduction

Last Sunday’s sermon was the first of a two-part message on understanding and responding to our culture. From Ephesians 4:17-19 we learned that a culture, which does not acknowledge God as Lord nor the authority of Scripture, will over time inevitably decline in its moral ways. Without God and without Scripture, it is the heart that will be appealed to, and the heart will lead us along our sinful inclinations. We then observed how this decline is being played out in sexual behavior, as well as the culture’s view of the Christian faith. We concluded that we must remember what God has done for us in Christ, that he is in control, and therefore we are to remain faithful to him.

Atlas Mentoring

Here is a link to a blog post at the Altas Ministry blogsite. You will be encouraged by the work in one young man's life: http://atlasministry.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-life-long-walk-journey-of-mentor.html

Stay Calm

50 Years in the Ministry

Congratulations to Dr. Cecil Williamson, brother of Barbara Pomarolli, who recently celebrated 50 years of ministry, all but three at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church in Selma, AL.

Culture's Way

Ephesians 4:17-19                   Culture’s Way

6/28/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

As we approach our holiday of independence, along with celebration it is also a time to take stock of our times. Much has changed in 240 years; much has changed over our life-time.

Text

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ¹⁹ They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

Thank you, sweet Lynn Gerber, for all you have done for all the kids, not just at LOPC, but in the entire community. You will be sorely missed!!!

Pastor Marion Clark is a man of many talents. Who knew "Kid's Bible Adventure" volunteer extraordinaire was one of them?

The Good Soil of Mother Emanuel

Mark 4:14-20                          The Good Soil of Mother Emanuel

The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. ¹⁶ And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. ¹⁷ And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. ¹⁸ And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, ¹⁹ but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. ²⁰ But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.

There is a church in Charleston, SC that is worshiping this morning. They are missing their Senior Pastor Clementa Pinckney,

The Protest of 2015

The following link will take you to a report of the final action of General Assembly for the PCA. It concerns a resolution brought before General Assembly by Teaching Elders Ligon Duncan and Sean Lucas to "recognize and confess our church’s covenantal and generational involvement in and complicity with racial injustice inside and outside of our churches during the Civil Rights period." I encourage you to read the full resolution and the deliberations that took place concerning it. Here is the link: https://pastortimlecroy.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/the-protest-of-2015/.

Examined and Approved

It is official. Sam Smith passed presbytery exams and received the call from Central Georgia Presbytery to become the next Senior Minister of Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church. He and his family will move to the lake area during the last week of July. His installation service is scheduled for September 13.

Stay Calm, Dad

A good video in preparation for Father's Day.

Anointed One

Isaiah 61:1-3                           Anointed One

June 7, 2015                D. Marion Clark

Introduction

Jesus and his disciples are nearing Emmaus. He has taken the two disciples through the Scriptures, demonstrating how he has fulfilled them in regard to being the Messiah even as he was being crucified. He has bruised the head of Satan, redeemed Israel from bondage, atoned for their sins, delivered them as their King, and opened the way to God as their Priest. This morning, we look at the very word “Messiah.” What does it mean? How did it become associated with the one whom Israel had placed her hope?

Kairos Prison Ministry

I appreciate Doran Samples sending me this newscast of Kairos Prison Ministry. LOPC member Roger Ervin is a volunteer with Kairos. He would be happy to talk with anyone interested in knowing more about the ministry. I had the opportunity to visit a graduation ceremony at the end of a Kairos weekend at Washington State Prison in Davisboro. This newscast gives a good overview of the ministry. Click here for the 7 minute newscast.

Yo Yo Amazing

Priest-King

Psalm 110                                Priest-King

5/31/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

Jesus continues his walk along the Emmaus Road with two of his disciples, interpreting “to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). He is the Offspring of Eve who bruised the head of Satan; he is the Redeemer who delivers his people from a greater bondage than that of Egypt; he is the goat slain on the Day of Atonement and the sacrificial animal of all the temple sacrifices which atone for the people’s sins. Today we see how he fulfills the image that most captured the Jewish imagination and stirred hope in their hearts.

God and Country Recital

Sunday, May 31 is a For God & Country Recital, 6:00pm at Christ Our King & Savior Catholic Church.  Amy Reber & Bradley Sowell, piano; Dr. Arlene Woods, flute; Remi Baker, Madie Prendergast and the COKAS choir. Remembering those who served our country and celebrating our faith.

Rev. Sam Smith's Visit in May

Be sure to take time to read the June 1st newsletter when you receive it, as it will have more info and photos from Rev. Sam Smith's visit to LOPC on the weekend of May 10th.

Atonement

Leviticus 16:15-22                              Atonement

May 24, 2015              D. Marion Clark

Introduction

Jesus and his disciples continue their walk along the Emmaus Road. He is interpreting to them the “things concerning himself” in Moses and the Prophets, i.e. the Old Testament. He has demonstrated how he fulfilled the expectation of being the Offspring of Eve who would strike the serpent’s head while his own heel is struck. He has explained how he is the long looked-for Redeemer who would redeem his people from bondage but with the twist of purchasing their freedom with his blood. In each case the disciples would have responded with something like, “Now we understand what we were expecting came to be fulfilled.”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!

Today is Dick and Johna's 39th wedding anniversary.

(Time flies when you are having fun:)

God bless and many more!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !!!

Today is Cathy Hoyle's 90th birthday!

Happy birthday to you....
Happy birthday to you....
Happy birthday dear Cathy....
Happy birthday to you...........
And many more !!!

Student of the Month

So, I walk into the Board of Education of Putnam County meeting last night to give the invocation. One of the first items of business is to recognize the Student of the Month. It turned out to be Haily Housworth, the granddaughter of John and Marlene Housworth! Congratulations, proud Grandparents.

By the way, I will gladly post any and all boastings by parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Next Senior Pastor

This past Sunday, the congregation voted unanimously to call Sam Smith as the next Senior Pastor of the church. Stay tuned for further details related to his and his family coming this summer.

Redemption

Exodus 15:1-18                       Redemption

5/17/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

We are continuing our walk along the Emmaus Road. The two disciples used a particular word to describe the common Jewish expectation of the Messiah: “we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). Redeem is the primary term by which the Jews understood the Messiah’s work.

Deacons at Work

It seems like everytime I come to church there are deacons working on some kind of project. Looks like they are pressure washing the walkways and driveways. There are two others I couldn't get in the picture.

Below is the prayer that we prayed at our 9:00 and noon corporate prayer sessions. It comes from the National Day of Prayer Committee.

Heavenly Father,

We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.

A Father's Faith

Abbie DeLoach was one of the nursing students killed in the highway accident on April 22. Her cousin is Tara Rocker. Tara sent this news interview of Abbie's father Jimmie DeLoach. It is an uncut version and about 15 minutes long. He is a father comforted that another Father knows what it is to lose a child.


http://m.wsbtv.com/videos/news/raw-abbie-deloachs-father-says-faith-gives-him/vDRjH4/

A Blessing

At the conclusion of the memorial service for Frank Kemp's daughter, Carol Williams, Frank spoke a few words and gave a benediction. I asked him if I could share his remarks.


Carol was my pride and joy. She was raised by three mothers. Her first mother was JoAnn Hardy Kemp, who died from breast cancer when Carol was eleven years old. Her grandmother, Irene MacKenzie Kemp, then also became her mother until I married Barbara Johnson Moore. Barb became Carol’s loving mother for thirty-three years until Barb went to be with the Lord. These loving ladies and I were responsible for helping create the natural loving kindness and righteousness which was in Carol’s heart. Her righteousness reminds me of an old Scottish blessing:

The First Prophecy

Genesis 3:15                            The First Prophecy

5/3/15              D. Marion Clark

Introduction

On the road to Emmaus Jesus taught two of his disciples how the Moses and the Prophets foretold his person and work. He later took all of his disciples through a course on the Messiah in the Scriptures. They had not recognized him because they had not understood the Scriptures. We will take time for five Sundays to examine a portion of what he would have taken them through.

Carrot Clarinet

Why spend money on expensive instruments when you can make your own?

Htiched!

It is so difficult keeping up with LOPC members. You are always traveling. Some of you travel to celebrate anniversaries and evidently some to get married. Congratulations to Carol Vinci, who is now Mrs. Charlie Walker, and congratulations to Charlie who persevered to win his prize.

Opening the Scriptures

Luke 24:13-35                         Opening the Scriptures

4/26/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

Have you ever been looking for something that is unfindable? You have looked everywhere. Your wife says, “Did you look in the drawer?” “Yes! A hundred times.” But you look one more time, and there it is, right in front of your eyes. “How did I miss that?” Or, here is another. You are trying to understand what seems in-understandable – maybe a puzzle or instructions or even a math problem. A teacher or friend comes alongside you and gives the key to understanding the matter. All of a sudden it clicks, and now you understand. Indeed, you wonder how you did not see it all along. Two disciples of Jesus had such an “how did I miss that” experience in our text this morning.

There's Danger Out There!

This is an article  Rev. Marion Clark wrote for the Eatonton Messanger. It was publish in the April 9, 2015 edition.


It started humorously – just a little snake in the bathroom. With a broom I swept it into a dust pan and then dropped it outside away from the church building. The mistake was taking a picture and posting it on my blog. “Let me tell you my snake story!” There was the rattlesnake in the driveway; the copperhead by the front door; the snake at the bottom of the ladder; the snake in the living room. And then the well-intentioned cautions – do not walk on the roads at night nor, for that matter, anywhere at night; don’t go into the woods. Be careful stepping into a boat and look carefully before diving into a pool. Snakes are either sunning themselves in our driveways or hiding in our bushes. Okay, I will only drive, even to go to my mailbox. Then I will be safe – except for deer. Snake stories are only outnumbered by deer stories. “I’ve hit one deer”; “I’ve hit two deer”; “I’ve hit three!” They are everywhere – in the gated communities, in the rural areas, in the shopping areas. They are waiting for the unsuspecting driver to make their mad dash across the road. I see them early in the morning and always at night. One or two have crossed in front of me, but I saw them first. Yet I know that it is only a matter of time… Meanwhile, I will be alert for wild pigs, foxes, ’possums, raccoons, and most dangerous of all – the wild flying golf ball. Old-timers tell me that it makes a deep-throated sound, something like “fore-fore.” They are usually found near golf courses, though they avoid the open areas. Twice the wise king Solomon wrote, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” I think I might go hide out for a while in the living room; I’m not into suffering. No, wait. That’s where one of the snakes was found! ~~~~~~~ The Rev. Marion Clark is pastor of Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church, 113 Scott Road in Putnam County.

A Little Humor For Your Day

A little silver-haired lady calls her neighbor and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get started." Her neighbor asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?" The little silver-haired lady says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a rooster." Her neighbor decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table. He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a rooster." He takes her hand and says, "Secondly, I want you to relax. Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then," he said with a deep sigh ............


"Let's put all the Corn Flakes back in the box."

Day of Prayer

Heads up. For the National Day of Prayer on May 7, the sanctuary doors will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for personal prayer, as in previous years. But note that I will be leading two times of corporate prayer - 9:00-10:00 a.m. and Noon-1:00 p.m. You are welcome to drop in and to leave at anytime during those two hours.

Back

I am back in the church, and, as expected, the church is in chaos.

Actually, it is my church office that is in chaos. Boxes of books (my precious beloved books) take up most of the floor space, the culmination of a whirlwind journey to Philadelphia and back. I flew out Wednesday morning (thanks to the chauffeuring services of Karol Meyer who drove me and Ginger to the Atlanta airport during rush hour traffic). I arrived at 1:00, picked up a U-Haul truck, and by 3:00 began to load. With the help of friends, packing was completed by 7:00, I hit the road at 8:30 and drove mostly through the night. Then with help here (Robbie McNeil, Harold Sowell, Russell Puppe, George Rountree, Fred Davis, John Meyer, and Ken Johnson; Barb Rountree and Ginger provided lunch) unloaded most of the belongings in a storage unit, the books in my offices, and the rest in our new home.

Now where did I put my South Carolina cap? Oh no, I left it in Texas!

Peter Pan At Nathanael Greene Academy!!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that Peter Pan is tonight and tomorrow night at Nathanael Greene Academy. Show starts at 7:00PM. The students have put in a lot of work for this performance. You will not be disappointed.. 

Helping the Boys and Girls Club

From The Boys and Girls Club:
We are about to renovate another space so we can accommodate 30 more students at the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club. The space has separate rooms and we would like to engage the kids in interviewing, video-taping, music and  community projects.

A Distinguished Four-legged Visitor

We had a very distinguished visitor in the office last week, none other than Calvin Clark.

While he was waiting for his parents to get his new home ready, he really seemed to enjoy visiting with the office staff. He particularly liked Teresa Parker's muffins. He was also offered French fries, but he turned them down. His daddy said he is on a diet. I wonder if he slept well his first night in his new home? I also wonder if he was named after John Calvin?

When Pastor Starts Preaching

I think I saw this guy in church a couple of Sundays ago.

Weeping Dispelled

John 20:1-18                           Weeping Dispelled

April 5, 2015               D. Marion Clark

Introduction

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35). He was standing in the company of others who were weeping over the death of Lazarus. There was Lazarus’ sister Mary, weeping at Jesus’ feet. There were the neighbors weeping. Deeply moved, he began to weep.

The Cross Bearer

Simon of Cyrene

I come from Cyrene. My family has lived in that great city of North Africa for many generations. They were among the first of the Diaspora, the dispersion of Jewish people around the Mediterranean. Though my ancestors were forced to settle there, they soon enough embraced their new home and even invited others of the Jewish nation to come and make the city their home. We have always been allowed to practice our religion and were faithful to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feast days.

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

What Wondrous Love Is This

Here is a bluegrass rendition of What Wondrous Love Is This, the final hymn we will sing on Good Friday.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

For the noon Good Friday service, we will open with the familiar hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" sung to the tune used here.

Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted

One of the hymns we will be singing in the Good Friday service at noon.

Look Who's Headed to Frisco, Texas!

Yvonne and Brianna Beasley are leaving Tuesday, March 31st for Texas to visit Tom and Becky Branan for a few days while Brianna is on spring break. Yvonne will be back in the church office on Monday, April 6th. They appreciate your prayers for safe travel and a blessed visit with Tom and Becky.

Peter Pan

Nathanael Greene Academy will be performing Peter Pan this year for its annual spring musical. Not only will you be entertained by Lindsey and Lucas whom was just crown 1st place at state competition in literary but you will also be witness to Elodie, Loren and Mitchell Johnson's (your favorite church receptionist's children) very first performance in a school musical. Also this year includes the very first year that Mrs. Nancy (the director) has allowed 1st graders to be in the spring musical. You certainly can not miss out on all these first. If you are have any questions, or would like tickets early, please feel free to contact the church office or email tammy.johnson@lopc-pca.org.

Mercy & Grace

I have heard several pastors preach on the subject of mercy and grace. Their definition is that mercy is not getting what we deserve, and grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Well, I experienced both when working at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church last week.

I had prepared art work for publication in the lake area newspapers and in a direct mail campaign to advertise LOPC’s Easter services. There was a typo on the time of the Maundy Thursday Seder Presentation. The correct time was to be at 6:30 p.m. but the art work stated 7:30 p.m. So what to do? These advertisements would go to almost 5,000 households in the lake area. I could just see multitudes showing up at 7:30 for a presentation that had already been done. What could we do but change the service to 7:30? That meant changing out 60+ posters in the community, updating the web site, e-blasts, e-mails to local churches, reprinting bulletins and bulletin inserts, and so on.

So I came in on Friday to start work on the corrections. And guess who came in on their day off? Pastor Clark, who insisted on taking ½ of the posters to help! I also had several other people to call to help. I tried to get Pastor Clark to let me update all of the posters, but his response was “We are a team, we need to help each other.” Well, I don’t know what I deserved regarding my colossal mistake, but I am very grateful for the grace that was extended to me by all. I am grateful for Pastor Clark’s moral building attitude, and the loving people I work with and for at LOPC.

Receiving the King

Luke 19:28-40                         Receiving the King

3/29/15            D. Marion Clark

Introduction

The first recorded instance of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem takes place forty days after his birth. Luke speaks of it in chapter 2, recording his mother’s purification offering at the temple. It is there that an elderly man called Simeon proclaimed him to be the Messiah who would bring salvation to Israel. He then turned to Mary and said to her this sobering prophecy:

“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

That sword is about to be unsheathed as the wicked thoughts of hearts are revealed. More than once Jesus has told his disciples that he must enter Jerusalem to suffer, to be killed, and to rise again. We come now to his entrance.