A thriving faith community engaged in compassionate service

Friday February 26

Dear Friends,

At Monday’s meeting of the Session, we took an exciting step forward as we approved the Ministry Information Form prepared by our Pastor Nominating Committee. This MIF is required by our denomination - it is a standard form that all churches seeking a pastor must complete. The MIF paints a succinct picture of who we are as a congregation and what we seek in our next pastor.

The Session enthusiastically approved the MIF and passed it along to the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry for their review and approval. From there, it will be posted on the denomination’s Church Leadership Connection website, where all churches in our denomination post their openings. Posting to the website, which should happen by mid-March, makes us official as we go live with our search.

Our text this Sunday comes from Mark’s gospel, in which Jesus scolds Peter with his words, “Get behind me, Satan”. Jesus rebuked Peter with such vehemence because Peter was distracted from what Jesus had been trying to teach him. Peter’s mind was not on the things of God. As Jesus said to Peter, “For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Lent calls us to look within ourselves to see where we turn to distractions, where we turn away from the divine in favor of the earthly and the human. Lent calls us to acknowledge where we have turned and where we have strayed, so we can know the joy of forgiveness as God washes us clean.

Booking a reservation for the COVID vaccine is still a test of perseverance and patience, but keep at it so you can get your vaccination.
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

And even if you have received the vaccination, keep following the protocols that keep us safe. A report in today’s news provides us with a reality check: “Americans will win against the virus and regain many aspects of their pre-pandemic lives, most scientists now believe. …This summer, they said, life may begin to seem normal again. But — of course, there’s always a but — researchers are also worried that Americans, so close to the finish line, may once again underestimate the virus.”

Don’t underestimate this virus: keep wearing your mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands. Stay healthy.

Blessings,
Pastor Skip

The CE Ministry Team presents...

a Six Week Lenten Study on Spiritual Practices

Beginning February 21

The Walk by Adam Hamilton

Discussion led by Rev. Allyn Foster

Sunday mornings at 9:30 am via Zoom

Click here to join the discussion

For more information contact Allyn@oppchurch.org

OPPC Zoom Coffee Hour

Click on the Coffee Cup to join the Coffee Hour
at 10:30 am Sunday mornings.

DIAL IN: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 895 0639 6460
Password: 498147

The Health Ministry & Christian Education Ministry Teams present:
MIND BODY SPIRIT
A Virtual Experience on Wednesdays during Lent 2021

Food ~ Movement ~ Mindful Meditation
On February 24 & March 3 at 5:00 p.m. particpants gather via Zoom
to prepare a “Flexitarian” Dish and Dessert guided by
Maria Weber, Registered Dietitian/Integrative Nutritionist
Flexitarian: a combo of two words: vegetarian and flexible - a less rigid form of a plant-based diet
CLICK to register for one or all of the sessions!

March 10 and 17 ~ 45 Minutes of Movement
Experience a 45-minute restorative basic yoga class to allow you to slow down, restore and relax your body with Certified Yoga Instructor Jennifer Liberatore.

March 24 and 31 ~ 30 Minutes of Mindful Meditation
Explore a 30 minute interactive mindfulness meditation class with Certified Meditation Coach, Ginny Oehler, M.S., Ed.