ORANGEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ORANGEWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
May, 2012
Just because I said it, doesn’t make it true.
One of the beauties of being Presbyterian (as opposed to a fundamentalist denomination) is
that we don’t all HAVE to agree. Within our theology there is a lot of wiggle room for interpretation, special circumstances, particular contexts, and of course the Holy Spirit.
Theology is a vast subject with more ideas than you can shake a stick at; and the way we practice our religion and carry out theology is even more complex. Sometimes two theologies will
disagree or conflict; and that’s ok. The simplest example of this is baptism:
we like to sprinkle water on babies’ heads,
some groups like to submerge adults in a pool of water,
some like to submerge babies,
some like to do it three times for the Trinity,
some just say it three times,
some believe you must be baptized to get into Heaven,
others, if you believe, but haven’t been baptized yet, you still get in to Heaven,
some think that ONLY their way of baptism counts,
some will accept the baptisms of other denominations,
and on… and on… and on!
Things in this world are rarely clear-cut, black-and-white; and we Presbyterians are really good
at living in the gray area. When I preach, I will preach from a certain point of view and certain
theological perspective. I will occasionally, try to offer alternate perspectives or allude to how
different denominations might approach a subject differently.
But if you disagree with something I said, then great! It means that you are really thinking
about this stuff yourself, and not just accepting it blindly. One of the most common critiques of
organized religion, (from non-religious people) is that it makes people turn off their brains and
not think for themselves. Well that is NOT the reason I preach. I don’t get in the pulpit to tell
people how to think, or to spoon feed people the answers.
Being a person of faith is all about asking questions and then seeking the answers.
This is a struggle I often have with the youth. I want them to claim their faith as their own, and
believe in what they know to be true, not just what their parents told them.
The point is that even when we disagree about one thing, we still agree about a lot of otherand usually more important-things; and we can still live together. So the next time you hear a
sermon you disagree with (which is likely to happen over the summer when Ken and I are challenged to preach on less familiar topics), ask yourself why you don’t like what you heard, and
specifically ask yourself why you believe what you do. Is it because of something you were
taught and never questioned? Or is it for a good reason that has sound theology behind it?
Just keep asking the deep questions.
Peace, Tully
Fred and Suzanne Norling
have been
members of Orangewood for about 20 years and were
members of Memorial for 15 years prior. Fred was
raised Lutheran, but got his first Bible at the Presbyterian Church Sunday School. He’s served on almost
every committee possible including Facilities, Personnel, Mission and a total of 10 years on Session. Suzanne teaches Sunday School, helps with VBS, answers
the phones in the office and serves on the Mission
committee. Fred is known at Orangewood as “Mr.
Presbytery”. He’s been on five different committees
and has been to at least 150 Presbytery meetings.
*Editor’s note: He’s not done yet!. Fred has yet agreed
to serve on the Congregational Leadership Committee
in the Presbytery’s new structure!
Thank you Fred and Suzanne for your service. You are
true Saints of the church!
Orangewood’s SAGES (Senior Adults Gaining Enrichment Socially) gathered in Page
Hall on Tuesday, April 10 for their monthly luncheon. Table decorations by Jeanne Matt and Lois Manning included colorful pastel decorations with spring flowers and Easter-themed appointments. Our SAGES enjoyed a
meal of enchiladas, rice, beans, salad and a delicious home backed chocolate cake prepared by Lynne Orf. Dr. Kris
Haley, manager of Humane Education for the Arizona Humane Society gave a presentation on the current programs of the Society and how they contribute to the well being of our Arizona animal community. Special thanks
to Kaydie Marshall for arranging for Dr. Haley to be our featured speaker. Also, one of our luncheon volunteers,
Heather Holman, gave a brief presentation entitled “The Wonders of Honey” to satisfy a requirement for her college degree program.
The SAGES will meet next on May 10 which will be the last meeting before summer break. A special meal will be
prepared by Jeanne Matt’s “crew from the past” and entertainment will be by Orangewood’s own Harmony chorus. This delightful group consisting of six members, will present a musical program entitled “Give’em Jesus”, not
to be missed! So SAGES, mark your calendars now and plan to enjoy fellowship, lunch and Harmony chorus musical program.
HELP FOR GRANDFAMILIES: Are you raising your grandchild, or do you know someone
who is? DUET invites “grandfamilies” to participate in support groups, fun family activities,
respite, benefit counseling, workshops and legal guidance. Powerful Family—a dynamic
workshop series—will help grandparents connect with resources and advocate for their
families. It takes place Saturdays from 9—11 a.m. beginning May 12 at 555 W. Glendale
Avenue in Phoenix. To RSVP for help by phone or receive the full line-up of fun summer
activities, contact DUET at 602-274-5022 or email www.duetaz.org.
MISSION LUNCHEON : Please join us on Sunday May 6 at 11:45 am
in Page Hall for a special mission luncheon—there is no cost. We will have two
great speakers from the Arizona Worker Rights Center. Cristina is the Director
of Operations at the center and Jose’ is an immigrant from Honduras and was
the victim of 10 years of rights violations and wage theft.
The Arizona Worker Rights Center is worker run and led. The Center was founded
by Presbyterian Pastor, Trina Zelle. Its goal is to challenge workplace injustice in
collaboration with faith communities, labor communities, ethical business owners
and government agencies. They provide free services to all workers to serve the
broader community through education, outreach and advocacy for worker friendly
economic policies. For more information on the Center check the website at http://
azworkerjustice.com/
Opportunities and Reminders!!
Sleeping bags,
pillows and blanket are
needed this month! There
will be a youth group from
Pennsylvania doing mission work in Phoenix
and sleeping in the Manse. In order to save
them money on baggage fees and to be
good hosts, we need you to loan some
sleeping bags, pillows and blankets for them
to have a good nights sleep. Contact Tully
for more info.
ICM MEN’S CLOTHING ALERT
The word is that there is hardly any men’s clothing
to give out at ICM. Men, please take a look
through your closet. Is there something there that
someone in need might get more use out of than
you are? Please bring it to the ICM collection boxes
on Sunday. Thanks for looking and sharing!
Let’s go see a Diamondbacks game! Come join the fun for Faith and
Family night at D-Backs stadium. Tickets are $12 for the D-Backs
and Giants game on May 11 at 6:40pm. Post game events include
Fireworks, D-Backs Q & A Testimonial and a concert by The
Crowder Band—a contemporary Christian Band. We can all sit together and it will be a lot of fun. A portion of the ticket sales go to
Neighborhood Ministries. Tickets will be on sale on the Patio.
Child’s Medical/Liability
Release Forms
Parents, now is the time to renew
your child's medical/liability release form. An updated and notarized form is required for all
youth and children to participate
in Youth Group, Connections,
ACTS, VBS, Mission trips, and
other fun events. Blank forms are
available on the Patio throughout
May.
Wednesday, May 2 the Pageturners will be discussing the book The Elegance of the
Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. We will meet in the Banner room at 1:30 pm. Ginger Bennitt is leading the discussion. We won’t meet again until October 3 when Jeanne Matt
will be the discussion facilitator. Read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. This is a
long book-plan for a great summer read.
Sea Side Escape Women’s Retreat
Relax and bask in the warmth of God’s love. Enjoy a peaceful beach-themed retreat that
explores the story of Sarah and Hagar. We’re inviting all women to enjoy an overnight at
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in beautiful (and slightly cooler) Carefree on August
18—19 in hotel-like accommodations including three delicious meals. Cost is $120. Join us
at 9 am on Saturday. All you need is an overnight bag, your Bible, a bathing suit if you
wish and an open heart. Sign up on the patio.
Teacher Appreciation
All our wonderful teachers and their families are invited to a special “Thank
-You Brunch” on Sunday, May 20 at 11:40 am in Page Hall. Your faithful
service has our heartfelt appreciation. Thank You!!
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School for K-5th begins June 10 during the 9 am
worship hour. We need volunteers to teach 1 week or as many as
you wish. Sign up on the patio.
VBS- 2012
Clean Water for All God’s Children
June 4-8, 9:30 to Noon
Ages K-5th grades
Participants and volunteers (mid-high and older) can register on the internet link at
www.orangewood.info.
(Please save lots of clean 1 gallon plastic jugs, empty paper towel rolls, and 3 gallon water jugs.) VBS
is free, but we welcome congregational support in the form of donations to purchase a water purification system as part of our mission to Honduras. Thanks for your continued support
Congratulations to those who are graduating!
Heather Morton
Katie Suarez
Josh Harrison
Note: share with us more names to be published.
Dear Members of OPC,
Thank you all so much for the lovely parting gift! I am filled with so many conflicting emotions
in leaving the office, but am truly blessed that God put me in the position so that I could work
with so many of you over the years and then also when we needed to come together in Peggy’s
passing. Such a difficult moment for our church became a blessing for me in seeing you rally
around the office staff in support and knowing what you will continue to offer them in the coming days with the gifted Pam White. God is so great!
I am thankful that in leaving the position I do not have to leave you, my family! I am also truly
blessed to be married to a great guy—and that this guy chose you and you chose him! I get to
come along for a fabulous ride! I look forward to the future and all that we can accomplish together with the help of Jesus Christ.
In Him,
Lori Page
Inside the Pew:
Meeting new members is always a happy occasion, and meeting the
Reifsniders was no exception. They joined in October 2011.
Ron Reifsnider was born in Kansas City, Missouri and moved here in May
2011 from Dickinson, Texas. He and Elizabeth were members of Dickinson
Presbyterian church. Ron was formerly a librarian at the University of Houston Downtown. His
bachelor’s degree was earned at Southwest Missouri State University, and his Masters in Library Science is from the University of Texas, Austin. At present, Ron is working at remodeling their home in
Phoenix.
Elizabeth Reifsnider was born in Aurora, Missouri and moved to Phoenix with Ron after receiving
a job offer from ASU as professor of Nursing and Health Innovations. She teaches Public Health at
the doctoral studies level. Prior to that she worked as a Nurse Practitioner and in women’s health.
She received her bachelor’s degree at Avila College, Kansas City, Missouri and a masters at the University of Oklahoma, and her PhD from the University of Texas.
The youngest of seven children, Elizabeth was influenced by her oldest sister, a nurse, whom she
admired. She enjoys crafts and cross stitching but has little time for them at present. Yet to be
achieved, would be a goal to research in the area of breast feeding and childhood obesity.
The Reifsniders have two sons and “two beautiful and wonderful grandchildren”. They also like the
mission opportunities, the preaching, and friendliness at Orangewood. We’re so happy and blessed
that you were led to our community. Welcome!
Outside the Pew:
What is a Friend?
An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of
answers received were the following:
“One who multiplies joys divides grief, and whose honesty is inviolable.”
“One who understands our silence.”
“A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.”
“A watch which beats true for all time and never runs down.”
Here is the definition that won the prize:
“A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
Author unknown
By Millie Bartlett
Church reporter
Plumbline Reminder
Please have your articles in for the Plumbline by May 11 if you want your information to appear in the June monthly newsletter. It needs to be typed, arranged, proof read, run off ,
labeled, folded and mailed. Thank you for your input and articles.
March Session Summary
Average Attendance for February: 9 a.m. service—56.24; 10:30 a.m. service—156.75.
Finances: The Treasurer’s Report indicates finances are currently up $13,244.
Board of Deacon’s Report: Peggy Smith, is now volunteering as parish nurse.
Presbytery and Denomination: Cook Native American Ministries has sold the school property in
Tempe, and will be offering programs online. Jean Lee was approved as a commissioner on the Resource Committee with a 3—year term ending in 2014. Jean will be dealing with budget, fund development, property concerns, and personnel issues. Other Presbytery committee appointments: B. Van
Mantgem is a commissioner on the Congregational Leadership Committee; Bob Orf is Chairman of
the Budget and Finance Committee (not Education and Finance as previously reported).
Pastors’ Report: Session approved a motion to nominate Fred Norling to receive the Presbytery
Older Adults Concerns and Celebrations Award for 2012. The OACC luncheon is on March 29. Rev.
Ken Page reported that the new language for referring to Elders is “teaching Elder”, replacing the
former term “ruling Elder”. The new term emphasizes that elders measure how well the church is
doing; they do not make rules per se.
Personnel: Session approved a motion to hire Nathan Richard as Band Leader with a salary of
$9,000.
Worship: Cleve Lynch reported that congregational members will have the opportunity to ride the
light rail on April 22 at 12:30 pm. The purpose of the ride will be to make the presence of Orangewood visible to the community and to pray for the city. (Postponed to April 29th 12:30 pm)
Adult Education: Libby Ekre reported that Financial Peace may be returning in the fall. A women’s
retreat is planned at the Cave Creek Lutheran Church later this year.
Mission: Glenn Campbell reported that members are busy with the ICM Food Bank and Habitat, and
that Matt Willy, a missionary with Trans World Radio, will be speaking on March 25. The committee is
exploring a partnership with Gila Indian River Reservation church.
Sustainability Task Force: Dean Rennell reported that the task force is investigating the following
areas to promote sustainability: energy audit; sharing space and the use of facilities with other congregations; planned giving; leasing of space; review of current rents; grants; sale of surplus items.
Facilities: Scott Teerink reported on the cleanup day held March 10. In memory of Peggy Hagan,
all of the tables in Page Hall were cleaned. Scott also reported there are bids out for the Manse
driveway, irrigation for the Manse and playground.
Respectfully submitted,
Phebe Packer
Orangewood Staff
Pastor………….……………………..The Rev. Kenneth G. Page
Associate Pastor……………… The Rev. Tully M. Fletcher IV
Director of Music ……………………..Dr. Christopher Samuel
Band Leader………..……………………………...Nathan Richard
Director of Christian Education…..……….….Bernale Wright
Assoc. for Children’s Music…………………………..Holly Early
Church Administrator…………….………………….…Pam White
Plumbline Volunteers
Editor: Teddie Bladine
Proof Readers: Joy Lawson Pam White
Collators: Barbara Denboer, Carol Hullihen, Lois Manning,
May Tansley.
Post Office Deliverer: Judy Proffitt
E-MAIL: office@opc.phxcoxmail.com
WEBPAGE: www.orangewood.info
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The Plumbline, a monthly newsletter of Orangewood Presbyterian Church, contains helpful information for members and friends.
If you would like to receive this publication via e-mail (pdf file), contact the office. Issues may also be found on our website. The
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2012
The first Sunday of each month is designated as Family Worship Sunday. There will be no church school
offered for children and youth over 4 years of age in order that they may join us in the worship experience. Children will be involved in leadership of the liturgy. The Mouse House (computer lab) will be
open during the 10:30 am worship hour for children who have already attended the 9:00 am Worship
Service.
May 6—Isaiah 42:1-7; Acts 8:26-40—Church in the Box
May 13—John 15:9-17—As I have Loved You
May 20—Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:15-26—Now Hiring!
May 27—Acts 2:2-21—In our Own Native Language
People’s Choice Summer Series….sign ups!