This week at Old South Haven Churdh

This Week at Old South Haven                        November 28, 2018

Members and Friends-

My neighbors have been busy these last few days. Christmas decorations abound all around me. But wait, are we even ready for a journey to the manger? It is easy to rush ahead to the secularized Christmas that surrounds us in our neighborhoods, stores and media. But we are called to a different way. The season of Advent is one of watchful waiting set in the reality of our lives. It calls us to believe that the promises of God are certain even if we have trouble imagining a kingdom of peace and light coming to being.

It asks of us faithfulness and hope no matter what. Right now OSH is in transition and no one of you knows what this time will ask of you, no one knows exactly what your future looks like. What you are asked to do is journey together faithfully in expectation of the new future that lies before you. So take this time in Advent to be still, prepare your hearts to watch and wait. Trust that God is still with you as you continue to follow after his Son.

In Christ,

Pastor Karen

The Christmas Boutique is this Saturday, December 1st, from 10 am – 3 pm --Baked goods are needed. Also, I am told that a true treat is waiting for you so come and bring friends and neighbors.

Last week you should have received the Stewardship 2019 letter. So that the Session can make the best plans for the coming year please return your pledge card no later than Sunday, December 16th. Thank-you

Christmas Joy Offering – "Every generous act of giving . . .is from above. (James 1.17)

During the Advent season we celebrate leadership; past present and future through this church wide offering. Each of us has been influenced at some point in our faith journey by pastors who have led our congregations. Your contributions help to support current and retired church workers in need through income supplements, housing supplements and emergency grants. It also serves to support our historic commitment to higher education at schools such as Menaul School in New Mexico, Presbyterian Pan American School in Texas and Stillman College in Alabama. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.

This Week

Saturday, December 1st    10 am -3 pm        Christmas Boutique

Sunday, December 2nd     10:00 am        Communion Worship, First Sunday of Advent

                            Fellowship after Worship           

Tuesday, December 4th        1:00 pm        Lunch Bunch at Judi Bird's

Wednesday, December 5th    11:30 am        Pastor meets with Bellport Clergy

Sunday, December 9th         10:00 am        Worship

                            Sunday School

                            Fellowship after Service

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

November 22, 2018

A Thanksgiving Prayer

O God, our Provider, you open your hand and lavish good gifts upon us. So we give you thanks. You create the beauty of the earth and stock it with abundance to sustain human life. You give us friends who share the journey of our lives; family who make us laugh with joy and dry our tears of sorrow; strangers who minister to our needs with generous kindness. You knit us into your larger family called church to encourage us in your Way. You have blessed us with the freedoms of a great nation. "Thank you" seems insufficient for all your blessings, yet we say it with all we are as an offering of gratitude for our many blessings that we name before you. {Enumerate all you're thankful for; count your blessings}. Though we may have seen our fortunes fall this year, we praise you for hiding our treasure in Jesus Christ our Lord, whom not even death can destroy. Though we miss those whose places sit empty at this year's table, we give you thanks for lending them to us for what time we had. For all your providence with the feast of life that you set before us, we give ourselves to you with all we are in thanks and praise. Amen. [tls]

Peace,

Pastor Karen

This Week

Sunday, December 2nd     10:00 am    Communion Worship, First Sunday of Advent

                        Fellowship after Worship           

Tuesday, December 4th        1:00 pm    Lunch Bunch at tbd

Wednesday, December 5th    11:30 am    Pastor meets with Bellport Clergy

Sunday, December 9th         10:00 am    Worship

                        Sunday School

                        Fellowship after Service

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

This Week at Old South Haven                November 14, 2018

Members and Friends-

This week we are blessed with a musical gift in memory of Pastor Tom. The South Country String Band will entertain us on Saturday, November 17th at 2 pm in the Chapel followed by a reception in the Carriage House. Thanks to the generosity of the band members all funds received will go to support the work and ministry of Old South Haven. It is a perfect opportunity for you to reach out and invite neighbors and friends to this afternoon of live music.

Then on Sunday afternoon, November 18th at 4:30 pm, as we enter Thanksgiving week you are invited to come together for and ecumenical service of Thanksgiving at St. James Episcopal Church just down the road at 260 Beaver Dam Road. The service is sponsored by the South Country Clergy Group. You are encouraged to bring something to share at the fellowship hour following the service.

See you there.

Pastor Karen

Annual Christmas Boutique at OSH will be held on December 1st. For more information contact a Deacon

Please remember those who are hungry next Sunday with your donation of non-perishable food or cash to support area food pantries. The most needed food items are shelf-stable milk, tuna, jelly, fruit (not pineapple as everybody seems to donate it), vegetables and as the weather cools hearty soups and stews.

This Week

Sunday, November 18th     10:00 am    Worship

                        Fellowship after Worship

                4:30 pm    Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service (see above)

Monday, November 19th     7:00 pm    Session

           

Thursday, November 22nd             Happy Thanksgiving have a Blessed Day

Sunday, November 25th     10:00 am    Worship

                        Sunday School

                        Fellowship after Service

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

This Week at Old South Haven                November 9, 2018

Dear Members and Friends-

It is November and in most churches that means Stewardship season. While I am a firm believer that being a good steward is basic to our call to follow after Christ I have never really been a great fan of Stewardship Season, Stewardship Sunday or the Stewardship Sermon. Here's why. Being a good steward is fundamentally about building good relationships. Relationships with our planet, our neighbors, those in need, our community of faith—really everyone. You can't be a good steward part time. You also can't be a good steward is you hoard your time, your talents, and your resources. In the parable of the talents (Luke 19.11-27 and Matthew 25.14-30) Jesus describes three servants entrusted with their master's money. Two of them invest and increase the funds they are charged with. But the third is afraid and buries the money to keep it safe. Who do you think the master praises? The two who took a risk and reaped rewards. We need to think of our stewardship of what God has given us not as something to be parsimonious with but rather something we are willing to risk day in and day out. Because this is how to bring the good news to a world that is in need of hope, generosity and peace.

In Christ,

Pastor Karen

Adult Book Study—The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew—Three Women Search for Understanding Discussion this afternoon at 4pm. Even if you didn't read the book please join us for what is sure to be a lively discussion.

Invite your Neighbors and Friends – Rev. Thomas Philipp Memorial Concert featuring the South Country String Band here at OSH on Saturday, November 17th at 2 pm. Suggested Donation $20.00. All proceeds will go to benefit OSH. Support your church and enjoy an afternoon of toe-tapping music

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service—The South Country Clergy are sponsoring a service on Sunday, November 18th at 4:30 pm at St. James Episcopal Church (260 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven). Please bring something to share at the fellowship time following the service.

This Week

Sunday, November 11th     10:00 am    Worship

                        Sunday School

                        Fellowship after Worship

                4:00 pm    Adult Book Discussion           

Thursday, November 15th    8:30 am    Pastor meets with Clergy Cluster

Saturday, November 17th 2:00 pm     South Country Strings Memorial Concert

               

Sunday, November 18th     10:00 am    Worship

                        Fellowship after Service

                4:30 pm    Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. James Episcopal

                            260 Beaver Dam Road