This week at Old South Haven Churdh

Dear Members and Friends-

Yesterday I attended the first session of Project Regeneration sponsored by the Presbyterian Foundation. It was informative and it was good to see 14 churches represented by just over 50 participants. The Foundation is sponsoring these workshops with the goal of helping congregations be more sustainable and hopefully to thrive. These are concerns of churches regardless of size but are often of special concern for smaller churches. Did you know, for example, that 30% of PC(USA) churches have a membership of 50 or fewer and 14% of 25 or fewer members. OSH is just, at 53, over the first category. The Foundation has a number of tools and resources that can help OSH going forward. With that in mind I would like to encourage anyone who is interested to join me for the second session on March 26th from noon to two, lunch included. Let me know.

Plumb Line Potluck and Conversation -- We had a lively first conversation last Sunday evening along with four wonderful soups. Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion and for all the food. Our next two potluck conversations will be in the month of March.

    Sunday, March 3rd at 5 pm

    Sunday, March 24th at 5 pm

Your participation is a vital part of the study. Please make them a priority on your calendar. If you need a ride please contact a member of the team or Pastor Karen.

In Christ, Pastor Karen

Peggy Angus is recovering from her broken hip at Westhampton Care Center, 78 Old Country Road, Westhampton, NY. 631.288.0101. Cards, calls and visits all appreciated

The 2019 Per Capita Assessment is $38.05 per member of Old South Haven. It is broken down as follows: $8.95 to the General Assembly, $4.10 to the Synod of the Northeast and $25.00 to the Presbytery of Long Island. Per Capita is – "the tie that binds" –annual support that unites the entire church in the ongoing and essential work that guides the Office of the General Assembly, the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and benefits every congregation and every mid-council ministry. Old South Haven remits the full per capita assessment. You can help free funds for other purposes here at Old South Haven by paying your individual per capita. Mark checks or envelopes for 'per capita."

Financial Secretary Needed – After many years of dedicated service John Dietz has decided that it is time for him to step down from the position of Financial Secretary. The position takes about 3 hours per week and includes handling deposits, issuing contribution statements, recording and managing all income and funds, and keeping records of all non-cash income. The church uses a software management program for this work. If you believe you have the time and skills necessary please speak to Pastor Karen, Clerk Sean Moran or Property and Finance Chair Ken Asselta.

Have a Heart Blood Drive – Mary Immaculate Church (4 Bell Street, Bellport) is sponsoring a blood drive on Sunday, February 10th between 9 am and 3 pm. For more information please call Ken Hawkins @ 631.286.2559

Schedule

Sunday, February 3        10:00 am    Communion Worship

                        Fellowship after Worship

                12:00        Plumb Line Team

Tuesday, February 5        Morning    COM Meeting

                1:00 pm    Lunch Bunch, Janet Berry

Wednesday, February 6    Pastor on Study Leave to February 13

Sunday, February 10,        10 am    Worship, Kirsty preaching

                        Fellowship after Worship

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

January 23, 2019

Dear Members and Friends --

We have a busy and important Sunday this week. At its heart is our time gathered as a community of faith for worship. Then immediately following worship we will convene for our annual meeting of the congregation where we will elect a new class of Elders and Deacons. Say a warm thank-you to those who are completing their terms of service in those offices. In addition we will receive reports regarding the work of committees and our finances. Then at 5 pm we will gather for a potluck meal (bring a desert) of soup and salad and bread arranged by the Deacons. This will be our first of three Plumb Line conversations. The Plumb Line is a pivotal part of the work needed to move into the future here at Old South Haven. And it is your opportunity to be part of the process. The Plumb Line team appointed by the Session needs your input to in order to create the best picture of who OSH is and is hoping to be as a community in Christ in the coming years. Please make joining the conversation a priority.

In Christ,

Pastor Karen

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, January 27th following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers, and to receive annual reports.

Elder Sean Moran, Clerk of Session    The Rev. Karen Sue Hybertsen, Ph.D., Moderator

Plumb Line Potluck and Conversation Dates Set—The Plumb Line is a self-study of the congregation and the community. It is an integral part of the process in seeking and calling a new pastor. The Session has appointed a team consisting of Judi Bird, Linda Majowka, Alan Stevens, Claudia Taylor, Richard Thomas and Kappy Tilney to guide the congregation through the study. Your participation is a vital part of the study. The team has set up three potluck and conversation dates. Please make them a priority on your calendar. If you need a ride please contact a member of the team or Pastor Karen.

The dates are as follows:

    Sunday, January 27th at 5 pm

    Sunday, March 3rd at 5 pm

    Sunday, March 24th at 5 pm

The 2019 Per Capita Assessment is $38.05 per member of Old South Haven. It is broken down as follows: $8.95 to the General Assembly, $4.10 to the Synod of the Northeast and $25.00 to the Presbytery of Long Island. Per Capita is – "the tie that binds" –annual support that unites the entire church in the ongoing and essential work that guides the Office of the General Assembly, the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and benefits every congregation and every mid-council ministry. Old South Haven remits the full per capita assessment. You can help free funds for other purposes here at Old South Haven by paying your individual per capita. Mark checks or envelopes for 'per capita."

Financial Secretary Needed – After many years of dedicated service John Dietz has decided that it is time for him to step down from the position of Financial Secretary. The position takes about 3 hours per week and includes handling deposits, issuing contribution statements, recording and managing all income and funds, and keeping records of all non-cash income. The church uses a software management program for this work. If you believe you have the time and skills necessary please speak to Pastor Karen, Clerk Sean Moran or Property and Finance Chair Ken Asselta.

Have a Heart Blood Drive – Mary Immaculate Church (4 Bell Street, Bellport) is sponsoring a blood drive on Sunday, February 10th between 9 am and 3 pm. For more information please call Ken Hawkins @ 631.286.2559

Remember if you do not have email, the weekly email is available in print format each Sunday. Ask the greeter when you arrive for your copy

If you happen to notice activity at the manse it is work being done to correct a number of issues including some related to health and safety.

Saturday, January 26        9:00 am    Presbytery at Valley Stream

Sunday, January 27        10:00 am    Worship,    Scriptures: Nehemiah 8.1-10 and Luke 4.14-21

                        Sunday School

                    11:00 am    Annual Meeting

                        Fellowship after Worship

                    5:00 pm    Potluck and Plumb Line Conversation

Tuesday, January 29        12:00 pm    Project Regeneration Luncheon at Sweet Hollow

Thursday, January 31        11:30 am    Pastor with Bellport Clergy

Sunday, February 3,        10 am    Worship – Communion

                            Fellowship after Worship

                            Plumb Line Team Meeting after Fellowship

To reach Pastor Karen: 973.592.7392, pastor@oldsouthhavenchurch.org, or khybertsen@aol.com

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

-January 16, 2019

Dear Members and Friends-

Plumb Line Potluck and Conversation Dates Set—The Plumb Line is a self-study of the congregation and the community. It is an integral part of the process in seeking and calling a new pastor. The Session has appointed a team consisting of Judi Bird, Linda Majowka, Alan Stevens, Claudia Taylor, Richard Thomas and Kappy Tilney to guide the congregation through the study. Your participation is a vital part of the study. The team has set up three potluck and conversation dates. Please make them a priority on your calendar. If you need a ride please contact a member of the team or Pastor Karen.

The dates are as follows:

    Sunday, January 27th at 5 pm

    Sunday, March 3rd at 5 pm

    Sunday, March 24th at 5 pm

In Christ,

Pastor Karen

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, January 27th following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers, and to receive annual reports.

Elder Sean Moran, Clerk of Session

The Rev. Karen Sue Hybertsen, Ph.D., Moderator

If you happen to notice activity at the manse it is work being done to correct a number of issues including some related to health and safety.

Saturday, January 19        10:00 am    Property and Finance

Sunday, January 20        10:00 am    Worship

                            Fellowship after Worship

Tuesday, January 22        7:00 pm    Session

Saturday, January 26        9:00 am    Presbytery

at Valley Stream

To reach Pastor Karen: 973.592.7392, pastor@oldsouthhavenchurch.org, or khybertsen@aol.com

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

January 9, 2019

Dear Members and Friends-

As I indicated last week, we have begun the work of the Plumb Line. I am pleased to tell you that the following people have agreed to be a part of the organizational team:

    Judi Bird, Linda Majowka, Alan Stevens, Claudia Taylor, Richard Thomas (for demographics), and Kappy Tilney.

The team will have its first meeting shortly.

But it is important to note that they need your input. In fact your participation is at the heart of the work to be done in the next few months. At their first meeting three potluck and conversation dates will be set. Please put these on your calendars when they are announced. Make them a priority. You are the church today and going forward.

Pastor Karen

If you happen to notice activity at the manse it is work being done to correct a number of issues including some related to health and safety.

Looking to Start a Personal Bible Study in 2019?—There are two, actually hundreds, Bible study platforms online that are worth a look. www.Biblia.com has a reading plan and supporting resources. www.TheBibleProject.com has a number of study resources including some with video content. Check one out.

Sunday Scriptures: Isaiah 43.1-7 and Luke 3.15-22

Sunday, January 13        10:00 am    Worship,

                            Fellowship after Worship

                            Plumb Team (tentative)

Thursday, January 17        11:30 am    Pastor w/ Clergy Cluster

To reach Pastor Karen: 973.592.7392, pastor@oldsouthhavenchurch.org, or khybertsen@aol.com

This week at Old South Haven Churdh

January 2, 2019

Prayer for the New Year by Jill Duffield (Presbyterian Outlook)

God of our past, present and future, as the calendar turns and we greet another year, we ask not so much for answers to those questions that perplex us, but for confidence in your never-failing care for us.

As we reflect on the year we leave behind, we begin with gratitude for the moments and the milestones in which we experienced your presence. As we look to the year ahead, we start with hope for a kinder, more just, lavishly loving world. Through all the years, we depend on the abundance of your grace, the generosity of your mercy and the unwavering promise of your compassion.

Aid us, Almighty God, when we fail to be the people you create and call us to be. Comfort us, Abba, when we face times of sadness, loss and grief. Admonition us, Lord of all, when we neglect the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Guide us, Triune God, all the days of this new year, and indeed, every day of our lives until that time when we see you face to face. Amen.

Dear Members and Friends-

At its December 29 meeting the Session laid some of the ground work for the upcoming Plumb Line Study. This is the process used by the Presbytery to help congregations in transition be best prepared for the future God intends for them. It is a self-study with three basic questions: Who is OSH (today)? Who are OSHs neighbors? And What is God calling OSH to do and or be? Though simple these questions provide the base for a lively and engaging conversations.

This week I am inviting people, selected by the Session, to be a part of the organizational and writing team. Once a team is built they will meet to set up the full study. You also are a key part of the study, be you a member or a part of the community. All voices are important. The core of your involvement will be at three potlucks and conversations in January and February. Once the dates are selected the dates will be published. This is important work so please, when dates are published, make room for them in your schedule.

Pastor Karen

Looking to Start a Personal Bible Study in 2019?—There are two, actually hundreds, Bible study platforms online that are worth a look. www.Biblia.com has a reading plan and supporting resources. www.TheBibleProject.com has a number of study resources including some with video content. Check one out.

On Sunday we will take down the Christmas tree and other decorations. If you can, please remain after service and lend a hand.

Calendar

Sunday, January 6            10:00 am    Worship,

                Intern Kirsty Dickson-Maret preaching

                                Fellowship after Worship

Tuesday, January 7            1:00 pm    Lunch Bunch in Gallery

Wednesday, January 8    1        1:30 am    Pastor w/ Bellport Clergy

To reach Pastor Karen: 973.592.7392, pastor@oldsouthhavenchurch.org, or khybertsen@aol.com