1

March 2017

Our Side Chancel

A good idea becomes a great idea when others join in, and that is just what

happened this Lent. Kathy Doerr had a good idea she shared with the Min-

istry of Church Life to invite members of the church to create a cross for

Lent. We expected a few crosses would be made. We did not expect the

overwhelming response of the congregation. Thirty-three crosses were pre-

sented to be hung in the sanctuary. The crosses came in all shapes and

sizes made of wood, twigs, wire, shells, glass, tin, yarn, fabric, branches,

string, paint, beads, collage, and photographs.

Each cross tells a story. Crystal Posser created a set of five stitched

crosses representing the LGBTQ community, Grace Miley bound together

a batch of red twigs for her cross, Susan Michael wood burned etched a

beautiful silhouette of Jesus, Diane Pierce beaded a Native American

cross, Laurann Cacioppo along with the women of ATOW designed and

created a stick tapestry, Shelly O’Leary made an interactive cross from a

tin box that once held Godiva chocolate, Jim Ehrhardt shared his gift of

cut glass, Diane Falk designed a moving collage telling the stories of refu-

gees, Laloni Cepeda offered a painted cardboard cross, Glenn Losch

built a wooden gold gilded Celtic cross, Barbara Bennet designed two

wooden and mosaic crosses, Jim Layman and Andrew Ehrhardt shared

photographs, Peg Smith offered a pastel print, Lee Whitton shared a table

top grapevine and yarn tapestry, Joanne Gazo made a cross with wood,

(Continued on page 5)

Crosses for Lent Project

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And About Our

Community Events…

When we moved to Ocean

Heights Ave. four years ago

we decided to offer a variety

of community events. These

events have included some

activities that we as a congre-

gation have been doing for

many years. We also discov-

ered new ways to reach out to

our community. Of course

these events

are also of-

fered for those

who are al-

ready part of

our church to provide opportu-

nities for fellowship.

These events always take a

certain amount of time and

effort and often those who are

responsible to set up tables,

re-arrange chairs, provide

beverages and refreshments

or a full blown meal wonder if

it is worth all the work it takes

to offer these events.

I’m writing these words the

morning after our

Pancake Dinner. All

I can say is the din-

ner was a joyful

success. We had

over 50 people of all

ages attend. For

me, the most joyful

aspect of this meal

was the children of our

church. Over the last two

years we have had an influx of

children. Children who walk

into our building and know

without a doubt that this is

their home. That’s how they

walked into the building last

night for pancakes. They

walked in ready to help and

ready to eat, and eat they did!

After the glow of sweet syrupy

pancakes I began to think

about the other community

events we have offered. In

particular, it became evident

the impact these community

events have for the life of our

congregation. For instance,

the picnic two years ago be-

came the invitation for the Mi-

chael family to join us. Their

boys had a chance to eat a

good meal and then have a

chance at dunking the pastor

in the dunk tank. It seems the

dunk tank will be returning.

The Pet Blessing brought Dar

into our building. She came

seeking blessing and celebra-

tion for her beloved pets and

found a home. On a Saturday

workday, Meg and several of

their children stopped by the

church to see what we were

busy doing. We visited and

shared donuts and eventually,

because of a pancake dinner,

the rest of Meg and Mary’s

family showed up to be a part

of our church family.

Each time we open our build-

ing and our lives we open the

way for others to join us. Each

time we take the effort to re-

arrange our space and pro-

vide friendship, food, and wel-

come we open the way for

growth; not just numerical

growth but growth as a re-

sult of encountering new

stories and new talents.

This article is about Communi-

ty Events. These events are

only one way we connect with

our community and provide

avenues for our own growth.

There are plenty of other ways

we live our faith. We worship,

engage in hands-on mission

and social justice, and provide

opportunities for learning as

well. This ministry is what

makes us Ocean Heights

Presbyterian Church.

For Blake’s Sake

These events are only one way we con-

nect with our community and to provide

avenues for our own growth.

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4

Hello to my Presbyterian friends,

“Where words leave off,

music begins.”

― Heinrich Heine

Oh wow, what an ending to the service today. After Blake’s beautiful benediction, who would have expected such a rousing rendition of “Go Make a Difference” to send us home with hope and love. I truly think that we had our own version of a Presbyterian flash mob! Where were all those musi-cians hiding? We were thrilled to see Shawn Ireland playing the saxophone with Andrew Er-hardt, and Jim Laymon pound-ing those drums! And, it is not very often that we see Bob Helsabeck playing that enor-mous tuba as well as Roberta Beckler on her piccolo. There were even children playing rhythm instruments. And of course, the joyous sound would not have been complete with-out Heera on the piano, and all the marvelous voices from the congregation. What a fun hap-pening. I hope you did not miss it because the musical event was followed by another surprise- pizza. Thank you Heera for providing the pizza (and other delicious foods). Needless to say, my family and I are still singing and clapping our hands. We thoroughly sa-vored cleaning up the crumbs that were left on the floor. Thank you to anyone who dropped food. Yum!

The Sanctuary looks so festive with the assortment of hand- made crosses. We marvel at all the various materials that were used to create each unique one. As Blake commented, each cross has a story. How interesting it would be to find out what folks were thinking as they were creating. The dis-play is remarkable. Our rodent family’s cross is hanging on the ficus tree. We are very proud of gathering dried materials in the woods. Equally unique, is the stark bare branched tree with its graceful and gnarled branches. We can assume that the tree could relate a tale of survival with its branches spreading strongly from the knot in the middle of its trunk. When we gaze around the Sanctuary, the stage is set for Lent and a time for contempla-tion and meditation.

“Music is to the soul what words are to the

mind.”

My family and I especially love the musical offerings in your church and marvel at all the tal-ent. We were most apprecia-tive of the three piano duets that Alice and Heera played a few weeks ago. We appreciate their gift of music and find it in-credible that they sound like one person (if you can imagine one person with four hands). I, not only marvel at their talent, but also, try to imagine how

much practice time they re-quire. Their offering to us is a gift of talent and dedication. Likewise, when we enjoy the choir, I know their rehearsal time is every Thursday night and again at 9:15 on Sunday morning. In our family, I remind our children to appreciate the performance and the dedication of the musician(s). We con-stantly remind ourselves to use soft voices, during performanc-es, and especially when Heera plays her beautiful postludes. We do focus on being quiet be-cause we like her and also re-spect the enjoyment of other folks too.

We are anticipating the festivi-ties of this Easter season, and are looking forward to spring and signs of new life outside. I understand the Meditation Trail got a spring cleanup, too. We cannot wait to scurry around this marvelous church property.

See you outside and hope you will join us in welcoming the warm weather and Nature’s wake up call to plants and ani-mals. Exciting!

Your friend, Malachi

PS: Mark your calendar for June 10, 2017. Heera will per-form a 7:30PM piano concert at Stockton University. I would not miss it!

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A Taste of Justice

As always, our commit-

tee thanks you and ap-

preciates your continuing

support of this worthy

mission. We sold

$485.25 on our last sale

and will be selling again

on the second Sunday,

March 12, 2017. It

seems that we, as a con-

gregation, are becoming

olive oil and chocolate

addicts, and we will be fully stocked. On Sunday, sample

our Café Salvador, a medium strength coffee, and enjoy

Joanne’s chocolate chip cookies (from the recipe on the

back of Chocolate chips). Please stop by, taste test, and

perhaps you may want to order dark (55%) Chocolate

Easter eggs which will be available in $5.00 boxes.

In 2016, Equal Exchange had organized a forum to ad-

dress growing injustices that they feel are evident in our

food system. We will be hearing some of their conclu-

sions as the year progresses.

I have noticed that some companies are identifying im-

provements to make their product more eco friendly.

Recently, one of the single serve coffee producers start-

ed a campaign to announce that their K-cups are biode-

gradable. Their statistics reveal an astonishing figure of

over 11 billion K-Cups that go into America’s landfill

each year. Our E.E. single serve cups have ALWAYS

been completely biodegradable. You may want to pay

attention to this fact when buying your coffee.

Also, I was intrigued by the liberal family leave policy of

Chobani Greek yogurt that was in the news lately. They

offer 6 weeks of family leave to mother and/or father

who have a baby, or adopt, or foster a child. The policy

does NOT discriminate between men, women, gay, or

straight couples.

By looking into the profile of this company, I found a

company that is progressive and humane. Hamdi

Ulukaya, who in 2005 moved from Turkey to New York,

founded the Chobani company. Soon, he realized that

the Greek yogurt in America was not as delicious or as

readily available. For the next two years, Hamdi con-

centrated on making his yogurt a superior product by

starting with a master yogurt maker and a dedicated

team. After one decade, Chobani has become America’s

#1 Greek yogurt.

Their production policy is similar to Equal Exchange who

has a 30 year history in becoming one of the largest

worker owned companies and distributors of Fair Trade

products.

Chobani uses:

….. milk from locally sourced cows who are not treated

with growth hormones.

.…”Authentic straining” that makes their yogurt have

twice the amount of protein.

….. Real fruit and natural sweeteners, no preservatives

…..Responsible manufacturing: most of the whey prod-

uct is recycled

Chobani policies: (company value 3 Billion)

……Since April 2016, workers may receive up to 10% in

stock options. Hamdi points out that worker-owned com-

panies, like his, outperform other companies.

…...Since Oct. 2016, workers have a new family leave

policy.

…...Donates profits to international charities.

…...Hires refugees and supports refugee causes.

Hamdi Ulukaya is a food revolutionary! He has managed

to spread social value with his success, both in money

and personal experience. His company makes a strong

statement for social justice.

(Continued from page 1)

pine cones and twist ties, Kathy Doerr designed a string

art cross, Kristina Fehr Hickman made a simple wire

cross, Sue Zeiger offered a simple wooden cross with

nails and a crown of thorns, DonnaLynn Warren shared

a cross stitch cross, Barbara Heckman created a cross

using faux flowers and tiny birds, Dar Brietzman

put together a Southwestern styled cross, Alice

Groome made a cross from pine tree branches and

pinecones, and Carol and John Petters offered a cross

made from seashells. Also, our own Malachi mouse

wove a cross from grass and twigs.

Also, thank you to Michael and Bev Haines, Ann Seel,

Lisa Holland for sharing crosses for our Lenten display.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustaina-ble food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and op-portunity. One Great Hour of Sharing, (OGHS) is one of the four special offerings received by the Presbyterian Church

(USA) annually. It is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together eve-ry year to work for a better world. It is received during the season of Lent (March 1 – April 15).

At Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church, we strive to make a difference in the world locally, nationally and internationally. And we do make a difference! The OGHS offering is an opportunity to make a difference in the world through three impactful programs.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - works alongside communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters. 32% of funds raised.

Presbyterian Hunger Program - takes action to alleviate hunger and the systemic causes of poverty so all may be fed. 36% of funds raised.

Self-Development of People – invests in communities responding to their experi-ences of racism, oppression, poverty and injustice. It also educates Presbyterians about the impact of these societal ills. 32% of funds raised.

Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church will receive the OGHS offering at the end of the season of Lent: Palm Sunday, April 9 and Easter Sunday, April 16. Envelopes will be sent in the mail and will be available at the back of the church and in the pews.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The Circle of Caring has been caring

for members of our congregation for

the past year. We currently have fif-

teen volunteers who have graciously

provided seven meals and sent 67

cards, including a special birthday,

thinking of you, sympathy and con-

gratulations cards.

We would like to encourage anyone

who has not signed up for this caring

ministry, who might be willing to par-

ticipate, to let Bev Haines, Alice

Groome, or the church office know.

We would love to have you partici-

pate. Also, please notify the office if

you know anyone who could use a

card or a meal.

Circle of Caring

7

Pancake Dinner

8

If you, or someone you know, is missing from this list, please let the church office know.

8

9

7:30 pm

9:00 am

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Adult Ed/Rev. Koob

PB & J

Front Porch

Choir

12

13

10:00 am

11:00 am

7:00 pm

Worship

Equal Exchange Sale

MOO

14 10:30 am

7:00 pm

Heart & Soul

ATOW @ OHPC

15 7:30 pm Adult Ed/Rev. Koob

16 10:00 am

7:00 pm

Front Porch

Choir

19

21

10:00 am

11:00 am

9:30 am

7:00 pm

Worship

Congregational Mtg.

MOCL

MOCA

22

23

7:30 pm

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Adult Ed/Rev. Koob

Front Porch

Choir

26 10:00 am

6:00 pm

Worship

Atl. Youth Orchestra

28

29

30

10:30 am

7:00 pm

12:00 pm

10:00 am

7:00 pm

Heart & Soul

Session

Men’s Luncheon

Front Porch

Choir

MARCH CALENDAR March Birthdays

14 Alice Groome

15 Diane Falk

15 Betsy Phillips

16 Dianna Lease

16 Pat Schumacher

17 Bob Helsabeck

17 Gloria Seel

26 Dan Campbell

29 Peggy Thomson

31 Sharon Ehrhardt

Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church

2116 Ocean Height Ave.

Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234

Phone (609)788.0271

Fax (609)788.0279

ohchurch.org

office@ohchurch.org