THE OAK LANE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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THE AMBASSADOR WINTER 2015

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TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ...and help celebrate his birthday on January 19th

with a day of service.

“The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

― Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/martin_luther_king_jr.html#o7hxEC68my5I2tYO.99

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PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS The Committee has continued its intensive work with the development of the position description. The greatest challenge has been tailoring the description to a part-time position, so that not too much is extended of the person filling

that position. To help to verify our assessment, the description is being sent to several pastors for their input. A list of several possible candidates from the Presbytery has been received. We will be verifying their interest in the position and obtaining information from them. Information from one interested candidate has been received. We will be setting up an interview with that candidate. We have also gained a sense of what other churches are offering in their compensation package to ministers who are seeking similar positions. Please remember to keep this hard-working committee in your prayers as we continue with our work.

MEMBERSHIP & FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS The Membership and Fellowship Committee met on Monday, January 12th at 6:00 PM. Their next meeting will be on Monday, March 9th at 6:00 PM.

Our Lenten Journey Begins with Ashes Gracious God, you are our way in the wilderness.

In our own times of testing be our spiritual nourishment, protect us with your angels, and show your authority in our lives,

so that we may hunger for righteousness and live in peace and safety, worshiping and serving you alone; through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reminder: Ash Wednesday is on February 18, 2015

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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE NEWS

2015 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

YOU’RE INVITED to the 2015 Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 15 following worship. Come share a lunch and hear what God has been doing through Oak Lane Presbyterian Church in 2014 and plans for the future. This is a chance for all to celebrate the work of the Spirit at 11th St. and Oak Lane. Please attend.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

Thank s to all of you who contributed to the recent Christmas Joy Offering. Our contributions, small though they might have been, help to spread the joy of the season to Christian pastors and workers in need, as well as to schools that seek to empower racial and ethnic minorities. Thanks for your support.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF OAK LANE NEWS

The January meeting was held on Saturday, January 17, 2015. The next

meeting will be on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM.

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CHURCH & COMMUNITY COMMITTEE NEWS JANUARY & FEBRUARY

The first Line Dance Party of 2015 will be on Saturday January 24, 2015 starting at 12 Noon and continuing until 4 PM. Come join us, bring your energy and dancing shoes and dance, dance, dance....

Don’t forget our Martial Arts classes every Monday, Friday and Saturday here at OLPC!

Please check OLPC's website [oaklanepresbyterian.org] for updates on all classes and activities and to access our Facebook page!

OAK LANE CULTURAL ARTS FITNESS PROGRAMS Located at 6637 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia PA 19126 Phone # (215) 424-4446

*Line Dance

Mondays at 7:30 PM

*Martial Arts Classes

Black Belt Club - Mondays at 7:00 PM,

Fridays at 6:30 PM & Saturdays at 1:00 PM

*Please contact Harriet Atkerson for more information.

__________________________________________________________

FLOWER DEDICATIONS NEEDED

If you would like to dedicate flowers in honor or in memory of your loved ones on Sunday, please contact Joan Clerk or Terrine Datts. There are presently many

openings in February and March.

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MEMBER NEWS

CONGRATULATION TO ASHLEY JOHNSON

Ashley is the daughter of Barbara Mims, step-daughter of Brian Mims, and granddaughter of Bernice Mims.

She is enrolled in the College of Engineering at Drexel University. Ashley was recently advised that she has earned Dean’ List Distinction for the Fall Quarter 2014-2015.

Ashley will graduate from Drexel University in June, 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering and also a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Construction Management.

She has been offer and has accepted a position with the City of Philadelphia’s Water Department upon graduation.

CONGRATULATIONS! IT’S A GIRL! Beverley Lucas King is proud to announce the birth of her grandchild

Londyn Bailey King Nelson on January 20, 2015. She weighed 7 lbs. 15oz.

OLPC welcomes Rev. Don Wassinger and Rev. Courtney Willcox to our congregation. Rev Wassinger will be our guest minister on February 2nd and Rev. Willcox will be our guest minister on February 9th.

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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays

Ola Smith 2/02

Adam Thomas 2/03

John Madden 2/05

Linda Miller 2/05

Quinn Bowie 2/08

Daraja DeShields 2/08

Charles Merritt 2/10

Obi Mason 2/11

Doris Merz 2/12

Aaron Weston, Jr. 2/13

Anthony Thornton 2/17

Irron Trower 2/18

Anthony Purnell, Jr. 2/20

Salima Jackson 2/23

David Mims 2/25

Lindette Thornton 2/27

OLPC is Accessible: We serve the needs of people in wheelchairs by having a ramp, chair lift, an accessible restroom and extra-wide doors.

Childcare is always available during Sunday worship services with Leisha Perry in the nursery.

OLPC PRAYER GROUP

OLPC Prayer Group is still praying on Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM at Oak Lane. Come and bring your

burden to the Lord and leave it there!

VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERRSS NNEEEEDDEEDD Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hour Service on Sundays. If you can volunteer, please see Bernice Mims after worship on Sunday or call her at 215-244-5256 (leave a message on the answering machine, if necessary).

OLPC BIBLE STUDY

Meets every Sunday at 10:00 AM. For more information, please see Gerry Shambaugh.

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A C R O S S T H E

DEACONS DOINGS

The Deacons doings every month are:

Distributing flowers every Sunday to members of our congregation. Extending messages of hope and comfort to our sick and shut-ins

through visits, phone calls or cards. Sending cards to members on their birthdays. Visiting and serving communion to Marwood residents every 1st

Sunday.

The Deacons also did the following in November and December:

Prepared a repast for the Jackson family after the funeral of Frankie Cummings on November 8th.

V isited Marwood Nursing Home residents on December 7th to serve Holy Communion. sing, pray and share the Holy Scriptures with them.

Held a Christmas party for residents at Marwood on December 20th.

Delivered poinsettias at Christmas to our sick and shut-ins.

NEXT SCHEDULED BOARD MEETINGS

DEACONS FEBRUARY 1, 2015 SESSION FEBRUARY 15, 2015

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B O A R D S

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

Session met on December 8 and the following are highlights of the meeting:

Learned that the childcare subsidies for many of the students of

OLASP have been received and the program is earning significant

funds, especially because the program is primarily staffed by

volunteers. Many of the students are receiving karate lessons, which

is a drawing card for the program.

Heard that the Fundraising Ministry is planning to work with Tim

Robinson, Karate Instructor, on a karate tournament, which has been

very successful financially in other venues.

The mold in the kitchen has been removed, and the source of the leak

that caused the mold is going to be addressed.

Rolling of the Scrolls was quite successful, with many people

remembered and funds raised.

Session supported the Outreach Ministry's plan to send out literature

which will include a small calendar as a means of getting the word of

OLPC out to the community.

It was decided that there would be a Christmas Eve Service.

_______________________________________________________

The following new officers were installed on Sunday, January 11, 2015:

Class of 2016 Class of 2017

Miriam Baker Anna Strahan

Wrenton Wright

Gerry Shambaugh

Joan Clerk

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New Session Organization

Session met on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 and chose new officers and

chairs of its Ministries. They are as follows:

Clerk of Session Gerry Shambaugh

Treasurer Wrenton Wright

President of the Corporation Wrenton Wright

Ministry Chairs

Christian Education Miriam Baker

Joan Clerk

Church and Community Harriett Atkerson

Terrine Datts

Finance Wrenton Wright

Fundraising Harriett Atkerson

Membership and Fellowship Marilyn Gathers

Outreach Gerry Shambaugh

Property Co-Chairs: Anna Strahan

Wrenton Wright

Personnel Gerry Shambaugh

Stewardship & Mission Interpretation Gerry Shambaugh

Use of Church Jacqueline Williams

Worship & Music Co-Chairs: Terrine Datts

Joan Clerk

Please pray for your officers that they will continue to lead our

faith community in service to God

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The Friends of The Oak Lane Library Invite You To a Book Signing for

H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson

Rescheduled to: Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Oak Lane Library 12th & Oak Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19126

215-685-2848

From Broad Street at 66th: go east on 66th to 12th Street and turn left, to the corner and park. The Library is on the left.

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Featuring A Soul Food Buffet for your Enjoyment

RSVP to: H. Victoria Hargro Atkerson 215-888-9018

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Dear Friends and Neighbors, Happy New Year to All!!

Hope you will consider joining us for any or all of the following programs, which we will offer in conjunction with the 2015 OneBookOnePhiladelphia initiative!

Complete details of this annual city-wide event may be found at: http://libwww.freelibrary.org/onebook/obop15/index.cfm

Also, a OneBookOnePhiladelphia Calendar of Events booklet is available at the branch’s circulation desk.

ORPHAN TRAIN Book Discussion “Orphan Train is the compelling story of Vivian, a 91-year-old widow once orphaned as a child, and Molly, a troubled teen who has been shuffled from one unstable foster home to another. The two women develop a bond, with Vivian treasuring her Irish immigrant roots and Molly finding comfort in her ancestral Native American tradition.”

Facilitator: Deb Ahrens, Branch Manager Wednesday, February 4, 2015 6:30-8 p.m. Refreshments included. If you plan to attend this discussion, you may pick up a *FREE* copy of the novel from Ms. Ahrens. Quantities limited.Teens and Adults.

MY FAMILY TREE AND ME “What is your family like? Where do you come from? Read and discuss books about family. Create a keepsake family tree to take home.”

Facilitator: Alycia Kohler Friday, February 20, 2015 3:15-4:45 p.m. Primarily for our after-school children!

FOUND OBJECTS: Unleash the Voice of the Everyday Through Performance “What do we have to say about the things that surround us; what do those things say about us? Explore the life of everyday objects through theatrical exercises and improvisation.” Facilitator: Langston Darby Wednesday, March 11, 2015 6:30-8 p.m. FAMILY EVENT!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 215-685-2848. Thank you very much for supporting the Free Library's programming!Consider LIKING us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/freelibraryoak

Deborah K. Ahrens, Branch Manager Philadelphia, PA 19126 Oak Lane Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia 215-685-2848 PHONE 6614 N. 12th Street 215-685-2847 FAX

ahrensd@freelibrary.org

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Find the best way through the

maze. Have fun!

The Legend of Saint Valentine (taken from a Hallmark card.)

Once upon a time, in ancient Rome, a healer welcomed patients to his home.

His name was Valentine, and with his art,

he ministered to body, mind and heart.

One day, a jailer from the citadel

said, “Can you make my little daughter well?

Though sightless, she is all the world to me!

Dear Valentine, please help my daughter to see!”

With gentle herbs, and most of all, with prayer,

the kindly Christian treated her with care.

With faith and trust in God, between the two

a sacred bond of heartfelt feeling grew.

The emperor of Rome became aware

that many Christians lived and worshipped there.

Accusing them of evil with a lie,

he sentenced every one of them to die.

So in prison, Valentine was thrown,

to spend his final days on earth alone.

“Let’s write to him,” his little patient said.

To My Dear Valentine,” her message read.

Her Christian friend departed to the Lord-

yet on that day, her eyesight was restored.

This miracle inspired the cherished sign

of love and friendship called a “valentine.”

-Submitted by Bernice Mims

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COVENANT OF PRAYER

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE FAMILIES IN FEBRUARY

1 .................................................................................Mark Woods & Family 2 ................................................................................ Sonia Woods & Family 3 ..................................................... Dameon & Melody Wright & Family 4 ...................................................... Wrenton & Donna Wright & Family 5 .......................................................Aaron & Charrity Weston & Family 6 ............................................................................... Kelvin Alston & Family 7 ........................................................................... Kenneth Alston & Family 8 ......................................................................... Candice Ancrum & Family 9 ........................................................................ Mattie Anderson & Family 10 .................................................................. Thelma Applegate & Family 11 ................................................ Joseph & Harriett Atkerson & Family 12 ..................................................................... Louise Atterbury & Family 13 ........................................................................... Miriam Baker & Family 14 ....................................................... Alexis & Martha Barron & Family 15 ..................................................... Barbara & Stephen Bono & Family 16 ...........................................................Allen & Grace Bradley & Family 17 ............................................................................. Elisha Bunch & Family 18 ...................................... Harvey & Latricia Lewis -Bunch & Family 19 ..................................................................... Bernadette Bush & Family 20 ............................................................................James Cephas & Family 21 ..................................................................... Mattie Chadwick & Family 22 ............................................... Roland & Priscilla Chandler & Family 23 ................................................................................... Joan Clerk & Family 24 ................................................................................ Diane Cook & Family 25 ............................................................... Lee & Terrine Datts & Family 26 ............................... Jayminn Sanford- & Gary DeShields & Family 27 ................................................................... Khalim Dickerson & Family 28 ..................................... Linda Ellerson & Richard Wayns & Family

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THE AMBASSADOR Ambassador articles keep our church family informed of the many activities going on at Oak Lane Presbyterian Church. We need your help! If you have news to share, please send it to the church office by the stated deadline so it can be published in The Ambassador. If possible, please send it to our church administrative assistant, Valerie Berkley, via email at Olpc@verizon.net. If not, please drop off a copy of your article or information to Valerie at the church office. Thanks so much!

A REMINDER: The Deadline for the March 2015 Ambassador is

Monday February 16, 2014. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Would you be interested in having your Ambassador delivered electronically via email rather than in hard copy? Consider it – it will save our congregation money and reach you more quickly! To get started, email Valerie Berkley at

Olpc@verizon.net. Thank you.

WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK

To access the OLPC Facebook page, search "Oak Lane Presbyterian

Church" in Facebook or use the link on the new OLPC website

(oaklanepresbyterian.org/).

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