NewsletterColver Presbyterian Church
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Inside this edition
Inside this edition you will find, committee reports, a note from the Pastor, as well as a review of what had happened in 2019. We will share information about our hopes and dreams for the church as we look to the future. Meet our new minister. We are also including a list of calendar events for February and March including birthdays and anniversaries. We will also include highlights from our Redstone Presbytery, interesting articles from the Parish Newsletter, and notes from session meetings.
Inside this edition you will find, committee reports, a note from the Pastor, as well as a review of what had happened in 2019. We will share information about our hopes and dreams for the church as we look to the future. Meet our new minister. We are also including a list of calendar events for February and March including birthdays and anniversaries. We will also include highlights from our Redstone Presbytery, interesting articles from the Parish Newsletter, and notes from session meetings.
A Word from the PASTOR
Dear friends in Christ,
Time slips by in seconds, seconds turn to minutes, hours to days, days weeks, then months, and then a year. January has just passed by, and it has been thirty long days since the New Year celebration. Many of you might have achieved goals for your New Year resolutions, but some of us are still lingering behind. February always is a new reminder for unmet goals!
In January, we were blessed with a new Session, made plans for the new year, and the Lord added a faithful member to our congregation. The Lord showered us with waters of the covenant during Epiphany as we remembered the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and were all reminded of our own Baptisms.
Guided by a sermon theme on “church in motion,” we have journeyed through the book of Exodus. We have reflected on circumstances, strengths, gifts and interpreted those aspects to our lives as individuals and as a congregation that has been called to carrying on God’s mission locally and beyond.
It’s February! February means we are going to observe Valentine’d Dat and Ash Wednesday. While we celebrate the love of Valentines, we also reflect on the greater LOVE OF GOD. Then Ash Wednesday reminds us of our fragile nature as human beings.
Ash Wednesday has a personal meaning for me: On August 28th, 2018 I was partially hit by a car while crossing a road in Minnesota. My survival was a miracle. A few weeks after healing from bruises and fractured teeth from that fall, something struck my heart—Fragile! “Oh yes,” I said this in complement to that voice running deep in my heart. The car hit me so fast and I could have died in a matter of second. I had had frightening experiences in the past. At one time robbers attacked our bus, shooting at us. I was also caught in the middle of a tribal war back in Africa, but none of those scared me. The car accident became the scariest experience of my life—I am fragile. Yet, this experience was a wakeup call and a miracle to witness God’s grace in my life.
Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. During Ash Wednesday, when receive the sign of the cross, marked in ashes, we are Assured of God’s grace that has come by way of the Salvific action of Christ Jesus and are justified by faith and made Holy through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. As we move on to the Lenten season, we are again encouraged to Withdraw from our noisy environments that interfere with our spiritual life directions. The invitation is to humble ourselves; to Exalt God while we Direct our desires and thoughts to him who is able to Nurture our faiths.
Therefore, as we observe Ash Wednesday, take heed of Job’s thoughtful advice that reminds us that our “maxims are proverbs of ashes; [our] defenses are defenses of clay.“ Job 13:12. Let us Examine our Selves before the Lord; be Determined and meditate on God’s Word; Allow God to mold us as we are of Ashes; that we Yearn for Christ’s transformation, resurrection and glorification in God’s realms.
In February, we will focus on justice, love and God’s will as we transition to the Lenten season and explore more about redemption and adoption.
Please find my wordplay secrets from within the article.
Yours in Christ
Rev. Owar Ojulu
Dear friends in Christ,
Time slips by in seconds, seconds turn to minutes, hours to days, days weeks, then months, and then a year. January has just passed by, and it has been thirty long days since the New Year celebration. Many of you might have achieved goals for your New Year resolutions, but some of us are still lingering behind. February always is a new reminder for unmet goals!
In January, we were blessed with a new Session, made plans for the new year, and the Lord added a faithful member to our congregation. The Lord showered us with waters of the covenant during Epiphany as we remembered the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and were all reminded of our own Baptisms.
Guided by a sermon theme on “church in motion,” we have journeyed through the book of Exodus. We have reflected on circumstances, strengths, gifts and interpreted those aspects to our lives as individuals and as a congregation that has been called to carrying on God’s mission locally and beyond.
It’s February! February means we are going to observe Valentine’d Dat and Ash Wednesday. While we celebrate the love of Valentines, we also reflect on the greater LOVE OF GOD. Then Ash Wednesday reminds us of our fragile nature as human beings.
Ash Wednesday has a personal meaning for me: On August 28th, 2018 I was partially hit by a car while crossing a road in Minnesota. My survival was a miracle. A few weeks after healing from bruises and fractured teeth from that fall, something struck my heart—Fragile! “Oh yes,” I said this in complement to that voice running deep in my heart. The car hit me so fast and I could have died in a matter of second. I had had frightening experiences in the past. At one time robbers attacked our bus, shooting at us. I was also caught in the middle of a tribal war back in Africa, but none of those scared me. The car accident became the scariest experience of my life—I am fragile. Yet, this experience was a wakeup call and a miracle to witness God’s grace in my life.
Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. During Ash Wednesday, when receive the sign of the cross, marked in ashes, we are Assured of God’s grace that has come by way of the Salvific action of Christ Jesus and are justified by faith and made Holy through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. As we move on to the Lenten season, we are again encouraged to Withdraw from our noisy environments that interfere with our spiritual life directions. The invitation is to humble ourselves; to Exalt God while we Direct our desires and thoughts to him who is able to Nurture our faiths.
Therefore, as we observe Ash Wednesday, take heed of Job’s thoughtful advice that reminds us that our “maxims are proverbs of ashes; [our] defenses are defenses of clay.“ Job 13:12. Let us Examine our Selves before the Lord; be Determined and meditate on God’s Word; Allow God to mold us as we are of Ashes; that we Yearn for Christ’s transformation, resurrection and glorification in God’s realms.
In February, we will focus on justice, love and God’s will as we transition to the Lenten season and explore more about redemption and adoption.
Please find my wordplay secrets from within the article.
Yours in Christ
Rev. Owar Ojulu
2019 Pastor Nominating Committee We began this year without a pastor and through a two-year blessed journey, we were able to end the year with a pastor. We were blessed and thankful to have Rev. Bryan Powell lead us in worship each week as we searched for a minister. He drove from Pittsburgh each Sunday through sun, rain and definitely snow. He taught us a much appreciated benediction from Richard Halverson (a PCUSA pastor and Chaplain to the U.S. Senate) that will remain with most of us who heard him weekly remind us… “You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you there. Wherever you are, God has put you there. He has a purpose in your being there. Christ, who indwells in you, has something He wants to do through you, wherever you are. Believe this, and go in His grace, and love, and power. Amen!” The early fall, the congregation was able to meet the God loving man that would eventually become our pastor, Rev. Owar Ojulu. Rev. Ojulu and his family began their trek of God’s journey for there in November. His installation was held in November at the Ebensburg Presbyterian Church. We welcome him and his family to our community. |
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2019 Mission Committee
The Mission Committee began a program called “Focus on Our Flock.” This was established to reach out to all members of the church to remind them of how special they are to us.
Each week a name of a member is drawn and a gift bag is given to them, the name is given out during morning worship service announcements, and the congregation lifts that person up in prayer.
The items in the small gifts are donated by church members. There are donated items for adult males and females and teen males and females.
We also have the emergency food pantry. Our mini food pantry came about when the church received some phone calls from towns folk that were in immediate need for food. We have been able to provide food to families who are short on cash during a given week, food for someone from out of state sleeping in his car outside of the church. The food for the pantry comes from the generous donations from our members.
Over the Christmas holiday, we have collected food for the local food pantry as well as hats and gloves for the Dorothy Day Center to distribute to those in need.
Through special funding, we were also able to provide financial assistance to a local family in need of some extra help for Christmas.
As we look to expand and find new ways to assist those in our community, Session has set up a special checking account for mission money to go through. In 2020, you may see this Mission Fund in the auditing reports.
The Mission Committee began a program called “Focus on Our Flock.” This was established to reach out to all members of the church to remind them of how special they are to us.
Each week a name of a member is drawn and a gift bag is given to them, the name is given out during morning worship service announcements, and the congregation lifts that person up in prayer.
The items in the small gifts are donated by church members. There are donated items for adult males and females and teen males and females.
We also have the emergency food pantry. Our mini food pantry came about when the church received some phone calls from towns folk that were in immediate need for food. We have been able to provide food to families who are short on cash during a given week, food for someone from out of state sleeping in his car outside of the church. The food for the pantry comes from the generous donations from our members.
Over the Christmas holiday, we have collected food for the local food pantry as well as hats and gloves for the Dorothy Day Center to distribute to those in need.
Through special funding, we were also able to provide financial assistance to a local family in need of some extra help for Christmas.
As we look to expand and find new ways to assist those in our community, Session has set up a special checking account for mission money to go through. In 2020, you may see this Mission Fund in the auditing reports.
2019 Discipleship Committee
A few years back, the Christian Education Committee was renamed and dedicated as the Discipleship Committee. This year the Discipleship committee held Lenten Family and Advent Family Nights.
The most recent family night, Advent Family Night consisted of a wonderful meal, Christmas story reading, and a couple of crafts and Christmas cards for the residents of Saint Benedict Manor.
The church purchased several copies of “How to Spell Presbyterian”, a book that explains the basic beliefs of the Presbyterian Church to be read by people and teens interested in joining the membership of the church.
This summer, not only was the book offered to be read by anyone interested in joining the church but anyone in the church. After church there was a “book club” type discussion of the contents of the book.
A few years back, the Christian Education Committee was renamed and dedicated as the Discipleship Committee. This year the Discipleship committee held Lenten Family and Advent Family Nights.
The most recent family night, Advent Family Night consisted of a wonderful meal, Christmas story reading, and a couple of crafts and Christmas cards for the residents of Saint Benedict Manor.
The church purchased several copies of “How to Spell Presbyterian”, a book that explains the basic beliefs of the Presbyterian Church to be read by people and teens interested in joining the membership of the church.
This summer, not only was the book offered to be read by anyone interested in joining the church but anyone in the church. After church there was a “book club” type discussion of the contents of the book.
2019 Building Committee
The church had a number of maintenance and upkeep projects completed this year, some required and some sprucing up projects.
With the amount of rain this year, on one heavy rain occasion, our church basement/social hall had some flooding. As a result, a number of people worked to clean up the water in the office, nursery, and social hall. To prevent future flooding, the outside drain cleaned out, replaced and new cement work done.
The entrance to the sanctuary was cleaned, plaster repaired, and received a new coat of paint.
2020 Committees of Session
Discipleship: Chair-Ruth Ann Gonos & Jared Lambie
Building: Tom Gonos, Greg Headrick
Mission: Chair-Lisa Plumley & Dottie Headrick
Worship: Chair-Bonnie Hill, Sarah Kirsch, Belinda Lambie & MaryJeanne Davis
Nominating: Chair-Dottie Headrick & Jared Lambie
Budget: Treasurer & Jared Lambie
Shelter: Ken Taylor & Treasurer
Parish Council: Sue Stoyka & Bonnie Hill
Matthew 25: Sue Stoyka
The church had a number of maintenance and upkeep projects completed this year, some required and some sprucing up projects.
With the amount of rain this year, on one heavy rain occasion, our church basement/social hall had some flooding. As a result, a number of people worked to clean up the water in the office, nursery, and social hall. To prevent future flooding, the outside drain cleaned out, replaced and new cement work done.
The entrance to the sanctuary was cleaned, plaster repaired, and received a new coat of paint.
2020 Committees of Session
Discipleship: Chair-Ruth Ann Gonos & Jared Lambie
Building: Tom Gonos, Greg Headrick
Mission: Chair-Lisa Plumley & Dottie Headrick
Worship: Chair-Bonnie Hill, Sarah Kirsch, Belinda Lambie & MaryJeanne Davis
Nominating: Chair-Dottie Headrick & Jared Lambie
Budget: Treasurer & Jared Lambie
Shelter: Ken Taylor & Treasurer
Parish Council: Sue Stoyka & Bonnie Hill
Matthew 25: Sue Stoyka
Colver Member Installed as Vice Moderator of Presbytery
Colver Presbyterian Church elder and member has been elected to serve as Vice Moderator of Redstone Presbytery. Elder Belinda Lambie was installed at the January meeting of the Presbytery. She will serve for one year as Presbytery. She will then serve as Moderator in the year 2021. In 2022, she will serve the Presbytery as President of the Redstone Presbytery Council.
She said that she agreed to take this position after many months of prayerful and thoughtful consideration. In order to take on these larger church responsibilities, she resigned as Clerk of Session. Bonnie Hill graciously agreed to take over the Clerk responsibilities with support.
Colver’s former pastor, Laura Blank performed the installation duties as she leaves the Moderator position and moved into her new position as the President of Council. As Rev. Blank said at the Installation, “it’s nice to get the gang back together.”
At the Presbytery meeting several current friends of Colver were in attendance. In attendance were Jared Lambie, Gretchen Lambie, Jim and Sheila Farrer, Rev. Laura Blank, Dave O’Hara, Rev. Owar Ojulu, Judy Carl, and Rev. Alice Tondora.
Our current Moderator of Redstone is Elder Chuck West.
Colver Presbyterian Church elder and member has been elected to serve as Vice Moderator of Redstone Presbytery. Elder Belinda Lambie was installed at the January meeting of the Presbytery. She will serve for one year as Presbytery. She will then serve as Moderator in the year 2021. In 2022, she will serve the Presbytery as President of the Redstone Presbytery Council.
She said that she agreed to take this position after many months of prayerful and thoughtful consideration. In order to take on these larger church responsibilities, she resigned as Clerk of Session. Bonnie Hill graciously agreed to take over the Clerk responsibilities with support.
Colver’s former pastor, Laura Blank performed the installation duties as she leaves the Moderator position and moved into her new position as the President of Council. As Rev. Blank said at the Installation, “it’s nice to get the gang back together.”
At the Presbytery meeting several current friends of Colver were in attendance. In attendance were Jared Lambie, Gretchen Lambie, Jim and Sheila Farrer, Rev. Laura Blank, Dave O’Hara, Rev. Owar Ojulu, Judy Carl, and Rev. Alice Tondora.
Our current Moderator of Redstone is Elder Chuck West.
HELP WANTED—Treasurer
Greg Headrick provided session with his resignation as Church Treasurer effective the end of March. Session is looking for a dedicated volunteer willing to serve as treasurer.
The treasurer is responsible for paying the church’s bills as well as maintaining all accounts owned by the church and provide monthly reports to session of all accounts. The treasurer also will also work with the Board of Pensions, Insurance Companies, Ebensburg Presbyterian Church and Tax information as may come up.
The treasurer will also serve on the Budget Committee and may be assigned to others as needed.
Greg Headrick provided session with his resignation as Church Treasurer effective the end of March. Session is looking for a dedicated volunteer willing to serve as treasurer.
The treasurer is responsible for paying the church’s bills as well as maintaining all accounts owned by the church and provide monthly reports to session of all accounts. The treasurer also will also work with the Board of Pensions, Insurance Companies, Ebensburg Presbyterian Church and Tax information as may come up.
The treasurer will also serve on the Budget Committee and may be assigned to others as needed.
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2020 Session Members & Church Officers
The Session members for this year are Bonnie Hill, Dottie Headrick, MaryJeanne Davis, Jared Lambie, RuthAnn Gonos, Sue Stoyka, Lisa Plumley, Sam Shaffer and Andrew Plumley. The officers elected for 2020 are Clerk of Session—Bonnie Hill Financial Secretary—MaryJeanne Davis Assistant Financial Secretary—Bonnie Hill Treasurer—Greg Headrick Assistant Treasurer—Brian Davis Events of January 2020 On January 5, Lisa Plumley was ordained and installed as an elder and session member for the session class of 2022. On January 12, 2020, Andrew Plumley was baptized, became an active member of the Colver Presbyterian Church and was ordained as an elder and installed as a member of the session class of 2022. On January 12, Elder Sam Shaffer was installed as a member of the Session class of 2022. The average attendance for the month of January was 22. |
HOME COMMUNION
For home communion or visits, please contact Rev. Ojulu or a member of the session to schedule. February and March Birthdays February 01 – Greg Headrick 03 – Sam Shaffer 03 – Pete Bickford 04 – William Smith 05 – Belinda Lambie 07 – Ray & Bonnie Hill 16 – Gretchen Lambie 25 – Kevin Stoyka March 10 – Jennifer Devinney 13 – Judy Grenell 14 – Emma Davis 14 – Brian Hill 15 – Billy Smith 21 – Vanessa Yingling 25 – Brandon Baker 25 – Jane Ponchione 26 – Lochlan Hurst If you have a birthday or anniversary that we missed or you would like us to add, please let us know. |
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Rev. Owar Ojulu
This is a reprint from this summer of Rev. Ojulu’s letter of introduction to the congregations. I was born and grew up in Ethiopia, at a place only hours walk to the South Sudan border. I came to the United States in 2008 on a Diversity Visa, a lottery visa program. On August 4, 2019, I celebrated the 11th anniversary of becoming a proud citizen of the United States. Before coming to the U.S., I had completed degrees in theology, (Bachelor of theology in Biblical Studies) from Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary, and Public Administration (BA) from Ethiopian Civil Service College, in Ethiopia. Then I served as Associate Director of the Office of Mission and Theology for the East Gambella Bethel Synod of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), and also worked for Gambella District Office as Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator, before moving to the USA. I have since completed a Master of Divinity (M.Div) at the University of Dubuque Seminary, obtained a certificate in a Community Health program at the Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, MN, a Certificate of Chaplaincy program at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls SD, and am currently taking classes for the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) program with a concentration in Discipleship and Mission from the Sioux Falls Seminary, in Sioux Falls, SD. During these remarkable years in this wonderful county, I have worked as a Youth Director for First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, Iowa, Chaplain for Sanford Health System (on-call), Sioux Falls, SD, a Community Outreach Worker for the Nobles County Community Services, and currently a case manager for United Community Action partnership and an ordained pastor (3years) for Hope Christian ministry in Minnesota. I speak multiple languages: Anyuak, Amharic, and Nuer, in addition to English, and use Greek and Hebrew for Scripture references. I am married, for fourteen years, to my wife Apay, (great cook who loves cleaning), and a father of four: 1. Ammanual (18)— plays soccer (Left-wing and right-back positions—won the State Championship 2016) and runs track. He has received awards for academic achievements in high school and became part of the Honor Society. He is going to Gustavus College for humanities and plans to work for international NGOs when done. 2. Ojha (14)—loves soccer and plays nicely at Center defensive mid (CDM) position. His team were the State champions this year, 2019 3. MarJwok (God’s will)— is the only girl we have in our family. MarJwok is good at art and loves writing. She even won a 2nd place poetry award in a Southwest Minnesota competition. 4. BodoJwok (God is victorious) (3½yrs)—our little man! Bodo or Bo as we call him, smiles to the moon. He greets anyone he comes across. His smile is contagious. Just as a personal note, I love soccer and am a fan of Wisconsin cheeses and the Green Bay Packers (no offense to Steelers fans). I am just being myself loving yellow and green. I’m indeed of Christ but for the Green Bay Packers! In addition to my credentials and experiences, I have good interpersonal skills, a strong Biblical conviction, and I enjoy teaching. I love people, like to engage, encourage, and inspire others. I cherish moments, aspire for hope, evolve to change, and anticipate a better tomorrow (Romans 5:1-5). Above all, I am a disciple! I love to learn new things and absorb new insights. |
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