NewsletterColver Presbyterian Church
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A Word from the PASTOR
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men[ said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.
Luke 24:1-12
This story brings a promising hope to the disciples who were bewildered, covered by fear, and in a state of disbelief. It was a tough journey with a joyful ending! In Mandela’s words, it was a “long walk to freedom.” Finally, the light of hope shone. It was and it is a long walk to Easter. The power of resurrection prevails over the sting of death, the weight of the Stone, and the obscurity of the grave.
The women in the story were already in a perplexing situation. They worried about the “big stone” at the mouth of the tomb. Then they saw the stone was removed and the body wasn’t there.
The sudden appearance of two persons in dazzling attire triggered their fear, worsened their situation, and the women were terrified.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? This was the affirmative statement spoken to the women who were despairing. The voice whispered hope, brought light in the midst of darkness, and affirmed new life and a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Like these women, the world worries, all of us are in despair and waking up every day to the latest disquieting news. Like the disciples we feel defeated, the valley seems darker and filled with death— We are spiritually dry like the dry bones of Ezekiel. The news we hear, the rising cases of Coronavirus have placed us in an emotional valley of hopelessness. Our faith has been shaken.
Like the women, we are filled with personal and corporate questions regarding our current situation. Many are asking when would this pandemic be over? Or can world function again? Or can our communities celebrate again? With a sign of a cold, we are filled with doubts and fear that we are already infected with this virus. Or, we ask, will I be? How? When? What if? Many of you might have not missed a single Easter celebration in your lives and you are filled with questions. It’s a hard truth to swallow. Going back to normal life seems impossible when judged by our current situation.
There is always an Easter! I was tempted to take a picture of our daffodils and share on our Facebook page. Those daffodils were covered with snow and passed through the severe cold of the winter. Now, they are blossoming and thriving. I was reminded of Hope. Hope is a kept faith, trusting God and having confidence in the divine promises. Hope is seeing the light in the midst of darkness. God always speaks to our emptiness, affirming a victory over our threats.
As we continue with social distancing, keep your head high, keep doing things that you enjoy; what gives you joy. Fill your life and your world with beauty. Maybe go back to your closet, your basement, or your storage shed. Being bring back the objects, maybe a rugged cross, a cloth, or a childhood picture with those funny faces and laughter. Objects brings meaning to life. Be reminded and remember!
Holy Week and Easter are very special to our Christian beliefs. We reflect on passion and resurrection—defeat and victory! I plan to conduct Maundy Thursday outside of our Church. If you like to sing while sitting in your car, you are most welcome. For Good Friday and Easter morning, we will continue with our virtual worship and administer Holy Communion virtually if the Session vote approves it on Tuesday, April 7th. You may need to prepare your grape juice and a nice bread as we experience partaking communion virtually. Remember, Christ is!
You are all in my prayers! And may this year’s Easter bring the hope of resurrection and new life again. May the Lord take up in victory the spirit of death that is lurking at our doors. May He shame the devil and claim victory over Coronavirus on Easter morning. God creates new life and is a living hope in the world of hopelessness.
Rev. Owar Ojulu
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men[ said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.
Luke 24:1-12
This story brings a promising hope to the disciples who were bewildered, covered by fear, and in a state of disbelief. It was a tough journey with a joyful ending! In Mandela’s words, it was a “long walk to freedom.” Finally, the light of hope shone. It was and it is a long walk to Easter. The power of resurrection prevails over the sting of death, the weight of the Stone, and the obscurity of the grave.
The women in the story were already in a perplexing situation. They worried about the “big stone” at the mouth of the tomb. Then they saw the stone was removed and the body wasn’t there.
The sudden appearance of two persons in dazzling attire triggered their fear, worsened their situation, and the women were terrified.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? This was the affirmative statement spoken to the women who were despairing. The voice whispered hope, brought light in the midst of darkness, and affirmed new life and a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Like these women, the world worries, all of us are in despair and waking up every day to the latest disquieting news. Like the disciples we feel defeated, the valley seems darker and filled with death— We are spiritually dry like the dry bones of Ezekiel. The news we hear, the rising cases of Coronavirus have placed us in an emotional valley of hopelessness. Our faith has been shaken.
Like the women, we are filled with personal and corporate questions regarding our current situation. Many are asking when would this pandemic be over? Or can world function again? Or can our communities celebrate again? With a sign of a cold, we are filled with doubts and fear that we are already infected with this virus. Or, we ask, will I be? How? When? What if? Many of you might have not missed a single Easter celebration in your lives and you are filled with questions. It’s a hard truth to swallow. Going back to normal life seems impossible when judged by our current situation.
There is always an Easter! I was tempted to take a picture of our daffodils and share on our Facebook page. Those daffodils were covered with snow and passed through the severe cold of the winter. Now, they are blossoming and thriving. I was reminded of Hope. Hope is a kept faith, trusting God and having confidence in the divine promises. Hope is seeing the light in the midst of darkness. God always speaks to our emptiness, affirming a victory over our threats.
As we continue with social distancing, keep your head high, keep doing things that you enjoy; what gives you joy. Fill your life and your world with beauty. Maybe go back to your closet, your basement, or your storage shed. Being bring back the objects, maybe a rugged cross, a cloth, or a childhood picture with those funny faces and laughter. Objects brings meaning to life. Be reminded and remember!
Holy Week and Easter are very special to our Christian beliefs. We reflect on passion and resurrection—defeat and victory! I plan to conduct Maundy Thursday outside of our Church. If you like to sing while sitting in your car, you are most welcome. For Good Friday and Easter morning, we will continue with our virtual worship and administer Holy Communion virtually if the Session vote approves it on Tuesday, April 7th. You may need to prepare your grape juice and a nice bread as we experience partaking communion virtually. Remember, Christ is!
You are all in my prayers! And may this year’s Easter bring the hope of resurrection and new life again. May the Lord take up in victory the spirit of death that is lurking at our doors. May He shame the devil and claim victory over Coronavirus on Easter morning. God creates new life and is a living hope in the world of hopelessness.
Rev. Owar Ojulu
Let the Church Bells Ring
Since the Stay-At-Home order was put in place, we began to ring the bells each evening around 7 pm for Colver folks to enjoy. The songs are tunes that most people will and are uplifting, some times patriotic, and always in praise of our wonderful God who is helping to see us through. The bells ring for 5-10 minutes and ends with "It is Well with My Soul" or "Here I Am, Lord." You are welcome to join us in the church parking lot to hear them bells from your car if you live out of town or even in town. Some listen while they sit on their porch, walk around town, or ride their bikes. We've even had one person walk by the church singing along to the songs.
Hymnals Available
A couple of years ago the church changed hymnals to the Glory To God hymnal by the Presbyterian Church. Session has decided to give the previous hymnals to anyone who would like a copy. Copies are available for the taking up until Election Day. After Election Day, they will be disposed of. Free hymnals are available in the back of the Little Free Library/Food Pantry. The numbers in the bulletin for the online worship are from the these hymnals so you can keep them at home with you.
Since the Stay-At-Home order was put in place, we began to ring the bells each evening around 7 pm for Colver folks to enjoy. The songs are tunes that most people will and are uplifting, some times patriotic, and always in praise of our wonderful God who is helping to see us through. The bells ring for 5-10 minutes and ends with "It is Well with My Soul" or "Here I Am, Lord." You are welcome to join us in the church parking lot to hear them bells from your car if you live out of town or even in town. Some listen while they sit on their porch, walk around town, or ride their bikes. We've even had one person walk by the church singing along to the songs.
Hymnals Available
A couple of years ago the church changed hymnals to the Glory To God hymnal by the Presbyterian Church. Session has decided to give the previous hymnals to anyone who would like a copy. Copies are available for the taking up until Election Day. After Election Day, they will be disposed of. Free hymnals are available in the back of the Little Free Library/Food Pantry. The numbers in the bulletin for the online worship are from the these hymnals so you can keep them at home with you.
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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Internet Installed
In March the church, the pastor had the internet install in the office and the router reaches to the sanctuary for use during the worship service. The session voted to install the internet in the church. This will make it easier for the minister when he comes to town to use his email and enhance the worship service. Colver Crafters The Colver Crafters continue to their work despite not being able to meet. In February and March, they made walker bags and bibs for Saint Benedict Manor. Many of them have been busy during their time at home to make masks to be distributed. They made masks for the workers at Saint Benedict Manor. Some have even made masks to put in our Little Free Food Pantry for folks in town to take. They sometimes bring their own projects to work on and help other members with their projects. When they start up again, you don’t have to be crafty to join them! All are welcome. Come and join us for a “cup of tea” and fellowship. |
HOME COMMUNION
For home communion or visits, please contact Rev. Ojulu or a member of the session to schedule. April & May Birthdays and Anniversaries April 02 – Dottie Headrick 02 – Jack Key Long 06 – Greg & Dottie Headrick 03 – Jared Lambie 05 – Earl Fulton 06 – Shawn Link 07 – Irene Makin 07 – Tim Kostelnik 14 – Hailee Bickford 17 – Aaron Smith 17 – Jason Long 18 – Jeanette Fulton 19 – Isabella Pelucarte 25 – Amy Stormer 28 – Jonah Lambie 29 – Alyssa Link May 01 – Zack Yingling 01 – Isaac LaMantia 02 – Dena & Jim Baker 04 – Evalyn Martin 07 – Keira Link 11 – Dena Baker 11 – Karen Forbes 12 – Bruce Mentch 14 – Rev. Owar Ojulu 17 – Rev. Owar & Apay Ojulu 21 – Ojha Ojha 21 – Jodie Lambie 21 – Shawn Jacobs 21 – Paul Shutack 26 – Ethel Headrick 27 – Tim & Connie Kostelnik 28 – Arlene Mentch If you have a birthday or anniversary that we missed or you would like us to add, please let us know. |
News From the Women's Association
We will once again be having a soup/bake sale on election day. Donations will be greatly appreciated.
We will be collecting baby wash and wipes for Birthright in June. We will be collecting layette items in September.
We are changing our meetings to the first Saturday of the month at 10 am for April, May and June. We hope that this will make it more convenient for more women to attend these meetings.
The Spring retreat will be on Tuesday May 26th at Pine Springs. Let Dottie Headrick know by May 15th if you are interested in attending.
Mary Jeanne Davis, Moderator
We will once again be having a soup/bake sale on election day. Donations will be greatly appreciated.
We will be collecting baby wash and wipes for Birthright in June. We will be collecting layette items in September.
We are changing our meetings to the first Saturday of the month at 10 am for April, May and June. We hope that this will make it more convenient for more women to attend these meetings.
The Spring retreat will be on Tuesday May 26th at Pine Springs. Let Dottie Headrick know by May 15th if you are interested in attending.
Mary Jeanne Davis, Moderator
