OPMH E Gram (Mar 16, 2008)

Meeting House Worshipers: Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Palm and Passion Sunday

This Sunday:

Worship Services (8:30 and 11:00 am)

Sermon                A Confluence of Ideas — Dr. Laha

Christian Education for all ages from 9:40 – 10:40am.

For Children and Youth: Our elementary children continue a series of workshops learning about the events of Easter, led by the youth of our middle school Sunday school class. The high school class meets in the Youth Room (top floor of Flounder House).

For Adults

·             Bible Study: The Gospel of Matthew, Westminster Hall.

·             Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs: the OPMH Word Players will present these readings of Scripture, poetry and prose to explore the meaning and implication of a particular word. Their “performance” will be followed by a small group exercise which will focus on discussion of some specific Scripture passages. Join us in this creative encounter.in Heritage Hall.

·             Presbyterian 101 -- for anyone who has ever felt tongue-tied when asked “what do Presbyterians believe?” or just wants a better basic understanding of the particular tradition in which we stand. March 16, and 30 in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Evening

Youth: Meet from 5 to 7 pm this Sunday night for bowling at US Bowling (100 S. Pickett Street). Bring money for lanes, shoe rental, and snacks (approximately $10-15 for bowling). Please let Mark SooHoo know if you’re coming so we can have enough lanes for everyone ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Opportunities to Give or Serve:

Help Identify Social Justice Issues in our Community: Meeting House organizers for V.O.I.C.E. – Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement – are holding meetings to help identify an advocacy agenda for this new organization. Join a meeting in the Elliot House parlor after the 11:00 am service on March 30, or contact Marsha Rhea at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

One Great Hour of Sharing offering banks may be returned in worship on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday. You are also invited to make a special contribution on these Sundays by using the special envelopes in the pew rack. Just mark “OGHS” on the memo line. These gifts go to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the Self-Development of People projects.

Vacation Bible School 2008 will be held June 23-27. Vacation Bible School 2008 is scheduled for June 23-27. If you would like to volunteer for this special week of learning and fun, contact Kristine Eelkema at 703.836.9871 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Upcoming Events / Register Now:

Holy Week Services: Palm Sunday, March 16 at 8:30 am and 11:00 am; Maundy Thursday, March 20, at 7:30 pm; Good Friday, March 21 at 12:00 pm; Easter, March 23 at 8:30 am and 11:00 am (communion at 8:30) There will be no education classes on Easter. Childcare available for all services except Good Friday.

Celebration: Sign up now for the Married Couple retreat on Sat., March 29 from 9 am – 4 pm at Clifton Presbyterian church in Clifton, VA. The theme of the day-long retreat is “The Soul-work of Marriage.” The cost is $55 per couple and includes lunch. Our retreat leader will be Marjory Bankson, who, along with her husband Peter, is a much sought-after relations retreat leader, working artist, and author. To register, contact Jean or Larry Rood at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 703.323.9503. Deadline for registration is March 23

Dine With Nine Dinner Groups: Use the green form in the pew pads or contact the church office to sign up.

Young Adult Retreat – Got Time? Join young adults from around the presbytery for a time of fellowship, relaxation, worship, and theological reflection at Meadowkirk Restreat Center in Middleburg (just an hour away), April 18-20. The cost is only $25 for the entire weekend (meals included) due to generous support from the Presbytery. The topic will focus on our stewardship of time. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Ann Herlin at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 24.

SPIRIT Group Outing to Fredericksburg on April 30: Plans are to allow a choice of visits to two different sites. One option is Belmont, the former residence of American figure painter Gari Melchers. The second option is the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Lunch will follow at Brock’s Riverside Grill, overlooking the Rappahannock River in Old Town Fredericksburg.

Ongoing Events:

First Sundays with the Stephen Ministers: Stephen Ministers hosts an informal time of fellowship on the first Sunday of each month for those who are experiencing a difficult or challenging time and would welcome a willing listener. We meet in the Elliot House parlor following the 11:00 am service. If you would like more information or would like to spend one-on-one time with a Stephen Minister, call Susan Grandy at 703-780-4134 or 703.299.4749.

20s30s –This group is open to all in their 20s and 30s (married, single, members, visitors, friends). Join us Monday nights for dinner and discussion at 913 Oronoco Street at 7 pm. For more info., call Mike Campagna at 703-785-4736 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Adult Choir rehearses on Thursdays, at 7:30 pm in the balcony. Everyone is welcome!

Children’s Choir’s rehearses on Sundays, in room 22, Education Building. 12:05-12:50 pm.

More on Sunday’s service (March 9, 2008):

Scripture

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Matthew 21 and 27, selections

Hymns

Hosana, Loud Hosanna

When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

Ride On! Ride On In Majesty!

Other Special Music

Prelude:                                Chant Heroique – Gordon Young (1919-1998)

Introit:                                    Sing hosanna to the Son of David – B. Gesius (1555-1613)

Anthem:                                When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Hal Hopson (b. 1933)

                                                      Lori Fowser, clarinetist

Offertory:                            Carol (Andantino semplice) – Gerald Finzi (1901-1956)

                                                      Lori Fowser, clarinetist

Postlude:                               Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – Phillip Moore (b. 1943)

Coffee Hour: Join us in Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 am service. The host this week is the History and Archives Committee.

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