OLCCP E-Blast

When Certainty and Permanence are Not your First Choices

The rabble among them had a strong craving. Numbers 11:4

When the Hebrews left Egypt, they brought with them some people called “the rabble.” It sounds offensive to our sensibilities today to refer to anyone as “the rabble,” but that is what the Bible says. The rabble was not comprised of a large number of people, but they created big problems for Moses and the Hebrew people as they complained about the hardships of their journey, about Moses’ leadership, and even about God.

It didn’t matter how many miracles God performed. The rabble could always convince many of the people to focus on their fears instead of God’s faithfulness. They did this by appealing to the people’s cravings for certainty and permanence- things you have to leave behind when you journey with God.

Notice that God did nothing to discourage the rabble from joining this journey. Perhaps, the rabble had a role in God’s plan: to confront the Hebrew people with a choice. Everyone had to decide whether to trust God or trust the voices that resulted in stress, anxiety, and endless worry.

I think it’s jarring to realize that when God tired of the people’s complaints, God didn’t simply punish the rabble. God punished everyone who chose to listen to the complaints.

The story reminds us how seductive it is to hear others say to us, “you deserve better; you are worth more; how dare you settle for anything less than the greatest, the best, the topflight lifestyle enjoyed by everyone in the world except you.”

The smartest choice would be to spend so much time listening to God that you have so little time to listen to the rabble.

Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 am. Pastor Rich will bring us the message, Hen in the Fox's House.

Click here for Order of Worship

Scripture Readings are:

Luke 13:31-35

Psalm 27:1-7

For those unable to join us in person, OLCCP offers Live Streaming on Sundays at 10:30 am. Click here to join us online live as we worship together.

To access our church online options, subscribe to our YouTube channel on the link below.

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Pray for these people on our Prayer List: Bev Ayres, Rev. Mary Bahr-Jones, Marion Benedict, Nancy Bedell, Dennis Burton, Nancy Burton, Nancy Carter, Dee Chandler, Vangie Chase, Ellen Coffman, Bud Conrad, Tom Conrad, Judy Daulton, Margaret Edwards, Eileen Fisher, Dorothy Friedl, Tom Gribbell, Steve Hauser, Herbert Jarvie, Diane Kennedy, Lee Knoblock, Lori Konecki, Karla Kurzweil, Kay Malaney, Bill Marvin, Mary Mehelich, Julie Morrish, Richard Mudge, Rebbeca Naftel, Roger Nelson, David Ridley, Sarah Robertson Nadeau, Shannon Paul, Janet Payne, Michelle Pryce-Laskos, Pat Rothley, Brian Russek, Karen Schoonover, Jim Skeeters, Pat Sluka, Brett Tremaine, Nancy Watts, Doris Wiegert, Bill Windscheif, Martha Windscheif, Rande Wright, and Pamela Zimmerman

OLCCP is a Stephen Ministry congregation, which means many of our members and friends have completed a 50-hour training course in peer counseling, listening, and referral. If you would like to meet regularly with a Stephen Minister for a listening ear, supportive prayer, and companionship in times of struggle or transition, see Steve Orr or email info@olccp.com

The OLCCP Stephen Ministers are: Bev Ayres, Dorothy Friedl, Sherry Orr, Steve Orr, Bob Siebert, and Pat Redner-Colvin.

Our calendar is available to browse live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at OLCC,P Calendar. You can browse all events coming up. You can also subscribe to the calendar on the same page.

Please be sure to check the calendar before organizing an event at OLCCP.

We are looking for the best volunteer team that Orchard Lake Community Church can assemble.

Are you able to help?

Following worship this Sunday, March 16, anyone wishing to find out how you can assist with Vacation Bible School is invited to join us in the Boardroom following worship.

Help make this year's VBS unforgettable! 😎

Blessings,

Pastor Rich

World class fingerstyle guitarist John Standefer returns to the Lakeside Coffee House, March 29.

Doors open 7pm. Free-will donations will be accepted to support our youth group mission trip to North Carolina to help those impacted by the recent hurricane floods.

Contact Steve Orr for more details!

We are now taking orders for this year’s Easter flowers (hyacinths, lilies, and daffodils). Each 6-inch plant is $10. Sign up for an Easter flower dedication in honor or memory of loved ones at the message center in the Lakeview area or contact the church office to sign up.

Please place orders by March 30.

OLCCP Outing: Sister Act,

The Musical

Do you enjoy live theater, singing, and dancing?

Join your church family for an outing to the Farmington Players Barn Theater to see the feel-good musical, Sister Act, filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story.

You might even recognize two of the singing and dancing nuns. Our own Jan and Lydia Forhan are in the show! We have tickets available for the May 17 performance at 8:00 PM. Purchase price is $24 each.

See Emily Grakul in the Lakeview Area after church, call the church office at 248-682-0730 or email Emily email at (egrakul@yahoo.com).

The OLCCP Youth are sending out Care Packages to our college students this Spring.

Please email or text Brad Lewis by March 30 at lewis1br@yahoo.com or 248-721-3180 with your college student's name, college address, favorite snacks/sweets, and a few gift card ideas that they may like. Thanks!

COST & SCHEDULE

ORGANIZATION: Group Mission Trips (groupmissiontrips.com)

LOCATION: Elizabeth City, NC

DATES: July 5-12, 2025

COST: $250/person; $100 deposit needed to reserve a spot.

EACH PARTICIPANT: will live out their faith in practical ways through love, kindness, and action. You will meet dozens of faithful youth and adult leaders –more than 200 are already registered – from all over the eastern seaboard, be inspired by great music and teaching, and play some raucous large-group games.

See Pastor Rich for more information.

Please consider being a part of our Children & Youth Ministry as we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable environment and experience for children and youth during worship.

We are looking for a few volunteers to serve in our classrooms one Sunday per month. We will provide prepared lessons, supplies and items needed in advance.

It is through the dedication of families like yours that our programs are successful and we rely on your service and support to keep these valuable experiences running smoothly for our children and youth.

Please contact the church office if you can serve one Sunday per month at info@olccp.com or 248-68-0730.

THE PATRIARCHS

Encounter the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by Beth Moore

Wednesdays, 10 am - Noon

March 5 - May 14

Come along for a study through Genesis 12 - 50 encountering the turbulent lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph in the "Patriarchs" study by Beth Moore. Learn where the current conflict in the Mideast began. See how the same God who directed the beginning of great nations cares and leads us through life today.

Discover a perfect and holy God who endures in His relationship with man at his best -- and his weakest and worst. Full of twists and turns, ruin and redemption, revelation and mystery, this study will keep you captivated by the God who stars in it.

Our 11-week class will consist of a DVD message by Beth Moore (who communicates with great energy, passion, humor and grace) and a discussion of what we've learned through our homework. Workbooks will be available at the first class.

Everyone is welcome!

Please contact Bonnie Horner at (bnnhrn@yahoo.com)to sign up.

She will order a book for you.

Join us on Zoom for Our Daily Bread devotional Monday through Friday at 9:00 am.

Click on the Daily Bread Zoom link below to connect with the group.

And to lead one morning, you can sign up here Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian: Our Daily Bread Devotional (signupgenius.com)

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who attended the Advanced Planning presentation on March 11.

The fellowship, support, and positive feedback on the follow-up survey was appreciated. If you would like any additional information, please feel free to reach out to me.

Kind Regards and Blessings,

Rebecca, FCN

We are happy to announce that our nursery was recently remodeled. Come check it out down in Room 117.

We are also pleased to announce that there is a need to make the Nursery available on Sundays. Families with infants or toddlers have recently attended our services. While we welcome children in our Sanctuary, the parents stepped out into the Lakeview with their little ones.

It would be a blessing to these families if we could provide a place for their baby or toddler to go while the parents attend the worship service. Please consider volunteering in the Nursery one Sunday a month from about 10:00 am -12:00 pm. The service can be live streamed in the Nursery as well.

Contact Leida in the Church office or Mike Starynchak if you can help!

Each year, Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian receives donations through the Kroger Community Rewards program. If you shop at Kroger and haven't already designated Orchard Lake Community Church , Presbyterian as your organization, please sign up.

Once you link your Kroger Card to Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card.

Use the link below to sign up:

https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

Contact Mike Starynchak for more information.

Do you need a ride? Deacon Transportation Services at OLCCP is staffed and able to take fellow members to medical or essential appointments.

Please contact Linda V. or Rebecca for information or email info@olccp.com.

The pantry is in need of the following food items: chicken noodle soup, broth, stew, chili, ravioli/spaghetti ‘O’s, ketchup/mustard, cooking oil, peanut butter/jelly, cereal and paper towels/toilet paper. They also accept all shelf-stable items. Any donation of food or hygiene products is appreciated. Items can be dropped off in the grey bench near the office and are generally distributed weekly to Open Door.

Thank you for your continued support!

The Church Office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Rev. Dr. Richard Lapehn (Pastor): In the office Monday through Thursday. May be reached by email at (pastorrich@olccp.com)or by phone at 248-682-0730.
• Leida Soto (Office Administrator): In the office Monday through Thursday or by email during office hours at (leida@olccp.com) or by phone at 248-682-0730.
• Stacey Cheff (Business Administrator): In the office Mondays and Thursdays or by email during office hours (stacey@olccp.com)
• Rebecca Grice-Johnson (Faith Community Nurse) : Email at (rebecca@olccp.com) or call 248-682-0730.

• Children & Youth: Information available during office hours @ 248-682-0730 or email info@olccp.com

Email: info@olccp.com
Website: www.olccp.com
Location: 5171 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake, MI, USA
Phone: 248-682-0730
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OLCCP/