Church Mouse - January 2010

Hi my OPC friends,

As places go, a mouse couldn’t do much better than living in your church during the Christmas season. There are always plenty of gatherings with lots of Christmas goodies, delightful music by Beverly and the choir, and everyone is in the loving, giving spirit of the holiday. Every week the gifts under the Angel tree multiply which tells me Christmas is getting closer and lots of children are going to be very happy and surprised Christmas morning.

We started out this season the Sunday before Thanksgiving with the Hanging of the Greens. Sherry Simkins coordinated the event this year and all went very smoothly. Before we even were seated for the potluck, Tim Sholl and Nancy Ogne were busy hanging wreaths in the windows. Tim’s wife, Janet, was busy in the kitchen passing covered dishes out the pass through window to be placed on the buffet tables. My little pink mouth watered as I watched from the window sill at all the tasty entrees. Pastor Paul said grace and I found a place under the table to catch the crumbs. As soon as everyone was full, work began again.

Our little house of worship turned into a Christmas wonderland within the hour. The wall hangings of Bethlehem were hung with care as Berthlin assembled the Advent wreath on the altar. Ed Hickman and Frank Harris worked tirelessly trying to get the all the lights on the Chrismon tree working. Some ladies from the church had made some new Chrismon balls this year to go with the traditional ones that the children had made for us in years past. I pictured myself hiding in its branches behind all the gold and white trimmings on Christmas eve and seeing wonder and love in all your eyes as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the reason for this season. Terese Coleman was asking for volunteers for the play and she got a good response.. I can’t wait to see how you all perform! Pretty soon, the room was transformed and everyone was busy putting ladders and boxes away. It always amazes me how well Christians work together and how quickly they can get a job done. It must be a higher power helping them out is all that I can figure out.

Pastor called us all forward to sit near the piano and sing our favorite carols, welcoming in another season of celebration of the birth of our Savior. I doubt anyone heard my little squeaky voice joining in, but I just couldn’t help myself. Soon it was time to put the hymnals away and turn out the lights. Our house of worship was ready to welcome in Christmas 2009.
After everyone left, I took a quick swim in the baptismal font as a young man named Alex had just been baptized that morning and some water was left behind. I thought maybe it would help to exercise off some of the calories that I had just taken in! Hope your holidays overflowed with blessings. Jesus truly is the greatest gift of all.

Happy New Year

Your church mouse,
Nosey

Church Mouse - February 2010

Hi my OPC friends,

All the hoopla of December has passed and we’ve begun a new year and new decade. But before I divulge my resolution, return with me now to the days of yester-year, specifically Christmas and the many events leading up to it.

Special warmth filled the little church I’ve called home for more than two years. The wreaths hung in the windows and the Christmon decorations adorned the tree. The Angel Tree gifts were delivered, as were the Christmas Shoeboxes. There was much hustle and bustle in our church-what with choir and play practice.

In the meantime, I heard that the ladies did tons of baking and 19 ladies gathered on a Saturday morning at the home of Celeste Hurley for the annual cookie exchange. Umm…so many treats. I wish I could’ve joined them. I understand that Celeste was a gracious hostess who served tea and coffee to the ladies as they sat at tables covered with linen tablecloths, fine china, and gold silverware. All that amid colorful decorations and sounds of carols in the background made for an elegant party.

nearly divulged my hiding place when I jumped up and down after the Christmas play. Could you hear me clapping and whistling? I didn’t know our congregation had so many talented actors, from adults to children, all performed admirably. The play, while humorous, was also serious. The actors played the role of actors in order to tell the story of the birth of Christ to others. Wow! Good job everyone. I could tell it took a lot of hard work and practice. To top off the day, the brunch was scrumptious.

Did you see me on Christmas Eve? I was there-hiding in the Christmon tree, just as I said I’d be. The luminaries lined the walkway inviting people to come in. My view was perfect as family and friends entered and filled the sanctuary. Music soon filled the room and the Christmas story was told. I even glimpsed Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. I must admit that a tear or two trickled down my cheeks. When the sanctuary darkened and one by one each person’s candle was lit, a regal glow filled the room. Holding candles, everyone quietly sung all the verses of Silent Night. I wished someone would’ve lit my candle, but since I was still hiding inside the Christmon tree-not a good idea. Then it was over and too soon the church became silent. I emerged from the tree, alone with my thoughts.

I’m blessed to live here. My resolution? To count my blessings each day. How about you? Let’s all spend more time thanking God for what He’s given us.

Gratefully yours,
Nosey

Church Mouse - July 2009

Hi my OPC friends,

I have to say that I never get bored here in your kitchen. Detta is a constant fixture here, preparing tasty treats and coffee for our Sunday crowd for between services or joining with Janet, Pete, Cassie and others getting the food ready to be transported to the homeless once a month. I hear that this food is purchased for this homeless mission with monies that Detta, Janet and others get as tips while busing tables at CiCi’s two nights a month. I have to really scurry fast, in and out from under the refrigerator, to keep out from under foot. They could use some more volunteers to help prepare food, bus tables, etc, so please pray about this as you will be blessed working with these dedicated members of your congregation who have hearts for the needy.

On the last Sunday in May, the youth of the church led the service. Each young person served the Lord by taking part on this special Sunday. Katie Summerfield shared her testimony of how Caitlyn Daugherty’s friendship and influence changed her from making bad decisions in her life style to considering our church and the Lord as a better way. We are so glad God sent her here! Josh shared time with the young disciples, Brendon graced us with his piano solo of Bach’s Fantasia in C Minor, and Melissa led us in prayers of the people. Chaylan, Brendon, Josh, and Trent proclaimed God’s word by sharing the word through a great drama performance that made me chuckle, and I was afraid someone heard and would discover me watching from under the piano coverlet! The offering prayer was led by Mark, and then Katie offered the benediction with closing music by Brielle. I am praying in gratefulness for these young Christians that are in our midst and hope you are, too.

I am trying to find a way to hitch a ride away for a little summer break. If you don’t hear from me for awhile, know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your church mouse,
Nosey

Church Mouse - June 2009

Hello to All My Friends in Christ,

 A "Soup and Salad Buffet" dinner was held on May 16th, and we took time to honor the "Mothers" in the group.  A poem was given out thanking them for being a Christian and showing us how to be; saying that we'll follow their example for all eternity.

 A Christian mother is one of the greatest gifts God can give us. We gave potted plants to a few very special mothers in gratitude.  Detta Fuller was recognized for having the most children, Shirley Conley for the most grandchildren, Virginia Alexander for the child living the greatest distance away (Africa), and Rosanna Book for being the oldest mother present, to name a few.  It made me miss my little ole' furry Mom and I made a promise go see her soon and take her a tasty cheese quiche crumb that dropped my way while the ladies were shaking the tablecloths.

Our thanks to the Fellowship Committee for a fun-filled, stomach-filled special evening.  Hope to see you all at the next potluck.

Your church mouse,
Nosey

P.S. Nosey heard through the mousevine that the Sholls celebrated their 36th anniversary, and the Bartons, not to be outdone, celebrated 50 years!  Congratulations!!

Church Mouse - May 2009

Hi folks!

I awoke to "Jesus is risen" and the response from the congregation, "He is risen, indeed".  Immediately, I knew it was Easter morning as this little mouse has celebrated this with you all for a few years now.  Our Lord has covered our sins and death and brought such special meaning to all the Easters since!  Without being noticed, I crept up front to take a whiff of the beautiful Easter lilies that added to the beauty of the day.  We serve a risen Lord!!!
Eleven members of the Mills family came forward with Pastor Paul to light the peace candle and bow their heads in prayer.  We were especially blessed to have Muriel Mills here with us and little Marlee with her white Easter bonnet; four generations celebrating and praying together.  God is so good!! After church, I scurried to the bushes outside to view the cross covered with fresh flowers brought by you all. What a beautiful way to honor our risen Lord.

I heard some of the women talking about a "tea" that was happening the following Saturday at Janet Sholl's and decided right there and then that I wanted to go.  I am not going to tell you how I got transported there as it is a secret, but what is not a secret was how delicious the special treats were that we shared there.  Their dog was not home, so I got all the droppings. Janet is such a caring hostess and I could see from where I was hiding how special this time together was to each lady.  Cassie won first prize, a sunflower plant, and Janet saw that no one left empty handed.  I am sure thankful that their barking dog was visiting elsewhere!!!!

Have a blessed Spring!
Nosey,
your faithful Church Mouse

Church Mouse - April 2009

Hi friends,

Here it is halfway into our Lenten season already. Our Ash Wednesday service was a time of reflection, confession, and the beginning of healing. The aroma of sins floating up toward our redeemer, as we left them burning at His altar, filled my little pink nostrils with hope for a renewed spirit. Pastor Paul used these ashes to place a cross on our foreheads as a reminder that Jesus covers our sins that we submit to Him. We closed with Holy Communion in remembrance of His promised return for us someday and everyone left the sanctuary remembering the sacrifice for our sins that only His blood can cover. It made this little mouse sad, but ever so grateful for His love that saves you and me.

Some young men from Theta Chi Fraternity from U.C.F. have been blessing us with charitable love and their manpower by doing community service by helping us clear back the woods that have been invading our property. These young men have joined with some faithful workers from our congregation for two Saturdays recently and cleared mountains of overgrowth and literally pushed the woods back where we can again see its beautiful natural paths along Lockwood Blvd. Martha Mitts and a few volunteers arranged a hotdog lunch for them and our grill master, Bob Huggins, did the cooking. He even dropped a few morsels my way, which I greatly appreciated as I was checking the grounds to make sure nobody forgot their clippers and gloves. I was truly blessed to see our members and these fine young men share lunch and spend time together. This fraternity is what brotherly love is all about, and U.C.F. should be proud of them. We sure appreciated their efforts and time and hope they allow us to serve them in any way we can in the future.

I smell spring in the air! See you next month.
Your church mouse,
Nosey

Church Mouse - March 2009

Hi friends,

I was at the Annual Meeting under the piano bench watching and listening.  I added to Pastor Paul's prayer, my gratitude prayer to be a church mouse in this particular congregation of believers.  I am truly blessed as are each of you, because your love of the Lord and each other is so evident in the life of this church and your service to the Lord.  As I listened to each team talk about how, with God's help, their humble endeavors in each area had been achieved beyond their expectations this past year, it proved to me that God is at work at the center of this little congregation in Oviedo.  I am sure that we will meet the challenges of the next year, because His spirit is using our gifts in "big" ways, even though our numbers are small.  I will try to do my part by perking up my pointed ears and listening and reporting all the wonderful happenings to you all as you use every opportunity to serve.

Therese Coleman filled the pulpit with a message from her heart on the miracle of no casualities in the recent US Air event and on another Sunday Firpo Hurley shared words from his heart that were overflowing with praises to the God he serves. God is alive in our congregation and His word is getting out!
From the community, Boy Scout Troop 672 not only cleaned up our church's playground, but led us with a prayer of blessing and dedication.  They recited the Scout's Law and scripture. Former Eagle Scouts were asked to stand, and we had several within our church.  How blessed we are!! It made me so happy, I chased my tail!  After this proud moment, Bruster's donated ice cream for a social.  I am still licking my lips.

From a mouse's point of view, this is a church moving forward with His loving Spirit filling our every need in the coming year. 

Your faithful listener,
         Nosey

Church Mouse - February 2009

Nosey was on vacation visiting friends last month. She will be writing to you again in March.

Church Mouse - January 2009

Hi friends,

The church is so beautiful after the Hanging of the Greens.  I wish the love that Jesus birth brings out in us at this time of year never left us.  I just sit back in awe and feel how this church overflows with it during Advent season.  I hope to bring a few of my mouse friends to join us Christmas Eve when we all wait in anticipation of remembering the birth that saved us all.

I humbly want to wish you all that the light of the love that was born at Christmas bring you lasting gifts of peace, hope, and joy in 2009.  I am the luckiest church mouse because His Spirit is truly alive in this congregation.

Jesus is the reason that Christmas is so Merry. 

Blessings in 2009,

                      Nosey

Church Mouse - December 2008

Hi church friends,

One day when the kitchen door was left open, I ventured out to the dumpster and there I ran into two mice brothers munching happily on some stale donuts. We quickly became friends, and I invited them to the Ministry Fair that I had heard was going to take place that evening, November 9th. That morning the sermon had been how God supplies each of us with many spiritual gifts and they are needed to be used to honor him and strengthen our church worship and fellowship. He said to come out that night and explore the different groups that are at work within our congregation and possibly find a way to become aware of our individual talents. They agreed to meet me at the kitchen door at 5 PM as people would be entering bringing dishes for a potluck that was to open the evening program.

Sure enough, they were waiting under the bench, and I was able to sneak them in. When we scurried through the sanctuary doors, the banquet was set up right in the center with so much food that we all got light headed in anticipation. What a fest!!! We quickly ran and got under the long tables. There was plenty of crumbs to go around, and we didn’t miss any. These people should be chefs, and it was delicious beyond this mouse’s dreams!

We peeked out and there were theme tables all around the edges explaining what different groups in the church were doing to use their spiritual gifts and inviting everyone to come and visit awhile with their group to see if the Lord sparked an interest in using their talents to serve Him. My mice friends were so impressed how everyone was participating and having so much fun for church people! Full as we were, we managed to run under each table and listen to what was happening at OPC and see who won the door prize.

The boys want to come back to more festivities, but I warned them, that Pastor has been bringing two giant creatures to help guard, named Taco and Bell! I’ve never seen them at a potluck, but they do appear out of nowhere during the week. They promised to be careful and want to come hear a sermon, so maybe I can convert them and help bring out their talents which, at the present, was consuming crumbs while helping clean the floor! Well, we are all gifted in different ways.

Happy Holidays to you all.
Your church mouse,
Nosey

 

Church Mouse - November 2008

Hi friends,

This year’s Attic Sale was a great success in so many ways. We had many new faces volunteering in the set-up that began the Tuesday before the sale, as donated items were filling the room and needed to be sorted and priced. Berthlin and Pam worked hard creating a new sign for out front while Carolyn, Roberta, and Lou hung up clothes and divided the household goods between the tables.

We had some large donations this year from the Coopers and Hunts. Pete donated beautiful furniture from his son. It seems every year the worry is if enough will be donated, and God provides abundantly. Just as we thought everything was sorted and out, other members would drive up and grace the ladies with more lovely items. I noticed that when someone needed a break, in would walk some more volunteers like Janet, Alice, and Dorit to lend a hand or mainly their backs! Pete and Ed were busy as ever doing the heavy things along with our Wednesday crew and even Pastor Paul. Linde gave of her time to print flyers that were distributed the day before the sale and also helped in any way she was asked.

Meanwhile at home, Shirley Conley and her helpers were calling to get baked goods for the bake sale. That is my favorite part and the table was overflowing this year as many more volunteered to bake. What an abundance of crumbs, for a good little church mouse, like me! After all, the ladies might not have noticed, but I straightened out the tables as much as I could after the lights went out each evening as my night vision is really good, and I was rewarded with crumbs on Saturday after the sale.

Even the young people pitched in. Caitlyn and Chaylan showed up early Saturday and the Coleman boys helped clean up after the sale with Ed, Alvin, John, Pete and everyone else that had been working until the last minute. Even the pick-up outside after by the Veterans was on time this year! What a wonderful ending thanks to all the participation by so many. God must have smiled down on each worker and baker who honored Him this year! I know that I had to keep running double time to keep out from under foot. Every year gets better! I know the proceeds will be put to good use, as always.

See you next month.

Your church mouse,
Nosey

 

Church Mouse - October 2008

Hi again,

This month has been lonely for me. Pastor Paul and Nancy were called to California to officiate at his grandmother's funeral and stand by for his father, Marshall's, surgery. I have overheard that by God's grace, both went well and soon I will be observing Pastor back at work in his office. I wasn't the only one missing him! We are planning a welcome back, birthday, anniversary celebration upon his return to show our appreciation for all he does and means to everyone, including this mouse.

During his absence, Bill Westlund and Jeff Crowe filled our little church with super sermons. God was able to provide us with his word through these talented speakers. We were "doubly blessed" and I especially noticed how one of them reminded me a little of Santa, not just a look-a-like, but so jovial, too!

September got off to a great start with our annual Deacon's breakfast and all my hopes of dieting failed as soon as I saw Alice, Celeste, Davina, Cassie, John, and Ed setting out their favorite brunch dishes. They truly did a great job and everyone left filled with food and conversation, plus they even got donations to help the Deacon's Fund which benefits the needy.
Sunday School started up again with wonderful teachers like Marty Mantz, Sharon Alicia, and Cindy Huggins. My favorite is the children's class, because they seem to have such fun while learning and I get to pull more pranks on them without them knowing! Great biblical truths are taught in all these classes that help all who attend face the coming week as stronger "mice or men" with God's help.

I see volunteer sign-up sheets for the Annual Attic and Bake Sale are up for September 27th. Last year, I got away with trashing a used mouse trap that was for sale before someone bought it to use on me! Who knows what I will salvage this year! I'll let you know next month.

Your friendly church mouse,
Nosey

Church Mouse - September 2008

Hi friends,

Summer is winding down, but not before we had one more gathering of the women in our church. Twenty-one ladies met for "teatime" at Janet Sholl's home, August 16th. As soon as I saw the sign-up sheet in the back of the sanctuary, I knew that I had to come up with a way to attend, inconspicuously.

I am not going to divulge how I managed to get to Janet's house as I might want to use this method in the future. However, I hope no one noticed my little pink feet under her china cabinet as I watched. My nose twitched at all the smells of baked delights as each one was uncovered to be shared. No one left hungry for food or conversation. An extra bonus was that Muriel Mills was visiting and was able to join us.

The get-together had a dual purpose as the guests brought a goodie to share with tea and also, an item for our church kitchen. The kitchen needed a little sprucing up by replacing some worn-out utensils. You ladies were very generous and brought everything from new serving spoons to ice tea decanters. Catherine Mantz and Janet were thrilled as they opened each item. Look for all these lovely new additions at our next potluck affair.

As we sat and finished our tea, Janet gave everyone a wooden spoon and the spoons with a sticker got a special gift. I was very pleased to see Alice Textor, a new face to the group, receive a lovely cup with "FAITH” inscribed on it. We always love to add to our group and hope that nobody misses our next get-together.

Remember that each of us need each other's support and each is a vital thread in each other's tapestry. God weaves us together for a reason.

Your church mouse,
Nosey

Church Mouse - August 2008

Hi friends,

This months "scoop" was an ice cream social on July 13th that had me squeaking in delight! Janet Sholl, Detta Fuller, and Catherine Mantz set up the tables and kept me skirmishing to keep up with them to see what goodies they were offering. The room filled up as we all waited for the line to begin after Pastor Paul opened in prayer. At last, the scooping began!

We had ice cream in chocolate brown,
Donated by Bruster's, the best in town!

Vanilla white was the second flavor,
Both tasted good to a an ice-cream craver.

Ice cream, ice cream, what a cool sensation,
We love ice cream in any combination!

Also on the table were yummy desserts and another table of every topping imaginable. Sherry Simkins was at the end to top us off with loads of whipped cream. If you missed this scrumptious evening of ice cream and conversation, look for it again next year when the summer heat calls for a cool refreshing evening with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Your "chubby" church mouse,
Nosey

P.S. I saw a lovely original wedding picture of Don and Evelyn McNair at the back of the sanctuary in celebration of their 51st anniversary. Congratulations, you two!

Church Mouse - July 2008

Hi folks,

Florida is not the only hot spot this summer! People from the Northeastern states are coming here to cool off.

Even the heat didn't keep you all away on Sunday, the 8th, when we had another fabulous potluck followed by a fun evening of trying to discover our spiritual gifts. Pastors Paul and Nancy assured us that each of us does possess at least one of these gifts and some may be blessed with several. They quoted from 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

I watched as each person was given a Spiritual Gift Assessment sheet to complete to determine just what their gifts might be. It was incredible how accurate this assessment turned out. Paul Simkins’ gift was Teaching, Davina's was Shepherding, Berthlin's was Mercy, all so true of what this little mouse has observed as I follow them around. They are all so busy, it is hard to keep up and not get stepped on!

It will be interesting to see how God will put these gifts into action now that you all are more aware of them. I answered the 90 assessments and found my gift to be Helps and from now on, I am going to be more helpful cleaning up the crumbs from your potlucks!

Enjoy your summer.

Your faithful church mouse,
"Nosey"

Church Mouse - June 2008

Notes from our very own "nosy" church mouse.

Hi folks,

Spring has sprung around here and not just the lilies outside! On Mother's Day, several ladies in the congregation showed up all dressed up in their Sunday best from head to toe. From my seat atop the piano, I looked out on a sea of lovely hats that spruced up the occasion and added to the beauty of honoring all mothers, here and in heaven. Next time this country mouse goes to town, I am going to look for a hat for next year. Look for me in the picture Rebecca takes in 2009.

Speaking of pictures, you keep me so well fed around this church, that I may have to diet before I let you snap one of me. The Caribbean-American dinner held here on May 17th put a few pounds on everyone that attended. I stayed under the serving table hoping someone would drop a piece of goat or jerk chicken, but not a drop fell my way. There was two rows of eight tables, so I made a run for it and settled in right up front under Judy Labriola's chair. No one could see me because of the long linen tablecloth. I could hear all the smacking of lips and favorable comments about how good all the food tasted.

Pastor Paul made an announcement for people not to leave and stay seated as a group of young girls from Tuscawilla Methodist church were about to perform and what a delightful performance it was! They had Jamaican music playing in the background to add to the theme of the night. In fact, two sisters originated from Jamaica and invited the audience to participate in a routine to "Down Manuel Road" which had us all clapping enthusiastically. We all felt like we were from Kingston, even this little mouse! To climax the evening, Brielle Coleman and Brendon Lay graced us all by playing the piano while we had coffee and dessert. I made a last minute run for crumbs before everyone pitched in to clean up and take down the tables. I was so full that I fell asleep curled up in the choir room before the doors were locked for the night. I am definitely looking forward to more dinners even if I am getting a little pudgy.

See you next month unless I hitch a ride for a summer vacation with one of you. Don't be surprised if I show up when you open your suitcase!

Your church mouse
"Nosey"

Church Mouse - March 2008

Notes from our very own "nosy" church mouse.

March 2008

February must be the month of "love" messages here at OPC as I have been hiding under the bench out front where the youth hadset up taking requests for Heart-O-Grams to be mailed out secretly to loved ones.I am "nosy", but it was such fun listening to Josh and Melissa getting the requests without them knowing, I was spying!I hope you all enjoyed your cards of love and encouragement.

We had a full house for Magic Sunday. Uncle Richard dazzled us all with his tricks.Melissa Simkins was asked to be a helper on this special night which was also her 12th birthday.I bet this is one she will never forget!I was a little disappointed as I thought he should have made me disappear somehow as I was up on stage hiding in his props!I am going to suggest that he add a mouse or two to his act next time.It was great hearing all the laughter and applause and the potluck before the show was appreciated by all with lots of extra droppings for me.

I see Pete has a new shiny red truck and has offered to use ittransporting bags of aluminum cans to recycle, using the proceeds towards the feeding the homeless ministry.I am trying to work up enough nerve to hide under those bags and sneak a free outing!

In case you didn't get a-O-Gram, I know that this church is full of love and there is plenty enough to go around for each of you.What overflows, please pass on.

Your “Nosy” Church Mouse

Church Mouse - February 2008

Notes from our very own "nosy" church mouse.

February 2008

Well, here we are in another New Year with all the Christmas decorations tucked away and stored. It was a beautiful season of celebrating Jesus birth and I am always a little sad when it is over, but hearing your plans for the coming months as you enjoyed your potluck dinner lifted my spirits and renewed my spirit.Come and join in.

At one of the first sermons this month, Pastor Paul mentioned a book called "Who Moved the Cheese" and of course, my pointy ears perked up thinking he was talking exclusively to me!He explained that "cheese" is a metaphor for what you seek in life - whether it is a better job, a loving relationship, money, possessions, health, or spiritual peace of mind.Two mice, Sniff & Scurry were characters in this simple parable that reveals profound truths about how we react to change in our lives and how differently we may act if we were not afraid of change since change is the only constant.Pastor said the act of repentance is about change for a new life in Christ with God leading us to do what He wants instead of us putting our wants first.Wow, I really related to this sermon about listening more for God's directions for me and who knows what other parables might include messages for mice and men!

I can't wait for Magic Sunday on the 27th.I am going to see if I can figure out the tricks by hiding closer to Maureen Besst's father to tell you what he might have up his sleeve.Come on out and help me.

I am thinking that maybe the name Scurry may be appropriate for me as I sure do scurry around OPC picking up tidbits of news for you all.Let me know what you think by dropping a suggestion in the Deacon's box on the back table.

Your “Nosy” Church Mouse

Church Mouse - January 2008

Notes from our very own "nosy" church mouse.

January 2008

Happy Holidays to All,

From the first day of December with the Hanging of the Greens, this little church has been one constant celebration after another. I dusted off a Santa hat ornament I found, balanced it between my ears and just let my little furry self be swept along with the activities.
I heard the cookie exchange at Celeste’s was a great success again this year with the largest attendance yet. Her dining room table was overflowing with tempting delicacies, and everyone got a plate to take home and share with their friends and families. Next year I am going to hitch a ride and bring some Mouse Tidbits. Won’t you ladies be surprised to see me as part of the centerpiece? Ho, Ho, Ho.

I noticed the gifts have been picked up for The Children’s Home Society of Florida. I know there will be some delighted children Christmas morning thanks to your generous hearts.
On December 13th, our sister, Gloria Moss, was brought here for her last visit. She had to be so happy as she looked down on a church filled to capacity speaking of their love for her. Her family honored her, speaking of how she made each one of them feel so loved and special. Our Pam Mills spoke for all of us when she said, “ We are comforted in our grief by God’s amazing grace, knowing Gloria is feeling special, seeing Jesus face to face.” I know I was blessed to be under her feet in the church kitchen before she got sick, watching her pass out cookies and coffee each week, but mostly hugs and kind words. She always dropped me a crumb or two, as that was just Miss Gloria’s way. She will always be remembered.

Like Pastor said, the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus and receiving him into our hearts and lives. The love I feel generating here this advent season is a real blessing to this church mouse, and I want to try to give lots of it back to you all in the days ahead.
This grateful creature wishes you and yours all the peace, goodwill and joy of the Christmas season.

Your “Nosy” Church Mouse