A publ ica t i on o f Oak Is land Evangel ica l Presbyte r ian Church

The Prime of Life

Recently I acquired a book of sermons by the Rev. James Black, a Scottish minister

who lived in the first half of the last century. In one of his sermons, “The Days of My

Autumn,” (which is also the name of the book), the preacher gives a sermon from Job

29:4. In this verse, Job is looking back and longing for his past life, before the days of

his suffering. The King James Bible mistranslates the verse, “As I was in the days of my

youth…” Yet, the word translated “youth” is really the Hebrew word for “autumn.” “As I

was in the days of my autumn…” Job says, as he then reflects on the days when life

was good and full.

Black points this out, and wonders if perhaps the translators of the KJV were misguid-

ed by some of their own assumptions about what constituted the best of life. Perhaps

they were of the opinion that the best of life was one’s youth. Personally, I think that

the translators of the KJV simply retained the translation of the Geneva Bible, which

about 50 years before had translated the word this way, since the KJV was a revision

of this earlier Bible.

Most modern translations of the Bible have replaced “youth” with “prime.” The ESV

has, “as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent.” But there is

a footnote in the ESV that points out that the literal word in Hebrew is “autumn.”

Think of that. What is Job saying? Job is looking back on the best days of his life. But

they were not the days of his “youth”, as the KJV would have it. They were not the days

that we, at least in our culture, would consider “the prime of life.” Job actually says, “in

my autumn days.” He goes on in the passage to describe what his “autumn days”

were: surrounded by his children, prosperous, a respected elder/judge in the city, re-

spected and even feared by the “young men”. What Job is describing is not the days of

his youth or even his “young adulthood.” The days of his autumn were the days of his

maturity, what we sometimes describe (though often not accurately) as middle-age to

perhaps (by our standards) middle-aged plus a few years.

What do you see as the “prime” of your life? Was it the days of your “youth”? Were

those the “best” days of your life? Often, we look longingly on the days of our youth.

We remember the days of our strength, our youthful vigor. But, honestly, when you

long for the days of your youth, do you really long to be teenager again? Would you re-

ally trade the days of your life (and their wisdom, their knowledge born of all the joys

and sorrows of life) to return to those halcyon days of youth, when yet your character

was so “green” and naïve?

Continued…...

The Presbyterian Press JULY/AUGUST 2020

• To magnify and glorify

God in worship, pray-

er and praise.

• To fellowship, nurture

and disciple all mem-

bers and visitors in

the ways of life based

on Biblical teachings.

• To take Jesus Christ,

His Word, and His

Love to all people in

our community and

the world.

OUR MISSION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the Pastor…………....…..….1-2

Sermon Schedule…………………….3

Prayer Requests……………………….3

Reflections from Agnes……….......4

Missions Update………...…………...5

Prayer Chain information………….6

Martha’s Circle…………………..…….6

Men of the Church……………..…….6

July Birthdays……………………….….7

August Birthdays……………………..7

Session Actions June...…...…....8-9

Finance Report March..….. ..…….9

Church Information…………….….10

Continued from previous page…………….

Job looks back on his autumnal days. Those were the days not of his youth, but the days of his maturity,

when he was experiencing the material blessing built by past work, surrounded by his family (we do not

assume that his children were young children, but adults, as the Book of Job makes clear in the begin-

ning, in chapter 1). These were the days when Job was blessed with the fruit of many years of good la-

bor, of hard work.

Several years ago, a friend of mine (who is also a minister) and I, both who were entering into the world

of being “middle-aged”, reflected on what this meant for being a minister. He made an observation; we

were entering into a new age of life, when we were expected to (and should expect to) begin to have a

repository of wisdom built from our previous years of experience. He then said something like this, “The

key now is not so much working harder but working smarter.” I will not make any claim, at least right

here, about how well I have embodied that dictum myself! But what he said is certainly true, and sheds

light on what one’s “autumn days” are supposed to be like.

Of course, autumn days give way to the days of winter. That is unavoidable for us all, and the transition

from autumn days to the days of winter is something about which many of us lament. But what of your

“autumn days”? Are you in your days of autumn? If so, how do you see them? Are these the days of re-

duction—in strength, in the enjoyment of life? Or are these the days of the harvest, of the fruit of one’s

labor showing itself (and not only or merely monetarily)? How do these days relate to God? It can be a

very tragic thing when our days of summer give way to a cold winter, with no autumn (or much autumn)

in between. Is that a danger for you?

Dear friends, we live in a culture that worships “youth.” It worships the strength and vigor of youth, and

continually demands that age give way to youth. It is one of the reasons that we also live in a time not

given to wisdom. Mind you, I am not trying to preach against youth. But youth needs to be sharpened,

matured, shaped, and led. Spring to summer, summer to autumn. From working harder (for one can

only work so hard) to working smarter.

Job says that these autumnal days are the best years of life. What do you think? Perhaps, with God in

the picture, we really do see that the conventional wisdom that worships at the altar of youth has not

really seen the deeper things of life.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Walter Taylor

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 2

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 3

PRAYER REQUESTS

*Nursing/Rehabilitation Homes:

Elmcroft of Southport:

Buck Mathews (B-3)

Isabel Klein (Room C-7)

Bradley Creek, Wilmington:

Judy Young (Alzheimer’s Unit)

Trinity Grove Rehab, Wilmington:

John Connelly

Anne Padgett

Southport Health and Rehabilitation Center:

Betty Weaver

* Our shut-ins, hospitalizations, those suffering with long-term illnesses, and other prayer requests:

Pat Kelly’s husband, “Squeaky” and their son, Matthew; Jennifer Davis (daughter of Phyllis Hendrick)

and Bill Brown (son-in-law of Phyllis Hendrick); Jennifer Weathers (daughter of Pat Johnson), Theresa

DeArros, William Staat (son of Richard and JoAnn Staat); Cindy Denton, (daughter of Monroe and Ma-

rie Seamon, treatment for breast cancer); David Breeden (son-in-law of Eleanor Whitworth), colon can-

cer; Gary Fogle; Betty Jean Anderson; Marvin Hamer; Pat Johnson; Virginia Muse; Carol Kerstetter;

Jimmy Moore, brother of Walter Moore in Tuscon AZ; Linda Crostley; Dan Figore, Carol Miller’s brother;

Merle Scherle; Pat Kelly; Libba Motsinger; Nancy Currie.

** Our church family offers sympathy to Buck Mathews and family in the loss of Helen Mathews. **

SERMON SCHEDULE

July 5: “On the Resurrection”: Mark 12:18-27; Psalm 16 (Trinity Hymnal, p. 788); The Sadducees, who

denied the resurrection, try to make mockery of the resurrection in their questioning of Jesus. Jesus,

on the other hand, shows what mockery they make of the power of God by their denial of it.

115 All Creatures of Our God and King

358 For All the Saints

July 12: “The Great Commandment”: Mark 12:28-34; Psalm 119:33-56 (Trinity Hymnal, pp. 829-

830). Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets in the Great Commandment.

122 God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory

724 The Ten Commandments

July 19: “Son of David? Son of God?”: Mark 12:35-37; Psalm 110: Who is Christ? What does it mean

that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of God?

98 Now Thank We All Our God

296 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

July 26: “Where True Honor Lies”: Mark 12:38-44: Jesus addresses what true honor is, over against

false honor. He does this in noticing the gift of two pennies from a poor widow.

111 This Is My Father’s World

434 Lord, Thou Lov’st the Cheerful Giver

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 4

Reflections from Agnes: Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all wake up tomorrow morning and realize that this

COVID-19 pandemic was all a bad dream? Unfortunately, that is not going to happen,

because COVID-19 is all too real. It has completely changed our lives since the middle

of March. Nothing is as it was before, and it looks like it will be that way for some time

to come. We have had worship in our church facility for three weeks now, and it has

been great to see some familiar faces (well, part of them, because of the facemasks),

to be able to talk to others while seated in our pews (with an empty pew and at least six

feet between us), and to worship and praise God with others, but our worship services

also remind us each week that nothing is as it was.

I made the remark to my family this week that I have reached the point where I

am tired of this altered life. I jokingly called it “COVID fatigue”, only to find out later that

Coronavirus Quarantine Fatigue is a real thing. It is a response to the uncertainty, un-

predictability, and unknowns of our current life. Will there be a vaccine in the coming

months? Will that protect us? Will we go back to “normal” or will our life be forever

changed? But in the midst of this churning sea of questions and uncertainties there is a

Solid Rock, God. In a world that has drastically changed, God remains the same. He is

our Rock, our Anchor, our Stronghold. Whether you are still going strong, or whether you

too are getting tired of our present state, turn to the Psalms. The Psalms remind us that

in the middle of the storms of life, God is our Solid Ground. I love how Psalm 18 begins:

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliv-

erer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salva-

tion, my stronghold.”

The book of Psalms is full of wonderful reminders that even when life is uncertain, God

is our strength and our shield, and a rock of refuge.

Rev. Agnes Taylor

Psalm 18

46The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—

47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,

48 who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against

me; you delivered me from the man of violence.

49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations and sing to your name.

50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed,

to David and his offspring forever.

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 5

Carvajal Newsletter from New Zealand (excerpted) June 21, 2020

Dear Praying Friends,

Life has been so jam packed over the last month that it seems like forever

since we last sent out an update. With the New Zealand Covid alert re-

striction level now lowered, we are happy to be able to be out and about

and back to more ministry.

With Covid still active in so many places around the world, Joe and his member Care

team continue to be busy offering pastoral care, advice, logistical help and debriefing for

our workers around the world. WEC is made up of missionaries from 55 nations and we

serve in over 70 countries, so you can imagine the impact Covid has had on our mission-

aries and their ministries!

Some of our workers have returned to their home countries, others have stayed in the

country of ministry. Some others have ended up stuck in countries they were temporari-

ly visiting, as they had been attending team conferences in a country outside of their

field and then Covid hit. Joe and his team were able to help a missionary get the last

flight out of their country of ministry just in time to make it home before her home coun-

try's border shut. Needless to say we as a ministry staff are in constant prayer for our

workers and offering them assistance in whatever form we can, at whatever time it is

needed.

Julia's ministry of mobilization has been impacted by all of this as well. With so much of mobilization being about

encouraging people to "Go" ( to get into missions and begin serving), it has been challenging to do this with interna-

tional borders being closed. It has called for her and her mobilization team to really ask God for creativity on how to

mobilize people during this season. But one positive thing that has come out of this time is the ability to go deeper

with the 4 young ladies that Julia has been mobilizing.. In journeying with them she has been encouraging and chal-

lenging them to make the most of their time.

Amidst all of the changes, our girls ( Josie and Jemma) continue to thrive! Praise God for their resilience and sense

of security. Both girls have acclimated so well to the Kiwi culture. Even though we speak the same language, there

are lots of differences between our two cultures. The girls do a great job of reminding

us of this through their words and actions. Whether this would be asking us for

'morning tea time" or requesting a 'lolli" as a snack... or reminding us to put the 'rubbish'

in the 'bin' or to take our shoes off as we enter a home. We daily thank God for our

sweet daughters.

We were so happy to gather once again as a body of believers with our church. It was

extra special that Joe was asked to preach in one of our first Sundays back togeth-

er. Please pray for God's inspiration as he is on the docket to preach three more times

over the next two months.

On a personal note we want to say thank you SO much for all of you who have been

praying for Joe's lower back. He recently had a cortisone injection into his spinal canal

that has brought great relief. Praise God he is 90% pain free! We continue to covet your

prayers for not only pain relief, but for the complete and permanent healing of his

back. Please join us in praying for Joe, as he wishes to return to normal exercise and

activities in due time.

We can't say thank you enough for your love, prayer, concern, support and finances. You

believing in us and partnering with us means more than words can express, especially in

this season of so much change and uncertainty. We serve an amazing God who loves us

all so well. What a privilege we have in playing a role in sharing the gospel of love

amongst the least reached around the globe.

We leave you with pictures of our sweet girls that we hope put a smile on your face.

Blessings and love from New Zealand!!

Joe, Julia, Josie, and Jemma

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 6

How does it work?

Someone with a need or prayer request calls the church office during

regular office hours (8-1, Mon.—Thurs.).

All prayer requests will then be shared through email to all church mem-

bers. This will allow your prayer requests to be shared universally with

your church family.

You may also email prayer requests directly to the church office at

oakislandpc@gmail.com.

Martha’s Circle does not meet in July or

August.

We will begin our school supply drive at

the end of July (unless the 2020-2021

school year gets adjusted). News on

this to come later.

We will meet beginning in September.

Have a great and healthy summer. Ann Hunt Smith, Moderator

MEN OF THE CHURCH If you learn of any opportunities for our Group to respond to that involves doing work for anyone, please call me. We have plenty of willing members who are eager to

help those in need with yard work or working on small home repairs.

We anticipate returning to our normal scheduled

meetings in the near future. Meanwhile, be safe and continue to pray for those who need it.

Thanks for all you do.

Walter Moore

910-523-2578 waltermoore66@gmail.com

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 7

Marie Seamon August 1

Barbara Deaver August 2

Buzz Smith August 5

Merle Scherle August 6

Gail Bramble August 6

Robert Ritter August 8

Barbara Weese August 9

Dara Royal August 12

Jason Lloyd August 13

Bob Orr August 14

Walter Taylor August 15

Gabriel Logue August 16

Tommy Miller August 16

Brenda Hall August 16

Earl Dawley August 18

William Blair August 18

George McCabe August 19

Leda Sloat August 23

Brenda Brooks August 26

Silvin Chiarizia August 27

Mary Cobb Woodard August 27

Jean Young August 30

Lewis Riddle August 30

Bonnie Davis August 31

Gary Jones July 6

Lynn Seavy July 7

Squeaky Kelly July 8

Sandi Winstead July 11

Larry Hendrick July 11

Gary Fogle July 14

Michelle Walker July 17

Nancy Falby July 18

David Carman July 19

Marshall Scott July 28

Janie Puckett July 31

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 8

Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church Stated Session Meeting Monday, June 22, 2020, at 7:00 PM Minutes The Session of Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church held a Stated Session Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020, via Zoom video conferencing. Committee reports were given as follows: Personnel Committee

Policy Manual Updates: 3.0 Missions Ministry, Processes and Procedures. 3.1 Human Needs Mission, Processes and Procedures. 9.2 Sabbatical Policy.

Session approved the above policies and procedures with unanimous consent. Policies in development by committees are Nurture and Outreach. Property and Facilities policies are in development by the

Deacons. Personnel continues to work with the Finance Committee to keep Administrative expenses to a minimum.

Worship Committee

Corporate worship resumed services on June 14, 2020, with one service at 10:30 AM. Identified issues relating to ushering, social distancing, wearing masks, etc. and made appropriate improvements in our practices.

Discussed the concerns related to the coronavirus and serving communion.

Nurture/Education Committee:

Sunday School is placed on hold. Children’s church has resumed. Rev. Walter L. Taylor’s Bible study on The Psalms continues online.

Missions Committee No report. Stewardship/Finance Committee

Financial statements were presented and reviewed. The Balance Sheet reports a $17,870 surplus in the cash position. Expenses have been below our projected amount of $23,000 for

the month of May 2020 with income being over budget. Finance Committee will closely monitor income and expenses throughout the year. Stewardship Campaign will begin in August and run through September. David Paxton discussed the selection of a replacement for the current QuickBooks accounting system and presented two options:

QuickBooks and Church Windows. The pros and cons of each system were presented ie. cost, support, various modules, etc. The Finance Committee recommended OIEPC to contract with Church Windows. The Session approved their recommenda-tion with unanimous consent.

David Paxton presented the need for a QuickBooks Consultant to evaluate the setup of the two general ledgers and the maintenance processes of the Bookkeeper in keeping the systems in balance and accurate. The committee recommended engaging a con-sultant for the amount not to exceed $1600. David will develop a scope of work to clean up the current books before convert-ing to Church Windows. Session approved the recommendations of the committee with unanimous consent.

Nominating Committee

Committee will meet at the end of July or early August. Scholarship Committee No report. Board of Deacons

Deacon/Elder contacts with Shepherding Flocks continues. Deacon ‘s Policies: Facilities and Equipment policies and guidelines are in review.

Outreach Committee No report. Clerk’s Report

Member Bill Jacques died May 27, 2020. Member Helen Matthews died June 8, 2020.

Continued……………..

Cont………………... Moderator Report.

Gave updates on persons with health issues. OIEPC continues to be diligent and up to date on issues regarding the coronavirus and remain agile in our ministry. Gave update on Rebekah Taylor’s RUF Internship at the University of Arizona.

Presbytery and General Assembly Business

The 40th GA will be held September 17-18, 2020, at the Hope Church in Cordova, Tennessee. The 96th PMA will be held September 25-26, 2020, at the River Oaks Community Church in Clemmons, NC.

Old Business

Ken Eagle gave an update on the replacement of the sign located on a parcel of land before the approach to the Swain Cut Bridge, including State building codes, permits, and variances.

Ted Smith led a discussion regarding recording our worship services. This includes the cost of appropriate video equipment, personnel to run the equipment, and possible outreach to the community and abroad. Rev. Taylor will continue upload-ing the worship service online at the present time.

New Business None The next stated session meeting will be at 7:00 PM in August. The Moderator, Rev. Walter L. Taylor adjourned the meeting with prayer at 9:34 PM. Respectfully submitted, Nancy M. Caprini, Rev. Walter L. Taylor, Clerk of Session Moderator

THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS PAGE 9

MONTHLY REPORT OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS

THROUGH MAY 2020

Contributions Received Year to Date for General Fund $ 135,580

Budgeted monthly $ 28,130

General Fund Contributions for April $ 27,195

Special Fund Contributions:

Human Needs $ 325

Scholarship Fund $ 1,250

Misc. Other $ 70

Total Special Funds $ 1,645

Missions

SOIIF $ 20

Total Missions $ 20

Total Special Funds Received $ 1,665

Total All Funds Received $ 28,860

The Presbyterian Press

JULY/AUGUST 2020 NEWSLETTER FOR

Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church

1503 East Oak Island Drive

Oak Island, NC 28465

Let them give glory to

the Lord, and declare

his praise in the

coastlands.

Isaiah 42:12

CONTACT INFORMATION

Church Office Hours

Monday through Thursday — 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Phone: 910-278-9741 www.oipres.org Fax: 910-278-4979

Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Walter Taylor—Rev.W.L.Taylor@gmail.com

Assistant Pastor for Nurture and Education.. Agnes Taylor—oakislandpcdce@ gmail.com

Accountant/Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . …………………...oakislandbk@gmail.com

Office Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Debi Pruitt—oakislandpc@gmail.com

Pianist/Organist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .Ann Myers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Kelly

Custodian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Walter Moore

THE SESSION: Rev. Dr. Walter L. Taylor — Moderator Nancy Caprini—Clerk

BOARD OF DEACONS: Moderator– Paula Paxton Recording Clerk—Walter Moore

Class of 2020

Dirk Mroczek

David Paxton

Class of 2021

Ed Hagerty

Sue Jones

Nancy Caprini

Class of 2022

Patricia Bressler

Ken Eagle

Buzz Smith

Class of 2020

Leda Sloat

Lee Smyre

Gene Stark

Class of 2021

Richard Davis

Paula Paxton

Monty Robinson

Class of 2022

David Carman

Carol Hartsell

Walter Moore

Please notify the church

office at 910-278-9741 when

you know of church members

in need. Due to privacy laws,

hospital admission infor-

mation is not available to your

pastor.

Thank you for your calls.

If you have information you would like to have included in the

WEEKLY BULLETIN please have information to the church office

by 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

If you have information for THE PRESBYTERIAN PRESS, OIEPC’s

monthly newsletter, submit that information to Debi in the

church office by 9:00 AM on the 18th of each month.

There are several ways to get information to us: bring it by the

church office Monday-Thursday between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM; leave it in Debi’s mailbox in the hallway; or, simply e-mail it to us

at oakislandpc@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.