A Tour of Israel

Tonight our congregation had a special privilege. Tracy and Joy Dager visited our church and told us of their ministry in the Middle East.

They've lived in Jerusalem for about five years, but have been in the Middle East since the 1980s.
Joy's father, Rev. Ransom, served our church years ago. Here he poses with Jordane, whom he baptized as a little girl.

Tracy's presentation was fascinating and informative. We learned about the great efforts going on in Israel and in the West Bank to bring reconciliation, friendship, understanding, worship.

The Dagers are involved with pastors on both sides of the 700-mile, 26-foot high wall that separates two groups of people who desperately need communication and understanding.

Our oldest parishioner, Cricket, listened with Joy's parents to the presentation.

We had a very good crowd for a Tuesday night!

Many, many thanks to the Dagers. It was a great privilege and joy to welcome them back to our church. We wish them God's speed and many blessings as they return to serve His people across the world.

At the Chowder Cook-Off!

A group of cooks from Pamlico Presbyteria Church participated in Oriental's annual Chowder Cook-Off, a fund-raiser for our local Woman's Club, on March 14, 2015. The day before, Pastor Adam, Edrae, and Garland met at the church kitchen to chop vegetables and catfish.

On Saturday morning, Garland and Adam prepared the chowder base and transported the stew to the town's marina, where the competition took place.

In spite of rain hundreds of eaters gathered there to taste fourteen different chowders -- clam, crab, catfish, shrimp, and chicken! Restaurants and other organizations -- fire departments, camps, banks, and our church -- tried their chowders on the public.

Pastor Adam and church members chatted with friends and strangers. Many people heard about our church for the first time.

The chowder was warm and delicious with a sweet cream base. The catfish was firm and perfect.

Pastor Adam baked four loaves of rustic white bread to serve with our chowder.

A small square of bread was ideal for dipping into the chowder and wiping out the bowl for that last bit.

Fellowship and community, over food -- one of the things that churches do best!

Donna enjoys a dab of chowder.

Our friend, Lily, with her human, Jim. She's dressed for the damp.

Harbor Sounds, a favorite local blue grass/gospel group, kept everyone foot-tapping and humming while eating.

We didn't win any awards, but our goal was to meet people and have our church present in the community ... and have fun! We succeeded!