Presbyterian Weekday Preschool
Announces New Director - Kim Szydlowski

The Presbyterian Weekday Preschool Board is pleased to announce the new Preschool Director beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. Kim Szydlowski (pronounce the “zy” as an “i”) has accepted the position and we are excited about the experience and enthusiasm she brings to this position.

Kim holds the Bachelor of Science degree from Averett College and has a background in teaching kindergarten and first grade. She has been serving as a substitute teacher at several schools in Orange County.

“I am very excited about the preschool position and have missed the creative side of teaching. Preschoolers are like sponges - so it’s a perfect opportunity to create a setting that allows them to learn through play.” Kim says that she plans to focus on the necessary skills for success in kindergarten within a fun but structured, healthy environment.

She is working with the preschool already by filling in as a teacher. The students call her Mrs. Ski.

Kim and husband, Mike, have lived at Woodberry Forest for 25 years. They have two sons - Beaton and Kane.

We welcome her to the staff of the Orange Presbyterian Church.

The Pastor's Ponderings

Holy Week and Easter

Comfort in the Midst of Grief
For a year now I have wanted to write a tribute to someone whose work has had such a profound influence on my life and ministry. The Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin died on April 12, 2006, and upon hearing the news I was filled with sadness and gratefulness. He was a man described as “one of America’s great moral and religious leaders.” Dr. Coffin was a pastor, chaplain at Yale University, and an outspoken advocate on any number of controversial topics over the years - civil rights, the Viet Nam war, and others. He has been immortalized as the Rev. Sloan in the Doonesbury comic strip.

His influence on me came through a journal article I read more than twenty years ago. Rarely does something or someone leave such a lasting impression on me, but this was one of those moments.

The article was a reflection on the death of his twenty-four year-old son, Alex, who died in a car accident during a violent rainstorm. Thanks to the Internet I was able to locate the exact quote that influenced me so profoundly:

“The one thing that should never be said when someone dies is ‘It is the will of God.’ Never do we know enough to say that. My own consolation lies in knowing that it was not the will of God that Alex die; that when the waves closed over the sinking car, God’s heart was the first of all our hearts to break.” - William Sloane Coffin

While his article went on to mention examples in his lifetime (war and the Holocaust), I think of the times those words have come back to me - the death of a child, coal miners trapped underground, countless lives lost in Iraq, deaths during Hurricane Katrina, last week’s tragedy at Virginia Tech, and so many others.

When we are tempted to lose faith and ask: “Where was God in this tragedy?” I find comfort and hope knowing that God was there and that God’s heart was the first heart to break.

May God’s comfort fill your hearts and lives this day.

Faithfully,
Denise

Spring Cleanup Day at Orange Presbyterian Church
Saturday, May 5, 2007

Hope to see as many as possible around 8:00 a.m. With everyone pitching in we will get many little jobs done well before noon. Many hands make light and fun work for everyone. In case of inclement weather, we will try again on Saturday, May 19, 2007.

Gene Whitaker, Property Committee Chair

One Great Hour Of Sharing

Many thanks to all who gave to the One Great Hour Of Sharing. We collected $715.00 this year. This offering will be a blessing to those who receive it.

Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering

Thanks to all who gave at the Presbyterian Women Birthday Luncheon. This year the offering recipients are located in South Korea, Malawi, Namibia and Tennessee. We collected $413.00.

Norberg Contact Information

New Members Jeff (jeffreynorberg@comcast.net) and Connie (connienorberg@comcast.net) Norberg. Children Allison, Lyndsey and Nathan, 279 Parker Place, Orange, VA 22960. Telephone number 540-672-2073.

The Morning Circle

There will be a joint potluck luncheon meeting of the Luncheon Circle and the Morning Circle on Thursday, May 3rd at 11 a.m. at the home of Jean Berckman. Dr. Hall will teach our final lesson of the year, Lesson Nine, on Joseph. Everyone is welcome.

Hats Off To The Orange Presbyterian Women

When there is need for a reception either because of some special occasion or following a funeral service, the women of Orange Presbyterian Church have responded every time they are called upon.

No one has kept records, but we’ve probably served more than 2,000 people in the past ten or so years.

Just think of all the sandwiches, deviled eggs, ham biscuits, fruit bowls and cheese platters that have been prepared. (Let’s not forget the pickles.) Think of the gallons of coffee, tea, and lemonade we’ve consumed. And the tables always have lovely flower arrangements. Many have given hours in the church kitchen putting it together and cleaning up afterwards.

The families are always so very grateful and appreciative. It is surely a wonderful way to care for our church family during their time of need. Thanks to all!

Congratulations to ...

Liam McLeod was the First Place winner of the “24” Math Challenge at Lightfoot Elementary on Thursday, April 19, competing against all the third graders in Orange County. Way to go, Liam!

Our very own, Ophelia “Fedie” McClung was recognized as the Orange County Nursing Home Volunteer of the month. She transports residents to and from activities and serves refreshments on the units. Congratulations on a job well done!

Treasurer's March Report

Please speak to me if you have any questions.
Gail Chapman, Treasurer

Happy Birthday To You! Sunday, June 3

The Congregational Care and Commitment Committee invites you to a Birthday Party on Sunday, June 3rd in the fellowship hall following the worship service. There will be food and games and a birthday cake! We plan to play a few musical games (“Pin the Key on the Piano”) and a money tree will be available for your donation toward the piano fund.
Please reserve this date and join the party!

An update on the Andrew Steinway piano: On Thursday, April 26, the piano will be packed up to take a trip to Charlottesville Piano for its renovation. We are sending with it a deposit of half the amount of the renovation costs.

The renovation will take several months and we anticipate its new makeover and return later this fall.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the Piano Renovation Fund. We still need to raise $3,500 and hope that we will meet or exceed that goal at our birthday party on June 3rd. We’ll add our cash and checks to the money tree and give the piano a birthday present!   Restoration history ...

April Session Highlights

• The Reverend Dr. Hall will represent Orange Presbyterian Church at the Korean Presbyterian Church’s ordination and installation service, Sunday, May 13 at 4 PM, Fredericksburg.
• Awarded the 2006 Joseph A. Hebrance Scholarships to Mrs. Lynne T. Clements and Claire Crane.
• Transferred Ann Nickels membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, NC.
• Agreed to use the church’s 40% of the Pentecost Offering to the Orange Healthy Families organization.
• Postponed action amending the Endowment Funds policy pending a review by the Endowment Committee.
• Called a congregation meeting for Sunday, April 29 to elect an Elder for the class of 2008.
• Received Dan Miller as a member by re-affirmation of faith.
• Heard the pastor will be out of the office May 13th – May 20th.
• Heard prayer concerns and joys of the congregation.

Needs at Love Outreach Food Pantry

The Love Outreach Food Pantry, is trying to help with the needy. Each month they are collecting different items.  Items can be bought to the narthex of the church and will be taken periodically to the Food Pantry. Look for a basket to place your items.  The items for the rest of the year are: 

• May:  toilet paper
• June:  laundry detergent
• July:  paper towels
• August:  flour
• September:  sugar
• October:  cooking oil
• November:  body soap
• December:  cake mix and frosting.

 Thanks in advance for your generous support of this important ministry!

Marc Hogan

Bob and Anna Belle Eason

Melani Lyon

Fedie McClung

If you are unable to help on the day assigned, you are expected to obtain your own substitute and call the church office so that the correct information will appear in the Bulletin each Sunday.
If you are unable to serve on your scheduled Sunday, please secure your own substitute.
Thank you for sharing in our common ministry.