 The 44th Annual Anchor House Foundation Ride for Runaways rolls through Orange on July 10th. Cyclists will journey 500 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia to Trenton, New Jersey.
Each cyclist hopes to raise $750 for the Anchor House Foundation. And one of their first rest stops will be at OPC! What is Anchor House? Anchor House Foundation is a shelter for runaway and/or abused teenagers. The Foundation has been a safe space for teens in Trenton, New Jersey since 1979. Today Anchor House offers several programs, including safe housing, street outreach, and counseling. They also provide life skills and education assistance. They also provide opportunities for youth to participate in community and civic service. What is OPC's involvement? Orange Presbyterian Church is providing space and facilities for a scheduled rest stop from 10 am to noon on Sunday, July 10. The ride's support team will set up in the church parking lot with rehydration stations. Our restrooms will be available to the riders. How can I help? Bottled water is always welcome! Or you can donate directly to the Anchor House Foundation.
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 Not long ago I received the book, “Beautiful on the Mountain.” I was given it with just a few hints as to what I was about to find. My curiosity became very active.
One hint was that I might see a comparison to the current life of OPC. It did not hurt my curiosity that the events took place not far from Orange at Graves Mill in Madison County. The author, Jeannie Light, shares firsthand her challenge to get a church in the community active once again. She does a great job of giving the reader a good feel about those who lived in the area. She is not a minister, but in all the challenges she encountered she walked hand in hand with God – prayer, study, meditation – each second of each day. She was allowed to preach in the church, but only after much doings. I leave you to find out what I mean by “much doings.” I could not put the book down. It is an easy read, and very inspiring. I encourage everyone to get a copy and read the book. I will loan mine. I am hoping that after reading the book, you will feel more optimistic about the future of OPC. I am now inspired to be more hopeful and to strengthen my prayer life, my time with God, and my reading of the Bible. The book is just that good. Blessings, Anne S. Beautiful on the Mountain by Jeannie Light Tyndale Momentum, 2014 304 pages  Many folks work behind the scenes here at OPC. But those efforts don't go unnoticed! - ed.
To all those "grounds" worker bees. I don't know who you are, but I have noticed your work. I'm lifted up when I see it. Keep up the hard work! Thank you! - Anne Somerville Property Committee  This past week Theresa Torian signed a contract with OPC. She will be returning to us as our Interim Music Facilitator. Theresa's new role is a little different from her previous one at OPC. The keyword is "interim." Theresa's agreed to provide music for worship during our time of transition. Her contract only runs through December. She will be providing music for Sunday worship. She also has the option of doing so for special worship services. Many in the congregation recall her long tenure as our church musician. We're happy to have her back! 
 Friday morning the Orange Presbyterian Weekday School held its graduation. There was a reception afterward with lots of homemade treats. And some were left over.
Sharon Mohrmann put those leftovers to good use. She set up a table outside the sanctuary, stocked with cookies, lemonade, and ice-cold water. After worship, folks had a chance to chat and reconnect over refreshments. Several people stayed for over thirty minutes, enjoying the company and the sunshine. We're not sure if this counts, but it sure felt like Coffee Hour. Thanks, Sharon! - Ralph Graves Communications Team  Not everyone was happy about a week of almost continual rain. But the flowers in our Memorial Garden sure were! 
 This past Sunday OPC recognized our congregation's high school graduates.
 On Sunday, May1, 2022 Rev. Susan Steinberg will be leading us in worship and administering the rite of communion.
Rev. Steinberg has been a Minister-at-Large in the Presbytery of the James since the fall of 2021. Previously she served as Associate Pastor of United Church of Chapel Hill, in Chapel Hill, NC. There she and her husband raised their two children. Before moving to Chapel HIll in 2000, Rev. Steinberg lived in Charlottesville. There she served as Associate Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church. With her return to Charlottesville, Rev. Steinberg is enjoying the chance to get reacquainted with old friends and colleagues. And, as she shared, to explore the area again on long walks with her golden retriever.  This past Sunday, Fred Holbrook came to preach. Fred's the Interim General Presbyter and Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of the James. That is, at least through June when he retires. But it wasn't Fred's position that made the congregation pay attention to his words.
Rather, it was his love of music. Fred's a singer, a bagpipe player, and a guitarist. And while we didn't hear the bagpipes Sunday, we did hear music. In the course of his sermon, Fred sang to us. And his singing brought hope and inspiration. It's been noted that music can express what can't be put into words. That was certainly true Sunday. - Ralph Graves Communications Team Leader |
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