Snacks for Students

Locals churches are providing snacks for Orange Elementary School students on Friday afternoons. You can donate money to be used for the purchase of snacks. Checks can be made out to Orange Elementary School with “Friday snack” in the memo. Pastor Rebekah will donations to the school on Thursday afternoons.

* No longer accepting food items, monetary donations only

Hello all!

I have been thoroughly enjoying working with the OPC choir. We were working hard to prepare "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" which would've been the choir special for the March 29 service. I also have been enjoying organ lessons, and was working towards preparing a romantic French piece composed by Vierne, which also would've been the prelude for the March 29 service.

I am feeling the weight of our inability to be together, and I miss collaborating with the choir to share music. However, instead of discussing "would haves" and "could haves", I'd like to mention some exciting things for up ahead!

With the switch to online school, I've been provided with more downtime to plan and research. I will be excited to resume practicing organ, because I have found beautiful pieces I'd like to learn and share with you all.

I have started a virtual "listening party series" that allows me to talk about some of my favorite composers / works of music through Zoom once a week. If you're interested in joining us, please find the information in the upcoming email memos.

I'm also eager to plan for services up ahead and hope to include some choir selections that I will personally arrange. If you'd like to learn more about how you can contribute to the musical culture of OPC, please reach out any time!

​ - Chelsea Holt

“Jesus wept”
 - John 11:35

Most of us are familiar with this verse because it is the shortest verse the the Bible. But today, let’s talk about how pertinent and meaningful this verse is. Today, more than ever, this verse speaks to me. During this time of pandemic there are some days I need to weep.

I need to mourn the loss of expectations. I’m mourning for all the students and teacher who are missing out on their school year. I am mourning for those who have lost their source of income and for those who are working too long hours right in the face of danger. I am mourning for those who have lost their lives and who will lose their lives because of this. I am mourning for the future that will not be, and the uncertainty of the future to come.

And I know that Jesus is mourning too. So, if you are feeling like you need to grieve during this time, know you are not alone. Know that Christ is with you as you mourn; know that Christ is present while you grieve. My former professor Dr. Bill Greenway said recently that we are in a worldwide season of lent. We are in a time of lament. God laments with us. And God continues to love us. God is present with us in this time of grief.

Take the time you need to mourn and grieve, and also take time to look for the love of God in your life. I see the love of God in the gift of spring. New life abounds and the sun still shines. I see the love of God in you all as we rally together to support one another. I love you all with the love of the Lord. Until we are together again, peace be with you,

​ - Pastor Rebekah