 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.
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 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  The congregation comes forward with flowers. The Flowering of the Cross is a long-running Easter tradition here at OPC. We place a small cross at the front of the church for Maundy Thursday. Two rough tree limbs make the cross, encircled with chicken wire. It looks ugly -- and dead. During the Easter Sunday service, the congregation comes forward to decorate the cross. Some members bring flowers from their gardens. Others use flowers provided by the church.  And when they're done the cross has been transformed. Church members surround the cross and it disappears from view. When everyone returns to their pews, the cross appears transformed. Covered in colorful flowers, the cross appears beautiful and alive. A wonderful symbol of Easter, and a beloved tradition for our church. He is risen, indeed. - Ralph Graves Communications Team 
 Palm Sunday, April 10, we'll be hosting a reception for the Tucker-Motleys immediately after church.
Pastor Rebekah and her family are departing at the end of the month. We want to celebrate her many contributions to our congregation during a very trying time. And to wish her well on the next chapter in her faith journey. The reception will be held immediately after 10:00 am worship, outside the sanctuary. We'll be presenting the family with a tree to plant at their new home. If you'd like to contribute, or help with the reception, please contact Dianne Haberland. |
