HISTORY OF OAKLANDS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) 1965-1996

In 1965, in cooperation with the area Council of Churches, the Washington City Presbytery accepted the responsibility of developing a new church in the fast-growing southeast Laurel area.  The Reverend Richard Strohl was called by Presbytery to be the mission pastor in the area. 

Rev. Strohl, (known by everyone as "Dick", or "Mr. Strohl, our pastor," when formality required it), his wife Jean, and their four sons arrived in Laurel on September 1st, 1965.   Dick now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, where he is Vice President of Human Resources for the American Diabetes Association.  Jean, following a jounalism career in this area, and after being widowed in her second marriage, has returned to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia, where she is publishing a community newpaper in her old home neighborhood.  Paul is married, with family in Alexandria, Virginia; Lon is married and lives in Jacksonville, Florida; Jack makes his home with Jean, in Pittsburgh;  and Tom works as a disc jockey in rock music circles in Baltimore.
     

At a meeting of interested families at Oaklands Elementary School on September 29, 1965, we agreed to begin services on October 10th and to secure the Fox Rest Apartments' Gymnasium as a temporary place.  We also agreed to rent a one bedroom apartment as a Parish Center and additional church school space.   The apartment was located in Fox Rest, Section #2, at 14007 Bramble Lane, Apartment #101.  Gailyn Gwin, Oaklands' current Chancel Choir Director, was one of nine in attendance at the first meeting.

     The first service at the Foxrest Apartments' Gymnasium, on October 10th, was attended by 40 adults, including many guests from the Advisory Committee.  Mr. Strohl struck the following theme: "We come with many rich heritages of doctrine, ritual and history.  What we hope will be created here in Laurel is a church that finds meaning in the present ... a church based on friendship, openness, inquiry, community service, and translation of Gospel truths into everyday sensitivity to the issues and potentials of life." 

        In addition to Gailyn Gwin, two current members, Cal and Linda Kirby, were in attendance the following week.  Church School classes were added the second week.

     On November 3rd, a local Coordinating Committee was established to conduct the business of the church.  The Committee consisted of Ola White, Richard Baylis, Gailyn Gwin, Hunter Duckworth, Bill Jernigan, Carol Lees, and Hal Taylor.

     The first Communion Service was conducted by the Advisory Committee members on November 21, 1965.

        On December 19, 1965, our church carolers sang with some 250 boys from Laurel Children's Center.  The first Christmas Eve service at Oaklands had 45 persons in attendance who listened to special music by the choir.

      The New Year, 1966, brought many things to the world: "Russian LUNA 9 Spacecraft Achieves Soft Landing on Moon"; "Mao Launches Cultural Revolution in China"; Brezhnev Becomes Top Soviet Leader"; "Nehru's Daughter Indira Becomes India's Premier"; "U.S. Troops in Vietnam Increase From 190,000 to 300,000"; and "Oaklands Becomes a Chartered Church".

     A "Charter Night Dinner" was held on January 7, 1966, to begin the petition for church organization.   The present church house was occupied on February 20th as the location for worship and church school.  The house and four acres of property were purchased for a price of $91,000.00.  A manse for Rev. Strohl and his family also was purchased for $26,000.00.

     During the weeks that followed, a renovation program was undertaken on the Church house.  The Undercroft (or basement as it was known then) was being prepared for worship services.  In the meantime, the house living room and dining room were used for worship services and the bedrooms served as classrooms.  On March 8, 1966, Oaklands United Presbyterian Church of South Laurel was chosen as the official name for the church.  The first bulletin that had the name "Oaklands United Presbyterian Church, Laurel, Maryland", was printed for the March 13, 1966, service.

     On April 24, 1966, Oaklands became a chartered church and 48 adults were received into membership (see Attachment II for names of original Charter Members).  The Service of Organization for Oaklands on that 24th day of April was presided over by Dr. Edward L. R. Elson, Moderator of Washington City Presbytery.  Guests taking part in the Organizing Service are included in Attachment I.

     The Covenant of Charter Membership that day was as follows:

      "We who have made these affirmations and have presented our petition to the Presbytery of Washington City, stating our desire to be constituted and organized as a Church which is to be known as Oaklands United Presbyterian Church, do covenant and agree to walk together as disciples of Jesus Christ in a Church relation according to the provisions of the Constitution of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.  We promise to maintain this church by our attendance at its services, our support of its work, our gifts, our efforts, and our prayers, and to seek in its fellowship to glorify the name and further the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ."

      The following persons were ordained and installed as Ruling Elders at the Organizing Service:

       Richard Baylis          Hunter Duckworth           William Jernigan
         James Lees                Fred Lynch                       Bobby Pulliam
           William Regrut           Jess Sylvis

      Those persons who were ordained and installed as Deacons at the service on the 24th were as follows:

       Mrs. Joseph Gregory (Norma)          Mrs. T.C. Meyer (Doralee)
             Mr. Paul Romig                                   Mr. Hal Taylor
             Mrs. G.C. White (Ola)                         Mr. Norm Whitman

     The Session of Oaklands United Presbyterian Church held a Special Meeting of the two day old church on Tuesday evening, April 26, 1966.  The Moderator was Rev. Richard Strohl and the meeting was attended by all Ruling Elders except Mr. Richard Baylis, who was excused.  Mr. Jess Sylvis was elected as Oaklands' first Clerk of Session and Mr. James Straub was elected to serve as the first Treasurer.  The first budget for Oaklands was $9,945.00.

     During the next several months, Oaklands grew at a very rapid rate and several firsts (see Attachment III) occurred in the life of Oaklands.  The first baptism was performed on May 1, 1966; the first new member was received into the Church on June 5, 1966; the first wedding was held in the church on June 11, 1966; and the first communion as an organized church was held on July 3, 1966.

     The Reverend Richard Strohl was officially installed as Pastor of Oaklands United Presbyterian Church on November 20, 1966.

     In 1967, the petition to Presbytery for organization of the church, signed by 48 members in the Spring of 1966, was framed for permanent display as a gift from a member of the congregation.  The first Oaklands family picnic was held at the church site on June 17, 1967.  Also in 1967, a new custom started with members signing one Christmas greeting card and the money that would normally be spent for cards was donated to the Presbytery Mission Program (Korean Radio Mission).

Growth continued at a very rapid pace with 72 people joining as members in 1967/68.  An Adult Club was formed and a Valentine Dance was held at the church on 17 February 1968.  A Second Anniversary Dinner was held on 27 April 1968.

The Church continued to grow and take on new responsibilities during the next few years.  A major event occurred in 1969 that caused concern among the congregation, but showed what strength this small Church had gained.  On March 30, 1969, Rev. Strohl announced to the Session his intention to resign the ministry effective June 30, 1969.  The Session accepted the announcement and brought it to the attention of the congregation.  While this was a low point in the life of Oaklands, the Session and congregation rallied, formed a Pulpit Nominating Committee, and sought a new pastor.

     The Pulpit Nominating Committee was elected on June 1, 1969, and consisted of:

                        Frank Earle Briden (Ruling Elder, submitted by Session)
                         James Norman Lees
                         Richard Charles Lenz (Ruling Elder, submitted by Session)
                          Darlene Margaret (Crandell) Regrut
                          Mary Elizabeth (Waters) Romig
                           George Lehman Ross
                          Naomi Virginia (Johnson) Sturges

                             ALTERNATES:    Gailyn Ames (Gwin ) Bowers
                                                          Arthur Charles Chandler Jr.
                                                           Joseph Perry Young (Ruling Elder, submitted
                                                                                               by Session)

     After many hours of work by the Committee, Chairman Richard Lenz submitted the name of Paul Edwin Anderson on September 7, 1969, to become Oaklands' second pastor.  Rev. Anderson came to Oaklands that day and his sermon was titled "Thy Will Be Done". The congregation voted unanimously to call Reverend Anderson to Oaklands at a starting salary of $6,500.00 per year.  The Terms of the Call were to become effective on October 20, 1969.  Rev. Anderson was installed as Pastor of Oaklands on October 26, 1969.

     Paul  began his tenure at Oaklands at the ripe old age of 26.  He soon became a big part of Oaklands' family and joined in the many activities of the Church.  In 1970, one of the first community projects Paul became involved with was the Southside Players, a community theater group. Several members of Oaklands worked to establish this group and began to generate funds and put on performances.  The first play by the Southside Players was "Generation" and was performed at Montpelier Elementary School.  This beginning led to a tradition of dinner theater productions at Oaklands. 

In the Spring of 1970, the first issue of Oaklands Spotlight (predecessor to the Acorn) was printed.  It was quite an elaborate newsletter, but unfortunately the editor, Jim Lees, moved away during the summer and it took awhile to get a replacement.  In May, the Choir (all 14 members) gave its first oratorio.  Under the direction of Gailyn Gwin, they performed part of Haydn's "Creation".

     1970 was also the beginning of our Outreach Program.  Members of Oaklands began working with some of the residents of the D.C. Children's Center at Forest Haven.  We assisted about 15 ladies from the Center with shopping and outings.

      Bob and Betty Jackson also formed a Junior High youth group in 1970.  A Fall Bazaar was held at the church in November, 1970,  under the direction of Lois Penfield.  Rev. Anderson had his first "Open House" Christmas party at his apartment that year.

In 1971, Oaklands began a weekday Church School on Tuesday mornings for 4- and 5-year- olds.  Jane Pennington, Rachel Binks, and Sally Lenz led the program which was held for two years.  A Vacation Church School was also held during late June at the church.

Also, the Adult social group called "Oaklads and Lasses" held a variety of activities at Oaklands.  Our fund raising efforts also got underway with a Fall Bazaar that earned $1500 for the church in 1971. 

The Oaklands "Folk Choir" did a concert of music in 1972 with selections from "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar".  Sharon Sari, a keyboard major at the University of Maryland, was the accompanist.  Oaklands also began a series of Sunday evening cultural events in 1972.  In October, Diana Sowle presented a dramatic reading and in November, Anne and Haidee Hanna had a showing of their paintings.

Our outreach program continued in 1973 with activities for the ladies at the D.C. Children's Center as well as a sewing class for the community.  The Festival of Arts sponsored a concert by the Pamoja Ebony Choir and they sang at the Ash Wednesday service.  Our choir presented Stainer's "Crucifixion" as their spring concert and in May 1973, we had a flute concert by Marlee Lindon and Susan Clark.

On January 20, 1974 Edith Stocker's (Aunt Edie) 95th birthday was celebrated with a party after the Sunday worship.  On February 24th at the Sunday Service, "God and Death" was performed.  The play dealt with human problems, and questions about human existance & relationship with God.  The play was directed by Oaklands' own star of stage, screen, and television, Diana Sowle and the cast included Robert Reeves, Michelle Armstrong, Jane Pennington, Cal Kirby, Charles Bacon, and Ken Curry.

The Joyful Noise Choir participated in the Children's Choral Festival under the direction of Helen Kemp, a nationally recognized conductor of junior choir festivals.  The 27th annual Festival was held on March 10, 1974, and included 475 children in 26 different choirs.

Oaklands also participated in the Charity Fair at the Prince Georges' Plaza as a fund raising effort.

Oaklands' first dinner theater was a double feature on June 16, 1974 for $3.50 per person.  The first play was "War of the Words" by Virginia Coigney.  It was directed by Diana Sowle and featured Kathy Tawoda, Paul Lindon, Bobbi Meacham, and Marilyn Briggs.  The second play, "Adam and Even," featured Carol Lowrey, Fran Lewis, Norm Crabtree, and Ellen Cooper.

A dessert concert was held on November 10, 1974, sponsored by the Worship Committee.  Gilbert & Sullivan  music was performed by members of the choirs and hosted by Norm Crabtree.  Paul Anderson's five year anniversary with Oaklands was celebrated with a party.

     The original house served our needs for about ten years.  However, with the rapid growth of the Laurel area, it was noted in early 1975 that a new building would be needed to serve the growing congregation.  So a new building committee was formed with Richard Lenz as head and on May 5, 1975, a preliminary report on future needs of Oaklands was issued.  This report emphasized that flexibility would be needed to accommodate many diverse activities, including new and different types of worship.  Also, since Vatican II many theologians were placing increased emphasis on people as the central theme in worship; therefore, it was envisioned that the communion table would be at the center of worship with people surrounding the table.  Thus, a round or octogonal shape was recommended for the new building, along with movable chairs rather than traditional pews.

     An Ad Hoc committee composed of Elders Bill Jones, Ken Pennington, and Evan Slaughtenhoupt from Session and Dick Lenz, Lois Penfield, and Bill Armstrong from the Building Committee was set up for the campaign.  Campaign Sunday was designated as June 13, 1976.

During the year of  1976, the church and congregation were enthusiastically celebrating the Bicentennial.  The patriotism was most evident through the music selection of the Adult Choir.  American composers from colonial times through 1976 were featured.  "Negro Spirituals",and Southern folk music were also featured to truly represent our country's rich cultural diversity.

     The architectural firm of Duane and Duane of Kensington was chosen in 1976 to design the new multipurpose facility.  The design was completed in May of 1977, and called for an all-brick hexagonal building 60 feet across, capable of seating 350.  As part of the May 8, 1977 worship service, ground was officially broken.

     Low bidder on the construction project was the Russell Construction Company of Beltsville, and construction began in July 1977.  Almost exactly a year from the date of ground-breaking, the long-awaited building was completed in May 1978.  The emplacement of the spire, constructed and donated by Jerry Cooper, was the final step.  The cost of the new building was $173,500.00.  The banners at the front of the church, symbolizing eternity, life and Pentecost, were made by Norma Gregory.  The communion table was designed and crafted by Charles Tidd. 

     At the 11:00 A.M. service on May 14, 1978, the congregation of Oaklands celebrated the occasion of its last worship service in the old sanctuary (undercroft).  A quartet of four original charter members composed of Norma Gregory, Gailyn Gwin, Norm Whitman, and Cal Kirby tried to sing a hymn while choking back tears.  At the end of the service, the congregation picked up their chairs and moved to the new sanctuary while singing the hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King."  This was a very tearful moment of both sadness and joy;  sadness that we were leaving the comfort of our old sanctuary, a basement that we had labored to make a place of worship, and joy that we were journeying to a new life at Oaklands in a new sanctuary.   

     That afternoon at 4:00 P.M., the new church building was dedicated.  Participating in the dedication, in addition to members of the Oaklands community, were many ministers and laypersons from Washington and Laurel area churches.  The dedicatory address was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Ed White, Executive Presbyter of the National Capital Union Presbytery.

     The Building Committee was recognized during the dedication for giving of their time and talent over a period of several years in order that the new sanctuary might come into being.  The members of the committee were:  Richard Lenz (Chairperson), Lois Penfield (Co-Chair), Bill Armstrong (Co-Chair), Joe Gregory, Don Bowers, Bill Jones, Jerry Cooper, Al Roberts, Sandy Ritter, Hugh Binks, Lehman Ross, and Charles Tidd.

     On May 14, 1978, Oaklands reached not just an ending, but a "second beginning" as well.  As was written in the dedication program, "The congregation's task now is to insure that the new structure does not change the character of the congregation.  A warm, friendly informality has been maintained...."  "The future of this warm, friendly church is in our hands.  Let's continue...."

     And continue we did.   The very next Sunday, May 21st, Oaklands held its first celebration in music and dance in the new sanctuary.  The Washington Dance Theater, directed by Erica Thimey, did a wonderful ballet, while Oaklands' own choir sang Ariel Ramirez's "Misa Criolla," a folk mass based on the rhythms and traditions of Hispanic America.

    Oaklands also continued with its dinner theater program in the new facility.  By February 1979, a new portable (?) stage was constructed by Jerry Cooper and the Art Buchwald comedy "Sheep on the Runway" was performed.  Hosting the evening were Lois and Fred Penfield and Patty and Chuck Bingemer.  The play was directed by Ellen Cooper, and the cast included Norm Crabtree, Marilyn Briggs, Charles Bacon, Myra Gregory, Cal Kirby, Mae Tawoda, Mark Woodman, Ron Follett, Dick Howard, Peg Jones, Jon Erikson, and Jules Balog.   The dinner and show was a success even though a blizzard was taking place outside.   By the time the last line was delivered, there was at least eight inches of snow on the ground.  Everyone scurried to get home.  By morning, there was about 23 inches of snow.

The Spring Festival of Arts in 1979 featured Dr. Kenneth Pennington in a recital on April 1st .   A beautiful Christmas banner was made by Chuck and Patty Bingemer and Norma Gregory. It was presented to the Church just in time for the Christmas Eve service which featured a presentation of Lloyd Pfautsch's "A Day for Dancing," choreographed by Erica Thimey.

1980 saw a lot of  activities taking place.   The youth group had a ski trip to Ski Liberty and a Film Nite, which featured the films Magical Mystery Tour and High Noon.  A Youth Lock-in was held overnight at the church in April 1980 and a youth raft trip took place in July on the Shenandoah River in West Virginia.  A Fall retreat was held for three days at the Free Methodist Camp outside Burtonsville, Maryland.  The adults also had a retreat at Camp Glenkirk that year and discussed "Creative Dimensions of Being Single."

The 1980's was a busy time at Oaklands.  In 1981, the Oaklands' Concert series featured the renowned tenor Gene Tucker in a wonderful performance.  "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Coat" was presented as the Folk Concert in 1982, and the Choir did Bach's "Magnificat" for Christmas that year.  The Oakland Angels held their first softball game on May 13, 1984, and Oaklands' first golf tournament was held on November 11, 1984, with George Sweger and Dick Lenz as the winners.

1985 continued the concert program with a Winter Concert featuring Lamar Sims on the piano, Gregory Shook on oboe, and Harriet Kaplan on cello.  There was also a wonderful "Save the Children" benefit concert featuring Evelyn Elsing, cello; Brian Ganz, piano; Jody Gatwood, violin; Dorothy Kingston, soprano; Gary Louie, saxophone; Gene Tucker, tenor; Ana-Maria Vera, soprano; Janel Alcorn, soprano; James Smith, baritone; accompanied by Lamar Sims, piano.

Oaklands' Twentieth Anniversary year in 1986 featured many activities. There was a retreat, "Clowns for Christ", held on January 17-18  followed by a celebration in Mime and Communion on January 19.  A dinner theater production of "My Three Angels" was held in early April.   The choir repeated the "Misa Criolla" concert April 13.  The children's musical, "100% Chance of Rain" was held on June 8th and the Youth presented the play "The Floundering Spaceship" to kick off the Stewardship Campaign on October 26, 1986.   The first Maundy Thursday service was held at Oaklands on March 27 and featured "The Last Supper" by John Carter.

During the Fall of 1987,  a Teen drama Program for the youth of Oaklands was established.   The adults that helped in the activities were Suzanne Fish, Diana Sowle, Cal and Linda Kirby, G.W. and Marge Meredith, and Dorothy Stucke. The first production by the Teen Drama Group was on December 20, 1987 during the church service and was titled "The Foster Father", by David W. Benedict.   Carrie Cooper directed the play with assistance from Heather Bartlett.  Michael Roberts was in charge of lighting and sound.  The cast included: Steve Dennis, Bill Morris, Kristina Downs, Craig Mason, Robb Kirby, Robbie Keene, Christine Sweger, Melanie Waxham, Heather Bartlett, and Steffanie Lenz.   

On June 11, 1988 a Contemporary Concert followed Oaklands' first Strawberry Festival. The concert included music from "Phantom of the Opera", "Starlight Express", "Chess", and "Les Miserables".   On October 21, 1988 Oaklands presented the Dinner Theater production of "Throckmorton TX 76083".   The Christmas concert that year featured excerpts from Handel's "Messiah," Mendelssohn's "Christus," and Vivaldi's "Gloria."
    

  While Oaklands has a reputation for its music and theatrical productions, and has been referred to as the "Church of the Performing Arts," it also is a compassionate church.  Over the years, members of Oaklands have worked with the physically and mentally challenged, the homeless, and those needing educational help.  For many years, the "Ladies" of Forest Haven (D.C. Children's Center) were helped by generous people of Oaklands who took them shopping and to outings at the church. 

During the summer of 1988, the Mission Outreach Committee proposed that a transitional shelter for the homeless be opened at Oaklands. This proposal was discussed at a congregational meeting on October 2, and  was approved by Session on October 12. Opening was scheduled for January 1, 1989.

    In January 1989, Oaklands started its own homeless shelter in conjunction with the Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service (LARS).  Members of the Mission Outreach Committee, headed by Jean Brenner and others, have helped many needy families through some very trying times; and have seen many of them get back on their feet.   Another outreach program that has been very successful is the Monday night Tutoring Program for students.  This program, started by Diana Sowle in 1990,  has been so successful that other Laurel churches have followed our lead with their own Tutoring Programs.  Laurel Mayor Frank Casula came to the church in May 1994 to honor the tutors in the Oaklands Tutoring Program.

   In February 1992, Oaklands began participating in the "Winterhaven" program, which provides shelter during the coldest months of the year to homeless men. 

    Oaklanders have been involved over the years in other programs such as Miriam's Kitchen in Washington, D.C., FISH of Laurel, Elizabeth House, etc., and have spent many volunteer hours helping those less fortunate.  The members of Oaklands should feel proud of the help they have given.

The Rev. John (Jack) Carlson officially became the Parish Associate for Oaklands on February 1, 1994 and moved his Counseling Ministry here from Berwyn Presbyterian Church.  Jack and his wife Lynn, and daughters, Allison, and Amy have been a welcome addition to Oaklands' family.  

A new era is starting in the life of Oaklands and the Building Expansion Committee has been working diligently since the Summer of 1994 to bring forth a concept for expansion and upgrade of Oaklands' facilities.    The Building Expansion Committee consists of Melinda Thompson, George Sweger, Richard Lenz, Diane Sierer, Nancy MacLennan, Doug Mowrey and Richard Mason.   Presbytery has approved the plans for the new expansion and has agreed to Oaklands borrowing the funds from a financial institution.  The construction should begin in the summer of 1996.

Beginning on January 15, 1995, Jeffery Watson kicked off the activities for the year with a piano concert.  It was a lovely evening and many people attended.  The Youth of the church also had a bowling and pizza party that day. 

In February, 1995, an Adult Class on "Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation" was offered and was very well attended.  Approximately 40 people attended between the morning and evening classes during the eight weeks it was given.

The Maundy (Holy) Thursday service on April 13, 1995, was a beautiful dramatic presentation of the Last Supper titled "As I have Loved You" by Jacqueline Dickman.  The repeat presentation was directed by Linda Kirby and the cast included Bill Morris, Ken Moorehead, G. W. Meredith, Bill Lindenmuth, Bud MacLennan, Tony Caviglia, Mike Showlund, Randy Sheridan, George Sweger, David Vance, Dennis Volz, Jim Waters and John Keene.  The readers were Kweon Stambaugh and Mike Sheridan. 

In May, Oaklands had another wonderful Talent Auction sponsored by the Stewardship and Finance Committee.  Also in May, Parish II sponsored the Church Picnic on the Church grounds for the first time in a number of years.   Everyone had a great time.  A presentation of "The Reluctant Dragon" highlighted 1995's Strawberry Festival in June.

1995 also brought about the beginning of the year-long celebration of Oaklands 30 years of existence.  An Anniversary Committee was formed and a number of activities took place to kick off the celebrations.  A   contest was held in June and July to select a  slogan to be used throughout the Anniversary Year.  There were many wonderful slogans, but the winning slogan, "Celebrate the Past.  Build for the Future!", was submitted by Linda Kirby.  

The first celebration activity was the "Historic Walk" in September 1995 to Oaklands Elementary School (site of first meeting), Foxrest Gymnasium (first worship services), past the Foxrest Apartment where the church office and classes were located, and by the Manse in Snow Hill Manor where Rev. Strohl and his family lived.

Sub-Committees of the Anniversary Committee have been responsible for planning the purchase and sale of commemorative items, production of a Pictorial Directory, documenting the history of Oaklands, and planning the Anniversary weekend celebrations to take place April 26-28, 1996.

This Thirtieth Anniversary year (1996), has been blessed with the second worst snow fall in recorded history in the Washington, D.C. area.   The Youth Ski trip in February was quite a success with all the snow and  we can no longer complain about a two- or three-inch snowfall. 

Oaklands continued to expand its Mission Outreach Program by becoming involved with the Whitman-Walker Clinic.  In 1996, Oaklands won the prestigious Gene Frey Award which is presented by the Clinic annually to those churches for outstanding religious support to people living with AIDS.

The Lenten Season was again a wonderful experience in the life of Oaklands.  It began with a Soup Supper and Eucharist Service of Reflection on Ash Wednesday evening and ended with an exhilarating Easter celebration.  Holy Week started with a glorious Palm Sunday service which included a Processional by the Joyful Noise Choir and the Confirmation of Allison Carlson, Alicia Emerson, James McCamant, Anneliese Sari, and Jessica Welk.  On Maundy Thursday we celebrated the Last Supper and Steps of Christ's Passion.   The Good Friday Noon Service was especially meaningful with the reading of "The Passion" by Jane Pennington, Forrest Potochney and Jan Dalton and moving music by Phillip Collister and Sharon Sari.   Both Easter services were uplifting and ended with the joyous anthem "He Rose! Hallelujah" by Lloyd Pfautsch.  Kenneth Goldsborough was guest trumpeter for the celebration.

The bad weather hasn't dampened our spirits and we look forward to a wonderful Anniversary celebration and many more years together.

     Life is only as good as the time and effort you put into making it better.  Oaklands needs you, your talents, and gifts to make this a better place for all to worship.  As Rev. Anderson says during communion, "wherever you are in your journey through life, come and take part..."

     As our Thirtieth Anniversary approaches, let us remember our past, what we have accomplished, our friends, and look forward to the next 30 years together.  As we begin our new facilities update, do your best to help be a part of our future.  This is our church home and family -- let us grow together to make a better life for all of God's children.