A special day in Nyack on Saturday November 14, 2009 

A brunch meeting at Boone Center kicked off the celebration with friends from the era of between ’65 and ’75.  Afterwards we went to Pardington Hall where we sang some of the old hymns we sang years ago. As we were singing we could recall the early days at Pardington with every seat taken. But that was then and this is now. There are many grey hairs and  much wisdom; but not so many in number. Still, it seems that the vigorous singing only increased over the years with Jim Gilbert leading, Donna Duss at the piano and Millie Washburn at the organ. Prof. Len Kageler shared the present status of Nyack College while Dr. David Schroeder shared encouraging words of older days. At the end John Oostdyk shared the story of his days at Nyack and the emergence of the vision for Atlantic Bridge through a Christian rock band called "Our Generation". Nyack College and Pardington Hall are a key place in the vision of Atlantic Bridge. We did have a good time meeting again, hearing some of our stories. Though time was short, the fellowship was sweet. So many could not be here and others have since gone to be with the Lord. We hope this helps bring back memories of the good days we shared.

The final 20 Year Celebration was later that afternoon.  It took place at the old Dutch Reformed church in downtown Nyack rather than on the hill side. During John’s days at Nyack he never visited this church even once, yet over the 40 years since Nyack this and other old churches have become a major part of the vision of Atlantic Bridge – to challenge young people to rediscover the faith and values of their forefathers often hidden within the walls of these old churches. Perhaps one day we will see a revival flourish in such unexpected places as we'd like to see the European church rejuvenated. At the end of the celebration Dr. David Schroeder (class of 68)  and Russ Wunker (class of 69), both member of the International Board, presented a challenge to help multiply the mission of Atlantic Bridge to enable us to realize this vision.  Excerpts of their messages are available for interested friends.  

  SO WHO ALL CAME BACK TO THE HILLSIDE?

 From left to right back rows: Donna Duss, Ron Hayes (chairman US Board of AB), Jane Dressler, Juanita Schnorr (hiding a bit), Rich Schnorr, Donna Oostdyk, Tony Jaston, Betsy Demaggio, Bill Jaston, Rudy Fredericks, Helen Davis, Linda Fredericks, David Schroeder, Sharon Bailey, Cindy Clark Williams, Meryl Dimarsico, Millie Washburn, Linda Weeks, Lowell Weeks, Peggy Gilbert, Dean Bartholomew, John Oostdyk, August Mascaro.

Seated, from left to right: Serge Duss, Don Dressler, Ed Davis, Russ Wunker, Jim Gilbert.

 Not in the picture: Rob Demaggio, Bill Washburn and Bob Dimarsico. They had stepped out.

 20^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN THORNDALE PA

Although the vision for Atlantic Bridge started at Nyack College in Pardington Hall, THE LAND OF PENN also has a central place. Ever since the band Rhapsody came to minister in Europe three different times in 1983, 1987 and 1989, the base of this mission gradually shifted from New York and New England to the region of Eastern PA, the home of many religious groups like the Quakers, Moravians and Methodists, the European ancestors of America’s Great Awakening. Though only few were able to attend the celebration, the spirit of enthusiasm so important  today, was present. At the end of the celebration Donna, Heather and John were prayed for by Dr. Gary Knerr, Dr. Len Stuart and Dr. Greg Hytha and blessed by this group of friends and partners to continue to build this mission in Europe but perhaps more and more, also in the USA. 

SO WHO ALL CAME TO CELEBRATE IN THORNDALE?

 From left to right - last 2 rows mixed.

Rob and Marie Robinson, Pete Dietz (Bethlehem UM) David and Rachel Kurtz, Wayne and Pat Hawkins (Shippensburg), Dean and Linda Bartholomew (Allentown), Steve Finkey (almost out of view!), Jackie and Clint Kennedy (Marshallton UM),   Mike Fiorelli, Scott Allen (Bethlehem UM), John Bechtold (Messiah College), Gary Knerr (Lansdale), Paula Hayes, Steve and Ellen Bachman (Tenth Pres in Philly), Christina and Ron Hayes, Len and Julie Stuart, Carol MacKenzie (Proclamation Pres) , Bob Stuart, Bill and Carolyn Best (West Chester).

 Back to the left  middle two rows

Lori and Ed Imporato, Linda Durieux, Linda Bechtold, Donna Oostdyk, Heather Graber, Greg and Linda Hytha, Hazel Johns, Elaine Keener (Shippensburg). and Todd Stuart.

Front row back to the right: John Woody Widlund, John Oostdyk, Harriet Widlund and Peg Stuart.

 Some had already left before we took the picture. We mention some of the places so you have an idea where people are from. Not in the picture is our devoted cook Alex Shimpeno and his hard-working team. Who made a delicious buffet for us! Thanks to all who came and again to Alex and team!