Hello my name is Andrée Clesse (Andrée pronounced ON’-dray….and Clesse which rhymes with dress for all you non-francophones). I was born in Québec Canada where such names are not unusual, of Belgian heritage. My husband’s name is Ted, who supports me in all things and even changes my guitar strings. I love crisp tart apples, snow when it twinkles, and Hawaiian sunsets.

I have the honor at OHPC of leading some enthusiastic people known as the Praise Team who share their musical talents and spiritual gifts at worship and beyond. Their dedication and willingness to serve in so many ways is what makes my ministry such a joy.

I joined the staff as Praise Team Director in February 2004 after reading a want-ad in the newspaper.

For the record, I never read the classified section of the paper. At that time I was frequenting a physical rehabilitation facility near my home. One day when walking on the treadmill, one of the physical therapists had some music playing in one of the treatment rooms. I started to ask about the music and it led to a conversation about all things music and then about all things church (what else is there to do when walking on a treadmill?). I asked: “What church do you go to and what kind of music do they have there?” He replied that there was a Praise Team but the leader was leaving and they were in the process of looking for a replacement. I asked: “where is this church?” “Oh it’s on the other side of town, Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church.” I said: “the white one, with the steeple?” “That’s it” he said.

I replied: “Yeah, well I just applied for that job!” and with the same breath I asked: “could I use you as a reference, George?”

That weekend, I came to worship at OHPC to get a better sense of what I might be getting myself into.

I figured I’d sit in the back and blend in. That didn’t work out as I had planned. During the passing of peace, strangers approached, introducing themselves. I felt welcomed. I was moved by the music,

the prayerfulness, and the preaching. When Pastor Bob gave the benediction….”you go nowhere by accident, wherever you go God is sending you….” I nearly fell out of my chair.

And thus began my “you go nowhere by accident” journey. But I was on that journey before I had even heard Bob’s benediction. God was already there…waiting for me to catch up.

I hope that he is patient and waits for me…..it’s hard to run while singing and playing the guitar.