Thank you to everyone who helped with the Harvest Dinner. Many, many people helped in many, many ways – cooking, baking, serving, and cleaning.
This wouldn’t have been possible without ALL OF YOU!!!
Some dishes are left at Fellowship Hall from the dinner. If you are missing one, it’s probably here waiting for you to pick it up.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Christian Education Update: Sunday School for All Ages
Sunday
School is currently offered for all ages every Sunday at 9:45am. Come,
bring your children or grandchildren and join the fun!
Our new Junior Church program will start in January, 2016. This will replace our traditional Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45). Junior Church will be for our young worshipers (ages 4 through grade 5) and will take place during the regular worship time.
Children will attend church with their families and be dismissed after the children’s message by the pastor. They then go to Sunday School where they will hear an age appropriate Bible story, enjoy a craft and a snack and then meet their families after worship.
There will continue to be a nursery for those children younger than four. Of course, any children who wish to remain in the worship service are certainly welcome to do so.
Adult Sunday School will continue to meet at 9:45 in the library. All adults are welcome!
Our new Junior Church program will start in January, 2016. This will replace our traditional Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45). Junior Church will be for our young worshipers (ages 4 through grade 5) and will take place during the regular worship time.
Children will attend church with their families and be dismissed after the children’s message by the pastor. They then go to Sunday School where they will hear an age appropriate Bible story, enjoy a craft and a snack and then meet their families after worship.
There will continue to be a nursery for those children younger than four. Of course, any children who wish to remain in the worship service are certainly welcome to do so.
Adult Sunday School will continue to meet at 9:45 in the library. All adults are welcome!
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Christmas Program 2015
Mark you calendars now for the 2015 Christmas Program on December 13th during the Sunday morning worship service.
The program this year will be something new and exciting and you are not going to want to miss it. All children and youth are invited to participate.
We are starting the creative process in November and will begin to practice after Thanksgiving, so please try to have your children and youth in attendance. Following the service, you are all invited to join us for a special “Happy Birthday, Jesus” coffee hour in Fellowship Hall complete with birthday cake!
The program this year will be something new and exciting and you are not going to want to miss it. All children and youth are invited to participate.
We are starting the creative process in November and will begin to practice after Thanksgiving, so please try to have your children and youth in attendance. Following the service, you are all invited to join us for a special “Happy Birthday, Jesus” coffee hour in Fellowship Hall complete with birthday cake!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
We Need Each Other
Paul's letter to the Philippians was the topic of Rev. Kotun's sermon on October 18, 2015. I felt much of his sermon was very meaningful. With Rev. Kotun's permission, I will repeat parts of the sermon.
Paul helped found the church at Philippi in Greece, during his journeys as a missionary. The people of Philippi had no synagogue, but met together for prayer out by the river bank. Many were baptized by Paul and when he left Philippi there was a congregation that would live and grow. Paul wrote to them when he was a prisoner. This letter was Paul's farewell message to the church which perhaps above all others was dearest to his heart. He was not sad, but joyful. He will depart and be with Christ. He wrote about what Christ had meant to him and can mean to all who try to follow him. "I can do all things in him who strengthens me" and because the Christians in Philippi can have that same trust he says to them, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice".
The people in Philippi could not concentrate. Paul is in prison. What about our church? What will happen to our fellowship? What about us? Paul led us to Jesus. How can we manage without him? He was our founder, our teacher, our pastor and he is behind bars. Will we see him again? What will happen to our church with no Paul to guide us?
The church at Philippi felt like many of us when we became empty-nesters. There is a gap in the congregation and in many hearts and minds whenever the pastor leaves. Why is our beloved minister gone. How are we going to manage? What is going to happen to our church? Will our church go down the tubes? Will people stop coming to our worship or bible study?
Then, Paul wrote to the church. Get your mind off me. I'm not the center of the church. I'm doing fine. I'm ready to live or die. If I die I'll be with the Lord. And I'm ready for that. If I live God may have some other work for me to do. Stop your fretting. Your church is not about me. The church is about Jesus Christ. I may be away from you, but Jesus Christ is not. He is present in your midst and He is the Lord of the church.
Christ was in the midst of the first Christian church in Philippi in the year 50 A.D. and He is still in the midst of the Watkins Glen Presbyterian Church in 2015. As long as two or three meet in His name in this place, He is in your midst. Last week, this week, and next week when you gather it is in His name.
Paul challenged the church at Philippi. Don't drift off because I'm not with you. Stick together. Be forever in prayer, in worship, in witness, in caring. This church is the body of Christ in Watkins Glen.
- Karen Rhodes, Clerk of Session
Paul helped found the church at Philippi in Greece, during his journeys as a missionary. The people of Philippi had no synagogue, but met together for prayer out by the river bank. Many were baptized by Paul and when he left Philippi there was a congregation that would live and grow. Paul wrote to them when he was a prisoner. This letter was Paul's farewell message to the church which perhaps above all others was dearest to his heart. He was not sad, but joyful. He will depart and be with Christ. He wrote about what Christ had meant to him and can mean to all who try to follow him. "I can do all things in him who strengthens me" and because the Christians in Philippi can have that same trust he says to them, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice".
The people in Philippi could not concentrate. Paul is in prison. What about our church? What will happen to our fellowship? What about us? Paul led us to Jesus. How can we manage without him? He was our founder, our teacher, our pastor and he is behind bars. Will we see him again? What will happen to our church with no Paul to guide us?
The church at Philippi felt like many of us when we became empty-nesters. There is a gap in the congregation and in many hearts and minds whenever the pastor leaves. Why is our beloved minister gone. How are we going to manage? What is going to happen to our church? Will our church go down the tubes? Will people stop coming to our worship or bible study?
Then, Paul wrote to the church. Get your mind off me. I'm not the center of the church. I'm doing fine. I'm ready to live or die. If I die I'll be with the Lord. And I'm ready for that. If I live God may have some other work for me to do. Stop your fretting. Your church is not about me. The church is about Jesus Christ. I may be away from you, but Jesus Christ is not. He is present in your midst and He is the Lord of the church.
Christ was in the midst of the first Christian church in Philippi in the year 50 A.D. and He is still in the midst of the Watkins Glen Presbyterian Church in 2015. As long as two or three meet in His name in this place, He is in your midst. Last week, this week, and next week when you gather it is in His name.
Paul challenged the church at Philippi. Don't drift off because I'm not with you. Stick together. Be forever in prayer, in worship, in witness, in caring. This church is the body of Christ in Watkins Glen.
You need one another.
This community needs you.
The broken world needs you.
God has put you here for a reason.
He needs and wants you here.
Hear the good news!- Karen Rhodes, Clerk of Session
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Habitat for Humanity Update
On behalf of our congregation, the mission committee has been funding Habitat for Humanity for several years now and Habitat is on the verge of their first great achievement.
A groundbreaking ceremony for their very first house was held last year on May 5, 2014. The property on Havana Glen Road in Montour Falls was donated by Marcia Douglas and work began right away using funds that had been donated by the community and churches like us for several years. John King attended on behalf of our church and also spoke as mayor of Montour Falls.
A decision was made to build the house utilizing electrical heating standards including using solar panels to make the house extremely efficient energy wise. As a result, Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity has been listed as one of 183 Energy Star new builder and development partners.
Work has progressed so well that an official dedication and handover to the selected family will take place November 1 at 2:00pm. The house is located at 130 Havana Glen Road and everyone is welcome to attend.
Also, Habitat monthly meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Silver Spoon Cafe located at the Human Services building in Montour Falls, all are welcome to attend. Habitat has expressed their gratitude for the continued support of our church.
A groundbreaking ceremony for their very first house was held last year on May 5, 2014. The property on Havana Glen Road in Montour Falls was donated by Marcia Douglas and work began right away using funds that had been donated by the community and churches like us for several years. John King attended on behalf of our church and also spoke as mayor of Montour Falls.
A decision was made to build the house utilizing electrical heating standards including using solar panels to make the house extremely efficient energy wise. As a result, Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity has been listed as one of 183 Energy Star new builder and development partners.
Work has progressed so well that an official dedication and handover to the selected family will take place November 1 at 2:00pm. The house is located at 130 Havana Glen Road and everyone is welcome to attend.
Also, Habitat monthly meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Silver Spoon Cafe located at the Human Services building in Montour Falls, all are welcome to attend. Habitat has expressed their gratitude for the continued support of our church.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
A Warm Welcome to Rev. Nancy Yao!
Welcome to our Interim Pastor, the Reverend Nancy Meehan Yao.
Nancy is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She was co-pastor, with her husband, James Yao, at the Hector and Lodi Presbyterian Churches from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, she moved to a 1/4 time position with Hector Presbyterian Church leading and planning worship, youth, children and families activities, education and outreach. In 2013, she also became a stated supply pastor for the First Presbyterian Church in Hammondsport on a 1/2 time basis. Her responsibilities there included leading worship, pastoral care, moderating Session, leading new mission and outreach, education and renewal. Nancy has had interim training, which means she will be well equipped to lead us through the transition to an installed pastor.
Please join me in welcoming Nancy to our church and congregation starting November 16.
Thanks also to the pulpit supply pastors since Bev retired. They include Rev. Fred Magley, Rev. John Kotun, Priscilla Andrews, Bob Sell, and Rev. Wayne Gusafson.
Nancy is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She was co-pastor, with her husband, James Yao, at the Hector and Lodi Presbyterian Churches from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, she moved to a 1/4 time position with Hector Presbyterian Church leading and planning worship, youth, children and families activities, education and outreach. In 2013, she also became a stated supply pastor for the First Presbyterian Church in Hammondsport on a 1/2 time basis. Her responsibilities there included leading worship, pastoral care, moderating Session, leading new mission and outreach, education and renewal. Nancy has had interim training, which means she will be well equipped to lead us through the transition to an installed pastor.
Please join me in welcoming Nancy to our church and congregation starting November 16.
Thanks also to the pulpit supply pastors since Bev retired. They include Rev. Fred Magley, Rev. John Kotun, Priscilla Andrews, Bob Sell, and Rev. Wayne Gusafson.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Active and Vibrant Ministers, All !
We are beginning the month of October and signs of Fall are all around us. We had a wonderful celebration for Bev and we will miss her. She will be able to travel, relax, visit friends and family, and look forward to her next adventure. I know she will enjoy her retirement.
As our Pastor and Teaching Elder, Bev taught us all who were called to participate in the ministry of our church.
Ruling Elders are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling Elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.
The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.
The mission of our church is to bring people to Christ, witness Christ's love in our community, and equip our members to minister in the world with love and understanding for the glory of God. Our committees reflect our mission. The Worship & Music committee works closely with the minister to plan the best possible worship experience for the congregation. The Congregational Life Committee provides care, help and support to people in time of need and to provide opportunities to enjoy the fellowship of others. The Christian Education Committee provides the Sunday School program to nurture our youth and the adult bible study group which continues year round now. The Buildings & Grounds Committee continues the ongoing effort to maintain and preserve the integrity of the church property. The Mission Committee spreads God's love through mission giving locally, nationally, and world-wide. These, and more, are examples of our mission statement.
We are an active and vibrant congregation and will continue our ministry. Have faith and patience. We will go through the process of finding an interim minister first, and eventually, a full-time minister will be called. The Interim Pastor nominating committee is working hard and this month a Pastor Nominating Committee will be formed and approved by the congregation.
All elders, deacons, and members of all of our committees are active members and represent our congregation. We are a strong, vibrant, and active church and will continue to be such during this period of transition.
In Christ's Love,
Karen Rhodes, Clerk of Session
As our Pastor and Teaching Elder, Bev taught us all who were called to participate in the ministry of our church.
Ruling Elders are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling Elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.
The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.
The mission of our church is to bring people to Christ, witness Christ's love in our community, and equip our members to minister in the world with love and understanding for the glory of God. Our committees reflect our mission. The Worship & Music committee works closely with the minister to plan the best possible worship experience for the congregation. The Congregational Life Committee provides care, help and support to people in time of need and to provide opportunities to enjoy the fellowship of others. The Christian Education Committee provides the Sunday School program to nurture our youth and the adult bible study group which continues year round now. The Buildings & Grounds Committee continues the ongoing effort to maintain and preserve the integrity of the church property. The Mission Committee spreads God's love through mission giving locally, nationally, and world-wide. These, and more, are examples of our mission statement.
We are an active and vibrant congregation and will continue our ministry. Have faith and patience. We will go through the process of finding an interim minister first, and eventually, a full-time minister will be called. The Interim Pastor nominating committee is working hard and this month a Pastor Nominating Committee will be formed and approved by the congregation.
All elders, deacons, and members of all of our committees are active members and represent our congregation. We are a strong, vibrant, and active church and will continue to be such during this period of transition.
In Christ's Love,
Karen Rhodes, Clerk of Session
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