Have you noticed the church family quilt in Fellowship Hall?  It was made in the 1990’s, so many of you newer members are missing (some of you long-time members forgot to make one so we want yours too).  We’d like to have a square from you to add to it.

Here’s what to do:

• 6 X 6 inch square
• Pick a medium – embroidery, crewel, cross-stitch, fabric pen, whatever you like.

Include your family name and a symbol of your family (ex. The Lambs have lambs, the Newcombs have a paint brush).

Please leave ½ inch around all the edges for hemming. Hand into the church office when done. We need them by June 30.

Any questions call Kathy Breese, 789-5667.

Sing ye joyfully unto the Lord!

Don Besig and Nancy Price both earned music degrees at Ithaca College.  They have collaborated on more than 300 compositions over the years.   Don serves as Director of Music at Perinton Presbyterian Church in Fairport, New York, while Nancy sings in the choir.  “Sing Ye Joyfully” is one of their rhythmic and energetic collaborations.  Part of this anthem will be the Adult Choir’s introit for the Sacred Song Service at 10:30.

Natalie Sleeth lived from 1930 – 1992 and left a lovely legacy of anthems.  “Joy in the Morning,” one of the anthem for both of our Sacred Song Services, was written in 1977 on the occasion of Natalie Sleeth’s husband’s inauguration as president of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “With a Voice of Singing” is a joy-filled anthem written in 1923 by English composer, Martin Shaw.  Shaw studied at the Royal College of Music and distinguished himself as a composer, conductor, and theatrical producer. A joyful bell anthem offered by our Adult Bell Choir and Ron Cox’s “You Shall Go Out in Joy” will also be part of this special worship service at 10:30.

Portions of appropriate psalms , other scripture, and a meditation on joy will connect hymns and anthems. The chapel service at 8:15 will incorporate parts of the later service.

O be joyful in God, all ye lands;
O sing praises to the honor of His name!

The sounds of voices, bells, trumpet, and organ on Easter are now a memory, but our work as post-Resurrection people continues.  Because our lives are fueled by deeply-rooted joy,  our song goes on!

Faithfully, Chris

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
Colombia Accompaniment Program

 
For the month of June, Beth Newell will travel to Colombia.  As a participant in the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s Accompaniment Program, she will ‘be present’ and live in solidarity with our Colombian brothers and sisters.
 
Why is this accompaniment program necessary? 

One reason is to learn more about the struggles of these people and the ways local Presbyterian communities are working for human rights.

• Colombia has over 3 million internally displaced people — more than any country other than Sudan.
• People are forced from their homelands by violence perpetrated by armed guerrilla and paramilitary groups, the army, and drug cartels and by large companies who want their land.

A second reason is to serve as an international witness to help prevent human rights violations.

• Colombia has a history of human rights violations.  Journalists, union organizers, and community organizers such as church workers are often targeted.

What will Beth do as an accompanier?

For the month in Colombia, she will spend most of her time with local church leaders and members: living, working, and worshipping with them.  She and her partner accompanier will write weekly reports.

How can I learn more about this program and about Colombia?

• When Beth returns, she’ll be happy to share what she has learned.
• You may also check out the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s Colombian program website: http://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/Colombia

A meeting of the Presbytery of Geneva, of which the Presbyterian Church in Geneva is a part, was held at the United Presbyterian Church of Hornell on March 20th. I attended as Elder Commissioner for our church. As our members become more aware of the actions of the Presbytery during the process of calling a new pastor this year, I will be reporting about the main reports and resolutions at the meetings of Presbytery. This report reflects my view of the events of the meeting and is not an official expression of the position or opinion of the Presbytery. The official minutes of the meeting run to 13 pages. I will be glad to share them with any member of the congregation who wishes to look into this meeting.

After a brief worship service, we heard the annual report of the Executive Presbyter, Joelle Davis. To summarize very briefly: the Presbytery is in satisfactory spiritual and financial condition. There is much that can be improved, but no immediate crisis. The focus was on Luke 23:54 -23 :12.
She encouraged the Presbytery to be a place where people will seek and find the living.

The Presbytery approved the transfer of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Ithaca from the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley to the Presbytery of Geneva. The transfer should allow the Ithaca church to cooperate with its near neighbors, rather than being connected with more distant congregations.

The Camp Whitman Board of directors reported that their work and plans for the 2012 season are well advanced. Several of the sessions are almost full and interested families were urged to sign up for desired dates as soon as possible. A special request was made for white T shirts for the campers use in tie dying. Family weekend camps will be held on Memorial Day and Labor day weekends. Registration for any of the camping sessions can be done online at www.campwhitman.org.

Members of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Ontario Center shared their plans to host a REACH work camp this summer. REACH workers paint and do simple repairs on the homes of needy people. Nearly 100 application for help have been received. For one week, crews of 5 to 7 teens and 2 adults will work daily on projects which may include painting, roofing, flooring, wheelchair ramps, railings and porches. A financial contribution of any amount will be appreciated. More information is available by calling 315-524-8561 or online at reachontario@yahoo.com

The Committee on Ministry reported movement of Pastors and terms of call. I have a complete list of all clergy members of Presbytery and of all actions taken as a result of this report.

Our Peace and Justice keynote address was given by the Rev. Noelle Damico on the subject of human trafficking. Rev. Damico is a dynamic speaker and pointed out many myths and misconceptions about this area. She also suggested several correct and incorrect forms of action that might be taken to help the people involved. Many of those held in this modern day slavery are industrial and agricultural workers. Many are held in this country, but numbers are not exact. The Presbyterian Church Human Trafficking Roundtable can provide much more information at www.pcusa.org/humantraficking.

Edwin Frick, Elder Commissioner
March 20, 2012

The  2012 Palm Sunday Brunch and One Great Hour of Sharing Auction is almost here and we getting things made and collected.  Please mark April 1^st at 11:30 AM on your calendar as the day you’ll join in the fun.  Enjoy a delicious meal with friends.  Bid on the many exciting and interesting items in the live and silent auction!  Many are handmade and donated by our church members.  If you would like to make a reservation to attend the brunch please call the church office or  click here to email your reservation to the church office.

The following is a list of items that will be up for bid.

• Cleaning of a boiler or furnace
• Small wooden rocker
• Gift certificate to the William Smith Inn
• Complete vision exam
• Family portrait sitting with an 11×14 print
• 30 minute helicopter ride
• Sailing
• Musselman entry to the full or sprint event
• Architectural tour in Geneva
• Bog expedition
• Quilted wall hanging
• Sailing tour
• Gardening
• Large framed photograph
• Honey
• Framed oil painting of Ausable River
• Antique set of 8 dessert plates
• Counted cross stitch
• Music lessons
• Power washing of a house
• Photo sitting
• Quilted table runner
• Wine pairing with dinner for four, overlooking the vineyards
• Rice steamer
• Essential oil gift box
• Embracing wellness massage
• Pairs of movie tickets to the Smith Opera House
• Surprise gift baskets
• Village Store Gift Certificate
• Large pink felted purse
• Gift basket of dental goodies
• Pancake breakfast gift basket
• Home canned pears
• Knitted seed stitch scarf
• YMCA exercise class punch cards
• Hand knit items
• Home made jarred pickles
• Crocheted baby blanket
• Hand knitted child’s sweater
• Felted slippers
• Colorful scarf
• Beaded necklace
• Baked goods
• Historical Society afghan
• Origami earrings
• Framed photos

As in the past, Mr. Joe Hessney will be our auctioneer.  He will be auctioning items with a wide variety of styles and asking prices. Below is current list of items to be auctioned following the brunch. If you would like to donate to the One Great Hour of Sharing Auction, please contact the church office.

MARCH IS SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER
RECRUITMENT MONTH

Our Sunday School needs YOU!!!! You need no special talent or teaching skill. All we ask is 11 weeks of your time, (or 3 or 4 weeks if that is all you can spare.) If you like children and would like to help provide the basics of Christian education to these youngsters, please consider signing up.

We provide lesson plans, materials, and support.

Please consider spending 9:00-10:15 am on Sunday morning with our youth for 11 weeks. They will benefit and so will you. Watch the bulletins for sign ups.

The Lord’s Prayer is among the greatest treasures of faith.  This study explores the key phrases of the Lord’s Prayer as they lead us to greater spirituality and growth. Take some time during Lent to join this study as a time for devotion and meditation.

Sunday Adult Forum in the South Parlor

9:15 – 10:15

Mar. 4  Crossing To the Future:  What is the Kingdom and what is the Kingdom yet to come?

Mar. 11  Willing Obedience:  How can we glorify God in our daily lives?

Mar. 18  Feeding Ourselves:  What place does self-sufficiency have in Christian life?

 Mar.  25  Writing it Off:  What does the reality of our forgiveness say to our treatment of others?

Apr. 1  Crying For Help:  How does a Christian respond to the enormity of evil in the world?

Friday Night Soup Supper Bible Study continues through Lent with the Book of Acts.  Gathering time is 6 for a simple dinner of soup, bread and fruit. Bible study begins at 7.  All are welcome.

Luke is our guide as we relive the events of the early church. Catch the wind of the same spirit that brings renewed life to today’s Christians. This study will visit the key personalities in Acts, review their activities, reflect on their meaning, and discover their message to the Church today.

Friday Evenings

NOW  – March 30         6-8 pm

Be Partners in Sharing
Attend the 2012 One Great Hour of Sharing
Annual Brunch and Auction

Making the world a better place is an important part of our mission and we will be doing just that at the OGHS Brunch and Auction. It is coming up on April 1st. OGHS helps people around the world who suffer from hunger, it assists people who are caught in disasters and it helps people develop skills needed for living.

John Hovey and his team will serve a tasty buffet directly after the 10:30 service. The Youth Group will help serve the brunch and collect a free will offering. Bidding for the silent auction takes place during the dining and immediately at the end of the meal, the live auction begins.

Silent auction items will be on display and open for bidding by 9:00 and bidding will close before the live auction begins. We have a collection of some new and exciting items and some returning favorites, all offered by generous donors. You’ll find homemade goodies to eat, handmade things to keep you warm, ways to keep you relaxed and fit, gift baskets filled with surprises and art work to please you.

Joe Hessney will preside over our live auction, which is always lively and fun. There will be bidding on a wonderful collection including excursions, entertainments, help with home projects, fine dining, antiques and more. It’s a honey of an event!

Last year we raised $4,774 at the auction, so you can see it is not only fun, it is an important fundraiser for One Great Hour of Sharing. Please plan to attend.

Thanks,
Interpretation and Stewardship Committee

For reservations call the church office OR click here to email your reservation.

Carnival Mardi Gras
Shrove Tuesday

By whatever name, Tuesday, February 21st is the last day before the beginning of Lent.  Traditionally, the day has been one big party before the austerities of Lent.  We will celebrate it with a pancake supper and festivities in the Fellowship hall.  This is an inter-generational event to which everyone is invited.  Cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12.  (Family of 4 – $10.00 + $1 for each additional child).  Time is 6:00 PM.  You’ll have a great time if you come!

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TABLE SERVICE

Please sign up by calling, emailing the church office or click here to register on the church’s website.

Ash Wednesday

Pot Luck Supper
&
Special Worship Service around the Table
with Communion and
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:00 PM

Bring a meatless dish to pass and your own table service.  After enjoying a simple meal, we will remain at the table to share communion. Together, we also will re-affirm the promises made at our
baptism.  This is a wonderful opportunity to begin your observance of Lent with fellowship and meaningful worship.

Please sign up by calling, emailing the church office or click here to register on the church’s website.