What’s Next?
First, what is happening now? Last month, I wrote about our Peacemaking trip to Israel. Of course, it was cancelled. However, the Isaiah scripture is prophetic and relevant to our present reality. Isaiah 42:16-17 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
I can only speak for myself, but I can imagine how you have traveled along “unfamiliar paths” since our seclusion because of the Covid19 pandemic.
Church services around the country switched from “face to face” to “virtual” worship on March 22. As last minute as it was, we were able to gather via Zoom Sunday morning. The live gathering before was not planned. I was blindly leading along unfamiliar paths. However, people loved seeing other so much that I added time after the 10:30 am worship on March 29. Thank God, many people stepped up to “make places smooth”. Every week the PowerPoint and music improved. God certainly has been guiding us as we reach out to help each other. By Holy Week and Easter the number of people logging on to our virtual communion and worship services reached new highs. Family members and friends of the church from other states were able to connect on the internet and it was a grand reunion and celebration.
If you are interested in join the Zoom worship, download the app by visiting www.zoom.us. It is free for you. If you do not have a computer or Ipad, you may connect by using your phone. +1 929 205 6099 .
For worship use ID # 378-875-768
For Bible Study use ID# 236-230-4934
If you have problems connecting call the office or another member for tech help.
Another way to listen to the weekly sermon or music, visit YouTube which can be viewed anytime on internet. Search for “Youtube.com and then “Rev Deborah Lind”. More information, links and the bulletin with scriptures is available on our website, www. pcgny.org.
What is next? I would hope we will be able to meet face to face in June. Until then, remember we are close a phone call or internet. Social distancing is only “physical distancing with social connections. So far, we’ve become very creative and flexible for the sake of safety and health. There are good lessons and new habits which I hope will continue. All staff and committees of the church are hoping and planning for the future. For instance, Communications and worship committees are considering streaming and recording worship.
We will continue to celebrate the Season of Easter in May with Pentecost on May 31. Scripture lessons focus on the appearance of the Risen Christ in every location on the road and in homes but not in the sanctuary. The Holy Spirit touches everyone like a breath of fresh air and brings peace to everyone.
May this Season of Easter bring you God’s guidance and peace as we continue along the unknown path together.
Pastor Deb
Pastor Deb’s Sermon for 1st Sunday after Easter, April 19, 2020
Sermon for the 1st Sunday after Easter: ”Just Breathe”
April 16 Update from Transition Steering Committee
We are one step closer to starting our search for a new pastor!
Our church’s Mission Study Report was approved by the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry (COM) on April 2. If you would like to read this report, you’ll find a link to an electronic version on the Pastor Search webpage. The Mission Study Report describes who we are as a church, our:
- mission
- programs
- membership
- finances
Presbyterian Church in Geneva Mission Study Report
This report describes our church – its mission, programs, membership, finances – and our strengths and challenges. It also describes our community and our hopes for the future. Please click on the link below to view the report.
On Calling a Pastor: A Manual for Churches Seeking Pastors. 2015 revision.
This is a great resource to understand both the big picture and the details of the process. Please click on the link below to view On Calling a Pastor.
Videos on the process of calling a pastor
On Calling a Pastor Video Introduction (4 min)
This is an introduction to the process.
