June/July 2016 Page 1

Inside This Issue…

Seeking Wisdom 1 Gnagy Gnews 2 Calendar 3 Caring Ministry 4 Graduates 5-6 Christian Education 6-7 General Assembly 8 Coloring Activity 9 Samaritan Center 9 Presbyterian Women 10 Summer Worship 10 Ugly Quilts 10 Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday 11AM-12PM and 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Newsletter of the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church Main & North Streets, Marcellus, NY 13108

315-673-2201 June/July 2016

SEEKING WISDOM Saturdays, July 9 and August 6, 2016

10:00 - 11:30 AM - Fireside Room Led by Dr. Ginny Smith

Due to popular demand, the Seeking Wisdom group will be meeting in July and August. On Saturday, July 9, we will be starting a book by Brian D. McLaren entitled We Make the Road By Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorienta-tion, and Activation, which combines Bible study and how God's Word impacts our lives as we live them today. It is, in the words of author Rob Bell, "A clear and compelling guide to walking the Jesus path together." - If you're seeking a fresh way to experience and practice your faith; -if you're a long-term Christian seeking new vitality;

-if you are basically clueless about the Bible; -if you have never been a part of a Bible study; - if you feel out of place in traditional church circles,

this book will inspire and invigorate you on your spiritual journey.

In the words of Brian McLaren: “The road of faith is not finished. There is a beautiful land ahead, terra nova waiting to be explored. It will take a lot of us, journeying together, to make the road. I hope you'll be a part of the adventure. The Christian faith is still learning, growing, and changing, and so are we." For those who like to plan ahead, future meeting dates for 2016 include: September 10, October 15, November 12, and December 10. Please join the conversation, bring McLaren's book, a Bible, and a friend. If you need a copy of the book or a Bible, Ginny will be very happy to get them for you.

June/July 2016 Page 2

Gnagy Gnews

Summer is here! We think of summer as a time to rest and relax, to regroup and recharge. Whether we plan a big family vacation trip or spend time at the lake, whether we visit others or have them visit us, whether it is a graduation party, a family reunion, or a quiet day at the lake or in the mountains, we look forward to enjoying the summer before getting back into the swing of things in the fall!

The big event for my summer is my mother’s 90th birthday celebration in June. We have family and friends coming from as far away as Florida and Canada and are planning meals, a boat ride, and visits with people we haven’t seen in quite a while! My other summer plans include finally getting the chairs, table and umbrella set up on the deck—and taking time to enjoy them!—taking time to reorganize my study at home and begin planning for worship and other church activities in the fall, and spending time with my family—I’m already signed up to babysit with the grandchildren several times in July!

How do we think about summer in the church? Once Sunday School ends, Graduation Sunday is over and the choir takes a break for the summer months, we may think there is nothing going on! While it’s true that we do not have the same level of activity. I encourage us to think about summer in the church in the same way that we think about our own summer time: rest and relax, regroup and recharge, take time to reconnect, and quietly begin moving toward the fall.

How do we do that? We worship together – and we do so with ecumenical worship services with the Marcellus United Methodist Church. I love this opportunity to share our worship and our churches and welcome one another into one big family during the summer months.

We also have some opportunities for sharing our faith in the Seeking Wisdom class, which will begin a new study in July. This is a great way to read, reflect, and share together during the summer months.

VBS will be held at Marcellus Park August 8-12, a great time for our youth to learn and explore their faith and have some fun activities with our ecumenical friends. Teens and adults can join the fun, too, by volunteering to help with crafts, games, stories and/or food during this week. Jamie Johnson is our MFPC contact person and Pastor Pam is also helping out, so feel free to see one of us or email Johanna Sutter — see the VBS article!

Just as we have big family reunions in the summer, we often enjoy spending time with one or two friends. Last summer we organized small groups so we could get to know one another. This year I am hoping to use the “quieter” summer months to get in touch with you: people who would like a home visit, a phone call, would like to meet for a cup of coffee or a meal; or become friends on Facebook! Please let me know if you would like to be in touch this summer. I have enjoyed the visits I have had so far and look forward to more!

Most of our committees have things they are looking forward to doing in the fall, and some have begun planning. From the Ecumenical Worship service and picnic in the park on September 11 to mission ac-tivities, from Buildings & Grounds projects to plans for fellowship, Bible study , VBS, and worship ideas, we are quietly using the summer to rest, reflect and prepare for the activities we will take up in the fall.

Jesus went out to the people, teaching and healing and praying and proclaiming the good news. But he also withdrew, to the hills, to the lake, to spend time alone in prayer. He also spent time with his group of disciples to reflect on the meaning of his teachings, to encourage them, and help them learn how to live their lives in light of all he taught and showed them.

May we, too, rest and relax this summer, while gathering with family and friends: at home, in our church, in other churches, even in the wonderful park we have here in Marcellus. I pray that God will hold us in God’s hand, guiding our rest and our reflections, our worship and our celebrations, and that the Spirit will empower us to do God’s work, now and in the fall!

Grace and peace, Pastor Pam

June/July 2016 Page 3

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

No Zumba

3—Communion

9:30 am Worship at

MUMC

4—4th of July

Office Closed

5

10 am—Noon

Open Office

Hours

6

8 pm AA Meeting

8 pm Al Anon

Meeting

7

10:30 am

Coffee hour at

First Cup Café

8

9

9 am Zumba

10 am Seeking

Wisdom

10

9:30 am Worship at

MUMC

11

12

10 am—Noon

Open Office

Hours

13

8 pm AA Meeting

8 pm Al Anon

Meeting

14

10:30 am

Coffee hour at

First Cup Café

15

16

9 am Zumba

17

9:30 am Worship at

MUMC

18

7 pm Building

& Grounds

19

10 am—Noon

Open Office

Hours

20

8 pm AA Meeting

8 pm Al Anon

Meeting

21

10:30 am

Coffee hour at

First Cup Café

.

22

.

23

9 am Zumba

24

9:30 am Worship at

MUMC

25

26

10 am—Noon

Open Office

Hours

27

8 pm AA Meeting

8 pm Al Anon

Meeting

28

10:30 am F & S

Meeting

10:30 am

Coffee hour at

First Cup Café

29 30

9 am Zumba

July 2016

31

9:30 am Worship at

MUMC

June/July 2016 Page 4

Communion To Shut-Ins

The Deacons coordinate the offering of the Sacrament of Holy Communion to the homebound on Sundays that we celebrate the Sacrament in worship.

If you are homebound and would like to receive Communion, please call the Church Office, 673-2201, or Deb Swankey, Moderator of the Deacons, at 673-1403.

CONNECTIONS

Connections is published the first of each month by the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church. Deadline for materials is the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication. Submit materials and address changes to Church Office.

Marcellus First Presbyterian Church

PO Box 147, 1 East Main St. Marcellus, NY 13108 Phone: 315-673-2201

e-mail: office@marcelluspc.com website:

www.marcelluspresbyterian.com Worship: 9:30 AM Views expressed are those of the authors and not official positions of the Session, unless noted.

Food Pantry Hours Tuesdays

11 am - 12 noon & 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Caring Ministry

IN OUR PRAYERS…

...Gwenn Rice

...Lynn Rice

...Hank Bartholomew and family

...Linda Ball

...Jan Linderman

...Joanne Cramer

...Roger Hakes

...Mike Caster

...Greg Sheets

...Our Armed forces worldwide

...Our friends & loved ones in need The Deacons

June Birthdays

Hala O’Neil 06/04 Ann Kolb 06/04 Sean Winoski 06/05 Karl Barner 06/06 June Laird 06/07 Nancy Holden 06/07 Dick Lautenslager 06/07 Deb Abbott 06/10 Hollis Abbott 06/13 Gwenn Rice 06/14 Bob Dean 06/14 Deb Morocco 06/14 Suzanne Alexander 06/16 Greg Quick 06/17 Shirley Marble 06/18 Jane Tobin 06/18 Lynn Higgins 06/18 Ann Carey 06/20 Jerrod Gates 06/23 Ed Nelson 06/28

Worship Attendance

May 1 72 May 8 94 May 15 90 May 22 83 May 29 73 June 5 63 June 12 69 June 19 59

June Anniversaries

Charlie & Marion Smith 06/07 Jerry and Nina Wickett 06/12 Alec & Lisa Vaughn 06/14 Laddie & Jane Horyl 06/16 Tom & Lisa Baker 06/24

July Anniversaries

Mike & Jan Caster 07/04 Jerry & Linda Czarny 07/11 Tom & Mary Heil 07/12 Todd & Taryn Jirousek 07/28 Jeb & Sue Cramer 07/30

July Birthdays

Keenan Vaughn 07/01 Cathy Roberts 07/03 May Arnett 07/09 Ed Thornburg 07/09 Jeff Beyel 07/09 Pat Hetrick 07/13 Mary Barner 07/15 Brian Abbott 07/15 Sarah Holden 07/17 Lily Presutti 07/17 Hannah Abbott 07/21 Luke Vaughn 07/27 Pam Gnagy 07/29 Gerry Snyder 07/31 Ginny Calvert 07/31

June/July 2016 Page 5

Graduates

Hannah Maine Abbott graduated from Marcellus High School this

month and she will be attending Stony Brook University in the fall

to study Marine Vertebrate Biology. While in high school, she has

participated in many activities, including various band and choir

groups, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and the girls’ varsity

golf team. She has very much enjoyed all of her years of being a

part of the MFPC Community, from baptism, to Sunday school, to

Youth Group, all the way to her Confirmation during her sopho-

more year. She would like to thank her church family and all those

who have helped her get to this point in her life where not even

the sky is a limit. She appreciates everything everyone has done

for her and she can’t even begin to express how thankful she is to

have had such an amazing support system all her life.

Trevor Costa graduated on Sunday, June 26 from Marcellus Senior

High School as an Honors Graduate. At graduation, Trevor was

honored as the first recipient of the Carmen Costa award. Trevor

will be attending Canisuis College in Buffalo. He will be studying

Business.

Benjamin Bigler, grandson of Erwin and Gwenn Rice, graduated

from Chapman University on May 21, 2016. Benjamin graduated

with a bachelor of art and dance performance, and with a minor

in public relations.

June/July 2016 Page 6

David Whiting, grandson of Carol Goodno, graduated in June from

West Genesee High School. David is the son of Cynthia and Chip

Whiting of Camillus. Dave has been accepted at SUNY at

Alfred University in the Diesel Technology program where he will

be working toward his associates degree. He is then planning to

enter SUNY Alfred’s 4-year bachelor’s program in technology

management. Dave is also a state level swimmer who was recruited

by Alfred to swim at the collegiate level.

Graduates

Vacation Bible School Much to learn, there is, young J-Di!

This year’s exciting VBS program will be held August 8-12 from 6-8pm at Marcellus Park. The final evening of the program will be held at the Methodist Church, where there will be a closing ceremony for participants and their family and friends. This year’s theme is “Scar Force”….

“SCAR FORCE…the real saga. the true force.” A long time ago in a galaxy very nearby, an epic saga began. This is the saga of man's struggle with evil, and the Savior who came to save them all by His scars. Kids will experience a summarized history of the entire Bible, broken into five "episodes" in the tradition of "Star Wars." This fun theme spoofs and pays homage to the space opera franchise that has become a cultural icon, and uses the appeal of "Star Wars" to show kids the TRUE saga of God's Word! Along the way, kids will train to become J-Di's (Jesus Disciples) who will stand for God's Truth and spread His light to the world!

If you are able to volunteer to help with this program, please contact Johanna Sutter directly at johanna.lynne@gmail.com. She is actively seeking volunteers who are willing to help out with various aspects of the program, which could include basic chaperoning, assisting with games or crafts, or helping to lead music during VBS. If you have Star Wars themed accessories or decorations lying around, she would welcome those items, as well. Registration forms will be available at area churches within the next two weeks, or you can email Johanna directly to reserve your spot(s).

Christian Education

June/July 2016 Page 7

Christian Education

Early Call for Fall Christian Education Volunteers

While it is just the beginning of summer, we would like to ask our congregation members to prayerfully consider if you would be willing to volunteer with our Christian Education program-ming or on our Christian Education Committee beginning this September. We have a small group of dedicated members and teaching/youth group volunteers, but are always looking for new involvement, energy and ideas. If you are interested, please let Allison Ray, Rev. Gnagy, or anyone on the CE Committee (Jaime Johnston, Geneva Hayden, Nicki Arnett-Burke, Deb Abbott, Lisa Gates) know! Thank you!

Summer Youth Activities

We don’t like to let the entire summer go by without getting our awesome youth together for a couple of activities. One that we hope to do in the next month is a trip to Watkins Glen, Toughannock Falls, or Green Lakes for some hiking, picnicking and fun. Over the summer, we will try to organize an outdoor movie night—whether it’s at the Drive-In in Auburn, or in the backyard of one of our homes with a projector and campfire and BBQ, this will be a laid back evening of fun together to keep us connected while we aren’t regularly attending church ser-vices. If any students or parents have other suggestions or offers for things we could do over the summer, feel free to pass them along to any of the youth leaders. Keep your eyes open for emails or texts with more information as things are planned!

THANK YOU

Many thanks to our Sunday School and Youth Group volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy to keep our Christian Education programming vibrant this year. The students are so blessed to have you to help guide and educate them on their spiritual journeys!

Congratulations Graduates!!

We are so proud to see Hannah Abbott and Trevor Costa graduating from high school this month. They have grown up in this church, and we all have been so fortunate to be part of their journey to this point. There is no doubt each will accomplish incredible things and take advantage of all of the exciting opportunities that await them as they move on to this next phase of their lives. Hannah will be attending Stony Brook and Trevor will be at Canisius. Come back and visit youth group when you’re home from school!! We will miss you! Congratulations to all of the graduates and their families!

June/July 2016 Page 8

Here is a portion of a letter sent out by our national PC(USA) leadership to the church following General Assembly:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3 June 25, 2016 – Portland, Oregon Brothers in sisters in Christ, there is a new season in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as wit-nessed by the actions of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The body of 594 commissioners who gathered June 18-25 in Portland, Oregon, elected Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston, and J. Herbert Nelson as the Stated Clerk. Both were historic, and both signal a new way forward for our church. The business decisions made by the body were transformative for the 1,572,660 members and 9,642 churches of the PC(USA). The work wasn’t easy, and involved careful deliberations. Col-lectively, the body acted on nearly 100 overtures by discerning the will of Christ. Among other things, we now have a new addition to our Book of Confessions – the Confession of Belhar. It is the first of our confessions that comes from the global south. And, the PC(USA) has a new Directory for Worship; and Child/Youth/Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Proce-dures. God is truly guiding us to be more faithful and just to all of God’s creations. Much discussion has been taking place around the identity and purpose of the denomination, and this week the assembly voted to create a 12-member Way Forward Commission “to study and identify a vision for the structure and function of the General Assembly agencies of the PC(USA),” and a 15-member 2020 Vision Team to “develop a guiding statement for the denomina-tion and make a plan for its implementation.” To quote Stated Clerk-elect J. Herbert Nelson, “We are not dead … we are alive, we are reforming and we are transforming this world, one person at a time.” …. Please know that this is only a snapshot of the actions taken, and just a glimpse at where God is leading this denomination…. We are, brothers and sisters, in a new season, It’s exciting, but also a little scary. Yet in the midst of it all, take comfort that God is still guiding and controlling all – and we need not fear. God is calling us to hope, and to God be the glory! The Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly The Reverend Denise Anderson and the Reverend Jan Edmiston, Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly (2016) Ruling Elder Tony De La Rosa, Interim Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

General Assembly

June/July 2016 Page 9

Coloring Activity

Maryanne Grady, who has been our main staff person on the weekends at Samaritan Center, is changing her work schedule and responsibilities so will not be working with us in the kitch-en after July 1. She says Mark will become our “tour guide”

after that! She will continue part time in the office. She writes, “Just a quick note to let you all know how much I have appreciated the opportunity to work with you over the last 13 1/2 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to have met you, work with you and become friends with you. We've been through a lot here at the Samaritan Center. Mostly I will cherish the off key singing, laughter, the sweating and of course, your help volunteering.” Congratulations on making this change, Maryanne, and best wishes to you! We appreciate the opportunity to work and serve with you! Nina Wickett

June/July 2016 Page 10

MARCELLUS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 147 Marcellus, NY 13108 Address Service Requested

Please use P.O. Box 147 when corresponding with the Church

Presbyterian Women

P.W. will not meet for the

Months of July and August. See

you in September.

Jackie Davis

UGLY QUILT

GROUP

The Ugly Quilt Group

just finished our

20th year. Although our number

of workers is less, we still made

70 “Sleeping Bags for the Home-

less.” Thank-you to everyone

who contributed to help make

this possible.

Phyllis Palmer

JULY WORSHIP

9:30am at Marcellus

United Methodist Church

AUGUST WORSHIP

9:30 am at Marcellus

First Presbyterian Church