June Inside This Issue

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1 Newsletter of the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church Main & North Streets, Marcellus, NY Youth Sunday- JUNE 4 It s hard to believe that it is already almost time for Youth Sunday and the conclusion of our Sunday school year. It has been a successful and active one, full of fun and purposeful activities helping our youth grow in their faith. To close out this season of classes, the youth will be in charge of the service on June 4th. They will offer their musical gifts, present a recap of their activities from the year, and lead the worship service. We hope that you will be able to attend this special service to help us close out the Sunday school year. **The playroom downstairs in the church will be open every Sunday for any interested children who would like to spend some or all of the service time down there. A volunteer has been scheduled to be in the room through the end of June.** Pentecost Since the youth are leading worship on June 4th, we will have our celebration of Pentecost the following week, on June 11th. Please WEAR RED that day and come to worship ready to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Morning worship service begins at 9:30 am starting Memorial Day weekend (May 28th) through Labor Day weekend (September 3rd) June 2017 Inside This Issue Youth Sunday Pentecost Gnagy Gnews Seeking Wisdom Caring Ministry Calendar Graduates Christian Education Confirmation Picture Coloring Activity Presbyterian Women Cake Walk Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday 11AM-12PM and 6:30PM - 7:30PM June 2017 Page 1

2 Gnagy Gnews When I was a child, June was one of my favorite months of the year. There were the usual reasons, of course: flowering trees, shrubs and flowers; end of the school year and summer vacation; warm weather and riding my bike! But there was another reason in my family: three birthdays in a row, exactly one week apart. My brother, Dan, was born on June 5; my mother s birthday is on June 12, and my younger sister, Beth, was born early on June 19, which was Father s Day that year, so we had two reasons to celebrate. My mother always liked to make celebrations special, so we had homemade birthday cakes three weeks in a row, as well as banana cream pie for Father s Day. Yum! As life goes on, things change. I still enjoy the warmer weather, outdoor activities (though nowadays it is walking and sitting on the deck instead of bike riding), and the beauty of the unfolding variety of flowers through spring and summer. But these joys are mixed with sorrow, grief and the separation that comes as we grow and move apart. My brother died of cancer three years ago. My mother, June, will turn 91 this year and has had to move to skilled nursing care at St. Camillus due to deteriorating dementia and declining physical health. My sister, Beth, who has dedicated her life to research and developing treatment programs for those with ADHD, now lives in Florida and travels around the world for her work, so I don t see her often. And my father died 25 years ago, so Father s Day holds both celebration for my son as a father to his two children and sorrow over the loss of my own father. None of this is unique to me; this is what life is like; this is how our lives unfold, individually and as members of a community of faith. In the past weeks I have had the joy of confirming four young people; the responsibility of presiding at several funerals; the wonder of baptizing a young child; and the privilege of visiting people at home, at the hospital and in other health care facilities. During this time I have talked with several people about how amazing prayer can be. I felt, during my father s last days, as though we were being firmly supported on a cloud of prayer. That sounds like an oxymoron how can a cloud be a secure foundation? Yet it was; and those in our faith community who are experiencing the support of family, church family and friends through prayer agree that although it seems as though it must be insubstantial, this cloud of prayer is actually felt as tangible, firm support, surrounding, enfolding, and carrying them securely through this time. I think of the comfort of the 23 rd psalm: The Lord is my shepherd! He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters; and he also comforts me and guides me securely through the valleys of dark shadows. I also turn to Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom (or what!) shall I fear? Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! June 2017 Page 2

3 Through all the joys and sorrows, the green pastures and dark valleys in our lives, we are surrounded, enfolded, comforted and cared for by Jesus, and through him we share love, comfort and faith with one another. I can wait for the Lord because of my faith. I can try to be strong and let my heart take courage because of the love and prayers and support of all of you. That is what we do for one another as a family of faith. And the loving arms of our Good Shepherd and the cloud of prayer support us and carry us through. As we move into June, let us celebrate on Youth Sunday, Father s Day, Graduation Sunday, and share our joy! And may we share our prayers for those in our church family who are dealing with health and other concerns in their lives. May we love and pray for one another, sharing our joys and celebrations, sorrows and concerns, by sharing our prayers. We can trust that in all of this we are supported, empowered, loved and cared for by our Good Shepherd, and held securely on that cloud of prayer. Thanks be to God! Grace and peace, Pastor Pam Seeking Wisdom We Make the Road By Walking A Bible Study for Those Seeking to Deepen Their Relationship with God Saturday, June 10, :00-11:30 AM - Fireside Room Led by Dr. Ginny Smith On Saturday, June 10, 2017, Seeking Wisdom will continue its spiritual journey using Brian D. McLaren's book entitled We Make the Road By Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation. This will be our last gathering until September This month we're on to chapter 23, "JESUS AND THE MULTITUDES." The Scripture readings for this chapter are taken from Ezekiel 34:1-31 in the Hebrew Scriptures and Luke 5:17-32; 18:15-19:9. Here is a teaser from this chapter: "Most human societies are divided between the elites and the masses. The elites are the 1 or 3 or 5 percent at the top that have and hoard the most money, weapons, power, influence, and opportunities. They make the rules and usually rig the game to protect their interests. They forge alliances across sectors - in government, business, religion, media, the arts, science, and the military. As a result, they have loyal allies across all sectors of society, and they reward those allies to keep them loyal.... These dynamics were at work in Jesus' day, and he was well aware of them.... In addressing the social realities of his day, Jesus constantly turned the normal dominance pyramid on its head, confusing even disciples." In looking to the future, we will start up again in the Fall on September 9, when the topic will be "Jesus and Hell," and October 14, when the topic will be "Jesus, Violence, and Power." I can't imagine anyone wanting to miss either of these topics. June 2017 Page 3

4 Caring Ministry Communion To Shut-Ins IN OUR PRAYERS 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, , or Deb Swankey, Moderator of the Deacons, at CONNECTIONS Connections is published the first of each month by the Marcellus First Presbyterian Church. Deadline for materials is the 23rd 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 Phone: office@marcelluspc.com website: Worship:...Gwenn Rice...Lynn Rice...Hank Bartholomew and family...linda Ball...Jan Linderman...Shirley Marble...Roger Hakes...Mike Caster...June Gnagy...Tony Lombardo...Carol Robinson...Jean Reichard...Vicky Clark...Betty Olley...Tobey Casler...Victims of the Manchester Terror Attack...Our Armed forces worldwide Victims of Natural Disasters...Our friends & loved ones in need The Deacons Worship Attendance April 30 May 7 May 14 May 21 May June Birthdays Hala O Neil Ann Kolb Sean Winoski Karl Barner June Laird Nancy Holden Dick Lautenslager Doris Carpenter Deb Abbott Hollis Abbott Gwenn Rice Bob Dean Deb Morocco Suzanne Alexander Greg Quick Heather Baker Shirley Marble Jane Tobin Lynn Higgins Ann Carey Jerrod Gates Ed Nelson 06/04 06/04 06/05 06/06 06/07 06/07 06/07 06/08 06/10 06/13 06/14 06/14 06/14 06/16 06/17 06/17 06/18 06/18 06/18 06/20 06/23 06/28 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 June Anniversaries Charlie & Marion Smith Jerry and Nina Wickett Alec & Lisa Vaughn Laddie & Jane Horyl Tom & Lisa Baker 06/07 06/12 06/14 06/16 06/24 June 2017 Page 4

5 June 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Zumba 10 am Cake Walk 4 Communion Youth s Sunday 9:30 am Worship am Noon Open Office Hours 7 8 pm AA Meeting am Zumba 10 am Seeking Wisdom 11 Celebration of Pentecost Wear Red 9:30 am Worship 12 6 pm Mission Interpretation 7 pm Board of Deacons Meeting am Noon Open Office Hours 14 11:30 am PW Luncheon at Crown Mill Condos 8 pm AA Meeting am Zumba 7 pm Building & Grounds Meeting 18- Food Pantry Sunday Father s Day 9:30 am Worship 19 7 pm Fellowship and Outreach Meeting am Noon Open Office Hours 21 8 pm AA Meeting am Zumba 25 Graduation Sunday :30 am Worship 7 pm Session Meeting 10 am Noon Open Office Hours 8 pm AA Meeting June 2017 Page 5

6 Graduates Robert Beyel is a member of the Class of 2017 from Marcellus High School. Rob has attended church since he was an infant. Rob has been an active member of MFPC from being a sound guy in Christmas pageants, Jr & Sr High youth groups, Presbyterian Youth Triennium, and euphonium player in the brass ensemble. In addition, he has been actively involved in many music ensembles (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, All-School Show Band, and All-Country Band) as well as participating on the Track & Field team. This fall, Rob will be attending SUNY Brockport where he will be enrolled in Brockport s Environmental Science program. Rob would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported him during his time in Marcellus. Jerrod Allen Gates will graduate from Marcellus High School on Sunday, June 25th and will be attending St. Bonaventure University this fall to study Sports Management and Marketing. Jerrod was a starter on both the Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball teams and the Varsity Golf team. He was actively involved with Character Ed and the Marcellus Academic Club. Jerrod also enjoys working in graphic arts. Jerrod was baptized and confirmed at MFPC. He has been able to experience nearly every aspect of MFPC from Sunday school to Senior Youth Group. He was confirmed a Youth Elder and served on Session from Jerrod had the privilege of attending Triennium in He enjoyed volunteering for and participating in service activities such as serving at the Samaritan Center, helping with church maintenance and working the Harvest Dinner. Jerrod would like to thank his church family for the support and guidance that helped get him where he is today. He sincerely appreciates everything everyone has done for him and is grateful for the wonderful support system that is Marcellus First Presbyterian Church. June 2017 Page 6

7 Graduates Joseph Steven Redzikowski is a 2017 graduate of Clemson University in South Carolina with a degree in Chemical Engineering. A Calhoun Honors graduate, he also found time to participate in intramural sports and took a year s co-op with Eastman Chemical in Kingsport,TN. Joseph is the grandson of Jane Amidon and the brother of Sandy Redzikowski; he attended Marcellus First Presbyterian Church until he was five years old, when his family moved away from Marcellus. He has not yet decided where the future will lead him, but he is sure he will love the challenge. Scott Gallimore, grandson of Jane Amidon and son of Betsy and Mark Gallimore, graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee. Scott graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in business and psychology. He was a 4 year member and captain of the nationally ranked Sewanee men's tennis team. He will be working in Nashville this summer. McKenna Lyn Marocco is a 2017 graduate of Port Saint Lucie High School, Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She is the granddaughter of Larry and Diana Marocco. While in school, she was active in theatre, and many other class activities. Mckenna is thankful for the friends and memories she made during her time at "The Home of The Jaguars". Studying forensics, at the college level is the next step for McKenna. Although she'll cherish her past endeavors and good times, she's excited and optimistic about what her future holds. June 2017 Page 7

8 Christian Education Thank You! I would like to extend a special thank you to our Sunday School teachers and nursery volunteers for the year. Our Christian Education program could not exist without you and I am grateful for the willingness of so many of our congregation members to step up and teach our young disciples whenever the need arises throughout the year. ~ Allison Ray Summer Kamp at Vanderkamp: We Believe! Vanderkamp s summer kamp" registration is now open for any interested youth. You can visit their website at for more information and to sign up for a camp of your choosing. Scholarships are available, too. Here is an excerpt from their website with more information about this summer s theme. For many of you, kamp lasts a week. Our goal is to leave you transformed with memories to last a lifetime, taking that sense of kamp, of living in Christian community with your friends, with you after Vanderkamp. We all say I believe about many things but how often do we stop to think about what we really believe? Join us this summer, as we come together in a kamp community built around our common Christian faith. During Bible Exploration (BE), Chapel and Vespers, we will respectfully explore and examine our Christian beliefs in comparison to our friends. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ whether we attend churches at home that are non-denominational, or one of the many denominations including but not limited to Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian. At other times, we will let our imaginations run wild! Do you believe in fairies? Are you a super hero? Dare to travel where, beyond this point there be dragons? Let s go! A Special Note to our 2017 Grads Congratulations to the two seniors who will be leaving our youth group this spring; Jerrod Gates and Robert Beyel. It has been a blast to have you in youth group for all of these years and we are really going to miss you both. It won t be the same without you! Good luck as you leave your nests and head off to college this fall! ~Mr. and Mrs. Ray June 2017 Page 8

9 Coloring Activity What type of cake would you like to win from the Cake Walk on Olde Home Days? Color in the type of cake and add the decorations you would like to see on yours! Confirmation Sunday Last month we Confirmed four new members; here is a picture of the day. Congratulations again to our newest members! June 2017 Page 9

10 Presbyterian Women Presbyterian Women will meet for a Pot Luck Luncheon on June 14th at 11:30 am in the social room at the Crown Mill Condos. Bring your own table service and a dish to pass, plus serving utensil. Dessert and beverages will be provided. This will be the last meeting for the summer. Jackie Davies MARCELLUS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH P.O. Box 147 Marcellus, NY Address Service Requested Please use P.O. Box 147 when corresponding with the Church CAKE WALK OLDE HOME DAYS It s that time of year again. It s time to start thinking about making those cakes for our annual Cake Walk. Our Cake Walk has become a definite highlight for many families who are enjoying Olde Home Days on Saturday morning. We had such a successful year last year with over 60 cakes donated. (We made over $500 for our local food pantry). Let s try and make this year even bigger and better! This year the Cake Walk will again be a part of Marcellus Olde Home Days on Saturday, June rd 3, from 10:00 12:00 Noon on the side walk in front of the church. All cakes should be left at the church kitchen by 9:30 Saturday morning. Cakes must be covered and labeled with your name, phone number, and type of cake. Please no cakes that need to be refrigerated. Anyone interested in helping out that morning should see Jane Horyl or call It s a fun day and a very worthwhile project. June 2017 Page 10