Join Us!
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 Our congregation by Skaneateles Lake Worship is at 9:30 AM every Sunday at 97 East Genesee! As you approach the Church (sun, rain or snow - worship, weddings or memorials) the Pastor greets and welcomes the Village. He welcomes and receives those coming to worship God, as well as greeting and blessing those going past. In the words of our Pastor: "People have made an effort to come to the Church, it seems the least we can do, to go out and welcome one another inside." Several new members have commented, "The Pastor greeted us each Sunday as we went by, finally when we were looking for a Church, we knew we were welcome here." The Church has ample off-street parking, ramped access to the air-conditioned Sanctuary, an elevator to all classroom, meeting and fellowship spaces.
Entering the Sanctuary, you see an historic sacred space, beautiful in stained glass and wood, open, bright, with the centrality of pulpit, table and font. This is a dramatic inspiring space with a new 40 rank Cassavant pipe organ whose pipes seem to reach all the way to heaven, bell choirs reverberating in the trinitarian ceiling arches, chancel and children's choirs inspire and delight. Rebuilding this sacred space over the last 15 years, we were intentional to try to preserve the aura of what is sacred and beautiful, while correcting problems. This Sanctuary has no specific cross or icon, instead there are crosses embedded in the structure of ceiling and doors and wainscoting and windows; in order that when we go out into life, we will not identify the Cross as only being available here, but we will seek the Cross in life throughout the structures of our world.
This is a very real, open, community of faith, called TO BE The Church in this place at this time, where the worshiping body listen, enjoy laughter, share tears, and are surrounded by the Spirit of God. Children are an an important part of our weekly worship, and actively contribute to our spiritual growth as they purse their own.
Worship begins with the Chimes and Organ Prelude, as the Acolyte (a child representing The Light of God entering the world) and the Beadle (the Bearer of the Word of God) enter the worship space, followed by the Pastor and lay leader. When the music concludes, the preacher takes a Pitcher of Water from the Table to the Font. The written words in the Bulletin read: "We come overfilled with life, with need to pour out so as to be able to receive. Then to listen to the sound of silence, to know emptiness and searching. Then, in reverence to be replenished by God alone."
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This Week's Sermon
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Weekly Sermon Blog
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MISSION STUDY
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Our Session recognized that the historic identity of this Church as a Traditional Village Church was juxtaposed against another reality, that we are a growing 640 member Church, internationally known in Mission; a patron providing Arts and Music to CNY; and we are a dynamic space of faith and nurture. Our Session established "2010 as a year of learning the background and realities of the Church and Community, so as to be intentional in nurturing the blossoming and growth of fruit that has never before blossomed."
We began by using the Apostle Paul's metaphor of the Church being The Body of Christ. We recognized that bodies have births, and aging, and differing phases with differing abilities and wisdoms, and a death as identifiable stages of life. But as Christians, we also believe in resurrection to new life together. In the 1990s, this Church experienced the death of an era begun in the 1920s, which had thrived in the 1950s-1970s. Through an Intentional Interim, followed by an intentional period of Transformation, this Church has now been reborn. The process was not easy, and was costly, as we not only did Capital and Building Programs but were challenged to rebuild our Faith Commitments and Relationships, and struggle with Forgiveness and Redemption. We used the Church "building anew" as a resource for Music and the Arts and Education. We reached out into the community and world in mission, witnessing real miracles. We opened our hearts to make the resources of the Church available to others whenever they need the Church. There are new problems and the growing pains of a +210 year old body, that beginning the second decade of the 21st Century is now a resurrected congregation with the maturity of a 15 year old. There is also a new and vibrant faith and hope and conviction, all related to our trust of God and our trusting one another. Where this Mission Study will lead, no one knows, but the Church will be better aware of what we have done, what has gone undone, what might be possible, and how to have fun with one another, sharing the blessings of Jesus Christ.
At the completion of the first year of this Mission Study, the Session chose as The Church's Mission Statement what is said at every celebration of the Sacraments: "This is God's Work. All are welcome, invited and encouraged to take an active part. The leadership of the Church intentionally try to make the resources of the Church available to all seeking and wishing to receive."
Meeting with the Presbytery's Committee On Ministry, our Session intentionally hired the Rev. Debra Thomas, an experienced, creative, ordained Presbyterian minister, to serve as Christian Educator. Simultaneously, our Session approached three questions:
- In the past our congregation has often been divided, is there enough trust and unity of spirit for the Church to have a Senior Pastor and an Associate?
- Our Church has built success upon success, with 20 to 40 new members and 20-30 Baptisms per year. This is a very healthy and growing Church!
- Is there work for more than one minister?
- Our Pastor then identified averaging 75 hours per week each month. Further, that the hope of an Associate would be to further expand the ministry and programs of the Church.
- Can we afford an Associate?
- IF we did pursue this, the Calling of an Associate Pastor would replace having a hired Christian Educator, thereby offsetting some expenses. In addition, there is a reality that every pastor develops programs and personal relationships, expanding the Church's membership and potential for giving.
2012 our Session found a creative way forward, instead of pursuing a formal Call, our Session hired Rev. Debra Thomas to serve full-time as "Parish Associate for Spiritual Nurture". Dr. Lindsey continues to serve as Senior Pastor accountable for Session and Administration, Worship and Preaching, Pastoral care and Ministry of the church. Rev. Deb is directly accountable to the Pastor and Session for nurturing the faith development of the people of the church from Cradle to Grave. The era of Sunday School being for Primary education was fine for the late 20th century, but in the 21st Century the church needs to listen to the faith questions of individual believers and nurture each along their way. We hope that this will serve as an innovative model for ministry, as one is Called to serve as Pastor, and an associate is able to further extend the spiritual nurture of the people of God!
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Children @ 1st Pres
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Our active youth program involves students of all ages, pre-school through Senior High. Children participate in worship each Sunday - bringing the Bible forward, lighting the candles, learning the order of worship, leading as choirs, singing the service music, giving their offerings to God, sharing in the Lord's Prayer. (Nursery Care in our beautiful new facility is always available during worship for our littlest ones, birth through age 3.) After the Children's Sermon, young people may depart for Church School, where we offer interactive story-based instruction for Pre-school children, and follow the reformed curriculum, Walk With Me, for students in grades K-12; while others choose to remain in worship for the sermon. A conscious effort is made to include the children regularly in celebration of the Sacraments.
Additional discipleship and educational opportunities include our Confirmation Classes, Adult Education Forums, Bible Study, Family Fellowship Programs and Youth Choir. See the Spiritual Nurture page for more info.
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Announcements - Week of 5/13/12
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY has an Interfaith Build to construct a new house on the near west side of Syracuse, at 655 Gifford Street, Syracuse. Volunteers are needed! We have raised the funds. We have prayed for partners. Now the work begins, as we give of ourselves, our labor and sweat-equity. Please speak with Judy Gelston or Todd Marshall about how to get involved.
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY at 7pm in the Conner Room. We are reading of Joshua, Judges and Ruth. This week we begin at Joshua Chapter 8.
NEXT WEEKEND is our Confirmation Sunday. Please keep Patrick Biver, Alex Frank, Meredith Frank, Phoebe Glowacki, Keely Gregg, John Hartnett, Allison Lambdin and John Marshall in your prayers as they prepare for faith leadership.
PRESBYTERIAN MANOR AVAILABILITY Two beautiful suites in our Manor-home are available for well elderly residents. One room has been repainted and new carpeting installed. For more information, please call Phyllis Clark at 685-5017.
PWC is helping the women of Marcellus Grange make sleeping bags & quilts for the homeless. We will collect clean used sheets, large pieces of fabric,large mattress pads & electric blankets. Bring to the May 3 circle meeting for delivery or talk to your group leader. Look for the article in the May newsletter.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS of music in our summer services depend upon volunteers. Your help is needed! Instrumentalists as well as vocalists are invited to contribute to our worship in July and August. We welcome ensembles or soloists -- everything from tuba to harmonica. Musicians of all ages are encouraged to contribute. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain performing experience in a meaningful and supportive atmosphere, and to “give-back” to their church family. For more information, please email or speak with Karen, the director of music, Hindenlang@skanpresby.org.
SINGERS of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join the Chancel Choir in creating musical offerings of prayer and praise in faith and fellowship. Thursday evening rehearsals start at 7:30 and end by 9:00. Fluency in reading music is not required, and neither is church membership. If you are interested or have questions, please speak with the with conductor Crawford Thoburn or any choir member.
A NEW MUSICAL work commissioned from a nationally known composer for our splendid Chancel and Fellowship handbell ensembles was dedicated in worship on April 29. Much more information here.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Children's Day, June 3 when our children and youth will lead us in worship. Note to parents: There will be a rehearsal in the sanctuary on May 20th after worship.
THE CHURCH IS NOW ON TWITTER You can follow the church on Twitter @SkanPresby
AUSTIN PARK PLAYGROUND COMMUNITY BUILD is looking for volunteers for labor, food service or contracting on Saturday May 19th. For more information please call GiGi @ 685-2420 or email austinparkdanielle@yahoo.com to sign up! Donations are also welcome to reach our fundraising goals!
RESULTS OF ONLINE SURVEY OF MEMBERS AND ATTENDEES RE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - Session authorized a survey in January to assess membership and attendee perceptions and needs in Christian Education. To do that, we used a service called Linescale Research. The focus was to assess current and possible new programs for K-6, Teen and Adults. In order to do that, we first asked current satisfaction with the Church overall, and the reasons underlying each person's satisfaction level. The online Interview was left open during January and February, and announcements were sent out asking participation. Forty-nine families and individuals responded. Kathleen Witter, a Marketing Research professional, analyzed this findings and prepared this summary presentation of the results on March 25, at 11 AM after Church. The presentation can be accessed online. The intent is this is the first of a series of "online survey conversations" with present and past attendees of the Church. While no organization can be all things to all people, our intent is to create and sharpen programs to address expressed needs within the overall mission and purpose of the Church.
FOOD PANTRY REQUESTS The Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry requests paper towels, toilet paper, diapers pull-ups, baby-wipes, dish detergent, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies. Thank You!
FOOD PANTRY NEWS - Volunteers to stock shelves, deliver dinner baskets, or help during open hours are always welcome. Please call the church office if you can help.
PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT: If you are interested in joining the prayer chain or have a concern you would like them to pray for, call Claudia Lambdin at 224-1880 or 253-3678.
FLOWER CANS NEEDED by the Deacons, V-8 Juice size.
SIGN UP FOR FLOWERS on the chart in the narthex, to honor a loved ones memory or to celebrate an occasion.
THE 2012 YOST SCHOLARSHIP application is available to dowload. The scholarship helps active members of our church family who are pursuing higher education full or part-time. From the high school senior looking ahead to those exciting 4 years to the adult learner pursuing a new career or adding on a second degree, the Yost Committee would like to consider you as part of our pool of candidates. You must be attending or plan to attend an accredited college or other institution of higher learning. The deadline for submission is June 1st.
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Publications
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Leadership 2012
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Our Session is:
John Covell, Judy Gelston, Molly Rhoads, Bill Nichols, Andy Biss, Richard Poppa, Larry Weiss, Joyce Campbell, John Dau, Jill Marshall, Peer Soderberg, Joan Tarolli, Kayleigh Rottger (Youth Elder) and the Rev. Craig Lindsey. Our Deacons are: Kay Barton, Lee Bennett, Joe Bernazzani, Gary Heyer, Kim Poppa, Greg Hinman, Peggy Bennett, Steve Frackenpohl, Merrily Heyer, Sandy Nichols, Mary Stevens, Atsje Biver, Deb Covell, Diane Fellerman, Anna Hartnett, Kristen Pease, Carolyn Schwab and Julie Hartnett (Youth Deacon).
Much more news...
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