The Geneva Pres

2012

The Presbyterian Church

in Geneva

24 Park Place

Geneva NY 14456

(315) 789-1343

Website: http://www.PresbyterianChurchInGenevaNewYork.org

W. James Gerling - Pastor

Suzanne Otterbacher – Parish Associate

L. Christine Wertman - Director of Music Sandy Campbell - Church Organist/ Bell Choir

Lorraine Jones – Youth Bells

Kathleen Breese - Dir. Christian Education

Kate Komara – Children’s Choirs

Edna May Langan – Secretary

Mark Springmeier – Custodian

Virginia Champlin - Chapel Organist

Beth Nicholas – Parish Nurse

Deb Drennen – Nursery care

Diana Capron – Coordinator of Adult Ministries

Paula Foote – Coordinator of Youth Ministries

Alan Schenck – Financial Administrator

Fritz Aude – Treasurer

And then, Moses Showed Up…

I hardly know where to begin in saying thank you for two amazing celebrations of our ministry together over the past 32 ½ years. Everything about both gatherings was so perfect:

reveling in the fellowship of family and friends from near and far…

being entertained by a well-organized program…

listening to Wonderful words expressing appreciation for OUR ministry…

enjoying a delicious and well-served dinner…

celebrating a sampling of the musical gifts of this congregation

laughing hysterically last Friday night when Moses showed up!

All of it helped us do what we do best: Celebrate and express our gratitude for life as God’s gracious gift.

True to form, we had all that fun while raising a significant amount of money to continue to minister to the needs and challenges of our neighbors in Geneva. To date you have raised nearly $13,000 to support the “Gerling Geneva Community Self Development Fund,” and its mission:

To invest in the success of Geneva’s children and their families

To encourage individual and community development

To partner with children and families in fostering positive outcomes

To be one source, among others in the community, to assist children and families with emergent needs.

You never cease to amaze me with your faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ that fuels your concern for others, your sense of mission, and your spirit of generosity.

As we move through these next few weeks and as we transition into a whole new way of relating to one another (I will have much more to say about this next month), I want you to know that having had the privilege of ministering alongside you has been one of God’s greatest gifts to me.

With gratitude, Jim

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY CALENDAR

Dec. 9 Hanging of the Greens

Help us decorate the church for the season!!

Dec. 9 Christmas Cantata – at the 10:30 Worship Service

Dec. 9 Christmas caroling to shut-ins – 2:00, come join us

Dec. 16 Christmas Pageant and Plum Pudding

The children will offer a Christmas Pageant as part of

the 10:30 worship service. Special treats will be served

in Fellowship Hall following the service, as Jim leads us

in songs of the season.

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight services

4:00 pm – Family Service (with Children’s Choir

and Youth Bells)

8:30 pm - Lessons and Carols

Jan. 6 Epiphany Feast – 5:30

A special night of madrigal music, dinner, a brief

worship and prayer service to remember the journey

of the Magi.

Anyone wishing to have Memorial poinsettias in the Sanctuary for

the Advent/Christmas season please call Ti Siebert, 789-4092 or the

church office. Cost is $12.

The staff wishes you a

blessed holiday season!!!

Jim Suzanne

Edna May Kathy Chris Kate

Virginia Lorraine

Alan Mark Sandy Beth Joe

Diana Paula Fritz Deb

Christmas begins in the heart!!!

HELPING HEAD START FAMILIES

In the past you have been wonderful in helping provide

Head Start with items for them to use in their Christmas

boxes for the families they serve.

This year they are in need of

Hats and Mittens

Boots: Sizes11 T - Youth 1

Your donation should be left in the church office by

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

Christmas Joy Offering

“Good News of Great Joy!”

As we celebrate the good news of great joy – that God’s love in human

form is now among us – may we open our hearts and may our gifts bear

joyful witness to that uncontainable love.

The Christmas Joy Offering benefits current and retired Presbyterian

church workers in need, students attending Presbyterian-related racial

ethnic schools around the country, and our neighbors who visit the

Geneva Food Pantry and the Community Lunch Program. Moments for

Mission in the coming weeks will describe these projects in more detail.

Mission & Social Concerns Committee

Prepare the Way for the Prince of Peace

Advent is a time for us to wait expectantly for Christ’s coming into

the world as the Prince of Peace. “Expectant” waiting is different

from the impatient waiting we do when we find ourselves in the

slowest check-out line at the store or are put on hold – again – as

we try to resolve a billing problem over the phone.

It should be a state of mind and heart that opens us up to see

Christ as “the wondrous gift” given to us by God.

In the hubbub leading up to Christmas, this can be difficult. One

practice that can help is to commit to reading the daily message in

the Presbyterian Church’s Peacemaking Advent Devotions

“Proclaiming the Good News of God’s Peace.”

The Advent devotion booklet is free and you can pick one up in the

church office.

Mission & Social Concerns Committee

Adult Education Committee

A Note from the Treasurers –

Thank you for your contributions this past year. Your donations help to

maintain all of our exciting programs.

Per IRS rules, in order to receive credit for your 2012 taxes, the church

must receive and record your contributions on or before Monday,

December 31. A final deposit for 2012 will be made about 1 p.m. on the

31st. If you have questions, please call Alan Schenck at 789-1343 or 789-

3932. Thank You.

A few folks are still completing their Strengthening Our Foundation

pledge. Any contributions toward this should be made out to the church

and designated ‘Campaign’, or ‘Foundation’, or ‘SOF’ on the memo line.

If you requested or would like weekly contribution envelopes for 2013, they

will be available any Sunday in December or you may contact Alan or the

church office.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!!!!

Fritz and Alan

We would like to make “Christmas dinner in a bag” to give to

those who attend Community Lunch Program. Last year they were a BIG HIT!!! We will do all canned foods so there won’t be a problem with spoilage. You can choose to donate a whole meal or a portion of a meal or money towards buying supplies for the meal.

We need all donations by Sunday,

Dec. 16. Meals include: A small canned ham (must not need to be refrigerated) Canned sweet potatoes or white potatoes Canned green beans Canned cream corn Large can of fruit If you can find cans with pull top lids it would be easier for them to open. Wegman’s and Tops will supply the bags.

JANUARY 2012 - ANNUAL REPORT

Summaries for the Annual Report are due in the church office NO

LATER THAN FRIDAY, JANUARY 11.

PLEASE, help make Edna May’s job a little easier by getting your

report in on time!!!!!!

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Our Annual Christmas Pageant will be Dec. 16, during

the 10:30 Worship Service.

REHEARSAL - SATURDAY, DEC. 15

SPEAKERS - 9:00

3YRS- 7TH GRADE & ORFF- 10:00

DEC. 16 - Everyone meet in the Sanctuary at

9:00 SHARP!!!

PLUM PUDDING

Watch the bulletins in Dec. to sign up to donate a cake or cookies

for our Plum Pudding feast on Dec. 16 following 10:30 worship.

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL – DEC. 30

JANUARY 14, 2013, 7:00

CAMPBELL’S SOUP UPC CODES

Please save your UPC CODES

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

to benefit Geneva Head Start

THE CAP PROGRAM HAS ENDED!!!

When: Sunday, December 9th Where: Church Time: Meet at church at 1:45. We will leave at 2:00 and go caroling until about 4:00.

Feel free to invite friends and parents! Please RSVP by Wednesday December 5th to pjfoote25@gmail.com

When: Sunday, December 9th

Where: Berg’s House Time: 4:00-til we finish We will be making crafts following caroling. We will order pizza for you to enjoy while making crafts! Please RSVP by Wednesday December 5th to pjfoote25@gmail.com

Sunday Adult Forum in the South Parlor

9:15 – 10:15

Dec. 2. “Transitions” Jim Gerling will discuss personal transitions Dec. 9 “Transitions” Jim Gerling will discuss institutional transitions

Dec 16 Rejoice! Reflections on the Hymn ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing!’”

Dec. 23 Advent Meditation through depictions of art and music

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

DECEMBER, 21 - NOON

TAKE NOTE

CANTATA SUNDAY

Born to us a Prince of Peace, born to us a

Child this day; born into a world of darkness,

Light of lights to guide our way.

Benjamin Harlan’s Christmas Cantata, “A Child This Day,” will

be offered by the Adult Choir on December 9th

at the 10:30 am

worship service. “A Child This Day,” holds a 2006 copyright. This

Cantata includes familiar and original music using scriptural texts.

Spirited exuberance is balanced with quiet contemplation in this

21st century composition. Narration ties the musical sections

together very effectively.

We offer this Cantata to the glory of God alone.

Soli Deo Gloria!

And His name shall be, and His name shall ever be “Wonderful

Counselor, Mighty God,” the “Everlasting Father, the “Prince of

Peace!”

Faithfully, Chris Wertman

MANY, MANY thanks to all who donated so many

wonderful baked goods for the Election Day Bake

Sale and also to those who worked at the sale. Happy to say it was

VERY SUCCESSFUL as we made about $500. Your efforts were

very worthwhile and much appreciated!!!

FRIENDSHIP STUDY GROUP-Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1:30 pm

Join us in the Conference Room for refreshments at 1:30.

Read Chapter 4/5 of Bible Study - led by Suzanne Otterbacher.

NEEDLES GROUP– Thursdays, Dec. 6 & 20, 1-3:00 pm

South parlor

Memories

As this year closes, my mind is flooded by the memories this church has

given us all. “Do you remember? Do you remember the times of your

life?” from Paul Anka’s song, set to a memorable TV Kodak commercial,

brings tears when reminiscing about family and good times. So many

here give so much. Hundreds of our members make this a very special

place. We are so proud of those who have gone before and someday

others will be proud of us who have gone before. The memorial garden

will display names, but not tell the whole story. Its beauty will surround

those names and just maybe create memories and pride.

Another way to help SERRV

Holiday Giving Time

As you are making your list, and checking it twice, please

remember the SERRV Shop. Besides our shop we are having

our special Holiday Sale in the Fellowship Hall on

Sunday, December 2, 2012.

This special sale will feature Christmas items and our unique

jewelry. Throughout December the SERRV Shop will be open on

weekends for items on your list as well as stocking stuffers,

ornaments, nativities and gifts of faith. Our store has a good

selection of crosses...necklaces, pins and decorative art. If you have

a clergy member on your list, we have a large selection of stoles.

We are always adding new items that you may not have seen, so

stop in and take a look.

The best part of your gift from the SERRV Shop is that you are

giving twice. SERRV pays up front the thousands of artisans and

farmers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and other developing

regions of the world. In most cases, half of your purchase price has

already gone to the artist or farmer. Through our work with more

than 70 community based organizations in 36 countries, we create

economic opportunity so these people can support their families.

All of us at the SERRV Shop wish you and your family the peace and

joy of this Christmas Season.

Stewardship Update

The 2013 Stewardship Campaign is going strong. The

Commitment Sunday Brunch on November 4th and Breakfast on

November 11 were a great success. Many of you have responded

with 2013 pledges and per capita. We are on our way to meeting

our goals, but still need everyone’s participation to continue

ministering to our congregation as well as providing a long term

presence of our church’s mission to Geneva and beyond.

We know that some of you are still considering your commitment

to the church’s programs. As we need to finalize the 2013 budget

in December, we ask that you respond with your pledge and

time/talent sheet as soon as possible. If by some odd chance you

have not received your Stewardship packet in the mail, please

contact the church office.

Many thanks for your past, present, and continued support.

Anna Blume, Don Damick, Donna Loeb, Judy Luce,

Tim Merwarth, and Larry Smart

(the Interpretation & Stewardship Committee)

Alan Schenck, Financial Admin.

Beginnings and Endings…..

As we near the beginning of another wonderful holiday season, we

are also faced with the knowledge that a huge change is coming for

our Church family.

Jim’s departure as our pastor at the end of December will be both

a sad and a joyous time. Sad for all of us who have – over the years

– come to rely on his ever-present leadership and his sensitive view

of life. His wisdom and wit have worked hand-in-hand to impart a

strong faith in all our hearts. And his stories! His personal stories

and insightful sermons have taught us all to show compassion and

patience when dealing with the challenges of everyday living. He

has also – by example as well as word - taught us to count our

blessings and help those less fortunate. He has, at various times,

laughed with us, cried with us, picked us up from despair, and

reveled in our happiness. Jim has never been reluctant to do

anything that was asked of him.

No matter the venture, he has always endeavored to share his

enthusiastic attitude with anyone he possibly could.

Jim has given so generously of himself - not only to this Church,

but to countless other organizations and causes in our extended

community. Retiring will finally afford him the opportunity to

spend more time with his family. It will allow him to enjoy the

leisurely interests he has always put aside in order to be there for

us. His days will be less structured and more spontaneous.

What an absolutely delightful time it will be for him!

To say that we will miss Jim is such an understatement! His

presence will be keenly missed. We have had many years with him

at the helm and we have all benefited greatly from our relationship

with him. He has blessed our lives in infinite ways that we will

carry with us always.

So, as Jim heads into retirement, please join the Deacons in wishing him

all the best that life can offer. May his days be filled with love, laughter,

family time, relaxation, and all the blessings that our Lord can bestow

upon him. And remember, Jim won’t be standing at the pulpit, but he

will still be nearby. The camaraderie and love that we feel for him will

never disappear.

THANK YOU JIM FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR US

AND FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE!!

And on behalf of the Deacons…..We wish everyone the joy and peace of

the Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas!

As Deacons, we look forward to assisting our

church family in whatever ways might be beneficial.

And as always, we wish you all of God’s blessings!

2 CENTS – A - MEAL

We will collect 2 cents offerings on DEC. 2

You can make a difference in the lives of hungry people!!!

LECTIONARY For the

Lord’s Day – DEC. 2 - Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:1-10; 1Thess 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

DEC. 9 - Mal 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Phil 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

DEC. 16 – Zeph 3:14-20; Isa 12:2-6; Phil 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

DEC. 23 – Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Ps 80:1-7; Heb 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)

DEC. 30 - 1Sam 2:18-20, 26; Ps 148; Col 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

RECORDED SERVICES

Sunday services are recorded and available on CD to borrow from

the church office.

JIM – wjg@rochester.rr.com

SUZANNE – agosgo2@hotmail.com

EDNA MAY – eml22@rochester.rr.com

Website: http://www.presbyterianchurchingenevanewyork.org

Dear Church Family,

I just hear the word “holidays” and I gain 5 lbs this time of

year. There just seems to be all sorts of really good (fattening and

artery clogging) food everywhere. All the parties you attend have

more of it, and it would be extremely rude not to eat all this

wonderful stuff prepared for you!! So what are we to do?

The nutritionists say using portion control and eating slowly is

the key to being able to satisfy a craving and not go overboard.

But, what if you do go overboard and those new skinny jeans

don’t make you look so skinny anymore, what do you do? I’d like

to focus in on exercise. Regular moderate exercise has many

benefits. It can help you sleep better at night, improve brain

function, strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your lung

capacity and help you fit back into those skinny jeans (or in my

case, maintain a healthy weight).

So, if you’ve been a couch potato during the holidays, sampling

all the goodies and now those skinny jeans won’t zip up, do you run

out and join the Mussel Man Triathlon? Nope. (I’ll probably have

to use our AED on you if you do that.) When beginning an exercise

program, you have to start slowly, then gradually work your way

up to a higher intensity. Too much too fast will hurt you rather

than help you. Walking is a great exercise to start with; you can

gradually add speed, distance, length of time and difficulty (hills,

walking with weights, etc.) Swimming likewise is an excellent form

of exercise that works most muscles of the body. It can be low or

high intensity.

There are 3 basic types of exercise; aerobic, resistance and

stretching. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the heart. A

brisk walk, running and swimming are examples of aerobic

exercise. Resistance exercise strengthens muscles and bones.

Lifting or pulling weights or your own weight (push ups, chin ups)

are examples. Stretching increases flexibility. Many yoga moves

include stretching. Try to incorporate all three types of exercise

into your daily routine. 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week is a

good goal to aim for.

There is a formula to figure out the range your heart rate

should stay in during exercise to get the most benefit and keep

within safe parameters. It is generally referred to as your target

heart rate. I found the formula in my Nursing 2012 magazine in an

article on exercise by Patricia Depree, PhD. She states, “Your

target heart rate should be between 50% and 70% of your

maximum heart rate. To figure out your maximum heart rate

subtract your age from 220.” So, I’m 51. 220-51=169 (my

maximum heart rate) 169x.5=84.5 (the lower end of my target

heart rate) 169x.7=118.3 (the higher end of my target heart rate).

To be safe and get the most out of my exercising, my heart rate

should be between 84 and 118 beats per minute. If you have any

questions, give me a call. My cell phone number is 315-759-9039.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy your family and

friends. Don’t stress out over the silly stuff. Remember those who

are lonely or needy. Give thanks to God for his wonderful gift of

love in the form a baby born to save us all.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good

news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town

of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

LUKE 2:10-11

God Bless You All, Beth

Worrying about tomorrow’s problems doesn’t

take them away …

It takes away today’s peace!!!!

THANK YOU ! ! !

We would like to give our heartfelt thanks for the many acts of

kindness shown to us during the recent illness and death of our son /

brother, William (Bill) Camp. The calls and visits, cards and

condolences, and thoughts and prayers were all greatly appreciated

and helped to make a difficult time easier. It is truly a blessing to be a

part of such a caring congregation.

Thank you, one and all.

Sincerely, Iona Camp and Elaine & Jay Hanagan

Our most sincere thanks to the staff and members of the

Presbyterian Church of Geneva for the recent grant received by

Geneva Head Start. This generous gift will be shared by the staff

involved in offering extra support to our children and families with

their transitioning to kindergarten.

On behalf of hospital patients in your community, thank you for

your commitment to the American Red Cross blood program. The

need is constant, the gratification instant - so please GIVE BLOOD!

IN RESPONSE TO OUR COLLEGE GIFT BOXES:

Thank you so much for the wonderful care package. It’s always

exciting to find a package addressed to me at my company mailbox. I

so appreciate all the homemade goodies you sent. They add a lovely

touch of home to my day. It’s comforting to know I have you for

support back home. I often reflect on my years in Sunday School and

church with fondness and warmth. I look forward to seeing you soon

and will be certain to visit when I come home. Thanks again!!

Trevor Burrall

Thank you so much for the care package you generously sent to

me. An act of kindness such as that makes me feel at home here.

Missing my hometown Presbyterian Church, it lets me know that

there are indeed other Presbyterians around. I would definitely like

to attend worship service at your church soon.

Thomas Ramage, Hobart ‘16

Thank you so much for the thoughtful care package! It was so

nice to have some homemade food to eat. I very much appreciated it

and I will hopefully see you all soon at a service. Thank you again.

Meg Anderson, HWS

Thank you so much for the care package!! It was very kind of you

and I appreciate it very much. It’s good to know that the Geneva

Presbyterian Church is as comforting and welcoming as the

Presbyterian Church in my hometown. Thanks again for your warm

gesture. Olivia Hanno, HWS

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Geneva Y Announces 2012 Recognition Winners

Geneva Y members selected the honorees based on their

contributions and commitment to the Y during the last year.

Co-Senior Member of the Year: Dorothy Newcomb, chosen by

peers because of volunteerism with the Silver Sneakers program.

Noted for “welcoming new attendees and is considered a role model

for others in the program”

Donations Now Accepted Online

The Presbyterian Church in Geneva has partnered with WePay, Inc. to

provide us with the ability to accept electronic payments for your

donation. Initially we will be accepting donations for pledges, memorial

flowers, memorial contributions and per capita. For each donation you

make you will be asked to provide additional information related to the

donation.

The church is charged a fee for each transaction processed. When

making a donation on the webpage, you will be given the opportunity to

add the fee to the cost of your donation. You may enter your financial

information for each transaction or you may create a WePay Account.

WePay uses state of the art encryption to insure the security of your

account information and is FDIC insured.

In the second column of the web page there is a small paragraph labeled

with the heading, “Donations“. To visit the donations page at any time

follow the directions contained in that paragraph.

The Presbyterian Women committee

needs YOU!

We are in need of men and women of all ages. Everyone is good at something

so...... Check out where you can give us a hand and please sign up. We promise to

share the work load thus, if you are unable to help at one time you can be of help

at another. Memorial receptions are well planned, we have a good system and

great guidelines for everyone.

Call Donna Newcomb at 585-6659 if you have questions.

Baking

Phoning

Set up (approx. 1 hour)

Clean up (approx. 1 hour)

Shopping

Coordinator for a month - Which month?

Name: _____________________________

Phone number or email address ___________________________

Van Der Kamp

Feb. 8, 9, & 10, 2012 Vanderkamp is a retreat center tucked away in the woods near Syracuse. Our Church has

been spending a weekend there for over 25 years. At Vanderkamp there are 3 houses (each sleeps about 25

people) on a 45 acre lake, you can step out your front door and ski through 850 acres of trails or sled down Cherry

Hill. Or you could stay inside and tend the fire and read a good book or play the guitar. Or you could eat marvelous foSounds good but no ski equipment? There is plenty to

use there and it is included in the price! Don’t ski? There is still lots to do. Can’t afford it? There are confidential

scholarships available. If your Youth Group child is going, please sign them up with Paula. Don’t let your child talk you out of coming too – they have their own

house to stay in!

The cost is $65.00 for everyone 13 and older - $45.00 for 12 and under. 4 and under are free! Please take note of the date (a change this year) and sign up soon! Any questions? Please feel free to call Lauren Lamb at 789-6589 or the church office NAME__________________________PHONE__________________ EMAIL____________________________________________________ # Over age 13_____ #age 5-12____ # 4 & under (for head count only)______ Would you be head of your house? ________ Make checks out to: Presbyterian Church, Membership Activities

Village Links

The Village Links sub-committee would like your help in meeting

the needs of our Teen Moms and their children at this holiday time

of year. Mobility, warmth and dental health are the needs that

particularly need to be addressed.

The Moms and their children don't have cars or easy access to

rides. Village Links would like to buy bus passes for them to use to

go shopping, for appointments and for all of the other things that

they must do. A donation of one dollar will transport a Mother and

child under five years old by CATS bus once. Please place your

donation in an envelope, mark it "Village Links" and place it in the

offering plate or deliver it to the church office.

Blankets for babies, larger children and for the Moms too are very

important again this year. In the past some Moms have had to give

up their coats to keep their children warm on clod winter nights,

leaving themselves with little protection. You can help keep

mothers and children warm. Please mark donations for Village

Links and deliver them to the church office.

Dental health needs include toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash,

floss and anything else for oral health. As with the other items,

these can be delivered to the church office marked for Village

Links.

Gift cards from Walmart are always very useful. Walmart is one of

the few stores that our Moms can reach by bus easily and is "one

stop" shopping. Twenty five dollars is the amount that is easiest to

use because it is hard to divide larger amounts among the group

and organize shopping trips.

We are the "village" needed to help these mothers to raise their

children. Thank you for your help.

Give to the

Community Lunch Program

Feed a Friend this Holiday

Season and share a gift

from the Heart!

Please help support our efforts to reduce hunger

in our area by giving to the Community Lunch Program

where we offer a free, hot, nutritious meal to anyone

who is hungry for both food and companionship.

THE GENEVA COMMUNITY LUNCH PROGRAM IS:

sponsored by the Geneva Area Interfaith Council,

administered by Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes,

housed at the First United Methodist Church,

and staffed by volunteers. All are welcome.

Lunch is served weekdays at 11:45am.