The 9 a.m. “Sunday Break” Contemporary Service and the 11 a.m. Traditional Service both were adorned with pots of fresh flowers. The lovely Easter flowers decorating our worship centers are given in the memory of and in honor of our loved ones. Included on the altar were several blooming amaryllis tenderly cared for all winter by Jan Lounsberry. As you pass by the church, you will find them in the windows on the Chapel Street side of the church. Jan has been growing these lovely plants for 25 to 30 years after Grace Parsons brought one in for the sanctuary and gave her three bulbs that blossom every year. She has about 40 pots and there are 17 different colors. Jan has been gracing our altar with beauty for 15 years since her retirement from teaching in Naples.
At both Sunday Services we heard the Scripture from John 20: 1-18. Pastor Kristen spoke of how personal that scripture shows that Jesus is. As he addressed Mary Magdalene, he called her by name – she who had been healed from so much. He appeared to her and spoke the word “Mary” and told her to go tell his disciples of his living presence. As the scripture tells us, Jesus gets personal. We are all known to God through Jesus. We are all loved and cared for and given direction as individuals and as a church. We are to then go and tell those around us of the reality of God’s living presence within us and among us all. As we enter the Easter season, let us enter with joy, with praise, and with grateful hearts. Come join us for worship. We meet every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (both online and in person) and we welcome you. You can find us online at www.PennYanUMC.com or on our Facebook page.
Christ is risen; he is risen indeed! Being an Easter people means being in awe of God’s love for humankind and, as the Body of Christ, sharing that love with others. To that end parishioners are being called upon to make this world a better place by participating in events that benefit our residents.
Will your family need high quality childcare this summer? Organizations across the Finger Lakes region want to know. If you’re a parent or guardian with kids 0-12, give your thoughts at www.healthikids.org/events/childcarefocusgroups.
In addition to this being a year dedicated to St. Joseph, it is also a Year of the Family. Links are on our website to learn more about both. St. Joseph was a protector. Will we be protectors, knowing that April is Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness month? (Contact Safe Harbors to learn more.) Or consider becoming a Creating A Safe Environment (CASE) trained volunteer. We love our volunteers!
With Earth Day coming April 22, will we stand to protect the air and water quality of Seneca Lake by learning what actions we can take at Seneca Lake Guardian? Will we join the nonpartisan Citizens” Climate Lobby to get the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act passed? Will we participate in the Catholic Climate Covenant’s “Restore Our Common Home?” The interactive program includes prayers, readings, a short video, discussion questions, and suggested “restoration” activities.
Our next Sunday = Funday will be April 25, 1-4 p.m. at the boat launch off Keuka Street. Come for tailgating, clean up trail walk. It will be a great day for finding God in others and nature!
Magnificat, a Catholic ministry to women, will have its quarterly meeting via Zoom on April 17, 10-11:30 a.m. Preregistration is necessary at shorturl.at/elqzT. This quarter’s speaker is an abortion survivor, rescued orphan and now mother, nurse and pro-life advocate. Her story will inspire!
Dresden Methodist
We had a beautiful Sunrise Easter Service April 4 on the late beloved Betty Smalley’s porch.
Our regular service began with a prelude by organist, Sheryl Parkhurst. Toby Bond led us in a Call to Worship: “On this Easter Sunday, allow your souls to be replenished. Take in the joy. Take in peace. Take in the togetherness. Take what you need. And wonder. Wonder and imagine, and reflect, and question, and listen. Listen deeply to the words and the songs. Listen deeply to the Holy Spirit. And hear the words that God has for you. We emerge from the long days of Lent; our journey through the wilderness. And we acknowledge that there is a darkness that seems to loom in this world. And we remember that nestled within the great mystery of the resurrection is a great light. Search for that light, that hope on this day. So, we come into this space, this sacred space, and we bring ourselves; our whole selves. We encourage you to give God a hand clap of praise, to sing, to jump around, to dance, to celebrate. And, as we celebrate the Risen Savior, we invite you to bring your full selves into worship because Christ is risen!”
The Scripture, John 20:1-18, was read by Toby. Beautiful music selections were played on the organ by Sheryl which included: Come, Ye Faithful Raise the Strain; Thine Is the Glory; O Sons and Daughters, Sing Your Praise; The Strife Is O’er; Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!; Women, Weeping In the Garden; I Know that My Redeemer Liveth; He Lives; In The Garden; That Easter Day with Joy was Bright; and Now the Green Blade Rises.
Pastor Marilyn Wood’s message: “Mary Magdalene was healed from the seven demons that she had. Because she was forgiven by Jesus, she knelt at Jesus feet and poured perfume on them. She was devoted to Jesus and followed Him. She went to the tomb with myrrh. She didn’t see Jesus in the tomb. She turned and saw Jesus, but didn’t recognize Him at first. When He said her name, she recognized Him. She said, ‘Rabboni’ (teacher). He is everyone’s teacher. He died because He cared for us. No matter what we do or how we have lived, there is forgiveness at the cross for each and every one of us.”
Benediction: “What better way to go out into the world than to say ‘Christ Arose. Amen!’”
Penn Yan Bible Church
The Penn Yan Bible Church will be hosting a conference on marriage entitled, “Lasting Love: Navigating the Seasons of Marriage” on April 23 and 24. The seminar will begin with a “Date Nite” Dinner on Friday evening at 6:30 and continue with three sessions on Saturday. The Saturday sessions begin with a light breakfast at 10 a.m. and continue till 5 p.m. A lunch will be provided.
The seminar is designed for all married couples and those couples considering marriage. Pastor Leo Galletta stated that, “the primary purpose for the conference is to help couples in all stages of their marriage, from the newlywed to the empty nesters and those retired. Each stage has its unique challenges. It will be an enjoyable time of relationship ‘refreshment’ with helpful insight and instruction for dealing with the common issues couples face.”
The sessions will be led by Pastor John Baker of the Gwinnett Community Church of Lawrenceville, Georgia whose ministry experience extends over 40 years. He will be assisted by his wife Tracy. The Bakers have been married 44 years. Financial Advisor Susan Priem will lead a session on finances.
The seminar is open to the public. A $20 donation for each couple is requested but not required. Seating is limited. Advance registration is required and can be done by phone 315-536-4523, by e-mail pybc@pybc.us or on the church web site at: www.pybc.us. Some nursery service will be available.
