Jeff Stempien gives the kids a lesson in reflection! A mirror redirects the light. Jesus is our light, that we need to reflect. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 8/7/2025 Where has July gone? Soon we will be talking about going back to school. We have enjoyed these summer days. Jeff Stempien gave the kids a lesson in reflection. He brought a lot of flashlights and a mirror and had the kids shine their light. He showed how a mirror can be used to redirect the light. God sent John as a witness. Jesus was born of the light. We need to reflect Jesus‘s light in the word of Christ, by taking our light and going out to others. Jeff told his kids to live by an example and do something nice for others. Our message today was by Grady Bray. He reflected a story when he and his wife Marjorie lived in warm Springs. He was working with young children who had been diagnosed with mental retardation, a term used at that time. He instead found that 30% of the kids were deaf or hard of hearing, and had normal intellect. Grady felt he was the one that was deficient in dealing with the kids, and learned sign language so he could better communicate with them. He explained that sign language involves thinking, saying words, and putting your body into action. He taught all of us how to sign the word Alleluia! This involves clapping your hands twice showing honor and praise, next making two r’s with your fingers and then two circles, and finally opening your hands upwards, your gift to God. He spoke of the Methodist quadrilateral, the movement of spirit, which includes scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This was John Wesley‘s approach to theology. Thank you Grady for a wonderful message. He showed us how God in Christ is always with us. People see God through Christ. Our worship service and summer church picnic is coming up soon. It will be 10:30 August 10 at the Climbing Bines, with two of our sister churches. Bring your table service and a dish to pass. It will be a great time. Our Canal boat ride has been rescheduled. Check with Ronald Miller to make sure that you can still make that day. Our ice cream social will be Saturday, August 9 at 2-4 pm at church. Many of us went to see the PYTCO Youth Theatre performance of Seussical, this past week The kids did a great job, with so many singing and dancing numbers. Our Meridyn Whitford was a joy to watch as she performed with the group. See at church at 9 AM Sunday! There will be no service in our sanctuary on August 10 because of the church picnic and service at the outside site.

Grandma Laurie Prinzivalli and Roz Prinzivalli both wore their cute sunflower dresses to church today. Roz was visiting with her parents Melissa and Bryan this weekend! Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 07-31-2025 Pastor Jeannine started the service with the children’s story showing them a fast food bag. She pulled out a fries container from a happy meal and then a larger fries container, and a napkin. She explained that they forgot the burger! She told kids that it’s all right if something is missing. She told them how Jesus visited Mary and Martha. Sister Mary was not helping in the kitchen instead she was listening to Jesus. Jesus told her it was OK. It was fine if she was missing from the kitchen helping her sister and glad Mary was sitting at his feet, listening and spending time with God. This was a lesson from scripture of Luke 10: 38-42. What Mary did was most important because time with Jesus was precious and limited! Pastor Jeannine told another story about how she had a calling to be a pastor in 2012. She was told by someone in authority that she could be a secretary, nurse or a teacher, but not a pastor, because she was a woman. It’s amazing that so close to these current times that her nudge to be a pastor could have been denied her. We need to be with people who encourage us and lift us up, instead of discouraging us. Fortunately, her husband, Phil was with her all the way so that she could meet her dream. We are so fortunate that we have a God of love, grace and forgiveness. God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Our 200th anniversary Erie Canal cruise was sidelined due to weather. It has been rescheduled to August 20th. If you have signed up and have a conflict, please discuss with Ron Miller. The Hope Walk is August 20. There are white paper bags to decorate in our church gathering area. We ask if you decorate a bag that you contribute five dollars. The bags are filled with sand and a candle is lit at the end of the ceremony and tribute for cancer survivors, and those that have lost their battle with cancer. It is a very touching ceremony. Please come join us at 9 AM on Sundays. We have a loving congregation and pastor!