INSIDE:
Letter from Leslie
Here's What's New
Church Educator's Corner
Corning Heifer Project
Upcoming Events

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Dear Friends,

My soul is nourished and refreshed. This past weekend, I attended a conference with fellow Resource Center folk from around the country. We experienced worship with Maren Tirabassi, a UCC Pastor/poet from New England, listened to stories told by Master Storyteller Walt Wangerin, studied the Bible with Don Griggs, danced with Glenn Bannerman and learned about multiple intelligences with Barbara Bruce, a Methodist from the Rochester area. Our theme was God's Quilt, and the leaders threaded everything together into an amazing crazy quilt of learning, which warmed our hearts, made us weep and laugh.

Because of our small numbers, we gather ecumenically and still fit in a small conference area. However, those small numbers also mean that we develop deep friendships and professional relationships. When one of you asks a question I can't immediately answer, it is to this group that I turn, and more often than not, they are able to give me creative help.

One area we discussed was our sense of Call. For me, that's a vivid and vital issue. When this Presbytery hired me, it was with the understanding that I am called to serve the 10,000 Presbyterians (and Methodists and Baptists) in our beautiful region. It's something I take very seriously, and on bad days it gives me a reason to smile and keep going. After all, I am God's servant as well as yours.

How can I be your servant? Is there something your church needs that I can provide, either with resources or with a program? What can I do to help you or your congregation become more a part of God's quilt? Let me know.

Go in peace, Leslie

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PR1.1-71 Selected to Serve: A Guide for Church Officers, by Earl S. Johnson, Jr. Once a church officer has been called, elected and ordained, what then? This excellent book, written by Rev. Earl Johnson, who grew up in the Williamson church and was ordained by the Presbytery of Geneva, serves as an explanation of what officers are called to do. The first part explores every aspect of what it means to be an Elder, Deacon, Pastor or Trustee; questions that officers often ask, including the auxiliary positions in the church; explanations of the Book of Order, the Directory for Worship, the Book of Confessions, ordination vows, ethical standards, discipline and much more. Thorough and straightforward without preaching or avoiding hard questions, this book would be a recommended addition to every church officer's library, to be perused over and over again. Geneva Press, 2000.

PR1.2-19 The Big Book of Presbyterian Stewardship, by Elaine W. Barnett, Laura S. Gordon, and Margaret A. Hendrix. If your church needs help with stewardship, this is a resource you should look at. How do people of different generations give? How can a church set up endowment funds? How does our church deal with special offerings? All these topics and many more are covered in this highly organized book, which includes an extensive "Toolbox" of worksheets and thought-provokers. Geneva Press, 2001.

PR3.1A113 Gifts of Many Cultures: Worship Resources for the Global Community, by Maren Tirabassi and Kathy Wonsen Eddy. In the church, we live seasonally, from the meditative anticipation of Advent, to the penitence of Lent, the amazement of Easter, to the joy of Pentecost and beyond. Christians around the world have contributed poetry, pieces of art and other liturgical resources, which have been mingled with Celtic runes, ancient prayers, French blessings and Native American prayers. In spite of their international flavor, these worship resources would meld into any church's services. Permission to copy and use the liturgical resources is included, with instructions for giving appropriate credit to the author. United Church Press, 1995.

PR4.3-1C33 December, by Eve Bunting, illustrated by David Diaz. A homeless boy and his mother find unexpected comfort and blessings >from "December," a calendar angel whose picture graces their cardboard home. Simon and his mother give hospitality to a stranger on Christmas Eve, and their luck gradually changes for the better. The gritty, urban illustrations complement this tale of redemption. Harcourt Brace, 1997.

CD10.1A1 Be Still My Soul, by Earl Hefley and Howard Hanger. The worship and music leaders of the Jubilee congregation in Asheville, NC, have compiled arrangements of songs of assurance, including "Peace Like a River," "Ubi Caritas," "Balm in Gilead," the title hymn and eight others. Mostly instrumental with some children's voices, this CD will soothe your soul. 1998.

PR4.3-3A59 Teachings of the Master: The Collected Sayings of Jesus Christ, compiled by Philip Law. With the aid of extensive brain research, we're beginning to understand that utilizing different forms of learning leads to better comprehension. This volume contains the words of Jesus (from four different Bible translations) with works of art from many traditions-- European, Indian, Asian, African-- to illustrate the concept. A nugget to savor, this book encourages the reader to drink in the Word. WJKP, 1999.

PR3.1-101(a-c) Forbid Them Not: Involving Children in Sunday Worship, by Carolyn C. Brown. Many churches would like to have children more involved in their worship life, but aren't sure how to go about it. This book of helps, based on the Revised Common Lectionary, Years A, B and C, includes children's commentary, weekly worship worksheets, vocabulary helps, hymn suggestions, sermon starters, and a scripture index; in other words, everything a pastor and worship committee need to create an inclusive worship for even the smallest member. Abingdon Press 1992, 1993, and 1994.

PR4.1A76 Where to Find It in the Bible: The Ultimate A to Z Resource Like a concordance, this book helps the reader find references in several versions of the Bible. Different, though, is its primary focus on contemporary topics, such as computers, networking, credit and stress, which makes it easier to find relevant passages. References use common phrases and are >from NKJV, KJV, NRSV, NIV, CEV and other Bible translations. Liberally dosed with whimsical illustrations. Nelson Press, 1996.

PR4.2A36 Prayers for the Road: Psalm Meditations for College Students Leaving home for the first time is a big step! College students and others going away will find deep wisdom in the thirty essays on the Psalms found in this small book. Thomas Currie III composed these devotions after a young woman in his congregation asked if he could offer advice on remaining a part of the Body of Christ as she went off to college, something she had felt during her years in her congregation. This book would be an excellent parting gift for Graduation Sunday, to show departing youth how important a part they play in our churches. Geneva Press, 2000.

PM3.1A40 Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship Many of us have seen Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymns in Presbyterian Outlook and on Presbynet. Since she began writing hymns in 1998, she has written over 45 hymns, separated into these categories: The Bible: Singing the Story; The Church: God's Loving Community; Seasons, Sacraments, and Celebrations; and The Church in the World. Every hymn is paired to a well-known tune and cross-referenced to five widely used hymnals, including the Presbyterian Hymnal. In the back of the book are anecdotes relating how each hymn came to be, along with an Index of Biblical References, an Index of Tunes, a Metrical Index, a Topical Index, and an Index of First Lines and Titles. Copyright information is included. Geneva Press, 2000.

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Corning Heifer Project

Kudos to the Corning Presbyterian Church for responding to need! Sparked by a youth mission trip to the Heifer Project International Farm in Massachusetts in August, the whole congregation is responding to a challenge to "Fill the Ark." Heifer Project's Gift Ark program allows Christians to give animals where they are needed: beehives to families in Mexico, llamas to Bolivian farmers, water buffalo to help rice production in the Philippines, or even sheep to weavers from the US. According to Pastor Robert Boell, members are flocking to the challenge and gifts are flying in. Anyone who wants one has a small ark bank (available FREE from HPI) and is collecting spare change and dollars. Stimulus for the project has been added by two brothers in the congregation who, as a memorial to their parents, will match $2 for every $1. Way to go, Corningites!

Church Educator's Corner

To receive a cup of living water / Is not only to cleanse ourselves / But also to cleanse all the waters. / River and well, lake and ocean, / And to share them with all. / This is Christmas.

"Living Water," reprinted from Messages from Time to Time: A Book Celebrating the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Masao and Fumiko Takenaka. From Gifts of Many Cultures

Dear Educator,

Why do we worship the way we do? This edition looks at how we structure our time in communion before God. Call to find out more about any of these resources:

Everflowing Streams - songs for worship, chosen for their use of inclusive language, their usefulness as worship and teaching aids, and their singability. PR3.1-34

Bread for the Journey - Liturgical resources based on the church year as well as responsive psalms and materials for the rites and sacraments. PR3.1-3

Peacemaking Through Worship - Calls to worship; prayers; affirmations of faith; benedictions; hymns and other music; sermons; readings and quotations; activities; and additional resources. PR3.1-43

Multiply the Gift - by Ann Weems. Services of worship and suggestions for planning a stewardship dinner program; scriptural musings; and litanies and poems of stewardship. PR3.1-44

Voices: Native American Hymns and Worship Resources A wide variety of Native American Christians share their songs, prayers and stories of faith and worship. PR3.1-79

Book of Common Worship. Elements of the 7 Supplemental Liturgical Resources for those planning and leading worship. PR3.1-85

Book of Occasional Services, A collection of worship services supplementing to the Book of Common Worship. PR3.1-109

What Happens Sunday Morning: A Layperson's Guide to Worship. Helps lay people evaluate what they do on Sunday morning and suggests steps for making worship better. PR3.1-86

Banquet of Praise: A Book of Worship Resources, Hymns, and Songs in the Spirit of Justice, Peace and Food for All. Worship resources to use in denominational and ecumenical settings to assure that hungry people are fed. PR3.1-87

Alternatives for Worship and The Alternative Worship Primer. Themes for worship ranging from quite safe to quite controversial. Ideas for using music, video, drama and other non-traditional forms of worship are provided. PR3.1-104

Don't miss out on what's happening in the Presbytery! Please contact the Presbytery Office for more information on all events.

1/21 Beach Party!

Youth in grades 5-12 can swim, play basketball, enjoy fellowship and munch on pizza and ice cream. Keuka College.

1/30-2/3 APCE

The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators will gather in Birmingham, AL, for one of the premier learning opportunities for Christian Education. Isn't it time your church sent an educator?

2/3-11 Mission Trip to Presbiterio del Caribe, Mexico

Travel to the Yucatan Peninsula for mission, worship and work with our sister and brother Presbiterianos.

3/3 Leadership Day with Laurie Henley

The excellent training you've come to expect for church officers.

Penn Yan Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches.

4/27-29 Sr. High Youth Event

Fellowship, worship and maybe a little cosmetic work on our beautiful camp facilities.

Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

5/4-5 Whitman by the Waters

For students in grades 5 and 6. Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

6/1-2 Grandparent/Grandchild Event

Kite flying and Bible study for kids grade K-5 and their grandparents-- biological or surrogate.

Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

6/3 RESOURCE CENTER OPEN HOUSE

Held in partnership with the Camp Whitman Chicken Bar-b-que. Stop by and say hello!

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Using This Newsletter

Hey! Wha's New at the Resource Center?? is funded by mission dollars from the Presbytery of Geneva. It is published during Presbytery months: January, March, May, September and November; and is distributed to Pastors and Elder Commissioners in the Presbytery packet, and mailed to all Church Education contact persons, as supplied by the 61 churches of the Presbytery of Geneva. We urge you to photocopy and distribute articles and information to members of your congregations as needed.

Any member of the Presbytery is free to copy or use any information in this newsletter in church publications without prior permission. We do ask that you let us know what you've used and how. If you know of someone who should be receiving this publication, or if you have an idea for an article, please contact Leslie Latham at the Resource Center. This newsletter will only get better with your help!

Grace and peace to you all.

Supported by mission funds given by the 61 churches in the Presbytery of Geneva