THE RADIANT - Geneva Presbyterian Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
APRIL/MAY 2023
ISSUE 40
The little church with a BIG heart
THE RADIANT
Geneva Presbyterian Church
11931 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, MD
20854
(301) 424-4346 Office
www.genevapotomac.org
Rev. Patrick McElwaine, Pastor
Dear friends,
or to sit at table for a meal, God is present and at
work transforming lives.
In this season of celebrating Easter and the new
life we have in Christ, this feels like a great time
Speaking of which, this Easter season will
to extend an invitation to those of us who live in
include excellent worship services, an Easter
the geographic region of the church: if we
Egg hunt before service on Easter Sunday, and
haven’t seen you in person recently, now would
many opportunities to gather: crafts for kids and
be a great time to reconnect and join your
adults, social hours, a “3rd Sunday birthday
Geneva family in person! It’s been a big few
celebration” for our April birthdays, and much
years, which included changes to our usual
more. Again, these are opportunities for us to
patterns and rhythms of life. There would be no
gather in enjoyment of each other and our God –
better time for you to accept this invitation and
and they are also opportunities for us to
commit to joining us in person for worship,
strengthen and deepen relationships which may
fellowship, and life together.
have been impacted by the pandemic. I hope
we’ll see you there.
I know “in person” isn’t a possibility for
everyone. We acknowledge that reality and
Finally, a heads up: we’re already in the planning
celebrate our blended worshiping community.
process for a series of exciting and engaging
However, if in person is an option for you, I
programs this summer, with offerings for all ages.
hope you’ll feel confident and inspired to make
You’ll have to pay attention to your church
that move soon – we’d love to see you, your
communication channels to learn more soon!
family, and the friends you invite to join you!
As I said during the recent evening when
Geneva hosted our Churches of Seven Locks
With joy in Christ,
Ecumenical Lent Series dinner, “fellowship” is
more than eating food and having a good time.
It is those things; but when we look to Jesus,
how he lived his life, how he ministered to his
disciples, how he made space for their gifts and
called them to service – this is the true heart
Pastor Patrick
and meaning of fellowship, of togetherness, and
of gathering as the Body of Christ. Every time
the Church gathers for worship, study, service The Radiant | page 01
Welcome to Cali Bronkema - Director of Next Generation Ministries
Here are a few books I’ve read recently that you
may appreciate reading, too:
“Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to
Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament”
by David Murray
Sometimes folks can have difficulty connecting
with the Old Testament the same way they do
with the New Testament; if this is you, don’t
worry, you’re not the first or last to feel this way.
But, what if I told you that we could find Jesus
“on every page” of the Bible, both New and Old
Testament? Toward the end of the Road to
Emmaus story, Jesus tells us as much. In Luke
24:7, Jesus turns to the two disciples and “Then
beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he
interpreted to them the things about himself in
all the scriptures.” Jesus tells them that the Law,
the Prophets, indeed the entire Old Testament
points to Him!, Jesus tells us as much. In Luke
24:7, Jesus turns to the two disciples and “Then
beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he
interpreted to them the things about himself in
all the scriptures.” Jesus tells them that the Law,
the Prophets, indeed the entire Old Testament
points to Him!
This book can help make connections and open
your eyes of faith to see Jesus on every page of
scripture like never before.
“The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan
Prayers & Devotions” Edited by Arthur Bennett
I have recommended this book of prayers in a
previous issue of The Radiant. I commend it to
you again because, as I continue incorporating
these prayers into worship and study life with
Geneva, people keep asking what it is and
where they can get it! So I’ll share The Valley of
Vision one last time (probably, LOL), with
prayers that it will enrich your personal spiritual
practices with meaty, substantive, and
theologically rich devotional resources.
The Radiant | page 02
Welcome to Cali Bronkema - Director of Next Generation Ministries
We had some lovely faith formation and Winter Retreat
community building experiences this winter! First
we had the winter retreat, where 30
Presbyterian youth from the DMV gathered at
Massanetta Springs to learn how they could
make a positive “Ripple Effect” in the world.
Then Food for the Soul returned in time for
Lent, kicking off with a Chipotle catered dinner
on Ash Wednesday and ending with a potluck
on Maundy Thursday. We brought back a
monthly social hour we call “First Sunday Food
and Friends”, brought to you by the new Next
Gen Team consisting of: Julie Moloznik, Kyla
Lupo, Allyson McElwaine, Carl Perthel, and
Mark Allen. And through it all, we’ve
been having a blast at Sunday School!
As I’m writing this, we have Holy Week and
Easter to look forward to. That means a
devotional for both families with young kids and
adults, Palm Sunday crafts, Maundy Thursday
Potluck, and an Easter Egg Hunt! Following all
of that, on Sunday, May 7th, we’ll be having an Food for the Soul and First Sunday Pictures
interactive worship service (similar to Christmas
Eve), focusing on Communion. We’ll also be
starting a new ministry called “Caregiver Coffee
Hour” for caregivers of children, both
neurodiverse and neurotypical, on the 4th
Sunday of the month at 9:45 a.m. And don’t
forget, our Child Protection Policy and Social
Media/Tech Policy are due back to me by Easter
Sunday!
Please enjoy the pictures, and if you want to
volunteer for or get involved with anything
I’ve mentioned, please email me.
Peace,
Cali Bronkema
Cali Bronkema
Director of Next Generation Ministries
The Radiant | page 03
Update from our Music Director
My Geneva family,
Over the coming months, there are some
wonderful music events that are happening at
Geneva!
For this year’s Holy Week, we will have
handbells playing on Palm Sunday, cello music
joining the choir for our Maundy Thursday
service, and brass accompaniment for Easter
with our choir! Be sure to also tune into our
Good Friday service online at noon, when we
will showcase our choir singing the incredibly
beautiful “My Love has Died for Me” from Will
Todd’s Passion Music and the gorgeous Joel
Raney arrangement of “O Sacred Head Now
Wounded” with accompanying cello! In May, our
handbell choir will be joined by members from
Springfield Presbyterian Church for a secular
music concert! Some of our musical selections
include; “Stairway to Heaven”, “Eleanor Rigby”,
“The Pink Panther”, and “The Rainbow
Connection”! Geneva will host the concert on
Saturday, May 20th, at 3:00 p.m. and we will
travel to Springfield Presbyterian Church in
Sykesville, MD, on Sunday, May 21st, for a
repeat of our concert, also held at 3:00 p.m.
I hope you’ll be in attendance over the next
couple of months to enjoy some wonderful
music and worship!
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver
The Radiant | page 04
Geneva Day School Update Geneva Day School has been quite busy during Our last day of preschool is Thursday, May 25th. We the last few weeks of school while celebrating hope you will join us as we wish everyone a many important traditions, such as Groundhog wonderful summer break! Our Kindergarten Day, Valentine’s Day, Dental Health Month, Dr. Graduation will be on Friday, May 26th, at 10:30 Seuss Week, and St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve also a.m. It will be a time to share memories, laughter, had visitors join our school for some special and togetherness before we send them off to the performances for our kids. Recently we had a next chapter in our students' lives. Afterwards, we puppet show performed by Yanniv Frank, a will be celebrating our last day of school with families puppeteer based out of New York, and felt board with our End-Of-Year Picnic on May 26th, from stories by Tammy Sussman. 11:30 to 2:00 p.m. We hope you can join the fun! In April, Geneva Day School will be closed for Our school has a very busy schedule ahead as we Spring Break from April 3 to April 10th. We can’t look forward to celebrating these fun events with our wait to see you at this year’s Live Auction Event families, our students, our staff, and our church brought to you by the Geneva Parents community. Association! Purchase your Live Auction tickets and join us at The Retreat on Saturday, April Wishing you all a blessed and a joyous spring! 15th, to show your support for Geneva Day School. Live Auction items will be available for preview and pre-event bidding online prior to the event. Ticket includes everything listed below: Daisy Lizama Event Details: Daisy Lizama Date/Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023, from Director 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., live auction starts at 7:00 p.m. Venue: The Retreat featuring: an open bar Casino Games: Roulette, Black, Jack, and Craps Seating: Food stations with open seating Attire: Come how you want! On May 4-5, Geneva Day School will be closed for Parent/Teacher Conferences. Teachers will have the opportunity to share all the growth and learning that their children have mastered thus far this school year and share some summer goals. We will also be hosting our Spring Scholastic Book Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please join us to support our school fundraiser efforts while you shop for some fun summer reading! Teacher Appreciation Week will take place from May 8th, through May 12th. The Geneva Parents Association is planning a fun week to show our wonderful teachers and staff how much they appreciate us with food, cards, flowers, and much more. The Radiant | page 05
Update from the Executive Committee
Greetings from your Executive Committee The patio at the manse is old and falling apart
and needs to be replaced. We have received
Different Geneva committees and members one quote on this project, and have a call in to a
have talked about replacing our sign on Seven second company to get an additional quote.
Locks Road for many years. On Sunday, March
5th, Ken Sprinkle made a presentation to the I am thankful to have such a great team to work
congregation about his research for the new with on the Executive Committee. "Thank you!"
sign, which is a project that he has been
working on for quite some time. This
information had previously been presented to
the Executive Committee and Session.
Elaine Winch
In its advisory capacity, the Executive
Committee reviewed the proposal for the new
sign, and approved two motions for Session
during the February meeting. Here are the
Elaine Winch
summaries of the motions:
Chair, Executive Committee
A motion to recommend the hiring of
Affordable Signs to install the sign
A motion to recommend to Session that a
Capital Campaign be launched by the
church, to help fund a portion of the cost of
the sign.
Many thanks to Ken Sprinkle for his
diligence and thoroughness in researching
this sign and the sign vendors.
Several people met in the sanctuary on March
6th, to look over the sanctuary and make a list
of items that need to be worked on. One of the
items on the list is the sanctuary walls, which
we have a quote to get painted. At the March
Session Meeting, the Session voted to approve
the painting of the Sanctuary walls based on
the quote we received on January 10th. The
lighting is the other main issue that needs to be
addressed. Elaine will follow up with Alberto
and Lilly to refine the quote they gave us and
discuss what makes the most sense for Geneva
to work on first.
The Radiant | page 06
Update from Worship and Music
What’s Happening in Worship & Music at Sunday, April 2nd – 10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday
Geneva? Service
Lenten Ecumenical Series Thursday, April 6th - 7:00 p.m. Worship – Maundy
Thursday Service
Geneva has continued our tradition, established
over many years, of taking part in and hosting a Friday, April 7th - Noon Worship – Good Friday
week of the Seven Locks Lenten Ecumenical VIRTUAL Church
Series. I must say we were treated to a
wonderfully uplifting message and robust Sunday, April 9th - 10:30 a.m. Worship – Easter
participation this time around. When it was our Sunday Service
turn, Pastor Patrick led the series focusing on
Fellowship and Christian Life Together. Musically, we have been enjoying Ben’s playing on
Fellowship was certainly on full display. Our the new sanctuary piano. In celebration of Holy
Deacons and volunteer support did such a Week, we plan to have the addition of Geneva’s
fantastic job with hosting the dinner for our bell choir, along with brass and cello instruments
guests while we studied three Bible passages accompanying the choir. Please do not miss it!
focusing on fellowship. The manner in which
Pastor Patrick delivered this message was eye- Pastor Patrick will be taking a well deserved week
opening and powerful in the Word and meaning off following Easter, so on Sunday, April 16th, our
for everyday life. It was fun to see how ancient Clerk of Session, Sheri Sankey, will be delivering a
tradition has continued on in Jesus’ name, not lay sermon and I for one cannot wait to hear it.
just in breaking of the bread, but also in
togetherness in support of one another. Real
community is at work and that is very much the
case when the churches of Seven Locks come
together.
Easter
Tom Sadler
As we enter Holy Week, I wanted to start by
expressing our sincere thanks to our Geneva Tom Sadler
family for their fantastic involvement and for their Chair of Worship & Music
representation of Geneva among our Seven
Locks area churches during the Ecumenical
Lenten Series Bible studies.
I also want to highlight our Easter Week Services
which will include special music presentations:
The Radiant | page 07
Update from the Clerk of Session
Spring is almost here. Spring and Fall are my Various standing Committees presented their
favorite times of the year. They are transitional reports and activity. These include Building Use,
times and herald the coming of great things. Christian Education, Communication and
Geneva’s Session met online (via Zoom) on Outreach, Deacons, Mission, and Nominating.
February 27, 2023, at 7 p.m., and great things Things continue forward in all committees;
are on the horizon for Geneva. please see the individual articles each
Committee has printed in the Radiant for further
Pastor Patrick McElwaine updated the Session details.
on activities of the church in regard to worship.
Of note is the Visioning Process which will start From the pen of Kyla Lupo, a Haiku which
with a retreat on April 22, 2023. Pastor Patrick summarizes the February Session Meeting.
will be away on study and vacation from March
13-19, and April 11-17. big things are coming
we can be a lighthouse for
Cali Bronkema reported on the progress of the all who seek God's love.
Next Generation Committee. They are working
on crafting a mission statement. Youth events
are happening with our youth as well as the
youth from local area churches. Events are
planned tentatively in May and August.
Fellowship events are well attended and
Sheri Sankey
everyone is having a great time.
Sheri Sankey
Elaine Winch presented the Executive Clerk of Session
Committee report. There are several capital
improvements and maintenance issues that
need addressing. In March there are several
meetings scheduled with contractors to assess
these needs and to make a plan to move
forward.
The Session voted to specifically advance one
large and exciting project that the congregation
can look forward to hearing more about in the
coming weeks.
Rolf Winch provided a Treasurer's Report which
was approved as presented. We are ahead of
budget for this fiscal year. Cali Bronkema
presented the new Child Protection Policy and
the Social Media/Technology Policy. Both
policies were approved as presented.
The Radiant | page 08
Deacon Activities
Deacons and Fellowship Activities The Family Deacon Groups are listed below.If
Welcome to our newest Deacons, Janelle Thibau you do not see your name and want to be a part
and Sara Sadler! Janelle and Sara join Sheena
of a Deacon Family group, please contact Renee
Galliani, Kyla Lupo, Allyson McElwaine, Rosie
Moloznik at Rmoloz@hotmail.com Deacon:
Perthel, Ludivine Kom Liapoe and Renee
Renee Moloznik
Moloznik to support our Geneva members and
friends. Deacons are the "servants" or Rmoloz@hotmail.com
"caregivers" of the congregation. People have all Members:
kinds of needs - they are recovering from Melissa Cutler
surgery, grieving, lonely, ill, or otherwise in a PJ & Brent Davis
time where they welcome the ministry of care Juliet & Scott Heimberg
from our congregation. In a very real way, Cindy & Jim Kaufman
Deacons are the hands and heart of the Church Jack & Robin Kough
in our ministry of caring. Jake and Julie Moloznik
Audrey & Al Pike
Deacons Fund
Bill & Beth Sherman
Deacon Funds are used to support an individual
Tim Sullivan
or families in financial crisis in terms of monetary
donations, purchasing food, helping to pay Elaine & Rolf Winch
medical or household bills. The funds are also
used for the items in the blessing bags for our Deacon: Allyson McElwaine
homeless neighbors, for gift cards to students asmcelwaine@gmail.com
during final exams, for hosting memorial Members:
services, for hosting Lenten dinners, for sending Patrick McElwaine
cards and gift baskets to members needing Robyn & Jeff Alexander
support, and for providing the supplies needed Judy Bailey
for our seasonal craft activities.
Cali Bronkema
Shirley Chow
Our Deacon Fund is used frequently to support
Justin Pack
our members and is getting low.Therefore, I am
asking for your generosity to make a tax- Liz and Andrew Penaire
deductible donation to the Geneva Deacons Ben Shaver
Fund, so our Deacons can continue to support Mike Sydoriak
our Geneva family. Your gift in any amount will Pamela Wilson
be greatly appreciated to help our church make a
brighter future for our members. Deacon: Sara Sadler
sadlersaraellen@gmail.com
Thank you in advance for your help and support. Members:
Alice & Rollin Franks
Deacon Family Groups
Ellie Heginbotham
Every Geneva member and friend is included in
Margo Hunt
a Deacon Family Group. Your Family Deacon
works with Pastor Patrick to celebrate your joys Bobbie & Tom Maxwell
and support you in times of concern or need. Nancy Morse
Tom Sadler
Nan & Ken Sprinkle
Sara Torrence
The Radiant | page 09
Deacon Activities
Deacons: Rosie Perthel
Deacon: Sheena Galliani
rperthel@hotmail.com
s.galliani@icloud.com
Ludivine Kom Liapoe
Members:
ludivinekomliapoe16@gmail.com
Mark & Holly Allen
Members:
Andrea Austin
Ruth & Fred Allenspach
Scott Brown
Jane Campbell & Pepe Marin
Linda & Ed Devine
Helene Chimba
Katie & Jim Harris
Flore, Nadine & Liz Kom Liapoe
Nancy Rawson
Heinz Nagel
Amanda White
Bill & Ema Oen
Toshiko Ota
Carl Perthel
Deacon: Janelle Thibau
jthibau08@gmail.com
Members:
Deacon: Kyla Lupo
Ken & Letitia Denaburg
kylalupo@gmail.com
Maureen Ferguson
Members:
Emmanuel Mbi
May Lin Cheong
Rosalie Ruff
Terry & Debbie Dunne
Terry Shima
Sandra Kichefsi
Marie Smith
Vince Lupo
Ginny Wilson
Ruth Nunn
John & Patsy Wright
Sheri Sankey
Judy & Jim Stiles
Margaret Teng
Contact any Deacon or Pastor Patrick for further information or to join our team.
Renee Moloznik rmoloz@hotmail.com
Rosie Perthel rperthel@hotmail.com
Ludivine Kom Liapoe ludivinekomliapoe16@gmail.com
Janelle Thibau jthibau08@gmail.com
Allyson McElwaine asmcelwaine@gmail.com
Sheena Galliani s.galliani@icloud.com
Kyla Lupo kylalupo@gmail.com
Sara Sadler sadlersaraellen@gmail.com
Renee Moloznik
Renee Moloznik
The Radiant | page 10Disability Ministry Team/Mission
Spring is just around the corner and the Geneva Our childcare space at church is available on
Disability Ministry Team is excited for what the Sunday mornings. The dress up area, baby
warmer months will bring. It is our joy to deepen dolls, and all of the wonderful toys are just
friendships with those we already know and also waiting to be enjoyed. We have lots of happy
to connect with new families. Geneva works hard faces who have been joining us recently - what a
to be an inclusive congregation for our community wonderful blessing. If you see new faces around
and is always open to suggestions as to how we and about in church, be sure to welcome them
can evolve and grow. and their families! If you know any children that
would like to join in the fun, please invite them
Our cold weather neurodiverse play dates at We on Sunday mornings!
Rock The Spectrum have been perfect for the
blustery winter Saturdays. That said - we look The members of the Disability Ministry Team are
forward to bringing neurodiverse play dates back always thinking of new ideas and ways to
to the Geneva playground. Our playground is expand our impact! If you have thoughts and
accessible, provides a safe and fenced area to ideas on projects (big and small) that we can
play, and will be the home to many smiling GPC undertake in order to make Geneva Presbyterian
youth. the most welcoming and accessible place
possible - please contact us. We would love to
The kiddos have had lots of opportunities to grow know your ideas and visions for the future. We
in their friendships. Everyone looks forward to welcome you to reach out to Jane Campbell or
time each week learning with Ms. Cali during Allyson McElwaine at any time!
Bridges to Worship on Sunday mornings. It is also
a point of pride for our church family that we offer
an accessible, safe and inclusive play space for
kiddos of all ability levels.
In addition, we are now also able to provide
Allyson
childcare for those nights when Geneva church
members host Food For The Soul gatherings.
Those Food For the Soul nights are restorative
and life-giving for the adults and are thoroughly
McElwaine
enjoyed by the kids, who get to spend time
together laughing, playing, and having fun.
Now that the warmer months are coming and our
Allyson McElwaine,
play dates will once again return to the Geneva
Co-Chair of the Disability Ministry Team
playground, we hope to see even more smiling
faces. If you know anyone who may want to
attend a future play date, please extend the
invitation and put them in touch with Allyson
through email at asmcelwaine@gmail.com.
The Radiant | page 11Disability Ministry Team/Mission
Another Mission Encounter
Your Mission chair passed a guy on her way into
Aldi. His hair was matted, and he had a cardboard
sign about 10" square saying, "Please help."
I entered the store and went through the
rigamarole of getting a $15 gift card. Maybe I'd
have further impact if I told the cashier my church
is buying gift cards for people who need them -- I'll
have to think about that.
I took the card back outside and said, "Hi sir, this
is a card for $15 inside." I handed him the card
and the receipt. His face lit up in a gapped tooth
smile.
"God bless you!" he exclaimed.
"God bless YOU" I replied, and dashed back into
the store.
When we came back out with our purchases
maybe 20 minutes later, the man was still where
he'd been, and I've speculated about why. Is it
uncomfortable for him to shop while I'm still in the
store? Does he not want to miss any rush hour
panhandling time?
I hope our gift blessed him as much as it did me.
Jane Campbell
J a n e Campbell
C o - C hair of the D i s a b i l i t y M i n is t r y T e a m
The Radiant | page 12Treasurer’s Comments
Greetings from your treasurer,
As I write this, we are half way through our fiscal
year (which runs from September 1, 2022, through
August 31, 2023). Our financial picture is healthy –
thanks in part to a generous gift from Geneva Day
School. As of February 28, our budget reflects a
positive balance, even though our projected
budget was expected to reflect a negative balance
of -$141,815.24
What does that mean? Well, remember that at our
last Congregational meeting we approved a deficit
budget. That means at the end of the fiscal year,
total income minus total expenses would reflect a
negative balance – in 2023 that was projected to
be -$283,630.52. However, half way through the
year, total income less total expenses shows a
positive balance of $1,406.91 instead of a
projected negative balance of -$141,815.24.
These positive budget numbers are good news for
our congregation and hopefully they will continue
throughout the spring and summer months. Every
month the Executive Committee and Session
carefully go through all 3 financial statements –
the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement
of Dedicated Accounts, and the Statement of
Activities – and look especially at any accounts
which are over budget.
I am always happy to answer any questions that
you have about our finances, to explain how our
financial system and accounting system works,
and to share any numbers or financial statements
with you –please just ask me for this information!
Rolf Winch
R o l f Winch
T r e a surer
The Radiant | page 13Communication and Outreach
Geneva has made great headway on the The quotes we’ve received require a budget of
acquisition of a new entrance LED sign. An LED $75,000 for the sign and electrical service. The
sign is a modern means of communicating our Day School has issued a challenge to the church
messages using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). to raise additional funds in support of the new sign
Local LED signs include Ivymount School, before we move forward. Won’t you make a
Potomac Community Center on Falls Road, contribution to this worthy cause? Simply mark
Westfield Mall entrance and most public schools. your donation to Geneva as a: Special Gift - Sign.
A new sign will be welcoming, and informational.
LED signs are fully programmable by Geneva's
Ken Sprinkle
Staff to change the messaging as often as they
choose. That way, the sign can promote the Day
School as well as the church and our missions.
Seven Locks Road gives us traffic exposure of
about 10,000 cars a day. Even if just 1%
responded to our promotional messaging, we’d Ken Sprinkle
have over 100 new visitors or Day School parents. Elder for Communication and Outreach
People who’ve never heard of Geneva or knew
that we were here will now learn about us.
We have such a remarkable day school and an
extraordinary church but many who pass by on
Seven Locks Road just don’t realize this. We have
incredible music and youth programs and more.
Now we can reach this audience in order to grow
the church, promote the Day School and establish
our identity.
Both the Day School Board and the Geneva's
Session have approved the acquisition of the new
sign. Here’s a mock-up of what the sign may look
like. Some of the details are still being worked out,
and the Montgomery County Zoning Commission
must weigh in on the sign permit. But this gives
everyone a visualization of the concept. Think of
what this will do for our identity, both as a church
and as a day school.
The Radiant | page 14The Radiant | page 15
The Radiant | page 16
You can also read
