Geneva Presbyterian Church

Super Bowl Sub Sale

2012-01-21T10:43:00.002-05:00

The Senior High Youth will be assembling and selling submarine sandwiches for the Big Game. All proceeds will be used to support the 2012 Senior High Mission Trip to Washington, DC. Subs will only be sold through pre-order. Order now and they will be ready to pick up on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th after both services.

Prices are:
Turkey and Cheese – $6 each;
Ham and Cheese – $6 each;
Veggie and cheese $5;
Super Italian – $7 each.

Thank you for your support of our youth missions!

Thank you for your Donations

2012-01-14T16:22:00.000-05:00

We almost filled a 24 foot truck with donations of clothing, blankets and toiletries for the Open Door Ministry at Fort Street Presbyterian Church. Thank you for your generous donations and thanks to Keith, Beth and Marilyn McBain; Mark and Lauren Arquette; Glenn Hunter; Dan and Madelyn Degener; Joshua Doering; Louie Stark; Amanda Glass; Christy, Caitlin, Alex and Daniel Marchand; and Ian Glodich for helping today!

Check out the pic's here

January Geneva Gems

2012-01-13T15:15:00.000-05:00

The January Geneva Gems has been posted on the web site and can be accessed by following this link

New Facebook Page

2012-01-06T21:02:00.003-05:00

In an effort to better serve you and reduce redundancy we are migrating to the new Geneva Presbyterian Church Facebook page. Please visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/GenevaChurch and 'LIKE' us.

Seeking New Director of Children's Ministry

2011-12-12T15:39:00.005-05:00

Geneva Presbyterian Church’s Children’s Ministry mission is to edify and equip children, in partnership with their families, to be disciples who exalt God and engage the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that children are the church of TODAY and tomorrow, and therefore integrate them, with their God-given gifts and talents, into the full life of the church, through worship, education, fellowship and service opportunities.

We are currently seeking a part-time (20 hrs/wk) Director of Children’s Ministry. For a detailed job description please follow this link or contact the church at 734-459-0013 or e-mail the church office.

December Geneva Gems

2011-12-09T11:59:00.002-05:00

The December Geneva Gems has been posted on the web site. It can be accessed by following this link.

Holiday Worship Schedule

2011-12-04T19:26:00.002-05:00

Monday, December 19 – Saturday, December 24

The Labyrinth will be set up in the Lighthouse
and available anytime the church open.

Check the Geneva calendar on our web site,

genevachurch.org for times.

Longest Night Service

Wednesday, December 21 7:00 pm

A service of reflection and healing
on the longest night of the year.

Christmas Eve

4:00

A joyful retelling of the
Christmas Story

7:00 and 9:00

Service of Lessons and Carols
with candlelight and communion

Christmas Day

10:00 Worship

A Birthday Party for Jesus

New Year’s Day

10:00 Worship

Sunday, January 8

10:00 Worship

November Geneva Gems

2011-11-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

The web site has been updated with the latest edition. Follow this link November Geneva Gems

November Geneva Family Celebration Night!

2011-11-07T14:42:00.001-05:00

You won’t want to miss the November Geneva Family Celebration Night! So mark your calendars now for Wednesday, November 16 at 6pm.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our theme for November will be Gratitude! Our celebration will include a meal, as always, and some fun games for all ages. We’ll also have an opportunity to reflect on our blessings – places we see God’s presence and activity in our lives.

Anyone of any age who wishes to will be invited to share. So give it some thought, and come ready to bless and be blessed! Suggested donation for the meal is $4 for adults, $1.50 for children 10 and under with a family maximum of $15. Bring friends, and they will be our guests at no charge!

New Adult Education Opportunities

2011-11-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Night, November 9 – Beads, Icons and Gestures. These things might things sound foreign to you, but they are well known aides and/or practices in other Christian traditions. Come on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00pm to learn about the history and background of these practices as well as have an opportunity to assemble prayer beads to enhance your own spiritual practice of prayer.

Sunday Mornings: A Grace Disguised, led by Pastor Bryan Smith. How we or our loved ones experience loss can have a profound impact on all of life. This class is for everyone who has experienced any kind of loss, whether through illness, divorce, the loss of someone we love, aging, the loss of our life’s hopes and dreams, or anything else.

It’s also for anyone who knows someone who has experienced such a loss. That’s just about all of us! Join us for this class and discover how loss itself can be a doorway to experiencing God’s grace in new ways, and a doorway to becoming a channel of God’s grace to others.

We will be using Jerry’s Sittser’s book, A Grace Disguised as a resource. The class will begin on Sunday, November 20 during our education hour (9:45 – 10:45). Books cost $9.

Pray for our missions and missionaries: Interfaith Community Outreach

2011-11-07T14:35:00.002-05:00

In this new century, The Salvation Army is serving more people in the USA than ever before. They report already seeing large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life - food, shelter, and warmth.
More than 30 million people received help from The Salvation Army in 2008, but the magnitude of the mission facing The Salvation Army in communities throughout the United States remains great.

Geneva participates in their Red Kettle Drive at Christmastime, and contributes to their Christmas program through Adopt-a-Family, as well as assisting families they direct us to. If you would like to learn more about the Salvation Army and how you can get involved in their ministry, visit their web site at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Fall Worship Schedule

2011-09-16T10:43:00.000-04:00

Fall Worship schedule starts Sunday September 18th. Worship services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am, with an education hour between the services.

Please came and join us.

Annual Coming Home Picnic

2011-09-01T16:08:00.000-04:00

Annual Coming Home Picnic

When: Saturday, September 17^th

Where: Geneva Church

Time: 4:00 pm

Who: Everyone with an appetite for good food, fun and friendship.

If your last name begins with A-M, please bring a salad or side dish.

If your last name begins with N-Z, please bring a dessert.

More details coming soon!

Congregational Meeting Sunday Sept 7th

2011-08-24T15:12:00.001-04:00

There will be a brief congregational meeting on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 11:15.

For the purpose of electing one person to the Session class of 2013 to complete the term vacated by Cheri Pelic, and amending the Geneva Bylaws in accordance with the new Form of Government of the PC(USA).

September 11th Community Event

2011-08-24T15:02:00.000-04:00

On September 11^th the Canton Mosque invites the whole community to an open house and an interfaith event commemorating the events of September 11^th, 2011.

The event will include a brief talk on the topic of peace given by members of the various faiths represented in our community. Our pastor, Bryan Smith, will represent the Protestant Christian faith.

The event will be followed by a food and clothing drive, a joint project sponsored by the youth of the Canton Mosque and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.

This week at Geneva

2011-08-09T15:45:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School is back! August 22-25

Camp Geneva will be from Monday-Thursday 9:30-noon

It is for children ages 4 years up to incoming 6th graders. Invite your neighbors and your friends to join in the fun! Each day will include faith and fun with a special focus on different camp activities.

There is a separate program for incoming 5th and 6th graders. On Wednesday night all families will be invited to toast s’mores and enjoy an evening at camp. Thursday there will be an awesome wildlife program!

Registration forms are at the church or follow these links:
Download VBS registration form HERE (pdf)
Download Family Information Page for Camp Geneva HERE (pdf)

We need adult volunteers and youth ages 7th grade and above. This year’s format is very user friendly so even if you can only help one day we will be glad to have you join the team.

For more information contact: Meg Wilson, Director of Children’s Ministry

Reaching Out

Just Coffee orders will be placed on the third Tuesday of each month. Send your order to Tom at email, or to Cindy Thomas at the church or check the sign-up in the Good News.

Sunday, August 14, 11:30-12:30, Assembling Love-paks – We will spend some time after our worship service providing help to the needy. The Fellowship Room will be set up as an assembly line for producing toiletry kits for the homeless. These kits are used at both Fort St.’s Open Door Program and at The Wayne County Family Center. Come help us meet our goal of 300 kits. We currently need donations of small toys and books to put into the packs for children. Donations can be taken to Mission Pointe and put in the appropriate basket.

Volunteers Needed! Habitat for Humanity Western Wayne County needs volunteers for its Family Selection Committee. Applicant families need to be interviewed to see if they meet the criteria and are willing to participate in Habitat's goals. Contact Sue Carlson if interested: 734-844-8258.

Vacation Bible School is back! August 22-25

2011-07-31T13:47:00.000-04:00

Camp Geneva will be from Monday-Thursday 9:30-noon

There is a separate program for incoming 5th and 6th graders. On Wednesday night all families will be invited to toast s-mores and enjoy an evening at camp. Thursday there will be an awesome wildlife program!

Registration forms are at the church.

For more information contact: Meg Wilson, Director of Children’s Ministry

Middle School Mission Trip

2011-07-31T13:16:00.002-04:00

Middle School Mission Updates

Follow along the journey with our middle school missionaries in Sault Ste Marie this week by reading the middle school blog. Nancy will try to update the blog each evening and include pictures. We'd love you to comment after each post. You can access the blog, at Mid High Blog

Geneva Senior High Mission to Grand Rapids

2011-06-19T20:13:00.000-04:00

Please keep our Senior High Mission team in your prayers as the travel to Grand Rapids, Mi. to do Gods work.
Your can follow the trip at the Senior High Blog

Summer Worship Schedule

2011-05-23T12:43:00.000-04:00

Summer Worship Schedule
begins on
May 29

Worship at 10:00 AM

Fwd: Holy Week Preparation

2011-04-19T12:57:00.001-04:00

Dear Geneva Family,

The Seder meal is the climax of the Jewish Passover celebration. In a Jewish home, the week before Passover is spent preparing for the Passover. Whether or not you plan to attend our Maundy Thursday Seder meal, I though you might enjoy participating in an ancient Seder preparation ritual which I have adapted for Christians.

You will need: a wooden spoon, a candle in a holder, a small paper bag, a piece of string, some bread, a Bible.

This ritual is called the "bedikat chametz," or "hunt for the leaven." In both the Old and New Testaments, leaven (anything that causes bread to rise) symbolized sin, and the Jews were commanded to eat nothing containing leaven during the week before Passover. In a Jewish home, every nook and cranny was scoured and any trace of leavened bread removed. After dark on the night before Passover, the head of the family would lead a search through the whole house by candlelight. If the house had been cleaned thoroughly enough, no pieces of leavened bread would be found, but it has become tradition for the mother of the family to hide a few for the children to find. Since the house will be dark during the search, they need not be hidden in difficult places.

Begin your bedikan chametz by reading together Exodus 12:15, 19, 42. Then the lights are turned off, the candle is lit, and the family forms a search team. Search through the entire house with one person leading the way holding the candle. When a piece of hidden bread is found, it is scooped into the paper bag with the feather and wooden spoon (no one is to touch the bread). The pieces of bread that are found remind us that no one is without sin, and that in His love for us, Christ shines his light on our sin and offers to remove it. Another thing to reflect upon during your search is that no one can go off on his/her own. You need the light of Christ to guide the way, and the help of other members of God's family.

After all the bread is found, take some time to share your thoughts, feelings and insights about the experience. Then tie the bag closed with a piece of string and pray together in response to your experience. Include a time of silent prayer for confession. Turn on the lights and have someone read 1 Corinthians 5:6-8. Have someone else read Psalm 103:12 and dispose of the bag together.

I look forward to sharing our Seder meal with all of you this Thursday at 6. May God bless you in your preparation.

Grace and peace,

Cindy Thomas
Worship Elder

Easter Sunday Pancake Breakfast

2011-03-30T16:31:00.001-04:00

Join your Geneva family for pancakes, sausage, fruit and fellowship in the lighthouse on Easter morning from 7:30 – 10:45.

'A Night Out,' our youth mission trip fundraiser was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who attended, bid on auction items and donated items to auction off. Together, you helped us achieve our goal of raising enough money for each missionary.

Because of this, we'd like to offer our annual Easter Morning Pancake Breakfast as our gift to you for your support of the youth programs. This year we will not be selling tickets. The breakfast is open to all who worship with us that day!

Please RSVP to the church office

Maundy Thursday Seder Meal

2011-03-30T16:24:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, April 21^st, we will celebrate the meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night he was arrested. Come join us for this meal, now celebrated by Christians as the Lord’s Supper. The meal is for all ages. Please feel free to invite friends. A donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children 10 and under, with a family maximum of $15 would be appreciated.

We invite you to contribute to the festive atmosphere by setting the table with your best dinnerware. Bring dishes, glasses, flatware, napkins, candlesticks, -- whatever you would use for a special celebration with your family. Doors will open at 5:30, so please have your table set before 5:45 so we can begin the Seder promptly at 6pm. We will have dinnerware here for those who do not want to bring their own.

Please RSVP to Geneva Church

A Night Out Auction Catalog

2011-03-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

Check out the Auction Catalog by following this link

You can also Bid by Proxy

If you are unable to attend the auction you still have
chance to win items and support our youth.
You can bid by proxy.
Just call 734/658-8445 the night of the auction and
we’ll bid for you!
Just tell us the item number and your bid amount.
We’ll bid for you and keep you updated on the
progress of the bidding on that item.
You must have a pre-assigned bidder number

Auction and Youth Fundraiser Dinner - A Night Out!

2011-03-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, March 26, Geneva Church will be transformed into an elegant eatery as the youth of our church treat you to a fabulous evening to raise funds for their summer mission trips. The youth will serve diners at their table, provide first-class entertainment, check your coat, and more during this “A Night Out Dinner and Auction.”

Before and after dinner, guests can bid on their choice of auction items ranging from services, to gift cards, to baskets full of goodies. Like last year, items will be available for bidding the Sunday before the event, and we will have a bidding-by-proxy number for those of you who can’t attend but who would still like to support the youth.

Doors open at 5:30 for hors d’oeuvres and silent auction bidding. Dinner will begin around 6:30 with entertainment following.

A limited number of tickets (96) will be available for $22 beginning Sunday, March 6. Thank you in advance for supporting our youth.

New Sunday Morning Adult Classes begin March 6th

2011-02-16T16:16:00.001-05:00

Which Way to God? led by Bryan Smith. Not long ago, American Christians had very little contact with people of other world religions. Today, we may work with, live near or even have family members who are members of another faith. This class will help us explore the basic beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. As we learn what it means to be Christian in the context of these religions, we’ll become more grounded in our own faith and learn to appreciate the way other religions can speak to us. Materials cost $10 each.

God’s Welcome: a Look at Gospel Hospitality led by Cheri Pelic. Take a look at the hospitality God provides to each of us and see how it can transform our thinking about the welcome we provide in our congregation and in our everyday lives. Using the book, "God's Welcome: Hospitality for a Gospel-Hungry World, by Amy Oden, we'll explore Bible stories that highlight God's welcome and discuss how we can both experience and extend God's welcome in our lives.

The Holy Use of Money led by Steve Braun. Proverbs 30:15-16 states there are four things that are never satisfied. We might add a fifth – the family budget! Life is full of financial challenges that place tremendous stress on our paychecks and test our faith. As Christians, how do we practically handle money in a world where we “cannot serve God and riches?” This series will address that fundamental question and provide practical advice for improving your financial situation. You will be challenged and taught how to manage your household resources more effectively – understanding the spiritual nature of money, being a better steward of God’s possessions, setting goals and priorities, budgeting successfully, taming debt, saving and investing – all from a biblical perspective. This is not a dry “numbers” class for accountants, but rather a fun and easy-to-understand course on practical financial stewardship.

Steve Braun has been a Christian for 27 years, happily married to his wife Karen for 24 years, and is the proud father of their 6 children. He is founder and President of Liberty Financial Planning in Canton where he works as an independent financial adviser serving clients on a fee-only basis. He is also a writer, teacher, and conference speaker on various financial and family topics. Steve holds a BA and an MBA, with Honors, from the University of Michigan.

The letters of Paul led by Maribeth Petteys. This is an ongoing Bible Study that is currently exploring the Letters of Paul. Bring your Bible and let’s dig into the Word of God together.

Contact the church office 734 459-0013 or EMAIL

New Member Class

2011-02-16T16:11:00.001-05:00

A New Member Class will be held Friday, March 18^th from 6-9pm and Saturday, March 19^th from 9am – 2pm. This class is designed for those who are deciding whether to make Geneva their church home. We will share a meal together (dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday) and acquaint you with an overview of the Christian faith, the Reformed Tradition, the Presbyterian Church, the history of Geneva, and what it means to be a member. Child care will be provided.

Contact the Church Office 734 459-0013 or EMAIL

New Sunday Morning Adult Classes Beginning February 6

2011-01-19T14:41:00.001-05:00

· Adult Christianity and How to Get There led by Bryan Smith. Much personal and pastoral confusion results when we do not realize that the spiritual tasks of the first half of life are radically different from those in the second half. Both are essential, but much of institutional religion is concerned only with the tasks of the first half of life. Spiritual maturity depends on being able to move on to the challenges of the second half, which are much closer to the concerns of Jesus. No matter which half of life you are in, this class will help guide you toward the next step.

· The Holy Use of Money led by Steve Braun. As Christians, how do we practically handle money in a world where we “cannot serve God and riches?” This series of 5 classes will address that fundamental question and provide practical advice for improving your financial situation. You will be challenged and taught how to manage your household resources more effectively – understanding the spiritual nature of money, being a better steward of God’s possessions, setting goals and priorities, budgeting successfully, taming debt, saving and investing – all from a biblical perspective.

· Parenting in the Pews led by Elise Russell and Meg Wilson. Come and be part of a discussion about helping your children fully engage in worship. The discussion will be based on Parenting in the Pews by Robbie Castleman. You are invited to join every week or whenever your schedule allows. Books will be available to purchase or borrow.

· The Letters of Paul led by Maribeth Petteys. You are welcome to join this ongoing Sunday morning class as they continue to explore the New Testament letters of the apostle Paul.

Congregational Meeting

2011-01-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

There will be a congregational lunch and meeting on Sunday, January 30, 2011 for the purpose of receiving the 2011 budget and electing new Elders and Deacons. Lunch will be served at approximately 12:30 and the meeting will begin at 1:00. Suggested donation to cover the cost of lunch is $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 and under. You may pick up a report today on the table in the Gathering Space.

Interfaith Community Outreach

2011-01-19T14:37:00.002-05:00

Interfaith Community Outreach is a cooperative group of people from the various religious traditions in the Canton area that work together on an annual mission project. Last year they blessed the community with a clothing drive. This year’s project is a food drive and Geneva will serve as a collection center. There are two ways you can help.

· Donate food – canned goods, non-perishables, no glass please. There is a collection box in the Gathering Space for your donations.

· Donate money – make checks payable to Canton Community Foundation. You will find self-addressed envelopes for your donation on the front of the collection box.

Donations will be distributed to the Canton Open Door food pantry, Harvest Loves in Plymouth, Salvation Army in Plymouth, John Bolde Food Pantry in Wayne. We’ll be collecting food through February 14^th. If you would like to know more about the Interfaith Community Outreach and how you can get involved, please contact Dawn Christenson at 734-397-1484 or Donna Gray at 734-844-1279.

Worship Preview Sunday 1/09/11

2011-01-07T17:37:00.002-05:00

A new Congress has just convened, and while we may still hope, it doesn't look like the current Congress will will be any more united or any less contentious than the previous one. On both sides of the aisle, shrill voices proclaim that they and they alone speak for "the American People." The message seems to be, "If you think like me and vote like me, you're a true American. If you don't, you're something else."

While this kind of rhetoric seems to have escalated in recent years, it isn't new. In fact, its as old as humankind itself. From the very beginning we human beings have been adept at creating barriers regarding who is to be accepted and who is to be rejected. The "us and them" mentality is seen in every aspect of human life: political, social, national, familial and religious. In fact, that mindset provided the fiercest opposition Jesus ever faced, and overcoming it was the first challenge that faced the early church.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please read Luke 5:27-31 and Acts 10:34-48 and ponder these questions:

Why were the Pharisees so offended by Jesus attending Levi's party?
Why do you think God needed to intervene so dramatically in the Acts story?
How have you experienced being an "outsider"? How have you experienced being an "insider"?
Is there a person or group of people that you feel uncomfortable considering as sisters and brothers in Christ?
Do you hear Paul's words, "You are all one in Christ Jesus" as comforting or challenging? Why?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

2011-01-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

On Monday, January 17, 2011, Canton Township will be holding its annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Village Theater. Come celebrate and be inspired by the life and vision of Dr. King. This year’s keynote speaker will be our own pastor, Bryan Smith. Music and dance will be provided by:

· Plymouth Canton Educational Park Madrigal Singers
and Chamber Choir

· Plymouth Canton Educational Park Hip Hop Dance Club

· Forever After Productions and the cast of Hairspray

Doors open at 5:30 pm for light refreshments; the program begins at 6:00 pm. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Reaching out: Local Habitat office provide a hand up

2011-01-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

Check out this link:
Local Habitat office provides a hand up

Worship Preview, Sunday January 2, 2011

2011-01-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

While a new year arrives as a matter of course, a new life arrives as a matter of grace. Changing a calendar is one thing; having a changed life is something else all together. As 2011 makes its entry, the gospel invites us not just to mark the passage of time, but to embrace this moment as the time to say Yes to God in a deeply, transformative way. So as we gather for worship in the first Sunday of this new year, let's do so determined to live in the faith, hope, joy, and love that God extends to us.

To prepare for worship, I invite you to read Luke 2:8-20 and to think about these questions:

--what other choices could the shepherds have made besides going to Bethlehem?

--why do you think they took the journey to see the Christ child?

--if you think of the life of faith as a journey, how would you describe your journey?

--what have been some of the memorable points along the way?

--where do you sense the journey might be heading in this new year?

Blessings to one and all as the journey continues!

Boxing Night Clothing Drive

2010-12-29T15:14:00.002-05:00

Boxing Night Clothing Drive for the Homeless – The Geneva Youth will be collecting blankets, coats and clothing for Fort Street's Open Door Ministry through January 7. You may bring donations to the church during office hours or drop them off in the boxes will be outside the front door.

Winter Dinner Series

2010-12-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Dealing with Difficult People

We all have them – people in our lives who are hard to get along with, let alone love. And yet Jesus tells us that we are to love them and bless them. Join us on Wednesday nights beginning January 12 as Bryan Smith leads us through an exploration of the different types of difficult people, what blessing them might look like, and specific strategies for dealing with them. Dinner is at 5:45 with class time at 6:30. Children and youth will continue their regular LifeStream programs. Donation for dinner: $3.50 for adults, $1.50 for children 10 and under.

Dec. 26 Boxing Day at Geneva

2010-12-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

Check out this link:

Plymouth-Canton Youth to Get a Taste of Homelessness While Raising Awareness

This Week at Geneva

2010-12-21T17:17:00.008-05:00

Holiday Worship Schedule

Christmas Eve

4:00 – Celebration of the Christmas Story

A joyful retelling of the Christmas story in which
children are invited to play a part

7:00 & 9:00 – Service of Lessons and Carols
with candlelight and communion

Sunday, December 26

10:00 am – Worship

Sunday, January 2

10:00 am -- Worship

Pray for our missions and missionaries:
Geneva’s Annual Boxing Night Clothing Drive for the Homeless
On Sunday, December 26^th beginning at 8pm the Geneva Senior Highs will be spending the night in the church parking lot to kick off our 16^th annual Boxing Night Clothing Drive for the Homeless. We will be collecting warm winter clothing, blankets, winter outer wear and toiletries from December 26^th through January 7. Bring your donations to the church. All donations will be taken to Fort Street Presbyterian Church Open Door Ministry to the homeless. Tell your neighbors!

Sock Drive – There is a chronic shortage of socks at The Open Door Clothing Bank at Fort St. Presbyterian Church. From now through Christmas, we will collect warm clean, new or gently used men's socks for distribution through the Open Door Ministry. Look for the brightly decorated collection box in the entryway.

Worship Preview for Sunday, December 12

2010-12-10T15:57:00.001-05:00

I recently heard a story on NPR about how Google is going to launch a book-selling web site to compete with Amazon.com. It seems the internet giant is looking to the future and foreseeing a rapidly changing picture. Their old ways of doing things, ways that have brought them enormous success, power and wealth, will only work for a short while longer. If they don’t change in some innovative ways, and change soon, experts predict that they will fade into the background while newer companies step up to the plate. Google, the envy of the internet world, will become a dinosaur.

Google’s experience could be a metaphor for our contemporary lives. No sooner do we chalk up one success that we have to start looking for ways either to protect it, or to top it with an even greater success. If you snooze, the saying goes, you lose. Life is one big competition and only those who win will be able to live life to the fullest.

That may be the way of contemporary life, but it’s not the way of the Gospel. Jesus came to give us a gift He called joy, and the place we find it isn’t on the top of the heap, but somewhere else entirely. This Sunday we will be looking at someone who found the surprising secret of where true joy is to be found.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please read Luke 1:39-45 and John 3:22-30, 35 and ponder the following questions.

How would you define “joy”?

Where have you experienced joy in your life? On what does it depend?

How might Jesus be asking you to become less so He can become greater?

Worship Preview for Sunday, December 5, 2010

2010-12-03T17:26:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday we began Advent by concluding a sermon series on the six Great Ends of the Church, focusing on “the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.” What an appropriate way to begin Advent, the season in which we prepare to celebrate God’s bodily exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven in the person of Jesus Christ. This Sunday, and throughout Advent, we will continue to examine what it means for the people of God to proclaim, through its very presence, the Kingdom of Heaven to the world, to show experientially what that Kingdom is like, and to invite others to join us in the Kingdom.

This week our Advent focus is on the gift of Peace. It is difficult to look around us and find any reason for peace. Many of the things we have depended upon to help us feel safe and secure have been crumbling before our very eyes: jobs in jeopardy, the threat of terrorism, our country embroiled in two seemingly endless wars, political turmoil. It seems as though everywhere we turn there is reason for worry. It is easy to feel as though we are living one step from disaster. And yet, the church is called to experience and to exhibit to the world a peace that is beyond our ability to comprehend, a peace that is ours regardless of the turmoil around us.

It was to people living on the margins of society that Jesus spoke these words: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear” (Luke 12:22). But how is that possible? Did Jesus have his head in the clouds? Was he not in touch with reality? Did he really mean what he said, or was he merely waxing poetic? How can we not worry when we live in such a worrisome world?

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please read John 10:7-10 and Luke 12:22-34 and ponder these questions:

How would you describe an abundant life?

Do you feel like you are living an abundant life?

What are you worried about?

What would it take for you to be able to stop worrying?

Advent at Geneva

2010-12-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

Intergenerational Christmas Celebration – Please join us on Wednesday December 15^th for a special Christmas celebration. We’ll have dinner served family style at 5:45.

At 6:30 we will enjoy a brief family friendly reflection by our youth. The evening will end 7:45. The sounds of Christmas music, the smell of good food and the beauty of the season will delight your senses.

There will an opportunity for all ages to make ornaments to decorate a tree in the gathering area. This night will be a great way for you and your family to focus not on the stress but on the spirit of Christmas. Entrance fee is a donation of canned goods.

Advent Dinner Series, Reclaiming Christmas – On Wednesday, December 8, we will continue our Advent Dinner Series, Reclaiming Christmas. This week our focus will be on Spending Less, Giving More.

Our culture tells us that a successful Christmas is one in which retailers make lots of money, we spend lots of money, and our Christmas trees are piled high with plentiful and preferably expensive gifts.

But what if we decided not to let Madison Avenue tell us how to celebrate the birth of Christ?
What would our family and friends think if we really did follow through on our decisions to spend less on gifts this year?
And how is it possible that spending less could translate into giving more?

Join us on Wednesday and find out how you can have a subversive Christmas, one that blesses you, your loved ones and the heart of God more than ever before.

Dinner is at 5:45, followed by classes for all ages at 6:30. Suggested donation for dinner is $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under. Check sign-up #5.

2010-11-26T15:13:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

No, I'm not five weeks early. According to the Christian calendar, the first Sunday in Advent is New Year's Day. As we begin this new church year we will be finishing a sermon series on the six great ends of the church. This week's topic, appropriately, is "the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world."

During Advent we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, or "becoming flesh" of God in the person of Jesus. But Jesus only walked on this earth for a little over 30 years. During those brief years, he showed us, through word, deed and manner of life, what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. And then he left. He ascended into heaven and promised to return at some later date.

For 2000 years the church has been waiting, watching and longing for that day to come, and Advent is a time when we focus on that waiting, watching and longing. But before Jesus was taken to heaven, He made it clear that the incarnation did not end with that event. Indeed, Jesus Himself would be present on earth, not in one particular body occupying one place in space and time, but in another kind of body, His new body, one that would cover the earth and continue on from one generation to the next. That body is the Church. It is through us – through Christ's Spirit in us – that God is "incarnate," or bodily present in the world today. It is Jesus' intent that through the Church the world will be able to see what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.

Advent is indeed a time of watching and waiting and preparing – both for the day we celebrate the coming of Jesus, and for the day when He will return. And it is also a time to examine what it means for us to be part of the Body of Christ in the mean time. What does it mean to be people charged with the "exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world", and what exactly are the characteristics of this kingdom? As you prepare to worship God on Sunday, please read Luke 22:24-27 and Matthew 5:14-16 and ponder these questions.

What qualities does Jesus point to as being characteristic of the Kingdom of Heaven in these passages?

How did Jesus model servanthood in his life and ministry?

How does the world tend to treat servants?

How do you respond to the idea that Jesus says we are called to serve?

Reaching Out

2010-11-22T07:33:00.010-05:00

Alternative Holiday Market, Sunday, December 12 after each service. Purchase gifts and alternative gifts that will make a difference in the lives of many in our world who struggle each day to survive.

· The proceeds from Palcraftaid's olivewood sculptures and counted cross stitch needlework go directly to Palestinian Christian organizations which minister to deaf children, the aged, and those in need of medicine and clothing.

· Church World Service offers "alternative" gifts and are a great way to celebrate your loved ones with a gift of meaning instead of just buying more things. Catalogs will be available on the kiosk very soon. In addition, we will have some Rwandan note cards and Cambodian bells available for purchase.

· Just Coffee will available for your gift-giving.

Sock Drive – There is a chronic shortage of socks at The Open Door Clothing Bank at Fort St. Presbyterian Church. Many of the people served by this ministry live on the street, have serious medical conditions such as diabetes, or have to walk through the elements every day to get to jobs, etc. This is a serious health risk for them. From now through Christmas, we will collect warm clean, new or gently used men's socks for distribution through the Open Door Ministry. Look for the brightly decorated collection box in the entryway. Our goal is to fill this box up over its top. Questions can be directed to any Local Mission Ministry Team member, Dawn Christenson, Donna Gray, Mary Stuart, or Dave and Rosemary Leslie.

Worship Preview for Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010-11-19T14:56:00.008-05:00

This Sunday we’ll be focusing on one of the six great ends of the church: “the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the people of God.” Next weekend, countless Americans will be traveling, some of them great distances, to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. A great number of those folks will be traveling to a place they call “home.” They’ll be visiting the city, and sometimes even the house they grew up in as well as the people they grew up with. For all of us, the idea of “home” comes loaded with connections, emotions and memories – some of them good, some of them not so good.

This particular great end of the church reminds me of what home is supposed to be – a place of shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship, a place of love, acceptance, provision and safety. That job description poses quite a challenge for any family, including the family of God. This Sunday we will be taking a look at some of those challenges, and what it means to be Home, not just for those of us who worship together, but also to those outside who God wants to bring into the shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of His family.

In preparation for worship, please read Romans 12:9-21 and 1 John 5:18-21 and ponder these questions.

In your life, who has been someone who has provided shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship?

List some of the characteristics that person had that helped you to feel at home with him or her.

Is there someone in your life that God is asking you to be that kind of person for?

Reaching Out!

2010-11-10T11:33:00.000-05:00

The angels are here and waiting to be adopted! Please check out the table in the gathering space to sign out your angel. These angel gifts are due back to the church by November 28^th. The Salvation Army asks that the gifts be returned unwrapped. They are suggesting guidelines of a target of $50 per angel. That is just a suggestion. The people that we are collecting for are facing a very bleak Christmas without our help!

Just Coffee – Place your Just Coffee order today! Orders must be received by November 14. Coffee may be ordered ground or beans, dark or medium roast, regular or decaf. Order by contacting Norm or Barb Fichtenberg at 734-981-4205.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing – Sign up to ring bells for The Salvation Army. See the bulletin board for times available on November 26 and 27 at Hobby Lobby. There are two opportunities to help bring a joyful Thanksgiving to those in need. The Salvation Army is distributing care boxes on November 20 and 22.

Westminster Thanksgiving meal needs servers – Westminster Presbyterian Church is serving a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Please see the bulletin board for more information on volunteering for either program.

Quilt Dedication Sunday, Nov.21st at 8:30 and 11:00 services. Several women have been working for months creating beautiful quilts that will be donated to local homeless shelters. Join us on November 21 as we dedicate these quilts and recognize those who made them. We will celebrate their service to Christ with a cake following the service.

Worship Preview November 7, 2010

2010-11-05T14:58:00.005-04:00

The fourth installment in our sermon series on the six great ends of the church is "The Maintenance of Divine Worship." In life, we have to maintain certain things. Our cars wear out faster if we don't change the oil and put air in the tires periodically. Without maintenance our homes will eventually get leaky roofs, cracked walls and plumbing problems. Relationships need to be maintained too. A marriage or a friendship will begin to fall apart if they don't get the attention they need and deserve.

All of these things, without maintenance, get damaged by neglect or improper use. As I pondered this fourth great end of the church, it occurred to me that our call as a church isn't just to worship God. It isn't even just to worship God in spirit and in truth. Although we are called to do those things, we are also called to maintain divine worship. We have been entrusted to care for it, keep it pure, and see that it is doesn't devolve into something that God never intended.

One of the very first lessons Jesus learned after his baptism was what it means to maintain divine worship. As you prepare for worship on Sunday please read Matthew 4:8-10 and Romans 12:1-2 and ponder the following questions.

In your understanding, what is worship?

What distortion was Satan trying to introduce into Jesus' worship?

What distortion of worship is most tempting to you? Why is it such a temptation?

A couple of things to remember:

· We will begin our new round of adult classes this Sunday. Classes run from 9:45 – 10:45, and you may choose from:

-- Going Deeper : an in-depth exploration of the Bible

passage for that Sunday's sermon

-- Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts

--The Presbyterian Story

--The Letters of Paul

· Fall back – Daylight saving time ends on Sunday morning. Don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Worship Preview, Sunday Oct. 31, 2010

2010-10-29T14:59:00.006-04:00

This election year we see, perhaps more than ever, a great and often contentious divide between opinions about what "social righteousness" means. Democrats, Republicans, Tea Partiers, and political pundits of every stripe all have their own version of what a "righteous" society looks like. On Tuesday, we'll be asked vote for the version we like best.

Our Presbyterian denomination has stated that one of the six Great Ends of the Church is "The Promotion of Social Righteousness." We believe God has given us a mandate to help advance His vision of what a righteous and just society should be. But within the church, as it is in politics, there is often disagreement about what that means.

On Sunday we'll take a look at another conflict of opinions regarding social righteousness. This one is not between politicians, but between God and his people. In preparation for worship, please read John 8:1-11 and Isaiah 58:1-11 and ponder the following questions.

What comes to mind when you hear the term "social righteousness?"

Is there a difference between "promoting social righteousness" and acting as "morality police"?

Where do you see the need for the church today to promote social righteousness?

How might God be asking you to be part of that call?

This Week at Geneva

2010-10-12T14:27:00.000-04:00

Mission Opportunities

Quilts for the Homeless – New Quilting Schedule! Starting Monday Sept 20th 6:30-8:30PM, we will be assembling and tying quilts! It's EASY. RELAXING, and great FELLOWSHIP! Please join us even if you only have a half hour to spare. Sewers are still needed at home or church. Sheets are needed for backing the quilts. See Charlene Jones (981-3053) or Cheryl Caldwell for questions.
CROP Hunger Walk – The 2010 Plymouth/Canton CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 17 with registration starting at 1:30 pm and the walk at 2:00 pm. The walk will begin at St. John's Episcopal Church, 574 S. Sheldon Rd. in Plymouth. We will be recruiting walkers and donors in the Gathering Space on Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3 and 10. This is a family event. Strollers and wagons are welcome for young children.
Intergenerational Mission Day – Join us as we serve dinner and host a harvest celebration at The Wayne County Family Center on Oct. 23, 4:30-7:30. This shelter serves families from Wayne County who need short-term housing and does not provide meals on weekends for residents. Assistance is needed for cooking, serving, clean-up, pumpkin carving, games, crafts, and hospitality. All ages are welcome to volunteer! Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser – Habitat for Humanity of Western Wayne County is holding its annual Gala dinner, dance and silent auction fundraiser, on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at Schoolcraft College, VisTaTech Culinary Arts Center. The event is black tie optional and begins at 6:00p.m. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple. Please contact Christine Bodie at (248) 760-0365 for more information.
Habitat for Humanity still needs volunteer support to finish up minor tasks on October 12, 14 and 16 at the two houses in Westland. Build days last from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Volunteers are asked to be at the site no later than9:15am to complete all waivers (if you are bringing someone that does not have one on file). Please call the Habitat office at (734) 459-7744 or email the volunteer coordinator at habitatwwcvolunteer@yahoo.com as soon as possible for more information or to confirm the date that you can volunteer.

Lunch Bunch Luncheon

The Lunch Bunch will be meeting at noon on Wednesday, October 13 at Max & Erma’s restaurant, 2240 North Canton Center Road, Canton. Come, bring a friend, enjoy good food and lively conversation. Anyone needing transportation call Buddy or Linda Stover at 734-722-6086.

Trick or Trunk is a Halloween costume event for children and families. It will be held on Saturday, October 30th from 4-6. The children will have fun and games and then trick or treat in the church parking lot. Adults are invited to pass out candy from the trunk of their car! You can even decorate your car. If you know you’ll be attended please sign up, so we make sure we have plenty of goodies!

Women’s Bible Study

The Women’s Bible Study will begin its 2010-2011 year on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00pm. We will start the year using Don Postema’s Space for God. Books cost $15 each. If you have any questions, please contact facilitators Sandy Stoecklein at 734-595-9911 or Mary Stuart at 734-416-8964.

Worship Preview, Sunday Oct 10,2010

2010-10-08T14:23:00.001-04:00

Dear Saints,

It’s important to know the purpose of a thing. Try to hammer a nail with an alarm clock and it won’t work very well. Try to paint a portrait with a hammer and you’ll soon discover that their purpose is very different. As human beings we learn from the Westminster Catechism that the primary purpose of humankind is to “glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

It’s important to know the purpose of clocks, hammers and especially our own lives. But what about the Church? What exactly is the Church here for? We know we are Christ’s body on earth, but how are we to live that out? Our denomination has identified six primary purposes that it calls “The Six Great Ends of the Church.” Over the next six weeks we will be taking a closer look at each of these purposes one at a time. This Sunday’s “Great End” will be “The Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind.”

In preparation for worship this Sunday, please read Matthew 8:26-39. Spend some time reflecting on the following questions.

· How is your life different because Christ has intervened on your behalf?

· How is that difference manifest in your life? How does it “show”?

· Are there people in your life right now who need to see that difference and hear your story?

We will also be dedicating six beautiful new banners on Sunday, which were hand made by Grace Morgan and Bevis Richardson. Each of these banners depicts one of the Great Ends of the Church. Please be sure to join us for this special occasion.

The apostle Paul once said asked for the prayers of the Ephesian church saying, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador” (Ephesians 6:19). As we focus this Sunday on the Proclamation of the Gospel, let that be our our prayer for one another.

-- Bryan

Worship Preview, Sunday Oct.3

2010-10-01T14:25:00.000-04:00

Dear Saints,

This Sunday is World Communion Sunday. Churches across the globe will celebrate the unity we have been given in Christ by sharing in the Lord’s Supper. It is also a special Sunday for us as we welcome The Rev. Ashraf Beshay, a Presbyterian pastor from Cairo, Egypt, who will be spending four weeks with us. I look forward this next month to being blessed and enriched as Ashraf shares with us about the joys and challenges of our sisters and brothers who live in the Middle East.

The unity Christ purchased for us at the cross is a poignant reality when we consider the world we live in. Not a day goes by without headline after headline reporting conflicts along national, ideological, religious, political, racial, economic, social and just about any other line you can fathom. Jesus lived in a world very different from ours, but one that was no less divided and had much to say about how he intended for his followers to live in such a world.

In preparation for worship, please read Luke 9:51-56 and Luke 10:25-37 and ponder the following questions.

What are some of the deepest divisions between you and other people in your life?

How do you respond to the idea that Jesus calls us to be a neighbor to these very people?

What would it look like for you to take one step toward neighborliness?

-- Bryan

This Week at Geneva

2010-09-21T10:12:00.000-04:00

You may sign up for any of the following programs by contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the updated Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Learning and Growing Together

On Wednesday, September 29, LifeStream, our mid-week Christian Education program, will resume. LifeStream begins with a meal at 5:45 followed by classes for all ages from 6:30 – 7:30. Suggested donation for meals is $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under with a family maximum of $15.00. You may sign up for adult classes in the Sunday bulletin, by calling the church office at 734-459-0013 or by email at cindysue32@sbcglobal.net.

Adult LifeStream classes

· Suburban Spirituality: The Challenges and Opportunities for Suburban Christians – facilitated by Bryan Smith. Starts September 29.

· Disciple: an In-Depth Exploration of the Bible – facilitated by Dave McCreedy and Cindy Thomas. Manuals cost $35 each. Meets from 6:30 – 8:30.

Our Visiting Pastor from Egypt will be here soon. Your help is needed!

The Rev. Ashraf Beshay will be visiting with us from Egypt September 29 – October 27, through the Synod of the Covenant’s Mission to the USA program. A calendar is posted in the Gathering Space to allow everyone an opportunity to sign up to visit with him in their home for meals or other gatherings or to take him to visit area cultural or entertainment venues. If you have any questions, please contact Ashraf’s calendar coordinator, Donna Gray at 734-844-279 or dgrayce@sbcglobal.net.

Mission Opportunities

Quilts for the Homeless – New Quilting Schedule! Starting Monday Sept 20th 6:30-8:30PM, we will be assembling and tying quilts! It's EASY. RELAXING, and great FELLOWSHIP! Please join us even if you only have a half hour to spare. Sewers are still needed at home or church. Sheets are needed for backing the quilts. See Charlene Jones (981-3053) or Cheryl Caldwell for questions.
ISI October English Class Tutoring -- ISI (International Students, Inc.) is sponsoring English Conversation Classes for international students and visiting scholars at the University of Michigan on the 4 Mondays in October (Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25). The class is held in the Boulevard Room of Pierpont Commons, corner of Murfin Ave. and Bonisteel Blvd., U of M North Campus, from 7:30 pm until 8:45 pm. You are invited to participate in any one or more of the sessions. No experience is necessary and materials will be provided. car pool will leave from Geneva at 6:45 pm each week. For more information, contact Barb or Norm Fichtenberg.
An important request for the Iowa and Katrina mission trips. Volunteers are needed for mission trips. Iowa in September and Katrina in October 2010. Call Mary Lloyd at 313-247-0792 with questions & visit hands-on-mission.org for applications.
Annual Chili Cook Off - Sunday, October 10th – Plymouth
Sign up as a volunteer, have a great time, receive a t-shirt and lunch.
There are many different opportunities for 3 or 4 hr. time slots.
Sign up in the gathering space soon, to reserve your favorite time & activity.
Bring your friends ! Proceeds go to Apostles Build and other charities.
CROP Hunger Walk – The 2010 Plymouth/Canton CROP Hunger Walk will take place on Sunday, October 17with registration starting at 1:30 pm and the walk at 2:00 pm. The walk will begin at St. John's Episcopal Church, 574 S. Sheldon Rd. in Plymouth. We will be recruiting walkers and donors in the Gathering Space on Sept. 19, 26,Oct. 3 and 10. This is a family event. Strollers and wagons are welcome for young children.

Reaching out to our community

2010-09-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

Habitat for Humanity Annual Chili Cook Off - Sunday, October 10th -Plymouth

There are many different opportunities for 3 or 4 hr. time slots.

Bring your friends -
Proceeds go to Apostles Build and other charities.

Quilts for the Homeless – We will be quilting every Monday from 6:30 – 8:30pm starting September 13. Sheets and people willing to sew are needed. Call Charlene Jones at 734-981-3053 if you have any questions.

ISI October English Class Tutoring -- ISI (International Students, Inc.) is sponsoring English Conversation Classes for international students and visiting scholars at the University of Michigan on the 4 Mondays in October (Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25). The class is held in the Boulevard Room of Pierpont Commons, corner of Murfin Ave. and Bonisteel Blvd., U of M North Campus, from 7:30 pm until 8:45 pm. You are invited to participate in any one or more of the sessions. No experience is necessary and materials will be provided. car pool will leave from Geneva at 6:45 pm each week. For more information, contact Barb or Norm Fichtenberg.

This is an important request for the Iowa and Katrina mission trips.

Volunteers needed for mission trips. Iowa in September and Katrina in October 2010. Call Mary Lloyd at 313-247-0792 with questions & visit hands-on-mission.org for applications.

2010-09-10T11:48:00.002-04:00

While the world has looked on in fascination, disgust, and horror at the proposed burning of Korans by a pastor and his church in Florida, the faith community here at Geneva has been quietly but busily planning more edifying events this weekend. First, we will be gathering at Geneva this Saturday at 5:00 pm for a church picnic. We'll have lots of food, fun, and fellowship, rain or shine. We hope that Genevans and friends of all ages will join us for the picnic as we begin our Coming Home weekend.

And then on Sunday morning, we begin our new worship and education format. Worship services will be held at 8:30 and 11:00 am and an education hour will take place beginning at 9:45am. We will have communion, liturgical dance, wonderful music, and a though-provoking message in worship. For education, we again have classes planned for all ages. Join us whether you've signed up or not!

We will begin this Sunday taking a look at the invitation we have as people of faith to be transformed into Christ-likeness. We'll be thinking about what our role is in this process and what is God's role.

To prepare for worship, I encourage you to read Hebrews 5:11-6:12. Take some time to ponder the passage, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you through them. As you do so, I encourage you to think about what hinders Christians from moving into faith maturity. What are some of the stumbling blocks we encounter in the transformative process? What does the writer of Hebrews encourage us to do? What specifically might God be asking you to do in regards to your faith at this point in your life?

My hope is that we can kick-off a new year of church life with a commitment to accept all God has in mind for us. As we head into the fall season, we know God is ready and waiting to help us grow in faith, hope, and love.

Children’s Ministry New Opportunities for Fall Line-up!

2010-08-30T16:59:00.000-04:00

We can’t wait to kick of the Christian Education Programs in Children’s Ministry!

On Sunday, September 12th we will welcome all children to explore their faith in a variety of way,

Infants and toddlers will be able to play in a safe and welcoming environment all morning. We offer faith based play and stories for our little ones.
At 9:45 children ages 4 years through 5th grade will attend the Lighthouse where they will experience “hands on” Bible stories.
At 11am worship- 3 year olds thru 1st graders will be in Young Children’s Worship following the children’s time at the 11 worship service.
At 11 am worship children in 2nd -5th grade will go following the children’s message and have their Kid’s Own Worship (K.O.W.) on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The other Sundays they will stay and participate in worship in the sanctuary.

LifeStream- midweek program beginning Wednesday, September 29 – Dinner at 5:45, classes from 6:30 – 7:30. Suggested donation for dinner: $3.50 for adults, $1.50 for children 10 and under. This fall the program will include dinner, devotions, recreation, worship arts and mission projects. Through sharing and serving, creating and playing the children will be actively engaged in finding ways to put their faith into action. Together, they will discover practical ways to be people of faith in their daily lives. All children in K-5th grades are welcome.

First Fridays (an evening of fun and faith) Starting October 1st for children in 1st-5th grade from 6:30-8:30. More details will be coming soon. Upcoming dates will be 11/5, 12/3,1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6

Please encourage the children in your life to attend these programs designed to help them grow in faith and discover God’s love.

Geneva Presbyterian has a child, youth and vulnerable adult protection policy. We are committed to providing a safe environment for worship and learning for people of all ages.

This Week at Geneva

2010-07-20T09:33:00.000-04:00

Pray for our Missions and Missionaries

The Fort Street Presbyterian Church Open Door Ministry has had the privilege of serving the Poor and Homeless in Downtown Detroit for over 35 years! Every Thursday we open our doors to serve a hearty meal to over 400 people who are homeless or cannot afford food. Also, each person leaves with sandwiches for later in the day. During the last year, 21,000 meals were served to homeless and poor people. In addition, clothing, showers, medical services, and haircuts are available. A social worker provides counseling for assistance benefits. Job postings are made available in the local area. Read more about Open Door on their web site athttp://www.fortstreet.org/Open%20Door/overview.html.

Prayer Chain

If you have any requests for our Prayer Chain, please email them to prayerchain@genevachurch.org. If you do not have access to email, you may phone your requests to our Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kurt Cross, at 313-532-3984, or to the church office at 734-459-0013.

Here’s What’s Happening at Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by replying to this e-mail or contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the updated Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Blood Drive

The next Geneva-St. Michael’s blood drive will be held at Geneva on Monday, July 26 from 2:30 – 8:00 pm. Please make your appointment by contacting Blood Drive Coordinator Kay Sousa at 734-772-2990.

Quilts for the Homeless

ATTENTION ALL PEOPLE WHO SEW! Anyone interested in sewing a quilt (it's easy) please contact Charlene @ 734-981-3053. Sewing can be done at home or at church.

Tues July 20th, Quilt tying, 1pm to 4:30pm with Grace Morgan. Come as you can. No supplies needed.

Wed July 21st – Collating, 1pm-3:30pm and 6 pm - 8 pm. with Charlene, Grace, and Cheryl.

Wed July 28th – Collating & tying, 6:30pm to 8:30 pm with Charlene and Grace.

Wed Aug 4th, Quilting continues, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm with Charlene and Cheryl.

Intergenerational Outreach/Mission Day – ALL AGES INVITED

The Wayne County Family Center on Michigan Avenue in Wayne is the site of our next intergenerational outreach/mission day. Saturday, July 24^th, from 10am -- ??pm we will join with the residents of the WCFC for a few hours of work, sharing, a meal, and fun. The families may include children of all ages from infants through teenagers.

· 10am – Time to repair some old and build some new picnic tables, repair the basketball area, and do some general playground improvement/clean-up (you will be contacted about tools needed.

· 12pm -- ?? – Time for a picnic with burgers and dogs on the grill (provided by the Local Mission Team) and a potluck of whatever sides and desserts everyone wants to bring. Outdoor activities and games for all ages and abilities will follow the picnic. Please bring donations of new and/or gently used outdoor games/toys to use and leave. Come for any or all of the day! If you can’t come at all, donations of outdoor games/toys are needed and will be collected at Geneva from July 4 through July 22.

Contact Dawn Christenson, Local Mission Elder at 734-397-1484.

Mission to the USA – MUSA

Geneva has been selected to participate in this year’s Synod of the Covenant’s Mission to the USA Program, September 29 – October 27. You may remember our participation in this program previously when Nikolai Devyatkin was the missionary/visiting pastor from Russia. This year’s missionaries are from the Middle East. We will be welcoming the Reverend Afshar Beshay, senior pastor of Maadi Evangelical Church Cairo, Egypt. Ashfar’s church is a Presbyterian church of the Synod of the Nile. We will be sharing more information in the next few weeks and asking for your assistance so that everyone will have an opportunity to learn from and share hospitality with Ashfar during his time with us.

Toddler Care assistance needed for the summer worship schedule

Adult and youth assistants are needed to watch over our little ones in the toddler room during worship this summer. Sign up for a week(s) on the bulletin board across from the sanctuary. A Ministry with Minors application is required for adults, contact Cindy Revezzo or Meg Wilson if you need an application.

Just Coffee order

We will be ordering Just Coffee again this month to be delivered on Sunday, August 1. Orders must be received by July 20. There will be some extra coffee ordered, but if you want to make sure you get what you want, please place your order on the sign-up in the Sunday bulletin or contact Barb Fichtenberg at 734-981-4205. Due to an increase in shipping costs (50 cents per lb.), a pound of regular coffee is now $9 and a pound of decaf is $10.

An Amazing Opportunity

Michigan Roundtable is honored and truly excited to offer this opportunity for open and honest dialogue on stories of racial healing. On Friday, July 30 at 7pm, authors Plyllis A. and Eugene F. Unterschuetz will be offering a live reading of their book, Longing: Stories of Racial Healing followed by dialogue. Longing is a white couple's personal account of a journey that pulled them out of their comfortable notions about race and into the lives of people of African descent, where they faced their greatest challenge---their own racial conditioning. Please bring guests. The reading is open to the public.

Senior High Mission Day 3

2010-07-08T09:20:00.002-04:00

Hello Family,

Day 3 was another hot day in W Virginia! There is not a whole lot different to report work-wise, as the groups are consistently doing the same thing each day. Every night our group meets in a private room to check in on each other, share stories, and prepare for the next day. Last night it was clear that Wednesday was the hardest day yet. The realities of altered sleep, rigorous schedule, many new experiences, and intense closeness with such a large group tends to make things tough in my experience.

Our youth are -as usual- representing God and our church very well. I believe they are learning more and more how challenging deep discipleship can be. They are seeing how having to choose between what God is calling us to and what we would REALLY like to do are often at odds. They get to see how caring for strangers is sometimes easier than caring for each other.

Please pray for us as today is our final workday, and we say goodbye to the people of WV. As you will hear on Sunday, our kids have been impacted by this community.

Peace

Dan

Senior High Mission - Pictures

2010-07-07T12:37:00.009-04:00

Amanda having lunch

Friends!

Jam Session! Raking Rocks on the ball field.

Senior High Mission Day 2

2010-07-07T08:21:00.004-04:00

We had quite a day on Tuesday. Kids club had a much greater turnout, with 12 kids. Our kids told great stories last night about the connections they made. They spent the morning at a nursing home, just spending time being with the elderly. It is the type of ministry that can be intimidating at first, but I think our group stretched their limits to be God's ears and mouths to these people.

The rest of us continued rehabbing a park. We raked more rocks from the ball diamonds and they are looking pretty smooth! We also painted the field house some more and cleaned it up. Tobi and I fixed some broken benches and picnic tables, cutting out the broken wood planks and replacing them with new wood. It was a sweaty day, but I hear y'all are having that too!

At the end of our work day, 2 brothers who have grown up in Mingo County sat us down and told us of the history here. It was sad to hear some of the history, and the future in their words, is "bleak". They concluded their talk thanking all of us for coming, and they were in tears at that point. As they thanked us for coming here "to work for free", it occurred to me that this is how God works. I think he smiles when we act on our faith. I think we were created to be with and help each other here on earth.

Please pray for us again today as we hit the spot where the week starts getting mentally and physically tough. Tonight we are going to worship, which should be a source of renewal.

Peace.
Dan

Senior High Mission Trip - Blue Grass Concert!

2010-07-06T22:12:00.004-04:00

A night out at the bluegrass concert! Lots of sweat and fun!

Steven getting his blue grass groove on!

Blue Grass ! What Fun!

The BAND!

Senior High Mission Day 1

2010-07-06T09:51:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

Yesterday was our first work day, and we had a good start. Half of our team spent the day with kids'club, a day program for the youth in the area. There was a very low turnout (only 6 kids the whole day) and they are suspecting that July 4th recognized on Monday may have prompted parents at home to keep their kids with them. Please pray for more kids for them to work with. This morning they will be visiting a nursing home. Last night in group, we discussed the fears associated with talking to new people and not being sure what to say. We prayed to be God's voice and ears for these people today.

The other part of the group got to do some good sweating! We painted a field house, and raked rocks off a baseball diamond. The park we were at was devastated by a flood last spring, and they are lacking the funds to fix it. It was a hot day, but we were visited by a man named Charlie who shared some stories about where we werre working. The land here is 85 percent owned by corporate coal companies, and very little money flows back to the people. There is also some timber industry. Other than those 2 industries, Charlie said welfare is the biggest source of income. It is a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and trees, and we are often reminded of God's creativity in His creation!

Blessings to you all!
Dan

Senior High Mission Update

2010-07-05T20:28:00.002-04:00

Greetings Geneva Family!

We arrived last night around 4:45 pm in Williamson, WV. It was a pretty easy drive- not much traffic and the GPS got us here safely. We lucked out a little when we contacted Matthew Adedeji and realized that although we were coming from drastically different directions, we were about to converge on the same road about 80 miles from our final destinaiton! So we met them at a gas station and picked Tobi up- saving Matthew at least 2 hours of driving. It was a God moment that we could never have planned better! We arrived to meet our fellow missionaries, churches from Minnesota,Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Dakota. We had dinner, got familiar with the site, and worshipped before hitting bed @ 11:15. It was a long day and bed was welcome- it was very quiet except for a loud snorer! We had our group together last night to hear their concerns and expectations for the upcoming week- from what I heard- we are ready for the challenges! Please pray for all of us as it will be hot and challenging. Half the group will be doing kids' club on Monday and wed. , while visiting a retirement home on tues and thurs. The other half will be doing construction, painting, and some landscaping. I will keep you all posted.

May God Bless all our efforts here and at home this week!

Dan

Here’s What’s Happening at Geneva

2010-06-14T17:24:00.001-04:00

Last Call for Graduates

We will be honoring our graduates in worship on Sunday, June 20. If you or someone in your household is graduating or has graduated from high school or college during the 2009-10 school year, please contact the church office or reply to this email with the following information:

Name of graduate, school graduating from, degree if college grad, future plans, if known. Also please indicate whether the graduate will be in worship on June 20.

Habitat Homeowner Search

Habitat for Humanity will be holding an informational meeting for those who might qualify as their next homeowners. The meeting will be at 6pm on June 15 and the Dorsey Community Center, 32715 Dorsey in Westland. Attendance at the meeting is mandatory to be eligible to apply. For more information about qualifications, please check the poster on the kiosk near the front doors.

Going on Vacation?

Vacation Bags are available for families to borrow during the summer. Inside each bag you’ll find resources to spark conversation and to feed your soul. These bags are a great way to stay connected to your faith while relaxing on vacation. Each bag contains books, music and activities for children, youth and adults. You are welcome to take one from the rack in the gathering area and bring it back when you return to church!

Camperships

Camperships are available for Geneva members and attendees who will be going to Presbyterian camps this summer. These camperships will cover up to half the designated camp fee. More information on camps is available in the gathering area. Contact Dawn Christenson, Local Missions Elder, at 734-397-1484 to apply.

worship preview

2010-04-21T14:59:00.001-04:00

I made a comment in my Easter sermon that our opportunity as Christians is not to mark Easter but to let Easter mark us. Simply recognizing the reality of the resurrection is far short of what God desires for us. His hope is that we might live a life infused with the life-giving, life-raising power of Christ.

In one of his letter, the apostle Paul gives very direct and helpful instruction on how this hope can be realized in our lives. He writes: ¹Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).

As the apostle points out, by the mysterious and marvelous grace of God, we have already been raised with Christ spiritually. The power that raised Jesus from the dead has elevated us to a place of being eternally beloved sons and daughters of God. That reality invites us to something profoundly important in our daily lives: to set our hearts and minds on things above.

This Sunday we will focus on this crucially important aspect of the Christian life. The title of the message will be "Becoming Who We Already Are." My hope and prayer is that in the course of this service, we might be both inspired and equipped to be marked by the power of Christ's resurrection in the midst of our daily lives.

As we approach Sunday, I would encourage you to ponder these questions: what does it mean to set our hearts and minds? how much latitude do we have to determine such settings? if you were to look at your thoughts and attitudes now, how well are you doing in following what Paul suggests? what are some specific daily practices that would allow his teaching to be more deeply followed in your life?

May this Sunday be a time for changing lives by the power and glory of God.

--Bryan

worship preview

2010-03-18T13:36:00.001-04:00

Generally speaking, playing for the home crowd produces positive results. For example, almost without exception, sports teams have a higher winning percentage when playing at home than they do being on the road. A case in point is the current NBA season where 27 out of 30 teams have won more games at home than away. This higher winning percentage constitutes what's called the homefield advantge. This advantage exists because hometown fans usually provide support and encouragement that lifts the team's performance.

I say hometown folks usually provide support and encouragement because there are exceptions. One of the most glaring examples is captured in Luke's gospel when Jesus returns home to teach at a synagogue. The homecoming starts off on a positive note but quickly turns nasty. The gospel narrative is included below. As you read the story, I would encourage you to ponder the dynamics of the story. You might reflect on these questions: what makes the home crowd so angry with Jesus? what principle lies at the heart of their contention with him? why do you think Jesus presses this point so directly with them? does the issue at the heart of this story still exist in our modern day context? what is the challenge contained in this passage for followers of Jesus?

My hope and prayer is that this worship service would help us gain a deeper understanding and commitment to the reality Jesus expresses in this passage. By grasping and living this principle, we can, by the grace and power of God, change the world for the better!

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

¹⁴Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. ¹⁵He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

¹⁶He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. ¹⁷The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
¹⁸"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
      because he has anointed me
      to preach good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
      and recovery of sight for the blind,
   to release the oppressed,
    ¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

²⁰Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, ²¹and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

²²All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.

²³Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "

²⁴"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. ²⁵I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. ²⁶Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. ²⁷And there were many in Israel with leprosy.in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."

²⁸All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. ²⁹They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. ³⁰But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

worship preview--3/7/10

2010-03-04T16:01:00.001-05:00

The Academy Awards presentation will take place this Sunday night. In preparation, movie critics are releasing their views of who should walk away with an Oscar.

While not a professional film reviewer, I do enjoy going to the movies and seeing an inspired performance. But even the most talented and well trained actor or actress can be hamstrung by a poor script or inept plot. An actor can only bring to life the role that has been created for him or her.

As we approach the second Sunday in Lent, we will continue looking at a time in Jesus' life when he is pondering which script he will follow in his role as Messiah. Luke narrates for us in the beginning of his fourth chapter how Jesus takes a long and careful look at three possible scripts. In worship, we will take a look at the second script given to him (Luke 4:5-9--which is included below.) We'll ponder why this was a tempting offer for Jesus and how it continues to be an attractive script for us as well. My hope is that we will emerge from our encounter with God's word in a way that deepens our understanding and appreciation of the script Jesus chose to follow and how this script is offered today to each one of us. My prayer is that God would deepen our commitment to live out the role of "Christian" according to the example Jesus gave us.

To prepare for worship, I would encourage you to read the passage in Luke and to think about these questions: Why was this offer so tempting to Jesus? Why does he decide to say "no"? In saying "no" to this temptation, what is he saying "yes" to? In what ways do you experience the same temptation Jesus faced? What is its appeal to you? In contrast to the script offered by the devil, what script does God offer to us as followers of Christ?

We will also be sharing the Lord's Supper together this Sunday so come prepared to receive God's mercy, grace, and love and to offer yourself to the Lord with gratitude and devotion.

Luke 4:5-8

⁵The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷So if you worship me, it will all be yours."

⁸Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only

worship preview

2010-02-20T10:54:00.001-05:00

With Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in our rearview mirror, we approach our first Sunday in Lent. For many Christians, Lent is a misunderstood time of the Church calendar. Often we think of it as a time to refrain from sweets or to scale back our coffee consumption. The question most often asked this time of year is "what are you giving up for Lent?"

Lent, however, is not about giving up something but about gaining Someone. It's a time for us to reflect on our absolute need for Christ and to take steps that allow Him to live more fully within us. Doing this might lead us to give up some behaviors or thought patterns that quench the Spirit. Usually such things don't involve coffee or chocolate, but rather things like prayerlessness, gossip, and judging others. Giving up these habits can create an interior space for us to know and love Christ more deeply.

The first Sunday in Lent traditionally focuses on the temptations of Christ and so our text for worship will be Luke 4:1-4, which narrates the first temptation. We will zero in on the second and third temptations in subsequent weeks. Pondering the trials that Jesus went through can help us to see what steps we need to take if we are to truly be his disciples. Please read the verses in Luke (includeded below) and reflect on these questions:

why would it have been wrong for Jesus to have done this? why would this have been a tempting option for Jesus? what does Jesus' response tell us about his mission in life? if Jesus didn't come to turn stone into bread, what did he come to do? in what ways are you tempted to see Jesus as less than he is? in what ways are you tempted to compromise your mission in life? how do these temptations get expressed in your life? relying on Christ's help, how might you resist these temptations in a greater way?

May God guide each of us into a deeper experience of His love and grace this Lenten season.

--Bryan

The Temptation of Jesus

¹Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, ²where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

³The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."

⁴Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone."

worship preview

2010-02-12T18:07:00.001-05:00

This Sunday we celebrate the Day of Love, also known as Valentine's Day. While the origins of Valentine's Day are rather murky, the U.S.

Greeting Cards Association estimates Valentine's Day is now the second-most popular card-giving day of the year, behind Christmas.

Florists, candy-makers, and restauranteurs also tend to do a brisk business as folks seek ways to share and celebrate love.

Whatever plans you may or may not have on this Valentine's Day, I hope you will join us in worship as we explore the ways God seeks us to be His valentine and the lengths he goes to have him be ours as well. In our service, we will take a look at a passage from Hosea 2:14-23 (included below). Here, Hosea reveals the nature and depth of God's love in a way that may surprise you. While we often think of God as Father, Judge, Creator, and Friend, here Hosea portrays God as a Lover head-over-heals in love with His people.

My hope is that as we ponder this passage, we will arrive at a deeper appreciation for a God who invites us to be eternally His as He woos us by His love and grace.

Join us in the festivities as we celebrate this dimension of the God who passionately loves us and invites us to love Him passionately in return.

To prepare, please read the Hosea passage and ponder these questions: have you ever thought of God in the way described by Hosea? what does knowing this about God mean to you? why do you think God is like this? what difference might this reality make in your life?

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

--Bryan

Hosea 2: 14-23

"Here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to start all over again.

I'm taking her back out into the wilderness where we had our first date, and I'll court her.

I'll give her bouquets of roses.

I'll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope.

'At that time'--this is God's Message still--

'you'll address me , 'Dear Husband!'

Never again will you address me, 'My slave-master.'

And then I'll marry you for good--forever!

I'll marry you good and proper, in love and tenderness.

Yes, I'll marry you and neither leave you nor let you go." (The Message).

Holy Land Pilgrimage Luncheon

2010-02-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, February 21, immediately following the 11:00 service, Pastor Bryan Smith will be sharing pictures and reflections about his recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We’ll have lunch together at about 12:30 and the presentation will begin at about 1:00. If you plan to be here for the lunch, please contact the church office so we will be sure to have enough food on hand. Suggested donation for lunch is $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under.

Ash Wednesday Dinner and Worship

2010-02-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

We will mark the beginning of Lent on Wednesday, February 17 by sharing a simple meal at 6:15 followed by an Ash Wednesday service at 7:00. This is a deeply meaningful service in which you will renew your baptismal and confirmation vows, and be given the opportunity to receive anointing and a prayer of blessing. If you plan to be here for the dinner, please contact the church office. Suggested donation for the meal is $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under with a family maximum of $12. People of all ages are encouraged to attend the service. Child care will be provided for infants and toddlers, if desired.

Lenten Dinner Series

2010-02-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

Lenten Dinner Series starting February 24.

The ballots are in and there were two topics that seem to be of great interest, so our Lenten Dinner Series will tackle both of them. We’ll begin with Faith and Stress, and follow up with Revelation and the End Times. Please contact the church office if you would like to attend. Dinner begins at 5:45 with the class following at 6:30. Suggested donation for dinner is $3.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 10 and under.

Faith and Stress – Jesus tells us, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt 6:34). It appears that worrying is contrary to a life of faith, but knowing that theologically is much easier than living it experientially. Stress is real, and we all deal with it to some degree. In this class we will explore what the Christian faith has to offer in the midst of a stress-producing world.

Revelation and the End Times – Interest in the “End Times” seems to have peaked in recent years. But what does the Bible really say about these matters? Is there a message to us, as people of faith, in this recent interest in apocalyptic scenarios? How can knowing what God has to say about the “End Times” help us live in the “Mean Time”? How can we bring hope to a world that is spinning out of control?

worship preview

2010-01-15T16:36:00.001-05:00

In the aftermath of the devastation in Haiti, people and governments from around the world are offering aid in various forms. The hope is that the outpouring of relief efforts and supplies might prevent an even larger tragedy from occuring.

While the generosity of so many people is heartening to see, a few folks are offering things less helpful than food, blankets, and medical supplies. Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson, for example, have offered opinions about the crisis that have spawned reactions around the world. Limbaugh's comments seek to score political points through this tragedy while Robertson has proffered that the earthquake is further evidence that Haiti has been cursed due to making a pact with the devil 200 years ago when it gained independence from France.

As both an American and a Christian, comments like these both embarrass and anger me. I find myself shaking my head in disbelief that such thinking gets generated in the context of human tragedy. Of course, such thinking isn't new. We know it was around in the time of Jesus thanks to a story recorded in the gospel of John:^"As Jesus went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. (9:1-4).

Jesus clearly rejects the notion that this man's suffering was the result of a sin either he or his parents committed. Instead of affixing blame, Jesus instead directs our energy and attention to the opportunity we have to take part in the work of God.

This Sunday we will reflect on what kind of work we can embrace in the midst of tragedy. What does God ask us to do on His behalf in response to human need and suffering?

As people of faith, it is important for us to do more than be grieved by the comments of people like Pat Robertson. We are also called to speak and act in ways that reflect the nature and character of Christ.

To prepare for worship, I ask you to ponder both the passage above as well these words from 2 Corinthians: ^"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (1:3-5).

In what ways might our comfort flow into this situation in Haiti and other situations where people are hurting and grieving? What does doing the work of God look like in such situations? How do comments like the ones made by Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson work against the mandate we've been given by Christ.

Please continue to be in prayer for the survivors in Haiti, for rescue workers, and for those who are responding to the crisis. Please also note that we are collecting donations to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund in worship as well.

Boxing Night 2009 Observer Eccentric News Report

2010-01-03T21:12:00.002-05:00

Observer Eccentric News Report

worship preview for 1/3/10

2009-12-31T17:52:00.001-05:00

As I write this, a new year is mere hours from being born. 2009 will move into history as 2010 arrives. As this changing of the calendar is celebrated globally, I find myself reflecting on our invitation as people of faith to experience something more significant than a new year. In Christ, we find a God who joyfully calls out, "Happy new life!" My hope and prayer for all of us as we cross this annual threshold is that we might experience the newness of life that is ours in Christ.

This Sunday, as we gather in worship, we will reflect on a central aspect of the good news we've been given, that in Christ, we have a promise of life and light that can never, ever be extinguished. We will hear the opening words of John's gospel and invite God to impress those words more deeply into our hearts and minds: "¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning. ³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of all. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it."

As you prepare for worship, I would encourage you to re-read these verses several times. You might even try memorizing them! They form a wonderful summary of the gospel of Christ. You might also think of some specific ways that you have experienced the truth of verses 4 and 5. How have you experienced the light of Christ in your life? Can you think of times when you were in the midst of darkness but discovered the light of Christ was still there? What hope do these words give you as you move into the future?

Please remember that we will have one service this Sunday at 10 am. I look forward to seeing you then.

--Bryan

Birthday Party

2009-12-22T16:31:00.001-05:00

It's a birthday party
and you're invited!

The honor of your presence
is requested at

a birthday party for

Jesus

On Sunday, December 27, 2009
at 10:00 am

Jesus is God's gift to the world. Come and celebrate as we open that gift together.We'll have birthday cake, balloons and festive decorations. Party guests will be given an opportunity to share reflections on how Jesus has been a gift to them.

"Advent Conspiracy" ??

2009-12-18T09:02:00.001-05:00

Take a look at this video! What do you think?

Advent Conspiacy Video

worship preview

2009-12-17T18:14:00.001-05:00

One of the titles Christians ascribe to Jesus is Prince of Peace. It is taken from a prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 where that title, along with Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father is used in description of a veryspecial child who would be born into our world.

Isaiah wrote those words over 500 years before Christ and we as Christians believe that the prophecy has been fulfilled. The Prince of Peace arrived. And yet, over 2000 years later, our world still waits for true and lasting peace to arrive as well. Despite the gift of the Christ child, our world continues to be born by strife.

Reflecting on that reality, a Christian writer named Addison Leitch observed, "Our trouble is we want the peace without the Prince." The world persists in its belief that peace somehow can be achieved apart from Christ. And yet, as the apostle Paul states in his letter to the Ephesians, "Christ is our peace" (2:14). Not Christ, will bring peace but Christ IS our peace. He himself is peace.

This Sunday, we will explore more deeply the gospel promise about peace. We will do that by reflecting on a couple of Scriptures: Luke 2:1-14 and Ephesians 2:14-18.

In the Lukan passage, angels proclaim to shepherds outside of Bethlehem: "glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among those with whom God is pleased. Peace is proclaimed as a divine gift in the arrival of Jesus. In Ephesians, Paul explains the peace process God used in more detail. That passage is included below.

To prepare for worship, please read these passages and reflect on these questions: why do we seek peace without the Prince? what makes such a search fruitless? in what ways is it true that Christ is the Prince of Peace even in a world so torn by violence? what is the source of the peace we have in Christ? what do these passages challenge us to do?

Please also be in prayer for our service as we move ever closer to the celebration of Christ's birth.

Ephesians 2:14-18 (New International Version)

¹⁴For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Boxing NIght 2009

2009-12-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

Don't forget Boxing Night! Our annual Boxing Night clothing drive for the homeless begins on the day after Christmas. The senior high youth will be spending the night in the church parking lot on Saturday, December 26 to help raise awareness of the plight of the homeless.

worship preview

2009-12-11T16:23:00.001-05:00

One of the things I've noticed about Michigan living is that sunny days never get taken for granted. The year my family moved to Michigan from southern California the sun came out three days in the month of November. I remember thinking, "I'm not going to make it if this continues. I need a break from the gloomy weather."

I think that same reasoning was behind the decision of Church leaders to make the third Sunday in Advent the Joy Sunday. Advent is a time for introspection and repentance, a time to do some internal housecleaning to prepare for the birth of Christ. Such work is necesary, but hard. Spiritual weariness can set in. And so it was decided to insert this Sunday of joy to refresh us as we move toward Christmas.

This Sunday, we will take a look at this reality called joy. And we'll do so by pondering a couple of Scriptures: Luke 1:46-55 and Matthew 1:18-25. In the first passage, Mary rejoices at the news of her pregancy. As you read through this passage, identify the reasons Mary gives for being so joyful. While rejoicing at her news, Mary also makes it clear that some folks won't find the arrival of Christ to be a joyful occasion. Which folks does she mention ? In the Matthew passage, Joseph also is being invited into the joy of Christ's birth, but his reaction seems less joyful than Mary's. Why is that the case? What issues does Joseph wrestle with? Although joy isn't implicitly stated in this passage, where might it be present in the story?

I would encourage you to think through these questions as well: is there a difference between having fun and having joy? Between being happy and being joyful? What are the differences? Where does Jesus fit into the notion of joy?

Please be in prayer as we approach this Sunday. May it be a time of growing closer to God in Christ and experiencing the joy that He offers.

--Bryan

Winter Dinner Series - Faith and Science

2009-12-09T16:35:00.002-05:00

Science and faith often seem to be at odds.
Biblical accounts of creation sometimes don’t seem to line up with what scientists are discovering. Does science disprove the existence of God, or does it provide evidence that God exists? Are we wonderful creations made in the image of God, or are we merely the accidental result of eons of evolutionary processes?
How does a person of faith interpret both the Bible and science as they seek to explain what we are, how we got here, and what our purpose is? What are some of the ethical implications of recent scientific discoveries?
These are some of the questions that will be explored in our six-week Winter Dinner Series, Faith and Science, led by Bryan Smith and Beth Delaney. The series will be held on Wednesday nights beginning on January 6, 2010.
Dinner starts at 5:45 with classes for all ages beginning at 6:30. The evening concludes at 7:30.

Celebrate Christmas Around The World

2009-12-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday December 16, come celebrate the birth of our Savior through traditions from around the world, 5:45-7:30pm. Tickets are $5 for children 10 and under, $7 for everyone else. Advance ticket purchase only. Tickets will be on sale beginning Sunday, December 6^th. Invite your friends!

Enjoy food, crafts, stories, music, and more.

worship preview

2009-12-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

The Detroit News recently had an article that offered advice on how to dress for office Christmas parties. The general advice was to dress conservatively. It noted that for women, wearing low cut blouses and short skirts undermines the image of professionalism and can damage hope for career advancement.

In a story he includes in his gospel, Matthew tells of a man who was invited not to an office party, but to a wedding banquet. Unfortunately for him, the man wasn't dressed appropriately and suffered consequences far worse than a career setback. Matthew includes this story not because he is a fashionista, but a Christian teacher and evangelist. His hope is that the story will encourage us to think not about what we wear to parties but about how we respond to the gospel of life.

We will be taking a look at this story this Sunday. It is found in Matthew 22:11-13 and is included below. As you read the story, you might ask, "why does the king respond so forcefully in this story?" "what can we imply about the guest based on how he shows up for this feast?" "what is the point of this story?" "what does this story say to us 2000 years later?" "what in particular does this story say to you?"

We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper this Sunday. Taking time to read and reflect on this passage would be a great way to prepare for worship.

In Christ,

--Bryan

Matthew 22:11-13

¹¹"when the king came in to see the guests he had invited to his son's wedding feast, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ¹²'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.

¹³"Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Holiday Worship Schedule

2009-11-30T13:27:00.000-05:00

Sunday, December 20, 6:00 pm

Longest Night Service

A service of hope and healing.

Thursday, December 24

4:00 pm

Celebration of the Christmas Story

Children and youth are invited to participate
in a joyful retelling of the birth of Christ

7:00 and 9:00 pm

Christmas Eve Service

Carols, Candlelight and Communion

Sunday, December 27

10:00 am Worship

Sunday, January 3

10:00 am Worship

This Week at Geneva

2009-11-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by replying to this e-mail or contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Decorate Geneva for Christmas

Everyone is invited to stay after church November 29 for a light lunch and to decorate the church for Advent and for Christmas. There will be a $2 donation requested for each person 5 on up. Please let us know if you are coming so we will have enough food on hand. Contact the church office at cindysue32@sbcglobal.net or Donna Gray atdgrayce@sbcglobal.net.

Adopt-an-Angel

Geneva is participating with the Plymouth Salvation Army Adopt-an-Angel program. Please stop by the table in the Gathering Space to adopt your angel. They are in need of toys, clothing and food gift cards. The donations need to be at Geneva by December 6th. Donations may be dropped off in the church office.

Lunch Bunch News

The Lunch Bunch program for December will be lunch at the American Harvest Restaurant of the Culinary Arts Department of Schoolcraft College! If you are interested and available for lunch at 12:00pm on December 9th, (car pool from church at 11:30), please call Ralph or Bevis Richardson at 734-981-0290. It is important that you sign up because we need to call ahead for reservations).

Celebrate Christmas Around The World

Enjoy food, crafts, stories, music, and more.

Help is needed! See the poster in the Gathering Space to see where you might share your gifts to make this evening special for everyone.

Longest Night Service, Sunday, December 20, 6pm

If you or someone you love is facing this Christmas with a sense of sorrow or loss, or if you want to be a healing presence for those who are, join us on Sunday, December 20 at 6pmfor our Longest Night Service – a service of healing for those who are wounded, comfort for those who mourn, and hope for those who despair.

Advent Devontional

2009-11-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As I'm sure you are aware, Advents begins next Sunday, November 29th. It is ironic that this season of reflection, prayer and preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ begins the Sunday after Black Friday. Christ came to bring Good News, not to the Market and its merchants, but to the poor, the oppressed, the broken and needy of the world. He came not to bring prosperity to the market economy, but to usher in a new kind of economy -- an economy based on the principles of abundance, mercy, compassion, generosity and love.

Just as there was no room for Jesus in the inn at Bethlehem, there is no room for Him today in the world's economy. How can we, in the midst of a Market-driven celebration of Christmas, honor the occasion of Christ's birth in a way that is a reflection of His principles and ideals? It's not easy, and it gets harder every year.To help us, Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, founder of The New Monasticism, has created an Advent Devotional that uses Scripture, stories, web sites and provocative questions to help us think through our priorities and principles as we preapre for Christmas. This devotional is free, and is appropriate for individual use, or, even better, for use with a partner or in a group. You can download it from this site:http://www..tikkun.org/fmd/files/christmas_2009.pdf, or, if you prefer, I will have hard copies available this Sunday on the table in the Gathering Space.

May God bless you as you prepare your hearts to receive Christ more deeply this Christmas.

Grace and peace,

Cindy Thomas

Worship Elder

Second Saturday Servants

2009-11-19T14:38:00.002-05:00

A dozen volunteers from Geneva went to Gleaners warehouse in Taylor on Nov. 14. We took several bags of food donations with us, worked to assemble 300 snack kits for hungry children and participated in an educational program and tour of the facilities. If you enjoyed this activity and wish to volunteer more just visit the Gleaners web-site!

Gleaners Web Site

worship preview

2009-11-13T15:23:00.001-05:00

Getting from Tel Aviv back to Canton earlier this week required about 27 straight hours of traveling. A little over 16 hours of that was spent flying across oceans and continents and the rest sitting in three different airports. As I write this, my mind and body continue to try to figure out exactly where I am and what time it is.

Despite the struggles associated with jet lag, the two week pilgrimage to the Holy Land was a fascinating, awe-inspiring trip. I feel profoundly blessed to have visited the historical sites so central to our faith. I look forward to sharing my journey with you in the hope that while this journey has ended, what I experienced will help us all to be more faithful and effective travelers in the on-going adventure of Christian discipleship.

At least that's my hope and desire! And so this Sunday we will journey together in exploring the call of Christ that has been given to each of us. We will take a look at two Scriptures: Mark 1:14-20 and Hebrews 11:8-10, which are included below. In each of these passages, some folks go on a journey of faith. As you read the passages, you might ask yourself the following questions: when in your past has God asked you to step out in faith? how did it feel? did you respond immediately as the disciples did or was it a more gradual assent? can you sense where God is asking you to take a step of faith today? what do these passages tell us about stepping out in faith?

Please be in prayer as we approach the privilege of worshiping God together.

In Christ,

Bryan

Mark 1:14-20 (New International Version)

The Calling of the First Disciples

¹⁴After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

¹⁶As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ¹⁸At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Hebrews 11:8-10 (New International Version)

⁸By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

This Week at Geneva

2009-11-09T09:49:00.002-05:00

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by replying to this e-mail or contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Second Saturday Servants, November 14, 12:00 – 4:00

We will meet at Gleaners’ warehouse in Taylor to learn about the mission of Gleaners to alleviate hunger, and we will also work for a few hours to help them sort and pack food to send to feed hungry people. Participants are invited to bring some food to contribute. Sign up on the bulletin board where you will find complete instructions for this event. The Gleaners activity is appropriate for all ages but we ask that children be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build Project

Work is underway on the Apostles Build Rehab house at 37241 Vincent in Westland. We have churches scheduled for Saturdays, but we are in need of volunteers for Tuesdays, and Thursdays and some Wednesdays. If you are available to work on this house please contact Chuck Hodge at chodge@comcast.net or 453-0291. We can accommodate 4 to 6 people per work day. Please DO NOT show up at the site without registering first. He will let the volunteers know what kind of work to expect on the work day.

Lunch Bunch

The Lunch Bunch meeting in November will be on Tuesday, November 17th. It is a program for seniors called “Safe, Sound and Secure”. This seminar takes place from 12-3pm at the Summit in Canton and includes a free lunch. Call Ralph or Bevis Richardson at 734-981-0290.

Inner-City Chicago Mission Project

Brad Harry, son of Geneva member Gail Harry, and Brad’s wife, Michelle, have a vibrant mission in inner-city Chicago. This Thanksgiving they will be packing and distributing 1600 Boxes of Love. Each box contains gospel literature, a 10-12 pound turkey and all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving meal that can feed a family of six. The boxes are delivered to needy families around the city by various inner-city ministries and churches. The boxes cost $30 each. If you would like to sponsor one or more families, you can do so with a debit or credit card at www.give.ccci.org/give/2582439.

This Week at Geneva

2009-11-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

Here’s What’s Happening At Geneva

You may sign up for any of the following programs by contacting the person listed in the announcement or by phoning the church office at 734-459-0013. Access the Geneva activity calendar anytime by logging onto the Geneva web site at genevachurch.org and clicking on the “calendar” button.

Interfaith Service Project

Geneva is participating in the first Interfaith Community Outreach Clothing Drive, uniting Plymouth-Canton's diverse faith and cultural communities as we come together for a common cause – helping our neighbors in need. The clothing drive will run October 23 - November 6 with clothing dropped at various sites around the community, including Geneva. The drive will culminate November 19 with a free "shopping spree," to be held at the Crescent Academy, for anyone who has need. We need volunteers to help with sorting, transporting, display set up and take down, helping the shoppers, and clean-up. A list of donations requested and one for volunteers to sign up are on the bulletin board in the main hallway near the library. For more information, contact Dawn Christenson or Donna Gray.

Movie Night and Craft Weekend – Friday, November 6th at 7pm is the next movie night. After the movie, we will have a crafting and fellowship time until 11pm. The next day, November 7, we will be starting back up with crafting at 8am. We will have brunch at 10am. The crafting will end at 2pm. We are asking for a $5 donation for the brunch. If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Caldwell at 734-404-6463.

Quilting and Craft Day

At the Ladies’ Craft Day on November 7, we will also be having a guest from Augsburg Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio to talk to us about a potential service project involving quilts…

Come to the Women's Craft Sat Nov. 7th! At 10:30 AM MaMa Marie's Quilt will be presented by Peggy Gould and Rochelle Krolak from Augsburg Lutheran Church Toledo, OH. Peggy started this program in memory of her mother, and to benefit the homeless. Anyone is welcome and no sewing skills needed. If you have questions contact Charlene Jones 734-981-3053

Second Saturday Servants, November 14, 12:00 – 4:00

Habitat for Humanity Apostles Build Project

Lunch Bunch

Worship Preview

2009-10-30T13:06:00.001-04:00

Dear Geneva Family,

This Sunday we are pleased to welcome The Rev. Mark Adams who will be our guest preacher. Rev. Adams is a mission co-worker with the Presbyterian Border Ministries in Agua Prieta, Mexico. He will be preaching a message entitled, Putting Flesh on God's Good News. In preparation for worship, please read Isaiah 61:1-4 and John 1:1-14, and ponder these questions:

What does it mean to you that the "Word became flesh"?

In what ways is that good news?

How has the Word become flesh in your life personally?

What would it mean for the Word to become flesh, not only to you and in you, but also through you?

Also, in preparpation to make it to church at the right time, please remember that it's time to Fall Back! Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am on Sunday morning, so set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Grace and peace,

Cindy Thomas