June 2023 Newsletter

GENEVA NEWS

Spring Concert

Sunday, June 4, 10:30am

Geneva's Chancel Choir will present Come Away to the Skies: a High, Lonesome Mass, a work that features the traditional movements of the Mass accompanied by a bluegrass band

Food Drive a TON of Success!

Genevans, together with our community, collected over a ton (that’s over 2,000 pounds!) of non-perishable food items for the South County Outreach

Food Pantry in our week-long food drive last month. Thank you to all who stood outside Stater Bros. Market asking for donations and to those who contributed food items for our neighbors facing food insecurity. A shout out also goes to the Missional Life Ministry Team for organizing the event.

Unlock the Holy Spirit Within You A message fom the Rev. Dr.

Steven M. Marsh

The Holy Spirit appeared that first Pentecost. The disciples were all together in one place. As the sound of a rushing wind filled the room, they all began to speak in tongues. Each was filled with the Holy Spirit. They could hear one another speak in their own native language. When a person from another language group spoke, the hearer could understand. They were given spiritual gifts by the Spirit. The disciples that day experienced God. And all disciples to come have that same opportunity...to receive spiritual gifts and to experience God.

Early in May, I was having a session with my therapist. We were talking about aspects of my work as a pastor. Music came up. And then my therapist said, “Did you know that music is the medium by which the feelings portion of the brain is accessed which enables us to feel “experience?” When one experiences God’s presence in a

New Sermon Series

June 4 - August 27

Pastor Steve begins the sermon series Words & Deeds Part I: “They Matter”. Join us for worship at 10:30am in the Sanctuary or view the live stream at genevapres.org. Referenced scriptures for each sermon in the series may be found at genevapres.org/ currentsermonseries.

Thanks, Tech Team!

The live stream of our 10:30am service enables people worshipping online to enjoy the same experience as those worshipping in person. It takes additional human resources to make this happen. Thank you to Geneva youth volunteers Ethan Morehouse and Liz Njoroge for stepping up in May to assist in the process. Anyone can be trained to volunteer for this ministry. Contact Worship Celebration elder Kwangho Seo at kseo1948@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a part of the team.

genevapres.org

worship service, the rational components are received experientially. That, my friends, is what happened at Pentecost. And experiencing God through the presence of the Holy Spirit is a gift God has given for you, me, and any person who is in Christ to experience living Christianly on a daily basis.

In this Season of Pentecost, now through November 19th, Geneva is offering many opportunities for us to experience the Holy Spirit through music. Our Sunday worship service, the Chancel Choir’s June 4th Concert, two organ recitals, and an Organ Concert with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Chorale – all can help us access the Holy Spirit within us.

The official beginning of the Church, as we know it, happened at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all humanity. Acts 2 tells that story. The Church then, and continues now, to afford the opportunity for individuals and a particular community of faith to experience God’s presence and live as a follower and followers of Jesus experientially.

The Church through its worship, service, and giving is to be a place that equips, empowers, nurtures and encourages. The church makes disciples of women, men, girls, boys, and all gender identities through the teaching and preaching of the Gospel to be God’s loving witnesses, through word and deed, in the world.

Remember, allow music to unlock the feelings portion of your brain. You’ll begin to experience the presence of God and other experiences that feelings can unleash. The Holy Spirit is God living with us. Pentecost brings the power and love of God to us in the Spirit. The Spirit of truth guides each generation to uncover grace and beauty in life; leads us to find God in the everydayness of life; teaches us to see life the way Jesus taught us to see; and breathes into our beings the very presence of Jesus. We can experience God. Death lost. Love won.

On the journey with you, I remain faithfully yours,

The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh, D.Min. Pastor/Head of Staff

The Holy Spirit is God living with us. Pentecost brings the power and love of God to us in the Spirit.

Organ Festival

Highlighting our unique musical heritage through organ recitals and concerts enables Geneva to celebrate worship music, nurture young artists and provide a gift to our community. This month, Geneva is promoting a mini organ festival featuring recitals by two master’s candidates from The Juilliard School to be held at Geneva. Organ music enthusiasts may also enjoy a concert performed by their Juilliard professor, Paul Jacobs, held at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove the same week.

Eddie Zheng Recital

Friday, June 16 • 7pm, Geneva Sanctuary

Eddie Zheng is a rising star in the world of concert organ music. Born and raised in New York City, he has just earned a Masters of Music degree and is an incoming Artist Diploma student at The Juilliard School, studying under renowned organist Paul Jacobs. Learn more about this talented artist at eddiezheng.com.

Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale in Concert with Paul Jacobs

Tuesday, June 20 • 8pm, Christ Cathedral

Grammy Award winner Paul Jacobs plays the Hazel Wright Organ at Christ Cathedral accompanied by the Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale. In addition to being an internationally celebrated organist, he is the head of the organ faculty at The Juilliard School. Purchase discounted tickets at genevapres.org/tickets (20% off) through June 17.

Bobby Nguyễn Recital

Friday, June 23 • 7pm, Geneva Sanctuary

A native of Saigon, Vietnam, “Bobby” Nguyen Tran

Xuan Nguyen began his musical studies at age four. He took up organ during college and is a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship at The Juilliard School under the guidance of Mr. Paul Jacobs, where he also recently earned his Masters of Music degree. He is currently a resident organist at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan, NY.

Free Shuttle to Paul Jacobs Concert

Tuesday, June 20, 8pm

For those of you wanting to attend the Paul Jacobs organ concert June 20th at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, Geneva is happy to offer free transportation to the event. To get on the bus, you must purchase a ticket and register.

Ticket Purchase

The wonderful folks at Christ Cathedral have offered a 20% discount for tickets purchased through Geneva (discounted price is $20). Buy tickets online at genevapres.org/tickets now June 17. A ticket will be emailed to you immediately upon purchase for you to print or download to your smartphone. You may also purchase tickets in the church office or on the courtyard on Sundays

Shuttle Registration

Vans will be leaving from Geneva at 6:30pm and returning around 10:30pm. Register by June 15 at

churchcenter.genevapres.org /events, or register at the same time you purchase your ticket if doing so in person.

Stephen Minister Spotlight

Howard Prol

“I am a retired Pennsylvania attorney who moved to California in 2001, joining Geneva the same year. Since then, I have served as a Geneva Elder, a member of the Los Ranchos Committee on Ministry, was a delegate to the Presbyterian National Assembly and served as a Trustee of the Los Ranchos Presbytery. Currently, I serve on the Geneva Finance Committee and Chair the O’Neill/Boyer Scholarship Committee.

Although I thrive in a business setting, I enjoy the personal connections nurtured through Stephen Ministry and the relationships built through the Men’s Group Bible Study. I am also pleased to share that on June 14th, my wife Penny and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage. Our blended family includes five children and eleven grandchildren.”

Stephen Ministers are Geneva members and friends trained to provide the care you need when faced with a personal struggle or crisis. To request a Stephen Minister, email caring@genevapres.org All requests are confidential.

ChoralFest 2023 a Success!

The Sanctuary was full for the 2023 Community of Faith ChoralFest hosted by Geneva Sunday, May 21st. The concert brought together choirs and vocal musicians from six different houses of worship in our community and was followed by a reception in Simpson Hall. A small group of volunteers did a great amount of work to pull off this community event, and thanks are in order.

“I am grateful for the support of the Geneva staff for helping make it happen,” says Eileen O’Hern, Geneva’s Director of Traditional Music and Worship. “Without their skillful – and cheerful – contributions, this would not have been possible.”

In addition to staff, Eileen would like to single out the following Genevans for stepping up to help: Greg Rankin (usher coordinator), Laura McCallum (sound), Lorie Prichard (kitchen “boss”), Kwang Seo (organ series ticket sales), Karen Jackson (the centerpieces were lovely!) and kitchen runners Shirley Fargo, Celeste Deppmeier, Victoria Morse, Linda and Richard Erickson. Lastly, thank you to Juanita Tsu for fulfilling the unexpected need of leftover food distribution.

Extra special thanks goes Linda Widdowson, John McCallum, Joanna Cappelle and Charlotte Hsieh who pulled “double-duty” by not only performing at the event, but chipping in behind the scenes as well.

Events such as ChoralFest and other Geneva events and programs can only happen with the help of volunteers. Far too often, we assume others are filling the roles needed when in fact, staff and lay-leaders are struggling for assistance. You could make a difference, and in the process, feel the joy which comes with serving side-by- side with your Geneva family.

If you have the gift of hospitality, or just like being part of a service team for single or multiple events, the Congregational Life Ministry Team could use your help. Contact elders Tom Jenkins (tomjudyj@cox.net) or Linda Erickson (lindaericksonart@gmail.com) to serve.

Again, thank you to those who stepped forward to assist in making this year's ChoralFest a success!

Howard & Penny Prol

Let’s Connect

New Member Experience

Saturday, June 3 • 10am-12pm in McLennan Lounge

This class is for those ready for Geneva membership or who want to discover what it means to become a member. We'll answer questions such as: Why join the church?, What are the benefits of belonging?, How do I find my fit? and more. Register at genevapres.org/events.

Meet & Greet Lunch

Sunday, June 4 • 11:30am in McLennan Lounge

Visitors and guests are invited to join Pastor Steve for a light lunch directly after worship in Simpson Hall to chat, ask questions and discover how we can help you connect with the church. Register at genevapres.org/events or call the church office at 949-837-2323.

South Coast Singers

Saturday, June 17 • 4pm in the Sanctuary

South Coast Singers presents American Tapestry, a musical journey that takes the audience from California to New York and many place in between. The program includes jazz standards, American folk music, pop and gospel. Purchase tickets at southcoastsingers.org.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Sunday, June 25 • 8am-12:30pm in Simpson Hal

The Geneva Men’s Bible Study group is hosting a pancake breakfast to raise money for Geneva youth. Purchase tickets four ways:

• Online at genevapres.org/tickets

• At the courtyard Welcome Center Sunday June 11 and 18

• In the church office during the week beginning June 12

• At the door the day of the breakfast

Prices are discounted if you buy them prior to June 23 (discounted prices are show in parenthesis): Adults - $15 ($10); Children - $5; Families - $30 ($25)

If you cannot attend the pancake breakfast and would still like to contribute to the Geneva youth program, you may do so online at genevapres.churchcenter.com/giving (choose Youth Scholarships in the dropdown menu), or drop a check by the church office or in the offering plate, with Youth Scholarships in the memo line. genevapres.org

Pastor’s Bible Study

“The Key to Following Jesus”

June 11, 18 & 23

Come take advantage of this opportunity to delve deeper into scripture. Immediately following 10:30am worship, join Pastor Steve for Part I of his study of the Sermon on the Mount. The three-week June study will focus on Matthew 5.

June 11 and 18, a light lunch will be served and donations are suggested to cover the cost. However, the June 23 meeting will be the same day as our Pancake Breakfast so we encourage all participants to purchase tickets for this event to help raise funds for Geneva youth in lieu of the light lunch usually provided. See the article at left for ticket purchase information.

Part II of “The Key to Following Jesus” (July 9, 16 & 23) will cover Matthew 6 followed by a deep dive into Matthew 7 in Part III of the study (October 8, 15 & 22).

GPW Field Trip to Heritage Hill

Wednesday, June 21, 11am-1:30pm

Join Geneva Presbyterian Women for a free docent-led visit through this Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest. The park includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area. Bring a sack lunch and a drink and we will enjoy fellowship in the picnic area after the tour. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes.

To carpool, meet in the upper Geneva church parking lot. We will leave the church promptly at 10:30am. If driving yourself, meet us at Heritage Hill (25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest). The tour begins at 11am.

Register by Wednesday, June 14 on the patio June 4 and June 11, or call Emily Tosh at (949) 859-7559 or Daria Clement at (949) 878-0250.

Geneva Women’s Book Club

Tuesday, June 27 • 1-2pm in McLennan Lounge

The book for June is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict. To participate online, join the group at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ groups to receive an email with the Zoom meeting ID. For questions or technical assistance, contact the church office at 949-837-2323 or email us at info@genevapres.org.

GPW Honors

At their April luncheon, Geneva Presbyterian Women honored the visual artists among us and an Honorary Life Membership recipient. Both were equally inspiring. God has truly gifted many of our GPW ladies with amazing talent. Thank you to everyone who shared their art and told their stories.

In addition to enjoying the artwork, Geneva member Kathleen Hagan was awarded an Honorary Life Membership from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). This national honor recognizes a lifetime of service and commitment to Christ, the mission of the church, and the community. The Life Membership is represented by a silver or gold membership pin along with a personalized certificate.

Congratulations to Kathleen, and thank you to all of our Geneva Presbyterian Women for their commitment to the church and to

Kathleen Hagan receives her Honorary Life GPW Membership and (above) is surrounded by past award recipients (L to R): Molly Levegood, Linda Erickson, Sherry Hoselton, Emily Tosh, Kathleen,

Missional Life Update

Promises Kept, An Origin Story

Contributed by Missional Life Ministry Team member Carolyn

Gerakos

“A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” Proverbs 11:25

What a promise! The origin story of our relationship with our sister church in Tijuana could not be a better example of this promise. It all began twenty-nine years ago during spring break. A group of Geneva youth joined over a thousand other students from around the country to offer free Vacation Bible School to children in local churches outside Mexicali, Mexico. Students went door- to-door inviting kids to participate and were then assigned to one of the churches to help with VBS. Each evening the youth and leaders gathered back at camp for worship.

“Camp” being just pup tents in a cow pasture, leaders soon realized they needed a real shelter for inclement weather and to use as a gathering place. Enter Dave and Sandy Lammert. The Lammert motor home became that place. For the next six years, the Lammert’s would accompany Geneva youth to Mexicali for this annual sojourn.

Pastor Devir Perez, who is now so familiar to our congregation as the Pastor of our sister church in Tijuana, Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana “Dios Con Nosotros”, had not been assigned one of the VBS groups to help their church, so the Geneva group adopted them. This was the beginning of our relationship with Pastor Devir and his wife, Arcie. In 1998, Pastor Devir was assigned to a church in Tecate, Mexico and were living in one room at the rear of the church with a dirt floor, no bathroom and no heat. When Dave Lammert discovered this, he recruited Paul Aunt and Harry Bethke and in just over four months they, along with many youth and adults, built the Perez family a home. Dave Cappelle, a high school senior at the time, drew up the plans. Over sixty people from the congregation helped supply money, materials and labor to complete the project.

Eventually, the Perez family moved to Tijuana where they now reside. Geneva has been providing financial support to Pastor Perez and his Mission churches since 1996. The Perez and Lammert families became very close, a friendship which continues to this day.

Register for Vacation Bible School

July 17-21, 9am-12:30pm

Geneva offers free Vacation Bible School every summer for preschool through 5th graders. During the week kids learn about Jesus through lessons, crafts, games, snacks and singing. Register today at genevapres.org/events.

VBS Volunteers Needed

Come help with our fun-filled VBS week. Workers must be at least 6th grade and older. Nursery care is provided for children of volunteers. Here’s what we need:

• Registration – Help us welcome families and check kids in and out for the day.

• Small Group Leaders –Shepherd your assigned group to and from rotations and assist your charges in each one when needed.

• Craft Assistants – Helping students and leaders with the day’s project.

Volunteer online at genevapres.org/events, call the church office at 949-837-2323 or email Pastor Ryan at rromberg@genevapres.org.

In Memoriam

We are saddened by the recent death of our friend, Sharon Broderick, who passed away peacefully at her home May 10th. Gentle and kind, Sharon was a member of Geneva until her move to Jurupa Valley, CA a few years ago. Our prayers go out to her husband, Kenneth Koonce, and all family members mourning her loss. No memorial service is planned at this time.

Geneva Member David went to be with the Lord May 21st. David became a member in 2018, and was featured in a video about the church along with his husband Joe, shortly thereafter. David spoke of the “open and welcoming” nature of Geneva. We could say the same of David. He will be missed. No memorial service is planned at this time.

Angels Fun

What is better than 40 Genevans and friends going to an Angels game together?

(Well, perhaps the Angels winning that game, but that’s another discussion entirely.) Although the Angels did snatch defeat out of the hands of victory against the Royals, we still had a great time together last month at the Big “A”.

Our Daily Bread Devotional Available

Begin or end your day with a short daily devotional from the Our Daily Bread devotional series. The June/ July/August edition is available for free in the church office. Expand on the devotional by viewing Pastor Steve’s 3-minute corresponding video on YouTube recorded daily on the passage used from the Our Daily Bread devotional text. Geneva’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/ genevapresbyterianchurchoc

South County Outreach Thrift Store

Did you know that our friends at South County Outreach have an upscale resale store? Proceeds from the store help people facing food insecurity and homelessness. Shop now through August 1, 2023, and receive 40% off one regularly priced item (some exclusions apply). You must present a coupon to receive the discount. You may pick up a coupon in the church office. A coupon will also be sent in the Geneva eNews for download. The store is located at 23461 Ridge Route #D in Laguna Hills. Learn more at sco-oc.org.

Prayer Requests

Email prayer requests to prayer@genevapres.org, call the church office at 949-837-2323 or stop by and complete a Prayer Request Form.

Heidi Belew

Norm Coombs

Joe DeMark

Evelyn Fanous

Bink Lewis

George Marsh

Lizi Silver

Joyce Stark

Louann and Ross Van Riper

Our Church Prayer

Almighty God, living our identity in continuing honesty, openness, and realness is imperative for our ongoing experience of the identity we have in and through Jesus. May we celebrate the transformation we experience as your children for it is a blessing for others to consider discovering and living your hope, peace, joy, and love. In the identity we have in Jesus we pray, Amen.

Daria & Jack Clement

Penny Prol, Nancy Stapleton and Sherry Hoselton.