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!

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