Geneva Presbyterian Church
Nov/Dec 2021
GENEVA NEWS Connecting | Worshipping | Learning | Serving | Giving
Daylight Savings Don’t forget to “fall back” one hour Sunday, November 7th!
Congregational Meeting We encourage all Geneva members to join us in the Sanctuary Sunday, November 14th immediately after worship for this Stated Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing Deacons.
Pastor’s Study Sunday adult education classes will come together in Simpson Hall at 9am Sunday, December 5th and 12th for Pastor Steve’s indepth study on Isaiah 53. As we will be in the middle of Advent, a closer look at the birth of Jesus through Isaiah’s description of the Suffering Servant is in order. Join Pastor Steve for this enlightening and motivating study for the road of Christian discipleship.
2021 Generosity Campaign Embracing the Future with Fait Pledging encourages us to make a commitment to God, and it enables Session to make practical plans for next year’s ministry. To this end, as a Geneva member, you should have recently received a letter and an Estimate of Giving (pledge) card from the Generosity Service Team. Please return the cards by Ingathering Sunday, November 14 so that the Budget Team can start their work on the 2022 budget. Within the mailing we also included a Budget Summary brochure which presents an overview of the vision God has given us for the coming year to inform and inspire your giving decision. How much you give is entirely up to you. If you are not already a “tither” we encourage you to move toward that goal. If you are a current tither, we hope you will consider increasing your giving by a few percentage points. You won’t be disappointed as you cannot out-give God. We are targeting a minimum goal of $650,000 in pledges. Please pray about how you may give generously of your financial resources with joy and gratitude, embracing the future with faith.
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Geneva Presbyterian Church
Nov/Dec 2021
Our New Tagline
Worship Schedule
Loving God. Loving Others. Making Disciples
November & Decembe
Our Vision: All are welcome here. Really, we mean that! All are welcome! Just as God receives all who believe in Jesus Christ, Geneva aspires to be an inclusive congregation worshipping, learning, connecting, giving, and serving together
We have plenty of worship opportunities leading up to and embracing the season of Advent. In addition to our regular worship schedule (10:30am online, inperson and broadcast on Laguna Woods TV Channel 6) here are some of the highlights you will not want to miss:
Our Mission: To remember, tell, and live the way of Jesus by being just, kind, and humble That’s right, we have a new logo tagline, Vision Statement, and Mission Statement which together give voice and actions to the Logo Tagline. It is my prayer that each elder, deacon, sta member, member, regular attender, and guest lean further into these changes.
Jazz Vespers November 14, 4pm Intergenerational Worship November 21, 10:30am
One more nal thing for your consideration. Ponder the two statements below regarding Geneva Presbyterian Church:
GCC Kids Sing (video presentation) December 5, 10:30am
Who we are: Multi-generational, Semi-homogenous, Warm & welcoming, Musical, On the edge of Laguna Woods, and small group oriented.
Jazz Vespers December 12, 4pm
Who we want to be: Uni ed, Diverse, Inclusive, Authentic, Relational, Turned outward, and Disciplemaking
Intergenerational Worship December 19, 10:30am
The Session adopted the new logo tagline and gave the go ahead to take a part of the current Vision statement and merge it with content from Micah 6:8 to form the new Mission Statement at its Stated Session Meeting on September 28th. It adopted the Who we are and Who we want to be statements as well as the new Vision Statement at a Special Session Meeting on Saturday, October 16th
Christmas Eve December 24, 5pm Online with communion
New Sermon Series
Advent is upon us. Advent is the sign and experience of God ful lling the Covenant between God and humanity in and through the birth of Jesus. The birth of Jesus signals a clear path for reconciliation to occur between individuals and God
Embrace Geneva’s Future: Advent, Christmas and Making Disciples begins Sunday, November 28th and runs through January 2nd. If you would like to prepare for the message each week by reviewing the sermon texts, a listing can be found at genevapres.org/ currentsermonseries.
I am excited as we continue our journey together becoming the church we want to be. What a gift the Advent Season is for our church family. Things become more clearly focused.
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Mars Moderator of the Session and Pastor/Head of Sta
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Geneva Presbyterian Church
Nov/Dec 2021
Upcoming Activities November Meet & Greet Lunch - November 7th, 11:30a New members, visitors and guests are invited for lunch and fellowship hosted by Pastor Steve in Simpson Hall immediately following worship. Genevans who are hosting guests are invited, too! If you are a member and plan on bringing someone new to a Meet & Greet Lunch, please shoot elder Jane Kingston a quick email at janekingston@hotmail.com to let her know you're coming. This will help us with a meal head count. Thank you
The Fix-It Gang Christmas - Saturday, November 13t
Poinsettia Ordering November 28th - December 1 Help decorate our worship spaces by dedicating a poinsettia to loved ones. The
From 9am-12pm, Fix-It Gang volunteers will tackle “honey do holiday” projects for the elderly and physically challenged, such as helping with decoration boxes and putting up arti cial Christmas trees in addition to everyday di cult cleaning, outdoor repair, technical issues and other household chores. If you have something to be done or if you would like to join a Fix-It Gang crew, visit genevapres.churchcenter.com/registrations or call the church o ce at 949-837-2323. Project Request Forms need to be completed by Monday, November 8th
cost is $13 per plant. Order
Geneva Presbyterian Women - November 17, 1-2:15p
Sunday, December 5th, 10:30a
GPW invite all Genevans to Simpson Hall for a special presentation from our friends and mission partners at the Orange County Rescue Mission Vi age of Hope. Geneva contributes
Our Geneva Children’s Center
forms are available at the Welcome Center on Sundays or in the church of ce during the week. You may also order online at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations. The deadline to order is Sunday, December 12th.
GCC Kids Sing
preschool students treat the congregation to a few songs they’ve spent weeks rehearsing!
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Out of an abundance of caution, what is usually presented inperson will be shown on video but we’re sure the end result will be just as heart warming. You won’t want to miss it!
Communion Dates Remaining communion dates for 2021 are: November 21, December 19 and 24.
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Nov/Dec 2021 (continued from page 3
nancial support to this program which provides transitional and emergency housing for up to 262 homeless men, women, children and families. Residents have access to counseling services, job training, medical and dental care and more. We also invite donations of gently used clothes for the folks at Vi age of Hope. Just bring them with you on the 17th.
Intergenerational Worship - Sunday, November 21s Intergenerational worship Sundays at Geneva highlight the whole body worshiping the Triune God together. Young people and their adult mentors lead within the service according to their gifts. This culminates every time with the whole body receiving Communion together.
Combined Adult Ed Class - How to Rejuvenate YOUR Bible Reading
Friendsgiving - Sunday, November 21st, 6-9p Middle and highschoolers are invited to this free Thanksgiving meal with friends and mentors where we give thanks to God for the gifts we are to each other. Includes a service project and some fun to top it all o . Register at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations
Sunday, November 14th, 9-10a Could your Bible reading use a jumpstart (or even a major overhaul)? If so, we’re going to look at how you can not just read and study the Bible, but truly
Women’s Book Club - Tuesday, November 23rd, 1-2p
ENJOY it!
This group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month in McLennan Lounge. The focus for the November discussion is the book The Forger by Paul Watkins. To participate online, join the book club group at genevapres.churchcenter.com/groups to receive an email with the Zoom meeting ID. For questions or technical assistance, contact the church o ce at 949-837-2323, email us at info@genevapres.org
All adult education classes will meet in Simpson Hall for a presentation by author, speaker and storyteller, Keith Ferrin. Keith has spent the last 25+ years speaking at conferences, churches, and schools around the
Alternative Gi Market Opens - Sunday, November 28t
U.S. and internationally. His
Would you like your Christmas gifts this year to have meaning? Consider buying gifts for your loved ones that will make a real di erence in the world. Each gift purchased is a donation for a real item or service that bene ts a Geneva Missional Life partner locally or globally. Shop in person at the church Sunday November 28, December 5 and 12 from 10am-1pm or shop online at genevapres.org/alternativegiftmarket beginning November 28. To learn more about the process, visit this page now. Additional information, such as a gift shopping list, will be updated by the time shopping begins
writing, speaking, and word-forword presentations of whole books of the Bible help people not just read and study God’s Word, but also deeply ENJOY it! We’re excited to offer this unique learning opportunity and hope you will be just as excited to attend.
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Nov/Dec 2021
Upcoming Activities December New Member Class - Saturday, December 4th, 10-11:30a Come to McLennan Lounge to become a Geneva member or simply learn more about the bene ts of membership, how you can nd your t and meet others new to the Geneva faith community. The class is presented by Pastor Steve and and Geneva elders. Register at genevapres.org/events, email us at info@genevapres.org or call the church o ce at 949-837-2323
Parents Day O - Saturday, December 4th, 11am-4p Parent's with children nursery age through 5th grade are invited to drop o their kids for a fun day at the church while the adults go Christmas shopping, have lunch or both! Middle School siblings are welcome to help out too! Register your child or sign up to help out at genevapres.churchcenter.com/registrations
Meet & Greet Lunch - December 5th, 11:30a Here’s another chance for Geneva members to invite guests to church and treat them to an Olive Garden meal after the service. Hosted by Pastor Steve, all visitors are highly encouraged to join as well. No need to register or sign up, just come on over to Simpson Hall. If you are a member and plan on bringing a new guest, please shoot elder Jane Kingston a quick email at janekingston@hotmail.com to let her know you're coming. This will help us with a meal head count. Thank you
Middle School and High School students partner with Unidos San Juan Capistrano youth ministry to celebrate the birth of the newborn King. An exciting Christmas night includes: Rented out VIP theater for the premier of Spiderman: No Way Home, In-N-Out dinner under the stars, Christmas caroling in San Juan Capistrano, Iceblocking, and Broom-balling. We’ll head back to church for a sleepover in the youth room with hot cocoa and cookies. Don't miss out on this wild night. Register at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations by December 12.
Paul Arndt Bill Barnes Don Beckhart Pat Chapman Beth Coombs Norm Coombs Hank Green Cathy Kalina Carol Van Kirk Char Konyndyk Harriet & Bink Lewis George Marsh Carter Marchese and family Bob Warren Paul Woodward Email prayer@genevapres.org with a prayer request, call the church of ce or stop by and complete a Prayer Request Form.
Disciple making God, Advent and Christmas represent a new relational beginning, a person beginning for each of us in our walk with you, through your Son, Jesus Christ. May we live your mission of salvation for the sake of others to discover and experience your favor, love, grace and peace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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Prayer Requests
Our Church Prayer
Chrisblitz - December 18 & 19,
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Geneva Presbyterian Church
Geneva Presbyterian Church
Nov/Dec 2021
South Coast Singers - December 18, 4pm
Name Badge Reminder
This community choral group’s repertoire encompasses both traditional and popular styles of music. Visit southcoastsingers.org to purchase tickets for their holiday concert, A Is We , presented in the Geneva sanctuary
It is wonderful to see so many people following pandemic protocol by wearing masks, but the downside is it hides all of your wonderful faces! It would
Youth Winter Camp at Forest Home - Registration deadline December 29
be a tremendous help if you would wear your name badges
Young people of our church 6th-12th grade travel to legendary Forest Home Christian Camp for an extended weekend of hanging out, praising God, deep lessons, and fun in the snow! Cost is $150. Scholarships available. Deadline to sign up is December 29th. Sign up now and pay a monthly payment to break the cost into chunks. Parents, we need your help to drive us. This saves us all money for registration costs. Please volunteer to drive up, back, or both ways. Thanks in advance for your assistance
and check in at the Welcome Center as you pass by to make sure we have noticed your arrival. Name badges will also help you as you greet one another; some of us have not seen each other for a while and it is hard to remember names! If you do not have a name
Service Opportunities
badge, you may order one at the Welcome Center.
San Joaquin Garden Cleanup - November 6, 10am-12p Volunteers are needed for approximately two hours of work to weed, rake, and pick up piles of garden refuse to ready the San Joaquin Elementary School Garden for a robust gardening program for the students. You'll need to bring proof of vaccination, gloves, re llable, labeled water bottle, appropriate clothing and sun protection. Please register online at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations. Questions? Contact Pastor Ryan rromberg@genevapres.org
Christmas Joy Offering This offering reflects that God is with us, through the generous gifts that support church leaders -retired, present and future -- who have pointed us to God. 50% of your gifts assist current and retired church workers and their families; 50% of your gifts to Christmas Joy make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Donate online at genevapres.org/give and choose “Christmas Joy” in the dropdown menu. You may also use the special envelope found in your annual donation envelope box or in the pew pocket in the Sanctuary.
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Fix-It Gang Christmas Volunteers - Sign Up Deadline is November Get in the Christmas spirit by channeling your inner elf by volunteering for a Fix-It Gang Christmas work crew. We’ll be helping folks who are physically challenged get ready for the holidays. What is more festive than that? The event is Saturday, November 13th from 9am-12pm. Sign up online at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations or contact Pastor Ryan @ rromberg@genevapres.org
Operation Holiday Homework - Saturday, December 11t The Boys and Girls Club will host their annual Operation Holiday Homework event at Geneva. B&G Club members from Aliso Viejo pick out Christmas gifts for their family if they’ve consistently nished their homework at the club throughout the year. We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help sort, pick, and wrap presents for children. A short zoom orientation by the Boys & Girls Club is required for all volunteers. Learn more at time of sign up which you may do online at genevapres.churchcenter.com/ registrations.
UPCOMING EVENTS Here’s a heads up about some upcoming activities for which you may need more time to prepare.
Youth Winter Retreat January 14-1 Winter camp at Forest Home is for students 6th-12th grade. See more info on page 6. Registration deadline is December 29.
Annual Meeting Sunday, February 6th, 11:30a Join us in Simpson Hall immediately following worship for the Annual Meeting of the Geneva membership.
Financial Recap
Marriage Retreat
January through September 202 Pledge revenue started out strong in the beginning of the year and has been close to budget for the last several months. Over half our pro tability is a result of the federal employee retention tax credit. Other positive revenue additions have come from the Presbytery in the form of grants supporting our Channel 6 outreach e ort and on campus COVID related e orts. Expense savings are related to e ciencies in sta hours, lower electricity usage and communication cost e ciencies.
February 4Join us for a program entitled Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.
Men’s Retreat March 25-2 Geneva men are invited for a weekend away for study and
Actual
Budgeted
Difference
$548,614
$481,790
$66,824
$1,000,151
$782,438
$217,713
Total Expenses
$790,934
$800,747
$ (9,813)
Net Income
$209,217
$ (18,309)
$227,526
Pledges Total Revenue
connection.
Women’s Retreat June 3Geneva women are invited for a weekend away for study and connection.
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Geneva Presbyterian Church
Geneva Presbyterian Church
genevapres.org
Nov/Dec 2021
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