Category: ministry news

Two Congregation Meetings Coming Up:

September 10

Online voting on September 17 for a new pastor must be authorized by our church bylaws, which can only be amended by a vote of the congregation. The Session voted to call a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, September 10 to vote on the proposed bylaws amendment. Immediately following the worship service, we will quickly convene a meeting to consider this one matter and then adjourn. We will not be online for this meeting. Members are asked to vote yes or no on this proposed amendment to be added at the end of Section V – Meeting:

Meetings of the congregation, session, deacons and other committees may be in-person, electronic or both. Examples of electronic meeting technologies include but are not limited to telephone, Zoom, Skype, and MS Teams where all attendees are identified and all can simultaneously hear and participate in the meeting discussion. All meetings rules and procedures shall follow the requirements of the Book of Order.

September 17

We hope that everyone will then join us either in person or by livestream for our Worship Service the next day, Sunday, September 17 at 10 a.m. to hear Pastor Mike preach and lead the service. Following the service, we will end the livestream to begin our congregational meeting. 

In the meeting, we will highlight the full report and answer any questions you may have about it. Then Pastor Mike will speak briefly, and you will have an opportunity to ask him any questions – although you can do that on Saturday as well. Pastor Mike will then leave the Sanctuary, and we will open the meeting for any other comments and questions. We will vote by written ballot, which you can pick up as you arrive. (Only those who are on our active members list will be able to vote.) If you are on Zoom, there will also be a way for you to vote anonymously.

This is the motion as it will appear on the ballot:

1. Approve the call of Rev. Michael McNamara as Pastor at the Terms of Call presented, effective October 4;

2. Elect Marti Mowers and Anna Bright to sign the Pastoral Call form; and

3. Dismiss the PNC to take effect upon Presbytery’s installation of the new pastor.

If you cannot be at the meeting in person, we will be sending the ZOOM link by email a couple days beforehand.

What: “WE REMEMBER” Memorial Service

When: Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 PM

Where: MLK Memorial Park, 353 Court St, 14607

Sponsored By: Greater Rochester Community of Churches 

The Greater Rochester Community of Churches – Faith In Action Network will host “WE REMEMBER,” a community memorial service honoring Monroe County residents who have died from COVID or from other causes during these pandemic days. The ceremony will take place at the MLK Memorial Park in the City of Rochester on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Family and friends who have lost loved ones during this time are invited to send the names of the deceased to Rev. Deborah Grohman, GRCC Administrative Coordinator, at 585-254-2570 (please spell names) or email to [email protected] by Monday, July 26. The names will be placed on a memorial scroll and read aloud during the service. Sign Language Interpreters will be provided.

Those attending the service are asked to bring a picture or a memento of their loved one as well as a chair or blanket for seating. We ask that you please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. Free parking will be available on-street and at nearby city garages.

Greater Rochester Community of Churches – Faith In Action Network (GRCC-FIAN) has spent the past 100 years promoting compassion and justice for all people.

Learn more at rocchurches.org.

Please see this message from Rev. Colin Pritchard, November 22, 2020

Please read through these statements and articles from the Presbyterian Church USA on Racial Justice; through books, Worship resources, study, training & discussion :

https://www.pcusa.org/racial-justice-resources/

So much to be thankful for during these hard times! Lots of GOOD work coming from our friends at the Victor-Farmington Food Cupboard and through our ministry at the church, and among our community. Pastor Colin Pritchard shares how we can all still be together and be in service in new and vital ways! The building is closed, but the Church remains open, through song, worship, and prayer. Here are some recent news articles on the happenings in these areas:

Victor Farmington Food Cupboard Feeding More Families Thanks to Van Donated by Local Family

Churches in pandemic: Together but apart

Hello Members and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church in Victor,
I hope this post finds you and yours well. I know you have likely received an overwhelming amount of information and communications during this time of the Covid 19 pandemic. Thank you for taking a moment to read through this one.
Your Session and I have mutually agreed to close the church facility for any activities until at least Sunday, March 29th. This follows the recommendation of the State of NY, Monroe County, and the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. Perhaps more importantly, this also follows the model of Jesus our Christ. Jesus embodied God’s great care for the lost, the least, and the vulnerable in society. Our decision to close the facility is to do the same. While most of us are not at great risk of contracting the virus, or are in mortal danger if we do, there are those in our church and broader community who are. Our inconvenience can never be compared to their suffering if we unintentionally bring illness into their lives. And so we, as a fellowship and communion of believers, ironically will care for our community by practicing “social distancing” for this season.
I will send a pastoral communication tomorrow with options and opportunities for ministry in this time. For today, however, let me simply share with you the structural details:

     a: In person public worship will not be available here for the next 2 Sundays. BUT **Worship will be happening! Tomorrow morning we get to share in the adventure of worshipping our God and gathering as the Body of Christ virtually. I will offer a worship experience for all via FACEBOOK LIVE at 10 am on Sunday. All you need to do is go to  https://www.facebook.com/firstvictorpres/  at that time and I will be broadcasting.**  If you do not have access to Facebook, a friend of yours does. Consider gathering in small healthy groups and sharing worship together. PS, there is no need to dress up because I won’t be able to see you.     

b: All activities in the church are canceled during this time. The one exception is the Community Dinner tonight (3/14) which will be served as take-out only. Bible studies, music rehearsals, committee meetings, Sunday School, outside user groups, the Lenten Supper VCI gatherings etc. will NOT be happening. In the days ahead I will share ways to consider continuing some of these electronically.     

c: Office hours will continue as Courtney and I coordinate communication, pastoral care, and timely ministry during this situation. If you are in need of pastoral care, I remain fully available to you. Please also be aware that much of this care may need to be via a phone call or electronic connection. (Pastor Colin 585-734-7007)
For you to do:     

1: Please spread the word to any friends and visitors you are in contact with who might not be connected to our regular email communications. (Note: I will directly call those I know, but I’m sure there are others I’m unaware of)     

2: Please take good care of one another, especially paying attention to those who may be painfully isolated or at risk in the midst of this adventure. Reach out and check-in.     

3: Fear not. Love much. Wash your hands.     

4: Remember the facility is closed but THE CHURCH IS OPEN in your lives, hearts, hope, faithfulness, care and choices. I am here for you if you need.

Be well, love much, and take care.

That’s enough for now. More to come as things change.
Be well and know that we walk this road together. If you need to reach out to me, I am here and privileged to serve as your pastor. Blessings and peace for the next steps. “See” you tomorrow.
Pastor Colin