April/May 2025
Good Stuff
There’s so much good stuff happening at WFPC!
Please continue to let us know of any “News” you have to share.
News from your Session:
If you need to contact Rev. Brian Copeland: rev.briancopeland@gmail.com, 850-524-4884.
Office hours Thursdays 1 pm – 5 pm. Be sure to stop in and visit while he is in the office.
Notes from your pastor:
April 2025
Are we there yet!? When will Lent be over!? When can I have chocolate again!? These might be some questions we are wrestling with as April begins. Longing for things to return to ‘normal’ including resuming whatever we gave up. Let us not be so focused on ‘normal’ that we overlook the journey we have been on these 40 days. Fasting, prayer, and repentance have been our guides along this winding journey of faith that prepares us for Good Friday AND Easter morning!
Hold on to your Lenten experience. It does not have to end abruptly with Easter. Perhaps you picked up some good habits during Lent that can be incorporated into your daily life. Hold on to those things and see if they carry meaning for you through the year. April 20th is Easter Sunday and marks the beginning of the season of Easter which continues until Pentecost. Soon Lent will conclude, but our journey of faith continues and will continue to face challenges and obstacles. When we struggle, do not forget that you are not alone, you are loved, and you are a precious child of God.
May 2025
Today, as I am writing this note, we have just had an amazing Easter Sunday! Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! When we gather and praise God, we are remembering God’s love for us and CELEBRATING that love! There are many ways we celebrate or demonstrate God’s love. Perhaps one of the most significant ways to express our love for God is in taking care of all that God created for us.
God created us, each and everyone of us! God created all that we know, see, and depend upon for survival. April 22 was officially Earth Day. Earth day began in 1970 as an effort to raise awareness, support, and take action for our planet. As a community of faith, our denomination continues to support such organizations and efforts as a way of not only helping clean up our environment, but also as an expression of gratitude toward God for all God has done for us. Here is a link with more information from PC(USA): https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/blogs/eco-journey/amid-attack-environmental-and-climate-change-policy-pcusa-remains-committed-1
Together we can make a difference! Together we will be a force for the changes that must take place for all of God’s creation. A healthier environment means more people fed, clothed, and nurtured. It also supports greater diversity which can strengthen all of creation! All in the name of the One who created it. Let us roll up our sleeves and get to work.
May the grace and peace of Christ surround and strengthen you,
Pastor Brian
Why do we stand for some scripture readings?
During a recent worship service Pastor Brian explained why we stand during the reading of some scriptures and not for others. He said that if the reading is from the Gospels, it is a firsthand account of Christ. Everything else is others telling their stories of Jesus.
You may view our worship service on the church Facebook page. (Weedsport First Presbyterian Church)
**If you “like” the worship service, it will be shared via Facebook to others!!
Christian Education:
The last day of Sunday School will be Sunday, May 18, 2025. See you in September1
VBS 2025: Theme: Road Trip! This year’s VBS will be held at Sennett-Federated Church, July 7 – 11, 8:50 am-noon, children going into kindergarten and going into grade 6 are welcome. Older children are encouraged to be volunteers. We would appreciate any adults or youth (going into grade 7 or up) who have any time to volunteer. Please let Cyndy Rooker know. This year’s mission will be Meals on Wheels.
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2025 Summer Camp Registration
2025 Summer Camp Registration Is Open! Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Camp Gregory! Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of our early bird pricing. (Kindergarten through 10th grade.) Flyer attached
Don’t miss out—spaces are limited!
Worship:
Substitute Ministers:
Sunday, May 18th – Rev. Stuart Hayes
Sunday, June 8th, Larry Weiss
Sunday, June 22, 6 pm, Marcellus First Presbyterian Church will be holding their annual Picnic in the Park.
It will be held at Grove Pavillion at Marcellus Park. Use the lower entrance. Bring your table service, beverage, and a dish to pass. Pastor Brian’s birthday will also be celebrated!
We are looking at two summer joint worship services with Marcellus First Presbyterian Church. Watch for more details and dates.
Mission:
BLANKET SUNDAY:
For over 75 years Church World Service has been helping people of faith bring God’s hope and healing to people in the U.S. and around the world. When difficult times happen, a kind loving response can make all the difference. That’s why the CWS Blankets program was created – to give a kind, loving, tangible response to someone facing a difficult time, reminding them that they are not alone. Through the generosity of CWS partner organizations, congregations and individual supporters, our most vulnerable neighbors around the world can feel safe and keep warm with fresh linens and clean sleeping quarters. When our neighbors are in need, even $10 for a blanket goes a long way. We are participating in Blanket Sunday now through Mother’s Day. There are envelopes in the Narthex. There are also cards to send to someone if you choose to donate in their name. The “Legacy of Love” bulletin board allows you to post the name of a loved one if you have donated a blanket in their name. Pastor Brian has challenged us to send at least 25 blankets!
Clothes Closet: Extra help is needed Tuesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 22, as Sandi will be out-of-town.
Pentecost Offering collected through June 8.
The Pentecost Offering, one of our denomination’s four churchwide Special Offerings, supports ministries with children, youth and young adults in our community, across the nation and around our world. As you give to this important Offering, remember that 40% of your gift remains in our church to support ministries with younger people in our community as we choose. The remainder of your Offering is forwarded to the denomination so that young adults can form a foundation for their lives through a year of service in the Young Adult Volunteer Program; youth can be among the 5,000-plus having mountaintop experiences in worship, play and faith formation at events like the Presbyterian Youth Triennium; and children can receive educational support through the Educate a Child, Transform the World initiative. The Pentecost Offering, one of our denomination’s four churchwide Special Offerings, supports ministries with children, youth and young adults in our community, across the nation and around our world. As you give to this important Offering, remember that 40% of your gift remains in our church to support ministries with younger people in our community as we choose. The remainder of your Offering is forwarded to the denomination so that young adults can form a foundation for their lives through a year of service in the Young Adult Volunteer Program; youth can be among the 5,000-plus having mountaintop experiences in worship, play and faith formation at events like the Presbyterian Youth Triennium; and children can receive educational support through the Educate a Child, Transform the World initiative.
Doug’s to Go: Our church will be holding a Doug’s to Go fundraiser on Thursday, May 15. We will also hold a bake sale to benefit the Rome Presbyterian Church which had damage from a tornado in July and the windstorm. Monies in the donation jar at the window will also go to the Rome church. If you can bake for the sale, please divide and package your goodies into $1 portions. Anyone with time to man the booth would be welcome. Please let Cyndy Rooker know if you are available. Thanks.
One Great Hour of Sharing: Thank you to all who donated toward the OGHS. We sent $255.35 to OGHS. This includes the loose change offering from the first quarter, $155.50.
Meals on Wheels: The loose change offering from the first quarter was shared between Meals on Wheels and OGHS. $155.50 was sent to Meals on Wheels.
The next blood drive will be held Thursday, July 3rd, 1-6 pm at the Methodist Church, hosted by WFPC. If you have time to volunteer, please see Cyndy Rooker. You can also make an appointment to donate blood at redcrossblood.org.
Loose Change Offerings: Loose Change from the first quarter of 2025 (Jan., Feb., and March) has been split ½ to One Great Hour of Sharing and ½ to Meals on Wheels.
Quarter 2 will go to the book fair, quarter 3 will go to the Salvation Army Angel program, and quarter 4 will go to the Honor Flight program.
From the 200th Anniversary Committee: “We Love Our Church”
The committee will be sharing historic tidbits on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. They will also be sharing fun facts in our newsletter for you to enjoy. If anyone has a fun fact to share, please feel free to contact Deb Dennis (dadennis59@gmail.com) and include your phone number. Thank you.
Fun fact:
The Presbyterian Society of Brutus was organized April 18, 1825, with 51 members.
Up to 1932 the preparation necessary for joining the church was: a desire to do so, memorizing of Bible verses that the minister chose, the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes, as well as others. In 1932 Rev. Albert W. Docter pastorate communicant’s classes for younger people to join the church was launched. We call it confirmation class. Membership: 300.
Mother’s Day Garden Tour:
Proceeds benefit Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Sunday, May 11, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flyer attached.
REMINDER: We have several fire doors within the church. For safety reasons, please be sure they are shut whenever possible.
Upcoming Dates:
May 11 – Mother’s Day, Church World Service blankets blessed (Donations due)
May 15 – Doug’s to Go at our church to benefit WFPC and the Rome Presbyterian church
May 26 – Memorial Day
May 29-31 – Weedsport Fireman’s Field Days
June 1 – Committee and Session meeting following worship
June 14 – Flag Day
June 15 – Father’s Day
June 22 – Marcellus picnic in the park, Grove Pavillion, 6 pm
June 30 – Doug’s to Go at our church to benefit the Weedsport Fire Department Auxiliary
July 3 – Blood Drive
July 31 – Doug’s to Go at our church to benefit WFPC
Mat Grudzien is CANCER FREE! Praise God!
Dale Sweet is improving every day from his second hip replacement. He is doing PT in Camillus at SOS and is doing well.
Nancy Sweet had eye surgery and is almost healed, feeling more energetic and doing well.
INVITATION: Sam Anderson is graduating high school! Mary and Garrett are grateful for the ways Weedsport Presbyterian Church have prayed, nurtured and supported Sam in his journey to adulthood. We are pleased to invite you to Sam’s graduation celebration, June 21 at 1-3 pm at Liverpool Presbyterian Church, 603 Tulip Street, Liverpool. Please R.S.V.P to savicki7@gmail.com or text 315-323-3583 by June 8.
Chere Ware and Chele Conley at the Honor Flight reception at Hancock Airport, Saturday, May 3, 2025. Chele traveled with the veterans on the medical team.
Jeanne VanDusen, Anne McLoud’s sister, is doing well since her surgery last August.
Wilda Marshall was honored by the Order of Eastern Stars, State of New York, for 65 years of membership. The ceremony was held at the Hilton Inn during their offcial visit to the Cayuga County district.
Joe and Wilda Marshall welcomed two new great grandchildren in February. Hugh James, 2/3/25, 6 lb., 19” to parents Karissa and Tyler Pledger. Emma Marie Stott, 2/9/25, 8 lb. 6 oz., 20.5”, to parent Nicole and Jordon Stott.
Hugh and Emma Hugh Emma
THANK YOU!
To Linda Fey and Dan Sperduti for cleaning out the shed and furnace closet off the kitchen and bringing the trash to the Town Trash Day.
Dale and Nancy Sweet would like to thank the congregation, “Prayers are powerful and help heal. Thank you for all your support and good wishes.”
To The Praise Band/Choir for the beautiful music they provide on Sundays. We especially enjoy the addition of the flute (Joanne Slauson), guitar (Dan Thomas), and percussion (James Marshall). Of course, we always enjoy the weekly organ and piano (Laura Granger and Marian Smith).
To all who volunteer at the Clothes Closet and to those who donate clothes.
To those who volunteered at the May Blood Drive: Connie Horr, Donna Glowacki, Deb Dennis, Barbara Gray, Cyndy Rooker
Thank you to Dan Thomas for continuing to share the worship link weekly so those that are not able to attend may enjoy listening to the service, to Joanne Slauson for keeping the website up-to-date, and Rev. Copeland for recording and posting the church service on Facebook.
Please pray for…
Laura Granger’s sister-in-law, Jenny, has lung cancer. She is halfway through her chemo and radiation and is feeling okay. Prayers for Steve (Laura’s brother), Jenny, and the medical staff involved in her medical care.
Dale Sweet had his second hip replacement April 7th at Crouse. Pray for a speedy recovery.
Christie, Stephanie Baker’s sister has breast cancer. She continues her chemo treatments. Praying they are doing their job.
Evelyn Sweet, Dale’s mother, continues to need prayers for her health.
Rev. Brian’s brother, Larry. He had the rest of his left kidney removed. He will still need lots of recovery and recuperation.
Jean Saroodis is dealing with nerve pain.
Denny Ware is slowly improving but has a long road ahead.
Elaine Ozolins as she continues to treat her cancer.
Mat Grudzien. Send positive thoughts for healing.
Max Appleby needs prayers for health and positive thinking.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING:
(This information will have been in previous newsletters, but it is worth reprinting.)
If you are interested in being a greeter, please let the deacons know. (Anyone can be a greeter.) There is a calendar in the Narthex for you to sign up.
If you would like to offer to make refreshments for a Sunday, please check the calendar in the Narthex and let the Deacon for that Sunday know. It is a great way to help out our deacons.
The “Weedsport Presbyterian Church” Facebook page has been updated. Feel free to follow. There is a link to the webpage in the Welcome for an easy way to link back and forth. Feel free to contact Joanne Slauson (joanneslauson@gmail.com) for any changes and additions on the Facebook page.
Now that the church service starts at 11:15 a.m., Adult Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m. This may make it easier for you to join us in the upstairs Koinonia Room Sunday mornings before church to get some very interesting background of the day’s scripture. Dan Thomas has a wealth of knowledge to share!
Weedsport Good Samaritan Fund reminder: Do you know someone that might need our help?
We would like to offer this reminder. The Weedsport Good Samaritan Fund is available to assist with emergency medical, utility, and other needs that may arise. Please contact Cyndy Rooker if you have any questions or know of someone who could use assistance. (Must be a resident of WCSD, Weedsport, Cato.)
IMPORTANT REMINDER! 
& 
Please be sure to turn off the lights and lock the doors to the church whenever you leave the building.
Birthdays:
May 1 – Dan Bates June 3 – Matt Leubner
June 8 – Roger Willis
May 3 – Chelsea Leonard June 6 – Nancy Sweet June 10 – Wilda Marshall
May 4 – Gracie Fatcheric June 6 – Brandy Grudzien June 11 – Michael Anna
May 6 – Carol Ward June 7 – Pearl Becker
June 14 – Paxton Rooker
May 10 – Sophia Gwinn June 7 – Dan Sperduti
June 22 – Burt Ward
May 18 – Ryan Fatcheric June 7 – Brett Leonard
June 22 – Rev. Copeland
May 27 – Rick Horr June 7 – Kathryn Dennis June 25 – Pat Conley
June 26 – Jean Saroodis
June 30 – Joanne Slauson
*If you would like to have someone added to the birthday list, please let us know, thanks.
What’s Going on at Church?
Sunday:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School with Dan Thomas
11:15 a.m. In-person worship
1-3 p.m. Square Dancers in dining room
Tuesday:
10-noon All Things Creative meets in the former first floor office.
10-1 p.m. Free Clothes Closet open
7-9 p.m. Square Dancers in dining room
Wednesday:
9 a.m. Join Rev. Brian at Finally Ours Restaurant for coffee hour.
Thursday:
1-5 p.m. Rev. Copeland’s office hours
3-5:30 p.m. Free Clothes Closet open
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Dog training classes
6 - 7 p.m. Bible Study (Rev. Copeland) Topic TBA
1 p.m.-6 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive at UMC, First Thursday of every odd month (Jan., March, May…)
Have you ever noticed how in the scriptures men are always going up into the mountains to commune with the Lord?
Yet in the scriptures we hardly ever hear of women going to the mountains. But we know why – right?
Because they were too busy keeping life going; they couldn’t abandon babies, meals, homes, fires, gardens, and a thousand responsibilities to make the climb into the mountains!
I was talking to a friend the other day, saying that as modern women I feel like I am never “free” enough from my responsibilities, never in a quiet enough space I want with God.
Her response floored me, “That is why God comes to women. Men have to climb the mountain to meet God, but God comes to women wherever they are.”
I have been pondering her words for weeks and have searched my scriptures to see that what she said is true. God does indeed come to women where they are, when they are doing their ordinary, everyday work.
He meets them at the wells where they are drawing water for their families, in their homes, in their kitchens, in their gardens.
He comes to them as they sit beside sickbeds, as they give birth, care for the elderly, and perform necessary mourning and burial rites.
Even at the empty tomb, Mary was the first to witness Christ’s resurrection. She was there because she was doing the womanly chore of properly preparing Christ’s body for burial.
In these seemingly mundane and ordinary tasks, these women of the scriptures found themselves face to face with divinity.
So, if – like me – you ever start to bemoan the fact that you don’t have as much time to spend in the mountains with God as you would like, remember, God comes to women. He knows where we are and the burdens we carry. He sees us, and if we open our eyes and our hearts, we will see Him, even in the most ordinary things.
He lives. And he’s using a time such as this to speak to women around the world.
Heather F.
Thank you, Connie Horr, for being the best proofreader! She makes sure our newsletters are easier to read and understand!
