President's Message - September 2025

After a very hot and dry summer, some cool moist days feel good to me! Soon all the leaves will be turning and the school year will be in full swing. During our August Council meeting, we took a few minutes to "on-board" our newest councilperson, Bunny Alberts, by reflecting on what our church consultancy with Paul Nixon yielded in terms of our health and growth. Pastor Gary reminded us that Paul had recommended that we beef-up coffee hour and move the table of goodies front and center in Beecher Hall. That worked!

And we were also reminded that Paul had helped us move away from being sad that we don't have more families and kids on Sunday mornings and to embrace the opportunities we do have to expand our young-at-heart congregation of mostly seniors who have the time and the talents to work on projects together. We've paid attention to our building's appearance, upgraded formerly unused spaces, added security and air-conditioning, and are now investing in a more professional music performance space in the balcony.

We've paid attention to this vision statement that was adopted four years ago:

The Park Church works for social justice with a progressive pulpit and a caring congregation in a landmark structure. We are an active and hopeful partner in Elmira's renaissance.

Often, when I watch the evening news and begin to feel that emotional exhaustion, frustration and overwhelment, I remind myself of how grateful I am that I have a place of positivity, creativity and purpose at The Park Church. And how so many of you have become such dear friends and fellow conspirators as we try to keep moving forward together through all the distractions thrown our way. We are accomplishing important work together - the work of creating community and dismantling isolation and negativity.

Opportunities continually present themselves to us to become more aware, involved, knowledgeable and connected through our pursuit of justice and equanimity. Do not allow the negativistic drama coming from the current national leadership dissuade you from continuing to serve each other and our community - because advocacy is the dues we pay for the privilege of being alive.

Have you noticed new faces on Sunday? Thanks to those of you who have encouraged your friends to try us, and to those of you who continually welcome new folks and help them to feel comfortable.

With you in the struggle and in the love, Jenny

P.S. Here's a new challenge - we've been asked to put a together a Park Church team for the October 11" Walk to End Alzheimer's that will step off in Eldridge Park. Sign up in Beecher Hall!