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Batavia First Presbyterian

Vacation Bible School offered next month at First Presbyterian Church of Batavia: Go on a virtual quest for the King's armor

By Billie Owens

First Presbyterian Church in Batavia is offering free Vacation Bible School for 4-year-old children through fifth grade from Aug. 10 to 14.

Hey kids, get ready to join the Knights of North Castle on a quest for the King's armor! The materials used are from Cokesbury's Vacation Bible School (cokesburykids.com).

This is a virtual experience with the first day opening worship in person, and to pick up storybooks and craft bags in the church parking lot at 300 E. Main St. That will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10.

Then at 9 a.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 11-13, there will be songs and story time online.

On the last day, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, there will be a closing celebration in the church parking lot.

For in-person events, coronavirus courtesy will be practiced.

Please register online here.

Church contact is Wendy Daniszewski, (585) 343-0505. Email:   wendydaniszewski@yahoo.com

Photo: God Loves Everyone

By Howard B. Owens

James Spiecher, of Rochester, was in Batavia today for a funeral and he and his grandson Jaxon took a short walk down East Main Street and stopped in front of a sign at Batavia First Presbyterian Church that reads "God Loves Everyone No Exceptions."

Spiecher said he spoke with Jaxon about the sign and Jaxon said, "It’s really nice. It sounds really loving."

Tonight: Batavia First Presbyterian Church hosts online 'Prayer for Remembrance and Healing'

By Billie Owens

Batavia First Presbyterian is hosting an online prayer event this evening (via Facebook): "Prayer for Remembrance and Healing."

It is a prayer service from 7 to 7:30 p.m. to remember the murder of George Floyd and to pray for the healing of our country.

Rev. Shiela Campbell McCullough and Rev. Roula Alkhouri will be leading this together.

"Let us unite our hearts in prayer, honoring the life of George Floyd, and praying for the healing of our country from racism and violence. We will ring the church bell and spend some time in silence remembering the (nearly) nine minutes George Floyd gasped for air."

Batavia pastors put faith in local officials as President issues call to reopen places of worship

By Mike Pettinella

The pastor of the Batavia First Presbyterian Church said that while she understands the president’s call for the immediate reopening of places of worship, she said it is best that “we decide for ourselves” on how to move forward in the face of COVID-19.

President Trump earlier today issued a strong statement on the status of religious services, practically ordering governors to “do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now – for this weekend.”

In a 2 minute, 20 second address, after which he took no questions from the media, Trump said that churches, synagogues and mosques are “essential places that provide essential services,” and if state governors do not permit reopening, he will “override” them.

Rev. Roula Alkhouri, Ph.D., said that the congregation at First Presbyterian should be able to “decide for ourselves, making sure that it is safe for our neighbors and following the guidelines (set forth by New York State and the local health department).”

While believing that government does not have any authority over the church, Alkhouri said her church is under the authority of the Presbytery and adheres to a “collective wisdom” approach.

She also said she believes strongly in the separation of church and state, but she hasn’t felt oppressed by any of the rules stemming from the coronavirus outbreak.

“The guidelines are there to protect us,” she said. “If we chose to meet, we probably could, but is it ethical, does it show the love of Christ toward others? I don’t think so.”

Alkhouri said COVID-19 has hit close to home as a cousin died due to the virus and a sister, who lives in Dubai, just recovered after a 25-day battle.

“(Reopening the building) is not a simple decision; it’s very complex,” she said. “Yes, it is essential that we gather together to worship, but it also is essential that we don’t endanger anyone either.”

Rev. Martin Macdonald, pastor of City Church in Batavia, said he applauds the president’s assertion, but also supports the local officials who are monitoring the situation here.

“I appreciate and respect the president, but we still have to lend our ear to what’s happening in our own community,” he said, referring to the county and city managers, police chiefs and sheriff and health department director. “The president is giving the green light – saying you can reopen – but is it the right time yet? I’ll wait to hear what local authorities have to say.”

He said that he doesn’t think anyone is intentionally trying to keep churches closed, adding that “no one can stop the Gospel from being spread throughout the world.”

“Everyone knows how much I believe in the local church and love people to come together to worship … but I’ve found that our reach is greater than ever before through Facebook and social media outlets,” he said.

Macdonald said he looks to Scripture as his guide.

“The Bible says all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial,” he said, paraphrasing I Cor. 10:23.

In New York, just yesterday Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that religious gatherings will be permitted under strict social guidelines, including no more than 10 people at a time with all participants having to wear masks.

Drive-in and parking lot services also will be allowed.

The governor also said he is forming an interfaith advisory council to formulate guidelines to open up services to a greater degree.

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President Trump’s complete statement:

“At my direction, the CDC is issuing guidance for communities of faith … today I’m identifying houses of worship – churches, synagogues and mosques – as essential places that provide essential services. Some governors have deemed the liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship. It’s not right.

"So, I’m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential. I call upon governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now. If there’s any question, they’re going to have to call me, but they’re not going to be successful in that call. These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united. The people are demanding to go to church, their synagogue and go to their mosque.

"Many millions of Americans embrace worship as an essential part of life. The ministers, pastors, rabbis, imams and other faith leaders will make sure that their congregations are safe as they gather and pray. I know them well. They love their congregations, they love their people, they don’t want anything bad to happen to them or anyone else.

"The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now – for this weekend. If they don’t do it, I will override the governors. In America, we need more prayer, not less."

Video: Message from Pastor Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia First Presbyterian Church is one of the churches in Genesee County that canceled in-person Sunday services today. This morning, Pastor Roula Alkhouri used Facebook Live to conduct an online service for the church community. Last night, she recorded the video message above and invited us to share it.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church suspends in-person church services for two weeks

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

With the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Batavia First Presbyterian Church is suspending in-person worship and gatherings in the church building till March 26. Our desire is to follow the way of Christ by caring for the most vulnerable in our society and doing our part to stop the spread of the virus.

We will limit access to the church building to essential personnel. If you need access to the church building, please contact us at 585-343-0505 for an appointment.

We will continue to offer pastoral care and other support. We want to journey with you during this difficult time. Please contact Pastor Roula Alkhouri at roulaalkhouri@outlook.com or 585-343-0505 with your prayer or pastoral needs.

We will continue to monitor the situation to pay attention to how God will use us to be the healing and caring hands and feet of Christ in our community during this crisis.

To access our devotional and recorded worship, go to our website www.fpcbatavia.org or our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/

The Roberts Chorale performs its first concert of the new year in Batavia Thursday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

On Thursday, Jan. 16, The Roberts Chorale will perform its first solo concert of the New Year. The concert is free of charge and open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m.

It will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, which is located at 300 E. Main St. Seating is by general admission; doors will open at 6:45. There will be a reception following the performance.

The Roberts Chorale is Roberts Wesleyan College’s premier vocal ensemble, devoted to the study and performance of high-quality choral music from diverse styles, musical eras, languages, and cultures.

Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing.

For its 2019–2020 season, it is comprised of 41 students representing 18 academic majors at Roberts Wesleyan College, four home states, and three home countries.

The day after this concert, the Chorale departs on a performance tour of Florida, with concerts throughout the following week in Lakeland, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Marco Island.

In the past two years, the choir, directed by Adam Potter, Ph.D., has toured the East Coast and returned from France in May, performing to large and enthusiastic audiences in Paris and Normandy.

Each year, the Chorale’s musical programming and extra-musical activities are structured around a unifying theme. This year, the theme—and that of the tour—is perseverance.

In devotionals and other spiritual life activities incorporated into the ensemble, they are reflecting on James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

The title of the Florida tour program is “Through the Storm … Lead Me to the Light.”

These words are borrowed from the central piece on the program, Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord,” and the repertoire is structured around the storm, ead, and light themes.

The first set of the concert is called “The Rain Awakens” and features storm music that represents the elements of nature. During the second set, “Turn Darkness Into Light,” the storm fades away and the theme of light begins to emerge through. The Chorale returns to the stage for its third set: “Lead Me Home,” during which the music leads the audience not only to physical light but to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Finally, in the final set, “The Star of My Life Is Jesus,” the Chorale sings of the One who is the culmination of every piece that preceded it.

Although thematically unified, the program is stylistically eclectic, including music from Renaissance Mexico, Classic Austria, and also music guaranteed to delight audiences, including new music by American composers, a folk song arrangement, gospel music, spirituals, and even a choral arrangement of a contemporary Christian ballad from the 1970s.

Through Potter’s philosophy of “relentless positivity,” the choir has been able to bring the concert together with the goal of sharing their music and their faith with the Batavia community in preparation for expanding their reach while on tour in Florida the next week.

Roberts Wesleyan Chorale to perform free concert 'Lead Kindly Light' in Batavia Jan. 16

By Billie Owens

Roberts Wesleyan Chorale will perform a special live concert in Batavia starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St.

The public is welcome to attend this free concert entitled "Lead Kindly Light."

The Rochester-based Chorale will perform beautiful songs featuring diverse styles, cultures, eras and languages.

The following day, on Friday, the Chorale leaves on their Florida Tour.

The Chorale is Roberts Wesleyan College’s premier vocal ensemble, devoted to the study and performance of high-quality choral music. Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing.

Adam Potter, Ph.D., is the conductor.

There is no admission fee. A free will offering will be taken.

Photo of Chorale from Roberts Wesleyan College.

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