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Pastor Jessilou Vaccarelli
Mail: PO Box 152 North Greece, NY 14515
A Note from the Pastor by Pastor Jessilou
august
adjective
au·gust ȯ-ˈgəst ˈȯ-(ˌ)gəst
Simple Definition
: marked by majestic dignity or grandeur
August comes from the Latin word augustus, meaning "consecrated" or "venerable"
The month of August is very important to us at Parma Greece United Church of Christ. It is the month of our anniversary – actually, our 192nd Birthday. On August 23rd, 1834, ‘fourteen men and women, friendly to liberal Christianity’ met in a local schoolhouse and decided to start a church. This was a very rural area; most of the residents were farmers. And when you think about it, the month of August is a particularly busy month for farmers – the crops are in full growth, fruits and vegetables need to be picked and brought to market, food needs to be canned or preserved in anticipation of the winter months, hay must be baled and stored in barns. And yet – despite all this busyness, these seven men and seven women took the time to plan and initiate a new church.
Depending on the weather, the quality of the plantings, the availability of help, everything can impact the success or failure of a farm……. I suppose it’s the same for a church. The Parma Greece UCC has gone through nearly two centuries of ‘ups and downs,’ times of plenty and times of want – like farming. We’ve celebrated together, with births, baptisms and weddings. We’ve cried together, with funerals, loss of some members, or changes in spiritual leadership as Pastors have come and go. And still, we are here, we are surviving, and in my opinion as I write this article – we are thriving. We have much to celebrate.
August is also an important month in my personal life, for this August marks my second anniversary as your Pastor. It was two years ago on August 1st that I led my first worship service in this sacred space. I am truly grateful for all the support you’ve given me these last 24 months. I’m proud of my work, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I am convinced that we are consecrated – made holy and set apart for a sacred purpose. And we are venerable – earning respect and admiration because of our great age and character. Yes, we are ‘August.’ May we continue to be so and be blessed. +
Pastor Jessilou
From the Moderator...
At council this month, all boards shared progress and kudos as our church grows, changes and spiritually supports our church family! What a joy to behold. Lots of sweat equity and love. Do you see our growing trees to honor past members? Success-who knew? With “thrifting”. New members and extending heartfelt thanks to friends and neighbors and vendors who help PGUCC. Wonder to behold. As Moderator, I am here to listen and help direct any questions about church function to the right person. Do you want to know more? See me. Come to any board meeting-schedule in newsletter and church bulletins. A little knowledge can be dangerous, and I promise to work to get answers. Look forward to our Anniversary Celebration in August.
Loron Oster, Moderator