Parma Greece United Church of Christ has much to celebrate this August.
On August 1, Parma Greece UCC welcomed a new worship leader, Pastor Jessilou Gage Vaccarelli. Although Pastor Jessi is new to this position, she is not new to the church. Having grown up just down the hill from the church on Manitou Road and a being a graduate of the Hilton Schools, Pastor Jessi has attended the Parma Greece UCC her whole life. She was baptized there as an infant, attended Sunday School there, sang in the choir, served on several boards and committees, was the church Historian, and taught Sunday School. At the urging of a former Pastor, Rev. Ronald Brown, she began pursuing a career in Ministry several years ago. And just this spring, she finally achieved her goal, obtaining Lay Minister Standing from the New York State Committee on Ministry and the Genesee Valley Association. Pastor Jessi is now licensed to serve Parma Greece United Church of Christ as their long time supply Pastor.
Because of her lifelong relationship with the church, Pastor Jessi has a unique outlook. “I respect and cherish the history of this church. I’ve seen times of feast and times of famine over the decades. And based on that firm foundation and the energy and dedication of the congregation, I have tremendous hope for the future.”
This month, Parma Greece UCC is also celebrating its 190th anniversary serving local and global neighbors. According to an excerpt from the church’s historic journal: “A meeting of the brethren and sisters friendly to liberal Christianity convened at the schoolhouse in school district number 7 Parma.
Elder Joel Doubleday and Elder William Blake of Clarkson were present. After each person present had expressed their feelings and Christian experience they agreed to walk together in the bonds of Christian love and union, taking the scriptures of truth for their only rule of faith and practice and we pray that God be with us. Parma Aug. 23, 1834”
Parma Greece UCC is honoring this occasion by offering several opportunities to celebrate. Anyone who has ever been a member of the church, served on a board, sang in the choir, gotten married there, had children baptized or attended Sunday School there, or enjoyed their chicken barbecues or potluck suppers is part of the church’s rich history. All are invited to find their way back to Parma Greece UCC during this month of joy and remembrance.
•August 11 – Homecoming Sunday. 10 a.m. worship, followed by a buffet luncheon at 11:15 a.m.
•August 18 – Outdoor service in the gazebo and Memory Garden at 10 a.m., followed by the annual picnic
•August 23 – Presentation by Greece Historian Bill Sauers on “The Manitou Trolley” at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Donations accepted. Lemonade and cookies after the presentation.
•August 25 – Anniversary Sunday, a special worship service at 10 a.m. followed by cake and coffee. Jazz Concert by the Laura Dubin Trio at 7 p.m. Free will offerings gratefully accepted. Reception to follow
Parma Greece UCC is located at 1211 Manitou Road at the Latta Road intersection. Worship services are Sunday mornings at a new time, 10 a.m., led by Pastor Jessilou Gage Vaccarelli. The church offers a welcoming, caring community that brings together people from multiple religious traditions and backgrounds, honoring the spiritual journey of each individual. For more information on events or services, call the Parma Greece UCC office at 585-392-6120, find them on Facebook at “Parma Greece United Church of Christ,” or visit http://www.parmagreeceucc.org.
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