A Day of Celebration and Farewell

On Sunday, June 14, we set aside time to celebrate the awesome young people of Immanuel — and to send one of our own forward with love. What a joy-filled, faith-filled day it turned out to be.

Worship Begins with Skits and Scripture

​Worship opened with two skits, including a delightful sock puppet show presented by our Kidz Club, illustrating Scripture in a way that brought smiles to all of us.

Puppet skit

Honoring Lorlie Wood

​We took a moment to honor Lorlie Wood, our Faith Formation Leader. Julie Bills, our SPRC chairperson, thanked Lorlie for her steadfast dedication to the young people of Immanuel, and Lorlie was gifted with a plant as a small token of our deep appreciation.

Lorlie Wood was honored for her dedicated service to our young people

The children presenting Lorlie Wood a "thank you" plant

A Bible for Hailey

Immanuel has a cherished tradition of presenting a new Bible to our elementary students in second or third grade each year. This year, Hailey K. received her Bible — along with the promise that if she ever wears it out, the church will gladly provide her with a new one.

Pastor Jack presenting Hailey with her new Bible

Gordon Williams Scholarship Awards

We were proud to award two scholarships through our Gordon Williams Scholarship fund. Jerry Holbrook, chairperson of the scholarship committee, presented awards to two outstanding graduating seniors: Yvonne, who plans to study to become an art teacher, and Owen, who plans to become a firefighter.

The scholarship honors Pastor Gordon Williams, who served here at Immanuel in the early 1990s. He dearly loved the youth of this church, and his family established this scholarship in his memory as an ongoing ministry. It continues to be funded by the generosity of Walt and Vera Sasman, along with donations from our church members.

Yvonne O with Jerry Holbrook

Pastor Jack and Jerry Holbrook announcing scholarship winners - Yvonne O and Owen K

Owen K with Jerry Holbrook

Youth Car Wash Raises $1,020
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We're delighted to share that our Youth Car Wash was a tremendous success! The young people raised $1,020 to be shared between Golisano Children's Hospital and Devin's Rec Room. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this effort — your generosity is making a real difference. 

The kids "got him" -- spraying Jeff G

A Farewell to Pastor Jack and Our Church Picnic

​The day also held a bittersweet moment as we said farewell to Pastor Jack, who leaves Immanuel for Trumansburg UMC. Julie Bills, SPRC Chairperson, and Pam Kelsey-Gossard, our Administrative Assistant, presented Pastor Jack with a "basket of blessings" — cards written by parishioners expressing their gratitude and good wishes — along with a plant. The entire congregation then took part in a blessing for Pastor Jack as he prepares for his new appointment.
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Following a full, faith-filled worship service, we made our way to Fellowship Hall for our annual church picnic. We give thanks to Sam and the Fellowship Committee for all their hard work in providing such a delicious meal and a wonderful time together. Over 80 people stayed to enjoy the food and fellowship, and a cake was shared in honor of Pastor Jack. It was a fitting way to surround him with love one last time as a congregation, sending him forward with our prayers and good wishes.

Enjoying the church picnic

Joe K, Jerry S and Warren R setting up

Serving table

Pastor Jack, in the distance, starting off the line

Jerry H and Ruth H

Pastor Jack

... and more set up!

Dessert table

Sam P, Barb M, Denise S, Jane M, and Janet R - thank you for the wonderful event!

Pastor Jack

Pastor Jack ready to "dig in"!

​It was a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and the love of a community that cherishes its young people and one another. Thanks to everyone that made it a special day!