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April 12, 2026 Service

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:00:04 GMT

Trish DeMondfort and Gene James share conversation and friendship before church began.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04/23/2026

Happy spring! Finally, some welcome warmer weather! And two more of our snowbirds have returned, Blanche and Roger. Welcome back to the fold! We have missed you!

Our Bible study time has changed to Saturday- beginning Saturday, May 9 at 9 AM. we will be studying Max Lucas- Tame your Thoughts. Books are available on Amazon.

Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they had ever seen or heard of something that happened that you couldn’t believe. She cited the book Ripley’s Believe it or Not. A couple of things that were in there that she told the children was that a chicken laid a square egg and another astonishing event was that a teenage girl hula hooped with 68 hula hoops at a time. WOW! those are things that are hard to believe. In our Christian life, it might be hard to believe that Jesus was raised from the grave.

In our scripture lesson, John 20: 19-31 we see that one of the disciples, Thomas doubted that Jesus had returned and was raised from the dead. He needed proof by seeing the marks on his hands from him being nailed to the cross.

Do we often have worries. Pastor Jeannine said her mother was a perpetual worrier. She worried about the kids. She worried about what would happen to her things when she went to a smaller home. God is here for us. Stuff is not our life, but memories are- God never walks away.

We had a wonderful brunch after church. It’s so good to see everyone participating in and enjoying the conversation and delicious food.

Speaking of food, we are planning a church pancake supper at 5 PM on May 16. We will be taking pictures of congregation members at 4 PM on that date prior to our dinner for an updated directory. We will be taking pictures at other times if that date is not convenient. Our road clean up is scheduled for May 15 at 9am, weather permitting . This is one of our missions where we pick up trash on a 2 mile stretch of 54-A twice a year. Mark your calendars!

April 5, 2026 Service

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:08 GMT

Easter Blessings from BPUMC!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04/16/2026

Pastor Jeannine told us again about the Easter story. What an Easter surprise! Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary went to the tomb where Jesus was buried. An angel was sitting on the stone, which was rolled away. The angel said to them- Don’t be afraid- He is Risen. The Mary’s must’ve been very afraid. But when they understood, they went into the town to spread the word.

What are our fears? There are many things that we can’t do anything about. Pastor Jeannine told us that her mother was a grand worrier. She worried about the most minute things. Some of us worry about our health or other concerns. Don’t be afraid- we need to turn our worries over to Jesus. We have to have faith and believe. None of us get out of this alive, but Jesus did. Jesus was raised from the dead. The cloth that covered his face was folded and put on the tomb. This was a sign that Jesus is coming back. Death could not hold him down. Jesus was wrapped in a heavenly gown.

Thank you to our choir for two beautiful anthems today. The choir also has been going to homes of some of those that are ill, and recently to the Homestead nursing home to sing to residents, including one of our own members.

Happy spring. Hopefully the weather will soon cooperate!

March 29, 2026 Service

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:08 GMT

Thank you, Marguerite Miller for directing the children and providing us with several cute songs as we celebrate music Sunday and Easter week beginning today with Palm Sunday.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04/09/2026

Pastor Jeannine related to the children and the congregation the story of Palm Sunday. Jesus entered the city with great cheers of Hosannah and a parade. Coats were put on the ground for the donkeys to walk on. As the week progressed . the cheering of Palm Sunday turned to proclamations to crucify Jesus. This week reminds us what Christ went through for us. The tomb could not keep him or his message from us. Pastor Jeannine showed the children how Jesus is their living hope and has set us free.

Please save any bed sheets, mattress, pads, or blankets for quilts that will be made by the group from My Brothers Keeper. These quilts are distributed at Christmas time for Yates County Christmas.

Michele Covert read a beautiful poem entitled- God Speaks to us, written by Blanche Fingar.

This past Sunday was also Music Sunday. The choir performed several numbers and Meridyn Whitford provided a beautiful solo entitled Sunday Sermons. In addition, Meridyn has been singing with the adult choir! Thank you, Meridyn, and our wonderful choir under the direction of Ron Miller. Our children also had two choir numbers. They are such an addition to our service. They also passed out palm crosses to the congregation members.

Several of us will be traveling to Gettysburg for the memorial service of Bruce Westerdahl to be held there on April 25th. Bruce was our pastor for many years and a devoted member of our church along with his wife Nancy. He spent most of his growing up years in Gettysburg. For years, several of us joined the Westerdahl’s to decorate wreaths to put on the Gettysburg national Cemetery, and also the military cemetery at Quantico. We participated along with school children in the wreathlaying ceremony at Gettysburg.

It’s nice to see the spring flowers popping up. It’s been a long winter. The sunshine and warm temperatures are so appreciated. It’s also good to see our snowbirds returning from the south. Norm and Sherri Hunt were back in church with us on Palm Sunday.

See you in church at 9 AM on Sundays!

March 22, 2026 Service

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:08 GMT

Deaconess Connie Glover gave us a presentation telling us of some of the programs that she has created in the Penn Yan area, including the PY Community Cafe.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04/02/2026

Our Bible study this week centered around the scripture from John 11: 1-45. Pastor Jeannine first ask the children if they ever cried when they fell down or when they were sad, or even because someone else cried. It was mentioned in the Bible three times that Jesus cried, including when his best friend Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha died. When Jesus arrived after being summoned when Lazarus was taken ill, he had died and already was in the tomb. Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the dead and then rejoiced. This was another one of Jesus‘s miracles.

We were fortunate to have a wonderful presentation from Deaconess Connie Glover in church this week. Connie started the Penn Yan community Café out of the PENN United Methodist Church 17 years ago. The community café has dinners twice monthly with takeout in addition to a sitdown dinner. She also had started community Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners. Through Keuka advocacy services, Connie helps people in need with utility, housing and enrollment in programs, including finding and obtaining birth certificates and identification when needed. People need these items to sign up for many services. She also has started a weekend, food pantry, and a senior meal program with seven meals a week at Saint Marks in Dundee. Miss Connie‘s house is in progress which is going to be a woman’s shelter. There also is a warming and cooling center in progress. Connie needs not only financial support but volunteers to help with these many programs. One of her main goals is in helping people find jobs and financial independence. Thank you, Connie in enlightening us in ways that we also can help. On this coming Sunday we are passing the bucket for the community café.

We’re invited to join the Tenebrae service on Monday Thursday, April 2 at 6 PM at Dresden UMC. There are many services and opportunities during Lent in our community.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Meredith Nielsen who passed away recently. Her memorial service will be later this spring. Meredith was a lifelong member of Bluff Point United Methodist Church. She was able to come to church with us as recently as this January. Meredith remained active in church throughout her lifetime. She participated in many church activities and events including Bible study, church committees and road cleanup. Meredith was loved by all and will be missed.

Our Easter service will be at 9 AM Sunday, April 5. Please come and join us as well as all of our other Sunday services.

March 15 2026 Service

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:00:04 GMT

We have a vibrant prayer shawl ministry. Pastor Jeannine has the children put their hands and pray on a prayer shawl for one of our congregation members who is facing surgery.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03/26/2026

Pastor Jeannine asked the children how many of them liked music. Music is such an important part of our church. She looked at the hymn of Amazing Grace- always a favorite. She also looked at the hymns of To God be the Glory, and Blessed Assurance. Those two hymns were written by Fanny Crosby. Fanny got an eye infection when she was an infant as a result of this diagnosis and misdiagnosis she became blind. She looked at the blessings she had, and not the vision that she had lost. In her lifetime she wrote thousands of hymns and poems to glorify God. She could’ve been bitter, but instead, she was thankful for her life and what God had given her. God loves us!

In our lessons today, we saw how Jesus used mud to plaster on a blind man’s face and restore his vision. Before this he had been a beggar. Jesus saw this man in the crowd who had been blind since birth. Jesus had the man wash the mud off his face, and his vision was restored. He felt the man was the light of the world.

Pastor Jeannine asked us do we come to the light and believe in God? When the light of the world is in our midst, we need that shut our eyes and not be blinded by the light.

Don’t forget that Palm Sunday is also music Sunday. Bring a friend or relative to church on Music Sunday on March 29th. Music Sunday is a beautiful celebration with our choir and children participating.

March 8, 2026 Service

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:00:07 GMT

Millie Albertson enjoys her pancakes at a recent church supper.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03/19/2026

Today our teachings were from John 4: 5-42, a very long passage! Pastor Jeannine first asked the kids what makes them feel better. She showed them a bottle of Gatorade, which is good after you exercise and work hard. Living water also makes you feel good. Christ is a living water. She told the children that we need Christ in our lives to feel better especially when we need a little extra!

Our sermon was also about the Living Water. Christ is the Living Water. A Samaritan woman came to draw water from a well. Jesus asked her for some water. Usually Samaritans and Jews do not mix well. Jews considered Samarians impure. The Samarians expected a savior like Moses. They accepted the first five books of Moses. The woman was surprised that Jesus knew her, and that she had had five husbands, but was now with a man who was not her husband. Jesus loves all of us, the good and the bad, including the Samarian woman. The woman then ran into town and shared the news that she had met the Messiah. The town people followed her back to the well. We all need to share the love of Christ.

We are still studying the final days in Bible study. Join us at 3 PM on Mondays.

April 2 at 6 PM we have been invited to share the Maundy Thursday soup and bread supper at the Dresden United Methodist Church. You are welcome to bring something to share. There will be a lot of community activities coming up during Lent.

Thank you to our nurture committee who set up for our brunch Sundays, the second Sunday of the month.

The children have been practicing for music Sunday. Please bring a friend and see the great musical talent in our church during our service on March 29th!

March 1, 2026 Service

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:00:21 GMT

Ring that bell! Come join us at church on Sundays at 9:00 am at Bluff Point United Methodist Church!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03/12/2026

Who is your lifesaver? When you go in the water, should you have a life jacket or a flotation device around you? It’s important to have something like a lifeline to keep us safe. Pastor Jeannine told the kids about Nicodemus. He did not understand that Jesus was a lifeline to God. We understand though that Jesus is our lifeline.

In the scripture from John 3: 1- 17 we see that Nicodemus was visiting Jesus. He came by night, likely so the Pharisees would not find him.

Pastor Jeannine told us Jesus taught Nicodemus that to enter the kingdom of God he must be born of the spirit from above. Jesus knew Nicodemus was spiritually hungry, but he did not understand. We need to be baptized and get God into our lives. We know that we will not find peace until we find God.

The nurture committee has placed names and addresses of people who have been unable to come to church lately in the back and front of the church. We are encouraged to write them cards and notes, hoping that they will be able to return to us soon.

We recently had a great baked potato dinner at church. There were about 40 people who came to enjoy the nice meal together.

The children have been practicing for music Sunday, which is the last Sunday in March. Mark your calendars and encourage your friends and neighbors to come join us for a very special musical Sunday.

Thank you to Jean Murdock and Trish DeMondfort for tasty snacks after church this week!

February 22, 2026 Service

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:09 GMT

Welcome new members Pam Whitford and Chris Reay!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03/05/2026

Good morning! We have now entered Lent. We had a wonderful Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and served about 45 people. It’s always great to have a meal together. Thank you to the nurture committee for arranging and cooking for us!

Today our topic was about temptation. Pastor Jeannine had a bucket of cookies that she showed the kids. She said when her two daughters were growing up they had to wait for the cookies she baked until they told mom about their school day. Do we ever do anything we shouldn’t do? Do we ever have temptations? A lot of the kids said they sometimes sneak a cookie and then try to cover the evidence!

We all know the story of Adam and Eve from the scripture in Genesis. It was a story of good and evil in the garden. They both were told that they should not eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, but were tempted anyway, and ate the fruit. Adam messed up big time and was kicked out of paradise. Because of Adam we now have a contract with death. Pastor Jeannine explained to us that Jesus broke up the power of sin and cleaned up Adam’s mess, bringing us hope. Jesus has paid the price for our sins and put things back better. He was a gift to us, and our hope. The father sacrificed his son so that we can live. He gave a lifeline to us.

Lenten Bible study is of the final days. It is based on scripture from Luke and Matthew. All free to join in Mondays at 3pm.

If you wish to order flowers for Easter to decorate the church in memory or honor of loved ones do so in the next week. Our church always looks so nice at Easter with all of the spring flowers adorning the altar.

Please join us at 9 AM Sundays for our service. All are welcome.

February 15, 2026 Service

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:06 GMT

The children always have a Bible lesson before a craft project in Sunday school.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02/26/2026

This past Sunday was Transfiguration Sunday. So nice to be back in church today after weather related issues this month that had made travel, dangerous and nearly impossible on our rural roads with all of the wind and below zero temperatures. So good to see the sunshine and the warmer temperatures.

Several events coming up at church as we enter Lent. This past week we had a wonderful Shrove Tuesday pancake and sausage dinner. We we’ll have a baked potato dinner later in the month.

Blessings and congratulations to Robin DeSantis and Ron Jackson who were married on Valentine’s Day. Robin came to our church many times in the past while visiting her parents. She often joined choir events, playing her beautiful flute.

Pastor Jeannine gave the children a lesson and told them about transfiguration Sunday before the adult sermon. This was based on scripture from Matthew 17: 1-9. It appears that Jesus asked James, John and Peter to go with him up Mount Tabor to pray. They followed him, but after they ascended the mountain, the disciples fell asleep. When they awoke, they saw Jesus speaking to Moses and Elijah, who had appeared, however both Moses and Elijah had been dead for several years prior to this event. Jesus’s clothes were transformed to a dazzling white. His face became beautiful and bright like the sun, as he was in the presence of God. Jesus asked the disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen. Are we willing to go up the mountain with Jesus to be transformed?

February 8, 2026 Service (canceled)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:22 GMT

Snow Day! Cold Day!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02/19/2026

I’m not sure if global warming has anything to do with global cold, but for the second time in a month, we have canceled our church services because of weather- it’s just not been safe to drive in the rural areas with the snow blowing all over and the temperatures hovering around 0°.

Hopefully, from this point on the weather will be more conducive for safe travel. I hope people have been praying at home and reading their scripture.

On 2/28 church members will enjoy a baked potato dinner from 4:00-5:30 with all the toppings!

We hope the community will join us for Music Sunday at church at 10:00 am March 29th. Our kids will be participating and bring so much joy to the service. This is also Palm Sunday.

February 1, 2026 Service

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:14 GMT

The first Sunday of the month is always communion Sunday. We look forward to sharing Jesus’s Thanksgiving.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02/12/2026

This Sunday we studied several of the Beatitudes. Pastor Jeannine shared with the children that even if you are sad or mad we should be happy. Jesus always loves us no matter what! Pastor Jeannine asked the kids what made them happy. One girl shared that caring for others made her happy.

Our scripture was Matthew 5: 1-12. The disciples came to Jesus. Jesus had begun his ministry and began teaching the disciples . The first beatitude Pastor Jeannine shared was that those poor in spirit are blessed. We are all sinners and are forgiven. We learn to be humble in heart. Jesus gave his life for us. Blessed are those who mourn. Mourning hurts, no matter what the loss. Pastor Jeannine shared we mourn for those estranged from God. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Meekness is not weakness. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst. God is our nourishment. Blessed are the merciful. We all help in our missions- prayer shawls, Road clean-up, and needs of the church.

A new Bible study will be starting on February 16th. This will be- The Final Journey. Bible study is on Mondays at 3pm.

We are soon beginning Lent. We have several activities coming up, so keep posted!

Our sincere condolences to Dan and Nancee Scott and many other friends and family members in the recent passing of Dan Scott who passed after a long illness. He was an active member of our community and is greatly missed.

We are so thrilled for several new people who have been joining us for worship. We welcome all to join us on Sunday and for other church activities.

January 18, 2026 Service

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:06 GMT

Welcome to Melissa and Warren Kinsey, who have transferred their membership to join our church family at Bluff Point United Methodist Church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01/29/2026

Prayers for the family and friends of Dan Scott, who went to join his Lord after a recent illness. He will be missed. We have had so many that have been sick lately or have had significant losses. Keeping them all in our prayers.

We welcome Melissa and Warren Kinsey to our congregation, who transferred their membership to our congregation.

Pastor Jeannine‘s message to the children concerned eyewitness reports. How many of us see and hear eyewitness reports on the news? The Eyewitness report from Church today is about Jesus being the lamb of God. Do we tell others about Jesus? One of our little girls said that most of the people she knows already know about Jesus. It never hurts to discuss our love for our savior.

Our scripture this week was from John 1: 29-42. John was eager to tell others about Jesus. He really did not know who Jesus was until he baptized him. He got excited and wanted to tell the world. There were challenges in these days though- Peter was a challenger. He was full of doubt. How many things do we doubt? Hopefully we don’t doubt our love for Jesus and Jesus‘s love for us. The miracle of Jesus gives us hope!

Pastor Jeannine asked us if we had ever seen a movie that really gripped us. Pastor Jeannine and her husband Phil have had an 80s movie marathon where they relived movie memories watching old movies. One thing that she has found is that there are many memories watching movies together as a family- more than the movies, she remembers the good times of sharing.

We have been asked to continue to pray. People feel prayer. We are eyewitnesses for Christ by lifting others in prayer.

Please join us in church 9 AM on Sundays. We would love to share with you.

January 11, 2026 Service

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:02 GMT

Barbara Bailey is our scripture reader for the month of January.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01/22/2026

This past Sunday’s lesson was about the baptism of the Lord. Pastor Jeannine began by talking with the children about a picture album. Your parents collect pictures of you because they love you. Pictures change, and children grow up quickly. God was pleased with his son Jesus. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. A dove landed on Jesus at this time. God pronounced that Jesus was his son. I love him.

Pastor Jeannine told a story about a man named Mario who was homeless in New York City. Mario carried with him his birth certificate and his baptism certificate which were important to him showing God‘s love.

The scripture this week was from Matthew 3: 13-17. The adult sermon was also about baptism. Baptism is a great responsibility to the parents to accept faith for the child and help and nurture them; we carry, dress, feed, and believe in our young children.

John the Baptist baptized Jesus with water for repentance. Jesus asked John to baptize him however, Jesus did not need to repent. At this time the heavens opened up with the spirit of God descended. The voice of God proclaimed Jesus is my son whom I love. I am well pleased. Was what revealed to us was Jesus’s true identity. Following the sermon, Pastor Jeannine asked the congregation that if there was anyone present that wanted to be baptized to let her know, and she would work with them to set up a time.

Toni Parsons had a fun group in Sunday school after their lesson the girls made origami doves and also friendship bracelets.

Don’t forget our baked potato bar dinner at four to 5:30 PM at churchon Saturday, January 24. We always have a good time at our church dinners. Women’s breakfast at the Wagner is Wednesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 28. The man meet every Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10 o’clock. All are welcome.

January 4, 2026 Service

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:40 GMT

Even our little ones help with communion at Bluff Point UMC!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01/015/2026

What a beautiful Epiphany Sunday!

This week Pastor Jeannine talked to the children about being chosen. Like myself, she was picked last for sports teams. People that are chosen last often have hurt feelings. One way to fix this is to count off, that way no one gets chosen last. We are all chosen for God‘s family. Everyone is in God‘s family. No one is first or last!

Our scripture this week was from Ephesians 1: 3-14. People at this time had a hard time seeing God‘s love. However, God chose them before the world began, and before they were even born. God knows every hair on your head. God chose us in Christ. God chose us and loves us unconditionally. Pastor Jeannine asked us if we have ever said no to God’s plan. When you accept God’s plan and faith it’s not scary. Pastor Jeannine asked us if we have ever said no to God‘s plan. When you accept God‘s plan in faith it’s not scary. We also have unconditional love in our church. Church is an extension of our family, bringing the love of Christ forward. Pastor Jeannine reinforced that God always loves you. God sent his son which is the greatest gift of all and reinforces our faith.

Things coming up: A baked potato bar on January 24 at 4 to 5:30 PM at church. There’s a sign up for different topics to magnify your potato! We have also been invited to join Dresden church with Roy Litteer get a community dinner on Wednesday, January 28 at 6 PM.

Stay warm these cold winter days and be safe walking on ice. We don’t want any falls or injuries!

See you in church at 9 AM on Sunday!

December 28, 2025 Service

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:01 GMT

Violette Tones show shows off the blessing tree that she made in Sunday School. She was able to write most of the words herself without even asking the spelling! The blessing tree has ornaments and tags with the things that the children chose that they are thankful for.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01/08/2026

This Sunday was the first Sunday after Christmas. It was a cold, bitter day, but one that we saw many people venture out to church. Pastor Jeannine talked with the children, asking them what was the significance of the light from the alter candles at the beginning of the service. It is that we bring the light of Jesus into our service. As we extinguish the light at the end of the service after bringing it to the back of the church, it signifies bringing the light out to others as we leave for the week. Pastor Jeannine also lit the advent candles of love, hope, joy, peace, and the Christ candle as she started the service.

Pastor Jeannine‘s sermon focused on the gospel of John. The scripture was from Matthew 2: 13-23. You wonder often why bad things happen to us. Why did God let the terrorist attack on 9/11 happen? Why did innocent people have to suffer?

John‘s teaching deals with who Jesus is and why he did what he did. John begins with the verse, In the beginning with the word and the word was with God, and the word was God. And his verses show us there is proof that Jesus is God.

Pastor Jeannine explains that Jesus isn’t just a word it is the word! All things were made by him. In him was life. And the light was the light of men. Jesus brings an answer to all of life‘s questions. God doesn’t always remove the chaos, but it can take most evil and awful pains and tragedies and transform them. We have a lot of chaos and dust in our lives that the Lord will transform if we let him!

Thank you choir for a beautiful rendition of the song- Mary did you know? We are lucky to have such a beautiful choir under the direction of Ron Miller.

Happy New Year from everyone at Bluff Point United Methodist Church. We hope that you will join us in this bright new year for 9am Sunday services!

December 21, 2025 Service

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:04 GMT

The girls made angels from angel food cake on Sunday School

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01/01/2026

Christmas is upon us and soon it will be a brand new year! Many beautiful Christmas songs and a festive choir anthem were sung in church, as well as the congregation listening to more of the meaning of the Christmas story. Pastor Jeannine also had an interactive story with the children about the angels involved at the time of the birth of Christ

How do we get the message of the difference that God makes to others? We reflect especially this time of year all that Christ has brought to us within our church family.

Pastor Jeannine‘s message reflected on Joseph and Mary. Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married. Things became complicated when Joseph found that Mary was pregnant. At that time pregnancy outside of marriage could be punished by stoning and death. Joseph went through quite a turmoil, but Joseph chose compassion over the law. An angel appeared and told him not to be afraid- that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was to be named Jesus.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 24. There will be a baked potato bar dinner from four to 5:30 PM at church. Our evening dinners are always a lot of fun.

Congratulations to our Cady Brady who was named Penn Yan youth ambassador during the recent Starshine program. She is a junior at Penn Yan Academy!

See you at church at 9 AM on Sunday! All are welcome.

December 14, 2025 Service

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:05 GMT

Norm Hunt and Sherri Hunt light the third advent candle of love.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to all. This past Sunday was Sunday of joy. Pastor Jeannine asked the children what they wanted for Christmas. Did they want a doll, socks, toys, underwear, or a book? These might be popular gifts under the tree, but they don’t compare with the gifts that we received from Jesus. She told them of the gifts that Christ gave. Sight for a blind man, restoration of hearing for someone deaf, giving someone lame the ability to walk. Jesus gave the gift of faith. The scripture was from Matthew 11: 2-11.

Pastor Jeannine asked the adults how they found themselves in the Advent season…how is your mood, does a grief or worry have you down? Does the singing and merry-making make us hide our anxiety, or do we use the Christmas spirit to cover up deeper problems? Perhaps we feel isolated. Jesus‘s power is the power of healing grace. Mercy is in the heart of Jesus’s missions. It is in his teachings. The arrival of the Messiah showed us the power of Jesus‘s love. Pastor Jeannine showed how Jesus is at work among us today and those that accept this will know God‘s blessing most of all.

Christmas Eve candlelight service is Wednesday, December 24 at 7 PM at church. All are welcome to join. We will be undecorating the church following the service on January 4.

December 7, 2025 Service

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:02 GMT

See my pretty little wreath? The nursery kids made sweet wreaths to put on their doors at home.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12/18/2025

The second Sunday of advent... The special time of Jesus birth is getting closer as Mary and Joseph inch closer to the stable and the manger. Pastor Jeannine shared with the children, showing Mary and Joseph going toward the stable, led by a star, not a GPS! John the Baptist was preparing, wearing his camel hair robes, and eating locusts and honey, anticipating the birth of Jesus- he continued to baptize people in his work.

Scripture today was from Matthew 3: 1-12. John appeared in the wilderness with scorpions and snakes. It was a dangerous place, cursed by God- it was a battle with evil forces. Pastor Jeannine asked us where we felt our wilderness was today. Is it in school, social media, or in lonely lives? What Elijah predicted came true. There are many people longing for something, but not always sure what it is. There is a way out of the wilderness. We need to turn to God when things get bleak. We need to save ourselves from the wilderness. John‘s message to us did lead us to hope, and in the knowledge that everyone is worthy.

Our Sunday school children and nursery children were busy this past Sunday. Meghan Reay help the children make beautiful wreaths. The older children made ornaments under the direction of Marguerite Miller after their Bible lesson.

Thank you to everyone who helped with distribution for Yates County Christmas. Many people from our church were there to help for four days, providing children with socks, underwear, games, toys, toothpaste, hats, mittens, blankets or quilts, books, and an outfit which were distributed to hundreds of local families and children. What an amazing mission.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Bruce Westerdahl who recently went to join his Lord and beloved wife Nancy in heaven. Bruce was a pastor at our church for many years and a great friend. He and his wife Nancy participated with so many church events, even after he retired. He had a loving heart, and so enjoyed singing in the choir and also perform solos in Church, before moving to be near his daughter in Virginia.

Our Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7 PM on Wednesday, December 24. It is always a beautiful service filled with music and carols. We hope many will join us from the community to celebrate the birth of Christ.

November 30, 2025 Service - Music Sunday

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:04 GMT

All our little angels in our Angel choir had two musical numbers that brought joy and smiles from the congregation.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12/11/2025

We had 101 people in our congregation this past Sunday. It was great to see the church pews filled! We have Music Sunday on the 5th Sunday of each month with 5 Sundays. The next will be in March 2026.

Pastor Jeannine talked with the kids about the gift God gave us- Jesus! She told them we need to be prepared. Some of us bake, sing and light candles to prepare for Christmas. She pointed out the empty stable in our church. The wise men, Mary and Joseph, and the Shepards are on their way traveling. They will travel towards the stable awaiting the birth of Jesus. They will also move around in the church as they get closer to our stable!

Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to participate in ringing the bells for Yates County Christmas-on a beautiful 50° day. We also have many who will be helping with distribution.

Music Sunday was special. Marguerite and Ron Miller put in so much time with the choirs to make for a wonderful service. The choir sang several numbers. Meridyn Whitford sing a solo, Kaylee Will, granddaughter of Chris and Stacy Wyant, played a piano solo. Gene James gave a beautiful rendition of the Lord‘s prayer. Michele Covert read a poem, entitled The Engine, written by Blanche Fingar. What a poet she is! What a special service it was from beginning to end!

On music Sunday, we also pass the bucket to raise funds for a local organization. This month the buckets were passed for Yates County Christmas.

Many things going on at church. Don’t forget to bring hats, mittens and scarves for our mitten tree. We also will be having an angel tree family. Keep posted! Please come and join our wonderful country church. 9 AM Sundays! It was nice to see the church all decorated for Christmas!

November 23, 2025 Service

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:16 GMT

The kids are getting ready for music Sunday. They love to sing, and we love, listening to them!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12/04/2025

We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. Now we are into the advent season. Where has the year gone?

Our service this past week started with Donna Johnston talking to us about Yates County Christmas. The distribution is December 2-4 at the Benton fire Hall. Distribution includes helping a family when they shop for hats, gloves, socks, underwear, an outfit, books, toys, a coat, and blanket or quilt. Last year 278 families including 657 kids in Yates county were served. What a wonderful mission that our church is proud to be part of.

Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they ever had trouble thinking of what to pray for. She told them a good way to remember was to put their hands together with their thumbs toward them. The thumb is to pray for people who are close to us. The pointer finger is to pray for teachers and parents. The long finger is to pray for our leaders. The ring finger is to pray for those sick or need, and the pinky finger (not to be forgotten) is to pray for yourself. God wants us to pray. He may sometimes trip us to get our attention!

Our church has an active prayer chain. We make phone calls to all our prayer warriors. Pastor Jeannine feels praying is one of the most important things we can do as it does change things. The scripture was from Colossians 1: 11-20. In this passage, Paul was in prison-society he prayed and had faith with a positive outlook even when he was in a bad situation. We should pray in the knowledge of God, even when we don’t know the outcome. We need to continue our faith that God sent his son to us.

Come join us in our faith based church at 9 AM Sunday service!

November 16, 2025 Service

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:04 GMT

We have an active prayer shawl ministry started years ago by Nancy Wilmott. Our congregation prays over these beautiful shawls, and then they are given to the person they were chosen for. Today two ladies mentioned friends that are in need of prayer and chose a prayer shawl especially for them. Hopefully these prayer shawls will give them strength and show the love of those who are caring and praying for them.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11/27/2025

Pastor Jeannine started the service today telling the children about Abraham Lincoln. She gave the children all a penny, and asked them who was on the pennyâ€¦ (concurrently the last penny was minted this week in the United States although there are still millions in circulation). Abraham Lincoln was president during a difficult time in our history. He felt he could not fail because of the assistance of a divine being.

Pastor Jeannine asked the children how they would spend $100,000 if they had it. She showed them a picture of her favorite candy bar. Some of the kids said they would buy chicken nuggets, others said they would buy slime. One child said that he would help others. God gave his son to us to help us and show us the way.

The scripture this week was from Luke 21: 5-19.

It to be a rather dark passage, discussing the destruction of a temple and foreboding the end of times. The positive thought in the passage tells that not a hair and your head will perish if you stand firm in your faith. We have hope in Christ. Pastor Jeannine told the story of the movie, Poseidon Adventure. The ship overturned, and the only way out was going up to the bottom of the ship, and the back to the front. The Pastor on board gave instructions and those that listened and followed were saved from disaster. The world can be a scary place, but in faith we can tackle it.

Monday Bible studies at 3 PM will be on the topic of experiencing Christmas. Everyone is free to join.

Don't forget to bring your mittens, hats, and scarves for the mitten tree!

Feel free to join in on ringing the bells for Yates County Christmas from 9a-4pm in front of Tops supermarket Wednesday, November 26. This is the day that Bluff Point United Methodist Church joins in this mission every year, raising money for distribution at Yates County Christmas.

Music Sunday is coming soon! Everyone has been practicing for the Gala musical event on November 30 at church at 9 AM. Bring your family to enjoy this special service.

As you can see our church is thriving. There have been recent rumors circulating again that our church is closing. This certainly is not the case. We are an active, loving church. We thrive in coming together to worship and to support the larger community. We offer Sunday school and nursery to our younger members, and are happy to have several young families among us. We welcome visitors. Come join us Sundays at 9:00 am.

November 9, 2025 Service

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:04 GMT

A salute to our veterans on Veterans Day Sunday. Remembering those who weren’t in church today and also those that will celebrate in heaven. Thank you for your service.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11/20/2025

Thank you, Laurie Prinzivalli for a wonderful Veterans Day service. Laurie reminded the children of what a veteran is, a person that has served our country in one of the United States services, including the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, Army, and more recently, the Space Force.

Joyce Wiedrich and Dana Schillinger brought the Christian and American flag forward is the rest of the veterans in Church followed them. The music for this Sunday was all patriotic, as was the choir anthem. Laurie discussed about the Christian and the American flags. The American flag is a symbol of freedom. We can go where we want to go. We can live where we want to live. We can dream our dreams and say what we want to say. Veterans gave us freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, the right to vote and freedom of religion. The Christian flag gave us freedom in Christ, freedom from hate, freedom from regret, and freedom from bitterness. The scripture from 2 Timothy 2: 3-4 told us how Paul was a veteran Christian. He passed the torch to Timothy.

Laurie reviewed a series of E words. A soldier needs to enlist, a soldier needs to endure and engage. We may not all choose to be in the military, but we can all serve in God‘s army and follow Jesus.

Music Sunday is coming up on November 30. Please invite your neighbors and family to join us.

Chris Wyant put a bag for collection of plastic caps on the back table. A crazy cap lady from Penn Yan is collecting plastic caps, which can be recycled and used to make benches. Please bring your collections in so they may help make a bench!

A correction on the recent BPUMC newsletter. The Christmas Eve service on December 24 will be at 7 PM! Thank you for all that signed up to ring the bells the day before Thanksgiving at Tops market. There are still opportunities to join your fellow church members in this activity, which is one of our missions! Don’t forget to bring your mittens, hat, and scarves for the mitten tree. These will also be distributed at Yates County Christmas.

Come join us at service at 9 AM on Sunday!

November 2, 2025 Service

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:25 GMT

Christie Mosch lights a candle in honor of those we have lost on All Saint’s Sunday.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11/13/2025

This past Sunday, we had a beautiful service. Pastor Jeannine started out showing the children a tub of raw cookie dough. She asked the kids what was missing and they all said chocolate chips. She had one of the children stir in the chocolate chips telling them we can love better with God with us as the cookies are better with chocolate chips in them!

Pastor Jeannine told us to think about those who have made a difference in our life. The service was about love. This is why Jesus came to earth. Love makes us human and gives us faith and hope. She told us to be open to others who love us, especially those who have passed on they have given their all to us.

We have a sign up sheets going around for people to help with nursery, Sunday school, and snacks after church. We also have a sign up for helping with ringing the bells in front of Tops supermarket the day before Thanksgiving, starting at 9am. This is one of our missions, and it’s the major fundraiser for Yates County Christmas, which annually, distributes gift cards, clothing, books, games, and other items to children and families who might otherwise not have a Christmas. This project was started many years ago by Floyd Tillman.

The children have started practicing as their part of singing in our fifth Sunday celebration, which will be on November 30! They are all really excited about this! We hope many of you and the community will come out for our fifth Sunday all-music service, with our choirs and other musical talents.

Thank you, Marilyn Sands and Christie Mosch for tasty treats after church!

October 26 2025 Service

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:20 GMT

Today was a baptism Sunday at our BPUMC church. 10 people both adults and children were baptized into the family of Christ. What a special occasion for us to witness and participate in this event

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11/06/2025

Pastor Jeannine showed a photo book of her children growing up. The book was full of important memories to her and her family. She wanted to show the children how kids are important to God and God loves us all.

What an important day in our Church. We had 10 people baptized today , including both adults and children, with 1 being a reaffirmation of their baptism. The scripture was from Matthew 3: 13-17. John was in nomad, and ate berries and locusts. Despite some of his habits, he did love the Lord. He baptized people for the Lord. Sinless Jesus asked John to baptize him. God also spoke at this time, and the clouds opened up. By this affirmation and love for Christ, the spirit of God descended. God said, This is my son, my beloved, of whom I am well pleased. What an important moment in our church to bring all of these people into our church family! We celebrated after church with a beautiful cake. Each of the people baptized also received a candle to relight next year at this time as an affirmation of their baptism.

October was also Pastor appreciation month Pastor Jeannine received a card and gift from the congregation. We so appreciate her being our pastor and leading us in the way of the Lord. Michele Covert read a poem that was written Blanche Fingar, celebrating Pastor Jeannine.

We look forward to seeing you at church on Sunday at 9 AM. Visitors always welcome.

October 19 2025 Service

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:25 GMT

Char shows off a stained-glass window that Chris Wyant helped the kids make in Sunday School

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10/23/2025

Jeff Stempien brought bags of wooden blocks and explain to the kids that you need to build blocks with God‘s help. You will fall down without grace. We can’t survive without God’s help. The kids were able to get the towers quite high!

Last week’s lesson from Grady Bray was about Miriam. She was one of 11 prophets. There were also two faults prophets, which is an issue then and for us today. Prophets represent and give testimony to God. Todays lesson was on Jeremiah, a profit to the ages. Jeremiah became a prophet as a very young man. He was a messenger for God for 40 years. God had talked to Jeremiah- before you were conceived. I knew you. God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. He was unsure, but God reassured him. Jewish tradition told that people can not be leaders and teachers until they are 30 years of age. Jesus also started teaching at age 30. This is one reason that Jeremiah was so reluctant, as at the time he was called he was very young. Thank you, Grady for your inspiring and knowledgeable message.

What is God‘s plan for you? Do you look at the Holy Spirit and how it works through your life? Grady Bray told it when he was a young man he wanted to be a fighter pilot. He signed up, but never heard back. He later found that his application was stuck in a file drawer when the person that had interviewed him changed positions. God found for him a different path and another plan for his life!

See you Sunday!

October 12 2025 Service

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:00:15 GMT

We had a room full of pink to support breast cancer awareness month this past Sunday!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10/23/2025

This Sunday Grady Bray was our guest speaker. He told us of the importance of Miriam and women in the early Jewish church. They told people of God’s promises and his expectations it was interesting to see. Is the church transitioned that for quite a time women lost their importance and preaching and sharing God’s word Thank you Grady for a very informative sermon

The scripture reading today was John 1: 5-7. The children followed this theme in Sunday school as they learned the different aspects of prayer and they were able to construct some prayers together at the end of our session. They also painted pumpkins!

Jeff Stempien gave the children’s sermon. It was based on books that he enjoyed reading to his children and grandchildren. He even brought an Elmo to perform for us

13 of us recently worked to complete our mission of road cleanup on 54 a. This is one of our church missions that we perform twice a year. Participants included Michele Covert, Christie Mosch, Stacy and Chris Wyant, Becki Whitford with Merik and Meridyn, Joyce Wiedirch, Jerry Warren, Trish DeMontfort, Jean Murdock, and, Sarah Stackhouse. Thanks to all who have helped to keep our roads clean. See you in church on Sunday.

October 5, 2025 Service

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:11 GMT

So nice to have the kids help today in our Sunday service! They so enjoy participating in church and we all love them!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10/16/2025

Pastor Jeannine lugged a heavy backpack across the sanctuary. She had been hiking and the weight of her backpack was exhausting. She asked the kids if they often went hiking with a heavy backpack with too much stuff to carry. She opened the backpack and showed she had a stuffed animal, a Bible, iPad cover and many other items. She decided she needed the Bible and some of the important things but that she had really overpacked. She made the backpack much lighter. We need to carry what’s in our heart and what is important to us and not all of the stuff.

Our scripture was read by Charlotte Tones, from John 2: 1-11. The scripture is about Jesus‘s first miracle when he turned water into wine at a wedding after the participants ran out of wine. Mary had faith to ask Jesus to do this. Do you have faith to ask Jesus, and put your needs into Jesus‘s hands? Pastor Jeannine also suggested when we speak to others to use the word "and" instead of the word "but". For example, I love Jesus and want to share it with others. While speaking to others the word "but" can be deflating.

Don’t forget to return your pledge for next year to church. Stewardship month is an important time for church leaders to plan for the next year.

We have several in our congregation who are healing and in the need of prayer. Don’t forget to send out cards and check on those that are currently homebound.

September 28, 2025 Service

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:06 GMT

Shirl Burnham set up a lovely photo display on the altar, thanking our farms and our farmers for all they do in this rural community.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10/09/2025

Pastor Jeannine started out the service talking to the kids. She asked the kids how many of them had an alarm clock. Sometimes this is to wake us up to go to school or even to church on Sunday. Jesus always calls us to wake up and follow him, and listen to his teachings!

Pastor Jeannine spoke to the adults about being a neighbor. This was based on the scripture of Luke 16: 19-31. The rich man in the scripture lived behind a wall of indifference. He was not mean to Lazarus, but just ignored him. Lazarus was poor, and he had many sores on his body. When he died, he was comforted in heaven. The rich man was self absorbed in life- he did not care for his neighborly brother who was in need.

Pastor Jeannine and her husband Phil have a shared driveway with their neighbor. Fortunately they have a wonderful neighbor and handle the driveway situation without any issue. Pastor went on to share with us that anyone can be our neighbor, they don’t have to live next to us. Anyone we can encounter is a neighbor whom we can help. People need to know that someone cares and we can be giving to share the love of Christ.

One of our missions is through the Adopt-a-Highway program is to pick up litter on a two mile section of 54-A near our church twice a year. Our next opportunity will be on Wednesday October 8, at 10 AM. Please join us at church and make our mission an easy one! It usually takes about an hour to accomplish our goal!

Happy fall!!! Where did summer go? The leaves are turning and showing us the beauty of the season.

September 21, 2025 Service

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:12 GMT

Thanks to Leah, Blanche and Helen for tasty treats after church. Our congregation has some magnificent bakers!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10/02/2025

We are into stewardship month. It is important to look at what we will continue due for our church this coming year, not only financially, but in terms of time, talent and gifts. Many of us help with nursery or teach Sunday school. Others share their musical talents in our choir, some help with gardening or cleaning the roadside. Others support our missions such as Yates County Christmas. Many participate as scripture readers, greeters, or ushers. How will you support our church this next year? Phil Pearce shared with us a graph of how our monies are used within our church and community.

Pastor Jeannine asked the children about honesty. If your mother gave you cookies for the neighbors but promised you cookies for yourself if you finish lunch, would you eat a cookie on the way to your neighbors home? If you were shopping for grandma, do you keep the change for a toy? One little girl said she would because her grandmother would want her to have a toy. If you find a lost wallet, would you keep the money or turn it in to authority? Lots of things for the children to think about.

Our scripture today was Luke 16: 1-13. Pastor Jeannine relayed to us sharing that God is the owner of all we have. We are the stewards of our assets. We are told to circulate money and not hoard it. God‘s gifts are a trust. Stewardship makes us look at how we live as Christians-no servant can serve two masters. We can not serve God and also serve our money. We need to personally take stock of who we love and who we serve.

We will be baptizing children, and adults later in October. Please let Pastor Jeannine know if you are interested in being baptized into the church.

We are so happy for our congregation and new visitors that have been joining us the past few months. We certainly have had some recent trying times and welcome all those who wish to join us to worship together for prayer, and sharing. 9am Sundays!

September 14, 2025 Service

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:19 GMT

The kids always help out with worship

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

9/25/2025

Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they ever lost anything. She told The kids that she lost her car key soon after she got her first car. After she spent a lot of money to get a replacement key, she found the first key on her dresser. She gave the children each a pocket Jesus telling them she had lost her pocket Jesus. One of the children, little August found it in the sanctuary and brought it back to her.

The adult sermon was based on Luke 15: 1-10. It also was about lost objects. A woman in this scripture had lost a coin. She swept the floor and looked all over for it, finally finding it. The coin was probably a days wages. It also might have had sentimental value for her. The parable of the lost sheep and lost coin shows us how important each individual is to God. God pursues those who are lost. He knows when we need help. There is the most joy in heaven over one who repents.

When we lose something, it often is at the first place we looked. If you lose your cell phone, you can always use another device to find it. God knows how it feels when something is lost. He’s always searching for us. He knows where we are. He knows that we need to take the steps toward him whenever we need help.

Choir practice is each Tuesday at 7:00pm. We can always use more voices to praise the Lord.

See you Sunday at 9 AM!

September 7, 2025 Service

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:10 GMT

Thank you, Barb Bailey and Marilyn Sands, for tasty treats after church. We all look forward to fellowship.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

9/18/2025

Pastor Jeannine showed the kids containers of play dough in her kids message. She showed them how she was not very artistic and could only make a snake. Jesus is the potter and we are the clay. It’s not easy to mold things, but God can mold us into all we can be.

The sermon was from Jeremiah 18: 1-11. Pastor Jeannine asked the adults if any of us had skill in the art of pottery. Pastor Jeannine felt she never was very skillful and molding anything with clay, but one but one of her daughters as a young girl free-formed pottery and now can make a bowl after years of practice. What does it take God to mold us? God does mold us, but we have to be willing to be molded and shaped. We get to be what God wants us to be. We need to not lose our faith however. Once fired, pottery cannot be reshaped, but it can be broken. Pastor Jeannine added that God does not make junk. We are all worthy of God‘s love. God is there in every step of our lives. He’s our Potter, and is always accepting of us.

We are back into our church fall schedule. This includes monthly brunch after church and fellowship weekly after the service. Every other week at 9 AM beginning September 10 is woman’s breakfast at the Wagner. The men meet for coffee every Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10 o’clock. Come join us for coffee and conversation!

The children all had a successful first week back at school. We have two young ones that are kindergarten age, and both were very excited to talk about their experiences!

See you Sunday at 9 AM

August 31, 2025 Service - Music Sunday

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Ron Miller looks on as Pastor Jeannine blesses the backpacks and all of the children returning to school this week!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

9/11/25/2025

Music Sunday! Always so special with our musical talent! Thanks to Ron and Marguerite for coordinating this on our 5th Sundays! Our choir preformed several numbers, and Meridyn Whitford and Charlotte Tones sang two duets! All the kids had a number at the end entitled Beanie Bag Dance, which was really cute! We thank the choir, the kids, and all of that helped put the program together. Buckets were passed on the fifth Sunday. This time we collected money for Yates County Hope Walk.

Our scripture lesson today was from Matthew 5: 1-12, the Beatitudes, how we are to be. She asked the kids if they ever cooked. She told them that God was here for us and we needed to follow his instructions. God holds us together. She then demonstrate to the kids how to make trail mix, and some of the ingredients. The first ingredient was honeycomb cereal with seven holes, the second ingredient was cheese crackers. Sometimes we have a cheesy day. The third ingredient was pretzels. God wants us to have a straight path. The next ingredient was yogurt covered raisins. Sometimes things are covered in substances we might not like, but the insides are sweet. The next ingredient was Chex mix. They included a variety of items, reminding us that everyone has different talents. The last ingredient were chocolate M&Ms. They come in multiple colors. This reminds us that we need to accept everyone. The kids mixed all this together and were giving a bag of treats following the service.

We have resumed fellowship time after church. How much we enjoy having conversation and snacks with our friends!

Thanks to all for a successful music Sunday. We are happy to have had several visitors join us on this day, and hope they will return! 9am Sundays- see you here!

August 24, 2025 Service

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:05 GMT

Joyce and Charlotte fill luminaire bags with sand for the Hope Walk. Over 600 bags were lit at dusk and memory, and an honor of people who have faced cancer.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

8/4/25/2025

We had a busy week! Many of us supported the Yates County Hope Walk. All money is raised stay in Yates County to help those who are receiving cancer treatment. They were over 600 luminary bags that were lit at dusk in memory and an honor of those that we know that faced cancer.

We also enjoyed a tour boat ride on the Erie Canal between Waterloo, going through three locks, passed Seneca Falls. Many of the kids had never seen the locks work before and were quite inspired that the canal was built 200 years ago and dug by hand!

In church, Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they found new things being scary. God gives us skills and abilities and with practice we can do the tough things. She continued with her message to the adults, asking them if they had ever been asked to do something they didn’t want to do or felt they didn’t have the skill set for. Our scripture lesson was from Jeremiah 1: 4-10. Jeremiah did that choose to be a prophet. This was not his career move, but it was God‘s word. God made the choice to call Jeremiah. Jeremiah, however, made many excuses of why he should not do this role, but God did not take no for an answer. Sometimes we ignore nudges from God, however we need to trust in God and not doubt ourselves. What were you called to be? Pastor Jeannine wanted to be a youth leader is a young girl. God was patient and kept nudging her until is an adult she went into the ministry. We are glad she took that nudge in is our pastor! So her sermon was called Yahbut! God does not want to hear our excuses! Say yes to the Lord, not Yahbut!

We are back on track with choir practice and fellowship after church, now that the summer season is turned into fall! Please consider joining the choir. All the choir members have a great time as they learn the new music for our services.

See you in church 9 AM Sundays!

August 17, 2025 Service

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:04 GMT

Carole Clow has been our scripture reader this month. Thank you Carole!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

8/28/2025

Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they ever had a temper tantrum or a bad day. Jesus had bad days too. Jesus taught us to learn from bad days and if we’re feeling bad to try to hug someone and show love.

We had a video shown in church today of the first aid closet in Dresden, starring narrator Deb Flood. Ray Welker started this closet many years ago and it has grown out of its original home. All sorts of things are available, from canes, crutches, medical supplies, wheelchairs and hospital beds. What an amazing community lending facility, created from love.

Pastor Jeannine dissected the scripture today from Luke 12: 49-56. We see a household divided- from father against son and mother against daughter. When things become ugly in a household, we need to pray about it and listen to what God says. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life.

We have had such a warm, sunny summer. Soon the school buses will be on the roads!

Mark your calendars for Sunday on August 31! Bring your neighbors and family to this wonderful musical Sunday. We also will have blessing of the backpacks for the kids returning to classes on that day.

August 10, 2025 Service - Church Picnic

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:07 GMT

Pat and Don McQuay traveled from Penfield to join our event.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

8/21/2025

This past Sunday, Bluff Point, Dresden, and Milo Center United Methodist churches joined together for a worship service and church picnic at Climbing Bines. The pavilion was nearly filled with people from all three churches, wishing to worship the Lord and enjoy a wonderful brunch together. We appreciate that we could be at this beautiful pavilion for our event.

Pastor Jeannine spoke to the kids about money. She asked them if they spent money or saved money. She told them that sometimes we need to leave what we treasure behind to follow Jesus. Some things that we have in life do not cost money. This includes visiting the sick, being cheerful to someone who is sad, praying for someone, and forgiving someone. Sometimes the hardest thing is to say you are sorry to someone. We need to use our treasures for Jesus.

Our scripture was from Luke 12: 32-40. Pastor Jeannine spoke to us about whether or not we have anxiety. We need to be alert, we need to be ready for what may come. Sometimes things just happen. God is always there. Our treasure is family, friends, our lives, and God.

Don’t forget to decorate your luminary bags for the Hope Walk! It’s coming up soon- August 23rd, to honor and raise money for people who have survived cancer and others that have passed from this disease. At the end of the event, the luminaries are lit and cancer survivors walk around the path of the luminaries. It’s a very touching ceremony.

See you back in church at 9 AM on Sundays!

August 3, 2025 Service

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:00:01 GMT

Thank you Grady Bray for your inspirational messages while Pastor Jeannine and Phil Biehls enjoyed a well-deserved vacation.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

8/14/2025

I can not believe that in a few weeks we will hear school bells in the air. We certainly will enjoy our last few weeks of summer, but know that fall is beautiful in this area of the country as well.

Jeff Stempien gave the children’s message today- he asked the children how they received their news, whether on TV, through mom and dad, through the radio, telephones or the Internet. He explained that in the Bible times bells and instruments were used to alert people to lnewa events. Hear ye, hear ye, extra, extra, what is the topic of the day? He told the children that God sent the prophet Isaiah who told the crowds that someone was coming. I will send someone to give the message, a voice coming from the wilderness Clear the road for the coming of the Lord. John the Baptist was also sent to give a message. 1 is coming with greater than me. We can all be messengers even something small as a little Bell can give a message. The children all enjoyed clanging their bells before leaving church for their lessons.

Our scripture this week was from John 8: 1-11. In Grady’s message he told how Jesus went to the temple. People brought a woman to temple who had committed adultery. Some people felt she should be stoned for her actions. Jesus didn’t condem this woman, or any person who is done wrong, but neither did he condone what she had done. The lesson is to listen. Listen more than you talk. Listen to the story. Jesus had many opportunities to listen and teach. Grady told us that he has had the opportunity to meet both presidents and kings. They are just people like us. They are not people that we should be in awe of. We need to accept all people as they are, as Jesus did. Jesus even accepted Matthew, a tax collector, and people that had committed crimes or broken Commandments. We all need to be more like Jesus.

Please come worship with us. We can always use more voices in choir. Choir practice has restarted for the fall season.

See you Sunday!

July 27, 2025 Service

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:22:51 GMT

Jeff Stempien gives the kids a lesson in reflection! A mirror redirects the light. Jesus is our light, that we need to reflect.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

8/7/2025

Where has July gone? Soon we will be talking about going back to school. We have enjoyed these summer days.

Jeff Stempien gave the kids a lesson in reflection. He brought a lot of flashlights and a mirror and had the kids shine their light. He showed how a mirror can be used to redirect the light. God sent John as a witness. Jesus was born of the light. We need to reflect Jesus‘s light in the word of Christ, by taking our light and going out to others. Jeff told his kids to live by an example and do something nice for others.

Our message today was by Grady Bray. He reflected a story when he and his wife Marjorie lived in warm Springs. He was working with young children who had been diagnosed with mental retardation, a term used at that time. He instead found that 30% of the kids were deaf or hard of hearing, and had normal intellect. Grady felt he was the one that was deficient in dealing with the kids, and learned sign language so he could better communicate with them. He explained that sign language involves thinking, saying words, and putting your body into action. He taught all of us how to sign the word Alleluia! This involves clapping your hands twice showing honor and praise, next making two r’s with your fingers and then two circles, and finally opening your hands upwards, your gift to God. He spoke of the Methodist quadrilateral, the movement of spirit, which includes scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This was John Wesley‘s approach to theology. Thank you Grady for a wonderful message. He showed us how God in Christ is always with us. People see God through Christ.

Our worship service and summer church picnic is coming up soon. It will be 10:30 August 10 at the Climbing Bines, with two of our sister churches. Bring your table service and a dish to pass. It will be a great time.

Our Canal boat ride has been rescheduled. Check with Ronald Miller to make sure that you can still make that day.

Our ice cream social will be Saturday, August 9 at 2-4 pm at church.

Many of us went to see the PYTCO Youth Theatre performance of Seussical, this past week The kids did a great job, with so many singing and dancing numbers. Our Meridyn Whitford was a joy to watch as she performed with the group.

See at church at 9 AM Sunday! There will be no service in our sanctuary on August 10 because of the church picnic and service at the outside site.

July 20, 2025 Service

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:05 GMT

Grandma Laurie Prinzivalli and Roz Prinzivalli both wore their cute sunflower dresses to church today. Roz was visiting with her parents Melissa and Bryan this weekend!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-31-2025

Pastor Jeannine started the service with the children’s story showing them a fast food bag. She pulled out a fries container from a happy meal and then a larger fries container, and a napkin. She explained that they forgot the burger! She told kids that it’s all right if something is missing. She told them how Jesus visited Mary and Martha. Sister Mary was not helping in the kitchen instead she was listening to Jesus. Jesus told her it was OK. It was fine if she was missing from the kitchen helping her sister and glad Mary was sitting at his feet, listening and spending time with God. This was a lesson from scripture of Luke 10: 38-42. What Mary did was most important because time with Jesus was precious and limited!

Pastor Jeannine told another story about how she had a calling to be a pastor in 2012. She was told by someone in authority that she could be a secretary, nurse or a teacher, but not a pastor, because she was a woman. It’s amazing that so close to these current times that her nudge to be a pastor could have been denied her. We need to be with people who encourage us and lift us up, instead of discouraging us. Fortunately, her husband, Phil was with her all the way so that she could meet her dream.

We are so fortunate that we have a God of love, grace and forgiveness. God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Our 200th anniversary Erie Canal cruise was sidelined due to weather. It has been rescheduled to August 20th. If you have signed up and have a conflict, please discuss with Ron Miller.

The Hope Walk is August 20. There are white paper bags to decorate in our church gathering area. We ask if you decorate a bag that you contribute five dollars. The bags are filled with sand and a candle is lit at the end of the ceremony and tribute for cancer survivors, and those that have lost their battle with cancer. It is a very touching ceremony.

Please come join us at 9 AM on Sundays. We have a loving congregation and pastor!

July 13, 2025 Service

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:00:03 GMT

Pastor Jeannine it’s going to be sharing some messages from Dr. Seuss for the children’s sermons this summer- some Takeaway points for the adults as well!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-24-2025

Pastor Jeannine recalled a child’s book, Horton Hears a Who. In this tale Horton, an elephant, hears a cry for help. He sees dust with people on it. The tiny people are afraid of drowning in the pond, but Horton helps them. People are people no matter how small they are! They all needed help.

Our lesson today was based on scripture, Luke: 10: 25-37. This is the familiar Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Pastor Jeannine recalled the story of a lawyer who asked Jesus how he could have eternal life. Jesus responded that he needled to love the Lord with all his heart and love his neighbors as himself. If he did this, he would live forever. Who is your neighbor? Jesus wants us to love everyone. We need to love our neighbors as well as our family who are also our neighbors. We need not to let a rift fester with our family. God wants us to be the bigger person to make things right.

Pastor Jeannine also recalled the story of a law student who had a seizure and fell in between the tracks of the subway. A 50 year-old construction worker jumped down and covered the man over with his body, seeing someone that needed help, risking his own life. Many other people had walked by or not even notice the situation, but this man saw someone in a desperate situation. The lesson is that we all need to come to people’s rescue when we’re needed

We have many local organizations who help care for one another in our community, including the Rotary, Lions club, the Hope walk, Habitat for Humanity, Yates County Christmas, Milly’s pantry, and the Living Well, among many others. There are many nearby opportunities to serve and help others.

Mark your calendars. Our ice cream social is at church on August 9 from 2 to 4 PM. And August 10 is our church picnic with Dresden and Milo Center. The service is at 10:30 with a picnic to follow at Climbing Bines.

See you next Sunday! See what you can do this week to be a good neighbor.

July 6, 2025 Service

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:08 GMT

Today we got to sing happy birthday to our friend and congregation member Meredith Nielsen on her special day. We all love her. She has been a member of the Bluff Point United Methodist Church her entire life.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-17-2025

Our lesson and this warm summer day was taken from 2 Kings 5: 1-14. Pastor Jeannine told us about Naaman, a leader of the Syrian army, who was powerful and well respected. He was afflicted with leprosy. A servant girl messenger was sent to tell Naaman to go wash himself in the Jordan River seven times, and his flesh would be healed. He went to the King who told him he couldn’t help him, but sent him to see Elisha. He was again told to bathe in the Jordan River. First, he wouldn’t do it. Was this because of a lack of faith? After finally bathing in the Jordan seven times he was completely healed and his skin was restored. He should have listened to the command!

Our lesson is that only God can give us what we need, and not necessarily what we want or when we want it. Miracles will happen. We need to have faith in our faith, and dip into the Bible.

Pastor Jeannine told us a story about Muhammad Ali. One time he was on a plane and told to put on a seatbelt- his retort to the stewardess was that Superman did not need a seatbelt. The stewardess quipped back that Superman didn’t need a plane either.

She shared with us that she and her husband, Phil have lived in their home for many years. It’s taken them years to redo their house. Some people want a brand new house when they buy their first house, and want everything new in it. It usually takes years for one to accomplish this- we need to be comfortable with what we have and where we are in life.

School is out- remember to watch for the kids on the streets that are outside playing and riding their bikes.

We’ve enjoyed having several visitors who are vacationing in the area this summer. We hope they will come back and that others will come and join us whenever they can, at our 9 AM Sunday services. All are welcome.

June 29, 2025 Service - Music Sunday

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:11:22 GMT

The church was filled on music Sunday! Nice to have several visitors with us! What a wonderful celebration of music!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-10-2025

Our months with five Sundays are ones where we celebrate music Sunday. Ron and Marguerite Miller do a fantastic job putting this event together. Thanks to Kaylee Will for a beautiful piano solo, our adult choir for three patriotic numbers to celebrate the Fourth of July, and our kids choir where Charlotte Tones, Violette Tones, and Meridyn Whitford sang several numbers. They were joined with several other kids with the choir’s last song, When the Saints come Marching In, following Pastor Jeannine around the sanctuary as a marching band!

Kerry McLaughlin also performed a special piano solo during the service. Ron Miller played a jivey number, The Wayfaring Stranger.

Michele Covert read a poem by Blanche Fingar, our inspirational poet. It was a very patriotic poem, entitled, Born in America. Blanche recalled how proud she is to be an American, where we can live and be free, even though we may not always politically agree, we live in the best country there is! Thanks, Blanche for always being able to put your thoughts into words.

We are so lucky to have such talent in our little church, and so glad when others can join us to participate and enjoy.

Congratulations to Chris and Stacy Wyant, who will be receiving Keuka College’s Donald and Corinne Stork award for 2025 for exemplary community service. They will be receiving this on August 12 during a luncheon at the college.

June 22, 2025

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:00:08 GMT

Joyce Wiedrich presented the Lee

Wiedrich memorial scholarships this year to our Madelyn Mosch and Emmaleigh Stempien. Congratulations ladies!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-03-2025

Happy summer! Today ended up being recognition Sunday at Bluff Point United Methodist Church. Marguerite Miller thanked all of the volunteers that have helped this year with Sunday school and nursery. She also was recognized for coordinating all of the efforts with our children. Their children received Seneca Farms gift cards for participating this year. A good day for ice cream!

Dick Smith gave us an overview of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity was started nationally in 1976. It is the 10th largest housing organization in the country and was begun in Americus Georgia. Many people think Jimmy Carter started it. He participated in it through his 90s but was not the founder. The Penn Yan Habitat for Humanity was started in 1989. 25 homes have been completed in Yates County, to date. People wanting these homes have to fulfill many criteria to be selected for a home. They also have to put in hundreds of hours of sweat equity, as well as meet a need. The mortgage ends up being interest free. Many organizations donate items, including Whirlpool, which donates a refrigerator and range to each habitat home. There are many other areas of corporate support. Next week we will be passing the bucket for Habitat for Humanity at church. What a worthwhile organization!

Joyce Wiedrich gave scholarships to two college students this year from a fund set up in her brother Lee Wiedrich’s memory. This year the scholarships were given to Madelyn Mosch and Emmaleigh Stempien. Both ladies gave a short synopsis of their college-based goals. Congratulations ladies on a job well done this year.

The sermon this week and scripture were from Luke 8: 26-39. Pastor Jeannine told us how Jesus met a demon, Legion. Legion wanted nothing to do with God- Legion was dangerous and wild, and possessed by many demons. God had been very fearful to him. The passage shows that Legion was healed and began hanging out with Jesus. Some of us may be like Legion. We all need God, but sometimes we hide and think we can do things on our own without his help. Pastor Jeannine used an analogy of a lost hubcap. Someone put a sign on a hubcap on the road, please find me. Jesus needs to come looking for us and he is waiting.

Many of us have signed up for a ride on the Erie Canal on July 16. We will be going through at least one lock. This year is the 200th anniversary of the Erie canal, which was fundamental in the establishment and prosperity of many towns along its path. Thanks, Ron Miller, for setting this up for us.

Happy summer. Be careful of the kids out and about if school is out for summer vacation.

Church is not out for the summer though- please come and visit us at 9 AM for our services. All are welcome.

June 15, 2025, Father's Day Service

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:00:06 GMT

The girls pot flowers and make cards for their dad for Father’s Day.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-26-2025

Pastor Jeannine explained to us in her sermon how Paul’s letter to the Romans described Jesus’s amazing work on the cross. She showed how Christ’s work can change a person’s life. We can have peace in our lives. Paul gives us a picture of how we can have peace and hope in the midst of life’s worse difficulties. He stayed with us when we were a gossiper. He stayed with us when we were an addict. He stayed with us when we were a criminal. He stayed with us when we were selfish, when we didn’t help the poor, and when we were a bully. He stayed with us when we were broken, when we were defiant, when we were apathetic. He’s with us all the time, in good and bad times! God cares for us and loves all of us unconditionally.

Pastor Jeannine showed the children her pearls. She asked them if they knew how a pearl was made and explained to them that a pearl starts out as a piece of sand. The oyster is irritated by the piece of sand and secretes a substance around the piece of sand to deal with the discomfort, forming over time a beautiful pearl! We have many things in our lives that are difficult, and God shows us a way to deal with the adversity in difficulties in our life to make good.

Congratulations to Ron Miller who will be receiving the Sharing the Light Award for all of the diligence and work that he has done for the Hope Walk and so many other things in our community.

The kids learned in Sunday school how we deal with adversity to make good in our lives. They also made belief necklaces for themselves, and filled pots with annual flowers for their dads for Father’s Day, along with making cards to give their dads.

Don’t forget music Sunday coming up! Our fifth Sundays are filled with music and joy. Come and join us.

June 8, 2025, Service

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:00:08 GMT

Grady Bray is sporting his shirt with flames as wife Marjorie looks on, for Pentecost Sunday!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-19-2025

Pentecost – it sounded like a rush of wind with divided tongues with thousands speaking in many languages. It reminded Pastor Jeannine of Central Park, where the air was sweet. A parade was going on and people in the park were also speaking in many tongues. The Bible in Acts 2: 1-21 tells of many people coming to Jerusalem to join in a special celebration from all over the area. The disciples were in the Upper Room. The Holy Spirit had come with wind and fire. Jesus had told the disciples that the Holy Spirit was coming. God was uniting all into one family. The excitement of Pentecost, the birthday of the church! Everyone was excited, as was Pastor Jeannine‘s granddaughter when she recently had an ice cream cake for her second birthday!

Don’t forget music Sunday on Sunday, June 29. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring a grandparent! It is always special. The kids have also been practicing a few numbers for the occasion.

Other things to mark on the calendar: our church picnic will be at Climbing Bines on August 10. We will have a children’s carnival for kids age four through 12 on August 27 from 9 to 12. They’ll be a lot of different stations with activities and opportunities to learn about Jesus. More information coming as the date gets closer.

Come join us at 9 AM on Sundays. Everyone is welcome.

June 1, 2025 Service

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:00:01 GMT

Look at these Cross Sun catchers that Toni brought for the kids to paint and make in Sunday school - aren’t they sweet?

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-12-2025

This past Sunday was Ascension Sunday. Pastor Jeannine told the kids how Jesus had returned to earth and was explaining to the disciples that he was going back up to heaven. Jesus was on the Mount of Olives with the disciples 40 days after his death. This must have been an amazing occurrence since they all knew that Jesus had died, for the disciples once again to see Jesus on earth.

Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. What a gift for us! Jesus’s kingdom is based on love, new life, and the Holy Spirit. Pastor Jeannine recalled a story from the movie UP where a man had his house lifted up by helium balloons because he wanted to see his wife who was in heaven. Even though we would love to meet and be with Jesus, we need to be excited that he is in heaven and he has prepared a place for us.

Don’t forget that June 29 is Music Sunday! Please let Ron Miller know if you wish to participate by reading a poem, singing, or playing an instrument. Music Sundays are always special and filled with hymns and music. The kids have been practicing several numbers too. We have Music Sunday every fifth Sunday of each month that has five Sundays. All are welcome!

May 25, 2025 Service

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:00:12 GMT

Pastor Jeannine tells the children about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-05-2025

Pastor Jeannine told the children how men and women bravely fought for us and our freedoms in the United States. Jesus also fought for us, for our sins. Jesus gave his life up for our souls. Memorial Day was made a national holiday May 30, 1971. The birthplace of Memorial Day is nearby Waterloo, New York.

In Pastor Jeannine’s sermon she told that the traditions of decorating graves of the Civil War dead began in 1868, after the Civil War. Pastor Jeannine explained that Memorial Day is so much more than a barbecue. We have a free strong nation worth fighting for, where we can freely preach God‘s word. Heroic acts on the battlefield have made our country what it is today. Every Sunday is a Memorial Day for Christians.

Michele Covert read a poem by Blanche Fingar entitled Memorial Day. We are so fortunate to have Blanche as our poet!

Thank you, Linda and Mike Folts for tasty treats after our service.

Welcome back Leah Dibble. We know you have enjoyed the sunny south this winter but now it’s great to have you back on Keuka Lake!

Many of us enjoyed the patriotic service and Memorial Day parade in Dresden on Memorial Day, with a chicken barbecue at our sister church, Dresden United Methodist Church. It was a beautiful sunny day!

May 18, 2025 Service

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:17 GMT

Pastor Jeannine spoke to the children today about being prepared- for cold, for sun, and for rain, as Jesus prepared the disciples for what was going to happen.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-29-2025

Whether it be sunny, cold, or raining, it’s important for us to be prepared. Pastor Jeannine put on some sunglasses and got out her rain umbrella, showing the children how to be prepared for different conditions. Jesus tried to prepare the disciples for his death. He told them that he loved them, and that he would be back. Pastor Jeannine reminded us of the song by Tina Turner, What’s Love got to do with It? Love is the center of everything. Jesus ministered to the unwanted, he loved the unlovable, he came to serve, not to judge others.

Pastor Jeannine explained to us that sometimes we need practice to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Before Jesus died, he washed the feet of many. Jesus loved us, he healed us, he fed us, and he died for us. We need to love just as he did- it’s not a negotiable command.

Prayers for the family of Matt Davison who recently passed away. Many of us in the congregation knew him well.

Thank you, Marilyn Sands and Christie Mosch for your tasty fellowship treats after our service! Welcome back travelers!! The Stempiens and the Wyants recently returned from exciting journeys. Many of our snowbirds are also returning back to us! So good to see them!

May 11, 2025 Mother's Day Service

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:01 GMT

Everyone is welcome at Bluff Point United Methodist Church!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-22-2025

Our Bible lesson today was from John 10: 22-30. It sees Jesus in the temple for Hanukkah in December. The father and I are one!

Is Jesus relevant today? Pastor Jeannine recalled a television commercial for a cellular company showing a Shepherd in his field making a cell phone call. Jesus is always our good Shepherd and we are his sheep. Jesus deals with our 21st-century problems as much as he did back when he was alive. Jesus wants us to love. There’s no cause for hate. We are all Jesus‘s of the 21st-century. Jesus tells us not to listen to the voices of the world, but to listen to him.

For her sermon, Pastor Jeannine looked at Mother’s Day. Some of us did not have a great relationship with our mothers. Many of us did. A mother’s love turns the other cheek when things don’t go right with relationships.

Remember the United Methodist annual conference is Thursday through Saturday May 22-24. All are welcome to attend. We are also invited to the Memorial Day celebration and chicken barbecue at Dresden United Methodist Church on Monday, May 26 at 11:00am, Memorial Day.

It was nice to see so many visitors in church for Mother’s Day. Pastor Jeannine gave all the women a gift to celebrate the day. We also had a yummy cake and fruit and coffee after service.

Thanks to the 10 people that helped do the road clean up last week. We have a 2 mile stretch and 54 that we tidy up at least twice a year as

one of our church missions The rain held off and we got it done! Thanks to Dick Smith for gathering our supplies into Jean Murdock for driving the road while we picked up trash, bringing supplies and keeping an eye on us.

May 4, 2025 Service

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:38:21 GMT

Pastor Jeannine used a toy transformer to show the children how Saul changed. He not only changed from being not a nice person to being a follower of Christ, but he also changed his name to Paul

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-15-2025

Pastor Jeannine told us a fascinating story about novelist Lee Strobel. Mr. Strobel had been an atheist in his adult life. An incident occurred while one of his daughters choked while with them in a restaurant. A woman helped save his daughter’s life. The woman had initially been going someplace else, but said that God had told her to come to this particular restaurant where she was able to help this young girl. Mr. Strobel‘s wife had always wanted him to find Christ. One of his issues was that he did not have a good relationship with his own father. He later found out that his father had never stopped loving him, but that Lee was the one that had closed the door on his dad. Mr. Strobel‘s life was changed as a result of this incident and he turned to Christ. Our lives can also change through Christ. God is always a loving and forgiving God.

Our scripture lesson was from Acts 9: 1-20. Saul was torturing followers of Christ until he heard a voice. He then asked the Lord where he was. He called on God for an answer and got a response he did not anticipate. Pastor Jeannine told us that scripture has no power unless it is a message for our lives. Saul’s life with changed. He changed his name to Paul and transformed his life.

Remember that our annual Methodist conference is May 22-24. We are welcome to attend.

Kids choir practice will start after service on May 18. The kids always sing on our music Sundays.

See you in church at 9 AM on Sundays!

April 27, 2025 Service

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:03 GMT

Marguerite Miller shows a quilt that will be donated during Yates County Christmas. She is part of a group that puts these together throughout the year

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-08-2025

Margaret Miller showed a quilt that she tied is part of the Our Brothers Keeper project. Members make and finish quilts to be given out at Yates County Christmas in December each year. The group meets Mondays from 10 to 2 PM at Saint Mike’s church in Penn Yan. She is collecting bedsheets and blankets to help finish the quilts. Anyone is welcome to come and join the projects.

This summer, on July 16, we again will have an opportunity to participate in an Erie Canal boat ride in the Waterloo/Seneca Falls area. The cruise goes through a lock, and it’s a lot of fun. The boat can take 50 people with a cost of $30 each. See Ron Miller if you’re interested.

Our road cleanup for Adopt a Highway will be on May 7 (Wednesday) at 9 am. We hope many of you will show up to help. Many hands make light work! It usually takes us about an hour to do the 2 mile route.

Pastor Jeannine asked the children if there was anything that they couldn’t believe. Do you have to see things to believe them? Sometimes we just hear things and know that they are true. We need to trust. The Scripture lesson today was from John 20: 19-31. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared and showed the disciples his hands. There were nail marks on his hands. Jesus told Thomas not to doubt. He said that blessed were those who have not seen, but still believe. Pastor Jeannine continued on her sermon. If you don’t see it, is it real? Mary had seen the Lord. Jesus was gone from the tomb. They were terrified. The people had seen Jesus arrested and had seen him die a horrible death, and then he suddenly appeared. Was this real? We today have not seen this, but we believe in the word of Christ, and the stories passed to us in the Bible by accounts from those that were there.

Snacks today by Christie Mosch and Joyce Wiedrich. Thanks to Michele Covert and Brian Mosch for helping!

See you Sunday at 9 AM!

April 20, 2025 Service - Easter

Thu, 01 May 2025 13:59:17 GMT

The cave is empty, where Jesus was buried. The stone has been rolled away. Pastor Jeannine shows the cave structure that Jean Murdock made for the sanctuary. Until today, the stone was over the front of the cave, but now it has been pushed to the side.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-01-2025

Easter blessings from Bluff Point United Methodist Church. It was nice to have many visitors at the service, which also included communion.

Pastor Jeannine gave me a message to the children. She had them hold up signs of how they thought Jesus‘s friends might have felt during various events in time as she discussed Jesus‘s death and resurrection. The signs said: angry, happy, sad, surprised, and afraid. She recounted how Jesus’s body had been placed in a tomb- the women that came to prepare his body for burial found that the stone has was rolled away in the tomb was empty. Her message to the children was that whomever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life.

Pastor Jeannine felt that the woman who came to prepare Jesus’s body wondered how they would move the rock. When they saw that the stone had been moved, angels dazzling in white appeared and told them that He is Risen. Peter also came to the tomb and was baffled at what had happened. Pastor Jeannine‘s message to the adults concerned whether one would look at these events as fiction or non-fiction. How would the people believe Mary? When she told of the events around the tomb with people think it was an idle tale or a fact? Our Christian faith tells us that Jesus is risen indeed- we recount a story that has been passed down for over 2000 years. Jeannine told us to always share the excitement and the love of Jesus. Jesus is alive through us!

Our next women’s coffee time at the Wagner restaurant is April 30 at 9 AM. All are free to join in. The men meet at Oak Hill at 10 o’clock every Tuesday for coffee and discussion.

See you Sunday at 9 AM! We welcome all visitors.

April 12, 2025 Service - Palm Sunday

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:00:04 GMT

The kids participated in a Passover-Seder feast after bringing the cross into position in our sanctuary.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-24-2025

Today Pastor Jeannine related the story of Jesus’s final journey to Jerusalem. She told of how Moses led the Jews out of Egypt, as the children ate a Seder meal. She told the children, as written in the book of Exodus, that the King Pharaoh of Egypt was worried that the Jewish people would fight against him. He made the Jewish people slaves. God chose Moses to help the Jewish people out. He wanted the Jews to go into the desert and be set free. God turn the water in Egypt into blood, locusts ate the Egyptians food, and plagues were sent to Egypt. After the 10th plague, the Jews were told to leave Egypt. They left so quickly that their bread dough did not rise, which is the significance of matzah. The Red Sea opened up with a dry sand path, and the Jews were allowed to escape. The Seder meal is one sign which signifies the path of slavery to freedom for the Jewish people.

Pastor Jeannine told the children the significance of the items and the Seder plate. These included celery dipped in saltwater, Matzah bread, bitter herbs, charoset (a paste of apples and spices), egg, and meat. The adults learned about the Seder tradition as well!

Easter Blessings, as we celebrate the most important period in our Christian lives during holy week. Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed.

Please join us at our Sunday services as we worship together at 9 AM. We have nursery services in Sunday school for the children.

April 6, 2025 Service

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The Sunday School kids were busy! Becki Whitford had Rory, Meridyn, Charlotte and Remi make boxes for Jesus where they could write ideas in the boxes of how they could give their best to Jesus.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-17-2025

Pastor Jeannine related the story from John 12: 1-8, of how Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. Jesus had recently raised Lazarus from the dead. Martha was working in the kitchen preparing a meal while Jesus was their guest. She was somewhat annoyed at Mary because Mary was not helping her but was spending time with Jesus and was anointing his feet with expensive perfume. Martha then served the dinner. Judas was mad because he wondered why the perfume was not sold at the market rather than being used on Jesus. The story shows that Mary’s time was most importantly spent with Jesus. Jesus defended Mary saying they would not always have him with them. Jesus knew what was coming next.

The kids made beautiful boxes in Sunday school and placed ideas of how they could best serve Jesus, by things that they could do or just by praying. This is a lesson to all of us to be quiet and pray with God.

We welcome our snow birds, beginning to come back from the sunny south. Norm and Sherri Hunt and Blanche Fingar have returned, and it was so good to see them all in church this past Sunday. Only if they had brought warmer weather with them!!!

This is Easter week. There are many activities locally that people can join to remember the events of this week- including its sadness with the last supper on Maundy Thursday, the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday , and then Jesus’s triumphant resurrection on Easter Sunday. Our Easter service will be at the regular time at 9 AM at church. Please feel free to come and join us for a beautiful service.

March 30, 2025 Service

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The kids sang their hearts out for music Sunday

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-10-2025

We enjoyed Music Sunday this past Sunday, with lots of familiar hymns, including three choir selections from our adult choir and three adorable selections from our kids. In addition, Meriden Whitford sang a triumphant solo, God is Good! We are glad many friends and relatives could join for our special Sunday. Marguerite Miller has been working over the past month with our children for their musical presentations. They knew their lines and the songs by heart. Ron Miller picked out special music for choir to sing for music Sunday. Thank you, Ron and Marguerite for tedious work making music Sunday a terrific success, and our organist Elly Stempien for always choosing the hymn selections for us to sing every week. Our next 5th Sunday musical Sunday will be in June.

Pastor Jeannine shared with the kids how exciting it is to find things. Sometimes we may feel lost, but when we come back to Jesus, he is always so excited. We are always welcome into Jesus‘s loving arms. Pastor Jeannine had a big box labeled, lost and found, including a ring, a sock and various objects.

Our nurture committee has decided that on fifth Sundays we will also pass the buckets for a donation to a charity. This month we chose Care Net as our charity. They do so much locally in our Penn Yan area, and spoke with us earlier in the year about their goals and programs.

We love to get together for fellowship! This past Saturday we had a taco dinner where everyone brought fixings for the tacos. Were they ever tasty! There were over 30 people in attendance. Thanks also to Jean Murdock and Marilyn James for Sunday snacks.

We welcome our visitors! Come join us at 9 AM Sunday for our weekly service and Bible Study Mondays at noon.

March 23, 2025 Service

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:02 GMT

Welcome Carol and Jerry Warren and Megan Reay to our congregation. They joined our fold this past Sunday. We enjoy worshiping and sharing with you!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-03-2025

Pastor Jeannine shared with us today that faith is like mustard seed. If we have belief and have faith, we will grow like the tiny mustard seed that is planted. Pastor Jeannine gave the children little packages of mustard seeds and placed one in each of their palms, so they could see how tiny and mighty the seed actually is.

Pastor Jeannine explained that there is a difference between being sure in your faith versus being mature in your faith. We want to be grounded in our faith. Faith is like weightlifting. You need to exercise your muscles so as not to have them get weak. Our faith needs to be exercised and shared as well. Faith needs to be moving. In First Corinthians 10: 1-13, Paul reminded us that God is faithful. We want to shout our faith from the mountain tops. God helps us grow our faith like that little mustard seed if we allow it to be planted and thrive.

Pastor Jeannine shared with us the lighting and extinguishing of the altar candles. We bring the light of Christ to the beginning of the service. As we extinguish the candles, we take back the light into the world. We are the light of Jesus.

We welcome our new members. Carol Warren, Jerry Warren and Megan Reay joined our BPUMC this past Sunday. Welcome again! We are so happy to have you all join us. We also welcome visitors and remind them that we have nursery and Sunday school services for the children during church time.

March 16, 2025 Service

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Mama hens look after their chicks! Jesus looks after us!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-27-2025

Our church Taco Dinner is 3/29. We will set up a taco bar. Yummy! We are also welcome to attend a community pass dish dinner at Dresden UMC at 6 PM on March 26. We Methodists like our dinners and social events!

Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they ever lost anything that they could not find. We often start out in a room and go to look for something in another room, and have to go back to the first room to remember what we were looking for! Pastor Jeannine told that one of her daughters was upset once because of loosing her favorite socks. She had to clean her room to find them! Jesus is always here for us. He is happy to help us find our way.

The kids learned and shared how mother chicks protect their babies and look after them, during the Sunday School lesson. Meridyn shared that her family has many hens and chickens, but they don’t keep them together! She keeps busy, feeding the animals and collecting eggs.

Pastor Jeannine’s message shared that the Pharisees warned Jesus that they wanted to kill him. It’s a little confusing that the Pharisees were the ones pretending to be concerned about Jesus’s safety, but they would eventually be the ones behind his crucifixion. Jesus began to move closer to Jerusalem during this time. Jesus likened himself to a hand in the scripture lesson from today from Luke 13: 31-35. Like a hand, Jesus tried to gather his chicks under his wings to protect them, even when they weren’t always willing. Today, Pastor Jeannine shares that we are called to be the hands, feet and wings of Jesus and the Christ to our community. We must try to do all we can to bring shelter to those who are hurting, lost or confused and lead people to our savior, as the hen gathers her chicks under her wings.

Music Sunday is March 30! The kids and various groups are practicing! Ron and Murray Miller have been working tirelessly!! Please bring your friends to church to listen to our beautiful singing arrangements.

March 9, 2025 Service

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:01 GMT

Meridyn and Charlotte learned that Jesus loves us all, no matter what country we are from, or what color our skin or features.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-20-2025

Pastor Jeannine did an experiment for the kids in church today. She had her husband blindly eat various colors of M&M’s and ask him if he could tell the difference of the color. Of course he couldn’t. People may look different outside the same as M&M’s, but no matter who we are we are all the same inside, and Jesus loves us all.

Pastor Jeannine asked us if we feel our feet are beautiful? Most people don’t consider feet a thing of beauty, however, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news. Our mainstream news today seems to focus on crimes, wars, and all the bad going on in the world. Likely there is no more bad news than there ever was. These days we continuously get our news 24/7 and are bombarded with constant news clips. Pastor Jeannine challenged us to walk by faith and not to be selfish with how Christ is in our lives. We need to walk, live and show the love of Christ. We need to be more intentional and put our faith into action, and share what Christ has done in our lives.

Sincere condolences to the family of Skip Burnham. His service was this past week at our church. Skip and Shirl have been faithful members of our church, and we will miss Skip’s faithfulness and humor.

Please feel free to join our Monday Bible studies at noon at church. The study for the next few weeks is about the grave robber. This will be a journey to the Holy Land, where Jesus revealed his miracles- we will also discuss our own miracles that we take for granted every day.

Music Sunday is coming up again on March 30. Please let Ron Miller know if you have a talent that would like to perform in church on that day!

March 2, 2025 Service

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:01 GMT

Laurie Prinzivalli helps with our pancake Shrove Tuesday church dinner. Yummy!!!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-13-2025

This past Sunday we celebrated Transfiguration Sunday. We begin Lent this week with our Shrove Tuesday Fat Tuesday pancake and sausage supper!

Pastor Jeannine spoke to the children telling them how Jesus went up to a mountain to see Moses and Elijah, taking some of the disciples with him. Jesus then took Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray. Peter did not want the day to end! Jesus’s face was transformed. Everyone was excited! Jesus however had to go down from the mountain as he knew he had to die for us on the cross, and the day had to end.

The adults learned that transfiguration was God’s answer to suffering. God cannot passively look back while we suffer. Jesus was forced to carry his own cross and die an horrific death. He was laughed at and mocked. Jesus suffered for us. When we hurt, God hurts. Through all of this, Jesus has given us faith and hope!

God told us to hear the voice of his son, his chosen, and to listen to him!

Did you pick up any of our kindness cards? Take some and do a small favor for someone and leave the card. Then that person can do the same and pay it forward.

See you Sundays at 9:00 am!

February 23, 2025 Service

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Meridyn is writing to her colorful teddybear Strawberry what she will do to show how she grows with grace of Jesus, planting a flower bulb and learning how it needs water, sun and carbon dioxide to grow.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-06-2025

Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they play follow the leader. She asked them to touch their nose, lift their left arm, and march in place. She noted that Meridyn was a good example to lead her cousin and little brother. Pastor Jeannine shared that Jesus told us to follow him and is the best example! She challenged the kids to always be nice and try to do something that Jesus would do.

The adult sermon concentrated on Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, from Luke 6: 17-26.

Pastor Jeannine recalled that Paul was speaking to the Corinthians about the resurrection of Jesus. Some believers did not believe in the resurrection, and he wondered how they could disbelieve that and still believe in Jesus. Without the resurrection there is no heaven, no Christmas, and no savior. There is nothing beyond the grave, and no hope. Our lives would end in the grave with no existence beyond. She shared that we have gained the forgiveness of sin and guilt through Jesus, and we are free to live in Christ. Our lives are vibrant because of Jesus.

Pastor Jeannine asked us if there is a resurrection for us. Is there an Easter? Is Christ in the grave for us or just in heaven, or is he present here and now? In Epiphany, Jesus is manifested and revealed to us.

The kids learned about God’s grace in Sunday School. They came up with love and doing for others as signs of God’s grace. The disciple Paul did not always do good things, God’s grace helped him spread God’s word to others. The kids planted hyacinth bulbs which need soil, water and sunlight to grow. They had a plant to take home and water as a reminder of God’s love and grace.

We will be having our pancake supper on Fat Tuesday, as the beginning of lent. This will mark the season leading to Christ’s death and resurrection.

Pastor Jeannine shared that she has heard several rumors from various sources that our church is closing. No way!!!! Just to put a nix on those rumors, Bluff Point United Methodist Church is active, vibrant and very much alive! So feel free to pass on that we are present and are ongoing- so please come worship with us at 9:00 Sundays.

No February 16, 2025 Service

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Our Church in the Winter

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-27-2025

Church was cancelled this past Sunday due to weather! Brrr! So I thought we could look at some of the missions of Bluff Point United Methodist Church! We do many other things through the years, but here’s a short list of some of our many mission activities.

We have a very active prayer shawl ministry. Kent and Nancy Wilmott moved back east from California many years ago. Nancy brought with her an idea from her prior church to make prayer shawls to give to people that needed healing or encouragement. Since then we’ve given 627 prayer shawls to friends and family as well as members of our own congregation who are in need of prayer. Several people have credited those prayer shawls to the grace of their healing. Blanche Fingar, Leah Dibble and many others have crocheted these prayer shawls over the years. Many are full-size, that people can wrap around them for warmth and comfort. The prayer shawls are passed around the congregation, where people can individually place their hands and say prayers for the person who will receive the shawl. These have really been a blessing for people in need.

One endeavor in Yates County which we participate in is support of the Yates County Christmas mission started by Floyd Tillman, who was a member of our church for many years until his passing. Our church always rings the bell in front of Tops grocery in Penn Yan on the day before Thanksgiving. The distribution of items purchased by raising this money for children and families is before Christmas and many of us help out with this process as well. All of the funds stay locally to benefit Yates county families.

We always put a tree up at Christmas just for mittens, scarves, and hats. These items go to support Yates County Christmas along with the Living Well Mission. Many of our congregation bake and help out with the lunch distributions at the Living Well for the Living Well. In addition, we get a name from Penn Yan school district of a family in need and provide gifts at Christmas time for the family and children.

Our church members support Grandma’s Kitchen, which provides meals and snacks to school children. Many children do not get a warm meal after school and this helps both their spirits and nutrition.

When Lee Wiedrich passed, his sister set up a scholarship fund for students in college or those attending trade school or a post high school educational program. The students receive monies every semester they are in their undergraduate programs.

Another mission is to support Eric Detar’s program of alternate spring break where Keuka college students go on a mission trip to serve others here in America, or any foreign country. The students and their leaders often build or repair items in the area they visit, or aid the underserved in other ways.

We like to help keep the nearby roadways clean and tidy. We have a 2 mile Adopt-a-Highway stretch on 54-A and usually about a dozen of us pick up the trash along the roadways twice a year.

Prior to Covid, we enjoyed going to nursing homes and singing to the residents. Hopefully we will pick up that mission and tradition again.

We help send money to UMCOR when disasters strike, passing the bucket in church!

Everyone can participate with us in these activities, working with nonprofits or helping others in need. It makes one feel good to do little things to help our community and our world. Come join us and come worship with us!

February 9, 2025 Service

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:02 GMT

Pastor Jeannine shows the kids how to go fishing for Jesus

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-20-2025

Pastor Jeannine told the kids how one day Simon Peter and his friends went out to fish in the sea of Galilee. They were out for quite a while, but did not even catch one fish. Jesus stood on the shore, but they did not recognize him when he called out to them and asked them if they had any fish. They told him that they didn’t. Jesus told Simon Peter to go back out again. Simon Peter doubted Jesus, but he went out anyway. Jesus's told him to throw his net onto to the right side of the boat, and he would catch fish. Miraculously, the net was full and they brought in over 150 fish. This was the third time that Jesus had appeared to them after he had been raised from the dead. Simon Peter learned a lesson to trust the word of Jesus.

Pastor Jeannine’s adult sermon continued in this manner. Do you doubt Jesus when he calls to you, or do you drop everything and follow Jesus’s words? We need to trust in Jesus and in the messages he brings to us, as he is always there for us! We must learn to become fishers of men! We need to trust and have faith. We also need to smile, spread faith and be kind to others. This would include inviting others to join us at church. So consider yourself invited if you’re not already part of our church group! The doors are open 9 AM on Sundays!

Don’t forget our pasta dinner- on February 22 at 4 PM. We will cook the pasta, and people can bring toppings to share. It’s nice to have these dinner gatherings especially during the winter when we can use a bit more sunshine!

February 2, 2025 Service

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Marilyn Sands serves up some of the delicious treats that she and Barbara Bailey prepared for Fellowship. Valentine’s Day is on the way!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-13-2025

Pastor Jeannine showed the kids on her calendar that there have been five Sundays thus far into this New Year. She wondered if any of the kids had made any New Year’s resolutions for the new year. She told them that God has made many promises to us to love us to always be with us. God is always there.

Pastor Jeannine told us of a prayer service years ago, where a Methodist bishop shared the message of Moses to a group gathered at the Washington National Cathedral. In times of division, a vision of unity is needed- with compassion, freedom for the oppressed, and hope for the marginalized. We need to continue to work towards unity of all

people. We often can loose sight of Jesus’s ministry, but his words are as important today as when they were first spoken. God judges us by our acceptance of him.

Ron Miller recently received the share the light award for Yates County. The award ceremony will be held in the spring. Ron and Marguerite both do so much for our community and church.

Dresden United Methodist Church will be having a Valentine’s Day dinner on Valentine’s Day, 4-7pm, which we are invited to participate in. Mark your calendars for a loving evening of food and sharing.

Many of our church committees have been meeting recently during this new year,. We have some vacancies on some of the committees, so if you wish to serve, please let Pastor Jeannine know. Being on a committee is a great way to participate in church leadership, while working with others.

Participation by our church kids in our services is such a bright part of our service. Please consider on a rotational basis, helping with nursery and Sunday school. The kids are really enjoying learning more about Jesus. The lesson plans have been made up

January 26, 2025 Service

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Remington Perry cheering on his favorite NFL quarterback!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-06-2025

This past week was a busy one at Bluff Point! And this past Saturday evening we had a baked potato dinner. Everyone brought toppings and Pastor Jeannine baked the largest potatoes that anyone had ever seen. Everyone had a great time. The next event will be the end of February with a pasta supper.

We received a thank you note from Sue Falvey for helping with the Yates County Christmas program. We rang the bells the day before Thanksgiving and took in over $1145 that day. It’s such a great program to benefit the community. Thanks again to all who participated in everyone in the community that donated.

Nancy Curran came to our service and spoke to us about the Care Net program in Penn Yan. This year they are having a baby bottle drive for people to fill with spare change to support their work. She provided several plastic baby bottle banks to fill. Care Net is a faith-based program that gives pregnancy advice and support, parenting classes, and life skill classes to families during and after pregnancy with help, compassion, and love.

Pastor Jeannine spoke to the kids about the phrase- just what the doctor ordered. God wants us to be well, physically and spiritually, by looking after ourselves and following him. Jesus showed all of us how to be spiritually healthy.

The sermon this week was based on Luke 4: 14-21. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. He heard the voice from God that he was the son he dearly loved. Jesus tells us that we need him, and not just what the world offers us. God gave us a path of righteousness. The ultimate sacrifice is Jesus who gave his love for us. Jeannine told us to allow God to work through us.

Marguerite Miller asked us to save old blankets, mattress, pads, and sheets for her to use for the quilts that are made and distributed for Yates County Christmas. Women help make these quilts all year long to distribute in December.

Eric Detar and his colleagues are planning a mission trip within the United States during spring break with several Keuka College students. A very adventurous goal is to work on a hiking run trail. We can help support that effort by writing a check to alternative spring break at Keuka College. Eric has always come back after their mission trips to show pictures and tell stories of their efforts.

Stay warm these cold crisp winter days, and come visit us Sunday morning!

January 19, 2025 Service

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Charlotte told the others how wine is made. The kids learned about Jesus’s first miracle, how Jesus was at a huge wedding ceremony and turned water into wine when the people ran out of refreshments!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-30-2025

Thank you, Grady Bray for leading our service this week. Grady spoke to the children, showing them a slingshot and a weapon David brought when going to take food to and see his brother who was fighting. Do you remember David, tending the sheep, and the story of David and the giant Goliath? We don’t need weapons with our love for Jesus. We need faith like David had.

Grady spoke to the congregation about James and John. They were known as sons of thunder. John and Jesus were very close. He told how John went with Mary and left Nazareth, to take care of Mary. Grady told us about the three types of love. These are brotherly love, fatuous love, and agape (family) love. He asked us if we were growing in Christ. We are if we have a desire to help and serve with love, persistence, endurance, and faith. Our faith is confidence in God, and the victory of Christ is the cross.

Brr! It has been cold, but we love the joy and warmth of our congregation when we come to worship together!

January 12, 2025 Service

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Millie Albertson finds some tasty treats at 2nd Sunday brunch at BPUMC! We Methodists enjoy eating and sharing!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-23-2025

Pastor Jeannine showed the kids two watches during her children’s message. One watch was marked Rolex, which was bought overseas as a gift for her husband Phil. One of the kids quipped up that it must’ve been a fake. Knock offs can trick us. There are a lot of fakes in our world these days, but Jesus is with us all the time and certainly is not a fake!

The scripture lesson this week was Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22. John the Baptist was doing the work of Christ. He lead the way for Christ. He did not know what was coming. Jesus came into an arena. It is there where Jesus asked John to baptize him. He asked to be immersed. Now Jesus is here to baptize us.

If we were to hear that Jesus was coming to an arena, would we buy a ticket and go? We would be mesmerized by what Christ has to offer. God‘s wind and fire would have arrived.

We all enjoyed our second Sunday brunch. What a good selection of treats we have to provide a meal and nourishment as we enjoy friendship.

Come join us at worship!

January 5, 2025 Service

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Even the little ones are learning about Jesus and communion.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-16-2025

Epiphany Sunday! What is that all about? Pastor Jeannine explained to the children that we often look at the stars in the sky, but after Jesus was born, there was a star in the east right over where Jesus was, and the wise man followed the star to find Jesus. Today we don’t need the stars to find Jesus, but we need to read the Bible to follow Jesus and accept Christ.

The Wise men brought gold- a gift for a King, frankincense- an incense burned to offer to a God . and a myrrh- a valuable spice. They traveled a great distance to worship the new king. The love of Jesus does not even compare with the value of all of these gifts.

Grady Bray has started a noon 6-week Bible study of the book of Revelation. This book was written to early Christians in a time of fear, anxiety, and apprehension. It resulted in a book written about reassurance, hope and understanding. All are welcome.

Write on your calendar: Church baked potato dinner at 4 o’clock on Saturday, January 25. The church will provide the potatoes and folks are asked to bring a topping of choice to share.

Come share your voice! Choir practice is at 7 o’clock every Tuesday at church. Member shared their voices and also have a lot of fun learning their music!

We have Sunday school and nursery during 9am Sunday service time so hope that we have even more young families who will come join us!

December 29, 2024 Service

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The kids were a part of 5th Sunday music Sunday. Good job, kids!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-09-2025

Fifth Sunday music Sunday is always such a treat. Ron and, Marguerite Miller, and Ellie Stempien as well as our choir have worked extra hard to bring more music to us, including solos by Aimée Perry, and a surprise duet by Pastor Jeannine and Marguerite Miller! Michele Covert read a thoughtful year end poem written by Blanche Fingar. What a beautiful service to end the year.

Pastor Jeannine told the kids how Jesus and his family went to Jerusalem from Nazareth for Passover when he was a young boy. On one occasion, his parents couldn’t find him. Jesus was found in his father‘s house, the temple. Pastor Jeannine showed the kids a picture of Where is Waldo, which she was reminded of by this story of Jesus. She asked the kids if they had ever gotten lost. She remembered getting lost shopping with her parents in a large mall as a young child. She went ahead of her parents as they were window shopping. and was frightened when she grabbed the hand of another woman that wasn’t her mom. Her mother caught up to her and all was well. Like Pastor Jeannine, Jesus wasn’t really lost in the temple after all. He was there talking to God. God always helps us to find our way.

All of us at Bluff Point United Methodist Church-wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. Please come worship with us

Sundays at 9 AM.

We have a very welcoming congregation!

December 22, 2024 Service

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:00:00 GMT

The kids received Bibles for Christmas

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-02-2025

We celebrated the fourth Sunday of Advent on a crisp cool snowy winter day! Pastor Jeannine held up two packages. One was wrapped in plain brown paper, the other wrapped in glitzy foil. She asked the children which one they would choose. They all chose the foil wrapped paper package. Pastor Jeannine explained to them that the simple packaging is sometimes the best. Jesus was born in a stable and wrapped in plain linen cloth. We don’t always need glitz and glamour.

Pastor Jeannine reflected on this season. We all have atypical behavior around Christmas. We rush to the stores with a cheerful and lively mood. There is plenty of joy and laughter. However, for some people, the season can be sad. It’s hard to be joyous when we are not feeling well or have had losses. God is always here. We are blessed and have to always be open to his hugs. We also have to support each other and show our love.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Bluff Point United Methodist Church!

December 15, 2024 Service

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Carol Clow lights the third advent candle with Pastor Jeannine.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12-26-24-2024

Pastor Jeannine shared with us how Christ sends his love. As we get closer to Christmas, there is so much excitement, but baby Jesus is not the only way God reveals himself to us. He gives us encouragement and love every day. She shared a story of how an elderly woman dropped her packages in the store. She was having a hard time getting them back together. A teenage boy came over and helped her assemble her purchases and took them to her car. That boy was a Christ-like-figure to the elderly woman and a sign of God’s love. The final part of this lesson is a question which needs to be answered. In the scripture for today, Luke 3: 7-18, John was telling people about the coming of the Lord in their lives. The people asked him- what shall we do? How should we respond to the Lord‘s coming? The scripture is relevant to today. The Lord is coming. What will we do? How will we respond? One way is to share our talents and our love.

Bluff Point United Methodist Church is a church that has many missions. We share our talents in many ways. One of these is our prayer shawl mission. Another is cleaning a 2 miles section of our road along 54-a twice a year for the Adopt-a—Highway program. We have helped in the Yates County Christmas by distributing items to families, and also by ringing the bell to collect needed funds the day before Thanksgiving each year. The children collect pennies for Millie’s pantry. Many ladies support the Living Well by baking for their grab and go lunch program, and contribute to the food and pet pantry. We recently have collected gifts for our Angel tree family. We also support the backpack program and Habitat for Humanity, as well as other local programs. So all of us, including our children, can help others through service and love.

Come worship with us at 9 AM on Sundays! A reminder that in addition, our Christmas Eve service will be on 12/24 at 7 PM. All are welcome. It will be a service filled with song and joy, welcoming our Savior’s birth.

December 8, 2024 Service

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Waneta Nielsen lights the second candle of Advent.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12-19-24-2024

P astor Jeannine spoke to us about John’s message about Jesus’s coming. John the Baptist gave us a look of Hope and repentance.

Pastor Jean asked us how we deal with uncertainty. What happens when we go to the airport and our flights are delayed? Do we look at it as an adventure or an annoyance? The road is not always smooth, but God helps the passage. Life is not always rainbows.

In repenting, we sometimes need to do a U-turn and change what we are doing. If we have two coats, we should give one to someone who needs it. We should do the same with food. We saw examples of this giving nature recently at Yates County Christmas. Many of us helped with the distribution of items to help make Christmas joyous for over 250 Yates County families and 650 children. The community was very generous. It is so much better to give than receive!

There are many opportunities locally during advent, including a service of peace and comfort at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30 pm. What a joyful time of year to share our faith!

December 1, 2024 Service

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 04:45:00 GMT

Meridyn Whitford sang a sweet song during church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12-12-24-2024

It’s Advent! Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they liked to wait. Most of them do not like to wait or be patient. This is the time when Jesus was not yet born. The wisemen and Joseph and Mary were all traveling. Pastor Jeannine reminded us to stay ready so that we don’t need to get ready. We should always be ready for Jesus should he come today. We need to continue to keep time for God. We can pray any place! We need to slow down our from our busy life and save time to reflect. Pastor Jeannine asked us if we are prepared should Jesus come today. We may not have our gifts purchased or be ready for Christmas, but the question is whether we are ready for Christ? We should all work to be prepared for his coming.

Pastor Jeannine added that sometimes we are in fear about world events. World leaders are not always in agreement. We need to stand up. God will free us and give us assurance.

Many of us worked at Yates County Christmas distribution this past week. The day before Thanksgiving 14 of us from BPUMC rang the bells to raise funds for next year. Jean Orcott even brought her little organ with the monkeys playing Christmas music. Some of us sang during our shifts. Thank you to everyone who participated. People are very generous in giving for this project where the money stays in Yates County to help those that need help with Christmas for their families.

Thank you, Meridyn Whitford for singing the song this past Sunday, the Wise Man and the Foolish Man. You did a beautiful job.

Our sanctuary looks gorgeous all decked out for Christmas. The children have been asked to check out where the wise men have traveled to each Sunday until Christmas. They will be moved from place to place within the church, signifying their journey.

November 24, 2024 Service

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:00:01 GMT

Here is our angel tree! Pick an angel to help us provide gifts for a Yates County family this Christmas!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

12-05-24-2024

Our recent Sunday was Christ the King Sunday. Pastor Jeannine told the children that it doesn’t always work out well when people want to be king as in the movie The Lion King, when Simba wanted to always be in charge. Unlike the movies, Jesus came to us to be king and a king for all. It’s hard to comprehend what is not seen, especially with little children. We do know that God’s kingdom is in the heart of every believer.

Pastor Jeannine told us that Paul first challenged Christians, and then was challenged himself again as a believer. Pastor Jeannine asked us in life what is our challenge? We need to live with conviction concerning our Christian faith. It’s easy to do that in church but when we get outside, it’s is when our faith is tested. We need to continue to put our faith in something that’s not touchable. What is seen is temporary but what is unseen is permanent and eternal.

Next week many of us will be helping with the Yates County Christmas program, following ringing the bells at Tops the previous week. The Yates County Christmas program helps hundreds of families and children with gifts, clothing, books, toys and needs to ensure all have a Merry Christmas.

It’s not too late to sign up for the study of the book of Revelation starting January 6, given by Grady Bray. It is a six week session studying this book of reassurance, help understanding and preparedness. The book of Revelation is very much relevant to our lives today, although written centuries ago.

We are now in the season of Advent, of preparation for the birth of Jesus. There are many activities around Yates County that we can join in on, and many ways to help others during this time. Our church is now so nicely decorated for the season. See you in church on Sunday!

November 17, 2024 Service

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Brian and Christie Mosch recently joined our congregation as members. We welcome them to BPUMC, where we can continue to share friendships and the word and teachings of Jesus.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11-28-2024

Can you even imagine? In one month, we will be celebrated the birth of Jesus. So much preparation ahead, and so many events that we can participate in to help others- our mitten tree, gifts for our Angel family, ringing the bells and helping with distribution of items for Yates County Christmas to name a few.

UMCOR is running short of supplies and cleaning items with all of the recent hurricanes and damage through the United States. They also have an Amazon wish list. if you bring items to church, Pastor Jeannine will make sure that they are received by UMCOR.

The scripture lesson today was from Mark 13: 1-8. In the scripture lesson we are told to watch out for false leaders who may deceive us. Don’t be fooled by false teachings. We are challenged to live as people faith in the world we have today. We see in the scripture that even the disciples lived in trying times. Jesus tells us not to be misled by people or by world events. The world and its people will live through all sorts of events. We look at events such as school shootings and the terrorism of 9-11. We feel threatened and hurt, but God is there to help us through those trying times. Pastor Jeannine showed that although these situations challenge us in our lives but God will be with us through all situations. God wants us to go on trusting, loving and serving others all the time! She ended by telling us that Faith is not worrying about the future, but being concerned about the needs of others today and every day!

This week we celebrated Christie and Brian Mosch becoming members of our congregation. They both have been so helpful since they began coming here and we are all delighted that they have officially joined our church. God Bless and welcome!

Please come and visit us on Sunday at 9am. We also have a fellowship after church with tasty goodies. We have nursery school and Sunday school during church time where the children learn about Jesus.

November 10, 2024 Service

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:28:55 GMT

Dana Schillinger wore his Navy uniform for our special ceremony honoring our veterans.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11-21-2024

This past Sunday was a special Sunday where our veterans were honored. Those in the congregation who have served in the military include: Jean Orcutt, Dana Schillinger, Curt Covert, Norm Hunt, Joyce Wiedrich, Doug Fingar, Russ Heggie, Jim Enslow, Skip Burnham, Dick Smith, Gordon Bascom, Larry Larson, and Dick Pinneo. Many others from BPUMC who have been in military service have passed in recent years. Our former pastor Bruce Westerdahl was also in the Marines, and now lives in Virginia. Each of the veterans present Sunday received a cupcake with a small American flag on thanking them for their service.

Our scripture lesson today was from Mark 12: 40-44. This was the story of the poor widow who gave two mites to the temple. Some gave more, in their abundance, but the poor widow gave all she had, including money that she would have needed for her own care, being a poor widow with no one else to look after her. Jesus looked at her gift to the temple as a true measure of giving and sacrifice.

This month we will make our commitment to our church for the coming year. This will not only include monetary contributions, but also consideration of what we do in service to church. Pastor Jeannine used this lesson with the children, showing them how they help the church by ringing the church bell before the service and also lighting the candles on the altar. Our gifts don’t always have to be only financial nature, as we all have opportunities to give, including helping with Sunday school and nursery, baking and serving with fellowship, crocheting prayer shawls, helping with road cleanup, and participating in other community efforts, including ringing the bell for Yates County Christmas.

Thank you to all that have donated, mittens, scarves, and hats on our mitten tree. it will be up through the month for further contributions.

Our sincere condolences to Roger Scott and his family on the recent passing of Nancy Scott. The Scotts were long-term members of our congregation.

November 3, 2024 Service

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT

This Sunday we celebrated All Saints Sunday. Barbara Bailey and Pastor Jeannine help congregation members light candles in honor of their loved ones that have passed.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11-14-2024

Pastor Jeannine asked us if we follow the rules. Jesus taught us to be good- to follow God and love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as our self. If we all lived this way, Christ would’ve already returned. John 3:16 is the gospel in a nutshell.

Jesus showed love to everyone. Some adults on the streets with drugs and alcohol issues don’t always know what love is. We need to show kindness to all as God created us in love. Love starts with us. We can choose to show more kindness and love in their communities, help others, volunteer and put our energies in activities that matter to all.

Today we celebrated our Saints, those that have passed before us that we so dearly miss. There was a table in the front of the church where many put pictures up there loved ones that have recently departed.

Our mitten tree is up. Don’t forget to bring scarves, mittens, and hats that will be donated to Yates County Christmas.

October 27, 2024 Service

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Phil Pearce helps Charlotte and Violette Tones light the alter candles during church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

11-07-2024

Create a joyful noise! This past week Pastor Jeannine told the story to the kids and later to the adults of Bartimaeus, a blind man, who called out to Jesus when he was on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem with his disciples. Bartimaeus lived a life of hopelessness. The disciples were anxious to get home and not too excited about Jesus stopping to help. Mark story goes on showing that Bartimaeus had the type of faith that heals. Jesus had stopped and restored his vision. After this, Bartimaeus threw off his old cloak and threw his old life behind him. He then followed Jesus and the love of Christ. Pastor Jeannine showed us that even in times of hopelessness in our own lives, that our faith and hope in Jesus will pull us through. Whatever we asked from Jesus he will give it to us in his own time.

Bible study continues with study of Lamentations and Psalm 27. Various church committees have been meeting, and we are planning future events and activities, including our angel tree, our mitten and scarf tree, veterans recognition on Veterans Day Sunday, and music Sunday on the Sunday following Christmas.

We have several in our church family that are shut in or on the get well list. Please remember these folks in your prayers and send cards as you are able.

We have an active nursery and Sunday school program for the young ones. Please see Marguerite Miller if you are able to help on a chosen Sunday. The kids are a lot of fun to work with as they learn about Jesus.

See you on Sunday at 9 AM!

October 20, 2024 Service

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:01 GMT

We recently cleaned our section of 54-A for the adopt a highway program on a gorgeous fall day!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10-31-2024

This past Sunday was Laity Sunday. Pastor Jeannine explained to the kids that this Sunday is a Sunday giving thanks to all that serve the church 24/7. She had people stand as she mentioned who had helped with various activities and events. All of the congregation ended up standing. Pastor Jeannine explained that Christ went to glory for us to serve others. We have a church that is involved in 14 different missions, serving God’s people throughout the year. Jesus encourages us to find ways to help others. This is in contrast to our scripture from Mark 10: 35-45 read by Marilyn James. In this scripture, James and John, sons of Zebedee, wanted to sit at the left and right side of Jesus. They asked Jesus to do something for them. James and John were dreaming of power and position, but were not willing to sacrifice for others.

The men meet every Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10 o’clock for coffee and conversation. Wednesday, October 30 at 9 AM is the next women’s coffee time at the Wagner. Bible study has resumed Mondays at noon.

Next month will be busy as we start early preparations for the Christmas season. Where has this year gone? We always have a mitten and hat tree. We also always ring the bells in front of Tops market the day before Thanksgiving, for Yates County Christmas. We are also planning some social events at church.

We can always use new voices in our church choir, and also people to help out with Sunday school and nursery. The lessons are preplanned, and it is always fun to help with the kids!

Please join us at our country Church at 9 AM on Sundays!

October 13, 2024 Service

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Meridyn Whitford sang her first solo, My God is Powerful, on Music Sunday to her family and congregation. Great job, Meridyn. Such talent and bravery!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10-24-2024

We all love music Sunday, the fifth Sunday of every month that has five Sundays, however, due to many choir members being absent during the end of September, we moved music Sunday to this past week! We had beautiful solos from Meridyn Whitford, Aimee Perry and Madelyn Rose Mosch, as well as four numbers by our esteemed choir under the direction of Ron Miller. We also had many visitors which we hope will come back and join us soon.

Pastor Jeannine gave the children’s message, Soli Deo Gloria. She spoke of Johann Sebastian Bach who lived 250 years ago. He was one of our greatest composers. After every piece that he composed, he plays the initials SDG, meaning to God, be the glory! He gave us such a gift of music. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Don’t forget Bible studies at noon on Mondays. Each week we will be studying small passages from different chapters of the Bible.

Our men meet every Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10 AM for fellowship. All in the community are welcome to join.

Such a busy time of year coming up. Sign up will be going around soon for ringing the bell for Yates County Christmas. We always participate in this the day before Thanksgiving, the busiest day. This project is totally supported by donations and provides gift cards, clothing, outfits toys, books, and other items to so many families in our community.

Come join us Sundays at 9 AM!

October 6,2024 Service

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Michele Covert and Marguerite Miller prepare barbeque chicken meals as our BPUMC recently helped out at the Saturday barbeque at Oak Hill

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10-17-2024

Grady Bray led our church service and gave our message this past Sunday. He started out giving the children’s message stating that God said that it was good! He asked the children if pie was good? They readily agreed. He gave them a little anatomy lesson on the tongue telling them the good bumps on the tongue or for our different taste, sweet, sour, salty, and bitter so that we can taste all foods. God also gave us the gift of smell. He gave the children an assignment to smell, newly cut grass and to smell the fresh rain as a storm begins. God is good!

The scripture lesson was from Philippians 4: 6-7. Imagine not being anxious. We need to work at this. We need to turn our worries into love through prayer. Grady gave us a short history lesson into a focus of Judaism- on history, geography, and the power of places. Jesus was from the Nazareth, five miles from a major caravan route, but it was up and down a ridge and valley, very hard to get to by foot or horse. Nazareth had only 300 to 400 people, who were isolated, but self-sufficient growing grain and tending to their animals. Jesus went to Capernaum from Nazareth and started his ministry from there. Grady also told us the story of Joseph, being taunted by his brothers, who wanted to get rid of him. Joseph was then sold as a slave after being taken to Egypt and being put in a well to die by his brothers. Joseph’s father Jacob was grieving for him. Joseph obviously went through some hard times and ending up in prison, after then being sold to Potiphar, and being accused of seducing his wife, which he didn’t do. God had a plan all along for the saving of Israel and saving the lineage of Jesus through Joseph. Grady reminded us to have an open heart, to choose to listen and use our ears and not our tongue when others have a story to tell. Healing comes from listening. Be not anxious – this is a way to help others through prayer and listening ears. Thank you, Grady, for a great message!

Dick Smith reminded us that the 20th at Home and Yates County will be dedicated and October 20 at 2 PM on Cedar Street in Keuka Park. All are welcome to attend.

Many of us recently worked together at Oak Hill this past Saturday selling barbecue pork and barbecue chicken dinners. This was a great success, and we all had a wonderful time working together, serving the public. Thank you for everyone that came out to support this fundraiser. Several of us went up to the Apple Barrel Orchards afterwards to listen to Madelyn Rose Mosch sing and play guitar. She has many gigs in the area as she pursues her music career and also college studies. Way to go Madelyn.

We have many on our prayer list right now who have had recent surgeries or illnesses. we know who you are in God knows who you are, and we are sending our heartfelt prayers to all. Our sincere condolences also to the family of Velma Boose, who passed away recently. She and her husband Charlie were married for 75 years, and we so enjoyed their presence at church. He passed away a while back and she missed him dearly. They are now together in heaven.

See you in church at 9 AM Sunday!

September 29, 2024 Service

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:01 GMT

Norm Hunt shows off his tasty ice cream Sundae, on our recent Saturday community ice-cream social. Rainy weather precluded a parking lot event, but we still all had fun!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10-10-2024

We enjoyed having several kids in church today. Their smiles and spontaneity add so much! Pastor Jeannine showed them a salt shaker and asked them what salt was for. One little boy said for eggs, others said for flavoring. She showed them some other uses of salt- manufacturing of belts, and plastics, and salt also brightens clothes!

Our scripture this week was from Mark 9: 38-50. It is kind of a troubling passage on first read, until you look deeper into the meaning. Pastor Jeannine told a story of a hiker that went into the mountains without telling anyone where he was going. A boulder fell onto his left arm, and he was unable to free himself. After several days he cut off his arm to save his life, and struggled down the mountain for help. Would you want to be alive with one arm, or dead with two? We value our lives enough not to perish. Looking at the scripture again, we are asked if we are willing to cut out the things in our life that keep us from God. Hiking can be rough. Don’t do it alone. God wants us to hike the hike of life with others, to help season other believers with God’s word.

Membership class is 3pm 10/12 for any and all that want to become members of BPUMC. Contact Pastor Jeannine if you are interested. Local Methodist Church Conference is at Gorham UMC on 10/16 at 7pm. Any members of our church are welcome to attend.

Come join our choir! Practice is Tuesdays at 7pm at our church. The kids are also practicing songs for their little choir after church- we will hear them soon at our next music Sunday.

Happy Fall as the evenings have a crisp feeling to them and the leaves begin to change. See you in church Sundays at 9 AM!

September 22, 2024 Service

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks for the snacks ladies, and thanks for helping out!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

10-03-2024

This past Sunday marked the first day of fall. What a beautiful season we have had, as the harvest comes in and the leaves start to turn into their glorious hues!

Pastor Jeannine asked the kids about their favorite books, and if they like to read. She brought out her childhood first Bible that her older brother gifted her, a treasure as a child and now. Her favorite book was the Wizard of Oz! The kids picked out a favorite book and read it during Sunday School. Thank you, Charlotte for reading The Cat in the Hat- which ended up being quite a long book!

The Bible is made of 66 books with so many lessons that you get more out of them each time you read them.

Pastor Jeannine reminded us that you only go around once in life you need to grab for the gusto. Where do we find gusto and joy? We find the answer in Psalms 1: 1-6. Here we find a blessed individual who is happy, blissful, and godly. This person can find true satisfaction in life. Happy are those who don’t listen to the wicked but delight in the law of the Lord. In other words, God‘s word is the road to gusto. We get joy and reading God‘s word. We are like a tree. When our roots are sunk down into God‘s word, and the truth of the Bible is our source of nourishment, our faith remains fresh.

Jeannine and Phil celebrated their anniversary and September 23. Wishing them another year of happiness together!

If you wish to join the church, Pastor Jeannine is having a new member class at 3 PM on Saturday, October 12. If this is inconvenient, she will be happy to reschedule a short class with you.

Don’t forget to sign up to help at the chicken barbecue at Oak Hill on Saturday, October 5! The chicken is always yummy. If you can’t work, please stop by and buy a dinner for you and your family.

Happy fall with God’s blessings!

September 15 Service

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

It’s coffee time! Jean Morehouse chooses some tasty treats for social hour after church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

09-26-2024

It was good to see our church full this past week, with several visitors joining us! Such a beautiful late summer Sunday!

Pastor Jeannine showed the kids several different necklace crosses that she had brought with her. There are so many different kinds of crosses, remaining us that Jesus died for us. The kids then pointed out many crosses in the church. The scripture lesson was from Mark 8: 27-38. Jesus told the crowd that he must suffer many things. Peter rebuked him. Jesus then took Peter aside and rebuked him saying- Get behind me, Satan! Peter had pouted, but got his senses back after his conversations with Jesus. Jesus told the crowd that whomever wanted to be his disciple must take up the cross and follow him. Jesus never asked us to do anything that he wouldn’t do.

Marilyn James again reminded everyone of the chicken barbecue at Oak Hill which we are helping with. Sign up to help serve or come and buy dinner. It all supports the cause. The date is October 5th.

Bible studies at Church are Monday at noon. We are studying chapters from the books of John and Acts.

Let’s hope for nice weather for our ice cream social. We are hoping that neighbors will come and join us. It’s September 28th at 4:00!

It’s good to see the kids back in nursery school and Sunday school! We love our kids, and our adults too!

September 8, 2024 Service

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Several of our kids had their backpacks blessed as they return to school this year. Harper and Remington are ready for

a great year of school!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

09-12-2024

Our scripture this week is from James 2: 1-10. James is a short chapter in the Bible with many well-thought out lessons. It is rich in terms of faith. James does not mince words on what he believes. James professes to love God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself. There are 2500 verses in the Bible concerned with helping the poor, sick or hungry.

Pastor Jeannine spoke about faith this week. Faith is a 2-way street. What saves us- a dead faith or a living faith put into action? Jesus went out of his way to tend to the poor and people who lived in the margins. He often was criticized for this. God has no favorites! Remember the verse where the poor widow had little to give, but her gift meant more than gifts from the wealthy who gave more. Pastor Jeannine reminded us to be there for others when we can make a difference.

Please sign up for our fund-raiser at Oak Hill, Saturday October 5th, selling chicken barbecue. If you can’t help, consider buying chicken dinners or making a donation .

Music Sunday has been moved to Sunday October 13. Come join us to hear such church talent. The kids are practicing their numbers as well!

Ice cream social coming up at 4 pm. September 28! Can’t wait!

Come worship at our loving country church 9am on Sundays. We welcome visitors and have Sunday school and nursery for the young ones!

September 1, 2024 Service

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Marguerite Miller and Pastor Jeannine have started up both our Sunday School and nursery programs again now that the school year is upon us, so come on back, kids, and bring your parents too. Exciting times are with us!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

09-12-2024

The school year has begun and things at church are in full swing again. Please sign up to help with Sunday school rotation, and bring your kids and grandkids!

Don’t forget music Sunday is the last Sunday of this month. Ron Miller is the guy to contact if you wish to participate in your own group or musical event.

The message today was based on scripture from Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, and 21-23. This time the Pharisees were picking on Jesus because he and the disciples were not washing their hands before they ate, as was the tradition. Jesus’ answer was it didn’t matter what his hands were like- the important thing was what was in his heart. The Pharisees follow Jesus not to learn from him, but to berate him. They noticed that he didn’t fast, he ignored the Sabbath, and he handled a corpse and a person with leprosy with bare hands. Pastor Jeannine correlated this behavior to some of what is going on today in life. How do we treat others in life? There are no outcasts in the kingdom of God. Do we have expectations of how God wants others to be, instead of looking at our own behaviors? We should use forgiveness and grace. God looks at what is in our heart.

We will have an ice cream social at church at 4 o’clock on Saturday, September 28. This is a chance to meet our neighbors. All are welcome to come. Let’s hope for nice weather so this can be outside. Why not have ice cream before dinner! Eat dessert first! Why not?

August 25th Service

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The kids place the armor of God onto the soldier as Pastor Jeannine explains its meaning.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

09-05-2024

Good work Margaurite and Ron Miller on leading our Christian Crusaders on the successful Yates County Hope Walk to help those affected with cancer. There were over 500 luminaries lit at the closing of the event in honor or in memory for those with cancer.

God helps us through our spiritual battles- we need to be strong in the Lord. We need to put on the armor against evil. Pastor Jeannine explained to the children the parts of the armor. These included the belt of truth, the breast plate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of spirit. We need to wear the armor to keep us safe. We are fighting a spiritual battle. We have the armor, but someone or something can always get through. We need to maintain our strength with the power of prayer, and the power of a village of supportive people.

Pastor Jeannine told a story of her daughter Alex when she was in school. She wanted to be a goalie on the lacrosse team because she didn’t like to run. She had lots of padding to help protect her however, during one game she got the badge of honor, a welt on her knee, where she wasn’t protected with full armor.

The children’s and adult's lessons were based on Ephesians 6: 10-20. Paul writes about strength in the Lord in our spiritual battles, where God helps us on our journey.

Bible study resumes Mondays- the first lesson is September 9 at noon. Everyone from the community is free to join. Our study will be on Luke 15: 11-32 and Psalm 68: 5-6.

Do you like to sing? Choir practice begins each Tuesday at 7:00 PM. We can always use more cheerful voices!

The next fifth Sunday music event will be September 29. See Ron Miller if you wish to participate with a special musical tribute. Kids choir practice will resume September 8 after church.

Be safe kids as you return to school. College kids already have resumed classes. See you in church on Sunday!

August 18th Service

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Ron Miller was the chair of Yates County Hope Walk on 8/24. All funds benefit those in our county who are or have undergone treatment for cancer. Ron shows some of the luminary bags decorated for the lighted walk at the close of the cemetery. It’s not too late to donate to the cause if you already have not done so. The BPUMC members formed the Christian Crusaders.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

08-29-2024

It was good to be back home in church today after our picnic this last week and the community church service the week before. Our service began with prayers for Hope Walk blankets made by Jane Salyer, be distributed at this year’s event.

We had many visitors this week in church! Always great to have new friends join us.

Bible study will be resuming on September 9 at noon, at church. Everyone is welcome. The study will be on Luke 15: 11-32 and Psalm 68: 5-6.

Pastor Jeannine asked us if we like the game trivial pursuit. She asked us a few questions like~what’s the crystal anniversary and what was the first Starbucks outside of the US? What bulbs were used as currency? We may be experts in useless knowledge but hopefully also for meaningful facts.

Pastor Jeannine recalled Jesus’s visit with Mary and Martha. During this visit, Martha was working, and Mary was sitting at Jesus‘s feet. Martha was complaining because she felt Mary was doing nothing, but Mary was gaining wisdom sitting there listening to Jesus. Jesus reminded Martha that it’s the time you spend that is important, not what you’re doing or what you have to give. Wisdom is worth more than anything else. Pastor Jeannine reminded us that the numbers on the clock are stationary as the hands go around and around but for us as the hands go around the clock time passes as we age. It’s important to make the most of the time in our life. Life is not a guarantee. Pastor Jeannine reminded us that if we live to be 70 years old we spend eight years watching TV, six years eating, 27 years sleeping, 6 hours with hygiene and dressing, but only half of a year attending church.

Spend that time with us! 9a Sunday the church bell rings!

August 11th Service - Church Picnic

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This past Sunday members of the Bluff Point, Milo Center and Dresden United Methodist Church met at the Keuka College athletic area for a combined service and picnic. A great time was had by all!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

08-22-2024

Our combined picnic with Dresden and Milo Center, United Methodist churches was a big hit. we managed to miss most of the raindrops and had a short service, including hymns and an anthem from our choir, before the picnic.

Pastor Jeannine use scripture from Matthew 10 as a backdrop for her message. She reminded us how much God knows us and is here for us. He gives us a nudge when we need it. He knows when we are happy and sad. He reminds us that we can handle anything!

We could have fed all of Keuka Park with all of the food it was brought to the gathering. What yummy selections we shared! It was nice to see several people there that we have not seen in a while, including the McQuays who came down from Penfield to join us!

See you back in church at our usual 9 AM services!

July 28th Service

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Pastor Jeannine showed her family teddy bear-Teddy

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

08-08-2024

Pastor Jeannine showed her family teddy bear-Teddy. She asked the kids if they were afraid of anything. She showed the kids that she would hold and hug Teddy when was sad, and thinking of her Mom, who initially had this bear. She explained that Jesus is always with us when we are scared.

Pastor Jeannine asked if we ever were afraid in school, as when the teachers came out with pop quizzes. Sometimes we are afraid when we are in situations without any warning.

Our scripture reading today was from John 6: 16-21. The disciples had just watched Jesus feed over 5000 people and there were 12 baskets of leftovers. There were rough waters in the north east sea of Galilee as they made their way to Capernaum, which was about 5 miles. They had taken the only boat and Jesus was not with them. The waters were very rough and the disciples were afraid. Jesus made the disciples wait, he did the near impossible, walked on the waters and stillEd them. The disciples could not believe that Jesus stilled the horrific storm on the sea.

God has called us to live a clean life and be disciples to others. Jesus also wants us to invite him into our boats when we are afraid.

Don't forget to talk with Ron Miller and join one of our teams for the Hope Walk. It will be here before you know it.

Where did July go? Now we are into August and the last hurrah of summer. See you back in church on 8/18 at 9:00am, after the 12noon service and picnic on 8/11 at the Keuka College athletic field pavilion.

July 21

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 05:00:04 GMT

Visiting granddaughter Roz Prinzivalli rang the bell, welcoming all to church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

08-01-2024

We had Grady Bray and Stacy Wyant lead our service this past week, as Pastor Jeannine and Phil had a needed vacation. Thanks to you both! Thanks to Laurie Prinzivalli for a Children’s sermon on vacation and rest. Even Jesus needed rest! Sunday is marked as the day of rest.

This past weekend a beautiful service was held for Dick Dibble at Whitesville United Methodist Church where he and Leah met, married and raised their family. Elly Stempien provided the musical ministry and Jeff Stempien sang a solo. Blanche Fingar wrote a touching poem about Dick. Dick, Leah, Blanche and Dor were great friends! We have missed Dick’s humor, friendship and kind ways. He helped so much with the Trustee work of BPUMC, where Leah and he have been members since moving to this area.

Scripture today was Hebrews 4: 12-13. Paul wrote so much in the Bible which is still living and active in our lives today.

Grady Bray gave us a lesson on body, soul and spirit. The body is composed of earth elements. The soul is present in biological life. Even a pig has a soul. God is a spirit. The spirit is an eternal gift.

Grady’s take home message to us was the 5 G’s of prayer. The first is to begin prayer with gratitude- what we are thankful for! The second is to ask for guidance. Be still. Focus on your breath! The third element of prayer is grace. Learn to repent. Let things go.

With the 4th prayer element, grants, we need to ask for what we desire. God however already knows what we need!

We need to pray the gospel without ceasing! Gospel is the 5th element! Reading the Bible augments this. Thank you Grady. This was

a wonderful message we can use every day in our prayers.

We are forming our teams for the Yates County Hope Walk on 8/24. There are bags you can personalize for the luminaries located on the large table as you enter the back of the church.

See you Sunday!

July 14, 2024

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Last week we said our farewells to our brother in Christ, Dorwin Fingar. Prayers to his loving family.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-25-2024

It has been a busy July. Last week we provided snacks for the Wednesday Yates County Concert in the Park community musical event, which was held at the Penn Yan Baptist Church because of the rainy weather. On Thursday we celebrated the life of Dorwin Fingar in a moving service at Church. This past Saturday was the burial service for Ron and Jane Salyer, who we sadly lost last summer, and on July 20th, there was a memorial service for Dick Dibble, passed last fall. Prayers to all the families. We so miss our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our joint church service with Dresden United Methodist Church will be held on Sunday, August 11 at noon at the Keuka College pavilion area. Don’t forget to sign up for a team for Hope Walk! This will be on August 24th in Penn Yan!

So good to see Pat and Don McQuay this past Sunday at church. They visit us when they can from their home near Rochester. We always enjoy having visitors join us!

Scripture lesson this week was from Ephesians 1: 3-14. Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians, and a young church. Lessons from this are that God made his church in Christ. God chose you!

Pastor Jeannine looked at the story of little orphan, Annie. She initially had lived a hard knock life of neglect and abandonment, but this story had a happy ending. Daddy Warbucks changed her life. God wants us also to live in another level. We all have life choices. We have learning opportunities if we make the wrong choice however, some choices have everlasting consequences. It is a privilege to be saved in Christ.

See you Sunday at 9:00 am!

July 7, 2024 - Communion Sunday

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Our first Sunday is always Communion Sunday. Sherri Hunt assists Pastor Jeannine in delivering the communion elements.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-18-2024

Summer is a busy time for our church. Picnics, events, as well as several memorial services for our departed brothers and sisters in Christ. We always welcome visitors to join us on Sundays.

We are forming a church team for the Hope Walk, under the direction of Ron Miller. The Hope Walk is an annual Yates county event that raises thousands of dollars for people affected by cancer. All of the funds stay in Yates County. At the end of the event luminaries are lit along the pathway, honoring or in memorial of those with cancer. This year‘s walk is on August 24.

Our Bible lesson today was from Mark 6: 1-13. Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they ever felt sad because they weren’t included. Jesus had a time in his life where he was not even accepted on the street that he had played on as a child, and he also was always not welcomed in the synagogue. Pastor Jeannine told us to share the love of Jesus, even if it feels uncomfortable. How do you feel about telling others about Jesus?

Pastor Jeannine told us that even in hard times we should not quit. She said that Thomas Edison tried 999 times to make a lightbulb, but he didn’t quit. How different would our world be if Edison had not perused his dream. Pastor Jeannine wants to learn to knit, but she is left-handed, and despite many attempts has not mastered this. She will continue to try! She feels that failure does not identify who we are. If we don’t succeed things we need to try again. Jesus came to us out of love. Jesus never quits, nor does his love for us.

There are plenty of music and cultural events events around the area this summer. Madelyn Rose (Mosch) has many performing events at various wineries and other locations in the area- check her out! Noah Detar will be performing at the REV theatre in Auburn in the play NEWSIES from 7/10-7/27. Such talent we have with our young adults!

See you Sunday at 9:00am!

June 30, 2024 - Music Sunday

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Aimee Perry belts out the song Operator, calling to Jesus, on our recent music Sunday.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-11-2024

We just had a musical patriotic music Sunday. We celebrate music Sundays on the last Sunday of the months that have five Sundays. Our choir saying four anthems, Aimee Perry shared a powerful solo, and the kids sang two songs as well. Such musical talent, under the direction of our choir director Ron Miller! We had several visitors as well to enjoy this special occasion.

The scripture reading this week was from Mark 5: 21-43, in which Jesus healed a woman who had been hemorrhaging over a long period of time, and came to Jesus and touched him. The lesson was that her faith had made her well. Pastor Jeannine explained to the children that touch was important, one of our five senses. The kids were asked to close their eyes and identify two objects by touch, which were in a paper bag - an apple and a paperclip.

Our congregation was very saddened by the sudden death of one of our long-term members and friends, Dorwin Fingar. Dorwin has been a lifelong member of Bluff Point United Methodist Church. Our prayers surround Blanche, Sonya and family at this difficult time of loss. We will never forget Dorr’s effervescent smile. I don’t think any of us ever saw him angry. He was a friend to all. The congregation prayed over a prayer shawl made for Blanche by Leah Dibble. Dorwin’s memorial service will be at BPUMC on Thursday July 11th at 11:00am.

We lost another one of our faithful servants last fall. Dick Dibble’s memorial service will be at the Whitesville United Methodist Church on 11/20. Leah and Dick grew up in Whitesville, and have belonged to our congregation since settling in Yates County. He is so missed.

On July 10 Bluff Point our church will be in charge of the refreshment table at the Yates County concert series in the Penn Yan courthouse park. Come to listen to the beautiful chamber music and pick up some of the goodies the ladies will make for the concert!

June 23, 2024 - Graduation Sunday

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:00:01 GMT

This Sunday we celebrated our recent graduates! Madelyn Rose Mosch recently graduated from high school, recently completing her home school program.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

07-04-2024

Pastor Jeannine asked us if we were ever stuck in a storm. She reminded us to choose faith over fear. She reminded the children in her children‘s sermon to be still in times of fear-that Jesus gives us peace. How many times have mothers gone to their child, hearing them crying, waking up at night from a nightmare and tell them to hush and not to be afraid. Many of us adults also have fears, anxieties, and self doubt. In our scripture reading read by Stacy Wyant from Mark 4: 35-41 we see Jesus in the back of a boat after teaching about the kingdom of God at a nearby seashore. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat as a terrible storm came. The disciples with him feared the storm in the sea. Would Jesus save them? A angel appeared, telling them not to be afraid; Jesus did then calm the storm and the sea of Galilee. The winds and the waves obliged. Do you have faith?

Our church will be in Penn Yan at the Yates County Wednesday concert series at the courthouse park on 7/10 with snacks! Please come and see us and support the Finger Lakes Chamber Music group performing that evening.

This past Sunday we celebrated our students. Madelyn Mosch recently graduated from high school. She’s continuing to pursue her career, focused on country music. She hopes to have four gigs weekly, locally and throughout various towns in New York State. She is continued to release several singles in Nashville Tennessee. Her latest recording is called Cowboy. You can follow her and her schedule online!

Emmaleigh Stempien successfully completed her first year at Nazareth University. She is majoring in social work with a concentration on mental health. She received a scholarship from the Lee Wiedrich memorial fund on Sunday for her accomplishments, also having been on the Dean ‘s list this year! This summer she is continuing to work at the Keuka Candy Emporium. Stop in, where she can make you a tasty milkshake or bubble tea!

Several of us recently attended Tom Wunder’s retirement party at Yatesville UMC. He has been the pastor of Yatesville church for the past 17 years and is a good friend to many of us. We hope he and Ann will enjoy their retirement years and keep in touch!

Happy Summer! See you on Sunday!

June 16 - Father's Day

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

It’s so good to gather with our friends on Sunday morning!!!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-27-2024

Pastor Jeannine spoke with the children before they went off to Sunday School. She told them that Jesus was their first father. Some people don’t have dads that are always there. The kids helped pass out cookies several women made for our men to celebrate Father’s Day, and also a Pocket Jesus for each man, and also for the kids.

The scripture was from Luke 15: 11-32, the Parable of the Prodigal and his brother.

The Father represents God. God does not stop his Sons. God lets us make choices of our free will. In the story of the prodigal son, the father divided his inheritance between his two sons. One son hurt his father by leaving, and squandered his property and money. When he returned home, his father welcomed him through a celebration. He ran to him, like God waiting for us. The other brother had a chip on his shoulder because he had carried a larger burden. He was angry at his father and brother. That brother decided not to celebrate. This Father loved both of his sons. The father did not love either son any less. He loved them both unconditionally. God is always there and waits for us to come home. He also loves all of us unconditionally!

We will be forming teams to support Hope Walk. Hope Walk is August 24th. All monies raised stay in Yates County to support those affected by cancer.

Pastor Jeannine will be starting a prayer ministry. This will be a ministry where people pray for at least 15 minutes daily. Bible Study will restart again in September.

June 9th Service

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Noah Detar

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-20-2024

Our Noah Detar has recently recently returned home from performing this past year on a Disney cruise ship. He played the lead role of Peter Pan as well as several other roles while on this Disney job assignment. From the musical theater program at Nazareth University to his current employment he has come so far. Congratulations Noah on a job well done! You now have a break before going back to the boat and another year of performing!

The topic for worship this week was looking at people working together. Pastor Jeannine showed the children that a pen does not work without ink. And in Jesus’ time, some people did not work well with him or the disciples. Even for a time Jesus’s family thought he was insane and were willing to have him taken away. They felt he had too much religious fever. He was not eating well or taking care of himself. His brothers did not initially believe he was the Messiah. The family wanted to take custody of him. Fortunately James and Judas did change their minds and see their brother Jesus as the savior.

Grady Bray gave us much insight into the scripture reading from Mark 3: 20-35, a rather complex passage!

Jesus went To teach the multitudes. He went into Satan’s house to free those possessed by Satan. Satan did not know God’s plan for redemption, or for Jesus to die and be resurrected. The lesson: A house divided cannot stand. A kingdom divided against itself can also not stand.

We learned that Stacy and Chris Wyant were awarded the Sharing the Light award from Catholic Charities. Thank you both for all you do for the community.

Noah Detar spoke with us about the 231 shows that he did this past year on the Disney Magic cruise ship. He met members and passengers from all over the world, and will return again from October to June next year working with Disney! He shows his love for acting, singing, and dancing! He will enjoy the summer at home with family and friends.

June 2, 2024

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Communion Sunday as we worship together. Sunshine, communion and love!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-13-2024

Today’s topic was on the Sabbath. Pastor Jeannine spoke of the Jewish Sabbath, which was from Friday evening through Saturday evening with visualization of the three stars. They gathered in the synagogue for worship. Jewish Sabbath was for was both for rest and worship. The Jewish worshipers gave thanks and celebration, and an invitation to rest after creation, and thanks for their rescue from slavery. Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they had ever done anything in their lives that they weren’t supposed to do for a good reason, like going into the house when mother told you not to, to get a Band-Aid for a friend that skinned their knee? She was sure that mother would not criticize them for breaking a rule to help someone out.

Jesus healed someone with a withered hand on the Sabbath. Although you are not supposed to work on the Sabbath you should not let anyone be hurt or hungry, if you can help them. Jesus was being scrutinized as he performed this act, although this was legal in Jewish law, because Jesus was healing and doing good. The sanctity of life takes precedence over the rules of Sabbath. We learn how important it is to do God’s work no matter what day of the week!

Don’t forget music Sunday coming up! Check with Ron Miller if you wish to participate on June 30th!

Come worship with us 9 AM on Sundays. We are a loving congregation, and a true church family.

Memorial Day

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Pastor Jeannine spoke of Memorial Day and its meaning, wishing all a safe holiday with family and friends.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

06-06-2024

This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday, the three and one God in three persons. The lesson today was based on the scripture from Nicodemus, John3: 1-17. Nicodemus went to Jesus at night. He was a prominent Jew. Jesus was alone at night, and also in the Nicodemus trusted and praised Jesus he initially didn’t do it out in the open. Nicodemus asked Jesus many questions. How do I know God is here? Jesus answered- do you see the stars do you hear the wind? God is amazing. Nicodemus was spiritually hungry but not satisfied. He was restless.. Although Nicodemus was a teacher he liked assurance. We need to keep on going like Christ does, Pastor Jeannine told us. Christ is right there with us!

Many of us shared the Memorial Day service at Dresden church on Memorial Day. They always have a beautiful and reverent service, and a chicken barbecue to follow.

Memorial day marks the official beginning of summer. Kids are out on their bikes and folks are out walking and hiking. So good to have these warm sunny days, birds, and beautiful flowers where we can see the magnificent creations of God!

Please join us at our Sunday service at 9 AM! We welcome all visitors!

Pentecost Sunday

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Aidan Cole for ringing the bell, and for a beautiful piano piece at the start of the service. What talent for this young man, from a musical family!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-30-2024

Today we enjoyed Pentecost Sunday, the birth of the modern church. In Acts 2: 1-21 we see that people came from all over, a Thanksgiving for the Jews. Peddlers came with their wars. It was like Christmas. They were lines at the temple with people waiting to make a gift to God. As this was going on they were men in the upper room praying for days!

During Pentecost the wind blew and there were divided tongues, as of fire, with people speaking in different tongues. Pentecost represented a transition where the disciples were allowed to preach the word of God. Thousands of people believed in the teachings of Jesus. The gift of the Holy Spirit was worth waiting for and was promised to us.

In life we may not agree with everything but it’s pastor Jeannine told us, we remember that Jesus died for us, Jesus loves us, we love God and the Holy Spirit continues through us.

Please contact Ron Miller if you can participate on our music Sunday, June 30th. Our Sundays are always a special time in our church.

Bible study will resume in September and is taking a break for summer.

Thank you to Aidan Cole. Aidan played a difficult piano piece prior to the prelude in Sunday service. His remarkable talent is so obvious!

Mother's Day 2024

Thu, 23 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Pastor Jeannine and Suzy talk to the children about mothers, on Mother’s Day!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-16-2024

This past Sunday was all about mothers - those here with us, and those in heaven, as well as other women who take us in their care. Many women have also given wonderful help to children that are not theirs.

Pastor Jeannine told us some things about mothers and children. Some of these Murphy’s laws included: 1. The later you stay at night earlier your children were awaken. 2. The gooier the food the more it will stick to carpet. 3. The greatest growth spurt in kids is after you purchase their new school clothes. Pastor Jeannine related to children repeating things that you told them not to say or should not have said yourself. She related that to her own children.

The sermon today was based on scripture from Luke 7: 11-17. In the scripture Jesus goes to Nian, with a crowd after leaving Capernaum where he had healed a servant. The people were anxious to see the amazing things that Jesus could perform. Jesus saw a widow sobbing when he got to Nian - she had lost her only son. Jesus told her not to cry. He touched the body which was in the procession with the mourners. The boy sat up in his coffin, and began speaking. This was another of Jesus’s miracles. What a blessing for this mother!

The children and the adults enjoyed a story about mothers from Pastor Jeannine and her puppet Suzy. Mothers always look after their kids and give them the best even when the children don’t even always realize it!

Thanks to the 10 folks who came out this past Thursday to complete our annual road cleanup. This is one of our church missions. We always feel accomplished when we clean up the roadways!

Thank you choir for your beautiful anthem this Sunday and also to Madelyn Mosch, whose solo written by Carrie Underwood about mothers brought tears to our eyes.

Bible study continues at noon on Mondays. Men’s coffee time is Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10 o’clock. The women meet at the Wagner at 9 AM every other Wednesday.

Pastor Jeannine has copies of highlights from the Methodist General conference if anyone is interested in receiving one. This conference is held every four years with worldwide delegates.

Don’t forget if you wish to participate on music study June 30, see Ron Miller! Everyone enjoys our fifth Sunday music extravaganzas!

May 16, 2024

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome back Blanche and Dorr Fingar! We have missed you!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-16-2024

Welcome back Blanche and Dorr Fingar. We are so happy to see the return of our snowbirds!

Just a reminder if you have children or grandchildren age 7 to 17 interested in Casowasco church camp this summer we have scholarships available! it’s a great opportunity for kids to get away to a weekly camp to learn about Jesus.

One of our church missions is to support the Living Well. Jean Murdock noted that the Living Well is in need of many items including peanut butter, cereal, pasta, Jell-O, jelly and fruit. These items can be brought to the Living Well on Elm Street or placed in the box in church where they will be brought there.

Laurie Prinzivalli reminded us that we have given over 600 prayer shows away since 2007. We believe in the power of prayer!

The United Methodist Church just completed their every four year General Conference. During this conference, which includes delegates from throughout the world. changes were made to the Book of Discipline. In Pastor Jeannine’s sermon, she reminded us that we need to look at people through the eyes of Jesus. We are not here to judge people. Jesus always accepted people that were shunned or ignored by others.

Pastor Jeannine told a story of a woman who had won a cruise. The woman declined the cruise because she needed to help a desperately ill friend. This friend had stood by this woman during years where she was a drug addict and had lost her friends and everything in life. This woman had stood by her in her bad times and now it was time to give back. It’s important in life situations to put others first, even when it means giving up something we would really enjoy. Jesus died for us to show us love, and show us how to love others. Life is not always an easy path. We need to let the love of Christ shine through.

The sermon was based on scripture from Paul’s letter to 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21, read by Joyce Wiedrich. Paul had denied Christ earlier, but changed his tune prior to the crucifixion. The sermon went along perfectly with the scripture, considering the recent changes in the Methodist Church. The scripture speaks of recognition and renewal. We are reconciled to each other through Jesus.

Please come join us for Sunday service at 9 AM. We have nursery and Sunday school available for the young ones. See you in church. Everyone is welcome!

May 9, 2024

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:01 GMT

Eric Detar and several Keuka College students presented information about their mission trip to Puerto Rico during school break. It was very informative and enjoyable to learn of their experiences.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-09-2024

Recently Eric Detar and a group of Keuka College and other students from Marywood College, Onondaga Community College , and Holbart-William Smith College participated in Love in Motion, on a six day trip to Puerto Rico from March 14-22. There were six words of service that they followed including: identify, management, availability, opportunity, motive, and attitudes. Some of the activities they participated in were picking up rocks and laying gravel to make mud trails safer, planting 160 orange trees, planting 486 bloodwood trees, and digging 700 holes for future tree planting. They also placed 2000 flags across the area. They worked very hard in the warm weather and encouraged each other to take breaks. They got to practice their Spanish, singing and dancing. They had one relaxation/break day, but the other days they were hard at work. The relaxation day included a catamaran cruise, visiting a dog shelter in old San Juan, and visiting old churches and other historic buildings. They learned so much about Puerto Rico, and the many resources there which include pharmaceutical companies, rum factories, agriculture, and tourism. It was a very successful school break. Thank you Eric and students for sharing your experiences with us!

On Sunday, May 12 we will have Mother’s Day service and fellowship time, but no brunch. It is anticipated that people will want to leave a little earlier to be with their families on this special day.

Our music Sundays (on the Sundays that have five Sundays in the month) have become very popular. During these Sundays Ron Miller organizes the service filled with music. if anyone wishes to participate please see Ron Miller to schedule.

On Thursday, May 9 we will do our biannual road cleanup. we meet the church at 9 AM on that day, and then split up to do a route on 54-A. It usually takes an hour to finish our route. It is one of our church missions. If you can help please join us. Many hands make the work easier. This is one of our church missions! Come join us for a little exercise and conversation as we do our work!

See you at 9 AM on Sundays at church! We have nursery and Sunday school available for the kids. Nursery is for children younger than five, and Sunday school is from kindergarten age through sixth grade. The Sunday school children leave the sanctuary to say and write a prayer, learn a Bible lesson, read related scripture through the Children’s’ Bibles, and participate in a craft or other project, after a short children’s story in church.

May 2, 2024

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Thank you Grady Bray or your inspirational message this past Sunday. We all appreciate your knowledge of the Bible and the life of Jesus.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

05-02-2024

Laurie Prinzivalli let us know that since 2007 our church has given out 608 prayer shawls. This ministry was started by Nancy Wilmott- we have had many women in our church who crochet or knit these lovely prayer shawls to give to anyone in need of special prayer. They have touched so many over the years.

Grady Bray gave us our past Sunday message. Grady came to the Methodist Church later in his life through his wife. He was drawn to our church through the teachings of John Wesley. who formed the foundation of our faith through scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. Grady has read through the Bible several times and has an unbelievable knowledge of scripture.

Grady looked at a passage in the Bible where Satan was in the midst of the sons presenting themselves to God. There is mystery all around us and mystery in the Bible, even though in our lives today we like things to be known and to make sense. Grady believes that the Bible is a living, breathing word for us today, even though it was written so many years ago.

Grady then looked at Angels, who often appears as people without wings. Angels are messengers of God. In scripture from 1 Peter, we see that angels wanted to know God’s plan. but God would not let them know it at that point. Some things that we cannot see are with us. The Holy Spirit is always there in us. Angels however are not our salvation- our salvation is only through Jesus Christ.

Grady explained that our faith we are forgiven This is one thing that Jesus could not know. we need to pray for guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Our next women’s breakfast is Wednesday, May 1 at the Wagner restaurant at 9 AM, scheduled for every other week. The men meet every Tuesday at Oak Hill at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend.

We have Nursery and Sunday school for the children get our Sunday services at 9 AM. The children enjoy a Bible story and often then do activities or crafts related to the theme of the day. Please join us at our service at 9 AM on Sundays. We are a faith-based church, where friends in Christ become family.

April 25, 2024

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:56:16 GMT

We Methodists love to eat! We have a pass-dish brunch after church the second Sunday of the month.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-25-2024

This Sunday we looked back on God’s Creation. Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if God needs our help caring for his creation. They told her that one of God’s special creations was them! They discussed recycling, growing plants, and picking up trash to help our environment.

Welcome back to more Snowbirds- the Hunt’s, Jean Morehouse, and Skip and Sherl!

Pastor Jeannine looked at how we can nurture God’s creations- for example, our garden, and each other. Worshiping others is a model for the worship of God. We live in an amazing place. Our environment is our responsibility. We need to consume responsibly and encourage recycling. God’s message began with Genesis. Our scripture today was Genesis 1: 28-31.

Don’t forget Bible Study, Mondays at noon! People are welcome to join in! Another reminder is that if you have youngsters or grandchildren interested in Summer camp at Casowasco, we have registration forms you can fill out. It is a great opportunity for summer camp for kids, and there are several themed camps available to choose from.

As soon as things dry up a bit we will be once again doing road clean-up on our stretch of 54-a, likely early May- one of our missions to help the environment! Date will be chosen soon.

Spring is coming. So wonderful to see the daffodils and flowering trees popping open. And soon even more of our snowbirds will be returning to our fold.

April 18, 2024

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Cathy Albertson Green came to church ready for the total solar eclipse! Let the sun shine!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-18-2024

Pastor Jeannine’s message this past Sunday was on creativity, based on the scripture from Psalm 104, read by Helen Schillinger. Pastor Jeannine looked at the creativity of artists, using and re-creating colors. God‘s creativity is huge, and abilities that he gave us to use our talents are never-ending. Psalm 104 gives praise for creation. To be creative, we need to stop and smell the roses, consider small things like bugs, butterflies and sand. We need to breathe in and out and touch and feel God‘s objects. We need to re-capture the wow factors of amazement for all of God’s s creations. We need to watch a sunset, watch an eclipse, go to a museum or a concert, take a hike or a long drive and glorify in nature. At all these moments we can listen for God and appreciate what he has made for us.

Pastor Jeannine looked at her own talents. She wants to learn more about quilting, having recently made one basic quilt. Scrapbook materials she bought years ago are waiting for resurgence, in her attic. She feels she has not had or used a lot of creative blood in those endeavors, but feels God gave her talents for communication, despite being utterly fearful of public speaking earlier in her life. We so appreciate her speaking talents today, as she uses them in her pastoring abilities for and with us at BPUMC.

We are invited on April 26 and 27th to the Dresden United Methodist Church bazaar and luncheon. The church folks have been using their talents to showcase their creations.

More of our snowbirds are returning- the Hunt’s will be back this week! Happy Spring!

April 11, 2024

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:04 GMT

What a beautiful Easter service we had with Communion at Bluff Point United Methodist Church. He is Risen!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-11-2024

We had a beautiful Easter service with music and anthems to celebrate our risen Lord. Jesus had been nailed to the cross. Pastor Jeannine asked us if we thought that Jesus could have stopped it. He could have, but he didn’t because he died for us and our sins. The face cloth was found folded; the living body of Jesus was gone from the tomb and the remaining laundry was left. Mary was crying as the stone had been rolled away, and Jesus was gone. Peter and John saw the laundry; Mary saw two angels in the tomb. Mary turned, and saw the image of Jesus, who called to her by name. Jesus’s death may have been the worst thing but not the last thing, as his resurrection had occurred. This is made all the difference to us in our Christian lives.

The church women met the Wednesday after Easter for coffee and conversation at the Wagner. This will now be every other Wednesday at 9am at the Wagner. 14 people were in attendance for sharing.

Second Sunday brunch is planned on April 14. Other things coming up include April 28th, when Eric Detar and Keuka College students that went on a mission trip during their school break will share their experiences with us. We are sure this will be a very interesting presentation.

Come worship with us at 9am Sundays. We also have nursery for the little ones and Sunday school for the school-age children.

April 4, 2024

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Charlotte and Brylee enjoyed reading and sharing the story of Jesus’s last week, including the Last Supper with his followers and disciples. The children later made crosses during Sunday School, and talked about the Christian events leading to Easter!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

04-04-2024

Pastor Jeannine shared so much with us on Palm Sunday, as palms were distributed. We reflected on the ways Jesus went to his death to set us free. Jesus gave us a new life and a new humanity with the example of what we are to be like. He offered himself up as a sacrificial lamb.

Following the resurrection of Jesus, God sent the disciples to teach forgiveness. We are all able to be forgiven. Jesus demonstrated his forgiveness even from the cross. Pastor Jeannine asked us do we forgive those who bully us? Are we forgiven? We are to live big lives and follow the example of Jesus.

Pastor Jeannine encouraged all of us to sing Psalm 22. Jesus sang that psalm on the cross as he was dying. We need to pray for forgiveness. We can talk to God any place where we are, and at any time. We must ask God to help us.

The church women have decided to meet for coffee at 9 AM every other Wednesday at the Wagner. The next coffee date will be Wednesday, April 3. All are welcome.

We will be collecting pet food for a local pet food drive. Many people that hardly have enough food for themselves will feed their pets first. Collecting pet food for those in need helps keep pets with their families.

The choir anthem this Sunday was beautiful. It was entitled THE CROSS with lyrics by Bruce Westerdahl and music by Ron Miller. Thank you choir for this inspirational piece.

Our Madelyn Rose (Mosch) has signed for several local musical events at nearby venues this spring and summer. She will at them, singing her specialty, country music. She has had several recordings in Nashville. Check her site on Facebook! You can listen to the recordings online, but even better is to go and hear her in person. She has wonderful talent and so enjoys performing. Madelyn also sings in our choir and frequently has done solos in church.

Happy Spring and Easter, although this past Sunday was blanketed with 5 inches of snow, we are expecting spring flowers, warmer weather and sunshine soon! Come join us at our 9 AM Sunday services. We love having visitors join us.

March 28, 2024

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Thank you Brylee and Parker for helping with our service today. Grandpa Mike rang this bell as a young boy at this church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-28-2024

Snowbirds are returning! Welcome back Carol Clow!

We are readying for Easter! This past Sunday our lesson was from John 12: 20-33. We see the Greeks at a festival. Andrew and Philip went to Jesus. Jesus came to this hour. Jesus, the person healing people, teaching his disciples l, and eating with people that others thought he should not be associated with. An Angel spoke, not for Jesus but for the people. Jesus knew his time had come. Certain people had been seeking him out. His message had reached the foreigners. Humanity was composed of Christians and the rest of the world. This should not have been recognized, as we are all children of God, not us and them.

We often sense what is coming in our daily lives. Pastor Jeannine and Phil have two daughters who are polar opposites in politics. They are both passionate in their views. When they get going, Pastor Jeannine takes a deep breath, as she knows what is coming!

St Patrick’s Day! Pastor Jeannine asked if we knew what the shamrock represented - it’s the Trinity- father, son and Holy Ghost.

In addition to the announcements of community services, Pastor Jeannine is starting a girls coffee time at Oak Hill, at 10:30 Wednesdays- the men have had theirs for years, and the girls will not be left out. Come join in!

March 21, 2024

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:01 GMT

Happy March birthdays to many from our congregation and also those in the community!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-21-2024

The 4th Sunday in Lent. What a dark time but also one that we need to learn and study. The scripture reading was from March 15: 15-23. In this passage, 300-600 soldiers beat Jesus and spat on him. They were mean and brutal. Jesus did not ask for God to come and rescue him. He went through his suffering for us. So much suffering and death. The disciples were there, but fled in fear. Pastor Jeannine asked how many of us have reached out and help those who are bullied? We are often broken in need of forgiveness. God proves his love to us as Christ died for us from the days of torture to days of salvation and peace.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Maundy Thursday service at 6 PM on March 28. we will be having a light meal followed by a short service where we will be leaving the service in silence, commemorating this day.

Are your kids or grandkids interested in going to camp this summer at Casowasco? There are several camps available for children from 7 to 17. An experience for children to learn about Jesus and have a fun week at camp. Please see Phil Pearce, or Pastor Jeannine, if you are interested.

There are lots of community events leading to Easter, as well as those in our own church. Please feel free to join us!

March 14, 2024

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Happy 95th birthday to Art Wunder. Many of us attended his wonderful birthday party that Judy organized for his special birthday. Judy White-Wunder was a long time pastor in our church and she and Art are wonderful friends.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-14-2024

Bible study continues on Mondays with a Lenten study based on Ephesians, Whar makes a Hero?

We continue in church with the Lenten stories, many which are very sad and lead us to Christ‘s untimely death, and then his glorious resurrection. Pastor Jeannine showed us how the murderer Barabbas was released from prison, by Pontius Pilate. Jesus was more popular than others, and Pilate knew that he was not guilty of anything. He was handed over to be crucified. Pilate followed what was told to him as the crowd was yelling to crucify Jesus. Pastor Jeannine wondered how many of us are controlled by peer pressure? What have we done? Just listening to and following the crowd when we could’ve made better decisions on our own. Some people always want to fit in and join the groups that are more popular. Others want to stand out. Pastor Jeannine shared that in her own family she had one daughter growing up that always wanted to be frugal and spent her money wisely while her other daughter wanted to dress with everything stylish, which was often more expensive, but buying things that were more popular with the in-group. Some people go in debt just to keep up with the Joneses. In some instances, peer pressure can make one betray God.

We ponder the Easter story. When it comes right down to it, God knew the plan for Jesus, and knows the plans for us in our lives.

Come join us, as we discover more about the end of Jesus’s life-the story of Christ, who died to save us. All are welcome at church at 9 AM Sundays. Our address is 3044 Kinneys Corners Rd., Keuka Park, New York. Learn more about us on our website www.bluffpointumc.com

March 7, 2024

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Marilyn James reads scripture- she is the scripture reader for this past month. Thank you, Marilyn. Our readings lately have been from the New Testament book of Mark.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

03-07-2024

Pastor Jeannine talked to us this past Sunday about fear. Sometimes we can see danger when there is none. Pastor Jeannine related to us that she has a fear of heights. However, when she was 15 she got her private pilots license. That to her was different because she had control, where if she’s in a tall building or overlooking something low on the ground from a window, she could be petrified. Is that rational? Perhaps not, but it is real to her fear turn us into control freaks.

Onto our scripture, Peter had a fear of the persecution he would face by knowing Jesus for three years. Peter denied him three times, before the rooster crowed twice. Jesus had told him that this would happen. This was all in God‘s plan. Took hold of Peter. Peter did recognize his wrongs and followed Christ. In the end, Peter was hung upside down for his beliefs. Pastor Jeannine reminded us that where we live in this country, we fortunately are not crucified for our faith and are free to believe.

The Detar family recently returned from a Disney cruise where they saw their son Noah perform in many acts, including Peter Pan. How exciting for them - they must be very proud. Eric is now taking a group from Keuka College on an alternative spring break. We hope to hear of their adventures, what they learned, and how they helped others on their journey.

Congratulations to Emmaleigh Stempien for making the dean's list in her first semester at Nazareth University. Good work!

See you in church at 9 o’clock on Sundays.

1st Sunday of Lent

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

So nice to have Hayden with us this Sunday to ring our bell to welcome others to our Sunday service!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-29-2024

This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent. Going on to Easter. Jesus knew what was before him. Judas had sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus took Simon Peter, James and John, along with him to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had worked with the disciples for three years. The disciples fell asleep in the garden, even though Jesus repeatedly attempted to wake them up. Jesus threw himself onto the ground to pray.

Pastor Jeannine showed us how Jesus died for the sins of the world on the cross, to bring us to a relationship with God. Jesus knew that he was going to be betrayed. The time leading up to Easter is somber. We remind ourselves that we take up our cross in Christ. Jesus could have made a decision to bypass the cross, but he did what God wanted him to do. This Lenten season remains us to grow, and share our faith of Jesus with others. We do not fear death because we believe.

On Shrove Tuesday we all enjoyed a fat Tuesday, pancake, and sausage dinner. So much fun to join and fellowship together as we started the Lenten season. Thank you to the nurture committee for setting this up for us.

Stay posted as we find opportunities during this season in our Christian faiths as we lead toward the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Birthday Sunday

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Every month we celebrate our church birthdays of the month with a beautiful cake and refreshments. Happy February birthday, Bluff Point members, and also to all of you in the community that celebrate birthdays during this month of love.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-22-2024

We wish happy and safe travels to Eric Detar and his group of Keuka Collegs students who are going on an alternate spring break trip southward to help and minister to others, while learning the culture of a foreign land.

We are now into Lent. There will be many opportunities in our church and in the community to fellowship through this most important time in the Christian calendar. We are supporting the Living Well with needed donations from their reverse advent calendar. Please take a calendar if you have not already, and collect the items for donation! Items can be brought to church or take directly to the Living Well on Elm Street during their open hours.

Scripture this past Sunday was Mark 9: 2-9, read by Marilyn James. In this passage, we see that Jesus has lead Peter, James, and John to a mountaintop, where the deceased Elijah and Moses appeared. Pastor Jeannine’s sermon reflected this scripture. God knew Jesus needed reinforcement from Moses and Elijah to carry on. The will of God is in our lives, sharing faith. We have times in our lives where we face trials, tribulations and frustrations, but God is always with us telling us to go on, as he did with Jesus. Pastor Jeannine explained that Lent is a journey to Jerusalem and the cross. We need to take up our cross and follow him. The cross however is not the end of the story!

Please join us Mondays at noon for Bible study. The community is graciously welcome to participate. You also can see more about what is going on with Church on our website- www.bluffpointumc.com

We also have a Facebook page and many of our church anthems from our choir, and pictures from the service are included on it every week. This is a public page that you are free to check out.

See you Sunday at 9 AM!

Beginning of Lent

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Laurie Prinzivalli read a poem that Blanche Fingar wrote during church today, that fit in perfectly with the message for today. Blanche has such a way with words, as well as crocheting many of the prayer shawls for our ongoing prayer shawl ministry.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-15-2024

Here we are into February and the beginning of Lent. When you read this we will have celebrated our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner.

Our Bible Study group is thoroughly enjoying Monday Bible Studies for grown-ups, with lively discussions of the meanings of the topics. Come join us Mondays at noon!

Are you thinking of joining the Bluff Point United Methodist Church? Our new member class is on Saturday, February 24 9 AM to noon.

Our scripture this week was Mark 1: 29-39, read by Marilyn James. In the scripture we see that Jesus left the synagogue and went with James and John, to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon‘s mother-in-law was very ill with a fever, and Jesus went and touched and healed her. That evening he continued to drive out demons and heal others that had been brought to him.

Pastor Jeannine shared that we need to bring the power of God with us. We need social interaction to feel close to God and need support and affirmation. We see our faith in action. She ended telling us that Jesus did not come into the world to be served, but to serve us. we also need to be a servant too others when anyone is hurt or needs support. We are so fortunate to have such a loving Lord.

Recently, we have been cleaning out the bookcases at church and he had several books available for people to take and read. Time for early spring cleaning!

Thanks to Marguerite Miller for delicious snacks after church. Fellowship is an important time after church for us together, and reflect on our love for one another.

We have several in our church that have been in need of prayer. Please consider writing a note sending a card, an email or a phone call. These messages of cheer are so helpful.

Bible Study

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Our organist Elly Stempien is up and joined by her musically, talented husband, Jeff Stempien for choir and other numbers in church. Thank you, Jeff and Elly, for your musical contributions to church.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-08-2024

February is here, and we are entering Lent. Such a busy and important time in our church calendar. Events coming up soon include our Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on Tuesday, February 13 and an invitation to the Dresden United Methodist Church Valentines dinner on Wednesday, February 14.

Are you thinking of joining Bluff Point United Methodist Church? There will be a new member orientation class from 9 o’clock till noon on Saturday, February 24.

Our scripture this week was from Mark 1: 21-28. In the scripture, we see how Jesus ordered out evil spirits, and commanded them to leave. Jesus was a challenge to evil. He came to build a human bridge with outstretched arms. All people can have a new life- God will always be with us. Pastor Jeannine looked at how unclean spirits have taken hold in some peoples lives. 80% of people today that are homeless have issues with addictions. People have ruined relationships. We all need help at some point in our lives, but we need to ask for it.

During church, Grady Bray gave us some information on generational changes. He told us that the current Alpha generation folks have increased communication skills, listen well, are not as prejudiced as earlier generations, are optimistic and engaged. Alphas are generally people born from 2010 to the current time. People need to realize that there is reassurance in faith, and that we need to maintain hope for the future, rather than to think that the world is going to pieces, as each new generation brings its own contribution to us. The pendulum swings every 27 years!

People are really enjoying our noon Monday Bible studies. Currently, the topic is nursery stories for adults, where children’s stories are investigated deeper for their deeper meanings. All are welcome and you can come any week because the stories do not depend on one another.

Come and worship with us on Sundays. we are a warm congregation and always looking for new friends to join us!

Healing Service

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:01 GMT

Grady Bray anoints Pastor Jeannine in our special healing service. The service provided an opportunity to be open to God to receive restoration, reconciliation and wholeness.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

02-01-2024

On this third Sunday of epiphany, our parking lot was full of worshipers even on a chilly, 9° Sunday morning! Pastor Jeannine arranged a special healing service. The Lord forgives all of our inequity and heals our diseases and can redeem our lives from the pit.

Grady Bray read scripture from James 5: 13-16. He explained that James, the brother to Jesus wrote to Jewish Christians the teachings of the Torah and teachings of Christ. Jesus appeared to him while in prayer. Grady explained that James had knees as hard as a camel from prayer. Prayers are the oxygen that we breathe through our soul.

Pastor Jeannine then recalled a serious health problem she had in her past, which she had treated. She then engaged in both faith in prayer. Her family surrounded her with love. She then explained about the healing service she had prepared for us. Annointing with oil is a uniquely Christian practice, and often accompanied by holding hands, or the laying on of hands. The oil is placed in a formation of the cross or circle onto the forehead. Annointing shows blessing, dedication, and consecration. The whole congregation was moved by this meaningful service with its symbolization, and desire to repeat it on an annual basis.

Remember to put on your calendar our Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on February 13. Please sign up, so we know how much food to prepare There will also be a new member class from nine to noon on Saturday, February 24.

Current Bible study is on Bible stories for grown-ups. Our weekly Bible study is Monday at noon at church. All are welcome. Come join us!

Wintery greetings from BPUMC!

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Marjorie and Grady Bray joined our church family

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-25-2024

This past Sunday we had Marjorie and Grady Bray join our church family. We are so happy that they both decided to call Bluff Point United Methodist Church their church home. We celebrated after church at our second Sunday brunch, with a cake in their honor.

Our scripture is we was from Psalms 139: 1-6, 13-18. Grady Bray explained that there are nearly 150 palms in the Bible made of songs, poems, and prayers. This psalm explained how we are wonderfully made by God. Beaches, mountains, and all of the earth, as well as all of us are created intricately by God. God knows the number of hair on her head. He has carefully formed all of the 6 billion people on this Earth.

Pastor Jeannine use this theme for her sermon. She spoke of David, the greatest king of the Israelites. Even in David’s goodness he had his weaknesses. He lusted over Bathsheba, and sent her husband to the front lines as he wanted her, and it would be way of getting rid of her husband. Even today, when we fail, or do wrong, God forgives us. Even the darkness provides light. Even the worst can be turned to God‘s grace and forgiveness.

Events coming up include: February 13th a pancake dinner on Fat Tuesday and February 14th a Valentines dinner at Dresden United Methodist Church, which we are invited to attend. This will kick off the Lenten season.

Stay warm! Some of our congregation have been able to see a recent Buffalo Bills games in Buffalo. Watching from the couch may not be quite as much fun, but it certainly is warmer in the house!

Cconsecration Sunday

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 03:51:09 GMT

On this cold, snowy past Sunday of Epiphany, we celebrated Consecration Sunday

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-18-2024

On this cold, snowy past Sunday of Epiphany, we celebrated consecration Sunday. Our church 2024 pledges were blessed by Pastor Jeannine. She explained that consecration means to make holy or for a higher purpose. Each year we dedicate our financial resources and time to our church.

The scripture this week was from Matthew 2: 1-12. King Herod knew that a child had been born as the Maji had come to Jerusalem and asked where the newborn king of the Jews was. Herod was upset as he wanted to remain in charge as king. He ordered all children under two to be killed. The Maji then followed the star to the home where Jesus was with his mother, Mary, and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Pastor Jeannine asked us where we looked for God. The love of God has seen in our smiles, our volunteer is and being kind to our neighbors. Pastor Jean reminded us to come and talk with her anytime that we would like guidance or just to share.

We shared a cake and tasty baked cookies and fellowship after church, as well as treats by Trish DeMontfort. How lucky are we to have such a sharing congregation that show the love of God.

Music Sunday

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Aiden Cole played the piece, Oh Holy Night, for us on piano, with grandmother Elly Stempien thoughtfully looking on. Aiden is 10 years old, with amazing talent to share with us on music Sunday!

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-11-2024

Our last Sunday in December was a 5th Sunday music Sunday, with our choir performing three anthems, and guest performer Aiden Cole masterfully giving us his rendition of Oh Holy Night. Thanks to Ron Miller and all of our musical talent for another special music Sunday.

Here we are into 2024. Where do the years go? Looking at our birthday calendar we see that Remington Perry turns 7 this month, Harrison Fitch turns 14, and Hayley Andersen turns 21. Seems like yesterday they were just babies!

Pastor Jeannine looked at life, and our own impatience with things. She asked us if we like to wait. Most of us want immediate gratification. She looked at the song from the music group Queen, where Freddy Mercury sang that he wanted it all, and wanted it now. She looked at her own adult children that want everything new in their new home, something she and her husband have taken their whole marriage to obtain.

The scripture was from Luke 2: 22-40. Pastor Jeannine looked at Simeon, who was visited by God, and declared he would not die until he saw the Messiah. He was over 100 when Christ was born, and never lost faith that he would get to meet him. He waited his lifetime for this!

God has a call on our lives. Pastor Jeannine feels when we wait. Amazing things can happen. In her life she feels that God blessed her with her churches and ministry.

Prayers to the family of Virginia Dunning, who came to our Christmas Eve service with her family, and recently passed away. She had an active life until God called her home. Prayers also to the family of Bonnie Perry. Bonnie was very active in our community, and the mother-in-law of Aimee Perry, and grandmother of Remi, Harper and Emmaleigh.

Happy new year to everyone from Bluff Point United Methodist Church. Come and worship with us on Sundays at 9 AM.

Christmas Eve

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Sweet Meridyn Whitford lit our alter candles at BPUMC on Christmas Eve.

Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich

01-04-2024

It was so wonderful to share our Candlelight Christmas service with our community. It was a service filled with Christmas carol hymns, and scripture from the gospel of Luke, leading to, and announcing the birth of Jesus, our savior.

The Advent and Christ candles were lit- the candles of hope, joy, peace and love. Pastor Jeannine gathered the children around the nativity, asking what was missing. Our attentive children noticed that Jesus was not there, and then placed him in the cradle in the manger.

We can all be so busy around Christmas, but coming together on Christmas Eve reminds us all the more that the birth of Christ is the reason we celebrate. Yes, we celebrate especially on this day with friends and family, with love and thankfulness in our hearts.

We thank our choir for their two Christmas Eve anthems, and also Madeline Mosch and Aimee Perry, who each sang beautiful solos to glorify our musical service.

Our Christmas Eve service ended with singing the hymn Silent Night by candlelight.

Happy New Year, 2024, from our congregation. We have been blessed with Pastor Jeannine Biehls, and her husband, Phil this year. We have all worked together as a congregation to both help our community and meet our mission goals. There however has been the sadness of several losses of longtime members of our congregation this year. Our sincere condolences to the family of Sally Head, recently went to her eternal home in heaven just before Christmas. She joins her husband Ed Head, who passed in 2022.

Our door is always open for our 9 AM service on Sundays. You also can find out information about our church on our website, bluffpointumc.com