July 5, 2026 Service
July 16, 2026
Here are two of our 4th of July firecrackers!
Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich
07-16-26
This past Sunday was our Fourth of July Sunday as we celebrated our 250th birthday of America almost everyone in the congregation wore red, white, and blue and celebration of the day.
Pastor Jeannine showed the kids a jar of elbow macaroni and shook it. She has the kids if they like to eat dried macaroni or would eat macaroni with macaroni and cheese or with butter if it was cooked. The macaroni comes to life when it’s cooked. She also told them about dried bones. Can these bones live again? God brings life into us with the power of the Holy Spirit and calls his people back to himself. She told them about a vision of dried bones. The dried bones represent the nation of Israel in history they represented bones on the floor of the valley.
Pastor Jeannine told a story of the Statue of Liberty with the torch and book message. One little girl asked her parents if they could help the lady hold up the torch. She felt that her arm was getting tired. And on the Fourth of July, we celebrate freedom, justice, and mercy just like our church bell, we need to ring freedom’s bell.
Happy summer and we hope that you all enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday as we celebrated our Country’s special birthday!
Our sincere condolences to the family of Dana Schillinger. Dana and Helen have been long-term members and supporters of Bluff Point United Methodist Church. They are both in church almost every Sunday. Dana was in church last Sunday before he passed rather suddenly this past Tuesday. On military occasions, he would often wear his uniform which still fit him. We will miss his kind ways but know than our brother in Christ is with Jesus. Please keep Helen in your prayers.
Leah Dibble helps with fellowship after church. We enjoy our social time. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 07-09-26 School is out for the summer! We have many enthused children that are happy about summer vacation, although this year we do not have any graduates. We do have two students in college. Pastor Jeannine recognized many members of the church that have helped with nursery and Sunday school through the year. We love our kids and are glad that we have active programs to support their growth and learning about Jesus. They also get to have some playtime and crafts while in Sunday school. Pastor Jeannine told the kids and the adults the story about Abraham and Isaac. Isaac was born when Sara and Abraham were very elderly and he was very much loved. God told Abraham to go up the mountain and build an altar. The idea was that Isaac would be sacrificed, sadly, is Sarah and Abraham had waited many years to be parents. Abraham listened to God, and believed God would provide a sacrificial lamb. Abraham trusted God and believed that he would provide, and not have to sacrifice his son. This lesson shows us that we need to believe and trust in God. The lesson is based on scripture from Genesis 22: 1 through 14. God meets us in our times of need, however, sometimes we need to ask him for his help. Our church has had several recent passings of elderly congregation members, which has tested many of us with these losses. We need to trust and obey God- it’s not blind faith but trusted faith, that he will provide for us in times of need. Snacks this week or courtesy of Joyce Wiedrich and Leah Dibble. We do enjoy our fellowship after church! Please come join us at church at 9 AM on Sundays. We have a loving congregation and a very caring minister.
Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they had hobbies, like birdwatching! Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 07-02-26 Pastor Jeannine asked the kids if they had hobbies like building things, reading, taking pictures or birdwatching. Did God like birdwatching? Maybe his hobby was looking after us. We are more precious to him than a whole flock of birds. God loves all the sparrows and all the birds and takes care of them, but we’re more precious to him, and he will take care of us. Pastor Jeannine is overwhelmed with her love for children and her grandchild, with another one on the way soon. God, his unexpected blessings. God creates possibilities when everyone else sees impossibilities. If God promises it, he will perform it. Our promise is not dependent upon the economy, gas prices, rising grocery prices. God promises a future. God loves us. Remember the story of Ishmael. He was seen as an outcast but God saw him as a leader. You may be overlooked but God sees you as a promise. God sees us and hears us. We celebrated Father’s Day. The kids passed out cookies to all the guys. Our men love baked goods! School is out- be careful of kids running around and riding their bikes! See you in Church on Sunday!
Marguerite Miller gave the children’s sermon with a telephone game and message for them to share, all about Jesus Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 06-25-26 Wow, this year is half over already- where does time go? This past week Pastor Jeannine and Phil were out of town and Stacey Wyatt gave the message based on faithfulness. We’ve been talking about love, joy, kindness and faithfulness. We need a divine faith. Our scripture reading was from Matthew 9: 35 through Matthew 10: 8. The disciples made Simon Peter start a church. Our church of Bluff Point was started in 1838 and moved to its present location in the 1890s. One of our congregation members had a grandfather whom helped dig the basement by hand for the current church. Stacey Wyatt told us about several people who have had a divine faith. One was Horatio Spaddord,a businessman from Chicago. He had a very successful business and he and his family planned a journey to Europe. His wife and children went ahead because he still had business to complete. And November 22, 1873, the vessel that his family was on struck an obstacle and sank. His four daughters perished, however his wife survived. After learning of this tragedy, he wrote the hymn- It is well with my Soul, which we sang as our last hymn. Despite unimaginable tragedy he was able to praise the Lord. Despite any obstacles in our life, we need to keep our faith and realize that God will look after us in any circumstance. Faith gets us to heaven and while on earth we need to grow our faithfulness.
Chris Wyant helps Merik Whitford make a magnetic tile castle. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 06-18-26 Pastor Jeannine got out of stethoscope and asked kids what that was. She told them that Jesus helped to make people well, not only those that were lame or blind, but also those who were hurting. She told the story of Jesus asking Matthew to follow him. Matthew was a tax collector and not well liked by people, but Jesus welcomed him. Matthew watched Jesus heal many people. He left his job and spent his time following Jesus. Pastor Jeannine’s sermon followed in this vein, reminding us not to judge others, even though it’s hard, we should be showing kindness and repentance. We need to meet people where they are. God made disciples of all nations. Jesus saw Matthew for who he was in his heart, even though he was an outcast being a tax collector. He left everything and committed his life to Christ. We had a wonderful carnival for the kids this past weekend. They were outdoor games, a bounce house, tie-dying T-shirts, painting and crafts. In the sanctuary, the children learn songs and had a message from Pastor Jeannine, focusing and love, kindness, and self-control. Thank you to Marguerite and Ron Miller, Chris Wyant, and all the others that helped make this a reality for nearly 20 children. Hopefully we can do this again next year! The day was capped off with pizza and ice cream sundaes.
We recently had a great musical Sunday. Our choir performed five numbers, and the kids sang a beautiful patriotic song. We’re lucky to have musical talent and many groups to participate! Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 06-11-26 Pastor Jeannine asked children if they’ve ever known something that they wanted to tell the whole world about. She told him about people putting messages in a bottle. Harold Meyer put three bottles in the Caribbean. He put a dollar in each bottle with instructions to use the money to send a letter and let him know that the bottles had been found. She also pointed out scripture from John three verse 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. A better way than putting messages in bottles is to show by your actions and words the person that you are. It’s good for all of us to share God’s grace with others. We had many participants in our recent music Sunday. Choir sang five numbers and the children sang God bless America, waving their flags Visitors joined us, participating in music Sunday, including Bill Turner, Mindy Tortolon, Bonna McMahon and Kaylee Will. Kaylee played a beautiful music number by memory. We also passed the buckets to collect donations for Yates County Habitat for Humanity. Thanks to Dee Brezinsky for bringing and serving tasty snack for fellowship. Happy summer. The weather finally is cooperating!
Happy birthday Pastor Jeannine! We celebrated after church Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 06-04-26 This past weekend we celebrated Pentecost Sunday- seven weeks after Jesus was crucified. Everyone in our congregation wore red to signify Pentecost Sunday. Pastor Jeannine spoke of the time. She told us how a servant came and recognized Peter as the man who was with Jesus. Peter denied that he knew Jesus and then went away and wept in the courtyard. He realized he had denied his friend. Peter lived with that guilt. At this time, after the crucifixionJesus was more life than ever. Over 3000 people had joined his movement. Christianity spread like wildfire. Just like Peter, God speaks to us in our moods and emotions. In moments of doubt. God is always there. This was also memorial day Sunday. Pastor Jeannine gave recognition to those that have served in any of the armed services. This next Sunday, we will pass the buckets for Yates County Habitat for Humanity, as it is music Sunday. Dick Smith gave us an overview of the program. In Yates County it started in 1991 with a home in Himrod, with land that a gentleman had purchased and donated. The 21st Home is being built currently in Yates County. People wanting a home through habitat need mortgage approval and need to individually have 250 hours of sweat equity. There are always a need for volunteers to come and help with the projects to keep the costs down as low as possible. It is a wonderful program that has provided an affordable house to many families throughout the years. In the sanctuary, we have baby bottles from CareNet to be filled with pocket change. CareNet is another organization Yates County that gives a lot of support to pregnant women and young families. Remember to sign your child up for summer Bible festival 9 AM Saturday June 6 at Church. This program is open to the community and we are hoping that many will join us.
Christy, Stacy and Chris help with our section of road clean-up on 54-A Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 05/28/2026 This past Saturday, we said goodbye to our friend in Christ, Sally Thomas, in a beautiful service at church. Pastor Jeannine gave me wonderful eulogy, and her grandchildren gave some outstanding memories of her wonderful life, citing her love of artistry, the Penn Yan area, and their camp in the Adirondacks. We will miss Sally and her smile! Thank you to the Reay’s and the Warrens for snacks after church. Music Sunday is May 31. Bring your friends and neighbors to join us. Pastor Jeannine asked the children if they had ever watched helium balloons float. She told them that Jesus ascended like helium balloons do. Our sermon was based on scripture from Acts 1: 1-11 Read by Stacy Wyant. Pastor Jeannine told his story traveling down Route 95 looking for hundreds of miles at the South of the Boarder signs. The motel and retail establishment was just over the border between north and South Carolina. She was reminded of the saying are we there yet? How many parents have not heard that in the car hundreds of times from their children. The disciples asked Jesus are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel? Is it almost time? Will it happen? She reminded us that we don’t need to know the exact time of when Christ is coming- only that he is coming again. The Holy Spirit is our bridge. Please join us in church 9 AM Sundays!
We welcome Nancee Scott as a member of our congregation. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 05/21/2026 We had a beautiful Mother’s Day celebration Meridyn Whitford sing a beautiful solo about Mamas. What a gorgeous talent and voice for a little girl! Pastor Jeannine spoke to the children of how we should talk to God. Moms always pray for their kids. We first learn how to pray by saying the Lord‘s prayer and talking to God first asking for forgiveness. You can pray anywhere in nature at your bedside at the kitchen table, God hears us wherever we are. Pastor Jeannine continued on telling us not to pray just when we have needs. Life shouldn’t seem like chaos in the Wizard of Oz starting out in black-and-white and then full color at the end. We need to glorify God and rejoice when prayers are answered. Sometimes we need moments of silence when we plug into God through prayer- it changes our frame of mind. We have had so many losses lately in our congregation of our faithful servants of God. First, Meredith Nielsen then Sally Thomas, and most recently, Laura Hammond. Prayers for all the families in their loss. This week we think and pray especially for Jean Murdock and her family in the loss of Laura. Jean often brought her mother to church, most recently on Easter Sunday. Her service is planned at church on June 20. Here ye, hear ye! We are planning a summer Bible festival. This will be held on June 6 from nine until noon for children ages 4 through 12. Activities include a bounce house, arts and crafts, waterfun, food, bubbles, fishing, and games as well as learning about Jesus. Please call to register: (315) 521–7619). On June 14 will be taking pictures for our new church directory followed by a pancake supper. Lots of things going on at Bluff Point UMC! We welcomed Nancee Scott to our congregation this past week, who transferred her membership into our church. We are glad to have her join our fold! Come visit and come worship with us. 9 AM Sunday.
Here’s our Waneta passionately, reading scripture of the week. Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 05/14/2026 Our scripture and lesson this week was based on the scripture of John 14. Pastor Jeannine showed us that Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, in that whomever believed in him would have everlasting life. He asked us to obey his teaching and his commands. Jesus told his disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them. This is a foundation of our Christian faith. Our sincere condolences to the family of Sally Thomas. Sally was a faithful member of our congregation whom we will miss dearly. Her memorial service is planned at church at 2 PM on Saturday, May 16. Sally always had a smile on her face and a good word for others. We also send condolences to Sharon Jenks and family in the recent passing of Wes Jenks. Wes was our pastor for many years in the 1980 and 90s. After his retirement, he and Sharon settled in Florida. We will always remember his guitar playing, and the trips that he and Judy White Wunder planned to many places, including Pigeon Forge! We will be replanning the date of our pancake supper to our next brunch Sunday, the second Sunday in June, at church. Road cleanup is May 15 at 9 AM. Others are welcome to join us. It usually only takes an hour and beautifies our road near the church on 54-a. Please meet at church at 9 AM where we will divy up the route. Pray for no rain, but if it does rain, we will reschedule. See you at church on Sunday! Remember music Sunday is May 31!
Thank you, Ron Miller for all you do musically for us. Our choir always sounds awesome! Article by Joyce L. Wiedrich 05/07/2026 Pastor Jeannine gave our lesson today about the good Shepherd. She started with the kids telling them that Jesus was there to protect them and all of us. The sheep know the shepherd‘s voice and come to him, but scurry away from other people if they do not recognize them or their voice. Pastor Jeannine continued on, showing the adults that Jesus was the gate to the sheep. Whoever enters the gate will be saved. The Shepherd knows all his sheep by names. He knows all of us too, our names and even the hairs on our head and chest. Jesus rose again to be the shepherd for all of us. We are saved because of him- he gave his life not only for his sheep, but for us. Max Lucado‘s study on taming your thoughts begins with Bible study at 9 AM Saturday. All are welcome. Trish DeMondfort will be leading the Bible study. Road cleanup of our section on 54-a will begin at 9 AM on Friday, May 15. All are welcome to join in. We meet at the church at 9 AM and split up for our assignments. All are welcome to join. Several of us traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania recently for the memorial service for Bruce Westerdahl. The family did an awesome job with the service with plenty of memories and videos of both Bruce and Nancy. Bruce was our pastor for many years during the 1980 in 1990s. He lived a long life passing in December 2025 at age 94, in joining his beloved wife, Nancy in heaven. The memorial service for Meredith Nielsen will be at church at 11 AM on Friday, May 8. Our dear Meredith was a lifelong member of our church and is so missed! Another music Sunday! There are five Sundays in May so our next music Sunday will be May 31. The kids will begin practicing their numbers. Come and join us. Thank you to Warren and Melissa Kinsey for after church snacks this week!