Look where our Lenten journey has brought us!
We walked the seashore and the hills with Jesus.
We went to the upper room and to the garden of sorrows.
We stood at the cross and hid in a room out of fear.
Now we are here, in the splendor and beauty of this place!
Everything is bursting with life. Jesus is alive! He is risen!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! AMEN!
“Operatic Women and Modern Women: Empowerment Through Victimization”
March 31, 2019
Opera is a reflection of both the best and the worst of our society, especially for women.
On Saturday evening, March 30, the Chapel's "Conversations for an Engaged Community" series hosted members of Ithaca College music faculty and Ithaca Opera performers, who held a benefit performance to highlight and discuss the roles women play in opera, and how they reflect both their victimization and empowerment.
Dawn Pierce, Alison Wahl and Rachel Schultz, presented arias from Bizet, Mozart and Berg, all ably accompanied by Maria Rabbia, collaborative pianist, to an audience of 80 happy opera fans.
Taking advantage of the sanctuary's fine acoustics, they celebrated the joys of women singing some of women's most intriguing roles in opera.
The concert was followed by a truly engaged discussion with the singers—all Ithaca College teaching faculty—on whether or not these roles should be sung with our new feelings about women in the arts, or interpreted as (we imagine) the composer meant them to be.
Donations at the event benefitted the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, which provides support, advocacy and education for survivors of domestic violence, survivors of child sexual abuse, and survivors of adult sexual assault. www.actompkins.org
Ithaca United Methodist Churches Reaffirm Message of Love and Inclusion
by Sara Haefeli and Lydia Dolch
February 27, 2019, Ithaca, NY
Introduction
The United Methodist General Conference decision to toughen up anti-gay rules about marriage and ordination is out of alignment with the belief systems and mission of the two United Methodist congregations in Ithaca according to lay leaders Lydia Dolch, Tigran Chatrchyan, and Sara Haefeli.
Both St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Forest Home Chapel (UMC) are Reconciling Congregations, a progressive, inclusive movement in the United Methodist Church that welcomes all, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, ability, immigration status, or any other label used to stigmatize others.
Read the full press release here.
Ithaca United Methodists Respond To Decision to Ban Same Sex Marriages, Ordinations
by Celia Clarke, WSKG Radio
March 1, 2019
Chapel Lay Leader Sara Haefeli and St. Paul's United Methodist Church Lay Leader Lydia Dolch. Photo by Celia Clarke, WSKG
This week the global meeting of the United Methodist Church voted to maintain a ban on same sex marriages and ordinations. It’s the third largest faith community in the United States. Many American Methodists hoped for a different outcome.
WSKG’s Celia Clarke spoke with Lydia Dolch and Sara Haefeli, two Lay Leaders. They sat down in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ithaca a few blocks from WSKG’s studio.
Listen to the segment here.
"Bearing the Cross: Stations, Reflections and Prayers"
Fourteen iconic photos from the life of Dr. King are hung about the sanctuary, and a devotional booklet with context, quote and prayer for each station.
The exhibit will be on view through Easter (April 21). The sanctuary is open to all Sunday mornings for worship at 10:30, and is open and empty from 11:30–12:30, a good time for quiet viewing of the installation. If you would like to schedule a private viewing, please use the Contact Us page on this website. To download the booklet, please click Here.
Chapel congregation members collaborated to produce this moving exhibit. The original installation of photographs and booklet has traveled to at least a dozen churches and sites in Tompkins County. It is still out there, traveling, to witness to God's love and justice exemplified in King's ministry.
YOGA CLASSES in the Fellowship Hall, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Amita Verma instructor. All levels of strength welcomed, especially beginners. This yoga class will inspire you to care for the body and spirit. $5 free-will donation benefits Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard.
For weekly updates on exact class schedules, please contact Amita directly at amita.ithaca@gmail.com.
