© 2016 Western Presbyterian Church; 101 E. Main St.; Palmyra, NY 14522;  315-597-9171

Families

Western Presbyterian Church

Families are an integral part of life and faith at Western Presbyterian Church and ministering to family needs is a particular focus of the church.  Family composition at WPC covers a broad spectrum from those that span 3 and 4 generations to those who are newly formed or new to the area and everything in-between.  We seek to provide worship and programs that address the diverse needs, body and soul, of our families (both within the congregation and encompassing the community beyond).  We believe that caring for families is a part of the church’s mission and contributes to the overall well being of the congregation and the community.  We seek to build upon and are grateful for the blessings provided by the natural beauty of the western New York region with its many lakes, rivers and wildlife as well as a rich history of pioneering faith.  Below you will find a number of features from our community and church of interest to families. SPLASH! ·    Birth to age 3 program offered through WPC ·    Featuring monthly newsletters with ideas for interacting with tots and a CD of songs given as a baptismal gift ·    Under development:  a Sunday School class for birth to 3 yrs old CANAL TOWN NURSERY SCHOOL ·    Hosted by and a mission of WPC ·    2 programs available:  3 yrs old and 4 yrs old ·    4 qualified and dedicated teachers ·    Four class rooms provide a safe environment that promotes learning and fun; the muscle room allows indoor activities that encourage large muscle development and an outlet for energetic children ·    Mom and Tot Program-weekly gatherings include guided play as well as time for Moms to socialize while the children ease into school time separation ·    Link:  http://www.ctnschool.org WORSHIP ·    Sunday School:  features a simple Sunday worship gathering ·    Comfortable for parents with small children or children with special needs ·    Offers an opportunity for children to participate in the service (as ushers, readers etc) ·    “Peter’s Perspective” ·    10:00 worship:  features beautiful choir and organ accompaniment ·    Nursery care is provided by caring, dedicated volunteers from the congregation ·    Wide variety of appropriate toys and activities are provided ·    Offers an opportunity for children to develop relationship with the church family YOUTH PROGRAMS ·    f.r.o.g.s. (fully reliant on God’s supper) ·    6th-8th grade participants ·    Very active group that offers events based on Scripture, builds fellowship and a living faith ·    Recent events have included:  a winter weekend at Circle C Ranch, Halloween Historical Cemetery Tour (complete with live actors), Food Drive Scavenger Hunt (kids took their faith to the streets and collected food to replenish the local food pantry) ·    Senior High:  Youth Session Delegate SUNDAY SCHOOL ·    Classes offered for students ages 3-18 ·    Curriculum follows the worship liturgy ·    Instruction is provided by dedicated teachers/aides led by a paid Sunday School Director ·    Instruction is augmented by a variety of group/annual events such as Christmas Pageant, Market Place (students experienced a marketplace from the time of Christ) & Pentecost Birthday party ·    An adult class is also offered on Sunday Mornings  Vacation Bible School ·    2005 featured Bible-times Marketplace where students and their families had the opportunity to experience a marketplace from the time of Christ.  Scripturally based events were enhanced by interactive exhibits included:  brick making, scroll printing, mixing your favorite essential oil, rope making, paying the tax man and foods (we never forget the foods) ·    Marketplace activities continued throughout the Sunday School year providing a continuity to learning and developing faith ·    2006 featured The Kingdom of the Son where a prayer safari helped students unpack The Lord’s Prayer CONFIRMATION CLASS ·    Structured on a mentor/confirmand basis ·    In depth ·    Group events ·    Program runs from October to May ·    Service Project represents a culminating assignment  SCHOOLS ·    Three public school structures:  elementary, middle-school and high school ·    All public schools are located in the township ·    Full academic and sports curriculum ·    Olympic size pool with aquatic curriculum available to students and residents of the community ·    Link:  http://www.palmac.k12.ny.us  COMMUNITY CENTER ·    Located in town ·    Offers a variety of instructional sports programs for all ages (youth, adult and senior) ·    Crafting, dancing, exercise and day care programs ·    Senior expeditions ·    Link:  http://www.palmyracommunitycenter.org/resource.htm ERIE CANAL         ·    Historic NY landmark ·    Aqueduct park features a working canal lock system ·    Hiking, biking, boating-year round activities ·    Short walk to downtown Palmyra ·    Link:  http://www.palmyrany.com/pal_erie_canal.htm  HOUSING: ·    2040 families reside in Palmyra (2000 census) ·    Housing environments include town, village and rural settings ·    Median house value $84500. ·    Link:  http://www.city-data.com/city/Palmyra-New-York.html COMMUNITY EVENTS ·    Year round events/entertainment take advantage of the changing seasons and nearby waterfronts available on Lake Ontario and the Finger lakes ·    County Fairgrounds are located in the town of Palmyra ·    Ski Facilities are located in a number of nearby communities ·    Local events include:  The Amazing Maize Maze, Spinners Local Family Skater Center, The annual Hill Cumorah Mormon Pageant and the famous Canal Town Days featuring the WPC Ox Roast