Team Report Highlights
Building Use Report
Last year the “Build Our Community” Task Force decided to take an inventory of the building’s use and partners after reading Robert D. Lupton’s book Toxic Charity. What was gleaned from the book study is a need to evaluate and keep a thumb on all the activities happening in the building. By keeping various programs going, we are creating trust and friendship with people from downtown Binghamton and all the surrounding neighbor hoods. In measuring the church’s impact on the local community, we are able to make note of that change. We as a congregation are blessed to see change in the lives of those we serve, and change in our spiritual lives for the better.
UPC maintains many integral community partnerships to create the largest impact on our friends and neighbors. For several years, VINES has been a major partner by maintaining the front garden and serving on a community meal team, as well as offering cooking and gardening classes and farm-share opportunities for fresh produce for local families. VINES and Rescue Mission continue making light work of all the preparation that goes in to feeding up to 150 people weekly. We also continue our long-standing partnership with the Binghamton City School District, housing their daytime Adult Education (GED) program and their alternative education site for at-risk students.
VINES director Amelia LoDolce leads a “Gardening 101” class to teach community members about planning an urban garden.
We have many health and wellness partners and the list is still growing. We host Narcotics Anonymous meetings on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. In February, we acquired a new partner in the fight against drug addiction: Truth Pharm moved into the building, with an office on the second floor, a storage room in the basement, and monthly informational & support meetings. They have made a great addition and an ideal partner in doing ministry in downtown Binghamton. Healthy lifestyle partnerships continue between UPC and Southern Tier AIDS Program, Southern Tier Care Coordination, Family Enrichment Network, Elmcrest Children’s Center, Lourdes Mission in Motion Mammography van, and United Health Care, who have all been to the building doing weekly programming or monthly information sessions. We welcomed 6 women in May who had mammograms done here; we are saving lives even in the church parking lot!
UPC serves the children of our community, hosting the Broome County Urban League, which has a thriving school-year and summer childcare program that is one of few childcare options downtown; as well as the Binghamton Children’s Choir, a free music education program that offers kids ages 7–13 a chance to sing, dance, play simple percussion instruments, and participate in choreographing songs.
Children in the Urban League’s after-school childcare program enjoy a healthy snack.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II was the keynote speaker at the Poor People Campaign’s kickoff event in October.
We support advocacy and civil rights through our partnerships with Citizen Action of New York’s Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, the Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier’s “Inside and Out” support group for families of the incarcerated or recently released, and the Workers’ Center of the Southern Tier whose office is located in our building. Through our Mission-Funded Staff program, we provide job training and experience to individuals who have been previously incarcerated and now need to learn good workplace habits and build their resumés. After the violence in in August in Charlottesville, Virginia, UPC hosted an interfaith prayer vigil. In October, we hosted the Faith for a Fair New York conference which featured a mass meeting for the Poor People’s Campaign.
In August, over 200 people gathered to sing and pray for love and peace to triumph over hatred and bigotry.
UPC partners in religious work with Children of Abraham, participating in interfaith activities with us every year; and with the Broome County Council of Churches, supporting their Jail Ministry and utilizing CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) as a resource for our community meal. We provide storage space for the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley and host their monthly Cabinet meetings. We also support the Hands of Hope Free Methodist Church, providing office space and meeting space during the week.
We also partner with many musically talented individuals and groups, including the Binghamton chapter of the American Guild of Organists, the Binghamton Downtown Singers, and the Classical Pianists of the Future. Of the many partnerships, large and small, we have been honored and humbled to host the Madrigal Choir of Binghamton for more than a decade. It is with regret that we announce the Madrigal Choir moved out of UPC in early June to a new home and office on the west side of town at Trinity Episcopal Church.
We are so happy that we can partner with so many organizations that are helping to make a real, positive impact on the lives of people in downtown Binghamton and the surrounding area. Thank you for your support in welcoming all of these groups into our building to do ministry with us!
Communications Team
Using print, digital, broadcast, and other media as appropriate, we strive to keep members of the congregation and the community informed about programs and services available at UPC, and to encourage a welcoming environment at the UPC building entrances and lobby.
Activities in 2017–18
- Publications including the UP-Beat Newsletter, Sunday Worship Guide and “This Week” leaflet, Annual Activity Report, church directory, and “Partners Together” brochure for this year’s stewardship campaign.
- Logo design for 200th anniversary celebration and our new participation with the More Light Presbyterians registry.
- Design of a new outdoor vinyl sign for use at church events and when tabling at community events such as University Fest.
- Brochures describing educational programs, volunteer opportunities, church history, and general information about UPC.
- Website and social media management, and maintaining lobby screen monitor.
- Directional signs for events and group meetings; signage and permits for parking lot use.
- Placement of paid newspaper ads featuring holiday worship services and other special events.
- Audio/video support for group meetings held in the building, including a live video stream for Poor People’s Campaign event in October.
The new bulletin board located outside the Library Lounge, near the sanctuary doors, provides space to highlight church activities and information. The addition of this bulletin board also allows for expanded community use of the lobby bulletin board.
Pictured: Visitor interest cards in the pew racks provide a bit of information about us and give visitors a chance to tell us about their interests.
Future Plans
In the near future, we will begin video streaming our Sunday worship services via Facebook Live. This will allow for live viewing and provide a long-term video archive of our services that can be accessed any time.
Our new electronic outdoor sign is nearing completion. It will be a visible reminder that our church is open and thriving, and we will use it to advertise weekly worship services as well as special programs.
Property Team
The Property Team strives to have us be good stewards with the physical resources that we have so that we can continue to be a place for God’s mission in this community. That job entails:
- Making sure the building is welcoming, clean, and safe—for worship, programs, and mission that takes place here.
- Being consciously ecologically minded in the ways in which we manage the building.
- Working to keep what we have in good working order, making repairs as necessary, and upgrading what does not meet new standards.
Highlights of 2017–18
Energy upgrades:
- Acquired a loan from the PC(USA) to help fund energy upgrades.
- Replaced all the windows in the education building.
- Installed solar covers for the Terrace Room skylights installed, greatly reducing the summertime heat in the Terrace Room.
- Repaired Narthex radiators.
- Initiated talks for the next energy audit.
We just got a report from Climate Control, now that we have had a full year with new thermostats. We were hoping to realize an 8–10% energy savings. We have gotten a 24.2% energy savings!!! We will be applying for a NYSEG rebate with this information.
Pictured: Some of the many projects the Property Team has been working on this year.
Top left: New solar covers for the Terrace Room skylights let the sunlight in while keeping the solar heat out.
Bottom left: The new white sealant on the roof repaired leaks, and as a bonus it reflects the summer heat.
All of the windows in the education building have been replaced with energy-efficient windows.
The proposed kitchen renovation plan, prepared by BCK-IBI Architects.
Interior repairs and improvements:
- Started renovation plans for the kitchen and for the 1st floor; kitchen plans have been progressing first with studies, surveys of the building, and testing.
- Kept up with maintenance of boilers, HVAC, plumbing, cleaning, inspections, etc.
- Instituted Thursday work days.
- Upgraded bathrooms with higher toilets, automatic faucets, lighting, etc.
- Ordered new fire doors for exterior of building; had glass doors to parking lot replaced and moved to comply with ADA guidelines.
- Cleaning and repairing the inside of the bell tower.
- Installed a sensor in the elevator to prevent it from closing on people.
- Expanded wireless internet in the building for Session meetings and book studies.
- Relocated the main sound board and rerouted wiring in the sanctuary to facilitate live streaming worship services.
- Made sound system improvements—especially in the nursery.
- Finished Heritage display area.
The new sensor in the elevator door prevents the door from closing when any part of the door opening is obstructed. Hooray!
Exterior repairs and improvements:
- Continued repointing brickwork on education building to stop leaks.
- Implemented a parking permit system to ensure building users have parking spots.
- Researched parking lot repaving, and discovered it needs to be repaired then repaved.
- Added security cameras.
Future Plans
- Replace roof over Chapel/Library Lounge and repair Chapel.
- Repair and repave parking lot.
- Repair brickwork on sanctuary towers.
- Renovate kitchen, which will necessitate a fire alarm system upgrade.
- Look into security system upgrades.
- Replace remaining outside fire doors.
- Continue to research renovation plans for 1st floor.
The list goes on and on as we continue to keep this downtown beauty active and vibrant. Join us when you can!
Spiritual Formation Team
The Spiritual Formation Team seeks to nourish lifelong spirituality and Christian growth. We wish to strengthen our spiritual core and broaden our reach into the community.
Highlights of 2017–18
Partners Together was initiated: This campaign aimed to raise our consciousness of UPC’s ministry and mission and secure the interest and support of the congregation. A brochure was produced to show the variety of programs that UPC and our partners are doing. Members and friends met in small groups and were given the opportunity to make a variety of commitments — from working on a special project to giving dollars and prayers to a cause close to their hearts.
Adults participated in five book studies and discussed three movies: The subjects ranged from social justice issues such as eviction and white privilege to themes fostering spirituality. Bible study and prayer groups gave added grounding for daily living. Participation was increased by having a variety of topics as well as daytime and evening times available. Several books were read by staff and others in our community who were intrigued by the interesting topics.
This year’s adult education program included a variety of books as well as a film series during Lent.
Ethan and Ellis deliver a Sunday School craft to mom and dad.
Children are welcome and nourished during worship: Several times during the year, the children sang, marched, or took a specific part in worship. A PrayGround space for our youngest worship participants, with quiet toys and books, is found in the left front of our sanctuary. A special childrens’ worksheet ties into the scripture for the day. The children and parents are enthusiastic with this inclusion in worship. A nursery is available if that suits the family’s needs.
Seasons of the Spirit curriculum helps unify music, visuals, and teaching: The scripture message is reinforced both to the congregation in worship and to the adult and children’s Sunday School classes, as well as for the team who develop each season’s material.
Connections and community were enhanced: The Team sponsored a lunch in September to start the program year by welcoming all ages to develop their own Christian growth during 2017–2018.
Congregational Retreat at Stony Point Conference Center: Our fall church retreat was once again a spiritually renewing experience for those who could attend this annual event. The theme for the weekend was “Bread for the Journey” led by our pastors, with a drop-in visit by Rick Ufford-Chase, the Co-Director of Stony Point. We enjoyed the luscious organic food, trail walks, and pottery throwing led by Suzie Northrop Raboy.
Suzie Northrop Raboy led a pottery-throwing session at the congregational retreat in November.
Future Plans
Initial plans are coming together for an at-home retreat next February based on the St. John’s Bible, a modern hand-written Bible with dramatic art to illuminate the text. This will include a day of immersion as well as single events that can include our Jewish friends and other community members.
A contract has been signed for another Stony Point retreat October 12–14. Rick Ufford-Chase has agreed to be our resource on “Radical Hospitality.” A possible afternoon boat trip to see historic sites on the Hudson may be scheduled.
Two opportunities for youth and young adults are offered. Aaron Whitney and Shawn Landon are going to the Taizé community in France this July. There is a Presbytery trip to the Heifer Global Village in Maryland which we hope some of our young people will attend.
Worship and Music Team
The purpose of the Worship and Music Team is to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the United Presbyterian Church’s worship services, including:
- Scheduling liturgists and ushers, and arranging pulpit supply and/or accompanist when necessary
- Facilitating special worship services and helping to create visual environments to enhance worship
- Setting communion dates for the annual calendar and coordinating the preparation of communion
- Overseeing the work of the Music Coordinator in preparing and providing music for the worship services and managing the use and maintenance of musical instruments
Highlights of 2017–18
World Communion Sunday, October 1: Elikem Nyamuame presented special music with his Binghamton University African Choir and Dance students. (See photos in our Google album.)
Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 8: We brought pictures of all of our beloved pets to be blessed and acknowledged as an important part of our lives and God’s creation.
All Saints’ Sunday, October 29: We did a “Bouquet of Remembrance” for all of members who died in the past year, and for all of those who are deceased that we continue to keep in our hearts. (See photos in our Google album.) This day also marked Reformation Sunday, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Special music, Sunday, November 12: Our worship was enhanced with special choral music, entitled “In Dulci Jubilo” by Peppie Calvar, presented by the UPC Choir. It is a contemporary piece inspired by Bach’s organ prelude of the same title. Andy Chadwick played the Bach version on the organ.
For All Saints’ Day, we remembered those we’ve lost with prayers and flowers.
Harvest Sunday, November 19: We collected for CHOW, dedicated quilts made by our Sewing Group, commemorated 200 years of Presbyterians in Binghamton, and celebrated the 5th anniversary of the founding of the United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton. After the service, we opened the time capsules from the former First and West Presbyterian Churches. We celebrated, reminisced, and gathered for a potluck luncheon afterwards. (See photos in our Google album.)
Christmas Eve: We celebrated with a 4:00pm Sunday worship service, in lieu of a morning service, with lessons and carols, candlelight, communion, and musical offerings by many in our congregation. All three of the keyboard instruments (the pipe organ, the grand piano, and the Klop chamber organ) were played. A congregational carol sing preceded the service, with congregational requests of favorites. Singing and instrumentals occurred from various parts of the church. A variety of instruments were played: cello, string bass, trombone, saxophones, guitar, African drums, handbell choir, flutes, handchimes, rhythm instruments, and trumpet. Finally, there was the carol and candle-lighting with the traditional “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and at the end of service a jazz version of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” sung by David Berti.
The children added the lovely sound of handchimes when the congregation sang “Joy to the World” on Christmas Eve.
See more photos from Advent and Christmas in our Google album.
On Palm Sunday, some of the liturgy was read by youth from the congregation.
Palm Sunday, March 25: We began worship with a triumphal parade around the sanctuary with instru ments, singing, and waving of palm branches. As the service proceeded, it became more somber as we remembered the last days of Jesus’s life and ministry. Becky Mebert and flutists David Williams and Aimee Backus accompanied hymns on Palm Sunday.
Easter Sunday, April 1: This was a joyous service, filled with meaning, with a wonderful sermon by Pastor Kimberly, and beautiful music! Aimee Backus, interim choir director for a couple of months, directed all of the vocal music on Easter, with Andy Chadwick on piano and Becky Mebert on the organ. Music was augmented by a brass quartet, drums, cello, and United Ringers handbell choir, directed by Phil Westcott (arrangements by Phil and Scott Kindig). The service ended with a jazz version of “Amazing Grace,” with all of the above participating. (See photos in our Google album.)
Mother’s Day, May 13: The service was enhanced by a beautiful song, “Gabrielle’s Song,” sung by Lene Weiss, an exchange student from Germany.
Pentecost Sunday, May 20: Phil Westcott composed a Pentecost Processional for this day. Emma Scheneman played the cello. It was a particularly joyous occasion with three infant baptisms. (See photos in our Google album.)