|
|
|
“We must remember always to be careful to act as God’s construction company….” These words from Mompongo Mo Imana, national director of Habitat Zaire and Habitat International Board of Directors member, describe parishioners at the First Presbyterian Church at 21 Church Street. Church secretary Doris Goodemote shares the many “companies” parishioners belong to, beyond the heavenly construction company.
“We have four Women’s Circles here at the church,” she notes. “Some of the groups make baptism blankets; others knit mittens.” Goodemote, who has worked at the church nearly 15 years, speaks with pride about other “godly” companies. “Our church is very active with Habitat for Humanity projects. Plus, we founded the Pittsford Food Cupboard.
“Our Optimists (people over 55),” she reports, “meet monthly for dinner and each person contributes paper goods for the Cupboard. Additionally, we work with Cameron Community Service and with Calvary St. Andrew’s Church in the city of Rochester.”
Clearly, the church is so much more than a place where the faithful go on Sundays to listen to a pastor’s sermons. As Goodemote points out, “We have concerts throughout the year. Upcoming is the Concentus Women’s Chorus on January 22. We also participate in the University of Rochester’s Choral Extravagance, to be held on February 26 in the new year. And, on April 1, we’ll have a piano concert by Tony Caramia. All these events are open to the public.”
Asked what she likes most about her job, Goodemote is quick to mention the people with whom she works, and also those who are affiliated with the church in one way or another.
Many church people are familiar with the writings of American evangelist Harold Lindsey, who made this cogent observation, “Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope.” Fortunately for those in the Rochester area who may be without hope, Goodemote and her church-affiliated colleagues (shown in attached picture) are extending those minutes to days, years, and even whole lifetimes.
