Geneva church offers 'Oldies' sermon series, Blessing of the Backpacks

The United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St., is capping off the summer with the sermon series "Oldies."

Each of the four weeks are based on a Psalm, and feature an oldies hit, played live.

Music director Scott Stevenson has lined up different bands and soloists for each week. Worship is at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sundays.

The Aug. 4 service on Psalm 29 featured soloist Peggy Bartlein performing "Aquarius" by The 5th Dimension.

On Aug. 11, the focus will be Psalm 79 with a performance of "American Pie" by Don McLean by soloist Dennis O'Brien.

On Aug. 18, Psalm 4 will be the theme with "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who by soloist Scott Tipping.

The Sept. 1 service on Psalm 71 will feature soloist Scott Stevenson performing "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha & the Vandellas.

The Psalms might be thought of as the original oldies - songs sung in worship. Each psalm has a theme: Aug. 4 is praise, Aug. 11 is lament, Aug 18 is trust, and Sept. 1 is royal enthronement.

Sermons will explore the connections between the oldies songs, the psalm of the day, and life today. The "Oldies" sermon series is adapted from a series by Pastor Stan Drenth.

On Aug. 11, there will be "Worship by the Water" at Fabyan Forest Preserve, west entrance. It will start with fishing at 7:30 a.m. Worship at the pavilion at 10:30 a.m. and lunch and games at 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 25 is Appalachia Service Project Sunday. It will feature a blessing of the backpacks. Anyone returning to school, college, or work this fall is invited to bring their backpack, tote, or tablet for a blessing at the 9 a.m. service.

For information, contact communications@genevaumc.org or see genevaumc.org.