The Un-whitewashed Story of America
Members of the Racial Justice and Peace Advocacy Working Group (Beth, Savoy, Joyce, Ralph, Nancy, and Ruth) have formed a Black History Reading Group. They are reading the “Black AF History: The Un-whitewashed Story of America,” by Michael Harriot. As part of their monthly discussions they are exploring how historical narratives are rarely neutral. Recently, they discussed how standard public school history creates a need for alternative storytelling. Some members shared personal experiences, grounding the author’s story in lived reality.
If your church group is doing a similar reading, RJPAWG encourages you to share your stories. To learn more, contact a member at rjpawg@pbygenval.org.
Learning to Save Lives
by Cindy Becker, Pittsford Presbyterian Outreach
Water safety and CPR were some of the skills children learned at the Cameron Summer Day Camp Swim Program this summer. Students used flotation and CPR equipment, practiced first aid procedures while building relationships and trust. This was the second summer of Pittsford Presbyterian Outreach partnering with Cameron Community and Maplewood YMCA to offer 40 campers this program, twice per week over six weeks. Funding was provided by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation/Heze Simmons, a PGV grant, Christ Episcopal Church and Pittsford Presbyterian. Swimsuits, goggles, towels and t-shirts were donated by Pittsford Presbyterian Outreach and YMCA.
Planning is underway for a new program next year to increase aquatic accessibility for underserved children and adults. Contact Cindy Becker for more information.
Reimagining the Church’s Calling
Six presbyteries, including the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, gathered on the shores of Seneca Lake, Sept. 25-26, 2026, to reimagine the future of our churches. Almost 100 people came to listen to featured speaker Andrew Root, author and podcaster, and to share their experiences with neighboring presbyteries. The two-day conference, in Geneva, touched on topics such as evangelism, spiritual pathways, and issues facing the church today.
Building Minds in South Sudan
by Mary Rees, DUPC
Building Minds in South Sudan received a $500 Peacemaking grant from the Presbytery which will support Asunta Akuot Maleuth Deng’s final college year in her nursing program. She is the widowed mother of three and because of economic conditions at her college, she and other students were not able to complete their degrees this year as expected.
Peacemaking Grants have supported Asunta through her college years as well as another student who has just completed her four year accounting degree. These women serve as role models for other young women in a country where the literacy rate is very low but slowly growing. The Downtown Church and BMISS are grateful for these grants and how they have inspired our ministry.