As We Begin:
As we prepare to welcome a new Pastor, let us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean
not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Our charge was to produce a Mission Study report as a guide for the Pastor Nominating
Committee [PNC]. Our hope is to challenge and encourage the reader to be a part of God’s plan
for The First Presbyterian Church of Arkport. Sowing the gospel of Jesus Christ through word,
prayer, deed, and community- we respond to God’s great love and His glory.
In writing this report, we give thanks to the Holy Spirit. We want to recognize our larger family,
the congregation, for joining us in this discernment process through continued prayer. It is with
great humility and thankfulness to God for his faithfulness that we present this report.
Our Mission Statement:
The First Presbyterian Church of Arkport is a family of believers centered in Christ, reaching out
to others and welcoming all. As we worship God, we help each other to grow in God’s love, and
share our gifts, seeking to live as Jesus taught.
Our Key Findings:
The Mission Study Team, consisting of the 2015 Board of Session, uncovered a wealth of
information that tells the story of God’s work in our community. This is a summary of key
findings, which includes observations, celebrations, and concerns.
Respectively submitted by,
The First Presbyterian Church of Arkport Mission Study Body
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Our Congregation:
The First Presbyterian Church of Arkport was charted in 1852. We are a congregation of the
Presbyterian Church USA [PCUSA] and of the Presbytery of Geneva (a district group of
Presbyterian churches in the Finger Lakes region of New York State). We seek to worship God
and to grow in faith and understanding, to be united in the spirit of Christian fellowship, and to
serve others in the name of Christ.
Our Church Organization:
We follow the Presbyterian denomination guidelines of three Boards. We have a Session Board
of nine members, which oversees the workings of our Deacon Board of ten members and a
Trustee Board of nine.
Trustee Board:
The Trustee Board oversees our finances/budget and manages all the upkeep of our facilities.
Buildings Descriptions:
The sanctuary is located on the main floor, along with the Pastor’s Office, a choir loft, and a
meeting room
that opens up to the sanctuary, used for small gatherings and before worship fellowship “Coffee
Connection”. We have a full basement that is used as a “Fellowship Hall”. The hall can be
divided into classrooms for Sunday School, dinners, and meetings. There is a nursery room, a
small school room, a full kitchen facility and restrooms. Downstairs and Sanctuary levels are
handicap accessible with an elevator. We have a separate detached building call the “Mission
Hall”. It is a one room meeting area that includes a kitchen and restroom. The building is used
for Community Alcoholic Anonymous, Mothers of Preschooler’s [MOPS], Bible Study and
Prayer Groups, meetings and at times available for private parties.
Board of Deacons:
Our board of deacons ministers to our congregation and community. They provide meals to the
sick and special gifts to shut-ins during holidays. They provide funeral dinners for those in need,
a visitation program to those shut-ins and hospitalized, and a card ministry. A special event is an
annual Senior Citizen Luncheon with entertainment.
Session Board:
The Session Board is a nine member board that ministers all church business. They work closely
with the Trustees, Deacons, and various committees in conducting God’s work.
Committees:
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee exists to provide, promote, and plan God-exalting
and God-centered Bible study opportunities so that Christ’s disciples of all ages may
grow in their knowledge and love of God. The committee oversees and plans all aspects
of Educational programs; i.e. Sunday School for the youth and adults, weekly study
groups. Activities that we direct are Children’s Special Programs during holidays and
community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat and VBS [Vacation Bible
School].
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Memorial
The Memorial Committee exists to manage and dispense gifts given in memory of
departed loved ones so that God’s greatness and glory may be perpetually displayed and
declared among us.
Mission
The Mission Committee exists to discern, promote, and support God-exalting and Godcentered ministries, both inside and outside our local church, in the pursuit of making
disciples of Jesus Christ. Ministries that we support but not limited to are; Faith in
Action, Mothers of Preschoolers [MOPS], Turning Point [Catholic Charities], Operation
Christmas Child, Camp Scholarships and Youth for Christ.
Music and Worship
The Music and Worship Committee exists to provide, promote, and plan God-exalting
and God-centered worship opportunities where the people of God hear and encounter the
Word of God proclaimed. Some of the planning involves pulpit supply, guest musicians
that includes organ, piano, vocalist, our church family choir and a praise band. They also
plan Christmas Eve Candle Light Service and a World Communion Sunday [alternating
with our Methodist neighbors].
Nominating
The Nominating Committee exists to discern, invite, and commend to the people of God
those from among them set apart by God’s grace and calling for particular leadership in
the church.
Fellowship
The Fellowship Committee exists to provide, promote, and plan God-exalting and Godcelebrating opportunities of joyful Christian Fellowship. Throughout the year they
organize events such as: Hanging of the Greens, Family Picnic, Birthday Everyone event,
Harvest Party, movie nights, game nights, potluck dinners and a Easter Sunrise Breakfast
[alternating with our Methodist neighbors].
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee exists to educate and encourage the church in the Godthanking and God-honoring investment of all the time, talents, and treasures we have
received from His gracious hand.
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Our Home Town
History:
Arkport was founded in 1797 by Christopher Hurlbut. Arkport began as a thriving
agricultural center. Each spring when the waters were high, area farmers shipped crops,
livestock, potash, timber and other items down the Canisteo River to Baltimore on “arks” built of
local pine trees and other lumber. At the time the Canisteo River flowed from the hills of
Bishopville down to the valley just north of Arkport and through the village where the current
Marsh Ditch now flows. The arks were loaded behind the current houses on State route 36 in
fields called the “ark yards”. This practice continued for several years until the time (around
1825) the Erie Canal was built and it became more cost effective to ship goods via the canal.
Hence the name Christopher Hurlbut gave his little town: “ARK-Port”!
The village was incorporated in 1913 and has experienced many changes over the years.
Many of the names of families have remained in Arkport over the years, a testimony of people
choosing to live the good life of small town living in rural America. Current population (as of the
2010 census) stands at 844 living in approximately 350 homes.
Public and Private Schools:
Arkport Central School – The Arkport Central School District is a small K-12 school
system which prides itself on an individualized and personalized approach to educating its
students. Classes of instruction are relatively small; student support services are strong; and the
curriculum programs are diverse. We believe all students can learn and, therefore, they deserve
the best quality education we can give them each day in the classroom. We encourage critical
thinking and try our best to instill a love of learning. We are confident we can ensure this
outcome by building supportive, positive relationships in a culture of academic excellence.
www.acs.steve.net
Lisa’s Day Care Pre-K – Provides Pre-Kindergarten program for the Arkport Central School
district and daycare services.
Wildwood Education Center – Career and Technical Education school is one of three
campuses in the Southern Tier all part of the Greater Southern Tier BOCES (GST BOCES) –
offers vocational training for high school juniors and seniors. The Wildwood Campus is located
in Hornell approx. six miles from Arkport. Students are bussed from school districts for 2-1/2
hrs. of training in selected fields. CTE programs available are Auto Body, Automotive
Technology, Building Trades, CISCO Networking Academy, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice,
Culinary Arts, Digital Media Arts, Heavy Equipment, Introduction to career Majors, New
Visions Medical, Nurse Assistant, Welding and Fabrication. CTE programs are designed for two
years if instruction with a certificate of completion. Additional to instruction students can join
Skills USA and HOSA which allow students to develop leadership and compete in their area of
study. www.gstboces.org
Genesee Country Christian School – Located approximately 35 miles north, the
Genesee Country Christian School is a non-denominational Christian school located in Geneseo,
NY. The school was founded in 1996, by Susan Teitworth and other members of the Christian
community. While the school began with six kindergarten students, a principal and one teacher
in a rented room, it has expanded gradually. It has now become an established educational
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facility, offering biblically based instruction for preschool through the Eighth grade.
www.geneseechristianschool.com
St. Ann’s Academy – St. Ann’s Academy is a not-for-profit, non-public school located
in Hornell, NY. They serve students in Pre-K (3 & 4 year olds), and grades K through 6. The
school provides a caring learning environment anchored in values. The value of studying and
applying one’s self is stressed so that high academic achievement can be attained as the children
move into upper grades. St. Ann’s Academy admits students of any race, color, and natural or
ethnic origin. www.saacademy.org
Colleges/Universities
There are several Colleges and Universities located approximately 20 minutes to an hour
from the village of Arkport.
Alfred State College – 20 min. – www.alfredstate.edu
Keuka College – 50 min. www.keuka.edu
Alfred University – 20 min. www.alfred.edu
Monroe Community College – 1hr. www.monroecc.edu
Corning Community – 40 min. www.corning-cc.edu
Robert Wesleyan – 1 hr. www.roberts.edu
Elmira Business Institute – 1 hr. www.ebi.edu
Rochester Institute of Technology – 1 hr. www.rit.edu
SUNY Geneseo – 35 min. www.geneseo.edu
Elim Bible Institute & College – 1hr. www.elim.edu
Colgate Rochester Crozer, Theological – 1 hr. www.crcds.edu
Houghton College - 45min. www.houghton.edu
Activities
For the athletic hearted to the adventures minded, Arkport has all four seasons at its
finger tips for those who like to get outdoors or stay indoors.
Campgrounds
Skybrook – 15 min. www.skybrookcampground.com
Sun Valley – 10 min. www.sunvalleycampsites.com
Local, State and County Parks
Arkport Village Park, Shawmut Park Hornell, Hornell City Park
Kanakadae County Park – 10 min.
Stoneybrook State Park – 10 min. www.nysparks.com
Letchworth State Park -25 min. www.nysparks.com
Ski Resorts
Swain Ski Resort – 20 min. www.swain.com
Holiday Valley – 1hr.15 min. www.holidayvalley.com
Bristol Mountain – 50 min. www.bristolmountain.com
Beaches – approximately 2 hours north or west
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Dance Studios – Several to choose from in the Hornell and Dansville area
Martial Arts – Located in Hornell and Alfred
YMCA – Located in Hornell www.hornellymca.com
Amusement Parks – 1 to 1-1/2 hours from Arkport
Darien Lake Theme Park www.darienlake.com
Roseland Water Park www.roselandwaterpark.com
Sea Breeze Amusement Park www.seabreeze.com
Zoos
Seneca Park Zoo – 1hr – www.senecaparkzoo.org
Buffalo Zoo – 1-1/2hr – www.buffalozoo.org
Fairs and Festivals
Arkport Summerfest
Steuben County Fair – Bath, NY
NYS Fair – Syracuse, NY
Grape Festival – Naples, NY
Corn Festival – Avon, NY
Dogwood Festival – Dansville, NY
Steuben Dairy Festival – Bath
Potato Festival – Wayland, NY
Cohocton Fall Foliage – Cohocton, NY
NYS Balloon Festivals – Dansville and Wellsville, NY
Letchworth Arts & Craft Show [Letchworth State Park] – Mt Morris, NY
Museums – located within 1 hour from Arkport
Corning Glass Works
Rockwell Museum
Geneseo Warplane Museum
Rochester Museum of Play
Genesee Country & Village Museum
Glenn Curtiss Museum
Family Life Ministries – Family Life mission is to strengthen families and individuals
through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They seek to spread the love and knowledge of Jesus
through performing arts programs and training, Christian concerts and events, Biblical
counseling, and an ever growing network of Christian Radio Stations.
Outdoors Men – Several areas for the outdoors men have access to the Finger Lakes,
creeks, rivers, state lands for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Other –
Watkins Glen Park & Raceway – 1hr. Niagara Falls – 2 hours
Wineries- a vast array in the Finger Lakes Region - within 30 min. to 2 hours
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Restaurants
Village of Arkport – Honeybees, Barbara Jeans, Village Café
Hornell Area – Applebee’s, Pizza Hut, Chinese, Subway, many pizza/pasta
restaurants, Paddy’s Pub, Marino’s, Club 57, Country Kitchen, plus many more.
Shopping
Village of Arkport – Berry Vine Creations floral and gifts, Unique Country
Boutique, Schultheis Sporting Goods, CY’s Shurfine Grocery, Arkport Cycles,
Jenkins Farm Market, and Kilbury Feed Store.
Local Area – Wegmans, Wal-Mart, Lowes, Value Home Center, CarQuest Auto
Parts, NAPA, Maurice’s, The Shoe Dept., TOPS, Big Lots, several main street
shops in Hornell and Danville.
Christian Summer Camps
Camp Whitman – 1-1/2 hours – Camp Whitman is a traditional children’s
summer camp owned and operated by the Presbytery of Geneva, in partnership
with the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. During the summer they welcome both,
area youth for traditional camp programs, as well as youth and adults with
developmental disabilities for their specialized Pine Camp Program.
www.campwhitman.org
Hope Valley – 20 min. A summer camp at the Hope Valley Retreat Center in
Western NY is an affordable vacation for the whole family.
www.hopevalleycamp.com
Arkport Area Organizations
Exchange Club
Volunteer Fire Dept.
Little League
Cinderella Softball
Boys & Girls Scouts
Red Hat Society
American Legion
Euchre Club
Christian Motorcycle Association
MOPS [Mothers of Preschoolers]
Southern Tier Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Volunteer Raisers
Libraries
Arkport Village Library, Hornell City Library, Dansville Public Library
Hospitals
Hospitals Noyes Memorial www.noyes-health.org
St James Mercy Health www.stjamesmercy.org
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Goals/Objectives
Nurture our relationships with God by enriching our spiritual growth:
Objective; offer opportunities for Bible study, prayer, training and education
Activities:
1. Continue to offer Sunday School for youth and adults
2. Continue weekly evening bible studies
3. Continue weekly daytime bible studies
4. Continue Saturday morning prayer groups
5. Conformation class for teens
6. Adult membership class when needed
7. Vacation bible school open to the public
Include and assist our current membership
A. Maintain our current membership
Activities:
1. Develop and compile weekly data for monitoring attendance/membership
a. Actively maintain and accurate membership list
2. Develop membership and growth committee
3. Continue work of the Deacons
a. In caring for shut-ins
b. In communicating needs of aging members to the congregation
Bring in new and younger families
A. As a church be active and involved in the community
Activities:
1. Develop and offer after-school help for students
2. Offer a training class for parents
3. Continue Community Easter Egg Hunt/Message
4. Continue “Trunk or Treat”
5. Attend and support school functions such as concerts and sporting events
Provide Opportunities for Fellowship
A. Objectives; continue monthly fellowship events
Activities:
1. Birthday Party luncheon after church
2. Movie and game nights with snacks
3. Hayride, bonfire, and snacks
4. Sing-a-long with snacks
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5. Church picnics
6. Caroling followed by soup super
Continue to assist community through outreach
A. Objective: continue to identify area of need in surrounding area and implement specific
opportunities for outreach
Activities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Faith in Action
2 Cents a Meal
Turning Point
Rural Ministries
Camp Scholarships
MOPS
Hope Valley Camp
Camp Whitman
Vincent House
B. Objectives; To identify areas of need in the world and implement specific opportunities
for outreach
Activities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Operation Christmas Child
Presbyterian Disaster Relief
One Great Hour of sharing
Joy Offering
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Results of the Arkport Presbyterian Church Family Survey
Out of 68 surveys, the top ten results from the strengths which people of the church would like to
see in our new pastor are the following.
1. Family Ministry – 55
2. New Membership and Growth Development – 53
3. Counseling – 47
4. Children Ministry and Congregational Fellowship – 45
5. Hospital and Emergency visitations – 37
6. Adult Ministry – 36
7. Evangelism – 31
8. Community Service and Leadership – 29
9. Congregational Home Visitations – 25
10. Congregational Communication - 24
Additionally - Shut-ins are important to our church family.
Survey included statements from our church’s mission statement asking if the people Agreed,
Disagreed or Uncertain of how they felt towards the statements.
The following statements are part of our
Agree Disagree Uncertain
church’s mission statement.
God’s redeeming and reconciling work in the world was
accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus
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Christ and continues through the church the body of Christ,
empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ, as the Lord of the church, calls the church into
being, declares its mission, and supernaturally equips it for its
work. Its mission is:
- To proclaim the good news of salvation by the grace
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of God through faith in Jesus Christ, leading persons
to repentance, acceptance of Christ as Savior and
Lord, and new life as his disciples.
- To make disciples of all nations
A pastor should not elevate sociology, psychology, education
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or any discipline above the clear witness of Scripture.
A pastor should not allow distortion of the Gospel message or
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hold it captive to culture.
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