CASSADAGA - John Sipos will continue to serve as the Cassadaga Community Baptist Church moderator after leading the church's annual meeting held recently. The meeting was opened by a prayer led by the church Pastor Max Cross. This annual meeting was held with members reviewing reports of the committees and boards of the church. A slate of officers for 2012 was given to all those in attendance, with some nominations received from the floor.
A booklet of reports was given to all those attending the meeting, and special thanks was extended to Susan Sipos for her computer skills in designing the cover and preparing the booklet. Moderator Sipos said that the church is composed of many volunteers who donate their time, efforts and talents to make the operation of the church run smoothly, and all of these volunteers need to be commended and thanked for their time.
Sipos begins his 24th term as the church moderator, and has been active in many church functions for nearly 36 years. Sipos has also served as the Sunday school superintendent, Vacation Bible school director, twice on the Constitution revision committee and a Sunday school teacher for the adult class for 16 years. Sipos is the historian for the church and did not encourage anyone to try and pick up the overflowing box containing his church historical records.
Sunday school classes are held at the church for all ages, beginning at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday.
"The young people of the church today will be the leaders of the church tomorrow," Sipos said.
Cross will be starting his eighth year serving both as the associate pastor and now full pastor. The Sunday service begins at 10:45 a.m. and all are welcome to attend. Cross welcomes everyone, and says visitors and new members are always welcome. Evening Bible study classes are held as well. Pastor Cross reported on his continuing education as a pastor, and his ordination through the American Baptist Association of New York State, and the National Association of Christian Ministers. On the last Friday evening of each month, a free dinner and movie night are held in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. In the last year, visitors from all over the county have attended.
Church board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month for the Diaconate board, the board of Trustees and the Board of Christian education. The advisory board will meeting four times a year prior to the monthly board meetings.
Penny Troxell serves as the church clerk, and as the newsletter editor. Richard Watt serves as the financial secretary, and will be holding this title for the 19th year. Ethel Marsh is the assistant church treasurer. Mrs. Marsh also serves on the board of trustees. Scott Dibble and Roger Marsh serve on the auditing committee.
The board of Trustees annual report was submitted by Thomas MacKinder, who also outlined some special projects of the future for the Church. Roberta Smith is the mission treasurer. Linnea Nichols served as the ABC Women's Ministries treasurer, and retired after this year. Vanessa Dibble publicly thanked Nichols for her many years as this treasurer. Susan Sipos was appointed as the new Women's Ministries treasurer.
At this recent meeting, Peggy Priest and Buddy Priest served as the tellers. Evan VandeVelde made the motion that all decisions be made by a show of raising one's right hand.
Sunday morning services include much music, and this is led by Vanessa Dibble, Kathy Thorp, and Kathy Cross. Piano music is provided by Nancy Mangine. Anna VandeVelde provides keyboard music and leads the choir. Special thanks are extended to those people for their music. Sharon VandeVelde is assisting in the sound booth for the music.
Warren Fredrickson has served as the secretary to the Sunday School and has accepted this same title to begin his 57th consecutive year in this office. Fredrickson also serves on the board of trustees and as the assistant usher. Norman Waterman will continue to serve as the head usher.
Diane Shaw has been the Memorial Fund Secretary and will begin her 35th year in this office. Susan Sipos will serve as the Memorial Fund member-at-large. Kathy Thorp serves as the treasurer for the Diaconate, and will continue to serve. Adam DeSanto will fill one of the seats on the board of Deacons. The Board of Christian Education will have Kathy Cross serve as the superintendent, and serve as the coordinator of the sound system.
The Cassadaga Community Baptist Church is located at 25 Maple Ave. in the village of Cassadaga.
