September 4, 2018 e-Newsletter

Finger Lakes District E-Newsletter September 4, 2018

WELCOME FRIENDS !

Rev. McDowell

Welcome to the Finger Lakes District e -Newsletter! Please share this with church members and staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this a useful resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Finger Lakes District. If you have something you would like to see included in a future issue of this e-newsletter, send to [email protected]

May you have a blessed week!

Your friends at the Finger Lakes District Office,

Rev. Jeffrey McDowell, District Superintendent

Pam Deckard, Administrative Assistant

******************************************************

Office Hours: Pam will be working from home Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and in the Seneca Falls Office Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. You can call the office at any time (315-781-0188). Or email. Thank you.

The next edition of this eNewsletter comes out on September 18, 2018. To submit an item for the newsletter, please have it to the district office by September 14. Thank you.

DS NOTES : September 4, 2018

"Look I'm doing a new thing. Now it sprouts up; don't you recognize it?" -Is. 43:19 CEV-

Worry is getting worse. The General Conference session of February 23-26, 2019 is coming soon, and it is a time many people are dreading. I can even detect some pre-grieving by many people who are playing out in their minds the loss of our beloved, United Methodist church. But God is still with us. No matter what you think is right for us at this point in our history, you may feel some grief.

I have some very simple advice for all our members. First, educate yourself about the myriad of issues facing this special conference and the delegates who have an enormous task with all the pre - reading and pre - praying for God's will. There is much information online at umc.org with links to upcoming the conference.

Second, reach out to a delegate from our conference (see UNYUMC.ORG website to find this list) and tell them you are praying for them.

Third, consider boldly opening spaces for discussion at your local church, your home, your neighborhood about the issues of bible interpretation, social justice, and human sexuality and marriage. Speaking with and listening to each other without judgment is needed now, more than ever.

Fourth, trust God again because it just might be that God is doing something new. To remember our dependence on God, see this Word from Charles Wesley:

Jesu, my Savior, Brother, Friend,
On Whom I cast my every care,
On Whom for all things I depend,
Inspire, and then accept, my prayer.

Jesus, I fain would walk in Thee,
From nature's every path retreat;
Thou art my Way, my Leader be,
And set upon the rock my feet.

Uphold me, Savior, or I fall,
O reach me out Thy gracious hand
Only on Thee for help I call,
Only by faith in Thee I stand.

I am with you in prayer and hope. Jeff McDowell

District Superintendent's available to preach and/or lead worship

DS Preach / Lead Worship Availability is on the following Sundays. Other days of the week are possible as well with an inquiry. Please send a request to both Pam Deckard at [email protected] and Jeff McDowell at [email protected] .

In 2018: 9/23; 10/7; 11/4; 11/11; 11/18; 12/2.

In 2019: 1/13/19; 1/27; 2/3.

Bishop Webb offering fall gatherings for A Way Forward

This fall, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is hosting six gatherings around the Conference in preparation for Special Session of General Conference to talk about Commission on a Way Forward for The United Methodist Church.

The regional gatherings will include a presentation of the plan and process of General Conference, a time to remember our mission, and worship and prayer. Click here to find the dates and times when Bishop Webb will be in your area.

The final report of the Commission on a Way Forward has been released in all four official languages of the General Conference: English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili. The report will be presented to the 2019 Special Session of General Conference. Subject to final copy editing, the report will be printed in the Advance Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA) in November. Click here to read a statement from the moderators of the Commission and the President of the Council of Bishops on the release of the report as well as access to the report in all languages.

Church Charge Conference Schedule (updated as of 9/4)

WE WILL WORSHIP TOGETHER AT ALL CHARGE CONFERENCES. PLEASE COME WITH ALL YOUR CHURCH LEADERS TO BOTH THE COMBINED WORSHIP TIMES AND THE INDIVIDUAL CHARGE CONFERENCE TIME ASSIGNED TO YOUR CHURCH.

When: Sat., Oct. 13, 2018

Where: Clifton Springs

Time: 9:00am-4:15pm

9:00am Session:

Clifton Springs

Lyons

10:15am Worship

11:15am Session:

Palmyra

Chapin

Varick

Alton

1:00pm Session:

Manchester

Aloquin-Flint

Port Gibson

Lansing

2:15pm Worship

3:15pm Session:

Seneca Castle

Waterloo

Newark 1st

When: Fri., Oct. 19, 2018

Where: Cortland 1st

Time: 7:00pm

Cortland 1st

Reynoldsville

When: Sat., Oct. 20, 2018

Where: Cortland 1st

Time: 9:00am - 4:15pm

9:00am Session:

McGraw

Virgil

10:15am Worship

11:15am Session:

Dryden

Harmony

Homer 1st

Freeville

1:00pm Session:

Ithaca: Forest Home

Scott

Cortland: Homer Ave

2:15pm Worship

3:15 Session:

Varna

Truxton-E. Homer

When: Sat., Oct. 20, 2018

Where: Penn Yan UMC

Time: 9:00am-4:15pm

9:00am Session:

Milo Center

Bluff Point

10:15am Worship

11:15am Session:

Branchport

Dundee & Dresden

Rushville

Mecklenburg

1:00pm Session:

Yatesville

Benton

Middlesex & Gorham

2:15pm Worship

3:15pm Session:

Vine Valley

Penn Yan

Newfield

Jacksonville

When: Sun. Nov. 18, 2018

Where: Wolcott:Faith UMC

Time: 2:15pm - 5:45pm

2:15pm Session:

Amazing Grace (Butler, Countryside, Victory)

Red Creek-Westbury

Clyde

Sodus 3rd

North Rose

3:30pm Worship

4:45pm Session:

Wolcott: Faith

Rose

Sodus Point

Sterling

Newark: Emmanuel

When: Fri. Nov 30

Where: Seneca Falls

Time: 7:00 pm

Seneca Falls

Geneva

When: Sun. Dec. 2, 2018

Where: Auburn UMC

Time: 2:15pm - 5:45pm

2:15pm Session:

Tyre

Mottville: St. Andrews

Port Byron

Weedsport

New Hope: Midlakes

Trumansburg

3:30pm Worship

4:45pm Session:

Cayuga

Ledyard

Moravia: Christ Church

Auburn

Ithaca: St. Paul's

Save the date for Order of Elders Gathering

Elders, mark your calendars and save the date for the Order of Elders

Gathering with the theme, "Leading with a Heart of Peace." Join Bishop Webb as he welcomes Bishop Grant Hagiya from the California-Pacific Annual Conference. The event will be held Dec. 6 from 10-3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. All elders are expected to attend. Additional details and registration info will be released soon. Click here for more information.

Pastoral Conversations with DS Jeff McDowell

(also known as 1 on 1's)

Thank you for the great response to signing up for your conversation with DS Jeff. We have 56 out of 56 pastors signed up. We will be sending out reminders of your appointment a few days before you are scheduled. Please get your forms in at least one week before your appointment. And thanks again for your good work, you are awesome!

Join us for the 2018 Bishop's Retreat

Bishop's Retreat

October 23-25, 2018!

Genesee Grande Hotel, Syracuse, NY

"Living, Leading and Equipping for Biblical Stewardship"

Our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clif Christopher, M. Div., CFRE Dr. Clif Christopher founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 following a challenging career in pastoral ministry. He serves as the company's CEO to this day. In his twenty years as a pastor, he led numerous major building and capital campaigns. Since founding Horizons, he and his strategists have led consultations in over 2,000 churches, conferences, synods and diocese in all phases of building, finance, and church growth.

Dr. Christopher is a certified church growth consultant and has earned the coveted title CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive). In 1995, he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by the United Methodist Church for outstanding leadership in developing vital congregations

Click Here for information and to register

How your past can impact your journey into pastoral ministry

The Summer 2018 issue of the Advocate focuses on how churches and individuals in the Upper New York Conference place their faith and trust in God to boldly live their call.

In his article, Pastor Mike Kelly of Newfield UMC shares his story of how a decade long career in law enforcement led him to becoming a chef in a drug and alcohol rehab facility. Click here to read how he came full circle to realize God's calling, one he says he fought for many years.

165th Anniversary of
Antoinette Brown Blackwell ' s Ordination

Saturday, September 15th at 1:00

First woman to be ordained as a mainstream Protestant minister in the US.

Butler United Methodist Church

Route 89, South Butler, NY

Featured Speaker: Dr. Barbara Spies

of Cardinal Stritch University

Author of: The Prophetic Voice: Antoinette Brown Blackwell & the Social Purity Movement

For more Information email: Kevin Elphick at [email protected] or call (202) 309-1207

Native American Festivals

September 8-9 Akwesasne PowWow. Grand entry at 12 noon. Akwesasne Territory, Mohawk Nation, Anowarakowa Arena, Cornwall Island, Ontario

September 16 Saratoga Native American Festival. National Museum of Dance at Saratoga Spa State

September 21-23 Native Nations Festival, Watson Homestead, 9620 Dry Run Road, Painted Post, NY

September 28-29 Seneca Indian Fall Festival, Cattaraugus Territory

November 11 Canandaigua Treaty Celebration. 12 noon - 9 pm, Courthouse lawn, Canandaigua and Elementary Schoo l

Please Note:

If there are changes in the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for you, and/or any of your committee chairs, please contact the district office with the changes. Thank you

Looking for a Local Mission to be Involved With?

Interested parties who want to schlep out muddy basements and do other home repairs in the Finger Lakes or Mountainview Districts should call the " Lodi flood phone" which will coordinate helpers coming in. That number is: 585-319-7227. Pastor Charlie Valentine is involved as District ERT and Roger Cullen is there as VIM coordinator for the conference. Recent flooding in Seneca County and throughout Pennsylvania has caused a shortage of UMCOR flood buckets within the Upper New York Conference. (see next article)

UNY Mission Central HUB is in great need of UMCOR cleaning kit supplies

They need help assembling and verifying buckets. While some of these buckets are used to help our own area, they're also used around the world. According to Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, and Joe Auslander, UNY Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, warehouse contents are limited, and help is critical at this time.

Click here for a list of UMCOR certified supplies used in cleaning kits and click here for your closest drop-off location. If you or a few friends can help assemble kits in the very near future at the UNY Mission Central HUB, please contact Mike Block at (315) 898-2066 or [email protected]

Students: Apply now for 2018

UNY Conference Scholarships

United Methodist high school seniors and college students are invited to apply for two scholarships offered by the Upper New York Conference: Conference Merit Awards and Lottie Brown Grants. Application forms and guidelines are available now. Click here for more information and to apply.

General Conference Special Sessions Registration Fees Reduced

Thanks to a $450,000 grant from United Methodist Communications (UMCom) and budget reductions identified by the General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) and General Conference staff, there will be no registration fees for the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference.

The Commission on the General Conference voted this week to rescind the registration fees after United Methodist Communications agreed to provide $450,000 to cover communication-related needs outside the scope of their responsibility that would normally come from the General Conference budget. Click here to learn more.

Clergy Day and Welcoming Picnic Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Emerson Park, Auburn starting at 4:00 pm. More information coming in future newsletters.

Laity Banquet Su nday, October 21, 2018 at Club 86 in Geneva.

3:30 - 6:30 pm. 86 Avenue E, Geneva, NY 14456 $22 per person. Reservations to the District Office.

More information to come in later issues of this newsletter.

Ways to Connect with the UNY Conference

The Conference Communications staff have a number of ways to share information throughout Upper New York. Here are a few of them:

UNY Notes are simple text-based emails that will immediately alert you to important news and events of the Upper New York Conference. UNY Notes are targeted email blasts in nine categories from which to choose: From the Desk of Bishop Webb, Alerts, Prayer Concerns, Announcements, Missions, Justice, Camp & Retreat, Young People and Death Notices. If you prefer fewer emails, remember that all of the week's UNY Notes are included in the

Weekly Digest , published on Wednesdays. Click here to subscribe to UNY Notes and here to subscribe to Weekly Digest.

You're also encouraged to "like" Upper New York Conference on Facebook . Here you'll find pictures, short videos, questions from fun to serious, the latest news from the Conference and ways to try to engage with our followers. These posts will appear in your news feed along with posts from your other Facebook friends.

You may follow Upper New York on Instagram to see pictures and short videos from around the Conference. Posts will appear in your news feed along with everyone else you follow on Instagram.

So stay connected and up-to-date with your friends and churches from throughout the Conference!

How to use VitalSigns

We introduced you to VitalSigns, a platform that can help your church to track key indicators and uncover important insights. Click here to watch a video that shows you just how easy this program is to use.

Track data, gain insight, and help your church with VitalSigns

The VitalSigns dashboard is a tool that allows churches to track church growth indicators, such as weekly worship attendance, professions of faith, small group participation, missional participation, and financial giving. It is a deeper level of insight, support, and accountability that tracks and trends vital information in an easy-to-understand dashboard.

The General Council on Finance and Administration pays for this software through General Church apportionment's - which the Upper New York Conference paid in full in 2016. The UNY Conference began using VitalSigns about 18 months ago, and so far, 38 UNY churches have signed up. Click here to learn how VitalSigns can help your church.

For more information about the VitalSigns tool, free to all United Methodist churches, contact Aaron Bouwens, Upper New York Conference Director of Vital Congregations at [email protected]

NEW UMCom Social Media Webinar Coming Soon

The United Methodist Communications Public Information Team is hosting two upcoming webinars to support local churches as they strive to embrace social media and its uses for outreach and ministry. Both webinars are free and appropriate for users at all experience levels; the events will feature experts answering questions and sharing information about strategies, tips, best practices, and more. Need more details? Email: [email protected] .

September 12 at noon CT - Live learning session: YouTube for Churches (registration page coming soon!

D C O M

Pastors, Mentors, and Candidates for Ministry

The District Committee on Ministry will be meeting in the Fall.

Do you know a Candidate who is planning on being Commissioned in 2019?

The DCOM will need to schedule an interview with them at our September meeting and be sure all required steps are completed.

If so, please let me know

Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey, Chair of Finger Lakes DCOM at: [email protected]

Media Resource Center Newsletter - August 2018

Check out the latest books and study guides here :

Disaster Preparedness

You can't prevent disaster. But you can prepare. United Methodist Insurance has created a comprehensive, robust handbook on Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather for Churches.

Click here to download the eBook

The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society was organized by the Upper New York Commission on Archives and History to promote and preserve Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren history within the bounds of Upper New York Conference. Its mission is to Preserve the PAST; Inform the FUTURE.

In 2016 a web-based resource site was created at https://www.facebook.com/groups/UNYUnitedMethodistHistoricalSociety/. In 2017 the Society began public meetings.

In 2018 a quarterly newsletter UNY Historical News & Views started. Attached is the Spring issue for Methodist members to see. The first issue can be accessed through a link at http://www.unyumc.org/news/article/whats-new-with-the-uny-historical-society.

ESI's (Employee Assistance Group) TotalCare EAP can help
with virtually every area of life. See flyer ( click here) for more information. Or go to: www.theEAP.com or call: 800-252-4555

The latest copy of the Bridge is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.

As a bi-monthly publication, the Bridge can be used this Sunday or next, whichever is most useful to the local church. The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church. The newest volume will be listed at the top of the webpage, with older volumes below. The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]

Volume 10, Issue 2, of the Upper New York Advocate focuses on vital congregations and leadership. The theme is "Spiritually planning our way forward." You will learn about the five markers of vitality and churches that are succeeding in those areas. You will find testimonials of pastors who are learning that VitalSigns is an incredible resource. Looking for courses or programs to strengthen your leadership? You will learn about many opportunities in this issue of the Advocate. This issue also points to dozens of resources that can help you on your path to becoming a vital congregation.

Click here for the latest issue of the Advocate on the Conference website; the printed version of this newsletter will be available in your local church. The Advocate is the Conference's ministry magazine.

Greetings, UMW members,

Our two main events this Fall are:

* 2018 Annual Meeting, Upper New York Conference, United Methodist Women in Chautauqua: Hurlbut Memorial UMC, 14 Pratt Ave, Mayville, NY 14757, on Friday September 14, beginning at 4:00 pm, and ending Saturday, September 13 at 3:00 pm.

* Finger Lakes District UMW meeting at Seneca Falls UMC on Saturday, September 22 registration 9:30-10 AM, bring a bag lunch, Program on Human Trafficking facilitated by Joni Lincoln. The day will conclude at 2:30 PM

CLICK HERE for the Fall 2018 Newsletter.

CLICK HERE for the Winter 2018 Newsletter.

Any questions can be directed to President Mary Anjo 315 573-0553.

UMM Retreat - REGISTRATION EXTENDED

It's not too late to Register! UMM Event for All! September 7 & 8 at Skye Lake Camp & Retreat Center

UMM Event for All! September 7 & 8

Registration is now open for this retreat! Registration closes on August 28.

We are very excited to be hosting this dynamic retreat at SKY LAKE CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER in Windsor, NY, on September 7th & 8th, 2018. Click here for the agenda.

This retreat is open to everyone, of all denominations, women, children and families! CLICK HERE for the registration link.

Pre-Retirement Seminar

There will be a pre-retirement seminar held on Monday Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Upper New York United Methodist Center (7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool). This seminar will highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. It is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED , as we will provide clergy-specific retirement projections, and also need to plan for lunch. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Click here to register and for more information.

Subject: From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Imagine no Racism engagement

Dear Imagine No Racism Group Participants,

I am grateful to each of you for your participation in Upper New York's Imagine No Racism ministry. You are engaging in the urgent work of addressing racism in ourselves, our Church, and in our communities. This is holy work that we join our sisters and brothers throughout the Northeast Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church in doing. Thank you.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF BISHOP WEBB'S LETTER

CLICK HERE for a list of District Advocates.

Faith in Mind

A day of information and reflection on how faith communities can best support those with memory loss and their caregivers.

Thursday September 6, 2018

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Keuka Emporium Event Venue

131 Main Street

Penn Yan, New York 14527

To register go to: www.eventbrite.com and search: The Living Well - Faith in Mind

For more information, call The Living Well at 315-536-0838

Please CLICK HERE for more information.

Continuing Education Requirements for Clergy

Attention: All clergy under appointment or assignment are required to complete 2 CEUs (20 contact hours) per year or accumulative 8 CEUs (80 contacts hours) per quadrennium and will provide documentation to the District Superintendent, unless enrolled and attending Course of Study or Seminary Degree Program.

COS Information

Our registrar is continuing to receive registrations with 2015, 2016 & 2017 dates on them. Please a make sure you are using the most updated form. You can download the correct form HERE

Join Port Byron UMC to experience the production of JESUS

We are taking a bus to Lancaster Pa. on Tuesday, October 2, 2018

For a one day trip (8am to 11pm)

We have reserved 50 fifty seats and a comfy tour bus.

on the ride down two rest stops and a lunch break.

Total cost for trip $116 for adults and $86 children under 12

Non-refundable deposit of $60 due by May 1st

2nd payment $30 due by June 1st

3rd final payment $26 due by September 1st. ALL CHECKS MADE OUT TO 'PBUMC"

please send checks to: Port Byron 1st Methodist

PO Box 344

Port Byron, NY 13140

Phone: April Kurtz 315/776-4051 Ron Mills 315/253-4016

Workshop and Conference Sponsored by the Voyagers

For Leaders and Coaches: Clergy, Educators, Therapists

Location: Buffalo, New York Area

The Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen family systems theory and its application to congregations and leadership by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. We believe that the factual approach of Murray Bowen that underlies his theory and the creative and imaginative use of theory by Edwin Friedman provide a unique understanding of human functioning for life, leadership, coaching, and ministry.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - Bowen Theory Introduction and Application

Location: Westin Hotel, Buffalo Time and Cost: TBA

Thursday, November 15, 2018 - Conference with Dr. Michael Kerr

Theme - Bowen Theory's Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families

Location: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: TBA

For information and early bird registration,

contact Rev. Robert Spilman, [email protected]

phone: 716-479-7933

363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226

Puerto Rico Mission Trip

Last chance to sign up for the team!

Is God calling you to be part of the solution in working with the people of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria? The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico is ready to host teams as they serve rebuilding in their country.

Join the Finger Lakes District Mission Team: January 19-26, 2019

Accommodations-Retreat Center or local church--bunks, meals, water, transportation to worksites.

Cost: $1200 includes airfare

Contact: Pastor Beth Bouwens at [email protected] or call 607-346-6634

Red Bird Mission 2018

CLICK HERE for shoebox information for Red Bird 2018. Please consider being part of this vital mission. If you have any questions, please let us know, you can contact the Endwell UMC at 607-754-5735 or Dave Alexander at 607-743-8955.

Aloquin-Flint Church will again serve as a distribution center for the boxes. Their address is:

2760 State Route 5 & 20

Stanley, NY 14561

Please contact David Mott, 585-526-6713 to set up drop off time.

New- Back-to-school blessing

Each new school year brings a new journey, a new chapter, and maybe some anxiety. Make the transition easier by praying or meditating.

Click here to watch a video on how to help prepare your hearts and minds for the upcoming school year for teachers, students, and everyone who works with children.

Health Quotient (HQ) Assessment

Now's the time to take your HealthQuotient (HQ) online health risk assessment to lower your 2019 HealthFlex deductible. This is step two of your HealthFlex "Three Steps for Better Wellness." Completing the HQ assessment between August 1 and September 30, 2018 could save you up to $500 extra for a family deductible towards your 2019 HealthFlex medical plan. Both enrolled participant and enrolled spouse must complete the HQ assessment. Click here for more information.

Vienna UMC Early Response Team Training

September 22, 2018 - Vienna United Methodist Church, 2410 State Route 49, Blossvale, NY

8:30AM - 5PM

UMCOR's Early Response Teams (ERT) provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster. The training equips you to help communities to clean up after a natural disaster - flood, tornado, hurricanes. ERTs carry out tasks such as damage assessment, debris removal, placing tarps on homes, and helping to prevent further damage. This training credentials you to enter disaster zones.

An ERT badge is issued by UMCOR to applicants over the age of 18 after successful completion of the course and a background check. Badges are valid for 3 years. Individuals need not be United Methodist to take the training.

The 8-hour Early Response Team course is facilitated by Kelly Crane and Carl Shepard. Questions can be directed to UNY Volunteers in Mission Coordinator email account [email protected]

* Fee is $25.00. Write check to "CSUMC" with "ERT" on memo line. Mail checks to UNYVIM, 9 Fox Holw, Ionia, NY 14475.

Click Here for more information.

Christian Education Director needed

Newark First United Methodist Church is interested in hiring a Christian Education Director for our Children and Youth program. It would be a 10 hour a week position. All interested please contact:

Eileen Godfrey-- 315-331-3100

[email protected]

Benton United Methodist Church

2395 Havens Corners Rd

Penn Yan, NY 14527

Will be celebrating 225 years of continuous worship and service to the community throughout October. Congratulations!

Old Box received for Conference Archives

The box was donated by the family of Alice Osborne Ham, 105 yrs when she died on July 30. A note inside the box indicated that it had been made from a piece of one of the beams of the first Methodist Preaching House erected in America in 1768. The box was used as a sewing box by Alice's mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.