1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-475-7277 | Email: office@uumcsyracuse.org
Greetings!

Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In-Person and on Facebook Live

Click Below to Join Worship on Sunday
Please note: Every worship service remains "live" on our Facebook page. You are able to watch every one that has been done since we began online worship. They never go away. If you are unable to begin at 10:30, you can watch it at your leisure another time.
Remember to set your clocks forward Saturday night! Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend!
Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
UUMC Worship Updates
Worship | Second Sunday of Lent | March 13, 2022
This week’s theme, “You Are Worthy,” flies in the face of cultural, familial, peer, even religious pressures that we are not good enough. Our scriptures paint pictures of hope when rational thought suggests that there is no hope. Our opening hymn asks God to bless us with such foolishness as to think we matter. Because, only then, can we do the things that can’t be done.

Scripture

This week's scriptures are Luke 13: 6-9 and Isaiah 55: 1-5.

Worship Music

Prelude: "Gymnopedie No. 1" - Erik Satie

Postlude: "Te Deum Prelude" - Marc-Antoine Charpentier
UUMC Sanctuary Renovation Update
  • The contractors are preparing the building for waterproofing! This should eliminate the moisture seeping into the sanctuary behind the radiators.
  • This process involved cutting out the previously ineffective sealant and replacing it in every groove and crack in the bricks.
Lenten Children's Activities
  • Our children's table is out and full of activities for your kids to do on Sundays!
  • We are doing a picture book study for kids during Lent. Sarah Jones is reading and teaching a short lesson on a book each week. Visit the church YouTube to watch the videos.
Online Giving
  • For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
Our "Full to the Brim" artwork this week is "You Are Worthy" by Lauren Wright Pitman
Our second "Full to the Brim" artwork is "Worthy of Being Fed" by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Road Closures for Half Marathon on Sunday

This Sunday, the Syracuse Half Marathon will close roads and force detours throughout the city from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please be sure to leave plenty of time to get to service that morning!

You can view the details for the closures here.
Church Updates | New Information
A New Spiritual Discipline for Lent
Traditionally during Lent, we give something up as an act of sacrifice. This Lenten season, instead of giving something up, I'd like you to send gratitude to our healthcare workers.

Therefore, I am challenging you to send at least one thank you card to a healthcare unit or department each week of Lent. If you have children around you, please invite them to draw a picture or make a card to mail as well.

Our healthcare workers have had two very challenging years. Let's share God's love with them through our gratitude for their sacrifice, caring and hard work.

Here are some addresses to get you started.

Crouse Hospital:

(Name of Department)
736 Irving Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210

St. Joseph's Hospital:

Volunteer Office
(Name of Department)
301 Prospect Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13203

Syracuse VA Medical Center:

(Name of Department)
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210

Upstate University Hospital:

(Name of Department)
750 E. Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

—Pastor Alicia
Ongoing Lenten Studies
Tuesdays during Virtual Coffee with the Pastor, beginning March 1: Discussion on the Full to the Brim Lenten Devotional Booklet. This booklet will be provided by the church, with copies available for pickup in the office starting Feb. 27.

Sundays at 6 p.m., beginning March 6: John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton, $13 in paperback at cokesbury.com.

Mondays at 6 p.m., beginning March 7: We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor Peoples Campaign, edited by Liz Theoharis, $16 at cokesbury.com.
UUMC Events Looking Ahead
March 20: Third Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: You Are Worthy"

March 20 at 6 p.m. (every Sunday): Bible study (lead by Pastor Alicia and Pastor Beth alternating) "John: the Gospel of Love and Light."


March 21 at 6 p.m. (every Monday): Study "Cry Out Justice" begins via Zoom (Pastor Beth leads)


March 22 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor (Pastor Alicia leads reflection on Lenten Devotional Book)


March 23 at 7 a.m. (every Wednesday morning): SUMM Prayer Group via Zoom.


March 27: Fourth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Prodigal Grace"

April 3: Fifth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Brazen Acts of Beauty"

April 10: Palm Sunday with guest speaker Angela Douglas, "Full to the Brim: Even the Stones Cry Out"

April 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Holy/Maundy Thursday Service, in-person and online "Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes"

April 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Good Friday "Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow," sanctuary open for prayer, reflection and Stations of the Cross

April 17: Easter Sunday! "Full to the Brim: An Expansive Life"

April 23: Earth Day Neighborhood Clean Up

April 24: Guest speaker in Sunday worship, David Weber from Casowasco

May 24 at 6 p.m.: ACTS Annual Banquet at Drumlins
Conversations with Pastor Alicia

The second episode of the church podcast, Conversations with Pastor Alicia, is out now! Click here to access it on our website.

Our second guest was Rev. Linda Briggs from ACTS, and we have several other episodes ready that will be going out over the next few weeks.
Financial Update - Rachel Kgama

Dear UUMC Congregation,

I am retiring effective March 30th.  

I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the church staff of University United Methodist Church. I found the pastor, staff, and congregation to be examples of God's grace and love. I will always have fond memories of University Church, the “beacon of light on the hill.”
 
May God bless and keep as you continue in your mission to feed the body and spirit. 
 
—Rachel Kgama

Thank you
Wednesday morning prayer via Zoom
Every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. we gather for a zoom prayer meeting. It is open to everyone: come once, come every week, but you are invited to join us at any time: zoom link: Join Zoom Prayer
JOIN PASTOR ALICIA ON A TRIP TO SCOTLAND

You're invited to join us as we explore scared locations in Scotland (as well as Ireland) on the Celtic Christianity in Scotland tour. The trip is scheduled for September 14 - 23, 2022. Our goal is to bring you into an even closer relationsip with God. Part of our adventure includes daily devotionals, prayer, and of course, fun! Below is the itinerary.

  • 9/14 - Depart US on an international overnight flight
  • 9/15 - Weclome to Scotland
  • 9/16 - Lismore
  • 9/17 - Mull and Iona
  • 9/18 - Oban to Glasgow
  • 9/19 - Whithorn
  • 9/20 - Glasgow to Edinburgh
  • 9/21 - Edinburgh
  • 9/22 - Dunfermline and St. Andrew's
  • 9/23 - Depart from Edinburgh for return home

Please note that each stop presents certain physical demands with regards to tours, walking, etc. For complete details, please contact Pastor Alicia. Pamphlets are available at the Church.

The cost starts at $3,898 per person.

Save the date and bring a friend!
Civic Morning Musicals
Performances have returned, taking place each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. If you need a ride, contact Jayne Humbert or Nelson Price. You can find the location and show for each week's performance on the Civic Morning Musicals website.
Weekly Prayer Requests
Please note: Prayer requests and comments submitted in the chat during our online service are public knowledge, as the church’s Facebook page is open to all.

As a caring church, we hold one another in prayer. The names in the next sentence are selected each week from the church directory, generally in alphabetical order. This week, please pray for:

Liz Stehle, Mamie Baxter and Kris and Robin Best
The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.

Angela: Pray for my dad, Dominic, who has health issues.
 
Ann O.: Prayers for my sister, Mary, who is having knee surgery on Tuesday, 3/15. Prayers also for Donna, with health issues, and for Jack and Carol.
 
Ann O.: A prayer of joy for Pastor Alicia’s birthday!
 
Anonymous: Prayers for Mamie B., who is not feeling well. Prayers for peace in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Syria and Afghanistan.
 
Anonymous: Prayer of thanks for Jim T. being in a parade for Special Olympics on his own yesterday and having a birthday March 16.
 
Carol: Prayers for a dear friend dealing with unjust criticism and personal attacks.
 
Harry: Pray for Ukrainians. Let us work to snuff out totalitarianism!
 
Jeanne: Prayers for NaTonya, NyKira’s mother, who is hospitalized.
 
Sherri: Prayers for Holly and her family. For Anne, Cooper and Spencer. For Kathy and Jayne. Prayers for Stephanie who has long-term form COVID. 
Outreach News
At University United Methodist Church, we believe that church is more than just a building; it’s a way of living. It’s connecting with others — in compassion, love, justice, service and fellowship. Volunteers assist with outreach in a number of ways.
Weather-related Closings UUMC Outreach
Food Center @ 324 University Ave. 
University United Methodist Church

Please tune into news channel 9, 3, 5 (CNY Central) or Spectrum News to learn if we are closed during foul weather or extreme cold. Please check for “University United Methodist Church or the Food Center @ 324 University Ave.” for closing information. 

As a guide; we will close if the wind chill or temperature is 20 degrees Farenheit or below, receive 5 inches or more of snow, if there is freezing rain or if the Syracuse City School District is closed for bad weather.

We strive to remain open every Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for our Emergency Food Distribution, as well as every Sunday from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. for our community breakfast. However, extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice are dangerous to our workers, your vehicles, our guests who wait outside and the arriving Food Bank trucks.

Thank you for understanding!
UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update
The clothing closet reopened March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will continue on a weekly schedule, every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Your continued donations and support have been appreciated! Thank you!
March Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing Requests

Little Free Library
We need books to be donated for our library. Contact Desi at the church office, office@uumcsyracuse.org to arrange a drop-off time.

Pet Food Needed
If you’re able to donate pet food, please call or email the office for an appointment to drop it off.

Hygiene Items Needed
Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant – have been in high demand and much appreciated. If you are able to donate those, please call the office to arrange a time for drop-off.
RESTART Special Winter Request
With the arrival of frigid winter temperatures, we have some families who are without warm blankets. Donations of gently used or new, twin, full and queen blankets would be appreciated. Please bring them to Erwin or contact Evelyn Disinger.
Ongoing RESTART Ministry Requests

Restart remains in need of many items, as they go out quickly to those in need. In addition to metal bed frames for twin, full and queen beds, there is a need of hand towels, kitchen towels and pot holders. 

The bed frames must be complete with no missing feet/wheels and brackets. If you have frames that fit this description, please contact Jackie Sadowski at 315-463-8025 

OR — Bed frames cost $45, and if you prefer to buy new ones for Restart, make checks payable to "SUMM" and put "Restart" on memo line. Checks should be sent to UUMC.

Also, we need bath towels, pillows, cookware. These items don't need to be new but should be in usable condition. Blankets are always needed.

More ways to help RESTART
The team has set up a wish list on Amazon.com. Click the link to below to view a list of needed items. Choose what you would like to donate by adding items to your cart. When done shopping, go to checkout for payment. Be sure to select “Restart Ministries c/o Evelyn Disinger” for the mailing address. The items will be shipped directly to Restart.
Donations we accept for use at UUMC: 

  • Clean, gently used clothing, winter (thick) socks, gloves, hats, and outerwear (Machine washable ONLY)
  • Clean, gently used shoes & boots
  • Undamaged books
  • Cat & Dog foods (Unexpired)
  • Undamaged/unopened shelf stable foods (Unexpired)
  • Unopened/undamaged personal hygiene items. Specifically; toothpaste, (individually wrapped) toothbrush, shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, lotion, women’s sanitary items
  • Baby diapers, baby wipes and unopened, unexpired foods for baby
  • Face Masks (Never worn, paper or cloth)

Financial donations drafted to University United Methodist Church with the destination in memo (i.e.: Food Center, winter clothing, breakfast, pet foods, etc.)
Donations we accept for United Methodist RESTART Ministry

  • Clean, gently worn pots, pans, flatware, glasses, tableware (plates, bowls, mugs (not plastic))
  • Clean, gently used bed blankets, sheet sets & towels (Machine washable ONLY)
  • Financial donations drafted to the Syracuse United Methodist Ministries, with Restart noted on the memo line.


For donations of lamps or furniture contact Jackie Sadowski at jlsadowski@aol.com or, Interfaith Works 315-449-3552. Both of these sites fill a home or apartment for someone whose life is in transition or “Restarting”
United Methodist News
How are United Methodists present in Ukraine?

United Methodists have congregations and mission partners on the ground in Ukraine, offering hope, support and aid in every way they can. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on the history and state of Methodism in Ukraine and Russia.
The pastor of Little Mexico
The Rev. Carlos Uroza draws on his experience as a Mexican immigrant as he leads churches and does community development in a part of Nashville some call "Little Mexico." Mikeie Honda Reiland profiles the United Methodist pastor, with photos by Tamara Reynolds.
UM General Conference 2020 postponed to 2024
Delegates consider legislation at the 2016 General Conference
After two years of COVID-related delays, the United Methodist General Conference for 2020 was again delayed until 2024. Organizers cited the currently 800-day backlog for processing visas, which would obstruct international delegates' participation in the meeting, as the reason for the decision.
The organizers of the planned breakaway denomination, The Global Methodist Church, have elected not to wait for the conference's decision. The launch date for the new denomination has been moved up to May 1, 2022.

Because individual church property is held in trust by the United Methodist denomination, however, leaving won't be legally simple.
2021 Annual Conference Reports
UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.
Daily Anti-Racism Prayers

Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church offers anti-racism prayers emailed to you Monday through Friday. To sign up to receive them, click the link below.
UM News Digest
Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
Community News
The ACTS Race Matters Book Club will be discussing “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates on Monday, March 28 @ 7 PM on Zoom.

There are 36 copies in the Onondaga County Public Library system, so it should be accessible for all. 

However, if you want to order your own copy, click here for the book.

To register for the session, email petersarverACTS@gmail.com  
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date. 
Save the date!

The ACTS spring event, "Ring Out Justice!," will be Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for ACTS, so your support would be appreciated! Tickets can be bought per seat or by the whole table.
COVID Info

Tests

The federal government has made four at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 available to every American. Go to covidtests.gov to order yours. If you need assistance using the Internet to order these tests, please call the church office.