1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
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Greetings!
Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
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Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In-Person and on Facebook Live
Click Below to Join Worship on Sunday
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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. |
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Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
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Worship | Peace with Justice | June 12, 2022 |
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Our nation has had a rough couple of weeks and so has our world. In the midst of our collective grief, how do we continue to work for peace and justice? How do we hear God’s voice in the midst of struggle? How do we love God’s people in a culture of fear? Let us offer our questions to God, who loves us and walks beside us, calling us to exercise our gifts for the common good and get into good trouble together. Jesus and the prophets, both Biblical and contemporary, call us to work for justice. The Methodist Church, at its finest historical moments, has been a church firmly committed to justice work, and today we celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday.
Scripture: 5:1-5 (The Message), Psalm 8 (Responsive), John 16:12-15 (The Message)
Worship Music
Prelude: "Sheep and Lambs May Safely Graze" - J.S. Bach
Offertory: “Hold On” Traditional
Postlude: "March" - Andrew Gant
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ATTENTION PARENTS!
Special Children’s Activity June 12
On Sunday, June 12, children are invited to join in a special children’s activity during worship. Children will meet in the Chappell Room (off of the Gathering Room) to sing and make tambourines. A snack will be provided.
Two weeks later, on June 26, the children will have a chance to play their tambourines and march while the congregation sings as part of children’s time in worship that day. We hope to have extra tambourines for those children (and some young-at-heart adults) who did not make one but would like to join in the march. This day, June 26, is also the Sunday we will be hosting friends Nathan Sumrall and John Ginn for worship and a special musical program at 1 p.m. A light luncheon will follow worship for all those able to stay for the concert.
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Volunteer Event Challenge!
Pastor Alicia has issued a challenge for everyone in the congregation to give back. Between June and October, she would like you to attend at least one volunteer event. For opportunities within the church, please reach out to Galyn Murphy-Stanley. If you choose to volunteer outside of the church, please tell us about it!
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Church Updates | New Information |
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New Livestream Anticipated July 3rd
We have already begun the upgrade to our Audio, Video and Lighting equipment in the Sanctuary in anticipation of the new livestream. We are adding 3 cameras to accommodate different angles and views. The upgraded sound system will increase clarity both on site and over the livestream. Training classes will begin later this month.
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Volunteers Needed
We are looking for Ushers and Greeters for our Sunday Service during the months of July and August. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ann Owens at 315-382-2736.
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OUTREACH MESSAGE - GALYN MURPHY-STANLEY
May Highlights:
-May brings an end to many of our student volunteers' time with us. Although many of our SU International students and SUNY Upstate volunteers will continue to join our efforts through the summer, many have moved on having met the criteria of their class requirements from the Spring semester.
-ACR Health hosted its “No Hitch” to-go lunch on 4/12 and 4/26. Wonderful three course hot lunches were served to-go to our neighbors and staff.
-Vegan CNY navigated a lunch distribution and a simultaneous Women’s rally on the front steps of UUMC. They provided a wonderful, homemade vegan hot to-go lunche to our community on 4/14 and 4/28/22.
-The annual Postman drive began again this year. We received the largest donation we ever collected this year as we were able to collect foods once distributed between 3 sites. Since Temple Concord, Grace Episcopal have joined us we were able to collect for all three sites.
-Onondaga County Health Department has chosen us to assist them in liquidating a grant. They have donated three hand dollies and 5 carts. These are imperative to our daily functioning and will replace broken carts we received at the beginning of COVID (3/17/20) when our Food Center @ 324 began its work of feeding all Syracuse City residents.
June 2022, Looking forward:
-ACR Health “No-Hitch” lunch: Thursday, May 9 and 23, 2022 pick up your free lunch outside our 324 University Ave. door from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome.
-Vegan CNY hot lunch: Saturday, May 11 and 25, 2022 pick up your free Vegan lunch outside of UUMC at the corner of East Genesee and University Ave. from noon to 1pm. All are welcome.
-You are invited to join us in the CNY Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25, 2022. We welcome all to join us in walking the parade route during the parade. Please wear a tie-dye garment. Meet at the Solar St. Parking lot (the one furthest away from Destiny Mall/the most South) at 10:30am. Walking/ the parade begins at 11am. The parade ends at the Inner Harbor Creekwalk park where Pride Fest will immediately follow (12noon). Total parade route is about three fourths of a mile. This is a FREE event, it is a church supported community event, everyone is welcome.
Please text Diane for more information 727-238-018
~Please know that Emergency Food Box packing and our Emergency Food Box distribution will be closed on Thursday, June 30 and Friday July 1, 2022 for the 4th of July Holiday.
~Volunteer opportunities are open and available. Please contact Galyn at outreach@uumcsyracuse.org to be added to our volunteer listserv. You will receive two mailings a month informing you of all of the volunteer opportunities at UUMC.
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Special Charge Conference - June 13
On Monday June 13th of this year Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (SUMM), of which University United Methodist Church (UUMC) is a member, will be holding a Special Charge Conference to discuss information of changes impacting the finances for SUMM payment of Pastoral Salary/Benefit packages. The SUMM finance committee will share budget details expected to change in June 2022 and its impact to SUMM financials. A vote to adopt the changes will be addressed at this meeting with regards to the following:
- SUMM church community Hope Korean UMC will be closing in June 2022. Their full year 2022 financial obligation to SUMM will be met paying their apportioned shares through the end of the year.
- In June 2022 Pastor Jee Hae Song will reduce her time as a full time Pastor to 3/4 Pastoral position with no longer having to serve as Pastor to Hope Korean. She will be serving only at St. Paul’s UMC
For a bit of reference for those of you who are new to University United Methodist Church (UUMC). UUMC is a member of the Upper NY Conference of the United Methodist Church (UNYUMC). As stated on our UNYUMC website over 865 local churches and 91 new faith communities make up our conference.
Since 2015 UUMC has been connected through a shared ministry team named ‘Syracuse United Methodist Ministry’ (SUMM), most recently as 7 United Methodist Church communities in the city of Syracuse served by 4
United Methodist Pastors, Rev Andy Anderson, Rev. BJ Norrix, Rev. See Jae Song, and Pastor Alicia Wood. They have been appointed to the SUMM collective by our Upper NY United Methodist Conference (UNYUMC) Bishop, Mark J. Webb.
In order to attend to salary and benefits for the Pastors supplying our pulpits SUMM has a ‘governing’ board made up of representatives from each of the churches serving as committee voting members and the committee includes the 4 Pastors.
Additionally there is a SUMM committee of Finance and a SUMM committee of Staff-Parish relations. With Hope Korean closure, SUMM will continue with
6 remaining churches served by 4 Pastors:
Bellevue UMC - served by Rev Andy Anderson
Brown Memorial UMC - served by Rev BJ Norrix
Erwin UMC - served by Rev BJ Norrix
Gethsemane - served by Rev Andy Anderson
St. Pauls UMC - served by Rev Jee Hae Song
University UMC - served by Rev Alicia Wood
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Camp Casowasco
This year we have three young people going to Camp Casowasco. Our campers were gifted scholarships from the campership fund from the closing of James St. UMC that is now managed by Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (SUMM).
In addition, one young man from our congregation is going to the Leaders in Training (LIT) for a full month at Camp Casowasco! Here's a little about LIT.
"Casowasco’s Leader-in-Training program is a breakthrough experience for the seasoned Casowasco summer camper. The LIT experience was created to nurture budding leadership skills in your camper. Through the LIT experience your older camper will have the opportunity to become lifeguard, first aid and CPR certified. They will also have the opportunity to learn how to lead worship experiences, learn outdoor living skills, lead archery and practice sailing."
We are praying our church family will be able to assist these families in funding the added cost for this month-long training. The cost of the camp is beyond the funds we have received from SUMM.
If you would like to help, please donate online or by check with the memo line Campership Fund. Thank you for your ongoing support of our youth on their faith journey.
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If you have any questions, please reach out to Ann Owens (315) 382-2736 or Pastor Alicia |
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UUMC Events Looking Ahead |
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June 13 at 6 p.m.: SUMM Special Charge Conference on Zoom
June 19: Family Day/Graduation Sunday/11th Anniversary as a Reconciling Congregation.
June 21 at 7 p.m.: CNY Pride Interfaith Service—The service will be at All Saints Church on Lancaster Ave. Pastor Alicia & Others from our church is a part of the planning and service.
June 25: CNY Pride Parade—We would love to have a large presence! We will gather at 10 a.m. to begin marching at 11 a.m. This year we will have a vehicle to ride in the parade if you prefer not to walk. Please call or email the church office to sign up and give us your T-Shirt size. We are asking for a donation to pay for the T-shirts. If you have questions, please reach Diane, 727-238-0187.
June 26 at 1 p.m.: We are delighted to announce that long-time UUMC friends Nathan Sumrall and John Ginn will present a special concert of music in our sanctuary. Nathan and John will be with us for 11 a.m. worship, and immediately following, the church will provide a light luncheon for those planning to stay for the 1 p.m. concert.
July Worship Series: "Half Truths" based on a book by Adam Hamilton
July 28: United Methodists at the Ball Park
July 31: Worship filled with music by Rev. Bruce Webster
August 10 at 5-7 p.m.: SUMM Picnic at UUMC
August 14-17: Worship workshop for all interested at UUMC
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Adult Education Opportunity |
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PROPHETIC VOICES is a Special Collection of five award-winning documentary films profiling remarkable religious figures from one of the most turbulent centuries in history. Through their timeless writings and prophetic witness, they helped shape the contours of how to create a moral and ethical response to the social and political challenges of their era. Most importantly, what they left behind is a roadmap for how to faithfully confront our own issues today.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Howard Thurman, Reinhold Niebuhr, Dorothy Day and Abraham
Heschel each came from different faith traditions and varied cultural backgrounds. What they shared in common was an abiding love for their tradition, a willingness to challenge established powers, including their own religious leaders, and an acceptance of the cost that voicing truth entails - both professionally and personally.
Pastor Beth will meet virtually with those interested on Sunday evenings – for three
weekends in May and two weekends in June. The first part of the meeting will be for those who want to watch the documentary together, the second part will be our discussion.
June 12: Abraham Joshua Heschel—video at 4:30 p.m., discussion at 6 p.m.
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Holy Land Trip in 2023 Information Session, June 2nd |
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Pastor Alicia Wood invites you to join her on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, February 14 - February 24, 2023.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. June 14 ($75 off),
July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off).
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Wednesday morning prayer via Zoom |
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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
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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:
Kenyon Craig & Sherri Cullen
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The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
Ann O.: Prayers for the family of Ros Brinkman, who passed away this past week.
Ann O.: Continued prayers for my father, Bud who will be released from the hospital today.
Ann O.: Congratulations to Angela for her performance in “Now Hear This” at the RedHouse. She has one more performance today at 2 p.m. Tickets still available.
Anonymous: For Sarah, recovering from double mastectomy surgery.
Anonymous: Prayers for Mark L. for continuing health issues.
Gail T-F.: Asks that we please pray for Dana, who is in the intensive care unit.
Mamie: Keep my daughter Ebony in Prayer for her Mental State.
Mamie:Thank you, Lord for the blessing of me being about to attend my aunt’s funeral, Friday & keep me in prayer for a safe return. God Bless Everyone!
Morgan M.: Continued prayers for our family and my father in law Gerry, he is home and we are spending every moment we can with him.
Nelson: Prayers for my daughter Debra who has Covid.
Nelson: Prayers for my sister who is recovering but has heart issues
Nelson: Prayers for all those feeling alone or fearful.
Sherri C.: Prayers for Kathy's family who passed away last Sunday. Sue and her father. Rich's continuing recovery from covid.
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Sadly we laid to rest, 2 members of our church family, Chuck McBride and Larry Myers.
Here is a picture Larry Myers gravesite at Oakwood cemetery. The view includes the radio tower of WAER which he help founded.
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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
Financial donations drafted to University United Methodist Church with the destination in memo (i.e.: Food Center, winter clothing, breakfast, pet foods, etc.).
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UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet |
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The clothing closet is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Donations can be scheduled or inquired about by emailing Galyn at outreach@uumcsyracuse.org. See our website for a list of accepted materials.
Your continued donations and support have been appreciated! Thank you!
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June Volunteer Opportunities |
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Please see the attached Youtube video for more information.
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Closing & Cancellations
Although we strive to remain open each Friday for food distributions, Thursday clothing access and various volunteer opportunities, know that national holidays, staff and volunteer vacations interrupt our ability to gather and effectively distribute food and diapers. We will pause on the some dates to celebrate Syracuse’s beautiful summer, and we hope you do too. Thanks!
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Ongoing Requests
Books - Men's Clothing - Pet Food Needed - Hygiene Items Needed
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Pastoral Care Education Program Open House, June 29 |
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Information meeting/Open house Wednesday June 29, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 324 University Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210, corner of University Ave and E. Genesee Street. Clergy, parish staff, students and lay caregivers are all welcome.
Pastoral Care Education is an intensive education program that will enhance your skill in providing excellent pastoral care in your parish or volunteer setting. This information meeting will showcase the program with information from the faculty, sharing from previous students and time for questions and answers. Please pre-register with Connie Marion at (315)677-3719 or pastoraleducation@twcny.rr.com It is our custom to serve a light meal for this meeting, so please be sure to let me know you are coming.
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June 21: Denominational Developments Webinar
With Bishop Webb
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Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, had planned on in-person meetings with UNY laity this month, but these meetings had to be canceled due to expressed concerns, related to the COVID pandemic.
To create an opportunity for these conversations to be held, Bishop Webb will be hosting a live webinar on Vimeo on Tuesday June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
During this webinar, Bishop Webb will address recent denominational developments and discuss the importance of keeping focused on the mission of the Church. The webinar will include a time for questions and answers.
Individuals are invited to send questions in advance, along with their name and church, for Bishop Webb to address by emailing them to news@unyumc.org by June 17. An opportunity to submit questions during the webinar will be available through a chat function.
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Tell Us How Your Congregation is Helping Your Pastor
Pastors have a lot of responsibilities that go far beyond preparing for worship. They are on call to congregants who need support; they perform weddings and funerals; they have meetings throughout the week with different ministry teams at their church.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed more demands on these pastors—for many, they had to recreate the way they did worship to digital platforms.
We want to know how congregants are helping their pastors renew and replenish their souls and we’d like to share these stories with the entire Upper New York Conference. By sharing these stories, our hope is that others throughout the Conference will be inspired to help their pastors prioritize wellness during these difficult times.
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Church Trustees and SP/PRC Resources
New materials and webinar recordings room April 26 and 28, 2022 were developed for churches in the Southern Tier Region, which consists of the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts. District Superintendents the Rev. Suzanne Block, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, and the Rev. Nancy Adams led the sessions.
One webinar was related to church trustees with included resources and the other webinar was related to staff-parish-relations committees with included resources.
Click here to watch these helpful recordings and access the useful resources
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Nominations for 2022 Denman Recipients Accepted
The Denman award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Annual Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one lay person in each Conference.
The 2021 recipients in the Upper New York Conference were Pastor Della Ludwig (clergy) and Pastor Sean Chanthasone (clergy). The 2020 recipients were Nolan Carner (youth), Rick Fisher, Jr. (laity), and Pastor Jose Rodriguez (clergy).
Read about all the past recipients by clicking here. The deadline for submitting your 2022 nominations to the Conference has been extended to July 15, 2022.
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Six Ways to Observe Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, federal troops under the command of Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. They brought a life-changing message for the estimated quarter-of-a-million slaves in the state: “All slaves are free” and entitled to payment for their labor.
This important day in history became known as Freedom Day, or Juneteenth, now a U.S. federal holiday. Let Juneteenth be a time when people of Christian faith—especially white Christians—recommit to, evoke, stand on, and live out the promises of God to deliver all people everywhere from bondage and oppression.
Click here to learn more about Juneteenth and learn six ways we can observe Juneteenth.
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A Statement and Call to Action from the
Conference Commission on Religion and Race
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As we continue to process the racially motivated mass shooting that took place in Buffalo on May 14, the Upper New York Commission on Religion & Race has released a statement, asking for continued prayers and sharing ways in which you can help put an end to systemic racism.
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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.
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Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
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Book Giveaway!
Here is a suggested tease for our book giveaway. I think we should have something in this weeks newsletter. Suggestions? Changes?
University Church has a special gift for you on Sunday, June 19, and throughout the summer. It is a book by a medical doctor who has witnessed the “end of life” by many persons and the decisions they made – or didn’t make – that affected their end-of-life experience not only on them but also on their families and loved ones.
We all know we will come to that time. We don’t know when or how. By naturally declining health? A fatal illness. A life changing accident, stroke or heart attack? Who do we want to make the medical decisions? You, your family, the doctor, the hospital, the government? What decisions do each of us need to make for ourselves and for our families.
The book, Finishing Our Story: Preparing for the End of Life by Gregory L. Eastwood, MD, will tell you about real-life experiences and guide you in your decision-making.
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Indoor Masking Recommended in Onondaga County |
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The CDC recognizes 10 counties in New York as being at high risk for COVID. Indoor masking is recommended for all counties at high risk, including Onondaga County. Fourteen New York counties are at medium risk this week. |
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