1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
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Greetings!
Here is your weekly news from UUMC. Updates on in person worship are below.
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New Church Attendance Guidelines at UUMC
From Pastor Alicia,
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As the number of COVID cases spikes in Onondaga County, I am asking you to attend worship through our Facebook Live option. If you do not have access to Facebook Live, we are able to safely space 20 COVID bubble groups (families or friends who are comfortable being in close contact) in our sanctuary.
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If you plan to attend in person worship please email or call the office to reserve your slot at office@uumcsyracuse.org
- I'm saddened by this decision because we are growing and thriving as a church family. Yet, I love you and want you to remain safe and healthy. We will get through this working together for the common good.
John 13: 34-35
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Peace and Grace,
Pastor Alicia
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Sunday Worship | 10:30 AM
In Person and 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 AM
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
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Worship | Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 16, 2022
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The trip we are taking with “A Woman’s Lectionary for the Whole Church,”
shines a light on God’s immense love for those who love her. We also see God’s distain for those who use shame and religion to stifle those called and created through God’s love who want to simply praise God and live in the light of God’s love.
A wonderful line from our text in Zephaniah relates God saying, “I will bring you all home.” Those words are our theme for today, “God will bring us all home.” As public health has become politicized, putting millions unnecessarily at risk, and as “What’s in it for me?” has replaced “loving your neighbor,” we need a rock, a cornerstone, an anchor to hold onto. God stands with us as we stand together, seeking, in the words of our mission statement to “Feed God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit.” God is truly here today.
Scripture
This week the scriptures are: Zephaniah 3: 14-20, 1 Timothy 4: 1-6, 9-10
Worship Music
- Prelude: Pastorale - Jaak Nikolaas Lemmens
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Postlude: Trumpet Tune - Christopher Tambling
UUMC Restroom Renovations
- We are happy to report that the finshing touches are being put on the rear first floor restrooms..
Online Giving
- For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
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Church Updates | New Information |
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UUMC Happenings at a Glance |
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Below, in bulletpoint format, you will find what's happening (at a glance) at UUMC. Further within the newsletter are full details for some events. If you would like to attend committee meetings, please contact Pastor Alicia (pastor@uumcsyracuse.org) to RSVP.
- Monday, January 10, 6 PM - Bible Study with Pastor Beth
- Tuesdays, 10 AM - Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
- Wednesdays, 7 AM - Morning Prayers with Pastor Alicia
- Wednesdays, 7 PM - Prayer Group with Pastor Alicia
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Outreach Update - Galyn Murphy Stanley |
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Year in review and a look to 2022
Greetings,
2021 brought change and challenges. But we had some really great moments that we celebrated! Please click below for a review by the numbers as well as a written report on 2021 and what we look forward to in the coming year! As always, we continue to Feed God's People, body, mind and spirit.
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Bible Study continues Jan. 17 |
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Join Pastor Beth and some of her friends for a continuing Bible study that combines a short video and book study with Professor A.J. Levine, entitled "The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings." We will meet Mondays at 6PM beginning on January 10 via zoom. At the first meeting, we will confirm our schedule for holidays as a group. The book is available on Amazon in kindle or paperback, as well as other outlets.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 875 2726 6504
Passcode: 072925
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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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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!
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Please note that the Wednesday Civic Morning Musicals are taking a holiday and will return on February 3. |
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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:
Nathaniel, Albert, Farneh, and James S. Appleton
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A message from Pastor Alicia
"It is a sad time for our church family. Susan Bates died Thursday morning.
Sue was a bright light to all around her. Her faith led her journey through life.
Today we are sad, but very soon we will gather together
to celebrate her life and all she has meant to us.
Please pray for Sue’s partner, Liz, her family and friends."
The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
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Ann: A prayer of gratitude for family members recovering from COVID, and prayers for Sue B.
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Anonymous: Prayers for Sue B. and Liz, her caregiver
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Anonymous: Prayers for the situation in Kazakhstan
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Carolina: Prayers for Kathy as she recovers.
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Dhara and Giles: Please pray for our daughter, Willow Rue, over the next three months as she heads into a time of trial with her cancer.
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Gwen: Prayers to return to in in person worship as soon as we safely can, and prayers for the Cammer family, as my uncle Chilton Cammer passed peacefully last week.
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Holly: Prayers for Sue B.
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Jackie S.: Prayers for the family of Esther Perdue
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Jeanne F-S: Prayers for our sound system and all the people working on this live-streaming project.
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Julie: I ask for healing in families worldwide.
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Kim: Please pray for my friend Melinda's father, who passed away this week, and for Jean's family, as she passed yesterday.
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Sharon: Please pray for my uncle’s family as he passed away this week.
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Sherri: Prayers for Sue and her dad. Also for Ann T., Cooper and Spencer & Kathy.
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Stephanie: Prayers for guidance and wisdom as I continue in my job search.
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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. |
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Weather-related Closings UUMC Outreach |
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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 20F 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, 10 AM - Noon, for our Emergency Food Distribution and every Sunday, 9-10:30 AM, 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!
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This week's weather update |
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Due to the projected frigid temperatures for this weekend, January 14 - 16, UUMC Emergency Food Distribution @ 324 University Ave. is CLOSED this Friday, January 14.
Our Sunday Community Breakfast will also be closed on Sunday, January 16.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
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UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update |
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In light of the New York outbreak of the COVID-19 omicron variant, the clothing closet will be closed until March. This was a tough decision, but we ultimately had to protect the health and safety of our volunteers.
Those in need of winter coats can still stop by our winter clothing rack in the Narthex during Sunday morning bagel breakfasts each week from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Donations are still being accepted for the clothing closet. Preferred drop-off times are Thursday mornings and Friday afternoon. If necessary, you may call or email Galyn to set up an alternate time. Please see our list of acceptable items before dropping off your donation.
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January Volunteer Opportunities |
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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.
Yarn and Knitting
Jayne Humbert continues to knit items to prepare for the fall and winter. If you are interested in donating yarn or would like more information, please contact Jayne at: daffodil.joy.100@gmail.com
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.
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RESTART Special Winter Request |
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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.
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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.
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Christmas in January for the clothing closet! |
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Rosanne Martin, Mike Russo and Galyn Murphy-Stanley unload the massive haul of clothing donations from the Russo family. |
Article and photo by Joyce Flynn |
On Thursday, January 6, the UUMC Outreach Program and the folks we
serve and support received a WONDERFUL Christmas gift from volunteer Rosanne Martin and her extended family and friends!
Over the past year, Rosanne has become an enthusiastic volunteer and avid supporter of the UUMC Outreach Program. Along with our
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many other terrific volunteers, she assists with weekly food distribution in a variety of ways, and recently, upon finding out about our Winter Outerwear distribution efforts, she started contributing warm socks and gloves. When asked by her family what she
wanted for Christmas, Rosanne told them that all she wanted was gently used
coats and outerwear for our program.
The family’s response was OVERWHELMING! Together, with friends, they gathered nine HUGE Christmas garbage-size bags of warm clothing and surprised Rosanne with it on Christmas Day. This generous gift will go a long way toward keeping many people who are homeless or have limited resources warm during our frigid CNY winter.
Many, many thanks to this amazing family!
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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.)
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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”
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Update aims to make Bible translation more accurate |
Is it important that the skin disease Jesus healed people from wasn’t leprosy as we know it today?
Does it matter whether John the Baptist said he was not fit to untie the “thong” of Jesus’ sandals or the “strap?”
Should a verse in Isaiah be changed from the poetic “wild grapes” to the more accurate “rotten grapes,” even though it is less pleasing to the ear?
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2021 Annual Conference Reports |
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UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.
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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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ACTS Race Matters Book Club starts its 6th Year of reading and group discussion in 2022 on January 24 with “Howard Thurman: Essential Writings” published by Orbis Books.
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date.
Planning ahead, for February 28, we will be reading “The Sum of Us – What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper” by Heather McGhee.
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ACTS invites you to a virtual celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin King Luther, Jr., on Monday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.
Rev. Eric Jackson, president of ACTS, writes—
"As we engage in the pursuit of justice and transformation in our community, I am extending a special invitation for you to join us for the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration hosted by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Syracuse to honor the life, legacy, and mission of Dr. King on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 6:00pm.
This year’s celebration will be virtual in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be hosted via ZOOM. Although an in-person opportunity would be ideal, I hope you do not miss this opportunity to be energized for the work ahead by the Rev. Mark Blue, who is the President of the Buffalo NAACP. Please see the flyer below for more information."
To access the meeting, log in to Zoom from the app or in your web browser and select "Join meeting," entering the Meeting ID and passcode when prompted.
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COVID Vaccine Info
Go to this link to see if there are appointments available: COVID
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