Send us your events and classifieds: albanydistrict@unyumc.org

Tuesday, Sept. 5

District Office hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays; 8 AM to 5:30 PM except Thursdays, 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Call Carrie Boyer @ (518) 608-1246 or send an email to albanydistrict@unyumc.org

Remembering Julius Archibald

Julius Archibald passed away on Aug. 28. He is remembered as one of the pillars of Troy Conference. His memorial service will be at 1 PM Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. To read his full obituary, click here.

2023 District Day: Sept. 30 @ Saratoga Springs UMC

Please Register Now!

We are pleased to share with you the schedule and workshop descriptions for District Day on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. All are welcome to attend, and there is no charge this year, thanks to the generosity of the Adirondack Lay Servant Team, which is covering most of our expenses! Lunch is included. Registration opens 8:15 AM. Worship at 8:45 AM. Three sets of 75-minute workshops will be offered throughout the day. You do not need to attend all three workshops. Please register by Sept. 18, but the earlier the better!

Workshop Descriptions (updated!): Click here.

Schedule and Registration form: Click here.

Finding Your Space Women’s Retreat

Need a break and want to catch your breath? The Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) is here to help with a two-night virtual retreat Sept. 29-30 for any female lay or clergy person.

Join Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi as the keynote speaker and the Rev. Corey Turnpenny, along with Jenna Amberge, Nairobi Smith, and the Rev. Theresa Eggleston for an inspirational event via Zoom from 6:30-9 p.m.

The cost is $25 and a portion of the fee will help support Girls Inc., a not-for-profit organization that focuses "on the development of the whole girl." Click here to register. All registrants will receive a box of materials to enhance your retreat experience. The deadline is Sept. 22

You can earn 0.5 CPU credit for participating in both days. If you have any questions, email cosrow@unyumc.org.

Time to start thinking about Red Bird Shoebox Mission

The Mission team at Endwell UMC in the Binghamton District is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person-spiritual, physical, social, and economic.

To read more, click here.

Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham has volunteered to be the local collection center for the Red Bird Mission this year. We have revised the document from Endwell UMC to include this and other important information, which is attached here. The additions and revisions in yellow. This year, the collection will be coordinated by Cecelia Broomhead from Calvary. Her contact information is 518-785-5801(house) or by cell phone at 518-577-0985; or by email at ccb1018@nycap.rr.com.

You can also drop shoe boxes off to the Albany District Office, 568 Louden Rd., Latham. Enter the parking lot from Maxwell Rd. Please call Carrie Boyer to arrange a drop off time. (518) 608-1246.

If your church would be willing to be a drop-off location, please contact Carrie Boyer in the Adirondack/Albany District Office (518) 608-1246 or carrieboyer@unyumc.org

Please plan to drop off your shoe boxes to the designated locations by Nov. 5. We will announce drop-off spots in upcoming newsletters.

Fall Church Conference Schedules

I am glad for another opportunity to gather with you for our fall Church Conferences! This year, nearly all will be held jointly with other area United Methodist congregations so that, in addition to caring for the ordering of ministry for the coming year as individual congregations, we may look at some possibilities for collaborative ministry that might strengthen and broaden our mission and ministry. Since most of the “business” of the Church Conference is prepared beforehand by various teams within the church to receive final vote at the Church Conference, the majority of our time together will be spent on collaboration.

Blessings! Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent

Click on the links below to view the schedules. Any changes from the original schedule are highlighted in yellow.

Albany District Church Conferences

Adirondack District Church Conferences

Quaker Springs UMC seeks Spanish educational materials for Mission Trip to Guatemala in November

Hello friends! If you're out and about and come across these, in Spanish please, for our upcoming Mission Trip to Guatemala please purchase them for me and I’ll buy them from you, or if you’d like to donate, bless you and thank you!! Or if you find any K-6 grade educational material in Spanish or slightly used, I will gladly pick it up from you! To make a monetary donation, send to Linda Campbell, PO Box 52, 160 Cemetery Rd., Victory Mills, NY 12884. Please make check out to Quaker Springs UMC with Guatemala mission in the memo line. Thank you in advance. We leave Nov. 8 for Guatemala. For more information contact Linda Campbell from the Quaker Springs UMC @ lcampbellfarrell@gmail.com

(New) Attention Lay Servants, Lay Speakers and Certified Lay Ministers! Forms due Sept. 20

Please note that your forms are due on Sept. 20. Please send them via email attachment if possible to Carrie Boyer @ carrieboyer@unyumc.org. To download a copy of the form, click here: Or via snail mail to Albany District Office, PO Box 511 Newtonville, NY 12128

Lay Servant Courses offered in the Albany District: All are welcome

Basic Course

The BASIC Course is being offered in person AND on zoom at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays at Pawling Ave UMC (520 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY) - September 13, 20, 27, October 4, and 11. The course will be led by Melanie Keith. Please contact her with questions or to register ASAP (518) 779-6004 or melakeith@icloud.com. Cost is $10 plus book.

Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage

By ZOOM on Mondays at 6:30 PM Mondays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The last class will be in person at a sight to be determined. The course will be led by Bruce France. Please contact him with questions or to register no later than Sept. 20 at (518) 441-9584 or bfrance@nycap.rr.com. Cost is $10 plus materials.

Advanced Course: Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church

In person at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays at First UMC Delmar (428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, NY) - October 4, 11 , 18, 25 & November 1. The course will be led by Heather Smith. Please contact her with questions or to register no later than Sept. 22 at (518) 368-2209 or h.smith1026@gmail,com. Cost is $10 plus materials.

Lay Servant Courses offered in the Adirondack District:

All are welcome

Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit. No refunds or credit for courses will be given.

For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com

Click here for the brochure.

COURSE OFFERINGS:

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration open.

Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Registration opens September 26.

Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Shaped by Christ

Valerie Ronald (Manitoba, Canada)

Link

READING FOR THE DAY

1 John 4:12-16

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

God works in and through me to fulfill God’s purposes.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, strengthen us by your Spirit so that we can fulfill the purposes you have for us. Amen.

Hidden Treasure,

Part 8

While on a road trip, I stopped to explore a fishing access spot along Kayaderosseras Creek. These lovely wildflowers were only visible when I scrambled down the bank to get a closer look at the creek.

Our world is full of hidden treasures awaiting discovery when we take the time to explore the world around us. Some treasures may require venturing down a path through the woods, others may reveal themselves as we sit quietly by a lake or stream, still others may come from savoring the moment. For me one such treasure that I shared earlier was the simple thing of resting in a hammock and savoring the moment as a Summer breeze blew through the trees and I swung gently back and forth.

Then there is the hidden treasure that awaits us when we find a quiet place and ponder the blessings that we have enjoyed.

Shalom,

David E. Smith, Pastor

Mayfield & Northampton at Fish House United Methodist Churches

Phone or Text: 518-572-4051

Email: revdavid76@gmail.com

You can find this and other devotions in my blog at www.adirondacksights.wordpress.com. You can also find more of my pictures on my web site www.revdavidimages.com.

You are invited to join us for our Monday evening Prayer Group at 7:00 pm and our Wednesday Bible Study at 7 PM. Both are being offered in person at the Mayfield UMC and on Zoom which can be accessed using the following link on your computer, tablet, smart phone or by calling in on the provided phone number.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7356408548

Phone Call In: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 735 640 8548

Local Church Events

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(New) Clothing Barn open Saturdays through October at North Chatham UMC

The Clothing Barn at the North Chatham UMC is open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM every Saturday morning, through the end of October. We will be part of the annual North Chatham Community Day activities on October 14, along with the North Chatham Free Library and the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Company. The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. If you can’t make it in person our worship services are available on Zoom – please see our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org) for details. For more information on North Chatham UMC, please call 518-766-3535 or visit our website.

Lord's Acre Fair, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sept. 9, Burnt Hills UMC

Join us at Burnt Hills UMC, 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills, for our annual fair on Friday, Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. Booths open on Friday at 10 AM. Lots of second-hand items, crafts, food, baked goods. Silent auction from 11 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. BBQ chicken dinner take-out from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Adults $15; children $7. Free pony rides from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM and free reptile exhibit from Noon to 6 PM. On Saturday, Sept. 9

Booths open at 9 AM. Silent auction from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Bag Sale begins at 1 PM.

(New) Brooks' chicken barbecue, Saturday, Sept. 9, Rotterdam UMC

The Rotterdam UMC, 1915 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam will hold a Brooks' Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 3 PM until sold out. A $15 dinner includes a 1/2 chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, roll, and a brownie. A half-chicken only is available for $9. The event is drive-thru only; the driveway opens at 2:30 PM.

Fall Festival, Saturday, Sept. 9, South Bethlehem UMC

Fall Festival – Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Come join us for a day of country church fun at the South Bethlehem UMC, 67 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem. Our festival features many vendor booths including crafts, bake sale, flowers & plants, thrift shop, and much, much more. Come early and enjoy a delicious breakfast sandwich; stay and enjoy a lunch of hot dogs/hamburgers/salads. In addition, fried dough and ice cream sundaes will be provided. There will be a Bounce House for the kids and a community business booth auction which starts at 12:30 PM. Please call Lisa Perry at (518) 253-5734 for more information. Please contact Emily Shutter at (518) 813-0661 regarding vendors.

(New) Melrose UMC Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, Sept. 10

The Melrose UMC (located at 20 Church St., Melrose) is holding a celebration for the church's 170th anniversary and rally day on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9 AM. It will include a worship service, music performances, children's activities, and a display of church history. All are welcome to attend.

Kids Fun Fest, Sunday, Sept. 10, First UMC of Delmar

All children are invited to our Kids Fun Fest, Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10 AM at First UMC of Delmar, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Activities include entertainment by BTC Entertainment, magician, ventriloquist, puppets, balloon twisting and refreshments. It's not too late to register! Call (518) 439-9976 or send an email to churchoffice@delmarmethodist.org To view the poster, click here.

Hope UMC Rally Day, Sunday, Sept. 10

Hope UMC Rally Day - Jesus Changes Everything - God Sighting Sunday @

Hope UMC, 566 Brunswick Rd., Eagle Mills, on Sunday, Sept. 10 beginning at 10:30 AM. All are invited to a Spirit-filled worship service with music and scripture on the front lawn (weather permitting), and food to nourish both the body and the soul. HEAR HOW JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING. Come join us for music and praise, words of encouragement, fellowship, a time to explore the church and ask questions, a time to take a breath, relax surrounded by loving neighbors and friends, a time to renew your connection with Jesus or begin the journey of faith.

Adult Study Group "Living the Questions: Transformation," Sept. and Oct., three options available

Monday evenings Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2 via ZOOM OR Wednesday afternoons via ZOOM on Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4. Sign up with Sally White (pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com) or text her at (518) 879-0304. See attached flyer for details. Click here.

Program on guest pastor's recovery ministry, Thursday, Sept. 14, Jonesville UMC

Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park, is excited to have secured Rev. Dr. Michael Beck to speak at 7 PM on Thursday, Sept. 14. Michael is an United Methodist elder serving in Florida. Michael will be focusing on his recovery ministry in conjunction with Jonesville's STAHL ministry. (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life). To visit Michael's website, click here. To read more about Michael, click here.

An Evening Cabaret, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16, Valley Falls UMC

You're invited to “An Evening Cabaret” by our church choir and friends at 7 PM Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16 at the Valley Falls UMC, 38 State St., Valley Falls. Tickets are $10 at the door (Children under 10, no charge); no advance reservations.

Buckets of Hope, Saturday, Sept. 16, McKownville UMC

McKownville UMC, 1565 Western Ave, Albany, is holding an event to collect items for UMCOR cleaning buckets from 11 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, Sept. 16. After a storm strikes, you may be looking for a way to support those affected. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) assists victims of disasters all over the world. The buckets do help people who need to start the process of cleaning after an overwhelming disaster. Come help our church fill as many buckets as we can. Items can be dropped off at the church during business hours before the event or brought on the day. Buckets will be packed at the event. Click here to see what is needed for a flood bucket.

Community Day, Saturday, Sept. 16, Living Hope UMC in Waterford

Living Hope UMC, 126 Middletown Rd., Waterford, is hosting a Community Day from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, Sept. 16. There will be games for children, and cotton candy and drinks will be available for a nominal cost. There will also be restrooms available. This will coincide with the village-wide garage sale. If you would like to reserve a table for garage sale items. Please contact Carol at (561) 252-0178 to reserve your table.

(New) Food Collection, Saturday, Sept. 16, Rotterdam UMC

On Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 AM to 2 PM, the Rotterdam UMC, 1915 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, will hold a non-perishable food collection to help keep our Free Food Pantry Cupboard fully stocked. This is a drive-thru event. Just pull into our parking lot and someone will be there to collect your donation. If you can't make it on Sept. 16, there is always an outside donation box near our mailbox by the church entrance. Donations at any time are greatly appreciated and needed. Our Free Food Pantry Cupboard is located in our parking lot near the garage and is available 24/7. If you are in need, please stop by and help yourself.

Youth Group Welcome Back Fire, Sunday, Sept. 17, Frist umc OF East Greenbush

Calling all youth interested in joining the Youth Group. We are hosting a welcome back fire on Sunday, Sept. 17 from 4 M to 6 PM. We invite any youth in grades 5th - 12th to come enjoy a small fire, roast hotdogs, a devotion, games and of course smores. You do not have to be a member of our church or any church, for that matter! All are welcome. Please RSVP to Amber by email youthleaderamber@gmail.com .

Coping with Chronic Anxiety and ... Religious Trauma, Sept. 20 via ZOOM

Offered by the Samaritan Counseling Center, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 9:30 AM to Noon via ZOOM. This is the third in a series of independent workshops presented for clergy and congregational leaders looking for ways to address the chronic anxiety, stress and pressures faced in the ministry setting with regards to specific, difficult scenarios. Presented by The Rev. David Olsen and The Rev. James Fenimore. To register, click here. (Be sure to put your email in the registration form. It may have albany district's email in there. For more information contact Rev. James Fenimore, (518) 374-3514.

Arts and Crafts Fair, Saturday, Oct. 14, Valley Falls UMC; entry fee due by Sept. 21

Rent a table, or just plan to shop. The fair will be held 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Valley Falls UMC, 16 State St., Valley Falls. Fee is $25/vendor. Food will be available for purchase by the church. Please fill out the attached application and submit your entry fee by Sept. 21. if you'd like to rent a table. Click here. The attached flyer has additional information.

(New) Fall Frolics Coffeehouse, Friday, Sept. 22, First UMC of East Greenbush

Join us for the Fall Frolics Coffeehouse, at the First UMC of East Greembush, 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush Friday, Sept. 22 from 7 to 8:30 PM. We’ll welcome in the Autumn season with friends and performers sharing Friday evening with music, stories and possibly jokes by the Mistress of Chatter. There also will be delicious tidbits. Donations at the door help support families in need in our community. Hope to see you there.

Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly. Next date: Oct. 7

Pine Grove UMC, 1580 Central Ave. in Colonie opened its new Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," on June 3. It will be open once a month. Remaining dates for 2023 are October 7, November 4 and December 2. We hope to see you there! The shop will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM on those dates (all Saturdays). Enter on the east side of the church (the left side - toward Albany) and use the doors near the back of the building. We have household treasures, glassware, cookbooks, toys, jewelry, dolls and more!

(Updated) Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers, Lecture and Conversation, Saturday, Oct. 14, Plattsburgh UMC

Note, some of the times have been changed. Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers will be a guest speaker on Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 10:30 AM at the Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. Lectures include "The Underground Church" at 10:30 AM; "What exactly is a Progressive Church?" at 1:30 PM (after lunch break) and then a Conversation about the future of the church at 3 PM. Meyers is an ordained minister who served in the United Church of Christ for 40 years, Tenured professor of Rhetoric at Oklahoma City University, and Distinguished Professor of Social Justice in the Philosophy Department at OCU. He is the author of eight books (including the national bestseller, Saving Jesus from the Church), an award-winning columnist for the Oklahoma Gazette, a commentator for National Public Radio, and a widely traveled lecturer and preacher on behalf of Progressive Christianity. He recently retired as Senior Minister of Mayflower Congregational UCC church of Oklahoma City after leading it for 35 years—where it became the fastest growing UCC church in the Kansas Oklahoma conference. He will also preach during worship at 10 AM on Sunday, Oct. 15. After worship at 11:30 AM, join Robin for a conversation about the future of the church. Please register if you are staying for lunch by Sept. 30. To view detailed UPDATED flyer, which includes registration form, click here.

(New) Chicken barbecue, Sunday, Oct. 15, Melrose UMC

The Melrose UMC(located at 20 Church Street, Melrose) will hold a chicken barbeque fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 3 PM to 5 PM. Dinners will be $15 each. Further details will be announced soon.

Save the Date! Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 29, First UMC of East Greenbush

Trunk or Treat is happening again! First UMC of East Greenbush from 11 AM to 2 PM Sunday, Oct.. 29 we will be having a trunk or treat right outside in our parking lot. We will be having a contest to see who has decorated the best trunk. (1st 2nd and 3rd prize winners with a popular choice. (event will run 12- 2 pm) There will also be a costume contest with the community. If you have any questions please see Amber at youthleaderamber@gmail.com

Happenings at First UMC of Delmar

The church is located at 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar

Farmers Market: Every Tuesday until November from 2:30 PM to 6 PM

Shed Sales (gently used furniture, larger garage sale type items, such as pictures, lamps, chairs, etc): Every Tuesday until November from 2:30 PM to 6 PM

Blessed Bargains Shop: Every Tuesday (year round) 10 AM to 5 PM

Treasure Cove Thrift Shop: (Open Year Round) Tuesdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 1 PM

Please refer to our website for more information: https://www.delmarmethodist.org/

Bible Study, ongoing, Jonesville UMC

Bible study, 11 AM to 12:30 PM Sundays, Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. During the church's STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) Ministry's planning for National Recovery Month, a decision was made to begin a Bible Study for the recovery community titled "Dancing with Jesus One Step at a Time." A favorite Bible among the recovery community is called the Life Recovery Bible This is the Bible that will be used for this study, as it is relevant to the Twelve Steps. Step One through Twelve will be covered along with a 13th study of the Serenity Prayer. The study will be led on a rotating basis by members of the church who are in long term Twelve Step recovery and Jonesville United Methodist Church's Pastor Youngjae Jee . You do not need to be a member of our church or even go to the church service at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Study For more information, contact Phyllis Mullaney at pam31ny@aol.com

There is something happening every Thursday at St. Paul’s Church in Castleton!

The church is located at 1583 Carney Rd., Castleton.

The first and third Thursdays of each month are Artmoot.

At Artmoot, middle and high schoolers gather to discuss life and create art in a safe space. Bring your art projects or play a game with new friends!

The second and fourth Thursday events are called Recharge.

Recharge is a simple worship service for busy people who are hungry to spend time with God. This informal 30-minute worship begins at 6 PM. We sing, reflect on God’s word, and eat a meal together. It’s great to share our thoughts and experiences of God’s grace! All are welcome; come as you are and hang out as long as you wish through 8 PM.

In months with a fifth Thursday, we do an all-church mission to help those in need throughout the community and throughout the world. These specifics are announced in person and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsCastleton/

For more information, contact Aimee Croft at anbcroft@gmail.com

2023 Events at Church of the Covenant United Methodist

“The Round Church,” 3055 NY 43, Averill Park, (518) 674-3664 www.cocumc.org

Food Truck Tuesdays: 4 PM-7 PM on Sept. 12, Oct. 10

Rummage Sale: 9 AM-2 PM Sept. 29 & 30

We will gladly welcome your donations of clean, gently-loved clothing and footwear for the whole family. We also accept linens, pillows, bedding, curtains, towels, pocketbooks, bags, etc., as well as fabric, sewing equipment and notions.

Christmas Bazaar: 9 AM-3 PM on December 2

Classifieds

(New) Part-time sexton sought for Calvary UMC in Latham

Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, is looking for a part-time sextion (24 hours per week). Click here for the job posting.

(New) Treasurer sought for Niverville-Chatham Center UMC

The Niverville-Chatham Center UMC, 28 Church St., Niverville, is looking for a new treasurer from outside the congregation to begin serving January 1, 2024. If you would be willing to fill that position or know someone who might be interested, please e-mail us at niverchatcentumc@gmail.com.

(New) Niverville-Chatham Center UMC looking for contractor

We need work done on our steeple and are having a problem finding a contractor willing to do it. If anyone has had steeple work done and could give us the name of someone you used, it would be very helpful for us.

E-mail us at niverchatcentumc@gmail.com

Choir Director Opening - Aldersgate UMC

This is quite a distance to travel, but the church asked us to reach out to see if anyone was interested. The church is located at 4115 Dewey Ave Rochester, NY. Click here for the job description.

First UMC of East Greenbush is seeking to hire a Part-time Custodian

The First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush, is looking to hire a part-time custodian to work under the supervision of the Lead Custodian and the SPPRC beginning in September. We are looking for someone to work Monday-Friday or Monday-Thursday and Saturdays. This is a 10-hour per week position with the possibility of additional time. Responsibilities would include assisting the Lead Custodian in cleaning assigned areas and trash removal. The candidate would also be available to cover for the Lead Custodian when necessary. All applicants would be required to have a background check completed prior to employment. If interested contact Tom McLaughlin at (518) 477-9837 or call the church office at (518) 477-9693.

Advent Wreath Candle Stand Available

Whitney Point UMC has an Advent wreath candle stand that they would be willing to give to any church that may be able to use it. They can contact Pastor Amy Winnie at lizabeth71@hotmail.com Call Carrie in the District Office if you'd like to see the photo.

Organist/Choir Director sought - Trinity UMC, Albany

Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany is seeking an organist and choir director to provide instrumental music and lead our small choir in a weekly Sunday worship service as well as one weeknight rehearsal.

Responsibilities

Playing the pipe organ during services.
Planning the music for worship in coordination with the pastor.
Maintaining the music library.
Diagnosing issues and arranging for the care and maintenance of the church’s instruments including our 1933 four rank, two console Moeller Pipe organ.
Leading the choir.
Recruiting section leaders and handling the budget for section leader pay.

Qualifications

Music training or experience, the ability to play the piano and lead the choir and the ability to play the pipe organ or willingness to learn.

Please contact Nancy Lott if interested, nancy531@yahoo.com.

Pianos and organ free for the asking to any church

Grace UMC, 16 Hillcrest Dr., Ravena is downsizing and have two upright pianos--a Yamaha and unmarked -- and one Hammond organ that are free to any church that can use them. You would need to pick them up.. Pictures are attached. If interested, please contact our church secretary at the church number (518) 756-6688. She has office hours Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to noon, but checks messages on other days.

Hymnals free for the asking

Burnt Hills UMC has approximately 60 dark red United Methodist hymnals available at no charge to any church that wants them. Some have broken spines, but they’ve been repaired. If interested, please call Bert Longbotham at (518) 852-9375.

Information sought about Electric Altar Candles

Pine Grove UMC is interested in electric altar candles, and we are curious if any other churches have found some to be of higher quality and more "realistic" than others. Please email pgumcoffice2@gmail.com with any info.

Calvary UMC: Latham looking for a Nursery Coordinator

Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, is looking to fill the Nursery Coordinator position to start as soon as possible. The Nursery Coordinator provides child care for children under 3 years old each Sunday from 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM. If you are interested in the position or have any questions, please contact Jane Glassman at mathteach12@gmail.com or the church office at calvaryumclatham@gmail.com.

2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule

Next basic training is Nov. 4; Training of Trainers is Oct. 7

The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled one more 3.5 hour Zoom basic training. There is also a Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.

The Basic training will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.

If you need training before Nov. 4, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)

To view the poster, click here.

For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.