Note:

albanydistrict@unyumc.org email address is no longer active.

Please send all emails to carrieboyer@unyumc.org The albanydistrict@unyumc.org is no longer being used.

And a reminder that Carrie is now working remotely

The District Office is no longer located in the Newtonville UMC in Latham. Carrie Boyer, the administrative assistant, is now working from her home office. The phone and email are (518) 608-1246 and carrieboyer@unyumc.org

Our mailing address remains the same: PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128 until further notice.

Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl can still be reached at her current phone and email (518) 391-3215 and debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org

Memorial Service for Pastor John Bizimana to be held this Saturday,

Feb. 10 at Pawling Ave. UMC;

also via ZOOM

As previously announced, Pastor John Bizimana, 65, died Saturday, Jan. 13 while visiting family in Burundi, Africa. At the same time when we are among many who are deeply saddened by this, we are thankful that he was able to be with his family.

Pastor John served Pawling Ave. UMC in Troy and with the International Reconciliation Ministry in Albany. He had also served at Albany: Emmaus UMC and Niverville-Chatham Center UMC.

Condolences can be sent to Pastor John’s wife, Nayahoza Sarah c/o David Kwizera at 518 Pawling Ave., Troy, NY 12180. Note that an incorrect address was listed in a previous notice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 beginning at 11 AM at Pawling Ave. UMC, 520 Pawling Ave., Troy. Please note that there is limited parking across the street. To join the service via ZOOM, click here:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83685124731?pwd=NDVqOStwTVUxMUx0VXRZc0psdzBLQT09

Meeting ID: 836 8512 4731

Passcode: 113341

Rev. Nick Bufano to lead event at Aldersgate Camp/Retreat Center

The Rev. Nick Bufano, pastor at the Newtonville UMC in the Albany District, is leading an event at Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, 7955 Brantingham Rd., Greig, NY on Friday, May 3 to Saturday May 4. You are invited to experience fellowship, connection, group worship, quiet time, camp activities and the beauty of creation. Email pastornickbufano@gmail.com for more information. Register by calling the camp at (315) 348-8833.

To learn more about the camp, click here

Learn more about not-so-well-known historical figures during Black History Month

You know about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. But, do you know about the life, legacy and witness of Bishop Charles Golden? Join the General Commission on Religion and Race during Black History Month as it talks about less well-known historical figures across The United Methodist Church, U.S. culture and internationally. To learn more, click here. You'll also find resources including a book and video list that you can share with your congregations.

For more resources from Discipleship Ministries, click here.

Mexican Methodists offer hospitality to migrants

APAXCO, Mexico (UM News) — As the number of migrants passing through this small town in central Mexico has skyrocketed in recent months, the community’s Methodist church has continued to offer food, shelter and hope to weary families riding freight trains north toward the United States. The church operates a shelter that receives support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Read story

A beginner's guide to General Conference

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — Because of the pandemic, the last regular session of General Conference was nearly eight years ago. Now, the international legislative assembly is scheduled for April 23-May 3. Need a primer on The United Methodist Church’s big meeting? United Methodist News has you covered.

Read FAQ

Please begin entering important church statistical data now! Deadline is Feb. 15

When you initially login (click here) your login will be your GCFA number and your password is ACStats2023! Call Carrie if you need your GCFA number (518) 608-1246.

Once you're "in," you'll be asked to update your contact and church information and for your email address and to choose a password. When you log in again, your login will be the email address you entered and your new password.

(New) The importance of church statistics

This article ran in UM News last week!

LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Though compiling and inputting church statistics each year can be tedious, those statistics are there to help a church’s mission. Statistics allow a church to see trends such as growth or decline in membership, revenue, expenses, attendance, membership makeup and more. These trends can help a church plan for the future, writes Autumn Wells. 

Click here to view the article that also ran in the Weekly Digest

This video may help you navigate the system. Click here.

Pastors: Please note that you cannot use the same email address twice for two different churches and/or users. This can be solved by adding additional digits, like your GCFA number, at the end of your email address for the second church. 

To learn more, click here.

ACStats help and user guide. Click here

Signs of Hope - Part 2

The images in my Daily Devotion for me often inspire a challenge that we are called to face and a reminder of what God calls us to do.

Other times, images such as today’s photo remind me of the hope that God offers. The stories of people of faith and in particular God in the person of Jesus proclaim an unstoppable message of hope. In the words of The Apostle Paul: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).

A day may bring trouble and great sorrow, but God’s power and love will prevail. As surely as sunrise follows sunset, God will prevail and will enable us to triumph over all obstacles. Not even death can defeat us for Jesus showed us that beyond death is resurrection.

It is fitting that each day ends with a sunset that often fills the sky with beauty, and that the day begins with a sunrise that often fills the morning sky with beauty. Each day offers the opportunity for sorrow over the day's difficulties or joy over the assurance that somehow God will enable all things to work together for good.

Today’s photo was taken at Crossings of Colony Park on February 3, 2024.

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. 

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrate the Super Bowl in a “Souper” Way! Donations can be dropped off at Center Brunswick UMC through Feb. 11

The Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy is collecting cans of soup through Feb. 11. All donations will supply local food pantries in our community and provide warm meals for those facing food insecurities in this cold season. Soup donations may be dropped at the church anytime. Please place donations in the “elevator entrance” of the church - the middle door just off the parking lot. Please be part of our winning team this year! Help CBUMC cross the Goal Line, BEAT Hunger in our community and provide a “Souper” Bowl for EVERYONE.

Rev. William Barber II speaking, Thursday, Feb. 8, Union College

Rev. William Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and President of Repairers of the Breach, will be speaking at Memorial Chapel at Union College, 807 Union St., Schenectady at 5 PM, Thursday, Feb 8. His talk is titled "We Are Called to be a Movement." This event is sponsored by Campus Protestant Ministry; the World Lecture Series; Intercultural Affairs at Union College; and Hillel. All are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Please note that parking near the Chapel is limited, so carpooling is recommended for those attending.

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser, Saturday, Feb. 10, First UMC, East Greenbush

The First UMC of East Greenbush's Youth Group is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for their mission trip to Syracuse, on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The cost will be $15 pre-ordered, and $20 at the door for meatballs, spaghetti, bread, salad and a dessert. We will have a vegetarian spaghetti and gluten-free available for pre-orders only. Reservations would be greatly appreciated. Dine-in or take-out available. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. This is a community event. To pre-order by Feb. 8, click here or contact Amber Telford at Youthleaderamber@gmail.com. The youth will be going to Syracuse to the Conference Center to help sort and package items that will then go out to the US and beyond.

Pancake Brunch, Sunday, Feb. 11, North Chatham UMC

The North Chatham UMC will hold a Valentine’s Pancake Brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM on Sunday, Feb. 11. We will be playing some great Jazz music while you eat, and there will also be a bake sale. There is no specific charge for brunch but we will accept freewill donations. All are welcome! The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. For more information on North Chatham UMC, please call (518) 766-3535 or visit our website northchathammethodistchurch.org

Lenten Study offered via ZOOM beginning Feb. 15

The Whiteface Community UMC (in the Adirondack District) will be hosting a Lenten study via Zoom using the book, "Saving God From Religion: A Minister's Search for Faith in a Skeptical Age," by Robin R. Meyers. We will meet (on Zoom) from 6:30-8 PM on February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21. To join in and receive the Zoom invitation, contact Pastor Chrys at chrysalis.coaching7@yahoo.com or call/text (315) 777-7047. We look forward to invigorating discussion as we ponder some of the very issues with which many of us, in and out of the church, wrestle.

Imagine No Racism: A Lenten Study begins Feb. 16

Lent is a season of introspection and awareness, a great time to reflect on some of the challenging realities of our society. So, if you’re looking for a good Lenten study next month, please think about being part of the next Imagine No Racism class. 

The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer this six-session small group study on Zoom, from Feb. 16 through March 22 from 10-11:30 AM

To read more and to register, click here.

(New) Brooks Bar-B-Q, Friday, March 1, Center Brunswick UMC, Troy

The Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy will be having another Winter BBQ Dinner featuring Brooks Bar-B-Qon Friday, March 1 from 3 PM to 6 PM. Chicken Dinner: $15; includes Baked Potato, Vegetable, Roll & Butter, Drink & Dessert. Drive-through, take-out only.

Call Penny for tickets at (518) 279-3187.

(Update) Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, March 2

Pine Grove UMC's Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," will be open Saturday, March 2 from 9 AM to 1 PM. The church is located at 1580 Central Ave., Colonie. 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! The thrift shop is open the first Saturday of the month through 2024 except for July, which will be announced as the date nears.

Lasagna Dinner, Saturday, March 9, Melrose UMC

The Melrose UMC (located at 20 Church St., Melrose) will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Saturday, March 9. Take-outs start at 4:30 PM. Dine-in seating is from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. Tickets are $13 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.

Calling All Artists! Community Art Show, Saturday, March 9, First UMC of East Greenbush

Calling all artists for our Second Annual Community-wide Art Show in the Nature of Art. We are looking to show your art in the following mediums: photography, paintings, watercolors, sculptures, ceramics, quilting (24" x 36"), fabric arts and youth music artist. Our community art show is Saturday, March 9 from 2 to 4 PM. Artists must complete an art agreement. Adult placement $10; children free. Art is due by Feb. 28. Art may be sold if adult artist is present during the show. Please email Amber @ youthleaderamber@gmail.com for the application form and if you have any questions. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

Concert: Al and Kathy Bain, Saturday, March 16, Raceville UMC

Raceville UMC in the Adirondack District will host Al and Kathy Bain in concert at 2 PM Saturday, March 16. Their music is a mix of country, bluuegrass and gospel.There is a suggested $10 donation at the door. Refreshments will be provided after the concert. The church is located at 477 Butler Rd., Hampton. Visit their Facebook page: click here.

Save the dates for 2024 District Days with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: April 9 and April 10

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez is visiting local churches in all 12 districts from February to April. District Days are a way for the bishop to meet with laity and clergy across Upper New York. Clergy meetings are scheduled for each visit from 1 to 3 PM and another meeting will be held for laity (and clergy who couldn't attend earlier gathering) from 7 to 8:30 PM. All United Methodists of Upper New York are invited and encouraged to attend a gathering closest to you. 

Bishop Hector will visit Shenendehowa UMC in the Albany District on Tuesday, April 9. The church is located at 971 Route 146 in Clifton Park.

He will visit the Community United Methodist Church of Chestertown in the Adirondack District on Wednesday, April 10. The church is located at 11 Church St., Chestertown.

To view the entire schedule, click here.

United Women in Faith: 2024 Quadrennial Event: April 18-21

Providence, Rhode Island

Come feel the energy and joy as hundreds of faith-filled sisters get together in person to worship, to renew, to celebrate, and to make an impact! For more information and to register, click here. You can also contact Melanie Keith from the Pawling Ave. UMC in Troy @ melakeith@icloud.com

Grant application for UNY United Women in Faith Conference Project Grant available

Please find attached a Grant application for the UNY UWF (UMW) Conference Project Grants (see below). Please note the application has changed since last year.  These grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations which follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Deadline to apply: May 23. For more information, contact Tammy Nist at 607-235-1102. To download the application, click here.