Albany District Newsletter


Send us your news, events and classifieds: carrieboyer@unyumc.org

Thursday, March 21, 2024


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 carrieboyer@unyumc.org

Please Note:


Since I will be on vacation March 27-April 4, the next newsletter will be sent on Saturday, April 6. God Bless,

Carrie B


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


ALSO PLEASE NOTE! The newsletter is sent from a different email address: carrieboyer@uppernewyorkconference.ccsend.com. Please do not respond to that address; I will not receive your email. Use carrieboyer@unyumc.org Sorry for the confusion!


The District phone is (518) 608-1246 and our mailing address is PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128.


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

"Classifieds"


Please click here to view Classifieds.

Don't Miss Any Important News/Announcements from the Conference Office

To ensure that you don't miss any important information,

please consider subscribing to the following:

 

Click here to subscribe to UNY Notes.

Click here to subscribe to the Weekly Digest



Click here to view the Weekly Digest published March 20. Stories include:

-- Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments (nothing new this week)

-- Apply to serve in a leadership role for UNY Conference

-- Clergy wellness articles

-- Apply for a Peace with Justice grant

Program on Recovery April 11 at Jonesville UMC in Clifton Park


We are so excited to invite our church family, the recovery community, allies, and the general public, to an upcoming event at Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. The church's STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) Ministry Addiction Recovery Education Series welcomes guest speaker Judy Moffitt (recovery advocate & educator) on Thursday, April 11 at 7 PM. Please come early and enjoy a free "breakfast for dinner" with Judy at 5:30 PM. Click here to view the flyer. For more information about Judy, click here. For questions, please contact Al Johnson at aljohnson0527@gmail.com

Anna Migera, of Tanzania, available to speak about her ministry at local churches


Anna Migera from Tarime, Tanzania, will be attending General Conference in Charlotte, NC, in April to be consecrated as a deaconess with the endorsement of United Women in Faith. Anna’s life journey has been sculpted by her strong tribal roots, God’s love touching her through church women in her teens and personal struggles with poverty as a young adult. She was invited to supervise a Methodist orphanage which she did for over 20 years. She now hears God’s calling to serve in new ways and is committed to living out the Gospel story of renewal and faith in action by sharing God’s love with her wider community.


Anna is connected to the local area through former volunteers at the orphanage and an extended network of friends, especially at the Saratoga Springs UMC and Community UMC of Chestertown. As committed allies to Anna’s important work in her community, the Upper NY Board of Living For Others is excited to host Anna for the month of May. Anna is a gifted presenter who will be available to share stories and photos of her work to churches, community organizations and interested groups of any size.


Please contact Roy Hansen, retired UMC Elder, (@ royhansen777@gmail.com) in Glens Falls with any questions and for further information about having Anna speak at an event.


To view or download the flyer in PDF format with additional inforamtion, click here.

Schedule released for

Safe Sanctuaries Training


Click here to view flyer from the UNY Conference Safe Sanctuaries team. The 3.5 hour basic trainings will be held via ZOOM on Saturdays, May 4, Aug. 3 and Nov. 2. Training of Trainers will be held via ZOOM Saturdays April 6 and Oct. 5. The flyer gives information on registration. For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website. Click here.

Lay Servant Course offered via ZOOM: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts


Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25: 6 PM to 9 PM

Zoom

Facilitator: James Sokolowski, contact Jim at jimsoxx716@gmail.com or (315) 532-2864

Course Fee: $27

Click here for more information.


The facilitator is from the Crossroads District, but says the course is open to anyone.

Skye Farm Camp hiring a Health Director


Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center is looking for a physician, RN, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant to cover for 2 weeks this coming summer (July 28-Aug 2 and Aug. 4-9.) The camp is located in Warrensburg, NY.


Contact Site Director Robyn Vernon at robynvernon@unyumc.org or (518) 494-7170 for more information.


To visit the camp's website, click here.

More employment opportunities at Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center


Working at camp can be a life-changing experience, and the bonds you develop with your fellow staff can last a lifetime. Staff develop better oral communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, interpersonal and leadership skills, collaborative skills, and creativity. Join us a counselor, lifeguard, program staff, cook, kitchen assistant or maintenance assistant. Apply here: skyefarm.campbrainstaff.com or contact Skye Farm Camp Director Robyn Vernon at robynvernon@unyumc.org or (518) 494-7170 for more information.

Registration Open for Skye Farm Camp Summer Camp!


In the summer months we host a resident Christian summer camp where all youth from ages 6 to 18 are invited to spend a week or more at one of our exciting summer camp programs.

Click here to view the program offerings and to register. Skye Farm site director Robyn Vernon would be happy to visit your church to talk about Skye Farm programs and opportunities to support the camp and how to provide scholarships to campers. Contact her at robynvernon@unyumc.org or (518) 494-7170 to arrange a visit.

United Methodist Communications

Pastoral care in the age of technology


NASHVILLE, Tenn. — During her ongoing battle with an incurable form of cancer, Dr. Deanna Thompson was ministered to through digital means. On the “Pastoring in the Digital Parish” podcast, Thompson recounts her journey from digital skeptic to advocate.

Listen to podcast

Free course will give you greater understanding of General Conference


General Conference is the top legislative assembly of The United Methodist Church.It will be held April 23 to May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Take a free course, Exploring General Conference, to learn more about the historical roots, legislative processes and happenings that make General Conference an important function of The United Methodist Church. Learn more and register: Click here.


Related story:

Prepare for General Conference

Whether you’re planning to attend the conference in-person or follow along online, you’ll find a full event schedule, news updates, proposed legislation and other resources on the General Conference homepage. Click here.

The Practical Guide to AI for Church Leaders


A lot of information is circulating about AI that can make it unclear as to what to use and how to find it. Whether you’re unsure where to start or feel like you’ve been wasting time with ineffective AI tools, pastor and MyCom contributor Jeremy Steele guides us through what we need for practical use in and for our local churches. Click here to view video.


Click here to register for the April 10 webinar from United Methodist Communications.

MARCH 21 2024

The Power of Prayer

Sheryl Black Chai (Tennessee, USA)


Link

READING FOR THE DAY    

Psalm 66:16-20

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Prayer draws me closer to God.


TODAY'S PRAYER 

Dear God, help us to believe that you hear us when we pray and to trust that you will answer. Amen.

Diversity,

Part 2


The diversity of our world is such a wondrous gift. Each area of our world has its own unique gifts to delight our senses and make our life more comfortable. The Petunia that is the image for today’s devotion originated in South America, ice in the Arctic and Antarctica contribute to our climate, the mountain peaks in the Himalaya have attracted explorers from around the globe, and tropical rain forests have provided several modern drugs. Humanity is also diverse, affected by our environment and heredity with great discoveries coming from every continent and ethnic group.


Our God has given us a wondrous world with everything that we need. We are entrusted to use it wisely for the benefit of humanity and the preservation of this home we call Earth. God’s blueprint for how to use our resources is simply to love one another.


Your local Faith Community exists as a place where you can grow in your faith, be a recipient of God’s love, and be a channel of God’s love to others.


Today’s photo was taken in Boston on July 12, 2009. The subject of Diversity was also the theme of my Photo Devotion on June 29, 2020.


 

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


Holy Week Services


Please share with others details on special Holy Week Services your church is planning.


First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush


Palm Sunday, March 24 at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM

The 8:30 AM service is in the Fellowship Hall and the 9:30 Worship service is in the sanctuary.

Holy (Maundy) Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM: 

The worship service in our Fellowship Hall includes supper. Our pastor is preparing vegetarian Mediterranean meals, and gluten-free options are available. This is free, and all are welcome with no reservations needed.  Holy Communion follows the service.

Good Friday, March 29 at 7 PM: The worship service in the sanctuary includes the cantata "From Silence to Song," presented by the FUMC Choir, directed by Robert Thomsen.

Easter Sunday, March 31 6:30 AM Sunrise service at the Outdoor Chapel; 9:30 AM Easter service in church sanctuary.


(New) Hope UMC, 566 Brunswick Rd. Troy


Palm Sunday, March 24 @ 10:30 a.m.: An immersive, hands-on family worship service that tells the story of how Jesus accomplished the work of our redemption in the events of Holy Week (in the sanctuary).

Holy Thursday, March 28 @ 6PM in the sanctuary: This candlelight communion service is set in the context of a sit-down lamb Seder meal. Reservations required: RSVP to (518) 663-0149.

Easter Sunday Sunrise Communion, Sunday, March 31 @ 6:30 AM on the front lawn: Greet the Easter dawn with shouts of "Alleluia," Holy Communion, and grilled fish.

Easter Sunday Worship: Rejoice in Jesus' victory over sin and death. Sunday, March 31 @ 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.


Annual Manhattan Clam Chowder Sale, Center Brunswick UMC, Friday, March 29 - Must pre-order


The Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd. in Troy (corner of Routes 7and 142) is selling homemade Manhattan clam chowder on Good Friday – March 29 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Chowder is $12 per quart (payable at pick-up). This is a pre-order / drive-thru event.

Place your order by calling Kathleen at (518) 528-6725. 


(New) Storytelling Night, Wednesday, April 3, First UMC, East Greenbush


All are welcome to attend our Storytelling Night on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 PM. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Gus Kapler, retired trauma surgeon who served in Vietnam in the 1970’s. Dr. Kapler will share his experiences and will speak about PTSD and suicide prevention.  He is the author of "Welcome Home From Vietnam, Finally." Refreshments will be served. The chuch is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

 

(New) Spring Thrift Sale, Friday and Saturday April 19 and April 20, First UMC, East Greenbush


The United Women In Faith will be having their Spring Thrift Sale on Friday, April 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM and Saturday, April 20 from 9 AM to Noon. Saturday is “Bag Day."There will be many items from household, linens, clothes, shoes, pocketbooks, and jewelry. There will also be a snack bar. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.


Albany District United Women in Fatih Spring Meeting April 6



The Albany District United Women in Faith's Spring meeting will be begin at 8:45 AM on Saturday, April 6 at the Alplaus UMC, 1 Brookside Place, Alplaus. The parking lot is small, but there is some street parking available. Carpooling would be ideal! The speaker will discuss "Shriner's Children" and "To Love a Child, Inc." We will be collecting personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, disposable razors, shampoo, conditioner, pads, tampon, wipes and lotions. If you have questions, please contact President Amanda Smith-Lucier Sr. at snowbird3937@gmail.com To download the registration form, click here. Registration deadline is March 31. Cost: $10, includes breakfast/soup/dessert. If you'd like to be added to the Albany District United Women in Faith newsletter "The Burning Bush," mailing list, please contact Diane Kendall @ dandianek@gmail.com For an electronic copy, contact Vicki Wills @ vbwills@gmx.com All women are invited to attend. You do not need to be a United Methodist to become a member or attend an event. 


Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, April 6


Pine Grove UMC's Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," will be open Saturday, April 6 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.


(New) Pie sale fundraiser - order by April 7; pick-up April 27, Grace UMC, Nassau


Order your pie(s) by April 7. $16/pie. Payment due when ordering; checks payable to Grace UMC. Call Nancy @ (518) 766-2387 or Marcia @ (518) 766-4746. Pick-up between noon-1 PM on Saturday, April 27 at the church, 42 Church St., Nassau. Pies are from Smith's Orchard Bake Shop. Fruit pies are availabe in double crust or single crust with crumb topping. Pies arrive frozen, boxed and with full baking instructions. Flavors: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Raspberry, Strawberry Rhubard, Very Berry and Pecan.


Last in Caring for Creation Series, First UMC of East Greenbush, April 7

 

The EcoTeam at the First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd, is sponsoring the last in a series "Caring for Creation" from 11 AM to Noon in Room 16 at the churchThere will be a short TED talk video, followed by discussion. This series is intended to encourage us to talk to one another about changes we see in the climate and learn what actions we can take to protect and heal the earth. This session will center around what happens to gas stations when the world goes electric? Civil engineer and environmental sociologist Emily Grubert visualizes what a clean energy future will look like, outlining the considerations everyone needs to undertake now as the critical, decades-long transition begins.

You can contact the church at (518) 477-9693 for more information.


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. Deadline to register is March 17. You can also contact Melanie Keith from the Pawling Ave. UMC in Troy @ melakeith@icloud.com


Garage Sale, Saturday, April 20, Newtonville UMC


The Newtonville UMC, 560 Loudon Road (Route 9), Latham on the corner of Route 9 and Maxwell Road will have a garage sale on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Parking is in the lot off Maxwell Road. Early birds may pay $5 to come in at 8 AM. At 1:30 PM there will be a bag sale - $5 per bag. Items for sale: appliances, furniture, garden tools, holiday decorations, jewelry, household tools, housewares, linens, toys, plants and books. There will also be a bake sale. We will begin accepting donations Monday, April 8. Donations may be left on the first floor by the elevator. Donations must be clean and in good repair. NOT accepted: clothing, CD's, DVD's, nuts, bolts, screws, hardware, craft items, encyclopedias. The last day for donations will be Wednesday, April 17. Cash only. All sales are final. 


(New) New Book Study to Begin April 22 or April 24 on ZOOM!


A book study on "The False White Gospel," by Jim Wallis will be facilitated by co-teachers Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Sally White. Register by emailing Diane Duffy-Patyjewicz (registrar) Luv2garden5@gmail.com or calling her at (518) 562-8982. Please let her know which group you will be participating in. The book comeds out on April 2. The study will be held Mondays at 7 PM or Wednesdays at 12:15 PM. For more information on the book, click here.


(New) Family Fun Day, Saturday, April 27, St. Paul's UMC, Castleton


St Paul’s UMC, 1583 Carney Rd., Castleton is hosting a family fun day on Saturday April 27! From 10 AM to 3 PM we will have a bounce house, face painting, craft vendors, and food for sale. Church members will be present to share the love of Jesus and welcome visitors. A special dance performance by Boland School of Irish Dance is scheduled for noon. We hope to celebrate Spring and local community with you; see you there!


(New) Storytelling Night, Wednesday, May 1, First UMC, East Greenbush


On Wednesday, May at 7 PM, we welcome Bruce France from Braver Angels as guest speaker for our monthly Storytelling. Braver Angels conducts workshops in which participants on both sides of an issue improve their skills for engaging in constructive conversations. Mr. France will share his journey with Braver Angels as a local moderator of workshops, alliance co-chair and national Organizer Co-chair. Refreshments will be served. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush,


Melrose Town-wide Yard Sale, Saturday May 4


The Melrose UMC (located at 20 Church Street, Melrose) will participate in the annual Melrose town-wide yard sale on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 9 AM. All are welcome to attend this town-wide event.


(New) Schenectady Pride Festival, Saturday, June 1; Albany Pride Parade and Festival, Sunday, June 9; Saratoga Pride Festival, Sunday, June 23


The Burnt Hills Social Justice ministry is going to Pride! Would you like to join us? Walk in the parade? Share table space? Please let us know so we can reserve enough room by emailing bhumcsocialjustice@gmail.com or calling/texting (518) 414-0967. The Schenectady Festival is from 2 PM to 7 PM on Saturday, June 1; the Albany Parade and Festival is at 11:30 AM Sunday, June 9 and the Saratoga Festival is from 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday, June 23. To view the poster, click here.


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.


United Women in Faith invite young women to apply for grant to study abroad


NEW YORK — Lay women ages 21 to 35 who wish to travel and study abroad are invited to apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. Applications will be accepted until July 9. Priority will be given to projects involving climate or racial justice.

Read press release