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 | First Sunday of Lent | March 6, 2022 |
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Even in the desert, Jesus expands our definitions of a full life. It’s not the life the Tempter presents: a life defined by excess power, control, or reign. Excess is not abundance, but there is more. There is a fuller life we are called to live. Even in the midst of struggle, oppressive forces, hardship, and grief—God’s promises spill over, like the bounty of the first fruits from the ground. Even in the desert, you are called to the riverside to be washed by grace.
Scripture
This week's scriptures are Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.
Worship Music
Prelude: "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" - J.S. Bach
Postlude: "Toccata" - Christopher Tambling
UUMC Sanctuary Renovation Update
- The plaster repairs to the piano loft are now complete, and repairs to the organ loft are estimated to be finished by at least April 1. The west side of the sanctuary is the next step in repairs!
Online Giving
- For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
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Our "Full to the Brim" artwork this week is "Joy Comes in the Mourning" by Carmelle Beaugelin. |
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Church Updates | New Information |
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A New Spiritual Discipline for Lent |
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Traditionally during Lent, we give something up as an act of sacrifice. This Lenten season, instead of giving something up, I'd like you to send gratitude to our healthcare workers.
Therefore, I am challenging you to send at least one thank you card to a healthcare unit or department each week of Lent. If you have children around you, please invite them to draw a picture or make a card to mail as well.
Our healthcare workers have had two very challenging years. Let's share God's love with them through our gratitude for their sacrifice, caring and hard work.
Here are some addresses to get you started.
Crouse Hospital:
(Name of Department)
736 Irving Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
St. Joseph's Hospital:
Volunteer Office
(Name of Department)
301 Prospect Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13203
Syracuse VA Medical Center:
(Name of Department)
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
Upstate University Hospital:
(Name of Department)
750 E. Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
—Pastor Alicia
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Tuesdays during Virtual Coffee with the Pastor, beginning March 1: Discussion on the Full to the Brim Lenten Devotional Booklet. This booklet will be provided by the church, with copies available for pickup in the office starting Feb. 27.
Sundays at 6 p.m., beginning March 6: John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton, $13 in paperback at cokesbury.com. Please read the introduction and chapter 1 before the first class.
Mondays at 6 p.m., beginning March 7: We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor Peoples Campaign, edited by Liz Theoharis, $16 at cokesbury.com.
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UUMC Events Looking Ahead |
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March 6 at 10:30 a.m.: First Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Even in the Desert"
March 6 at 6 p.m. (every Sunday): Bible study (lead by Pastor Alicia and Pastor Beth alternating) "John: the Gospel of Love and Light."
March 7 at 6 p.m. (every Monday): Study "Cry Out Justice" begins via Zoom (Pastor Beth leads)
March 8 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor (Pastor Alicia leads reflection on Lenten Devotional Book)
March 9 at 7 a.m. (every Wednesday morning): SUMM Prayer Group via Zoom.
March 13: Second Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Under God's Wing"
March 20: Third Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: You Are Worthy"
March 27: Fourth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Prodigal Grace"
April 3: Fifth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Brazen Acts of Beauty"
April 10: Palm Sunday with guest speaker Angela Douglas, "Full to the Brim: Even the Stones Cry Out"
April 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Holy/Maundy Thursday Service, in-person and online "Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes"
April 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Good Friday "Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow," sanctuary open for prayer, reflection and Stations of the Cross
April 17: Easter Sunday! "Full to the Brim: An Expansive Life"
April 23: Earth Day Neighborhood Clean Up
April 24: Guest speaker in Sunday worship, David Weber from Casowasco
May 24 at 6 p.m.: ACTS Annual Banquet at Drumlins
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A Word from the Pastor
Happy Lent, Friends!
We have stepped into the season of Lent once again. We began this season with a meaningful Ash Wednesday Service which reminded us that “we came from dust and to dust we shall return.” This text comes from Genesis 3:19. It reminds us we are only human. We will only live on earth for a certain amount of years. I pray this humbles us so that we may make the most of our time.
On Ash Wednesday I also add, “from love you came, to love you shall return.” I pray this reminds us that God is love. You were created by God. When you leave the Earth you will once
again be in the presence of our loving God, in Heaven.
Lent is a time of reflection. May we count our blessings and our missteps or sins. In our humility, let us ask for forgiveness or repentance. Part of any relationship but especially the relationship with Jesus we are to be learning, growing, making mistakes and asking for forgiveness. Let’s not forget this part of our relationship with Jesus. This takes work and vulnerability. I pray this Lenten season we strengthen our relationship with Jesus.
I also pray that in getting closer to Jesus, we may be able to live in authentic relationships with the people around us. As we reflect this season on our blessings and missteps, let’s remember, just as we have not always been our best selves, it is the same for all people. We all make mistakes, do harm, sin. Let us be aware of this and try to be forgiving. Just as we ask for forgiveness let us be ready to forgive.
This Lent, our theme is “Full to the Brim.” As we grow in relationship with God, we realize how much we are loved. This love is so great, full to the brim, we just can’t keep it to ourselves so we spill it out onto others.
I’m excited to see who we will be after this season of Lent. I hope and pray we are more connected; to our own self-care, God’s people and with Jesus Christ.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Alicia
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Seeking Justice Committee Update |
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This week, the Justice Committee posted a letter to the editor supporting the ACTS Youth Council's campaign to reinstate college and career readiness centers in Syracuse high schools. You can read the letter on syracuse.com's website here. |
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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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Performances have returned, taking place each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. If you need a ride, contact Jayne Humbert or Nelson Price. You can find the location and show for each week's performance on the Civic Morning Musicals website. |
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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:
Roxxy Putnam, Leon and Rosemary Oakes-Lee,
Steve Bacon, and Bette Helwig
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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 Jessica, with serious health issues, and prayers for my friend, Jack, who suffered a mini stroke.
Ann O.: A friend, Roz with health issues, and a friend, Donna, with anxiety about moving.
Anonymous: Be with the families of Ukraine as they separate and leave or face danger in their land.
Anonymous: For peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Anonymous: Pray for Ukrainians and our United Methodist churches there.
Anonymous: Prayers for Danielle's father with health concerns and for those with recent losses.
Anonymous: Prayers for the love of family in the face of challenge.
Anonymous: Prayers for Ukraine. Prayers for Peace.
Anonymous: Prayers that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine would find a solution and save precious lives.
Bette: Prayers for my niece, Becky, who is undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. Thanks.
Harry M: Let’s snuff out totalitarianism
Laurie S.: Please pray for my friend Gisela, who has family in Ukraine. Her nephew will be joining the fighting while his wife is about to give birth.
Jackie S.: Prayers for Barb G., dealing with health issues.
Jayne: Peace and justice for Ukraine.
Jeanne: Prayers of strength for all those protesting the Russian invasion, especially the Russian protesters.
Mamie B.: Prayer for all who are less fortunate, those who are homeless and whose families are struggling.
Mike R.: For Jack F., a cousin diagnosed with dementia, who previously had leukemia.
Noel O.: God’s divine protection for my sponsor, who was involved in an auto crash.
Sarah: For us to grow closer to Christ during this season of Lent.
Sherri: Prayers for Holly and her family. And for Karen to make a full recovery. And for Ann, Spencer and Cooper; Sue and her father; Kathy and Jayne.
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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 20 degrees Farenheit 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 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for our Emergency Food Distribution, as well as every Sunday from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. 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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UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update |
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The clothing closet reopened March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will continue on a weekly schedule, every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Your continued donations and support have been appreciated! Thank you!
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March 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.
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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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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UM General Conference 2020 postponed to 2024 |
Delegates consider legislation at the 2016 General Conference |
After two years of COVID-related delays, the United Methodist General Conference for 2020 was again delayed until 2024. Organizers cited the currently 800-day backlog for processing visas, which would obstruct international delegates' participation in the meeting, as the reason for the decision. |
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The organizers of the planned breakaway denomination, The Global Methodist Church, have elected not to wait for the conference's decision. The launch date for the new denomination has been moved up to May 1, 2022.
Because individual church property is held in trust by the United Methodist denomination, however, leaving won't be legally simple.
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Charity Watch lists UMCOR as top-rated charity for aid in Ukraine |
In a special announcement Monday, charity evaluator Charity Watch listed UMCOR as one of its most trusted charitable organizations for aiding the Ukrainian people.
A number of factors are used in the evaluation, including budget, fundraising efficiency and transparency.
UMCOR has been one of the greatest goods of the United Methodist denomination worldwide. It is an effective and worthy testimony to God's compassion for a hurting world.
As a United Methodist church, we encourage giving to UMCOR regularly, but wished to notify you that donations can now be made with the designation "Advance #982450-Ukraine" in the memo line of your check.
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By putting the "Advance" memo on your check or donating online, you ensure that 100% of donations go to helping the people of Ukraine.
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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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The ACTS Race Matters Book Club will be discussing “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates on Monday, March 28 @ 7 PM on Zoom.
There are 36 copies in the Onondaga County Public Library system, so it should be accessible for all.
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date.
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COVID Info
Tests
The federal government has made four at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 available to every American. Go to covidtests.gov to order yours. If you need assistance using the Internet to order these tests, please call the church office. |
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