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 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 | Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
January 23, 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: Psalm 146, James 1: 22-27
Worship Music
Prelude: Let Us Break Bread Together, Susanna Keeney
Postlude: Praise Him! Praise Him!, Emma Lou Diemer
UUMC Sanctuary Renovations
- Please pardon our dust! Plaster workers will be repairing flood damage to the corners of the sanctuary for the next several weeks.
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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February Greeting - Pastor Alicia |
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Hello All,
We are expecting a snow storm in Syracuse. That doesn’t seem all that unusual. We get snow storms several times a year. Why is it that when we are forecasted to get a snow storm we all get worried and make plans? We plan by making sure we have groceries, gas in the car, gas for the snow blower, and maybe we even make plans to stay in for the day. All these things are good to do. Panicking is not good. Planning is good. We have had snow storms before. We have survived them. Most of us have even driven within 24 hours of the snow storm because our snow plow trucks and workers are so diligent.
Storms often happen in our lives that are not forecasted. Panicking is not good. Planning is good. Prayer is great! Please know this…God is always with you. With God’s help Moses parted the sea. Jesus rode out storms on the Sea of Galilee. Even though storms (snow, hail, rain, wind) will continue to come through our lives, we are not alone. It’s okay to make some plans and even take a day or two to slow down and stay in. Yet, don’t ever stop talking with God in prayer. The storm will be over soon enough. When it passes, there may be damage. It may not look like it used to look but you are not alone and you are loved. With this combination, you
can get through anything.
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided.” Exodus 14: 20-22
“He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Mark 4: 35-41
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-24
I’m praying you stay safe, warm and healthy.
Peace,
—Pastor Alicia
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Streaming Update from Pastor Alicia |
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Hello All,
We have decided to go back to pre-recording our online worship services. They will be published at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook and YouTube each Sunday starting January 30th. We will still interact between our online church family and in-person church family through the comments during our prayer time. We will record Saturdays in the sanctuary.
January 23rd we will do our best to livestream, but know January 30th will be the new temporary format.
This is not our permanent solution. The Trustees have approved our sanctuary's video, audio and lighting be upgraded for excellent livestreaming. We are hoping this will be installed by Easter Sunday. Once the equipment is installed we will go back to livestreaming from our sanctuary—truly live, each Sunday.
We have heard these times as we wait for the new equipment has been a struggle for online worshippers. We hear you. We respect you. We want to do better for you. We love you.
I will update you more as I am able. God bless you!
—Pastor Alicia
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Spiritual Gifts Assessment for Lent |
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We believe everyone has a gift.
As we begin a new year, we would like to explore the congregation's Spiritual Gifts so that we may give opportunities to use these gifts inside and outside of our church community. Please take a few minutes to take the UMC Spiritual Gifts Inventory this month. We would like you to report your findings to the church office by February 25 via email or drop off a printed copy. During Lent, we will connect with you about your God-given gifts.
Let's all work together Feeding God's People; Body, Mind and Spirit in our own way.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Alicia and Ann Owens
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Update on Stewardship Campaign for 2022 |
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The response from the congregation to this year’s stewardship campaign was overwhelming. We had an increase from 37 giving units to 55, with 27 pledges either new or increased from last year, for a total of $200,616 slightly less than the $204,904 from last year. Yet this is a remarkable record in a COVID year when many churches are seeing decreases in pledging and giving, some are closing. People move, some die and we have experienced that as well. And it's not too late—you can still make a pledge for 2022.
If we can maintain our non-pledged giving of $107,751 from 2021, we will have a total income of $308,367. We know that no matter the size of your gift it comes from the heart, and that it all counts in making a difference to the ministries of UUMC.
Your gifts allow our ministries to provide a food center, clothing closet, vibrant music ministry, in-person and online worship, and Sunday takeout breakfast to name just few, and to fix a leaky boiler (it is an old building). In addition, we have started a new justice-seeking team to advocate on social justice issues. We can all help fulfill our mission to Feed God’s People—Body, Mind, and Spirit. Without your help and gifts UUMC would be missed in this community.
Thank you,
—Mark
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What is Planned or Legacy Giving? |
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Many of us have causes we may donate to throughout our lifetime to help charities with funding their mission. Donations usually are the answer to the question: “how can I help today?” Planned giving, however, is different. Planned gifts are the answer to: “how can I help tomorrow?” and “how would I like to be remembered?”
Planned giving refers to gifts that donors designate to be distributed from their estate after their death. In this circumstance, these gifts are made by church members who wish to support University United Methodist Church and its mission after their own life is over.
There are different ways to structure planned gifts. A common method is to
direct a specific amount of money be gifted to UUMC at the time of your passing. Other forms of legacy gifts include real estate, life insurance proceeds, retirement funds and bank accounts.
The UUMC has developed a brochure for church members to provide more information about planned giving. If you would like a copy of the brochure please contact the church office.
Fondly,
—The Legacy Team
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In-person worshippers can now wear our new name tags on Sunday mornings!
They are stored on a lovely rack just outside the Peele sanctuary entrance. Special care was taken to match the wood to the existing structure.
Name tags feature first names in large letters, last names in a smaller font, and preferred pronouns.
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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:
Moza Adolphe and Mwenebatu Adolphe, and Anjelani, Julienne, Oleho, Natasha, Happiness and Grace
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The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
Anonymous: Please pray for Chuck B. and Liz S.
Anonymous: Prayers for the family of Dr. Larry Myers, longtime UUMC member
Anonymous: Kim K.-M. and Tim.
Anonymous: Prayers for Richard.
Anonymous: Prayers for Mike C.
Carol: Prayers for Rachel's friend, Wes, who is dealing with family trauma.
Corinne: Pray for my mother, Michelle, as she recovers for surgery.
Deborah: Prayers, please, for my friends, Chryss and Felix, whose son passed from leukemia last week at the age of 29.
Jim T.: Prayers for my cat Ruby Shooz as she nears the end of her life, and pray for me as I say goodbye to my sweet companion.
Kim: Prayers for all those who experience addiction, and for all with COVID.
Kim: Prayers for the lonely.
Sherri: Prayers for Ann, Cooper and Spencer. Sue recovering from surgery and her dad. Kathy and Jayne. Prayers for those with COVID.
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Larry Myers' Passing
Our beloved friend, Larry Myers, passed away last week. He brought many gifts and talents to his media and teaching career and to our church. Please see his obituary below. There will be a service in Spring 2022. This image is of Larry at 100 years old when Pastor Alicia brought his birthday gift from his church family to him a few weeks ago. Larry always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.
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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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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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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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Dear Friends at University United Methodist Church,
Thank you for your generous donation of $200 to the RESTART Ministry. You are helping to support people moving out of homelessness. RESTART appreciates your donation because it allows us to purchase matresses, box spings, bed frames and other vital items needed by our clients. Your donation will be used to continue our work.
We who work at RESTART appreciate your generosity and know that those who benefit can move forward with a sense of relief because you cared about and supported them.
On behalf of membersand friends of the RESTART ministry, thank you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. B.J. Norrix and Evelyn Disinger
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A Thank You from Charter for Compassion |
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With the appreciation for your donation and support of the mission of the charter, thank you for being a champion of compassion.
"Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace" - Albert Schweitzer
—from the Charter for Compassion offices in Bainbridge Island, Washington
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Dear Leaders & Congregants of University United Methodist Church,
ACTS is greatly appreciative of your recent contribution to further our work of social justice in the community. Your very generous donation of $300 was received on 12/23/2021.
Please have full confidence that your contribution will have a significant impact on our work with various projects that have been identified in the community. Violence prevention, greater equity in public education, final push for I-81 community grid/expansion of public transit and racial justice by confronting will continue in 2022 as priorities for action.
We expect to add one or two additional areas of concern with the completion in February of our training for some 50 persons in community organizing. Each of these persons have been doing one-on-ones in their congregations and the community to ascertain "what social change do you see as a prioriity?"
Your input and your involvement in these activities is most welcome. Please contact our Lead Organizer, Rev. Linda Briggs, as to how you can help. She can be reached at (351) 751-2383 or revlindaacts@gmail.com
On behalf of our Board President Rev. Eric Jackson, our board members and our corps of social justice volunteers, please accept our sincerest gratitude for your support.
Please don't hesitate to contact me directly with questions about ACTS' financial sustainability and how you can play a meaningful role. I can be reached at pertersarverACTS@gmail.com or (315) 530-5514.
Many thanks,
Peter Sarver
Board Chair for Development and Financial
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UMC Bishops call for equal voting rights |
In response to the U.S. Senate's rejection of voting rights legislation, the United Methodist Council of Bishops published a statement calling on all members to use their influence at the local, state and federal level to support equal access to voting for all.
The council empasized the theological underpinnings of the right to vote, saying it signifies the divine worth imparted to each person by God.
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The United Methodist building in Washington, D.C. |
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Pro-LGBTQ protesters gather outside the 2016 UM General Conference. |
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Debate over denomination's future intensifies |
After a tempestuous 2019 General Conference, the future of the United Methodist denomination has been in limbo. COVID precautions have postponed the next General Conference until the end of this year.
In the meantime, disagreements over LGBTQ inclusion have been popping up again.
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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 Update
The Annual Meeting of ACTS was held via Zoom on January 27, 2022. Board President Rev. Eric Jackson, Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, convened the meeting which included statements of appreciation for the four retiring board members and welcoming of new board members. New staff members were recognized with appreciation expressed for the work they do for ACTS.
The Youth Council reported on their work with the Syracuse City School District in establishing college and career centers in the high schools. A review was presented of the past year’s accomplishments by ACTS, and plans form the year ahead were proposed.
Names of current board and staff members are available from the ACTS office.
Ginny and Bob Dewey,
UUMC Representatives to ACTS
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UUMC Recognized in Pam Hunter's Newsletter
Two articles in New York State Assemblywoman Pam Hunter's newsletter featured University United Church.
In one, she discussed her visit to our 150th anniversary celebration in September, where she spoke to us about the church's impact on Syracuse.
Another featured Pam Hunter's joining the ribbon cutting ceremony for Win Gaskin Homes, a housing project named for a late UUMC member.
When we make a difference in our community, it is noticed! Be ready to spread the word and love of God whenever you are asked about the work UUMC is doing!
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Thank you, Senator May!
New York State Senator Rachel May's office graciously donated 50 KN95 masks and 100 COVID-19 rapid tests to the church office this past week.
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The ACTS Race Matters Book Club will be discussing “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee on Monday February 28 @ 7 PM on Zoom.
There are 24 copies in the Onondaga County Public Library system, so it should be accessible for all. However, if you wish to order your own copy,
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.
Vaccines
Go to this link to see if there are appointments available: COVID
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