Crossroads and Finger Lakes Districts

October 17, 2023

Next newsletter is October 31, 2023

Please submit items to be included by the Friday before.

A Note from Sherri:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.                             Philippians 4:4-9



At youth group we used to sing, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” It seemed easy then to rejoice in the Lord. It’s interesting how we sometimes wear rose-colored glasses when we think about the past. We tend to think, “I wish we could go back to that time, when things were simple and good.” Chances are we’re forgetting a lot in that backward look. There were undoubtably challenges and difficult things happening – we just choose not to see it. These days, we watch the events going on in the world with horror and dismay. Some of us are dealing with difficult situations of our own – family issues, health issues, work issues, financial issues. Our churches are facing challenges. In the middle of all of this, how can we possibly rejoice in the Lord? 

We tend to forget that Paul was chained in prison when he wrote these words. Even amid his pain and uncertain future he encourages the church at Philippi (and us) to rejoice in the Lord. Maybe orienting his attention is how Paul got through difficult situations. As Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy said on the Pulpit Fiction podcast, rejoicing in the Lord is not an invitation to ignore the challenges of life or to view things through rose colored glasses. Our problems are real, but they will not have the final word. We can bring all our struggles and trials to God, trusting that God will be with us in the midst of it. We can also lean on our community of faith. Being part of a church means we are not on our own. We can encourage, inspire, and help each other, during difficult times.

Part of rejoicing is thanking God and being grateful for the blessings we have received and continue to receive. Gratitude changes our focus and keeps us from falling into negative attitudes, anger, and bitterness. Finding ways to rejoice and be thankful has positive outcomes. Thankfulness amid struggle isn’t pretending everything is going to be okay, it’s declaring there is good news even in the midst of our struggles. The good news of God’s love and grace means that nothing will separate us from the love of God made present in Jesus Christ. That’s something we call can rejoice in.

As we move forward as people of faith, may we take time for prayer and reflection and listen for God to speak to us as we look for ways to rejoice. Today I’m thankful for the way the sun shines through the raindrops on the grass, for a good conversation with my sister, for the smell of fresh coffee and the promise of God’s abiding presence. These may seem like small things, but they are sources of peace and joy and resistance to negativity, anxiety, and feeling alone. I hope you can take a moment to find three things to offer to God today as a way to rejoice. if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Grace and peace,

Sherri 

Reminder: Update your Church Information on the UNY Website:

Thank you to all the churches that have sent updates and/or corrections to their church information listed on the conference website.

If you have not sent in an update or OK as is - please send a reply

email to the district office.

CLICK HERE for the Crossroads District listings

CLICK HERE for Finger Lakes District listings

CLICK HERE to reach the district office

Upcoming Casowasco Events

Keep These Words

November 3^rd - November 5^th

$195

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. ~Deuteronomy 6:4-6

The art of Biblical Storytelling has its roots in the oral tradition that allowed for the earliest sharing of the stories and texts we know today as the Bible. This two-night retreat will feature 6 sessions that will introduce beginners to the practice of Biblical Storytelling and allow you to begin exploring this means of sharing the word of God. Each session will be led by Master’s certified Biblical Storyteller, Rev. Theresa Eggleston and will provide knowledge and opportunities to practice the skills you are learning. A comfortable bed and three home-style meals a day will allow you to focus solely on the workshops and being immersed in the beauty of God’s creation.

Days Apart Retreat: Joy through God’s Eyes

December 11^th- December 13^th

$195

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Spend time reflecting on the joy of being a fearfully and wonderfully made child of God. Take some time away from the stresses of your everyday life by spending a few days at Casowasco, being led by Certified Spiritual Director in the United Methodist Church, Bonnie Kreutter.

Price includes meals and lodging from dinner on Monday to lunch on Wednesday.

ECHO!

December 30^th – January 1^st

$124

Ages 7-17

Ring in 2024 at Casowasco! Join us for an Echo of summer from December 30th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. Enjoy spending time with camp friends. Enjoy some of your favorite camp activities, along with special activities you can only do in winter. Compete in the Frosty Olympics. Countdown to the New Year while rocking out to a mash-up of your favorite chapel songs. Share your talents in the Star Studded Variety Show. Enjoy staying warm and cozy with a cup of hot chocolate after an exciting game of Jack Frost

Crossroads District News

Church Announcements

Stewardship with Susan Ranous

Please check out the blog below

CLICK HERE for the Blog: Stewardship with Susan Ranous

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October 17. 2023

PENNELLVILLE FARMERS MARKET

The last Farmers Market for the season is scheduled for

Tuesday, October 17th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

in the parking lot of the Pennellville United Methodist Church. 

Along with the market, we will also hold our annual

Trunk or Treat starting at 5:00 p.m. 

Children can receive their fill of Halloween candy while the

adults shop for fresh produce. 

The church is located at 389 County Route 54 in Pennellville.  

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October 17, 2023

Immanuel UMC Annual Fall Craft Show

303 Kasson Rd., Camillus, NY

Friday, October 27 from 4-8pm

Saturday, October 28 from 9am-3pm

All of our crafters hand make the items for sale. Bring a friend and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping!

All proceeds from the sale benefit our Disaster Recovery Mission outreach.

We are also collecting non-perishable food items for our local food pantry. Anyone who brings an item to donate will be entered in a drawing for a donated crafter item.

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October 18, 2023

Friends,

Brown Memorial will be having a fundraiser at Panera Bread, located at 3401 West Genesee Street in Syracuse, on October 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

During this time, 20% of all sales will be donated to Brown Memorial to support our ministry on the West Side of Syracuse. We are striving to make a difference in this community, and this fundraiser will help us to do so.

To participate in the fundraiser, please bring a printed or digital copy of the attached flyer and present it to the cashier when you order. If you are ordering online, please use the code FUND4U at the online checkout, in the Panera app, or at the kiosk in the cafe.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Members of Brown Memorial UMC

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

CLICK HERE for a Panera flyer

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October 20, 2023

Manlius UMC is hosting their Famous Ham Loaf Dinner

Friday October 20, 2023

4:00 - 6:30pm

Take Out Only!

Cost: $13.00

At the corner of Wesley & Pleasant Streets in Manlius

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October 21, 2023

Ira United Methodist Church, 12479 Ferris RD will be having their

Annual Ham Supper on Saturday, October 21, 2023

from 4:30 until 6:00. 

It will again be a "Drive Through".

Dinners are Ham, Scalloped potatoes, squash, applesauce, jello salad, rolls and bread and homemade pie. 

Cost will be $13. 

For more information contact Janelle Kline at 315-626-2448.

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October 21, 2023

Oswego First UMC to hold a Quilt Show

First United Methodist Church of Oswego is located at 7111 State Route 104, Oswego, NY 13126.

The Quilt Show will be held again this year after

several years of Covid hiatus. 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 21st.  

We are also having a silent auction. The proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Services Program.

Thanks

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October 21, 2023

Local Church Announces Winter Wear Giveaway

Trinity United Methodist Church winter wear give away will be

Saturday, October 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Please use the door off

Utica Street as the giveaway will be downstairs.

Anyone wishing to donate may bring items to the church beginning on

Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Please contact the church for arrangements on a different day or time.

Donations such as hats, gloves, scarves, and boots are needed in all sizes, especially children’s. The church members and the community thank you for your donations.

The church is located at 45 East Utica Street, corner of East 4^th and

Utica, Oswego. Everyone is welcome to attend in person worship on Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. The live web service is available on the church Facebook page. For further information, please call and leave

a message at (315) 343-1715, visit https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC, or email oswegotrinityumc@gmail.com. 

CLICK HERE for a flyer

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October 24, 2023

PENNELLVILLE FREE WILL DINNER

The Pennellville United Methodist Church will be having their next

Free Will Dinner on Tuesday, October 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The menu will be sloppy joes, seasoned potatoes,

vegetable and dessert.  

Come out and enjoy some good food and fellowship. 

The church is located at 389 County Route 54 in Pennellville. 

Only two more dinners are scheduled for this year -

November 28th and December 19th.

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October 28, 2023

Fayetteville United Methodist will host a Craft and Vendor sale,

FALL INTO THE HOLIDAYS, on Saturday, October 28 from 10 - 4.

The church is located at 601 East Genesee Street in Fayetteville.

Vendor spaces are available. Please contact the church office at fayettevilleunitedmethodist@gmail.com for more information. 

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October 28, 2023

Cicero UMC is holding a Trunk or Treat

Music, Snacks, and Games

2:00-4:00pm

8416 Brewerton Road in the parking lot

To support the event, we need vehicles: contact Sue Bonspille at 315-420-2101 or Mary at 315-699-2731 to register your vehicle. Your help is appreciated.

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November 3-4, 2023

HOMESPUN TREASURES

 Cicero United Methodist Church

8416 Brewerton Rd

November 3rd 2023 10AM to 6PM 

November 4^th 2023  10AM to 4PM

Come shop for unique crafts and treats, check out our book sale.

Enjoy lunch while you're here.

Church fully accessible and easy parking

Finger Lakes District News

Church Announcements

OCTOBER 21, 2023

Penn Yan UMC Rummage Sale

The long awaited PYUMC Rummage Sale date has been announced! Mark your calendars for Sat, Oct 21

starting at 9:00 a.m. To be held in the Fellowship Hall.

It’s not too early to begin shopping for Christmas gifts or to discover

some treasure you didn’t know you needed.

If you would like to donate items for sale that are in good working order

or in wearable condition, drop off days are

Mon, Tues, and Wed, Oct 16, 17, & 18 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Please contact the church office 315-536-6711,

Jan Hafner jhafner@gmail.com or Patti Coman pgcoman@aol.com

with any questions

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October 21, 2023

The Red Creek Westbury United Methodist Church

 is pleased to invite you to their Post COVID-19

Hybrid Ham Dinner

(Dine in or Take out)

In memory of

Our dearly departed member

Joyce Terwiliger

 On Saturday, October 21, 2023

Serving will be from 4:00pm through 7pm

The church is located at

6837 Church Street, Red Creek, NY 13143

This delicious ham dinner will include scalloped potatoes,

Raisin sauce, rolls, baked beans and dessert. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

$13.00 for ALL adults

$6.00 for children from 6-10

Children 5 and under are free

(We apologize but credit cards are not accepted)

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October 27, 2023

Beloved on the BLVD

Trunk or Treat!

Bring your family for an evening of treats, games, and worship!

Friday, October 27th

5:00pm - 7:30pm

7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool

Free Entry

Join us for a night of fun!

If anyone wants to decorate their TRUNK or donate games/snacks,

let us know.

CLICK HERE for Flyer

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October 28, 2023

The Clyde UMC will be having their annual TURKEY DINNER

on Saturday, Oct 28th.

Take outs are available from 4 to 6 pm. Dine in from 4:30 to 6:30.

Tickets are $15 for adults and all take outs,

and $8 for children 10 and under.

Meal includes roll, cranberry, home made applesauce, squash, potato, dressing, turkey, gravy and home made pies.

We sell only 300 tickets and they go fast!

Call Pam at 315-923-3491 to reserve your tickets.

Reserved tickets are not held past 6pm.

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October 28, 2023

Lyons UMC is hosting a

Dinner and a Movie Night on Sat, Oct 28 at 5:30pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to bring other family members or friends with them.

Please bring a dish-to-pass and your own table service.

Beverages will be provided.

Questions – call/text Jenn at 315-945-7462. 

We’ll be watching Jesus Revolution.

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October 30, 2023

Free Lunch on Monday, October 30 at 11:30am 

at the Lyons UMC (93 William St., Lyons). 

Lunch will be roasted butternut squash soup, grilled cheese sandwich

and fruit cobbler. No take-outs available. 

  Please register by the Thursday before the lunch by contacting

the church office at 315-946-6035 or lyons.umc @verizon.net.

If no one answers, please leave your name

and the number of people coming.

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November 4, 2023

The Annual Turkey Dinner and Bazaar is Saturday, November 4 

at the Lyons UMC (93 William St., Lyons). 

  The meal will include turkey, potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing, squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls and

your choice of apple, pumpkin, cherry or blueberry pie. 

  Pre-sale tickets are $12 for adults,

$7 for youth ages 6-12

and free for 5 yrs and younger ($1.00 more at the door).

There are three serving times - 4pm, 5pm or 6pm.

Take-outs are available from 4:30pm - 6pm. 

  The Bazaar begins at 2pm. There will be an assortment of crafts,

baked goods and candy. 

Contact info: 315-946-6035, call/text 315-945-7462 or lyons.umc@verizon.net. 

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As stated previously - please subscribe to the conference news for the following:

For important news regarding Bishop Hector A. Burgos Nunez,

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YOU will need to subscribe to Conference emails by clicking here.

You should subscribe at least to the UNY Notes and the Weekly Digest.

If you missed a previous District newsletter,

Click here for an archived copy of

Crossroads District

Finger Lakes District

THANK YOU for your patience during this transition time.

Please reach out to the district office with any questions.

Crossroads and Finger Lakes District Superintendent

Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood - Sherrirood@unyumc.org

Crossroads District Lay Leader

Darlene Dennis

Robert Mueller

Finger Lakes District Lay Leader

Shafeegh Habeeb

Superintendency Administrative Assistant

Betsy O'Flynn - betsyoflynn@unyumc.org

Office # - (585) 340-9525

PO Box 23206

Rochester, NY 14692