Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Send us your events and classifieds: albanydistrict@unyumc.org

Wednesday, Nov. 15

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 albanydistrict@unyumc.org

Troy and UNY Journals available

We have copies of Troy Conference journals dated 1953 through 2009 (with the exception of 1972 and 1974.) They will be available through Dec. 16 at which point they will be recycled. Please let me know if you would like any or all copies. We also have UNY Journals from 2010 through 2022. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246 or @ carrieboyer@unyumc.org If anyone happens to have a copy of the 1972 or 1974 Troy Conference journal, we would love to be able to complete our other set!

NEW FORMAT!

"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

UNY Notes are simple text-based emails that will immediately alert you to important news and events of the Upper New York Conference. UNY Notes are targeted e-mail blasts in nine categories:

· From the Desk of Bishop Hector

· Alerts

· Announcements

· Prayer Requests

· Death Notices

· Camp & Retreat

If you prefer fewer e-mails, remember that all of the week's UNY Notes are included in the Weekly Digest, published on Wednesdays. It will contain a round-up of that week's UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several "hot spots" on the Conference website, photos, and more.

Advent calendar is here!

Thomas Mousin and Merry Watters are pleased to present this year’s Advent calendar. Each year, Merry chooses scripture lessons for each day of the season and connects them with a suggested devotion for the day. Thomas designs the graphics for the calendar and writes a poem that can also be sung as an Advent hymn.

Please click on the website to read more about this year's calendar. You can download the calendar on the site. Click here.

UNYUMC Historical Society virtual meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 13

As a friend of the Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society, you are invited to attend online the virtual meeting of the Society on Wednesday, Dec. 13 starting at 7 PM. The program portion will be on Camp Meetings to Conference Camps in Upper New York. Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to view the flyer. Click here for the ZOOM link. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84791889665?pwd=ZW9TRFRwdTdzdmg5OXlGTDQvektDdz09

Meeting ID: 847 9188 9665 Passcode: 233040

Calling all Quilters!

Call for information: Does your church have a quilting group? How long has it been in existence? Do they quilt for the church or to give away? Scraps or new materials? I am working on a history of quilting in Upper NY United Methodist Churches and would love to include your group. Perhaps we could do a video interview about your group. Contact me at 518-779-6004 or by email melakeith@gmail.com. Many sweet memories are included in the pieces of quilts.

Quaker Springs UMC seeks Spanish educational materials for Mission Trip to Guatemala in February

Update: We have a Spanish music CD that we'd like to copy - we need about 10. Does anyone have the capability of doing this for us? Please contact Linda Campbell @ lcampbellfarrell@gmail.com

This ran in earlier newsletters. The mission trip has been postponed until February (initially scheduled for November). If you're out and about and come across these, in Spanish please, for our upcoming Mission Trip to Guatemala please purchase them for me and I’ll buy them from you, or if you’d like to donate, bless you and thank you!! Or if you find any K-6 grade educational material in Spanish or slightly used, I will gladly pick it up from you! The church is in the Adirondack District. To make a monetary donation, send to Linda Campbell, PO Box 52, 160 Cemetery Rd., Victory Mills, NY 12884. Please make check out to Quaker Springs UMC with Guatemala mission in the memo line. Thank you in advance. We leave in February Guatemala. For more information contact Linda Campbell from the Quaker Springs UMC @ lcampbellfarrell@gmail.com

Join UNY's "Together in Prayer" initiative

Join the year long journey as we reconnect with who we are as people of faith, disciples of Christ, and United Methodists. Each month, there will be a new focus and new resources.

Breath prayers express our deepest needs and can be said in one inhale and exhale.

Join the 155 UNY congregations already participating on "Together in Prayer." Learn more here: https://www.unyumc.org/resources/together-in-prayer

(Reminder)

Pastors and SPRC chairs: The Church Profile and Advisory Form and the Pastor/SPRC Covenant form were due on Nov. 1. They must be completed online. If you need your sign-in information, please contact Carrie @ (518) 608-1246 or carrieboyer@unyumc.org Click here to sign in.

Lay Servant Course offered in the

Albany District:

All are welcome

COURSE OFFERING:

Basic course to be held on Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM, January 3 through 31. Contact Melanie Keith, (518) 779-6004, melakeith@icloud.com. Cost is $10 per person, check payable to UNYAC. Mail completed form and check to Melanie Keith, 299 Edwards Rd, Wynantskill, NY 12198, no later than December 21. Please note that attendance is mandatory for all classes.

Form is attached here.

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

The True Gardener

Jeannie Hughes (West Virginia, USA)

Link

READING FOR THE DAY

John 15:1-8

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Only God can make me bloom again.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, help us to turn to you for help so that our love for you can bloom, bringing joy to our lives and glory to you. Amen.

Reflections: Part 4

I am fascinated by images of rapids but what makes this picture special is the reflection of Fall foliage upon the water.

In a similar way what makes an event in the routine of daily life is when we see a reflection of God’s love. Sometimes that reflection comes in the form of God miraculous appearance in the events of life. Other times that reflection is seen in the actions of individuals responding to the urgings of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s photo is of The Sacandaga River along the Auger Falls Trail outside of Wells, NY on October 4, 2023.

Previous photo devotions can be seen on my blog at Blog Posts – Daily Photo Devotions (wordpress.com). I have done more than 1,200 Daily Photo Devotions, most of which can be seen on my blog.

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.

You are invited to join us for our Monday evening Prayer Group at 7:00 pm and our Wednesday Bible Study at 7 PM. Both are being offered in person at the Mayfield UMC and on Zoom which can be accessed using the following link on your computer, tablet, smart phone or by calling in on the provided phone number.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7356408548

Phone Call In: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 735 640 8548

Local Church Events

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scholarship offered to 2024 Tamarac High School graduates

Center Brunswick UMC in Troy has announced that a $500 scholarship will be awarded to a 2024 graduate of Tamarac High School in memory of Harold and Mable Keyes. The student does not have to be a member of the church. To read the letter, click here. Deadline to apply: March 1, 2024.

Special Events at Berlin UMC

Please join us for these special events. The church is located at 17 S. Main St., Berlin.

NOV. 26 – Coffee House featuring Rachel Farnum—5-7 PM

DEC. 2 – Free Store – 9 AM to Noon--Gift items for the whole family. All items are free and free gift wrapping provided.

DEC. 16 - Los Posados - 5:30 PM. Find a place at an Inn - walk, food and pinata. Please call ahead (518) 658-2942.

DEC. 17 – Free Store Noon—3 PM --Gift items for the whole family. All items are free and free gift wrapping provided.

DEC. 18 – Free Store 9 AM to 11 AM--Gift items for the whole family. All items are free and free gift wrapping provided.

(New) Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 2, North Chatham UMC

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the North Chatham UMC will host a Holiday Bazaar from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is sponsored by the United Women of Faith of the North Chatham and Grace (Nassau) UMCs. The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. There will be a nice variety of vendors and this is a great chance to do some Christmas shopping locally! Lunch and a bake sale will be available, and all proceeds will go to Mission Projects. For more information on the North Chatham UMC, please call (518) 766-3535 or visit their website (northchathammethodistchurch.org). For more information on the Grace UMC, please call (518) 766-9628. We hope to see you on December 2nd!

(New) 150th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 2, First UMC: East Greenbush

Come to our Fellowship Hall and celebrate our church turning 150 years old at 2 PM Sunday, Dec. 2 with “Desserts Through the Decades.” We will share the history, music and treats of the past. Bring your family and friends. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

Christmas Decoration and Cookie Sale, Saturday, Dec. 2, Melrose UMC

The Melrose UMC, 20 Church St., Melrose, will hold a Christmas decoration and cookie sale fundraiser from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, Dec. 2. A variety of Christmas decorations, as well as assortments of Christmas cookies, will be available for purchase. All are welcome to attend.

Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 2, Church of the Covenant: Averill Park

Join us for our Christmas Bazaar, 9 AM to 3 PM Saturday, Dec. 2 at Church of the Covenant, “The Round Church,” 3055 NY 43, Averill Park, (518) 674-3664 www.cocumc.org

Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, Dec. 2

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

(New) Advent and Christmas Services, First UMC: East Greenbush

Sundays in Advent are Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24 with services at 8:30 and 9:30 AM. There will be a Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7 PM. Christmas Eve services are 9:30 AM, 5:30 PM Family Service and 8 PM candlelight service. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

(New) Blue Christmas Service, Wednesday, Dec. 6, Melrose UMC

A community "Blue Christmas" service will be held at the Melrose UMC,20 Church St., Melrose, at 7 PM Wednesday, Dec. 6. The Blue Christmas service is for anyone who is mourning, who has or is experiencing loss, a recent death of a family member or friend, the end of a marriage, the loss of work, or a move away from the place that has been home for a while. Blue Christmas is an opportunity to gather together to begin the Advent Christmas season with a quiet time of worship and healing. Blue Christmas is an ecumenical community service of scripture, prayer, and music during Advent for those who struggle, mourn, or find celebrating difficult. If this Christmas season is difficult for you, come and begin your Advent worship. Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome. If you have any questions, please email communications.melroseumc@gmail.com or call the church at (518) 233 - 0044.

(New) Christmas Madrigal Dinner Show, Friday, Dec. 8 or Saturday, Dec. 9, First UMC: East Greenbush

You are cordially invited to join a night of good food and merriment at our Christmas Madrigal Dinner Show! The Friday dinner show begins at 7 PM and the Saturday show begins at 6 PM. Tickets are $40. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. Call the church at (518) 477-9693 to reserve seats or go to Facebook at facebook.com/FUMCMadrigalDinnerShow for more information.

Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, Dec. 9, South Bethlehem UMC

Come join us for our Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the South Bethlehem UMC, 67 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch will be available plus a bake sale to support our church United Women in Faith. Our Thrift Shop ‘Boutique’ will be open as well. Please come out to support small business, do your Christmas shopping and grab a bite to eat. Contact Emily Shutter at (518) 813-0661 for further information.

(New) Living Nativity, Sunday, Dec. 17, Calvary UMC: Latham

Calvary UMC invites you to their Living Nativity from 5 PM to 7 PM on Sunday, Dec. 17. Join them as the King's Kids present the story of Christmas. This is a free event. The church is located at 15 Ridge Place, Latham.

Happenings at First UMC of Delmar

The church is located at 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar

Blessed Bargains Shop: Every Tuesday (year round) 10 AM to 5 PM

Treasure Cove Thrift Shop: (Open Year Round) Tuesdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 1 PM

Please refer to our website for more information: https://www.delmarmethodist.org/

Bible Study, ongoing, Jonesville UMC

Bible study, 11 AM to 12:30 PM Sundays, Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. During the church's STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) Ministry's planning for National Recovery Month, a decision was made to begin a Bible Study for the recovery community titled "Dancing with Jesus One Step at a Time." A favorite Bible among the recovery community is called the Life Recovery Bible This is the Bible that will be used for this study, as it is relevant to the Twelve Steps. Step One through Twelve will be covered along with a 13th study of the Serenity Prayer. The study will be led on a rotating basis by members of the church who are in long term Twelve Step recovery and Jonesville United Methodist Church's Pastor Youngjae Jee . You do not need to be a member of our church or even go to the church service at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Study For more information, contact Phyllis Mullaney at pam31ny@aol.com

There is something happening every Thursday at St. Paul’s Church in Castleton!

Our church is located at 1583 Carney Rd., Castleton.

Every Thursday we gather for fellowship and to Recharge. Recharge is a simple worship service for busy people who are hungry to spend time with God. This informal 30-minute worship begins at 6 PM. We sing, reflect on God’s word, and eat a meal together. After dinner is time to talk, play games, or work on an art project. It’s great to share our thoughts and experiences of God’s grace! All are welcome; come as you are and hang out as long as you wish through 8 PM.

In months with a fifth Thursday, we do an all-church mission to help those in need throughout the community and throughout the world. These specifics are announced in person and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsCastleton/

For more information, contact Aimee Croft at anbcroft@gmail.com