1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-475-7277 | Email: office@uumcsyracuse.org
Greetings!

Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In-Person and on Facebook Live

Click Below to Join Worship on Sunday
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.
Remember to set your clocks forward Saturday night! Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend!
Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
UUMC Worship Updates
Worship | Second Sunday of Lent | March 13, 2022


Scripture

This week's scriptures are Psalm 27: 1-5 and Luke 13: 31-35.

Worship Music

Prelude: "Cantique" - Edward Elgar

Postlude: "Gloria" - Francois Couperin
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 currently being worked on!
Lenten Children's Activities
  • Our children's table is out and full of activities for your kids to do on Sundays!
  • We are doing a picture book study for kids during Lent. Sarah Jones is reading and teaching a short lesson on a book each week. Visit the church YouTube to watch the videos.
Online Giving
  • For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
Our "Full to the Brim" artwork this week is "Under God's Wing" by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Church Updates | New Information
A New Spiritual Discipline for Lent
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
Ongoing Lenten Studies
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.

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.
UUMC Events Looking Ahead
March 13 at 6 p.m. (every Sunday): Bible study (lead by Pastor Alicia and Pastor Beth alternating) "John: the Gospel of Love and Light."


March 14 at 6 p.m. (every Monday): Study "Cry Out Justice" begins via Zoom (Pastor Beth leads)


March 15 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor (Pastor Alicia leads reflection on Lenten Devotional Book)


March 16 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
Conversations with Pastor Alicia

Here at UUMC, we are doing a new podcast series called Conversations with Pastor Alicia! Click here to access it on our website.

Our first guest was Outreach Coordinator Galyn Murphy-Stanley, and we have several episodes ready that will be going out over the next several weeks.

Please bear with us as the sound quality improves episode by episode.
Outreach Update

February Highlights:
~Syracuse rolled out its February storms at the end of two weeks this month. Extremely low temps and the prediction of high snowfall forced us to close two Friday Emergency Food Distributions. Our Sunday Community Breakfast distributions remained open through February. 
~ACR Health hosted its “No Hitch” to-go lunch on 2/10 and 2/24. Wonderful three course hot lunches were served to-go to our neighbors and staff. 
~Fiona Dey, owner of “Pie’s the Limit” restaurant in Salt City Market, began donating 75 warm hand pies to our Sunday Community Breakfast at the end of February. These are a wonderful, delicious, nutrient dense addition to our breakfast effort made available to all of our guests. We hope to continue to support NY State’s Restaurant Resiliency program and Fiona far into the future.
~We have increased our visits to the food cupboard we fill at the corner of Lodi and Hawley Ave. outside of Syracuse Cultural Workers. This is a metal cabinet full of free diverse shelf stable foods for this near North side community. PLEASE assist in filling this highly accessed food cabinet. 

March 2022, Looking forward:
~ACR Health “No-Hitch” lunch: Thursday, March 10 and 24, 2022 pick up your free lunch outside our 324 University Ave. door from noon to 1 p.m. All are welcome.
~Vegan CNY will begin providing guests with an additional hot lunch on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month outside of UUMC. All are welcome to gather a free, to-go vegan lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12 and March 26, 2022.
~Volunteer opportunities are open and available. Please contact Galyn at outreach@uumcsyracuse.org to be added to our volunteer listserv. You will receive two mailings a month informing you of all of the volunteer opportunities at UUMC.
 
Respectfully submitted,

Galyn Murphy-Stanley
Retirement Announcement - Rachel Kgama
Dear UUMC Congregation,

I am retiring effective March 30th.  

I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the church staff of University United Methodist Church. I found the pastor, staff, and congregation to be examples of God's grace and love. I will always have fond memories of University Church, the “beacon of light on the hill.”
 
May God bless and keep as you continue in your mission to feed the body and spirit. 
 
—Rachel Kgama

Thank you
Seeking Justice Committee Update
Last 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.
Wednesday morning prayer via Zoom
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
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!
Civic Morning Musicals
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.
Weekly Prayer Requests
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:

Lynn Baker and Kellie Wood, Ginny and Paul Bartow
The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.

Ann O.: Prayers for safe travels for my sister, Sarah, who is flying to Colorado this week. Prayers also for Jack and for Donna.
 
Anonymous: Our dad, who is struggling with managing kidney cancer.
 
Anonymous: Pray for those struggling with addiction and mental health.
 
Anonymous: Prayers for Barb and Nelson, who were under the weather this week.
 
Anonymous: Prayers for Barb G. with health issues.
 
Anonymous: Prayers for Nancy recouping from surgery.
 
Barbara: Prayers for those weary of the pandemic. For those sick and those grieving.
 
Carol: Prayers for all those people displaced and suffering from war and violence.
 
Katrina: Please pray for my cousin in the loss of his six-month old son, and pray for my sister, Rahdasha, in the passing of her two-year old. Prayers also for all who grieve.
 
Kim: Prayers for God's people to find light and strength in the darkest of times.
 
Kokie: Prayers for Syracuse, NY, most especially the youth!
 
Rosey: Prayers for those choosing to resist in Ukraine and to choose non-violence.
 
Sherri: Prayers for Holly and her family. For Ann, Cooper and Spencer. For Sue and her father. Kathy and Jayne. Prayers for peace.
 
Tom and Carol B.: Prayers for Jeannette W., a woman on our Meals on Wheels route who has health issues.
Outreach News
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.
Weather-related Closings UUMC Outreach
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!
UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update
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!
March Volunteer Opportunities
Vegan CNY Meal Distribution

Please spread the word that Vegan CNY will be providing a free meal distribution from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. People can receive a healthy, vegan-friendly meal on our corner at University Avenue and East Genesee Street during that time.

We are so excited to host this wonderful organization on our corner and in our kitchen!
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.
RESTART Special Winter Request
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.
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.
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.)
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”
A Thank You from the Poor People's Campaign

Dear UUMC,

I want to thank you for your congregation's generous contribution to the NYS Poor People's Campaign! Your contribution helps to support the grassroots-fusion movement building of the Poor People's Campaign, A National Call for Moral Revival, in New York State.

The Poor People's Campaign in NYS is a coalition of those most directly impacted by the crises of systemic racism, poverty, militarism, and ecological destruction. The movement necessary to end these evils is dependent on donors like yourself to continue the struggle.

This work would not be possible without supporters like you.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rev. E. West McNeil
Executive Director, Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS
NYS Poor People's Campaign Tri-Chair.
United Methodist News
How are United Methodists present in Ukraine?

United Methodists have congregations and mission partners on the ground in Ukraine, offering hope, support and aid in every way they can. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on the history and state of Methodism in Ukraine and Russia.
The pastor of Little Mexico
The Rev. Carlos Uroza draws on his experience as a Mexican immigrant as he leads churches and does community development in a part of Nashville some call "Little Mexico." Mikeie Honda Reiland profiles the United Methodist pastor, with photos by Tamara Reynolds.
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.
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.
2021 Annual Conference Reports
UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.
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.
UM News Digest
Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
Community News
Women's March Syracuse

This week, on International Women's Day, Women's March Syracuse held their annual celebration in our sanctuary. Among those honored for their contributions to women in our area was Pastor Alicia! We are so proud of her for this honor!

You can read the write-up from the Daily Orange here.

May we all be tireless in our pursuit of justice and gender equality.
Last week's Prayer Vigil

Last Friday night, we had a prayer vigil for world peace at UUMC. Thank you to everyone who came in-person or in-spirit to bring our hopes and fears to God.




Photo courtesy of Tom Boll.
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. 

However, if you want to order your own copy, click here for the book.

To register for the session, email petersarverACTS@gmail.com  
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date. 
Save the date!

The ACTS spring event, "Ring Out Justice!," will be Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for ACTS, so your support would be appreciated! Tickets can be bought per seat or by the whole table.
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.