Note:

albanydistrict@unyumc.org email address will become inactive tomorrow!

Please send all emails to carrieboyer@unyumc.org The albanydistrict@unyumc.org is no longer being used.

And a reminder that Carrie is now working remotely

The District Office is no longer located in the Newtonville UMC in Latham. Carrie Boyer, the administrative assistant, is now working from her home office. The phone and email are (518) 608-1246 and carrieboyer@unyumc.org

Our mailing address remains the same: PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128 until further notice.

Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl can still be reached at her current phone and email (518) 391-3215 and debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org

Lenten Study offered via ZOOM

The Whiteface Community UMC (in the Adirondack District) will be hosting a Lenten study via Zoom using the book, "Saving God From Religion: A Minister's Search for Faith in a Skeptical Age," by Robin R. Meyers. We will meet (on Zoom) from 6:30-8PM on February 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21. To join in and receive the Zoom invitation, contact Pastor Chrys at chrysalis.coaching7@yahoo.com or call/text (315) 777-7047. We look forward to invigorating discussion as we ponder some of the very issues with which many of us, in and out of the church, wrestle.

Imagine No Racism:

A Lenten Study

Lent is a season of introspection and awareness, a great time to reflect on some of the challenging realities of our society. So, if you’re looking for a good Lenten study next month, please think about being part of the next Imagine No Racism class. 

The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer this six-session small group study on Zoom, from Feb. 16 through March 22 from 10-11:30 a.m.

To read more and to register, click here.

Four ways to combat the winter blues

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, but in those areas where cold weather is prevalent and daylight is shorter, some people may experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping and even sadness. Consider how to combat seasonal challenges and strengthen spiritually with these tips.

To read more from United Methodist Communications, click here.

(Updated) Stewardship with Susan Ranous

The Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Christian Stweardship for UNY Conference shares the latest entry on her blog, "Be Creative: Second Quarter of the Year." She shares several ideas on how churches can address the challenges of stewardship in the local church.

Go to the blog: Click here.

There is a link that allows you to receive her blog entries via email.

Save the dates

for 2024 District Days

In the new year, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez will be visiting local churches in all 12 districts from February to April. District Days are a way for the bishop to meet with laity and clergy across Upper New York. Clergy meetings are scheduled for each visit from 1 to 3 PM and another meeting will be held for laity (and clergy who couldn't attend earlier gathering) from 7 to 8:30 PM. All United Methodists of Upper New York are invited and encouraged to attend a gathering closest to you. 

Bishop Hector will visit Shenendehowa UMC in the Albany District on Tuesday, April 9. The church is located at 971 Route 146 in Clifton Park.

He will visit the Community United Methodist Church of Chestertown in the Adirondack District on Wednesday, April 10. The church is located at 11 Church St., Chestertown.

To view the entire schedule, click here.

Please begin entering important church statistical data now. Deadline is earlier this year:

Feb. 15

Just a reminder pastors and church leaders can start entering information in the statistical tables in ACStats. Information must be submitted by end of day on Feb. 15.    



Local Churches will need to create all new Usernames and Passwords upon initial entry into the platform.

When you initially login (click here) your login will be your GCFA number and your password is ACStats2023! Call Carrie if you need your GCFA number (518) 608-1246.

Once you're "in," you'll be asked to update your contact and church information and for your email address and to choose a password. When you log in again, your login will be the email address you entered and your new password.

(New) This video may help you navigate the system. Click here.

 Pastors: Please note that you cannot use the same email address twice for two different churches and/or users. This can be solved by adding additional digits, like your GCFA number, at the end of your email address for the second church. 

To learn more, click here.

ACStats help and user guide. Click here

Winter Still Life - Part 6

Today’s Winter Still Life is of the pond at The Crossing of Colonie Park.

What makes it interesting are the patterns formed by the ice, water, and reflections on the water.

I believe that as individuals one of the main things we can contribute to the world is what we reflect. We can be a reflection of the best of what we believe in and thereby introduce others to that which gives our lives value.

Faith communities exist in large part for those who are outside of them, striving by what we say and do to introduce others to a way of life that we believe has value. A way of life that provides answers for those searching for meaning, a way of life that offers an alternative to conflict and violence, a way of life that has meaning and value that isn’t limited to a few short years on planet earth.

As we move toward the season of Lent, we are encouraged to examine what our life reflects to the world.

Today’s photo was taken at Crossings of Colonie Park on January 25, 2024.

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. 

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrate the Super Bowl in a “Souper” Way! Donations can be dropped off at Center Brunswick UMC through Feb. 11

The Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy is collecting cans of soup through Feb. 11. All donations will supply local food pantries in our community and provide warm meals for those facing food insecurities in this cold season. Soup donations may be dropped at the church anytime. Please place donations in the “elevator entrance” of the church - the middle door just off the parking lot. Please be part of our winning team this year! Help CBUMC cross the Goal Line, BEAT Hunger in our community and provide a “Souper” Bowl for EVERYONE.

Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, Feb. 3

Pine Grove UMC's Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," will be open Feb. 3 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.

Moms' Group, First Mondays of the month, Feb. 5 next gathering, First UMC of East Greenbush

Come join other mothers and form a group of play, laughter, forming mom friends and building a new "village" for our infants, toddlers and children. All are welcome. This will be a play-based group for children as parents socialize and interact. Contact the church office at (518) 477-9693. Where: First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. When: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM First Mondays; Feb. 5 is the next gathering.

The Rise of the Nones and the Future of American Religion and Society, Wednesday, Feb. 7, ZOOM

"The most important shift in American society over the last three decades has been the rapid increase in the share of the population who claims no religious affiliation." This is a Samaritan Counseling Center online event. Join us for this critical conversation. Registration and attendance is free of cost. Wednesday, February 7, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. There is no charge. Click here to register

Also: A New Resource:

Wounded Pastors:

Navigating Burnout, Finding Healing, and Discerning the Future of Your Ministry

by Carol Howard and James Fenimore

Click here for more information.

Rev. William Barber II speaking, Thursday, Feb. 8, Union College

Rev. William Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and President of Repairers of the Breach, will be speaking at Memorial Chapel at Union College, 807 Union St., Schenectady at 5 PM, Thursday, Feb 8. His talk is titled "We Are Called to be a Movement." This event is sponsored by Campus Protestant Ministry; the World Lecture Series; Intercultural Affairs at Union College; and Hillel. All are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Please note that parking near the Chapel is limited, so carpooling is recommended for those attending.

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser, Saturday, Feb. 10, First UMC, East Greenbush

The First UMC of East Greenbush's Youth Group is hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for their mission trip to Syracuse, on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 4 PM to 7 PM. The cost will be $15 pre-ordered, and $20 at the door for meatballs, spaghetti, bread, salad and a dessert. We will have a vegetarian spaghetti and gluten-free available for pre-orders only. Reservations would be greatly appreciated. Dine-in or take-out available. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. This is a community event. To pre-order, click here or contact Amber Telford at Youthleaderamber@gmail.com. The youth will be going to Syracuse to the Conference Center to help sort and package items that will then go out to the US and beyond.

(New) Pancake Brunch, Sunday, Feb. 11, North Chatham UMC

The North Chatham UMC will hold a Valentine’s Pancake Brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM on Sunday, Feb. 11. We will be playing some great Jazz music while you eat, and there will also be a bake sale. There is no specific charge for brunch but we will accept freewill donations. All are welcome! The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. For more information on North Chatham UMC, please call (518) 766-3535 or visit our website northchathammethodistchurch.org

Chili and Cornbread Sale, Sunday, Feb. 11, Mechanicville UMC

Mechanicville UMC, 7 Main St., Mechanicville, is holding a Chili & Cornbread sale on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11. The choice of delicious, homemade beef, turkey, and vegetable chili are available for $8/quart and $6/pan for cornbread. To place an order, please call 518-496-4985 by Feb. 5. Chili and cornbread will be available for pick up between 10 AM and noon on Feb. 11. This is a great way to feed your Super Bowl watchers (we won't even tell them you didn't make it!)

Lasagna Dinner, Saturday, March 9, Melrose UMC

The Melrose UMC (located at 20 Church St., Melrose) will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Saturday, March 9. Take-outs start at 4:30 PM. Dine-in seating is from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. Tickets are $13 for adults; $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.

Calling All Artists! Community Art Show, Saturday, March 9, First UMC of East Greenbush

Calling all artists for our Second Annual Community-wide Art Show in the Nature of Art. We are looking to show your art in the following mediums: photography, paintings, watercolors, sculptures, ceramics, quilting (24" x 36"), fabric arts and youth music artist. Our community art show is Saturday, March 9 from 2 to 4 PM. Artists must complete an art agreement. Adult placement $10; children free. Art is due by Feb. 28. Art may be sold if adult artist is present during the show. Please email Amber @ youthleaderamber@gmail.com for the application form and if you have any questions. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

Concert: Al and Kathy Bain, Saturday, March 16, Raceville UMC

Raceville UMC in the Adirondack District will host Al and Kathy Bain in concert at 2 PM Saturday, March 16. Their music is a mix of country, bluuegrass and gospel.There is a suggested $10 donation at the door. Refreshments will be provided after the concert. The church is located at 477 Butler Rd., Hampton. Visit their Facebook page: click here.

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 10 AM to 1 PM

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