1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
|
|
Greetings!
Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
|
|
Hello,
I'm excited to bring you good news. Beginning February 13 we no longer need reservations for worship. We will continue to social distance. I ask you to sit in the pews marked with a smiley face only. We strongly encourage people to wear masks. This is mainly because we are a large group gathering, we sing and worship lasts about an hour. All of these things create a higher chance of infection.
We will continue to livestream at 10:30 a.m. We found a device that is working well for livestream while we wait for the new equipment to be installed. Therefore, we do not need to pre-record worship. Thank you for your understanding through the last six weeks. I'm grateful for your kindness for one another as we stayed apart.
Once again, welcome back!
Peace,
Pastor Alicia
|
|
Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In Person and 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. |
|
Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
|
|
Worship | Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
February 20, 2022
|
|
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 Isaiah 2: 1-5 and I Corinthians 1: 25-31
Worship Music
Prelude: Two Spirituals arr. Eugene Butler
Postlude: Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen - arr. Gilbert M. Martin
UUMC Sanctuary Renovation Update
- The plaster repairs to the piano loft are planned to finish by March 1, and repairs to the organ loft are estimated to be finished by at least April 1.
Online Giving
- For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
|
|
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
|
|
Spiritual Gifts Assessment for Lent |
|
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
|
|
UUMC Events Looking Ahead |
|
February 27 at 10:30 a.m.: Rev. Beth DuBois preaching, pick up your Lenten Devotional Book
March 1 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor
March 2: SUMM Prayer Group via Zoom at 7am, Ash Wednesday Service, in-person and online at 6:30pm, "Full to the Brim: With All That You Are"
March 6 at 10:30 a.m.: First Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Even in the Desert"
March 6 at 6 p.m. (every Sunday): Bible study (lead by Pastor Alicia and Pastor Beth alternating) "John: the Gospel of Love and Light"
March 7: Study "Cry Out Justice" begins via Zoom at 6 p.m. (Pastor Beth leads every Monday)
March 8 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor (Pastor Alicia leads reflection on Lenten Devotional Book)
March 9: SUMM Prayer Group via Zoom at 7am (every Wednesday morning)
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: Holy/Maundy Thursday Service, in-person and online at 6:30pm "Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes"
April 15: Good Friday Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow," sanctuary open for prayer, reflection and Stations of the Cross, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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: ACTS Annual Banquet, 6pm at Drumlins
|
|
Financial Update—Rachel Kgama |
|
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.
If you'd like to order your book through the church, let Desi know by Feb. 22.
|
|
We will be hosting a class for new members on March 1 at 1 p.m. If you'd like to be a member, reach out to the church office by then! If this date isn't convenient for you, please let us know, and we'll set up a different time.
New members will be inducted Sunday, March 27.
|
|
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!
|
|
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. |
|
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:
Steve Holden, Mark Letham, and Ramona Sims
|
|
The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
Anonymous: Pray for Charles and Shannon to regain their focus.
Anonymous: Pray for peace in Ukraine and Russia.
Anonymous: Be with the citizens of Ukraine. Give them patience and courage.
Anonymous: For family and friends to continue to have good health.
Anonymous: Keep Holly A. in your prayers—not feeling well.
Anonymous: Pray for Stephanie who has cellulitis and is homeless.
Anonymous: Pray for Jim who is without his cat, Ruby Shooz, who was sick and had to be put to sleep. Hard decision for Jim.
Janet: For Dr Mark’s family as he died from a brain tumor last week
Jayne: Please pray for peace in Ukraine.
Sarah: For friends who are overwhelmed with school.
Sharon: Please pray for all who are grieving.
Sherri: Prayers for Holly and her family for passing of cousin and for her aunt to make a full recovery. Anne, Cooper and Spencer. Sue and her dad. Kathy and Jayne.
Valerie: For another stimulus from the government for COVID-19.
|
|
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 |
|
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.
|
|
February Volunteer Opportunities |
|
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.
|
|
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”
|
|
|
The Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz is a seasoned advocate for multicultural and social justice groups.
|
|
Hispanic/Latino Ministry Names New Executive Director |
The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry of the United Methodist Church named the Rev. Dr. Lydia Muñoz as its executive director.
Muñoz is the first woman to serve in this position. She is an ordained elder in the UMC Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, where she has served for the last 16 years.
|
|
40 Year-Old Cushions Preserved in Labor of Love |
In the casual pragmatism of our busy modern lives, even heartwarming keepsakes can be thrown away or pushed out of sight.
At Wilmington Island UMC in Savannah, GA, their prayer cushions had reached the end of the 40-year life. The cushions naturally showed the wear of years of kneeling and needed to be replaced,but the designs were hand-stitched, and several members remembered the care and effort that went into making them.
Rev. Rob Grotheer knew that the old ones couldn't simply be thrown away.
|
|
The newly-framed cushions hang in the halls at Wilmington Island UMC. |
He reached out to the church's sewing group to see what could be done.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
|
|
Music and the Message, Malmgren Concert Series - Hendriks Chapel
Featuring musical performances and spoken reflection from diverse religious and spiritual perspective, Music and the Message returns for the Spring 2022 season.
Each week on Sunday at 4 p.m., starting Feb. 13 through May 8, programs will be held in person at Hendriks Chapel or be available online via Zoom.
The formerly separate Malmgren Concert Series has now been incorporated into this larger program. It will still feature Esther Malmgren's beloved organ.
All are welcome at these gatherings, which seek to nurture the soul and reignite the spirit!
|
|
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 p.m. 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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
