Note:

adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org email address is no longer active.

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

And a reminder that Carrie is now working remotely

The District phone is (518) 608-1246 and our mailing address remains the same: PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128 until further notice.

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

UMCOR Sunday: March 10

For more than 80 years, United Methodists have ensured that resources from the United Methodist Committee on Relief are available in times of crisis. UMCOR Sunday donations cover UMCOR’s operation costs, so that 100% of donations received in response to emergency appeals go directly to communities in need. Prepare to celebrate this Special Sunday with resources for worship and promotion as well as age-level material and more in the pastor and leader kit. Core resources are available in multiple languages.

Click here for resources

Basic Lay Servants Course Completed (Leading, Caring and Communicating)

This from Darlene Suto, Albany District Lay Servant Director:

The Mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Congratulations to our new Basic Lay Servant class. The course was led by Melanie Keith (Pawling Avenue UMC) over a 5-week period. Completing the class were Jason E. Blintz (Christ Church UMC), Eric A. Niemi (Easton UMC), Susan J. Cramer (Ballston Spa UMC), John Kincella (Tyrone UMC), Wendie France (Community UMC of Chestertown), and Cindy Ciabotti (Cornerstone Community Church, Lansingburgh). 

Watch for notices of Lay Servant Courses in upcoming newsletters.

Click here to visit the Conference website for more information about this vital ministry. Or contact Darlene Suto at darleneanne01@gmail.com or Bruce Hazard, Adirondack District Lay Servant Director at firstglobal@verizon.net

(New) From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Local Church 2023 Year End Statistics – Deadline extended

The deadline to submit local church statistics has been extended to March 15. As of Tuesday, Feb. 13, more than 50% of churches had not submitted their 2023 Year-End statistics through the ACStats portal. Read the letter sent by Bishop Héctor to active pastors, current local church lay leaders, SPRC chairs, admin council chairs, and treasurers.

Read Bishop's letter

Login to ACStats

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.

This video may help you navigate the system. Click here.

ACStats help and user guide. Click here

Lenten Reflections - Part 5

The story of Lent is in some ways the story of Jonah and the Whale. The story of an individual God has called to confront a community that is on the road to self-destruction. Jonah resists and runs from what God calls him to do. Ultimately Jonah decides he must speak the word God has called him to.

Lent I believe is a time for us to be honest about the state of our lives as individuals and that of our world. What is God calling us to do so that our lives and world can be a better place?

In the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh, the people listen to the prophet Jonah and turn away from their destructive ways. I pray that Lent will enable each of us and our world to hear God’s voice and turn from all that is destructive to our lives and world. What seems impossible for human beings is indeed possible when we trust in God.

Your Faith Community can help you develop rituals that strengthen your faith. The internet also offers a huge number of resources for your spiritual life, including the United Methodist Church’s devotional site, The Upper Room at www.upperroom.org. Be sure to check out the “Daily” section. I also commend the Spiritual Life resources provided by The Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. They include resources from the early church and contemporary practices to strengthen your relationship with God. They can be found at Spiritual Life | United Methodists of Upper New York (unyumc.org).

Today’s photo was taken in the Atlantic Ocean off the shores of Gloucester, Massachusetts during a Whale Watching Cruise on August 24, 2016.

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

Delmar UMC has a new initiative: Helping Neighbors with Housing

The Delmar UMC in the Albany District unveiled a new initiative and invites anyone to donate to the cause. They are supporting an effort to assist a Haitian family with three children to obtain affordable housing. Click here for more information and to learn how to donate.

Lenten Study offered via ZOOM beginning Feb. 15

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 6:30-8 PM 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 begins Feb. 16

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 AM

To read more and to register, click here.

(New) Bible study Tuesdays beginning Feb. 20, Zoom and in person at First UMC of Warrensburg

There will be a bible study on Tuesdays at 6 PM, beginning Feb. 20 at the First UMC of Warrensburg, 3890 Main St., Warrensburg, or via ZOOM. The topic is "The Lord's Prayer." There is no book to be (518) 744-8719.

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, bluegrass 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.

(New) John Dominic Crossan, ZOOM, March 21 (registration deadline March 19)

One Night Only – On ZOOM – All Invited! Sponsored by the Adult Education Program of Plattsburgh UMC; “The Execution of Jesus” – A Lead-in to Holy Week," Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 PM (Registration deadline is March 19). John D. Crossan is generally acknowledged to be the premier historical Jesus scholar in the world. His books include "The Historical Jesus," "Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography," and "Who Killed Jesus?" He has appeared in the PBS special "From Jesus to Christ." A ZOOM link will be provided closer to the event. A free-donation would be appreciated to help cover the cost of this event. For details and how to register, view the flyer by clicking here.

Save the dates for 2024 District Days with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: April 9 and April 10

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez is 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.

United Women in Faith: 2024 Quadrennial Event: April 18-21

Providence, Rhode Island

Come feel the energy and joy as hundreds of faith-filled sisters get together in person to worship, to renew, to celebrate, and to make an impact! For more information and to register, click here. You can also contact Melanie Keith from the Pawling Ave. UMC in Troy @ melakeith@icloud.com

Grant application for UNY United Women in Faith Conference Project Grant available

Please find attached a Grant application for the UNY UWF (UMW) Conference Project Grants (see below). Please note the application has changed since last year.  These grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations which follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Deadline to apply: May 23. For more information, contact Tammy Nist at 607-235-1102. To download the application, click here.