Note:

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

ALSO PLEASE NOTE! The newsletter is sent from a different email address: carrieboyer@uppernewyorkconference.ccsend.com. Please do not respond to that address; I will not receive your email. Use carrieboyer@unyumc.org Sorry for the confusion!

The District phone is (518) 608-1246 and our mailing address is PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128.

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

Deadline extended for Cady Grant applications 

Applications are still being accepted for the 2024 Ercil Cady Grant. Priority is given to educational proposals that benefit minority groups or individuals. The deadline for applying has been extended to Friday, March 22. Once you apply, you’ll receive an e-mail confirmation from Dr. Blenda Smith. If you do not, contact Dr. Smith directly at bsmith@binghamton.edu



Each year, the Cady Grant is awarded to fund ministry, program, or experiences that benefit or provide education to, preferably but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Awards may be up to $5,000.

Learn about the 2023 recipients

Apply for 2024 grant

Council of Bishops

Bishops call for cease-fire in Gaza

WASHINGTON (UM News Digest)— The United Methodist Council of Bishops on March 13 called for a cease-fire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza and pledged its prayers and commitment to work for a durable peace for Israelis, Palestinians and all in the region. “The lack of a true cease-fire after more than five months of this deadly conflict compels us to raise our voices now,” the bishops said in their statement.

Read statement

Disability Awareness Sunday- March 24

Do you ask those with disabilities to be involved in worship and other aspects of church life? Disability Awareness Sunday calls United Methodists to celebrate the gifts and graces of people with disabilities and to include them fully in the congregation and the community. Download a special pew card and share it to raise awareness in your church.

Click here To read more, click here.

Stewardship with Susan Ranous

Rev. Susan Ranous, Conference Director of Christian Stewardship shares more tips on Fundraising in her recent post on her blog.

To read more, click here.

Day's End, Part 3

I couldn’t resist sharing another view of yesterday’s gorgeous sunset. It was taken from the same basic position but by shifting my point of view and using a longer lens I produced a different perspective on the sunset.

It is interesting how one’s point of view can dramatically change how a scene or issue is viewed. As we relate to one another it well to consider whether our point of view, the community we are part of, and our life experiences maybe impacting our ability to understand an issue and/or actions of others.

It is interesting to note that someone who was considered an enemy of Judaism, a tax collector for Rome, would be someone Jesus reached out to and would be the author of one of the Gospels, Matthew. It is interesting that one who Jesus called Satan and who would deny even knowing Jesus would become the rock upon which the Church would be established, Peter. Perhaps troubling situations and people all deserve a second and even third look before we write them off.

Today’s photo was taken of Lake Sacandaga from the Northampton at Fish House United Methodist Church on March 11, 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

Holy Week Services

Please share with others details on special Holy Week Services your church is planning.

First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush

Holy (Maundy) Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM: The worship service in our Fellowship Hall includes supper. Our pastor is preparing vegetarian Mediterranean meals, and gluten-free options are available. This is free, and all are welcome with no reservations needed.  Holy Communion follows the service.

Good Friday, March 29 at 7 PM: The worship service in the sanctuary includes the cantata "From Silence to Song," presented by the FUMC Choir, directed by Robert Thomsen.

Caring for Creation Series, First UMC of East Greenbush, March 17 and April 7

The EcoTeam at the First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd, is sponsoring a video and discussion "Caring for Creation" series from 11 AM to Noon continuing on the Sundays shown below. The series will be held in Room 16 at the church. In each session, we view a short TED talk video and follow with discussion. This series is intended to encourage us to talk to one another about changes we see in the climate and learn what actions we can take to protect and heal the earth. Participants can attend one or all the series:

March 17: Can global food companies make the shift to regenerative agriculture? CEO Steve Presley discusses Nestlé North America’s progress in reducing carbon emissions and where they're investing for sustainability. A big focus will be regenerative agriculture.

April 7: What happens to gas stations when the world goes electric? Civil engineer and environmental sociologist Emily Grubert visualizes what a clean energy future will look like, outlining the considerations e0veryone needs to undertake now as the critical, decades-long transition begins.



You can contact the church at (518) 477-9693 for more information.

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.

Annual Manhattan Clam Chowder Sale, Center Brunswick UMC, Friday, March 29 - Must pre-order

The Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd. in Troy (corner of Routes 7and 142) is selling homemade Manhattan clam chowder on Good Friday – March 29 from 11 AM to 2 PM. Chowder is $12 per quart (payable at pick-up). This is a pre-order / drive-thru event.

Place your order by calling Kathleen at (518) 528-6725. 

Albany District United Women in Fatih Spring Meeting April 6



The Albany District United Women in Faith's Spring meeting will be begin at 8:45 AM on Saturday, April 6 at the Alplaus UMC, 1 Brookside Place, Alplaus. The parking lot is small, but there is some street parking available. Carpooling would be ideal! The speaker will discuss "Shriner's Children" and "To Love a Child, Inc." We will be collecting personal care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, disposable razors, shampoo, conditioner, pads, tampon, wipes and lotions. If you have questions, please contact President Amanda Smith-Lucier Sr. at snowbird3937@gmail.com To download the registration form, click here. Registration deadline is March 31. Cost: $10, includes breakfast/soup/dessert. If you'd like to be added to the Albany District United Women in Faith newsletter "The Burning Bush," mailing list, please contact Diane Kendall @ dandianek@gmail.com For an electronic copy, contact Vicki Wills @ vbwills@gmx.com All women are invited to attend. You do not need to be a United Methodist to become a member or attend an event. 

Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, April 6

Pine Grove UMC's Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," will be open Saturday, April 6 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.

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. Deadline to register is March 17. You can also contact Melanie Keith from the Pawling Ave. UMC in Troy @ melakeith@icloud.com

Garage Sale, Saturday, April 20, Newtonville UMC

The Newtonville UMC, 560 Loudon Road (Route 9), Latham on the corner of Route 9 and Maxwell Road will have a garage sale on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Parking is in the lot off Maxwell Road. Early birds may pay $5 to come in at 8 AM. At 1:30 PM there will be a bag sale - $5 per bag. Items for sale: appliances, furniture, garden tools, holiday decorations, jewelry, household tools, housewares, linens, toys, plants and books. There will also be a bake sale. We will begin accepting donations Monday, April 8. Donations may be left on the first floor by the elevator. Donations must be clean and in good repair. NOT accepted: clothing, CD's, DVD's, nuts, bolts, screws, hardware, craft items, encyclopedias. The last day for donations will be Wednesday, April 17. Cash only. All sales are final. 

(New) New Book Study to Begin April 22 or April 24 on ZOOM!

A book study on "The False White Gospel," by Jim Wallis will be facilitated by co-teachers Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Sally White. Register by emailing Diane Duffy-Patyjewicz (registrar) Luv2garden5@gmail.com or calling her at (518) 562-8982. Please let her know which group you will be participating in. The book comeds out on April 2. The study will be held Mondays at 7 PM or Wednesdays at 12:15 PM. For more information on the book, click here.

Melrose Town-wide Yard Sale, Saturday May 4

The Melrose UMC (located at 20 Church Street, Melrose) will participate in the annual Melrose town-wide yard sale on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 9 AM. All are welcome to attend this town-wide event.

(New) Schenectady Pride Festival, Saturday, June 1; Albany Pride Parade and Festival, Sunday, June 9; Saratoga Pride Festival, Sunday, June 23

The Burnt Hills Social Justice ministry is going to Pride! Would you like to join us? Walk in the parade? Share table space? Please let us know so we can reserve enough room by emailing bhumcsocialjustice@gmail.com or calling/texting (518) 414-0967. The Schenectady Festival is from 2 PM to 7 PM on Saturday, June 1; the Albany Parade and Festival is at 11:30 AM Sunday, June 9 and the Saratoga Festival is from 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday, June 23. To view the poster, click here.

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.

United Women in Faith invite young women to apply for grant to study abroad

NEW YORK — Lay women ages 21 to 35 who wish to travel and study abroad are invited to apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. Applications will be accepted until July 9. Priority will be given to projects involving climate or racial justice.

Read press release