Send us your events and classifieds: albanydistrict@unyumc.org

Tuesday, Oct. 24


District Office hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays; 8 AM to 5:30 PM except Thursdays, 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Call Carrie Boyer @ (518) 608-1246 or send an email to albanydistrict@unyumc.org

"Classifieds"


Please click here to view Classifieds.

Please keep the Rev. Charlie Yang and family in your prayers. Charlie's wife, Kyung-Eun (Euni) Yang passed away on Saturday, Oct. 14. Charlie served most recently in the Albany District as pastor at Salem UMC: West Sand Lake and St. Paul's: Castleton. He had also served at Niverville: Chatham Center, McKownville UMC and First UMC: Voorheesvile. He is now pastor at Boulevard UMC, 113 Grand Blvd., Binghamton, NY. Cards of condolence can be sent to him at 91 Park St., Binghamton, NY 13905. Services will be held at 1 PM Saturday, Oct. 28 at the McKownville UMC, 1565 Western Ave., Albany. From Grace (Euni and Charlie's daughter): Per my mom’s request: Make sure everyone dresses COLORFULLY. My mom wants BRIGHT COLORS. Make sure this part is known to everyone!


A joy: Rev. Dick Chatterton writes to say that his wife Ann has been transferred from Evergreen Commons in East Greenbush to Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. She is now on the same Wesley Community campus as Dick. 

Don't Miss Any Important News/Announcements from the Conference Office

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(Updated) Red Bird Shoebox Mission


The Mission team at Endwell UMC in the Binghamton District is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person-spiritual, physical, social, and economic.


To read more, click here.


Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham has volunteered to be the local collection center for the Red Bird Mission this year. They have revised the document from Endwell UMC to include this and other important information, which is attached hereThe additions and revisions in yellow. This year, the collection will be coordinated by Cecelia Broomhead from Calvary. Her contact information is 518-785-5801(house) or by cell phone at 518-577-0985; or by email at ccb1018@nycap.rr.com.  


You can also drop shoe boxes off to the Albany District Office, 568 Loudon Rd., Latham. Enter the parking lot from Maxwell Rd. Please call Carrie Boyer to arrange a drop-off time. (518) 608-1246.


Please plan to drop off your shoe boxes to the designated locations by Nov. 5.


New! Note from David Alexander with an update on donations, drop-offs: Click here.

Fall Church Conference Schedules


I am glad for another opportunity to gather with you for our fall Church Conferences! This year, nearly all will be held jointly with other area United Methodist congregations so that, in addition to caring for the ordering of ministry for the coming year as individual congregations, we may look at some possibilities for collaborative ministry that might strengthen and broaden our mission and ministry. Since most of the “business” of the Church Conference is prepared beforehand by various teams within the church to receive final vote at the Church Conference, the majority of our time together will be spent on collaboration.

Blessings! Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent


Click on the links below to view the schedules. Any changes from the original schedule are highlighted in yellow.


Albany District Church Conferences
Adirondack District Church Conferences

Quaker Springs UMC seeks Spanish educational materials for Mission Trip to Guatemala in November


Hello friends! If you're out and about and come across these, in Spanish please, for our upcoming Mission Trip to Guatemala please purchase them for me and I’ll buy them from you, or if you’d like to donate, bless you and thank you!! Or if you find any K-6 grade educational material in Spanish or slightly used, I will gladly pick it up from you! To make a monetary donation, send to Linda Campbell, PO Box 52, 160 Cemetery Rd., Victory Mills, NY 12884. Please make check out to Quaker Springs UMC with Guatemala mission in the memo line. Thank you in advance. We leave Nov. 8 for Guatemala. For more information contact Linda Campbell from the Quaker Springs UMC @ lcampbellfarrell@gmail.com

(Reminder) Church conference forms due 15 days before your conference


A reminder to pastors that several church conference forms are due 15 days before your conference. Click here to view the list and to download the forms. I would appreciate them being sent as separate documents via email so that I can download them into our new system. Please send them to carrieboyer@unyumc.org or albanydistrict@unyumc.org


Pastor compensation forms, nominations reports, and Lay Servant, Lay Speaker and Certified Lay Minister forms were due Sept. 20. If you haven't submitted those, please do so as soon as possible.


Pastors and SPRC chairs: The Church Profile and Advisory Form and the Pastor/SPRC Covenant form is due on Nov. 1. They must be completed online. If you need your sign-in information, please contact Carrie @ (518) 608-1246 or carrieboyer@unyumc.org Click here to sign in.

(New) Lay Servant Course offered in the

Albany District:

All are welcome


COURSE OFFERING:


Basic course to be held on Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM, January 3 through 31. Contact Melanie Keith, (518) 779-6004, melakeith@icloud.com. Cost is $10 per person, check payable to UNYAC. Mail completed form and check to Melanie Keith, 299 Edwards Rd, Wynantskill, NY 12198, no later than December 21. Please note that attendance is mandatory for all classes.

Form is attached here.


Lay Servant Course offered in the Adirondack District:

All are welcome


Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit. No refunds or credit for courses will be given.

For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com


Click here for the brochure.


COURSE OFFERING:

 

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM


OCTOBER 24, 2023

Like a Mother and a Father

Flora Sagadevan (Sri Lanka)


Link


READING FOR THE DAY    

Psalm 23:1-6


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Scripture brings me comfort when I feel alone.


TODAY'S PRAYER 

Loving God, thank you for comforting your children. Thank you for your continuous guidance and favor. Amen.

Disagreeing but not disagreeable


Today’s image is another example of local color. This image was taken along the road that winds around Colonie Center Mall.

Our Creator has blessed us with beauty and the creative capability of being able to transplant it from one place to another.

Today’s image also reminds me that the beauty of Fall foliage that is at it peak in one place is only beginning in another. It is well to remember this lesson from Nature when dealing with other people of faith. While one person’s faith may be profound and unshakeable; another may be just beginning in their understanding and be precariously clinging to their faith. We need to be patient with one another, listen carefully to what each is saying, and express our individual beliefs and feelings in a loving way. We can disagree without be disagreeable.

Today’s image was taken on taken on October 17, 2023 along the road that winds around Colonie Center Mall.



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. 

 

You are invited to join us for our Monday evening Prayer Group at 7:00 pm and our Wednesday Bible Study at 7 PM. Both are being offered in person at the Mayfield UMC and on Zoom which can be accessed using the following link on your computer, tablet, smart phone or by calling in on the provided phone number.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7356408548

Phone Call In: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 735 640 8548

Local Church Events

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS


(New) Mom's group, First UMC of East Greenbush - starting Nov. 6


Welcoming all moms! Please join us creating a new mom’s group at Frist UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. We are looking for moms who would like to gather every first Monday of the month starting November 6. Any question please contact Amber at (518) 477-9693.

 

Clothing Barn open Saturdays through October at North Chatham UMC


The Clothing Barn at the North Chatham UMC is open from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM every Saturday morning, through the end of October. The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. If you can’t make it in person our worship services are available on Zoom – please see our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org) for details. For more information on North Chatham UMC, please call 518-766-3535 or visit our website. 


Recovery Worship, Sundays, Jonesville UMC


Join us for Recovery Worship, 11:15 AM Sundays at the Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Jonesville (Clifton Park). You're invited to share fellowship (coffee and goodies) with those attending after the traditional worship that ends at 10:30 AM. The informal service will be in the Music Room. There will be an extended community prayer/sharing time very similar to sharing at a Recovery meeting. Contact Pastor Al Johnson for more information (518) 572-0835 or ajohnson0527@gmail.com. To view the flyer, click here.


Presentation by Missionaries to Nepal, Sunday, Oct. 22, Shenendehowa UMC


On Sunday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 PM, Shenendehowa UMC, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park, is pleased to host a presentation by the Zimmerman family on their work in Nepal. Mark Zimmerman and his wife Dierdre serve as United Methodist missionaries in Nepal, most recently working at Patan Hospital in Lalitpur. Mark has been in country for an amazing 35 years! Please come to honor their work and to learn about the ways God is active in Nepal. A reception with light refreshments will follow the presentation.

 

Coffee House, Sunday, Oct. 22, Berlin UMC


Berlin UMC, 17 S. Main St., Berlin, will be hosting a Coffee House on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 5 PM to 7 PM. Billy Gilbert will be playing jazz/blues/country music. Admission and snacks by donation. Coffee, cider and snacks will be provided.


Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 29, Edinburg UMC


Please bring your little ones to our Fall Festival Halloween Event from Noon to 3 PM Sunday, Oct. 29 for a safe, fun afternoon. We will have games, prizes, candy and more. We will have refreshments and food available for a reasonable donation. Costumes are optional but always fun! The church is located at 3 N. Shore Rd., Edinburg. To view or download the flyer, click here.


Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 29, Center Brunswick UMC


The Center Brunswick UMC will be having its Annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the church parking lot located at 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy. Everyone is welcome! Bring a spooky-decorated vehicle or take a walk in your costume and join in our Halloween Parade! Enjoy popular games and a festive Fall favorite – Cider & Donuts. Bring all your little Ghouls and Goblins for tricks-or-treats and something good to EAT!


Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 29, Burnt Hills UMC


Join us for Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29 at 11:45 AM at the church,

816 Rt. 50, Burnt Hills. All ages are invited to trick or treat or decorate a trunk and hand out candy. Come and join the fun!

 

Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 29, First UMC of East Greenbush


Trunk or Treat is happening again! First UMC of East Greenbush from Noon to 2 PM Sunday, Oct.. 29 we will be having a trunk or treat right outside in our parking lot. At 1:30 PM we will be having a contest to see who has decorated the best trunk. (1st 2nd and 3rd prize winners with a popular choice. There will also be a costume contest with the community. If you have any questions please see Amber at youthleaderamber@gmail.com


(New) Rev. Steve Smith's journey as a parent of a transgender child, Wednesday, Nov. 1, First UMC of East Greenbush


Rev. Steven M. Smith will be talking about his journey and experiences as a clergy person in the United Methodist Church as the parent of a transgender child. Steve has served in ministry in the Troy and Upper New York Conferences for over 26 years, in urban and suburban settings in the Capital Region. A longtime advocate for justice ministries, he has a deep commitment to diversity and inclusivity, though being the parent of a trans child has created new challenges and opportunities in ministry. Serving the church is a family endeavor for Steve, as his spouse and (now young adult) children have all been involved at the Local, District, Annual Conference, and General levels of the church. Steve will be with us at 7 PM Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the church, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.


(New) Albany District United Women in Faith Fall Gathering, Saturday, Nov. 4, St. Paul's UMC, Castleton


All are invited to the Albany District United Women in Faith Fall Meeting, on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the St. Paul's UMC, 1583 Carney Rd., Castleton. Registration begins at 8:45 AM; fellowship time from 9 AM to 9:30 AM. Guest speaker is Robin Ford of the Sidewalk Warriors of Troy. Their Mission: "We see each individual as a person deserving a life of dignity and worthy of support in their journey. Each week we provide availability of assistance to those who may be in a volatile situation, along with offering each person hearty meals, essentials and a vast variety of other necessities to make their week a little easier." Items to bring: Sidewalk Warriors of Troy are looking for donations of all kinds, including cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, dustpans, glass cleaner, disinfectant sprays, oven cleaner, dish detergent, laundry soap, sponges, rags, wipes, buckets, gloves, dishcloths, disposable wipes, etc. Also, any paper products like paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, etc. To view the Burning Bush, the Albany District United Women in Faith newsletter, click here.


Thrift Shop, Pine Grove UMC, open monthly:

Next date: Saturday, Nov. 4

 

Pine Grove UMC, 1580 Central Ave. in Colonie opened its new Thrift Shop, "Seconds to Go," on June 3. It will be open once a month. Remaining dates for 2023 are November 4 and December 2. We hope to see you there! The shop will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM on those dates. 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!


Baked Ham Dinner, Saturday, Nov. 4, Good Shepherd Church, Green Island


Join us for a Baked Ham Dinner from 4:30 to 6 PM (eat-in) or take-out/free delivery starting at 4 PM. Call (518) 273-5531, leave your name and phone number and you will receive a call back. Reservations required. Menu includes ham, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, roll, coleslaw, raisin gravy on the side and homemade dessert. Cost: $15.


Fall Craft and Vendor Fair, Saturday, Nov. 4, Center Brunswick UMC


Calling all Crafters and Artists! The Center Brunswick UMC's Annual Fall Craft & Vendor Fair will be on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9AM to 2PM at the church, located at 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy. If you are interested in participating in this popular event, please email Jill Walton at wgems03@aol.com Tables are provided for $25 each and come with one chair. Space is limited and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Bring your holly and jolly and help Center Brunswick UMC ring in the holiday season!


Safe Sanctuaries basic training is Nov. 4


The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled one more 3.5 hour Zoom basic training in 2023.


The Basic training will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 4.


The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.


If you'd like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)


To register, click here.



For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.


Ham Dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 7, Melrose UMC


The Melrose UMC, 20 Church St., Melrose, will hold an Election Day Ham Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Take-outs start at 4:30 PM. Dine-in seating is from 5 PM to 6:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children under 5.


Soup and Sandwich luncheon, Tuesday, Nov. 7, Center Brunswick UMC


This November 7th Elect to EAT!! The Center Brunswick UMC will be offering a Homemade Soup & Sandwich Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at the church, located at 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy. Cast your Vote for all your Favorites:

SOUP CHOICES: New England Clam Chowder, Pasta Fagioli

SANDWICH CHOICES: (Comes with Chips & Pickle) Baked Ham & Cheese, Tuna Salad

DESSERT CHOICES: Apple Pie, Pecan Pie

BEVERAGE CHOICES: Coffee, Water

All items are Ala Carte.

Please call Sheryl with any questions at 518-469-7692.

We appreciate your VOTE!!!


Coping with Chronic Anxiety: Adaptive Leadership, ZOOM, Wednesday, Nov. 8, Samaritan Counseling Center


This is the fourth in a series of independent workshops presented for clergy and congregational leaders looking for ways to address the chronic anxiety, stress, and pressures faced in the ministry setting with regards to specific, difficult scenarios. The global pandemic required adaptive leadership to find ways to be church at a time that we couldn't do church as we always have. How can we build on those adaptive changes to provide effective leadership in the ever changing landscape of the church today?


Join us via ZOOM from 9:30 AM to Noon.


Click here for further information and to register.

Presenters:

The Rev. David Olsen, PhD, LCSW, LMFT - Samaritan Counseling Center Executive Director

The Rev. James Fenimore, PhD, DMin, LMFT - Director of Clergy and Congregational Care


Community Dinner and Organ concert to Celebrate our Military Veterans, Sunday, Nov. 12, Hope UMC, Troy

Jason Comet, organist and teacher, will be at Hope UMC (566 Brunswick Rd., Troy) on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12, to present a recital of organ music laced with hymns and patriotic tunes beginning at 5 PM. Prior to the concert, Hope UMC will host a community pot-luck dinner beginning at 3:45 PM. It is our intent this year to fill the church for this wonderfully moving and fun event. If you are a veteran, or have ties to a veteran's group, let them know that all are invited. We would like to see all branches of the Armed forces represented so they can be honored for their service and the service of all who are presently serving. There will be a free will offering to cover the expenses of the organist who "wowed" us last year by making our beautiful organ sing. Please mark your calendars for this amazing time of singing and listening for the men and women who have and continue to keep our country free. For information and to let us know your coming call (518) 779-2553.


Christmas Decoration and Cookie Sale, Saturday, Dec. 2, Melrose UMC


The Melrose UMC, 20 Church St., Melrose, will hold a Christmas decoration and cookie sale fundraiser from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, Dec. 2. A variety of Christmas decorations, as well as assortments of Christmas cookies, will be available for purchase. All are welcome to attend.


Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 2, Church of the Covenant: Averill Park


Join us for our Christmas Bazaar, 9 AM to 3 PM Saturday, Dec. 2 at Church of the Covenant, “The Round Church,” 3055 NY 43, Averill Park, (518) 674-3664  www.cocumc.org


Happenings at First UMC of Delmar

 

The church is located at 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar

Farmers Market: Every Tuesday until November from 2:30 PM to 6 PM

Shed Sales (gently used furniture, larger garage sale type items, such as pictures, lamps, chairs, etc): Every Tuesday until November from 2:30 PM to 6 PM

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 10AM to 1 PM

 

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

 

Bible Study, ongoing, Jonesville UMC

 

Bible study, 11 AM to 12:30 PM Sundays, Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. During the church's STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) Ministry's planning for National Recovery Month, a decision was made to begin a Bible Study for the recovery community titled "Dancing with Jesus One Step at a Time." A favorite Bible among the recovery community is called the Life Recovery Bible This is the Bible that will be used for this study, as it is relevant to the Twelve Steps. Step One through Twelve will be covered along with a 13th study of the Serenity Prayer. The study will be led on a rotating basis by members of the church who are in long term Twelve Step recovery and Jonesville United Methodist Church's Pastor Youngjae Jee. You do not need to be a member of our church or even go to the church service at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Study For more information, contact Phyllis Mullaney at pam31ny@aol.com


There is something happening every Thursday at St. Paul’s Church in Castleton!

 

Our church is located at 1583 Carney Rd., Castleton. 

 

Every Thursday we gather for fellowship and to Recharge. Recharge is a simple worship service for busy people who are hungry to spend time with God. This informal 30-minute worship begins at 6 PM. We sing, reflect on God’s word, and eat a meal together. After dinner is time to talk, play games, or work on an art project. It’s great to share our thoughts and experiences of God’s grace! All are welcome; come as you are and hang out as long as you wish through 8 PM.

 

In months with a fifth Thursday, we do an all-church mission to help those in need throughout the community and throughout the world. These specifics are announced in person and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsCastleton/

 

For more information, contact Aimee Croft at anbcroft@gmail.com