Note:

adirondackdistrict@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

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.

Subs for Super Bowl, order by Feb. 8, pickup Feb. 11, Peru Community Church

Full size subs for $12: Your choice of Ham, Turkey, Mixed Italian or Egg Salad. Cheese, dressings and vegetables also available. Chips included. Cash only. Pre-Order by Feb. 8 by calling (518) 643-2261, (518) 324-6084 or (518) 578-5317. Please be sure to leave your name and number in case we have questions. No phone orders can be taken after Feb. 8. Pick-up between 2 PM and 5 PM at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center, 13 Elm St., Peru. 

(New) Soup-to-Go, Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11, Easton UMC

The Easton UMC, 12053 Route 40, North Easton will have Soup-To-Go on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 11 from Noon to 2 PM.  Soup will be take-out only to be picked up at the Church. A 16 oz. container is $5. The choices are Clam Chowder, Chicken Tortellini, Chili, Broccoli Cheese and Tomato Bisque. Pre-ordering by February 9 is encouraged.

To pre-order, email eastonchurch126@gmail.com or call (518) 531-4558 (leave message). Someone will call or email you to confirm your order. Visit eastonumc.org for information. 

(New) Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday, Feb. 13, Easton UMC

The Easton UMC, 12053 Route 40, North Easton will serve a Pancake Supper in the Church dining room on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5 PM to 7 PM. On the menu will be pancakes and waffles with maple and fruit syrups, hash brown potatoes, bacon, sausage, applesauce and beverages. Cost is $10. No reservations necessary. Visit eastonumc.org for information.

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.

Ongoing

Bottle and Can Drive, Porter Corners UMC, 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corners (12859). You can leave your bags or boxes at the back door of the church, or if you have a large quantity, pickup is available. Call Jane Decouteau (518) 893-2289. Please consider posting this flyer in your church: Click here

'Connect', 6:30 PM Fridays

Connect is a small group through the United Methodist Church, made up of young adults (18 to 35) who gather every Friday at 41 E Main St, Cambridge, NY 12816 at 6:30 pm to play board games, watch movies and talk about important issues and topics. These topics range from financial planning and resume writing to the differences between hemp and marijuana.

You can contact Gracie Lynn Evergreen with questions, glb12592@gmail.com or (518) 932-3925. Visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/connectgamenights/