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

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

Registration open for Annual Conference

Registration is now open for the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held May 30-June 1 at the SRC Arena, located on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.

Click here for helpful information, including registration costs and hotel information.

If you are clergy or a lay member and need to be excused, please click here to submit your request.

The registration deadline is April 24.

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s message on the 2024 General Conference

As we approach the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bishop Héctor emphasizes the significance of this pivotal moment for our denomination. Bishop Héctor urges all

United Methodists of Upper New York to unite in prayer for the Conference, aspiring for unity, wisdom, and the reflection of Christ's inclusive love. Our commitment to our collective mission and values remains steadfast as we look forward to advancing together into a hopeful future.

View video

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United Methodist Communications

How to encounter God in everyday life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The phrase “thin places” dates back to the ancient Celts, who used it to describe those times when people feel closest to God, as if the veil between the natural world and spiritual world becomes very thin. On the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, the Rev. Jane Ellen Nickell discusses how to discover these sacred spaces and encounter God in a real way.

Listen to podcast

Samaritan Center offers ZOOM workshop with author Jeffrey Munroe

Join us May 8 at 9:30 AM for a ZOOM program, Telling Stories in the Dark: Finding Healing and Hope in Sharing our Sadness, Grief, Trauma, and Pain with Jeffrey Munroe.

The French philosopher and mystic Simone Weil wrote that the greatness of Christianity is not that it gives us a remedy from suffering but instead gives us a use for it because suffering is a part of the meaning of life, not a meaningless thing that destroys life. 

Munroe’s new book Telling Stories in the Dark: Finding Healing and Hope in Sharing our Sadness, Grief, Trauma, and Pain is a collection of stories about people who have not just experienced traumatic suffering but have done redemptive things with their pain. In the workshop on May 8, Munroe will share a few of the stories found in the book and lead a discussion on resilience, hope, and healing in the midst of grief and trauma. 

This workshop is $20 to attend with Continuing Education credit offered to members of the Clergy. Please register as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Register Here

Nature's Abstract Art, Part 3

This image was taken from a scene with an old red barn and the Adirondack High Peaks.

While I have captured that scene several times, I also was attracted to this simple scene of a tree against a blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. I am fascinated by the patterns of the branches that take on an almost abstract art form. An image that may say one thing one day and another thing on a different day. It also can say very different things to each individual who views it, including for some I don’t like it.

As we go through life it is well to remember the lesson of abstract art that we don’t all perceive things the same way. The human race was created as a diverse lot and has become in many ways even more diverse as we are shaped by our environment.

While at times this can be frustrating as we try to work together on addressing the world’s problems; it is also a gift in that different perspectives can increase the possibility of finding an answer.

Today’s photo was taken in the Adirondacks outside Keeseville, NY on April 20, 2010. Previous Daily Devotions on this theme can be found on May 18, 2023 and October 15, 2023.

I have done more than 1,300 Daily Photo Devotions, most of which can be seen on my blog.

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

Anna Migera, of Tanzania, available to speak about her ministry at local churches

Anna Migera from Tarime, Tanzania, will be attending General Conference in Charlotte, NC this month to be consecrated as a deaconess with the endorsement of United Women in Faith. Anna’s life journey has been sculpted by her strong tribal roots, God’s love touching her through church women in her teens and personal struggles with poverty as a young adult. She was invited to supervise a Methodist orphanage which she did for over 20 years. She now hears God’s calling to serve in new ways and is committed to living out the Gospel story of renewal and faith in action by sharing God’s love with her wider community.

Anna is connected to the local area through former volunteers at the orphanage and an extended network of friends, especially at the Saratoga Springs UMC and Community UMC of Chestertown. As committed allies to Anna’s important work in her community, the Friends of Living For Others is excited to host Anna for the month of May. Anna is a gifted presenter who will be available to share stories and photos of her work to churches, community organizations and interested groups of any size.

Please contact Roy Hansen, retired UMC Elder, (@ royhansen777@gmail.com) in Glens Falls with any questions and for further information about having Anna speak at an event.

To view or download the flyer in PDF format with additional information, click here.

Invitation to sponsor children through Living for Others:

Click here for information on how to sponsor a child by providing education in English (including the services of a group tutor), transportation to and from school, two meals a day, and a school uniform. Sponsorship is $500 a year, with the ability to contribute extra to help with the overhead expenses of this project.

Click here for the sponsorship form

Click here to view photos of sponsored children

Program on Recovery, tonight, Thursday, April 11, Jonesville UMC in Clifton Park

We are so excited to invite our church family, the recovery community, allies, and the general public, to an upcoming event at Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. The church's STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) Ministry Addiction Recovery Education Series welcomes guest speaker Judy Moffitt (recovery advocate & educator) on Thursday, April 11 at 7 PM. Please come early and enjoy a free "breakfast for dinner" with Judy at 5:30 PM. Click here to view the flyer. For more information about Judy, click here. For questions, please contact Al Johnson at aljohnson0527@gmail.com

Health Fair, Saturday, April 13, First UMC, Schenectady

The Collaboratory of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and First UMC of Schenectady will hold a Health Fair on Saturday, April 13, from 10 AM to 4 PM at First UMC in downtown Schenectady at 603 State St. Parking behind church (GPS: 610 Chapel St. 12305). Approximately 25 vendors will be present to provide information on accessing health insurance, elder care, childcare, treatment and prevention of some illnesses and much more!! This special event is open to the public, free of charge and will include activities and games for children, and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and bone density. Come to find local resources and learn more about staying healthy and happy! For more information, call 518-487-4117 or visit the church's website: http://www.fumcschenectady.org or Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fumcschenectady.

Brooks BBQ, Saturday, April 13, Trinity UMC in Wilton

Take-out only Brooks BBQ, 3 PM to 6 PM Saturday, April 13 at the Trinity UMC, 155 Ballard Rd., Wilton. Half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll. $15. Pre-orders recommended. Cash and Venmo accepted. Send email to trinityumcglen@gmail.com or call (518) 584-9107 or (518) 727-8573.



Chicken Barbecue, Saturday, April 13, West Fort Ann UMC

The West Fort Ann UMC will hold a chicken barbecue on Saurday, April 13 from Noon to 2 PM. Take-out only. $15. Meal includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and a homemade slice of pie. We will also have a bake sale. The church is located at 1011 Copeland Ave., Fort Ann.

(New) Living Waters of Adirondack and Green Mountain Emmaus Potluck and Gathering, Saturday, April 20, Hudson Falls UMC

Join us for a potluck and gathering from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Hudson Falls UMC, 227 Main St., Hudson Falls. Visit Living Waters Facebook page for more information.

“Breathe” Women’s Event, Saturday, April 20 at Shenendehowa UMC

If you have ever been to a Breathe event you might remember that the word ‘spirituality’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘to breathe.’ This reminds us that spirituality is not an optional extra, something added to our lives, but is at the very core of what it means to be human.

Join us on Saturday, April 20 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Shenendehowa UMC, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park. This is your opportunity to disconnect from life, reconnect with God, and Breathe. Women of every generation and denomination are welcome!  The event includes a continental breakfast, Worship & the Word, and a mindFULness activity. Let’s discover together how God is inviting us to take time to

just 'breathe.'  Click here to register.

Drive-through Chicken and Biscuit Dinner, Saturday, April 20, Simpson UMC, Rock City Falls

Simpson UMC, located at 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, is having our semi-annual Drive-Thru Chicken & Biscuit Dinner on Saturday, April 20 from 4:30 PM to 7 PM. Our dinner is made from scratch with chicken breast, country gravy, buttermilk biscuits, real mashed potatoes, a vegetable, cranberry sauce and two large homemade oatmeal raisin cookies. Ticket prices: Adults $12; Children under 12, $9. Don’t miss out. Only 350 dinners will be sold. Call (518) 885-4794 to make reservations. Leave your name, telephone number and the number of adult and/or children tickets you would like to reserve. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.

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 comes 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.

(New) Chicken Parmesan Dinner, Thursday, April 25, Easton UMC

The Easton UMC. 12053 State Route 40, Easton will have a chicken parmesan dinner on Thursday, April 25 from 5 PM to 7 PM. The dinner will include delicious chicken parm, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Dinner may be eaten in at the Church or taken out. The cost is $18 each, or 2 dinners for $35. Reservations are necessary by Monday, April 23. To leave your order, call (518) 531-4558 and leave a message or email eastonchurch126@gmail.com.  Please include the number of dinners and your preference for eating in or taking out. Visit www.eastonumc.org for more information.   

(New) Boutique and Bake Sale, Saturday, April 27 (with half-off sale Sunday, April 28 and Fill-a-Bag Sale Saturday, May 4)

Peru Community Church announces Granny's Attic Boutique & Bake Sale

Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The sale will be held in the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center at 13 Elm St., Peru. On Sunday, April 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM there will be a half-price sale. Any remaining items will be offered on Saturday, May 4 from 9 AM to 1 PM with a "fill a bag" sale. Questions? Call or Text Barb B. at (518) 565-6263

To view or download the flyer, click here.

Concert, Sunday, April 28, Calvary UMC, Latham

A Program of Classics for Piano and Clarinet, featuring Natalia Shevchuk and Stephen Poppel at 3 PM at Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place

Latham. For more information, call (518) 785-5142. Featuring works by Camille Saint-Saens, Johannes Brahms, Witold Lutoslawski and Robert Muczynski. A free-will offering will be taken to support the music ministries of Calvary UMC. Light refreshments will be available. Free parking.

Volunteers needed for Operation: Home Repair

Submit application by May 1

Volunteers are needed for the 2024 Operation: Home Repair, a summer home repair mission project based in and around Schoharie County. This unique effort brings critical home repairs to neighbors as a collaborative effort of the Mosaic Cooperative Parish of United Methodist Churches, a group of 10 churches working together on the southeastern edge of the Upper New York Conference. This year repairs will take place over two weeks, July 8 - July 19, and volunteers may participate for any or all of that time period, including the weekend. While skilled volunteers are always valuable, you do not have to have any particular skill to volunteer. Projects will likely include repairing decking, plumbing, building ramps, installing gutters, repairing leaky roofs, painting, and outdoor clean-up.

Volunteers are welcome from all across the Conference. Youth aged 18 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or youth leader. Housing can be arranged for volunteers coming from further away. Lunch, water and coffee will be provided on site for all volunteers. 

If you feel called to join in this impactful mission work, please complete this volunteer application and submit by May 1. Any questions may be directed to Cobleskill United Methodist Church at cobyumc107@gmail.com.

Storytelling Night, Wednesday, May 1, First UMC, East Greenbush

On Wednesday, May at 7 PM, we welcome Bruce France from Braver Angels as guest speaker for our monthly Storytelling. Braver Angels conducts workshops in which participants on both sides of an issue improve their skills for engaging in constructive conversations. Mr. France will share his journey with Braver Angels as a local moderator of workshops, alliance co-chair and national Organizer Co-chair. Refreshments will be served. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

(New) Voices of Faith concert, Saturday, May 4, Westport Federated Church

We are honored to present the Voice of Faith from 7 PM to 8 PM Saturday, May 4 at the Westport Federated Church, 6486 Main St., Westport. They are a quartet whose members have come from the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir. We anticipate a great time of music, singing and interactive participation. $20 donation suggested.

Come join us before the concert for a Taco and Nacho Bar from 5 PM to 7 PM. $10 adults; $6 ages 5-11; free for children under 5.

For more information on the Voices of Faith please visit:

www.facebook.com/TheVoicesofFaith

Free Concert, Sunday, May 5, First UMC, Schenectady

Join us at 3 PM Sunday, May 5 for a free concert in the First UMC Sanctuary, when we host the Seipp/Sheets Duo for a diverse and rousing program, featuring Chuck Seipp on Trumpet (The US Army Band, Pershing's Own (SGM retired)) and Randall Sheets on the Organ/Piano (Arlington National Cemetery Ceremonial Organist (retired)). Enjoy an entertaining program of music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Gershwin, Mussorgsky and Freddy Mercury. With several engaging video presentations, an out-of-this-world silent movie, and special tributes to responders and veterans, this will be an enjoyable concert for all ages! 

The church is located at 603 State St., Schenectady.

(New) Brown Bread and Bake Sale, May 10 and May 11 pick-up, Simpson UMC

Spring has sprung and our kitchen is, once again, steaming up just in time for Mothers’ Day! Simpson UMC is having our semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale.  Cost is still $8 per loaf.  Pick-up dates: Friday, May 10 between 4 PM and 6 PM and Saturday, May 11 between9 AM and 2 PM. Our address is 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls. Bake sale on Saturday. Call (518) 885-4794 to place your order. Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order. 

 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