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The Food Pantry Project is Complete!
     On Wednesday, Mike Cramer met with the contractor and the Building Inspector for the final inspection.  It passed!  We now have the Certificate of Occupancy and can begin the process of moving the Food Pantry into its new location.  Thank you to all who have donated to get the project completed.
  
New Year, New Life with Amazing Grace
     Did you know the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in late December 1772 as he was preparing for a New Year’s Day sermon for 1773?  When John Newton, a former sea captain, wrote the lyrics of “Amazing Grace,” he could see the “prodigal son” in his early life.  His own father tried on several occasions to help him, but Newton was a hardened prodigal, a self-confessed “wretch” (a word he borrowed from Romans 7:24), distant from the heart of his father as well as the heart of God.  Still, Newton discovered that God in Christ’s deep and abiding love does not give up on anyone.
 
Bishop Hector Welcomes You
     Starting January 1, Bishop Hector Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Hector, will be the new bishop of the Upper New York Conference.  Bishop Hector is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings.  The meetings will be as follows:
  • February 9 – Lakes Region – Leroy UMC
  • February 16 – Northeast Region – New Hartford
  • March 1 – Lakes Region – Auburn UMC
  • March 2 – Northeast Region – Plattsburgh UMC
  • March 15 – Southern Tier Region – Olean Christ
  • March 16 – Southern Tier Region - Central Endicott
The clergy meetings will be from 1 – 3 pm.
The laity meeting will be from 7 -8:30 pm.
 
Vacation Time
     Pastor Kelly will be on vacation through January 2, returning on January 3.  Ruth Persons will lead the service on January 1.
 
Hannaford Helps
     Our Food Pantry has been selected to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold during the month of January 2023 at the Hannaford located at 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY.    Each month the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program gives back to our communities by selecting a nonprofit local to each store to benefit from the purchase of every Fight Hunger Bag.  From previous participation, we have received a total of $528.  With food prices rising, every dollar is important, so let’s help the Food Pantry.

Fair Trade Has Arrived!
     Christmas stocking missing that dark chocolate bar?  Or did you forget Aunt Martha’s sweet tooth?  It’s not too late to get that special treat.  For chocolates, we have Extra Dark Panama, Sea Salt with Caramel Crunch and Sea Salt with Almonds.  Coffees are Regular breakfast blend, Hazelnut, and Decaf.  Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com. 
 
Prayer Requests
     Please join our prayer group.  This is an on-line way of praying for each other and praising God for what is   happening in our lives.  If you would be interested in being involved, please contact the office to be set up.
  • Terri Knowlton asks for prayers for herself and her family following the unexpected passing of her brother. Kyle.  He was 56.
  • Melody Babcock asks for prayers for Helen Senecal, who has Covid.
  • On December 24th Mark and Pastor Kelly tested positive for COVID.  Please pray for their recovery, and also that Jonathan & Katie stay healthy.  
  • Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for her friend Mary who is in the hospital with bronchitis.  She turned 88 on Christmas Day.
  • Terri Knowlton shares the blessings of a healthy baby boy born to Tim’s niece Tiarra.
  • Good news for the Travers.  Peggy has recently returned home and is grateful to be with her husband Dick for Christmas.  Please keep them both in your prayers as they continue on the road to recovery.
  • Ilah is requesting prayers for her son-in-law Ron and family.  Ron is facing some serious health issues and has been hospitalized for a week now and is facing several more days.  On Monday he will undergo a surgical procedure for more treatments in the future.  He is in Atlanta, two hours away from Kim and Abby, making it difficult for all of them.
  • Pat Brewster has requested prayers of healing for her daughter, Kim who is now home from the hospital. 
  • Mary Drake asks for prayers for her nephew Charlie who has lung cancer.  He is only 46.
  • Anne-Marie asks for continued prayers for her daughter Laurie’s healing, and for her to have patience.  She’s grateful for God’s leading and direction.
  • Please continue to keep Bob Elbertson, Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and Pat Jones in your prayers.
 
UMCOR/Global Ministries Thanks You
      The United Methodist Committee on Relief wishes to thank you for your generous donations.  Through your financial support, you are serving as UMCOR responds to increasingly-frequent and destructive storms – sharing 100% of donated funds with those in need.  Together, may we continue to demonstrate genuine love for our neighbors.
 
A Christmas card greeting from Four Corners Native American Ministry
     Praying this Christmas season, you'll have time to reflect upon the goodness of God and enjoy memorable times with family and friends.  Christmas Blessings from Four Corners Native American Ministry.
     In their letter, they expressed deep gratitude for the continued support to their ministry.  The shelter there has been full every night since they opened, caring for the needs of the "relatives" with warm food, clothing, and shelter.  In Rev. Navarrete’s final sentence, she says it all: "Continue to let the light of Christ shine through you!"
 
Red Bird Mission Thanks You
     On behalf of the Red Bird Mission Team, I want to thank you for your monetary support and donations of this vital mission.  Your support allows us to transport over 2,000 shoeboxes, blankets, sheet sets, cleaning supplies, backpacks, and school supplies to the mission in Beverly, KY. Thank you again for all of your support in this 2022 mission.                                                                                                  
- Dave Alexander, Coordinator EUMC
 
Eagle Scout Court of Honor
     On Saturday, January 7 the Boy Scouts will be holding an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  This is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve and one that few attain.  To make this more remarkable, our Scouts will be honoring not one who has achieved this rank, but three!  Andrew Paster, Andrew Eisler, and Kentaro Kasai will all be recognized for reaching their goals.  There have been 88 Eagles from this troop since 1926, which was the first year the Eagle rank could be achieved.
 
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
     The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; the Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays, also from 9:30 till noon.
     Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.  There are many clients and they appreciate your help.

Upcoming Events
December 26 - January 2 - Pastor Kelly on vacation
January 7 - Eagle Scout Court of Honor X 3!  6:30 pm
January 8 - Undecorate the church following worship
January 10 - Church Council mtg. 7 pm via Zoom

Volunteers for January 8, 2023
Sound                     George Wilson
Projection              Katie Warner
Liturgist                 Danielle Coffey
Ushers                    George Mallette & Melody Babcock
Coffee Hour          Cherrie Sanders & Bill Santmire

First Corinthians 13 (Christmas Version)
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
But do not show love to my family,
I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
Baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
Preparing gourmet meals
And arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime
But do not show love to my family,
I’m just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen
Carol in the nursing home,
And give all that I have to charity
But do not show love to my family,
It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
And crocheted snowflakes,
Attend a myriad of holiday parties
And sing in the choir’s cantata
But do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another’s home
That has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
But is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return
But rejoices in giving to those who cannot.
 
Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things, and
Endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break.
Pearl necklaces will be lost.
Golf clubs will rust
But giving the gift of love will endure.
 
Author: Sharon Jaynes

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