Welcome Back!
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! After having temperature taken and attendance, people can seat themselves. Masks are required at all times, and seating will be at least 6 feet apart. No singing for now, as we are unable to sit 12 feet apart. An Usher will dismiss everyone, so we maintain social distancing when departing from both the North and South doors. We will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
Sunday Fellowship After Church
Lemonade on the Lawn (now with coffee!) is now being offered for fellowship after church. Please join us!
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link for 11:30 AM Eastern Time:
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Upcoming Events
Summer Book Study
Pastor Kelly invites all who are interested to read and discuss Tod Bolsinger’s book “Canoeing the Mountains”. It has a 6-session study guide that will help guide us in weekly one hour discussions held on Wednesdays at 7 pm via ZOOM. Please e-mail the office right away if you’re interested.
Here are excerpts from the inside and back cover of the book: “Explorers Lewis and Clark were prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves facing the Rocky Mountains. They had to...leave behind their canoes and find new navigational tools for the uncharted terrain... The culture is changing, the world is changing rapidly, and churches are facing change on an unprecedented scale... The cultural advantage we experienced during the 17th centuries of Christendom has almost completely dissipated. Seminary training for that world is inadequate for this immensely challenging, transformation-demanding moment in history. We have to learn to lead all over again.
But the church is also at an exciting crossroads. We are entering a new day, new terrain, and a new adventure. We are not alone. The Spirit of God goes before us. The mission of Christ will not fail. The next steps are going to be demanding. More than anything, this moment requires us to embrace an adventure-or-die mindset, to find courage, and develop the capacity for a new day. We are heading into uncharted territory and are given the charge to lead a mission where the future is nothing like the past.”
Spring Launch of our Youth Group
The youth of the church really enjoyed the monthly events that were planned before COVID, and with some creativity we are ready to begin those gatherings again! We’ll start up on Friday, June 18th from 5-7 pm. There will be some brainstorming for future events, a faith lesson, and plenty of fun! Dress casually -- if there’s nice weather, there will be outdoor activities.
A New Mission
The Mission Committee would like to announce the SOCK Mission for the next three months. This will be done to share socks with the Navajo people at the Four Corners Native American Ministry (Shiprock NM), and local missions helping those in need.
To be a part of this mission ministry, you have a couple of options: You may make a financial donation to the church, clearly labeled as SOCK Mission. These donations will be counted and earmarked for the purchase of socks which will be purchased and shipped directly to Four Corners NA Ministry. The Counters will make note of the donations and the Treasurer will record the money on a benevolence line for the purchase of the socks. The purchase will be coordinated by Ilah and purchased through Amazon Prime.
You may also purchase socks and bring them to church and put them in the appropriate basket marked for SOCK Mission. These will be distributed locally.
All socks must be new. We have been told that socks are the most requested items in homeless or needy families. This Mission Project will give us a chance to share our abundance with others. If you have specific questions, please contact Ilah Sisson Walser. Thank you.
-The Mission Committee
Virtual Laity Session at Annual Conference
All laity of the Upper New York Conference are welcomed to participate in the virtual laity session at the 2021 Annual Conference (whether they are a registered voting member of Annual Conference or not). This two-hour webinar livestream (June 17 from 10:15-12:15 p.m., following Annual Conference Opening Worship) will feature presentations from United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Young Adults, Lay Servant Ministry, and more. Use this link at 10:15 a.m. Thursday for this session.
Prayer Group
Please consider joining our prayer group. This is an on-line way of praying for each other’s needs and praising God for what is happening in each other’s lives. If you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
This week's prayer concerns:
Please reach out to people who are alone during this time. A card or phone call will let them know they are not alone or forgotten.
UNY Mission Central HUB seeks donations
The UNY Mission Central HUB thanks all for the support they receive from our churches in supplying disaster relief kits. Due to the pandemic, donations have been low. The storm season is coming up, and there is a great need to restock supplies.
More than ever before, the UNY Mission Central HUB needs financial contributions in order to continue its operations. The funding of the HUB is made possible solely by donations. To donate, your check may be written out to UNYAC with fund number #951 in the memo line.
Musical Offerings
As we continue to offer both in person and online worship experiences, we are seeking ways to increase the variety of our musical offerings. If you are interested in being part of this, here are some opportunities:
Summer 2021 is Coming, and Camp is Open!
Swimming! Hiking! Boating! Cabins! S'mores! They are all back at Skye Farm!
A wide variety of camp experiences for ages 3 - 18, starting July 7 - August 4, all with safety precautions and regulations in place!
Xperience 2021 (New!) Xperience 2021: Outdoors (New!) Campolodeon Campolodeon: H2O
Campolodeon: Outpost (New!) Adirondack Odyssey(New!) Adirondack Odyssey: Backpackers (New!); Camplympics (New!) Little Ones
Check it all out and register at https://campsandretreats.org/summer-camp-2021/
We recognize that Camp is not cheap, so we have Camperships available! Contact Linda Sheeran at lsheeran6@gmail.com or 518-885-1729.
Fair Trade
There are NO more chocolate bars left until fall thanks to all of you chocolate lovers!!! However, we still have coffee (decaf and regular) and tea available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Celebrations!
There are thre birthdays this week:
Kelly and Albert Schmidt are celebrating their anniversary on June 19th. Happy anniversary!
If there is a birthday or anniversary that you would like shared, please send it to the church office by email. Happy celebrations are always a blessing!
Next week in worship - June 20
Temperature Kerry Cleary
Attendance Bob Cleary
Ushers Mary Drake
Sound George Wilson
Projection Ruth Persons
Liturgist Dolores Wilson
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Lemonade on the Lawn Cherrie Sanders
Have a blessed week
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! After having temperature taken and attendance, people can seat themselves. Masks are required at all times, and seating will be at least 6 feet apart. No singing for now, as we are unable to sit 12 feet apart. An Usher will dismiss everyone, so we maintain social distancing when departing from both the North and South doors. We will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
Sunday Fellowship After Church
Lemonade on the Lawn (now with coffee!) is now being offered for fellowship after church. Please join us!
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link for 11:30 AM Eastern Time:
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Upcoming Events
- Canoeing the Mountains Study (see below) - June 16, 7 pm via Zoom
- Youth Group - June 18th, 5–7 pm at church
Summer Book Study
Pastor Kelly invites all who are interested to read and discuss Tod Bolsinger’s book “Canoeing the Mountains”. It has a 6-session study guide that will help guide us in weekly one hour discussions held on Wednesdays at 7 pm via ZOOM. Please e-mail the office right away if you’re interested.
Here are excerpts from the inside and back cover of the book: “Explorers Lewis and Clark were prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves facing the Rocky Mountains. They had to...leave behind their canoes and find new navigational tools for the uncharted terrain... The culture is changing, the world is changing rapidly, and churches are facing change on an unprecedented scale... The cultural advantage we experienced during the 17th centuries of Christendom has almost completely dissipated. Seminary training for that world is inadequate for this immensely challenging, transformation-demanding moment in history. We have to learn to lead all over again.
But the church is also at an exciting crossroads. We are entering a new day, new terrain, and a new adventure. We are not alone. The Spirit of God goes before us. The mission of Christ will not fail. The next steps are going to be demanding. More than anything, this moment requires us to embrace an adventure-or-die mindset, to find courage, and develop the capacity for a new day. We are heading into uncharted territory and are given the charge to lead a mission where the future is nothing like the past.”
Spring Launch of our Youth Group
The youth of the church really enjoyed the monthly events that were planned before COVID, and with some creativity we are ready to begin those gatherings again! We’ll start up on Friday, June 18th from 5-7 pm. There will be some brainstorming for future events, a faith lesson, and plenty of fun! Dress casually -- if there’s nice weather, there will be outdoor activities.
A New Mission
The Mission Committee would like to announce the SOCK Mission for the next three months. This will be done to share socks with the Navajo people at the Four Corners Native American Ministry (Shiprock NM), and local missions helping those in need.
To be a part of this mission ministry, you have a couple of options: You may make a financial donation to the church, clearly labeled as SOCK Mission. These donations will be counted and earmarked for the purchase of socks which will be purchased and shipped directly to Four Corners NA Ministry. The Counters will make note of the donations and the Treasurer will record the money on a benevolence line for the purchase of the socks. The purchase will be coordinated by Ilah and purchased through Amazon Prime.
You may also purchase socks and bring them to church and put them in the appropriate basket marked for SOCK Mission. These will be distributed locally.
All socks must be new. We have been told that socks are the most requested items in homeless or needy families. This Mission Project will give us a chance to share our abundance with others. If you have specific questions, please contact Ilah Sisson Walser. Thank you.
-The Mission Committee
Virtual Laity Session at Annual Conference
All laity of the Upper New York Conference are welcomed to participate in the virtual laity session at the 2021 Annual Conference (whether they are a registered voting member of Annual Conference or not). This two-hour webinar livestream (June 17 from 10:15-12:15 p.m., following Annual Conference Opening Worship) will feature presentations from United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Young Adults, Lay Servant Ministry, and more. Use this link at 10:15 a.m. Thursday for this session.
Prayer Group
Please consider joining our prayer group. This is an on-line way of praying for each other’s needs and praising God for what is happening in each other’s lives. If you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
This week's prayer concerns:
- Please hold Marilynn Peterson in your prayers. Her health concerns were tended to and now she is on the path to getting stronger. You can send her cards at: 115 Saratoga Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
- Please continue to pray for Lou Cook and for his wife Joyce. They both are appreciating the cards being sent to them and thank everyone for their continuing prayers. Cards may be sent to their home and family members will share them with Lou and Joyce.
- Please continue to keep Bill Haege and Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
Please reach out to people who are alone during this time. A card or phone call will let them know they are not alone or forgotten.
UNY Mission Central HUB seeks donations
The UNY Mission Central HUB thanks all for the support they receive from our churches in supplying disaster relief kits. Due to the pandemic, donations have been low. The storm season is coming up, and there is a great need to restock supplies.
More than ever before, the UNY Mission Central HUB needs financial contributions in order to continue its operations. The funding of the HUB is made possible solely by donations. To donate, your check may be written out to UNYAC with fund number #951 in the memo line.
Musical Offerings
As we continue to offer both in person and online worship experiences, we are seeking ways to increase the variety of our musical offerings. If you are interested in being part of this, here are some opportunities:
- help lead worship by singing hymns. If you would like to help with this, we rehearse on Thursday evenings between 6 and 7 in the sanctuary. When you arrive at the south door of the church by the ramp, call Cathy King at 518-538-4523 and she will come unlock the door for you.
- sing or play an instrument for special music. If you don’t have a piece to play or sing, Cathy will help you find something. You can come on Thursday evenings as described above or see Cathy to arrange a different time for rehearsal.
- ring in a handbell quartet. We can space ringers 6 feet or more apart and ring wearing masks to make this a safe activity. Even if you have never tried ringing before, and you are in second grade or older, you are welcome to come and learn. Please let Cathy know of your interest by seeing her at church, calling her at 518-538-4523 or emailing her at cathys.notes@gmail.com.
Summer 2021 is Coming, and Camp is Open!
Swimming! Hiking! Boating! Cabins! S'mores! They are all back at Skye Farm!
A wide variety of camp experiences for ages 3 - 18, starting July 7 - August 4, all with safety precautions and regulations in place!
Xperience 2021 (New!) Xperience 2021: Outdoors (New!) Campolodeon Campolodeon: H2O
Campolodeon: Outpost (New!) Adirondack Odyssey(New!) Adirondack Odyssey: Backpackers (New!); Camplympics (New!) Little Ones
Check it all out and register at https://campsandretreats.org/summer-camp-2021/
We recognize that Camp is not cheap, so we have Camperships available! Contact Linda Sheeran at lsheeran6@gmail.com or 518-885-1729.
Fair Trade
There are NO more chocolate bars left until fall thanks to all of you chocolate lovers!!! However, we still have coffee (decaf and regular) and tea available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Celebrations!
There are thre birthdays this week:
- Michelle Greco (6/15)
- Jonathan Forster (6/17)
- Dorothy Collins (6/18)
Kelly and Albert Schmidt are celebrating their anniversary on June 19th. Happy anniversary!
If there is a birthday or anniversary that you would like shared, please send it to the church office by email. Happy celebrations are always a blessing!
Next week in worship - June 20
Temperature Kerry Cleary
Attendance Bob Cleary
Ushers Mary Drake
Sound George Wilson
Projection Ruth Persons
Liturgist Dolores Wilson
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Lemonade on the Lawn Cherrie Sanders
Have a blessed week