This week's Ministry Matters, the latest information from and for our congregation, can be found here. Each week's edition can be found under the Announcements subheading of the Calendar and Events tab on this site.

This morning we began to get ready for the coming of Jesus, starting with the song "Prepare Ye" from the movie "Godspell". The scene depicts John the Baptist baptizing in a unique way to help people get ready.

This week's Ministry Matters newsletter has been posted here. You can find all newsletters by following the Calendar and Events heading on this page to the Announcements subheading.

As we approach Thanksgiving, a reminder to help you prepare... thanks to Linda Sheeran for maintaining our sign and submitting the photo.

The text of this week's message, "Neighborly Love", can be found here. Sermons are posted weekly in both video and text form.

Hello friends, this Thursday will be the first session of our Social Justice Bible study. The first session is called, "Seeing immigrants through God’s eyes." It will be held Thursday at 7 pm. You can attend in person in Connections Cafe, socially distanced, or participate via Zoom. All are welcome.

Anyone wishing to participate via Zoom may call the church office (518-885-6886) to enroll to receive an email with the Zoom link.

In preparation for the first discussion, the following Bible passages are recommended reading with particular focus on the verses listed:

• Jeremiah 34 (vs 8,9,10,17)
• Micah 6 (vs 8,9,13,14)
• Matthew 6 (vs 2-4,14,15)

See also our post called "The 7 P's of Bible Study."

Come and join us as we discuss and learn together what God’s word is saying to us.

Leading up to the first week of our Social Justice Bible study, here are some tips to enhamce your study:

1. Priority - the most important aspect of getting into God’s Word is to read it regularly.  What can you do to make this a top priority?
2. Pen - the serious Bible student writes down what God shows him or her.  What method do you prefer (paper, journal, notes on your phone, etc.)?
3. Preparation - we need time to get our hearts ready and right to study God’s Word.  Perhaps prayer for strength or forgiveness is needed.  What do you need to find a sense of awe toward God and His Word?
4. Passage - keep your study systematic, not haphazard.  Perhaps you pick a Bible reading plan through the YouVersion app on your phone.  Do you have a study or method to recommend to others?
5. Pick Apart - work hard to study God’s Word by picking it apart with these three segments: Observation (what does it say?); Interpretation (What does it mean?); Application (What does it mean for me?).  Could this framework lead to higher engagement and commitment in your study?
6. Ponder -  spend some tine meditating on the truths of the passage. Ask these questions: What does this text say about God? What does this text say about me?  Is God speaking to me through this text?  Is there something I need to do or change?
7. Practice - apply the text to your life.

The message this morning is titled, "Neighborly Love", based on Matthew 25:31-45. The hymns are "Take Time to Be Holy" (#395 UMH) and "Together We Serve" (#2175 TFWS)  See the previous post for the music video not included here.