FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 63 Church Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Email: firstumcsl@centralny.twcbc.com Office (518) 891-3473 Secretary: Kathryn Cross Editor: Marilyn Gillespie

Website: http://firstumcsl.org Pastor: Rev. Eric Olsen Pastor: email: midwinds@gmail.com Pastor Phone: 518-354-9999

JUNE 2020 NEWSLETTER

FROM  THE  PASTOR’S  PEN  -­‐  SOFT  REOPENING  AND  THE  SEASON  OF  THE  CHURCH  

   As the social distancing and isolation continue, nature is moving forward in her usually untroubled way. Summer is around the corner and it is difficult to believe snow was here only a few weeks ago. North country living is unique in the dramatic changing of the seasons. They fly by and we need to enjoy spring and summer while we are able. At this point in the year we are usually having Debbie’s instructions on pending sales, arranging cleanup of the church, hosting community suppers and filling the neighborhood with BBQ aromas, and planning the church picnic. Unfortunately, all of these are on hold, so celebrating in the Spirit and fellowshipping as a church together in person is still not possible. Please be mindful that the trustees and church council are listening to Bishop Webb and the guidance put forth from the church discerning the best way to approach restarting services. I know this can be frustrating and it is for me as well. Over these past 3 months we have all been trying our best to be careful and embody safe practices as we adapt to a new norm. Change is hard at the best of times and we have had to make many changes very quickly and I am certain there are more to come. Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit and wisdom to guide us prayerfully through these changes. Please keep the church leadership in your prayers as we thoughtfully listen to options and opinions. Even though the President mentioned the opening of churches, we will determine what is best for our congregation. Adapting in the Spirit is what Pentecost is all about. From the earliest days of the church, Christians have had to face an uncertain and changing world with the God given mandate “Feed my Sheep”. We are not given the option to sit back and let people suffer, go hungry, hurt one-another or act out of ignorance. We are not allowed to hide our heads in the sand or remain in bed cowering while we have work to do. Just as the church has always adapted to challenging situations our ministry continues in many new and creative ways. During this crisis I have hinged my part of this ministry on two very basic Judeo-Christian tenets: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” Proverbs 1:7; and our Commandment “Do to others what you would have them do to you” as Jesus quotes the Scriptures in Matthew 7:12. Using our educated brains prayerfully reflecting on what we know “wisdom”, and understanding that what we do can impact others either positively or negatively in ways we cannot predict we must move cautiously. It is a model the church at its best, has always followed. Why stop now? We will soon send out guidance and thoughtful considerations on how we will resume worship and other church activities. I know we all want the garage sale to resume so we can get rid of all the clutter we have been purging while quarantined at home. We will let you know. Until then, follow us on face book, U Tube, or our website. We are the church and the church is here, growing stronger through this adversity and doing what we have always done, bringing Christ’s loving spirit into a troubled world. Yours in Christ Pastor Eric aka. “Big E”

   

   REOPENING A task force consisting of Pastor Eric Olsen, Travis McElyea (SPPRC rep.), Marlene Martin (Trustees rep.), Marilyn Gillespie (Church Council Chair), John Ellithorpe (Trustee) and a representative from the Worship committee has been formed to determine the guidelines under which we will formally reopen. Our current target date is July 5. We may consider an outdoor service. Stay tuned for details as we get closer to that date. MEN DELIVER GROCERIES TO AREA SENIORS AND THE MOST VULNERABLE The Men in Ministry group is partnering with Tops Markets to deliver groceries to seniors and those who are most vulnerable to COVID – 19. Orders are taken by telephone or email on Mondays and deliveries are made on Tuesdays. Customers get in-store prices including weekly specials and free delivery. The service is sanctioned by the Saranac Lake Police Department. Safety is the number one priority. Store employees do the shopping. In addition, all non-produce items are wiped with a disinfectant cloth before bagging them in paper rather than plastic bags. During delivery, members of the men’s group are required to wear rubber gloves and a face mask. Groceries are left on the front door step to ensure that distancing is maintained. The men get their “referrals” mostly as a result of church members simply checking in on friends, neighbors and other church members. The church also maintains a relationship with the Saranac Lake Adult Center and several senior living housing units in the area. Please refer questions to Travis McElyea, 518-891-3012 or tdmcelyea@gmail.com. FINANCE NOTES – We know these are trying times, but we are a giving church. In the absence of Sunday services, you can mail your offering to FUMC 63 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Someone will deposit them regularly.

DID YOU KNOW…? Your church can be found on Facebook. Just go to First UNITED METHODIST SARANAC LAKE. (complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.”

Our services are now being live-streamed on facebook.

WORDS OF WISDOM The media relentlessly proclaim bad news. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word – the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don’t know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. Lord, help me feel the hurt that others feel when life inflicts some bitter pain, and use me in some loving way to heal the wounds that may through life remain. Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal. Wherever God has placed us, we can use what He has gifted us to do as we see the need.

REMEMBERING BOB BROWN I first met Bob in 2002 when both of us were part of a Citizens Discussion Group regarding a Unit Management Plan for the Saranac Lake Wild Forest. Bob was representing the Franklin County sportsmen; I was representing the Adirondack Mountain Club. I was impressed by Bobs thoughtful and well worded responses to the various items being talked about. Again, I met Bob as he conducted a graveside memorial service for a former North Country Community College colleague. Again, his well worded remembrances were impressive. Who can forget Bob’s memorable words as he accepted the role of godfather to Piper and Archer Marlow. And then there was 1999 when Bob was running for political office and learned that he and Pat had been selected to be the King and Queen of Winter Carnival. Bob withdrew from the political contest because he felt the politics should not be a part of Winter Carnival. Bob was truly a remarkable person, so remarkable that he was the subject of two different columns in the May 22, 2020 issue of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. He will be missed. SARANAC LAKE INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY For June we are asked to contribute pasta and sauces. Please place your donations in the shopping cart labelled “Food Pantry” at the back of the Sanctuary. REMEMBER WITH A CARD Rose Nadon: Neighborhood House, PO Box 46, Keene Valley, NY 12943 Genevieve Clarkson: Champlain Valley Senior Community, 10 Gilliland Lane, Willsboro, NY 12996

LECTIONARY for JUNE 2020 Monday, June 1, 2020: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Joel 2:18-29; Romans 8:18-24 Tuesday, June 2, 2020: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Ezekiel 39:7-8, 21-29; Romans 8:26-27 Wednesday, June 3, 2020: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Numbers 11:24-30; John 7:37-39 Thursday, June 4, 2020: Psalm 8; Job 38:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:8-12a Friday, June 5, 2020: Psalm 8; Job 38:12-21; 2 Timothy 1:12b-14 Saturday, June 6, 2020: Psalm 8; Job 38:22-38; John 14:15-17 Sunday, June 7, 2020: Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 8-2 Corinthians 13:11-13-Matthew 28:16-20 Monday, June 8, 2020: Psalm 29; Job 38:39-39:12; 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 Tuesday, June 9, 2020: Psalm 29; Job 39:13-25; 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 Wednesday, June 10, 2020: Psalm 29; Job 39:26-40:5; John 14:25-26 Thursday, June 11, 2020: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 3:1-6 Friday, June 12, 2020: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:1-9; Acts 7:35-43 Saturday, June 13, 2020: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13 Sunday, June 14, 2020: Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19-Exodus 19:2-8a and Psalm 100- Romans 5:1-8-Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23) Monday, June 15, 2020: Psalm 126; Genesis 23:1-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Tuesday, June 16, 2020: Psalm 126; Genesis 25:7-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 Wednesday, June 17, 2020: Psalm 126; Nehemiah 9:1-8; Luke 6:12-19 Thursday, June 18, 2020: Psalm 86:1-10; Exodus 12:43-49; Hebrews 2:5-9 Friday, June 19, 2020: Psalm 86:1-10; Genesis 35:1-4; Acts 5:17-26 Saturday, June 20, 2020: Psalm 86:1-10; Ezekiel 29:3-7; Luke 11:53-12:3

Sunday, June 21, 2020: Genesis 21:8-21 and Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17-Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18- Romans 6:1b-11-Matthew 10:24-39 Monday, June 22, 2020: Psalm 86:11-17; Genesis 16:1-15; Revelation 2:1-7 Tuesday, June 23, 2020: Psalm 86:11-17; Genesis 25:12-18; Revelation 2:8-11 Wednesday, June 24, 2020: Psalm 86:11-17; Jeremiah 42:18-22; Matthew 10:5-23 Thursday, June 25, 2020: Psalm 13; Micah 7:18-20; Galatians 5:2-6 Friday, June 26, 2020: Psalm 13; 2 Chronicles 20:5-12; Galatians 5:7-12 Saturday, June 27, 2020: Psalm 13; Genesis 26:23-25; Luke 17:1-4 Sunday, June 28, 2020: Genesis 22:1-14 and Psalm 13-Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18-Romans 6:12-23- Matthew 10:40-42 Monday, June 29, 2020: Psalm 47; Genesis 22:15-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Tuesday, June 30, 2020: Psalm 47; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 1 John 4:1-6

JUNE BIRTHDYS 1 Jennifer Tuggey 2 John Gay 3 Michelle Davis Jim Halla Benjamin LeBlanc 7 John Ellithorpe 10 Kara Mae Besio Teradon Collins Harley Jean Wilson 13 Marilyn Gillespie 15 Cheri Fisher 16 Steve Smith 19 Joan Sleinkofer Nancy Stover 20 Darrell Davies 22 Austin James 23 Marisa Farmer 24 Linda Banta Lee Bouton 29 Donny Gay 30 Shirley Pickreign

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 9 Rusty & Wanda Knobel 13 Art & Eileen Leavitt 13 Phil & Cathy LeBlanc 15 Mike & Jen Tuggey 16 Eric & Susan Olsen 19 Ted & Sandy Bandru 23 Bruce & Jill Barnard 28 Joe & Cheri Fisher

JULY BIRTHDAYS 2 Mary Kent Nancy Roberts 3 Leslie Wilson Rich 7 Bea Hall Cathy Fuller 11 Betty Isele Ruth Woodward 15 Emily Martin 16 Bill Cross 17 Gabriel Fravor 18 Emily Leavitt 19 Jim Stinson 20 Lindsay Reeve 21 Kelly DeNicolo 24 Vic Burman Emmalee Kroencke BJ Tanzini 25 Archer Seth Marlow 27 Cheryl Wilson 30 Martha Donnelly JULY ANNIVERSARIES

17 Mitchel & Cindy Smith 21 Eric & Tammy Wilson 28 Jim & Eva Stinson 31 Vernon & Angie James

First United Methodist

Church

Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 10:45 a.m.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

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