FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 63 Church Street Saranac … · 2020-05-02 · FIRST UNITED METHODIST...
Transcript of FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 63 Church Street Saranac … · 2020-05-02 · FIRST UNITED METHODIST...
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 63 Church Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Email: [email protected] Office (518) 891-3473 Secretary: Kathryn Cross Editor: Marilyn Gillespie
Website: http://firstumcsl.org Pastor: Rev. Eric Olsen Pastor: email: [email protected] Pastor Phone: 518-354-9999
MAY 2020 NEWSLETTER
FROM THE PASTOR’S “CREATE IN ME”
It is difficult to believe that it is May. Then again, it has been difficult to know what day of the week it is or the date. For more than 30 years I have centered each week around Sunday mornings and beginning the week in the presence of fellow Christians. Now with the church being all but closed and work weeks being curtailed my entire calendar is off. Yes, I have caught up with old friends, done lots of reading and some binge watching but there seems to be so much missing. I guess I am missing the fellowship and affection both given and received each week at as the congregation gets together. It has not gone, but it is harder to motivate myself without the energy and joyful expressions around me. I also do not have the opportunity to sing at the top of my lungs to the glory of God. Even prayer, the daily conversation with the Lord seems a bit lacking as I seem to be discussing the same concerns, asking the same questions and fumbling with the same worries. In the spirit of community, I have found myself judging others including the many voices of government for their approach to a crisis that, so far only inconveniences me. Perhaps the cabin fever is setting in and I know it is not right. Like the air in a home where you are spending way too much time, I think my spirit was getting stuffy. A few days ago, before the snow returned and the sun shown I turned down the thermostat and opened all of the windows in the house. With my sons at home and dogs etc. it became necessary to air things out. I found that my spirit needed some airing out too. As the spirit is found in the winds that moved across waters in the earlies days of creation, the spirit of gratitude for God’s creation blew through me, reminding me, filling me and again, creating in me. As I looked through the screen, (knowing the Black Flies are ready to pounce), I head a dove, watched a chipmunk and felt the love of God spring up. I started to smile and in a sigh of deeply felt blessings and I remembered that God’s grace has never left me, I just forgot where I put it. worries than is necessary and great potential for doubt and judgement. God reminds us through Christ that all the worry will not change a single thing, that the judgement is up to Him and that I do not need to go there. It is comforting to know that God wants to keep me mentally, emotionally and spiritually safe. His creative spirit arrives every day I open myself up to it. I just need to be reminded to do it.
Looking to the next few weeks we are will be continuing our services on Facebook and our Website. Please let us know if you want the service materials or need anything. We will continue our ministries with the United Methodist men providing shopping for the homebound and the Community Supper ministry delivering to those who need a meal. These are available to you and those you know so spread the word. Also, a Bible Study on the book of Acts will be beginning on Sunday the 10th at 1PM through zoom. Please let us know if you want to take part. It will go for about an hour and a half and be a chance for fellowship and sharing. As always, please keep these ministries in your prayers along with those you know who might be in need. Prayers are our best tools in these days. Well, prayer has always been our best tool and as David asks in his, “Create a clean heart in me oh Lord, and renew the right spirit within me.” It is my prayer too. Blessing, as we enter another week together, separately. Pastor Eric, AKA Big e 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 [email protected]. 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.
• Our pledge, plate offering and identified giving is $3,574 greater than last year. • Special appeal donations for fuel are $313 over last year. • Our Use donation is $195 less than last year. • The grant for community supper utilities is $537 less than last year. • The Pastor Discretionary Fund now stands at $1,897. • Salary expense is $1,733 greater than last year. • Janitorial Rug Cleaning and other expense is $146 greater than last year. • Fuel Expense is $709 less than last year. • Our Music / Handbills expenses are $230 less than last year. • Worship material is $616 over last year.
• Our advertising costs are $420 under last year. • Repairs and Maintenance costs in Saranac Lake is $1,394 less than last year. • Our Ministry Shares at $2,750 is $396 greater than last year. • Overall our income is $6,207 less than our expenses for the year. This compares to last
year where income was $8,743 less than expenses.
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
• Read Proverbs 10:19 The wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why don’t we all be like that wise old bird?
• Do you ever feel trapped? Sometimes in life we do feel trapped; we have to admit that we are helpless on our own. Sadly, we are often the source of our problems in life. Thankfully, God knows exactly how to help us. When we humble ourselves before Him, God helps those who know they are helpless. Instead of trying to be in control, focus on God with prsaise and thankfulness.
• It is good to know that th God who cares for us never loses track of us. Do you feed the birds and watch them? Matthew 10:29-31 tells us that Jesus talked about the birds and that we are worth more to Him than the bireds. We are prone to quickly forget the Lord’s goodness and care for us. Fear fades when we trust our Father. You are the God who can be trusted.
• When you feel estranged from God or spiritually weak, you can find spiritual nourishment in God’s word. Feeding on God’s word keeps us strong and healthy in the Lord.
SARANAC LAKE INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY For May we are asked to contribute peanut butter and jelly. 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
• Friday, May 1, 2020: Psalm 23; Exodus 3:16-‐22, 4:18-‐20; 1 Peter 2:13-‐17
• Saturday, May 2, 2020: Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34:1-‐16; Luke 15:1-‐7
• Sunday, May 3, 2020: Acts 2:42-‐47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2:19-‐25; John 10:1-‐10
• Monday, May 4, 2020: Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:17-‐23; 1 Peter 5:1-‐5
• Tuesday, May 5, 2020: Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:23-‐31; Hebrews 13:20-‐21
• Wednesday, May 6, 2020: Psalm 100; Jeremiah 23:1-‐8; Ma&hew 20:17-‐28
• Thursday, May 7, 2020: Psalm 31:1-‐5, 15-‐16; Genesis 12:1-‐3; Acts 6:8-‐15
• Friday, May 8, 2020: Psalm 31:1-‐5, 15-‐16; Exodus 3:1-‐12; Acts 7:1-‐16
• Saturday, May 9, 2020: Psalm 31:1-‐5, 15-‐16; Jeremiah 26:20-‐24; John 8:48-‐59
• Sunday, May 10, 2020: Acts 7:55-‐60; Psalm 31:1-‐5, 15-‐16; I Peter 2:2-‐10; John 14:1-‐14
• Monday, May 11, 2020: Psalm 102:1-‐17; Exodus 13:17-‐22; Acts 7:17-‐40
• Tuesday, May 12, 2020: Psalm 102:1-‐17; Proverbs 3:5-‐12; Acts 7:44-‐56
• Wednesday, May 13, 2020: Psalm 102:1-‐17; Proverbs 3:13-‐18; John 8:31-‐38
• Thursday, May 14, 2020: Psalm 66:8-‐20; Genesis 6:5-‐22; Acts 27:1-‐12
• Friday, May 15, 2020: Psalm 66:8-‐20; Genesis 7:1-‐24; Acts 27:13-‐38
• Saturday, May 16, 2020: Psalm 66:8-‐20; Genesis 8:13-‐19; John 14:27-‐29
• Sunday, May 17, 2020: Acts 17:22-‐31; Psalm 66:8-‐20; I Peter 3:13-‐22; John 14:15-‐21
• Monday, May 18, 2020: Psalm 93; Genesis 9:8-‐17; Acts 27:39-‐44
• Tuesday, May 19, 2020: Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 5:22-‐33; 1 Peter 3:8-‐12
• Wednesday, May 20, 2020: Psalm 93; Deuteronomy 31:1-‐13; John 16:16-‐24
• Thursday, May 21, 2020: Ascension of the Lord: Acts 1:1-‐11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-‐23; Luke 24:44-‐53
• Friday, May 22, 2020: Psalm 93; 2 Kings 2:1-‐12; Ephesians 2:1-‐7
• Saturday, May 23, 2020: Psalm 93; 2 Kings 2:13-‐15; John 8:21-‐30
• Sunday, May 24, 2020: Acts 1:6-‐14; Psalm 68:1-‐10, 32-‐35; I Peter 4:12-‐14, 5:6-‐11; John 17:1-‐11
• Monday, May 25, 2020: Psalm 99; Levi-cus 9:1-‐11, 22-‐24; 1 Peter 4:1-‐6
• Tuesday, May 26, 2020: Psalm 99; Numbers 16:41-‐50; 1 Peter 4:7-‐11
• Wednesday, May 27, 2020: Psalm 99; 1 Kings 8:54-‐65; John 3:31-‐36
• Thursday, May 28, 2020: Psalm 33:12-‐22; Exodus 19:1-‐9a; Acts 2:1-‐11
• Friday, May 29, 2020: Psalm 33:12-‐22; Exodus 19:16-‐25; Romans 8:14-‐17
• Saturday, May 30, 2020: Psalm 33:12-‐22; Exodus 20:1-‐21; Ma'hew 5:1-‐12
• Sunday, May 31, 2020: Pentecost: Acts 2:11-‐21; :24-‐34, 35b; I Corinthians 12:3b-‐13; Johnn 10:19-‐23
LET’S “FLOOD” LENORE LEAVITT WITH CARDS FOR HER 100TH BIRTHDAY. Her address is: Lenore Leavitt 78 Will Rogers Drive Apt.3 Saranac Lake, NY 12983
MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Georgia McMinn 4 Kathy Cross 5 Lenore Leavitt 100 in 2020 7 Jessie Aubin 8 Raymond Harris 11 Kathy Hannon Marsha Morgan Brian Stinson 13 Ashley Kent Brett King 15 Madelyn & Katelyn Gay Patty Hall Greenia 18 Emily & Andrew Gay 20 Hillary Pond Michelle Simmons 24 Justina Deitz 25 Karen Dailey 26 Elwin Hall Michael Martin Claudia Wamsganz 27 Erin Hesseltine 30 Melissa Kelting MAY ANNIVERSARIES 4 David & Melissa Kelting 9 Travis & Janean McElyea 12 Sean & Emmalee Kroencke 27 John & Robin Gay
JUNE BIRTHDYS 1 Jennifer Tuggey 2 John Gay 3 Michelle Davis John Ellithorpe Jim Halla Benjamin LeBlanc 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 Bob and Pat Brown 23 Bruce & Jill Barnard 28 Joe & Cheri Fisher
First United Methodist
Church
Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 10:45 a.m.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
ALL ARE WELCOME