November 28, 2023 Crossroads and Finger Lakes Newsletter

Crossroads and Finger Lakes Districts

November 28, 2023

Next newsletter is December 12, 2023

Please submit items to be included by the Friday before.

A Note from Sherri:

Getting Ready – Part Two

Plans are well underway in your church as we head into the extended holiday season of Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

What is your church doing to get ready to meet new people and

build new relationships?

There are two times in the calendar year when people who don’t ordinarily attend worship think about going to church: Christmas and Easter.

Now is the time to get ready to engage new people.

Two weeks ago, I shared some insights on how we can get ready.

Here are some additional thoughts:

Get their name. Find a way to get a newcomer’s name and address. Some churches use a pew pad. Others use a connect card. Ask newcomers to complete the connect card and have a small gift ready to give them in exchange for the completed connect card. There are lots of creative ideas on Pinterest for welcome gifts. Have a gift for first time attendees and a different gift for second time attendees! Make sure the gift includes contact information for the church. If you have a newcomer’s address, you can deliver the gift to their home – no need to go in, just drop the gift off with a warm, “Thanks for coming to church!”

At the least, send a handwritten note, thanking them for attending worship and inviting them to come again.

Avoid insider language. Not everyone knows who Gail or Dave are, nor do they know where to find the “fellowship hall” or “memorial room.” Welcome people to worship. Ask people to introduce themselves when they are leading in worship, small group or making an announcement. Give directions to places in the church. (“When you leave this room, go straight down the hall and it’s the second door on the left.”) Invest in signage to direct people around the building.

Get the news out! Do you have greeters who will genuinely welcome people, show them around and introduce new folks to other people in the church? Do you have a small brochure to share what’s happening next in the life of your church? It can be a simple half -page, sharing your next mission project, small group, or Bible Study. – with dates and times and a contact person’s full name, phone number and/or email. Many people are looking for a fresh start in January. Offer a small group class like “A Disciples Heart.” Plan a “day apart” retreat for moms with childcare provided. Publicize a one-day VBS on a day when kids are out of school. Share your next potluck and board game night. Give people a reason to come back.

Invite, invite, invite. When was the last time you invited someone to worship or another church activity? 86% of people said they came to worship or another church activity because someone they knew invited them. How many attended because of advertising? A measly 2%. Invite, invite, invite! It doesn’t cost anything! Be persistent! Offer to pick people up or take them out to lunch afterward. Introduce them around!

Help people feel welcome and included.

Pray. Ask God to provide opportunities to invite and welcome new

people into the life of your church, then be ready when those opportunities present themselves.

Be clear about why we want to engage new people. It’s not about people in the pews, dollars in the plate or hands in the dishpan. Our reason for existing is to introduce people to Jesus Christ, nurture people in the Christian faith and help them share the good news of God’s love and grace in the world. Any other reason than that will fail. New people will not come to save your church. But some will come if they feel included, valued, and welcomed for who they are.

I’m praying the Holy Spirit will move new people to visit your church and your church community will be ready to receive them with warmth, grace, and hospitality. Let me know how I can help.

Grace and peace,

Sherri

Reminder: Update your Church Information on the UNY Website:

Thank you to all the churches that have sent updates and/or corrections to their church information listed on the conference website.

If you have not sent in an update or OK as is - please send a reply

email to the district office.

CLICK HERE for the Crossroads District listings

CLICK HERE for Finger Lakes District listings

CLICK HERE to reach the district office

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The UNY Conference Archives are located at the Conference Center on Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. The team that manages

all records of closed or disaffiliated churches meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 1-4:00 every month. As you are aware, we have dozens of records to deal with this year. WE NEED YOUR WILLING HANDS!

Please call Susan Slenker, Volunteers coordinator, at 315-516-5289 for details.

Looking forward to meeting YOU!

The Jacksonville Community United Methodist Church, located on Route 96 just 8 miles north of Ithaca in Jacksonville, NY is accepting applications for the part-time position (approx. 3 hrs per week) of Organist/Choir Director.

Duties include hymn accompaniment during the Sunday morning worship service as well as responsibility for a weekly choir rehearsal and Sunday morning choir anthem performance. Compensation will be based on experience and credentials.

Additional information is available at JCUMC.com.

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and resume to jcumcnews@gmail.com

Crossroads District News

Church Announcements

Stewardship with Susan Ranous

Please check out the blog below

CLICK HERE for the Blog: Stewardship with Susan Ranous

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Did You Know......

Brewerton UMC has Fitness classes.

The Fitness4mission program uses Uplifting, Positive, and

Christian music to work out to.

Class choices are An aerobic class -Refit, A functional strength class -

Rev and Flow and

a Strength Class .

All classes are free and open to all.

Class Schedule is

Monday 6pm Rev and Flow

Wednesday 9am Strength

Thursday 5:30pm Refit 6:30 Basic Toning

Saturday 9am Strength

Classes also available via Zoom (email to get the link)

For Strength and Rev and Flow, you can use weights ( light for Rev and Flow, any size for Strength)

Any Questions: email tjcmallen@gmail.com

location: Brewerton UMC 5395 Orangeport Rd, Brewerton, NY

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Starting November 20 & November 22, 2023

Fulton: State Street Offers Bible Studies

We are having three (3) Advent Bible Studies this season.

THE JOURNEY WALKING THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

by Adam Hamilton –

on Mondays beginning November 20, 2023 at the home of

Cindy MacDougall at 1:00 pm.

Please call the office for more information 315-592-4559.

ALL THE GOOD A WESLEYAN WAY OF CHRISTMAS

by Warner-Barker-Choi-Kim --

on Wednesdays beginning November 22, 2023 at

Fulton: State Street UMC (357 State St, Fulton NY 13069)

in the Holmes Room at 10:00 am

FAITHFUL CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE EYES OF JOSEPH

by Adam Hamilton –

on Wednesdays beginning November 22, 2023 at

Fulton: State Street UMC (357 State St, Fulton NY 13069)

in the Holmes Room at 2:00 pm.

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December 1, 2023

Fayetteville United Methodist will host a GRINCH NIGHT

Friday, December 1, 6:00-7:30.

This FREE event for pre-k and elementary aged kids will include pizza/snacks, Grinch-themed craft fun, and a viewing of the

original Grinch cartoon.

Your heart just might end up growing three sizes!

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December 2-3, 2023

PENNELLVILLE CHRISTMAS CANTATA

The 48th annual Christmas Cantata will be held at the

Pennellville United Methodist Church on

Sat, Dec 2nd at 3:00 p.m. and Sun, Dec 3rd at 5:00 p.m.

Over 40 voices from at least 15 different churches have joined

together to sing Joy Has Dawned by Lloyd Larson.

The choir is under the direction of Terry Sivers

with Susan Candee accompanying.

An offering will be taken to help benefit the

Phoenix Food Pantry and Paws Across Oswego County.

Join us in the fellowship hall for refreshments following the program.

The church is located at 389 County Route 54 in Pennellville.

What a great way to bring in the Christmas season!

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December 3, 2023

On Sunday, Dec. 3^rd 4:30-5:30p.m. (or until gone).

Free will eat-in (chicken w/biscuits, peas, mashed potatoes,

dessert, and beverage) dinner at the

Oswego Trinity United Methodist Church,

45 E. Utica St. Downstairs. Info: (315) 343-1715 or https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC.

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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December 3, 2023

"The Longest Night: A Service of Remembrance and Hope" Service,

Sunday, December 3, 2023, 2:00 PM, BFUMC

The Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church (BFUMC),

17 W. Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027, is offering to the Community,

an In-Person Church Service: "The Longest Night: A Service of Remembrance and Hope" on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00 PM.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one or other losses, the holidays can be a difficult time and we need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern and to know that we are not alone. All are welcome.

Please plan on coming early to have time to place your deceased loved one's framed or unframed picture on the altar (all pictures will be returned), if you would like, and to write your loved one's name on a piece of paper to give to the ministers to read out loud, as a candle is lit in their memory.

After the Sanctuary Service, there will be fellowship time with light refreshments, in the Dining Room. Free. If any questions, contact the Church Office at 315-635-6442 or secretary@bvillefirstumc.org, https://www.bvillefirstumc.org, https://www.facebook.com/bvillefirstumc.

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December 9, 2023

Trinity United Methodist Church

Christmas Nu-2-U and Christmas Cookie Sale is planned

for December 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Delicious homemade cookies will be available for sale by the pound.

A portion of the proceeds will be used to buy food and toys for several families at Christmas.

Anyone wishing to donate used Christmas items may do so on

December 7 and 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

or call the church for arrangements.

Trinity UMC is located at 45 East Utica Street,

corner of East 4^th and Utica, Oswego.

Please use the East Utica entrance as the sale is downstairs.

For further information, please call and leave a message at (315) 343-1715 or visit https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC.

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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December 9, 2023

Amboy Belle Isle United Church

(6190-92 Airport Road, Syracuse, NY 13209)

will be having their annual

COOKIE WALK

Saturday, December 9^th

10am to 1pm

Cookies are $12.00 per pound

{everything will be individually wrapped}

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December 10, 2023

Sunday, Dec 10th at 3:00, the Minetto UMC is hosting the annual

Joy of Christmas Concert

will be presented featuring Concinnity and the New Horizons Band

followed by a roast pork dinner.

The cost is $15 to include salad, stuffing, green bean casserole,

roll, butter and dessert.

The church is located at Corner of State Route 48 & County Route 8, Minetto NY 13115

Call the church office to make your reservation (315) 343-3465.

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December 16, 2023

The Christmas Story comes to life as

Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church presents its

annual Live Nativity on Saturday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m.

The public is invited to join the procession on Oswego Street near Seneca Savings Bank. This year's nativity will be a moving nativity

in the style of "Las Posadas". Travel with the Holy Family along Oswego and Genesee Streets to the church at 17 West Genesee Street, singing carols along the way. The procession will arrive at

the nativity in front of the church at 4:30 and a

Happy Birthday Jesus party will be held inside at 5:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

http://www.bvillefirstumc.org

CLICK HERE for a news release

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Finger Lakes District News

Church Announcements

December 3, 2023

Women's Christmas

It's that time of year again. We are cooking, baking, running, chasing kids, wrapping presents, running, planning services, running and generally

being stressed out. It is a statistical reality that most of this falls on the shoulders of women. It is critically important for us, as women, to remember the reason for the season: Christ.

To that end, Gorham United Methodist Church has a tradition. Every year we provide a time to stop and gather with other women. We host a time of fellowship with dessert, tea, and coffee; after which, we adjourn to the sanctuary for a beautiful time of worship.

Please join us this year on December 3rd at 6:30 PM.

The church is located at: 4746 South St, Gorham NY 14461.

Merry Christmas!

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December 16, 2023

20th Annual Christmas Cookie Sale,

Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Doors open at 10:00am until sold out (11:30 am).

Newark First United Methodist Church dining hall,

301 S. Main St., Newark, NY.

The sale will feature approximately 400 dozen decorated cutouts, fruits and nut filled, gingerbread, fudge and many holiday specialties. Price is $10 per pound. Info: 315-331-3895.

CLICK HERE for a flyer

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