October 31, 2023 Crossroads and Finger Lakes Newsletter

Crossroads and Finger Lakes Districts

October 31, 2023

Next newsletter is November 14, 2023

Please submit items to be included by the Friday before.

A Note from Sherri:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and. teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:4-7, 11-13

Charge Conference season is coming to a close – for the most part. I am grateful for all the people in all the churches who kept the covenant of preparing for and participating in their Annual Charge Conference. It has been great to meet folks and get to know a little bit about the churches and communities of the Finger Lakes and Crossroads Districts.

One of the most troublesome realizations is how few of our churches are lifting up clergy leadership. Out of 12 area-wide church conferences, we have affirmed three persons as Certified Candidates for ministry. This doesn’t even begin to keep pace with our retirements, which means when the time comes, we don’t have pastoral leaders to deploy to congregations.

I know Jesus is faithful to the promise Paul shared in Ephesians 4. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit continues to call persons to service.

At each charge conference I’ve shared the importance of the inward call – the call an individual receives – and the outward call – the affirmation of call from those who know the person best. Please join me in praying that persons will respond to the call to serve – as laity through the Certified Lay Servant process or as clergy in Licensed or Ordained ministry. When you see someone with fruitful gifts, please let them know! As Paul shared,

we can trust that we will be equipped for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. If you think God may be calling you to serve as a certified lay servant, lay minister or as a licensed local pastor, deacon or elder in the church, please share your calling with your pastor and send

me an email. I would love to talk with you!

Please continue to pray for God to call leaders to go out into the harvest – it’s plentiful and the laborers are few.

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

Upcoming Casowasco Events

Keep These Words

November 3^rd - November 5^th

$195

Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. ~Deuteronomy 6:4-6

The art of Biblical Storytelling has its roots in the oral tradition that allowed for the earliest sharing of the stories and texts we know today as the Bible. This two-night retreat will feature 6 sessions that will introduce beginners to the practice of Biblical Storytelling and allow you to begin exploring this means of sharing the word of God. Each session will be led by Master’s certified Biblical Storyteller, Rev. Theresa Eggleston and will provide knowledge and opportunities to practice the skills you are learning. A comfortable bed and three home-style meals a day will allow you to focus solely on the workshops and being immersed in the beauty of God’s creation.

Days Apart Retreat: Joy through God’s Eyes

December 11^th- December 13^th

$195

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11

Spend time reflecting on the joy of being a fearfully and wonderfully made child of God. Take some time away from the stresses of your everyday life by spending a few days at Casowasco, being led by Certified Spiritual Director in the United Methodist Church, Bonnie Kreutter.

Price includes meals and lodging from dinner on Monday to lunch on Wednesday.

ECHO!

December 30^th – January 1^st

$124

Ages 7-17

Ring in 2024 at Casowasco! Join us for an Echo of summer from December 30th, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. Enjoy spending time with camp friends. Enjoy some of your favorite camp activities, along with special activities you can only do in winter. Compete in the Frosty Olympics. Countdown to the New Year while rocking out to a mash-up of your favorite chapel songs. Share your talents in the Star Studded Variety Show. Enjoy staying warm and cozy with a cup of hot chocolate after an exciting game of Jack Frost

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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November 3-4, 2023

HOMESPUN TREASURES

Cicero United Methodist Church

8416 Brewerton Rd

November 3rd 2023 10AM to 6PM

November 4^th 2023 10AM to 4PM

Come shop for unique crafts and treats, check out our book sale.

Enjoy lunch while you're here.

Church fully accessible and easy parking

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November 4, 2023

Brewerton UMC Annual Turkey Dinner

Date: Saturday November 4, 2023

Place: Brewerton United Methodist Church

5395 Orangeport Road, Brewerton NY 13029

Time: 5:00 pm until sold out

Cost: $ 15 per dinner which includes turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy,

green beans, cranberries and apple pie.

Drive Up. Carry Out.

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November 5, 2023

Local Church Offers Free Will Dinners

The Oswego Trinity United Methodist Church (UMC) welcomes everyone to its free will dinner on Sunday, November 5 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. or gone. The menu includes open face turkey with gravy sandwich, stuffing, squash, peas and carrots, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pie, and beverage.

The eat-in dinner will be served downstairs (use Utica Street entrance). Donations will be accepted, but never expected.

The next free will dinner will be Sunday, December 3 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. or until gone. The menu includes chicken with biscuits, peas, mashed potatoes, dessert, and beverage. The menu on January 7 includes spaghetti and meatballs, Italian bread, tossed salad, dessert; February 4 menu includes pancakes, waffles, bacon or sausage, fruit cup, and beverage.

The church is located at 45 East Utica Street, corner of East 4^th and Utica, Oswego. Everyone is welcome to attend in person worship on Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. The live web service is available on the church Facebook page. For further information, please call and leave a message at (315) 343-1715 or visit https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC.

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November 7, 2023

Annual Election Day Turkey Dinner

Camillus: Immanuel UMC

303 Kasson Road

Camillus NY 13031

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

3-5pm

Take out only

Menu: Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, coleslaw, roll, homemade apple or pumpkin pie

Cost: Adults - $15

Children (ages 5-12) - $7

Under 5 - Free

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November 11, 2023

Good news! Jordan United Methodist Church

at 63 Elbridge St in Jordan is having a

Turkey Dinner Drive-thru

coming up on November 11th from 5p until gone.

We're making extra....but don't wait too long.

We accept cash contributions toward the meals,

but no payment is required.

Please help us get the word out!

Menu: roasted turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, squash, corn, roll w/ butter, cranberry sauce and dessert.

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.

Finger Lakes District News

Church Announcements

November 4, 2023

The Annual Turkey Dinner and Bazaar is Saturday, November 4

at the Lyons UMC (93 William St., Lyons).

The meal will include turkey, potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing, squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls and

your choice of apple, pumpkin, cherry or blueberry pie.

Pre-sale tickets are $12 for adults,

$7 for youth ages 6-12

and free for 5 yrs and younger ($1.00 more at the door).

There are three serving times - 4pm, 5pm or 6pm.

Take-outs are available from 4:30pm - 6pm.

The Bazaar begins at 2pm. There will be an assortment of crafts,

baked goods and candy.

Contact info: 315-946-6035, call/text 315-945-7462 or lyons.umc@verizon.net.

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November 4, 2023

Port Gibson UMC

ANNUAL Turkey Supper

Held at the Port Gibson Fire Hall

2939 Greig St, Port Gibson

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Servings will be take out style with seating available

Serving starts at 4 pm - ends at 6pm

Advance Sale until November 3 = Adults $12;

Saturday and at the door - Adults $13

Children 5-10 yrs old - $6,

Children under 5 free

Contact Dawn 315-277-0700 or Nancy 315-597-2269 for info or tickets.

Menu: Turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, squash, applesauce, cranberries, dinner roll and choice of apple or pumpkin pie

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November 11, 2023

Veterans Concert – Sat., Nov. 11 at 3:00pm:

The Community is invited to a Veterans Tribute Concert

“For God & Country” in honor of our Veterans at

the First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Newark, NY.

The concert will feature the American Legion and VFW Color Guard, Newark First UMC Chancel Choir, Canaltown Chorale, and other musical guests. Following the concert, a reception will be held in the church lounge, compliments of the VFW Auxiliary and Newark FUMC.

Free Admission. Free Will Donations will be accepted to benefit the "Mighty Oaks Foundation".

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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November 18, 2023

Alton United Methodist Church

Annual Holiday Auction

Saturday

November 18, 2023

1:30 pm–auction begins

1:00 pm preview of auction items

There will be some items available for immediate purchase,

and raffle baskets