2023 Annual Report

The Presbyterian-United Church of Christ

Annual Report 2023

24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

"Working to Make God's Love and Justice Real in This World"

From the Pastor

Andries Coetzee, Interim Pastor

As we turn the page on another year, marked by a pastoral transition, it is tempting to count the days and brace for the next chapter. Yet, a different journey beckons, inviting us to delve deeper, not just through the past but into the very soul of our community.

This year, more than ever, the call to listen beckons us to do more than hear, as we engage in the profound practice of attentiveness, holding space for voices, familiar and unheard. This profound practice is the foundation for discernment. It allows us to connect with the essence of our church, discovering how we can shape a future that reflects PUCC's authentic self and leads us toward a flourishing future.

As you explore this report, approach it with a listening spirit to discern whether the unfolding narrative aligns with our Mission and core values. Consider envisioning the future state of your church five years from now. What transformations do you anticipate? How do you foresee these changes unfolding in alignment with our Mission and values?

In the spirit of listening, the Transition Committee invites you to participate in our discernment process as we embrace our future. Eighty-five people participated in our first listening session --- for some, it was their second visit. Others have been affiliated with the church since the 1950s. We were able to hear from a great range of experiences. Two more conversations are scheduled. Please mark the following dates for conversation after worship:

March 10: Examining the present

April 14: Envisioning the future

Live into Hope! The hymn proclaims. And in that resounding call, we find the courage to face the future, united in the story of God's love, forever unfolding.

Mooi Loop,

Dries

Pastor Kate Resigns

One of the most significant events of the year was Pastor Kate Forer announcing her resignation. After seven years of meaningful service to this congregation and the larger community, her family moved to California.

Mayor Ron Kim declared June 11th Rev. Kate Forer Day in Saratoga Springs.

Youth Group

by Jane French

2023 marked a new era for PUCC's Youth Group. While pandemic challenges were no longer at the forefront, YG faced another pressing concern centered around the fact that young people are extremely busy and/or are not prioritizing church attendance. Most of our youth are juggling school, work, sports, music, in addition to overbooked family schedules. To meet this challenge, we combined Middle School and High School and began meeting during worship on Sunday morning. This adjustment helped accommodate the busy schedules of families and make YG more accessible to teens, grades 6-12.

We've successfully reconnected and begun to rebuild our YG community. Throughout the year we tried some new activities/projects and enjoyed some time-honored YG traditions.

Last September we welcomed each other back with a tailgating party in the parking lot and during Saratoga Peace Week we created pro-peace sidewalk art that conveyed messages of hope and peace. October saw our first Basketball Free Throw Fundraiser. It was a multi-generational event for the entire congregation and EVERYONE had a blast! It's sure to become a YG/congregation classic that we look forward to each fall.

We kicked off the holiday season with a new group favorite – Random Acts of Cookies. YG members decorated batches of holiday sugar cookies with the intention of giving them away. Our group decided the LifeWorks soup kitchen volunteers should receive their sweet act of kindness. We finished out 2023 by taking advantage of the opportunity to deliver the Children's Message during worship!

Collaborative Efforts – YG teamed up with the Sunday School Program for an Ice Cream Social last spring, as well as a Birthday Bag Service Project benefiting families at the Franklin Community Center. We've been in contact with the youth at Temple Sinai and are planning service projects as well as interfaith social activities in 2024.

Sunday School and Child Care

by Trish Wildermuth

Children are a very special part of PUCC and Ms. Trish enjoys spending time with them each week. Following the Children's Message, children ages 4 and up attend Sunday school in the Nolan House. Our goal is to build a family within our church family and to grow in our faith. This year our curriculum focuses on God's timeless love and covers many Old Testament stories highlighting tremendous faith. Together we explore all of God's gifts and how we can use them to build a community of love. Stories, videos, games, and crafts make our time together lots of fun. We enjoy putting our lessons about helping our neighbors into action through service projects. We were excited to collect birthday supplies for the Franklin Community Center as our service project. Children rejoin their families for the conclusion of the service and Coffee Hour.

Our Toddler Room is available to the youngest members of our church family (birth-4 years). Families may bring their child directly to the Nolan House at 10:30 for child care or children can join the Toddler Room when the Sunday school children head over. Toddler Room friends have an option of playing or joining in Sunday school activities. When the weather cooperates, we all love to spend time on the playground as well.

All children are welcome to join us for Sunday school and Toddler Room, whether they are registered or just visiting for the day. For any questions about our programming, to register your child, or to volunteer to help, please contact Trish Wildermuth at Trish@pnecchurch.org.

We continue to meet in the Youth Room on the 2^nd floor of the Nolan House for fellowship and are successfully sharing this space with PUCC's house guests. We look forward to working with other small groups/committees at PUCC to strengthen our connection to the congregation and grow in faith and service.

YG at PUCC wouldn't be possible without the continued support of our families and the congregation. Rachel McCann and I would like to extend a special thank you to all of the YG leaders that came before us – they set a standard of excellence that we strive to live up to. We'd also like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of those leaders (Debbie Graves and Craig Forth in particular) and the experience and knowledge they bring to the table, and that Rachel and I draw from.

The Finance Report

We closed the year with a balanced budget and less reliance on invested funds than planned. Our pledge rate of return was 108%! -- $342,000 was pledged and we received almost $368,000!

Of note in the coming year: Our monthly internet bill will be reduced by $200 per month, thanks to negotiations with our internet provider and Peter Nelson. Our annual insurance payment will be reduced by $15,000, thanks to extensive research and negotiations by Jim MacNeill. We have finished paying our lease on our solar panels, reducing our monthly expenses by nearly $500.

We continue to draw from our invested funds to support the operating budget. These are bequests from church members and friends who remembered PUCC in their wills. The church has been remembered in three wills this past year. That type of legacy is vital to our work in this world.

Click here to take a look at the full finance report.

Senior Ministries

Dr. Gary O'Brien, Coordinator

I began my service as Coordinator of Senior Ministries in May 2023. From the outset, I have to thank Chuck Kochheiser for his guidance. He was a true mentor as he helped in our transition. We had many conversations about the position which he held for eight years. We still connect regularly as his network is vast.

In May, Chuck accompanied me to visit many members of our church community who reside in senior facilities or assisted living. We visited Home of the Good Shepherd, Wilton; Prestwick Chase; Woodlawn Commons; the Wesley Complex; Peregrine Senior Living, Clifton Park; and Glendale Nursing Home in Schenectady. We also visited some members who are still able to live on their own.

Care team

The care team is the heart of senior ministry. I am grateful to Joanne Hallett, Kathy McPherson, Kate Oppedisano, Sandee Shoemaker, Pam Quinn, Bill Higgins, Bruce Conroe, Rachel Magnell, Diane Hughes, Pam Lipkin, Muriel True, Heather Green, Jean Phillips, Chuck Kochheiser, Jim Cumming, Peg MacNeill, Kathy Johnson and me. Jim C. is our designated transportation member providing assistance to help seniors to get to appointments. Peg MacNeill is a writer of cards and notes to our seniors. This team provides regular visitation and communication with our seniors who are homebound or residing in different senior or assisted living facilities. It helps members stay “connected” to the community breaking down the isolation that carries its own burden.

Joanne Hallett requested to resign after ten years of service but she continues to support family and friends. Heather Green also stepped down for a while to deal with family and personal issues but she hopes to return. Gratitude to them for their generous service. Kathy Johnson and I are new to the team. And I have been approached by other church members who have expressed interest in joining the team. If you have an interest, please let me know.

We lost four long-term and active church members this year. Jean Richards, Amy Forbert, Mary Jane Ellis and Ed Warren passed. They brought much life to our community. We remember them fondly, pray in gratitude for their lives and offer our sympathy and prayers to their loved ones. May God grant them peace!

I have also visited hospitals to provide support to individuals who have had surgery or prayed with those preparing for surgery. I am grateful to members of the community for reaching out to Julie or me for letting us know. I have also tried to balance the need to visit with respect for an individual’s need for privacy.

YAHA Luncheons

We still have work to do with resurrecting these popular lunches. We have had many conversations in the Nolan house about various ideas and reached out to restaurants and catering sites to explore options. Cost remains prohibitive. Pastor Dries suggested that we bring it to the community. About thirty church members met after worship one day to discuss the matter. Many suggestions were proposed and there is a general sense to try to hold these events if possible. A committee of five volunteered to meet, explore options and plan future YAHA events. The group is made up of Elizabeth Meehan, Paul Phillips, Kathy Rooney, Diane Osborne and me.

Board of Trustees

Harry Meehan and Jim McNeill, (co-chairs)

The Trustees are responsible for the church buildings and grounds and the physical and financial assets of the church. We arrive early on Sunday mornings to open the building, turn on the lights and make sure the space itself is warm and welcoming for those who join us in worship. We handle snow and ice removal, grounds maintenance with twice yearly cleanup days and we collect the offering.

Special thanks to the members of the committee: Steve LeFevre, Gwen Elphick, Lee Ecker, Josh French, Gary Johnson, Sara Wright, Dave Clark, Brian Keating, and Wendy Walker. Much appreciation to Steve who has completed his term on the committee. And of course, a special shout out to Julie Campbell. Welcome to Jim Cumming and Don McPherson who will be joining us in 2024.

2023 Projects:

Green Initiatives: This year we continued towards our goal of reducing our energy consumption. The church building and the Nolan House are on separate electric accounts with the church building having solar panels. As such, the Nolan House was eligible for New York State’s Community Solar program which allows National Grid customers to designate their electric supply to come from local solar farms rather than fossil fuel power plants. The Trustees, working with the Environmental Action Team, signed the Nolan House up for this program in March, providing 90% of our electricity for that building from the Hope Solar farm in Troy. And the power comes at a reduced rate, so we are helping the effort to reduce greenhouse gases while saving money.

Due to other energy reduction actions taken in previous years, the Church building had its first 3-month period since we’ve had solar in which we produced more electricity than we used. Overall, we saw a yearly reduction of 7,000 kWh and cost savings of $750.

In early 2023 we completed a 6-month program in which we completed converting our heating controls to Wi-Fi thermostats purchased though a discounted program offered by National Grid. These thermostats allow remote monitoring and control of heat for both buildings, improving comfort and hopefully reducing our heating costs. This was one of the findings of the NYSERDA energy audits we had done a few years ago.

Nolan House upgrades

In support of our church mission of welcoming immigrants, the Trustees completed a major construction and renovation project to the Nolan House second floor. We had previously completed work to accommodate guests on the third floor but 2023 saw the need for even more living quarters for asylum seekers, especially those from the Ukraine as well as other countries. In November of 2022, the Governing Board, based on a recommendation from the Welcoming Immigrants Task Force and the Facilities Team, and estimates gathered by the Trustees, approved funds for major renovations to convert unused classrooms, offices, and storage areas to living quarters. There were additional funds donated by the family of MaryAnna O’Donnell, in honor of her work on immigration.

One large classroom was converted to a full kitchen, dining area, and a living room. 4 other rooms were turned into bedrooms and 3 bathrooms were totally overhauled including new fixtures and replacement of plumbing lines installed in the 1950’s. All the above required major electrical and plumbing upgrades.

Specific work included:

Replacement of a faulty circuit breaker panel and installation of a new sub panel for the kitchen area including outlets for the stove, refrigerators, and kitchen counters.

Restoration of two bathtubs that were boarded over for decades and hadn’t seen daylight since who knows when.

Trustees and other volunteers installed a stove, microwave, multiple refrigerators, and kitchen cabinets.

Donations of all furnishings were received and delivered to the second floor by volunteers.

Plumbers replaced the old hot water heater with 2 new ones connected in series to maximize output.

Replaced older fixtures in 3 bathrooms.

Safety & Protecting the Church’s Property

Nolan House fire alarm panel failed and had to be replaced.

Church Property & Liability Insurance

Jim MacNeill completed an exhaustive review of our existing insurance coverage and found issues with the building valuations and coverage from our current provider. He has spent most of 2023 working with them and obtaining quotes from a second provider. Both companies work exclusively with faith groups. After discussions with the Trustees and the Governing Board, we made a change to our insurance provider for 2024 which will result in substantial savings for the church with more accurate building valuations and better coverage.

General Grounds Maintenance

Thanks to all that helped during the church spring and fall cleanup days. You rock!

Other completed projects:

A section of the antique fence in the playground area which had been destroyed by a downed tree was replaced in July. Thanks to Jim MacNeil for finding a specialty welder.

A large tree limb came down from one of our huge maple trees in July. A volunteer crew made quick work of the cleanup. Thanks to David Woods, Jim MacNeil, Harry Meehan and Jim Cumming.

Sanctuary carpets cleaned and stains removed in August.

Sidewalk edging party was held on August 10^th. Thanks to David Wood, Jim Cumming, Gerry Wichrowski, Harry Meehan and Jim MacNeill.

Every five or so years the large trees on our property need to be trimmed to remove dead branches and to maintain clearance from the buildings. The huge trees need to be managed for safety and health of the trees as well as trimming the limbs that grow against both buildings. This tree trimming was completed in September.

The trustees hired a stump removal service to remove 10 large & 35 smaller tree stumps from around our grounds left behind over the years from fallen trees. We also had the south end of our grounds by the library cleared of overgrown brush and small trees. All completed in October.

The church entranceway flower beds were cleaned out in preparation for spring planting and to eliminate invasive weeds in October. Many thanks to Anne Diggory and Don McPherson.

We lost our church landscaper when Arinze moved out of the Nolan House early this year. After relying on volunteers to cut the grass for a few months, we trained one of our young Nolan House guests to take over. Thank you Oleksii

Nolan House and Community Solar: how are we doing?

We signed the Nolan House up for Community Solar with Hope Solar in 2023 and started receiving our power from them in May. We have now received 5 months of billing and, although we have used 27% more electricity during these five months than a year ago, we have reduced our cost by 36% due to the savings under the program. The increased electricity usage is the result of our commitment to our mission of refugee assistance.

Church Building and Our Rooftop Solar

PUCC replaced some energy hogging equipment (commercial refrigerator/freezer and fluorescent bulbs) in mid-2022. Overall, we have seen a yearly reduction of 7,000 kWh (44% less usage), with cost savings of $750 when comparing to the full year prior to the changes to 2023.

Board of Deacons

by Kim Potts

The Deacons had a busy year in 2023 helping to foster our sense of community and to provide compassionate care for our church family. It was a pleasure to serve with a full board of 12 members this year: David Wood, Janice James, Kim Potts, Diane Hughes, Dawn Randall, Rachel Magnell, Kathy Donellan, Christie Keegan, Kathy Rooney, Ellen Walleser, Polly Clements, and Sue Stasch.

Helping to build our church community, we provided the opportunity for fellowship time each week following the worship services. We are grateful to the members of our congregation who brought refreshments to share throughout the year. Deacons also prepared the elements for communion each month and for Maundy Thursday.

Our hospitality committee works in coordination with the Care Team and staff to provide meals for those experiencing some challenging times. This year, we arranged more than 30 meals to be delivered to members of our church family. The hospitality committee also organizes the volunteers who provide food at memorial service receptions, poignant times that enable the bereaved to gather and share their memories and their grief. In 2023, the Deacons hosted two memorial service receptions. Over the course of the year, more than 20 volunteers answered the call and generously provided food to provide some comfort and respite.

In addition to these regular duties of the Deacons, we also assisted the Congregational Life committee and other church groups with special events in the life of the church. In 2023, we assisted with the Palm Sunday Breakfast, the Church Picnic/Kate Forer’s farewell party, an AOET meeting, the Advent Breakfast, and the Tree Decorating/Sing-along.

Finally, adding some beauty to our worship services, the Deacons take the orders for Easter flowers and for the poinsettias at Christmas and then arrange them in the sanctuary. In addition, we acquire the flowers to be delivered by the Care Team.

Personnel Committee

by Marian Roth

2023 was a year of staffing changes for PUCC! The Personnel Committee is grateful for our competent, flexible and cooperative staff. We would especially like to thank Julie for her patience and hard work helping us get through a year of change.

In March, Pastor Kate gave her 90 day notice telling the congregation that her last day with us would be June 11th.

In April, Pam Quinn accepted the position of bookkeeper. In May, Gary O’Brien joined the staff as Coordinator of Senior Ministries. In June, we said goodbye to Pastor Kate. Also Jane French and Rachel McCann, parents of youth in our church, stepped up to lead our middle and high school youth groups. Kristin Oakes has also joined them.

In November, our committee worked with The Transition Team to finalize a contract for our interim pastor Reverend Andries Coetzee. That month we also hosted a Staff Appreciation Luncheon in Nolan House.

The Personnel Committee works to keep staff job descriptions current and meets with staff members for self evaluation sessions each year.

Back L-R: Jim McNeill(Trustee), Pastor Dries, Pam Quinn, Julie Campbell, Pam Lipkin, Harry Meehan(Trustee) Front L-R: Robin Leary, Robin Robinson, Gary O’Brien (*Trish Wildermuth not in attendance)

Welcoming Immigrants Task Force

by Terry Diggory

This year saw PUCC facilities for housing refugees expand to full capacity. Trustees, under the leadership of Harry Meehan and Jim MacNeill, undertook a major renovation of the second floor bedrooms and bathrooms in Nolan House and installed a new kitchen in the former Sunday School classroom. Funds allocated by Governing Board were complemented by a significant leadership gift from Scott Averill; the new kitchen has been dedicated in memory of Scott’s wife, MaryAnna O’Donnell. Many PUCC members donated kitchenware and bedding to equip the new facilities. Some “sweat equity” was provided by community members who volunteered for a work project during Martin Luther King Celebration Weekend. The Trustees also installed a basketball hoop in the Nolan House parking lot for the enjoyment of residents and anyone else bold enough to challenge them!

With residents now staying on both the second and third floors of Nolan House, we have reached a record total of 11 people: 3 adults and 4 children from Ukraine; 2 women and 1 child from Mexico; and 1 man from Venezuela. The children are making progress in Saratoga schools and the elders are succeeding in securing jobs and practical arrangements such as drivers’ licenses. Mariia and Yuliia each conducted donation drives to send much-needed supplies back to their native Ukraine. After staying in Nolan House for over a year, Arinze, originally from Nigeria, moved into his own apartment, but he stays in touch as an enrolled member of the PUCC congregation.

In May our region felt the impact of new immigration trends as New York City, overwhelmed by migrants who had crossed the US—Mexico border, began busing some of them to upstate hotels. On May 17 PUCC hosted a meeting of Saratoga Springs mayor Ron Kim with the Saratoga Immigration Coalition to begin planning community response. Migrants began arriving at Capital Region hotels over Memorial Day weekend, and now number nearly 1000. Although no hotels in Saratoga County have been involved, PUCC has served as a northern region hub for receiving donations that support migrants staying in Albany.

Closer to home, the Pine Grove campground in Saratoga Springs returned this summer to pre-COVID levels of activity in hosting the families of backstretch workers at Saratoga Racecourse. PUCC member Kim Weir coordinates community volunteers who make the camp cabins hospitable. The PUCC Social Concerns Committee once again sponsored a cabin, in a volunteer effort led by Janice James, and provided a Saturday outing for children of backstretch workers, coordinated by Elizabeth Meehan and hosted at the Saratoga Lake residence of Paul and Jean Phillips.

An inspiring example of community partnership was provided by the case of an Afghan woman living in Clifton Park, who reached out to PUCC for help with a couple of needs. The first was covering the cost for her brother to complete training for a truck driver’s license (CDL). That need was met though donations from PUCC, the United Methodist Church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Saratoga Immigration Coalition, and some private donors. A second need involves the woman’s effort to bring her sister’s family, who are currently living as refugees in Pakistan, into the US through the WelcomeCorps program. Terry Diggory is working with PUCC and other congregations in Albany Presbytery to apply for a Presbytery grant that would supply the financing that WelcomeCorps requires..

In an appropriate conclusion to a year of generous giving, this year’s Christmas Eve offering raised $2360 to support PUCC mission for welcoming immigrants. Anyone interested in getting involved in that mission is encouraged to contact Terry Diggory; tdiggory@skidmore.edu; 518-860-0262.

Congregational Life

by Elizabeth Meehan

Congregational Life was pretty much in full swing this year. We started off by hosting a MLK Saratoga dance party at the Frederick Allen Lodge. We hired a great band, Out of the Box with Larry Gravett. (lgravett@nycap.rr.com) Church members wore their blue church shirts and brought refreshments. It was a great evening and wonderful opportunity to socialize with members of the lodge and the public.

The progressive dinner in March was a great event. Over 40 people participated. Hosts and co-hosts offered a wide range of entrees at 5 homes. The soup/salad course was offered at 4 homes, including Mariia’s (one of our Ukraine guests) who made borscht! Appetizers were offered at the Nolan House where folks signed up for their salad and entrée locations. Dessert was held at the home of Nancy Tushabe and Jim Cortelyou.

In April we continued the tradition of the Palm Sunday breakfast & palm crosses. Deacons, Al Green and Trish Wildermuth pulled off this event with a lot of folks from the congregation signing up online to bring a wide variety of food items.

Kathy Rooney coordinated a group trip to see the Adirondack Thunder Hockey team play in Glens Falls. 12 folks went and had a good time.

In May, the Women retreated at Camp Fowler for a wonderful weekend on friendship. Kate led the retreat with others offering their talents as well. Katie Long led a workshop on Zentangle that was greatly enjoyed. Others led meditations, activities, walks and many canoed and kayaked the beautiful lake.

In June we combined the church picnic with a farewell to Kate party. It was a wonderful, upbeat event coordinated between Congregational Life and the Deacons. Chicken was delivered from Dizzy Chicken BBQ at a very reasonable price. Volunteers whipped up baked potatoes, cole slaw and had cake and ice cream for dessert. Out of the Box played on the Nolan House side porch. Tables were set up and chairs rented from Saratoga Tents and Events who were great to deal with.

Also in June, the men held a day retreat at church. Gerry Wichrowski and Al Green coordinated it. Harry showed a PowerPoint on the remodeling of the Nolan House for refugee guests. Bruce Tamlyn, chaplain from Silver Bay also led some of the program.

August 5th, a multi-generational group of 18 from PUCC went to SPAC to see the Harry Potter movie and hear the Philadelphia Orchestra play the score. This was our 2nd year attending the movie/music program and it seems like a good family event.

In September, 38 adults and 16 youth (Ages 8-16) signed up for the Family retreat at Camp Fowler. Unfortunately, a lot of folks had to bail at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances or illness. The folks who came had a great time. We played intergenerational games, had campfires, and went canoeing and hiking.

Camp staff provided activities for the youth while adults participated in the practice of Lectio Divina, contemplated and discussed the future of our church and thought about what we would put in a church time capsule. Camp Fowler staff were great and the facilities wonderful.

We held a Welcome Back Pizza Party in September. A lot of folks stayed after church for it and seemed to enjoy the opportunity to hang around and visit. It was relatively inexpensive and easy to do.

October 15th we had a “Welcome Luncheon” for our new interim pastor, Andries Coetzee. Al Green with some volunteer help cooked up a wonderful meal. Connie Wood provided a delicious apple crisp dessert.

Beer and Hymns at the Frederick Allen Lodge on Sunday October 29th was a lot of fun. Jim MacNeill used the church bus to transport about 35 people from church. Pam Lipkin played the Lodge’s piano while Elizabeth Meehan and Sue Stasch led the singing. The folks from the lodge were very happy to host the event. We rented the lodge for $150.

Trunk or Treat happened. About 20 children came through. It was cold with intermittent bouts of fun. It would be great to host an event for neighborhood kids around Halloween indoors! However, there may already be too much competition for such an event to be successful.

In December, we observed all our Advent traditions including the Advent Wreath Making Breakfast, Tree Trimming and Christmas Carol sing along, and Christmas Caroling for our older members at retirement and private residences. Jim MacNeil once again drove the group around on the church bus.

F'FIRE

by Rachel Magnell

The women of the church have gathered monthly for fellowship from June through December. Each gathering has had someone volunteer to write up the minutes, take attendance and help us pace and trace our cares, concerns, and development. A directory, a mission statement, a message for announcements during worship and the midweek, a structure, and an invitational community has emerged with non-heirarchical leadership. A plan is to move into rotating leadership, beginning in April 2024.

F'FIRE stands for Female Friendship Is Renewable Energy. We heard about it during the 28th Women in the Woods retreat led by Pastor Kate Forer at Camp Fowler in May 2023. The women engaged small and large group discussions about the meaning of friendship for three days, interspersed with time for play, exercise, meditation and artistic expression. We deeply and consistently reflected upon our relationships in the past and present. By the end of the treat, we were inspired to keep it going --- collectively deciding to continue gathering on a monthly basis.

Code Blue Dinners

by Connie Wood

Five meals were prepared for the Code Blue Shelter on Adelphi Street in January, February and March. The Shelter during those winter months provided housing for 60-65 individuals.

When the cold weather returned in the fall, the Code Blue Shelter was moved to the former Grand Union Motel on South Broadway. As of the second week of November, the Shelter was fully occupied with 75 homeless individuals. In the last two months of 2023 our church provided 4 well-balanced meals for Code Blue. For the remaining 2024 winter season, PUCC will continue to provide dinner on the first and third Wednesdays of January, February and March.

Many in the congregation have made generous donations of fresh fruit and desserts as well as monetary contributions for theses dinners. In addition, numerous church members and associates have helped to prepare and deliver the dinners.

Did you know?

LifeWorks operates a Monday through Saturday soup kitchen out of our building. Sundays are covered by PUCC and other faith groups and restaurants. LifeWorks tells us that they are currently preparing an average of 150 to 175 meals per day (preparing, not serving) with the distribution of those meals as follows:

60 folks served in our Fellowship Hall plus 20 to 30 to-go meals.
60 Meals picked up by RISE daily.
75 Meals picked up each Monday by Code Blue and served for lunch at the shelter during the week.

These numbers reflect a 2-fold increase in total meals prepared from a year ago.

Social Concerns Committee

by Elizabeth Meehan

The Social Concerns Committee of the Presbyterian- United Church of Christ is comprised of church members who are called to show God's love for the world through acts of service and charitable giving. We view our work to live out the mission of PUCC as a demonstration of our faith both locally and globally. Thank you to everyone, church members and friends, who donated time and money to our projects in 2023. Our committee directed more than $10,000 of the church's funds to various social justice projects that positively impact people both here in the Capital Region and abroad. In addition to the projects listed individually below, we supported mission in Cuba, the local backstretch ministries, Rebuilding Together Saratoga, The Labor & Religion Coalition, disaster relief, MLK Saratoga, LGBT Asylum seekers and Living Waters which provides filtration systems in Cuba. If you're interested in joining us in 2024, we'd love to have you! Please email Elizabeth Meehan Elizbeth1226@yahoo.com to participate.

Anti-Racism Team

by Deke Spierling

During 2023, the work of the Anti-Racism Team included:

Co-sponsoring a Book Study of Geraldine Brooks’s novel, Horse, facilitated by Pastor Kate and Rev. Shernell Edney Stilley

Participation in MLK Saratoga and Juneteenth events

Presentations in Sunday worship about significant African Americans during Black History Month

Continued fostering of the relationship with the Frederick Allen Lodge, through participation in the monthly “Social Justice Social Hour,” PUCC’s “Beer and Hymns” in celebration of Reformation Day, the “Beloved Community Party” during MLK Weekend sponsored by PUCC’s Social Concerns Committee, and Associate Memberships in the Lodge on the part of church members.

Environmental Action Team

by Judy Beers, EAT Chair

Members include: Lee Alekel, Laura Faulk, Jeremy Lansford, Kathy Hargis, Terry Diggory, Anne Diggory, Scott Jones, Rachel Magnell, Wendy Spierling, Briana Soss, Harry Meehan, Judy Beers

Supported Skidmore’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair

Continued work on becoming a Creation Justice Church (see addition to our Peace and Justice Declaration of 2010 here)

Theology book discussion "The Flag, the Cross and the Station Wagon" by Bill McKibben, with an environmental theme. Followed up with carpooling to hear McKibben speak at SUNY Albany

May Fossil Fuel Webinar

Interfaith Healing Garden

Produced a Powerpoint program about the garden that was shown during church in the Spring to generate interest

About 450 bags of vegetables and herbs were distributed to racetrack backstretch workers and their families over 18 weeks, with approximately 400 recipients benefiting.

An additional 50 bags went to Nolan House residents, with 20 more contributed to the Adelphi Street shelter.

We received good feedback from our racetrack liaison, and in 2024 will focus our plantings to the most popular, high yield produce.

We again, struggled a bit finding enough volunteers to work in the garden, but having leaders for each week and a signup was much more effective.

Several Unitarians were involved, but no other denominations. Getting more churches involved is an ongoing challenge.

Nearly twenty volunteers showed up to close the garden for the year, plant garlic, and clean & organize the garden shed. A new wheelbarrow was purchased and Omay Elphick built us a beautiful garden register. We need to work on how to best utilize this.

Solar Initiative

Thanks in large part to the efforts of Harry Meehan, Lee Alekel and Laura Faulk, we have 56 people signed up for the Hope Church Solar program, meaning $5600 for the church for the purchase of an electric powered mower. (An anonymous donor has covered the shortfall!)

Workshops

Fuel Divestment Workshops which were co-sponsored with UU, held in the Saratoga Library with a zoom option offered.

Participated in Skidmore’s Madeline Hirschland’s environmental workshop, along with UU, Jewish faith & an evangelical church.

Workshop to help folks understand how they can be more earth friendly & utilize the federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) & the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL).

BOA (Being Open and Affirming)

by Terry Diggory

SCC continues to support PUCC’s mission for welcoming and including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons (LGBTQ) in church and society. In 2023, SCC made monetary donations to the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition; More Light Presbyterians; the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester, MA; and the LGBT Booth at the New York State Fair. Anne and Terry Diggory staffed a PUCC table at Saratoga Pride Festival on June 25. Interim Pastor Andries Coetzee was among the clergy officiating at the Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Skidmore College Chapel on November 19. Anyone interested in joining the BOA (Being Open and Affirming) email list or suggesting related activities is encouraged to contact Kathy Cleary (518-410-4139; kcleary11@gmail.com) or Terry Diggory (518-860-0262; tdiggory@skidmore.edu).

AOET-Uganda

by Paul Phillips

PUCC continued to be very supportive of AOET-Uganda. Ninety Ugandan children were supported by 120 folks from our church, including spouses. That is about half of our church families who have given the gift of education to impoverished Ugandan children. The church budget provided $1,000 and our church family gave $3,800 in monetary gifts. This is in addition to the $38,000 in sponsorship funds. Several boxes of supplies for AOET were donated for teams to take to Uganda. Two sales of Ugandan crafts were held, netting more than $2000 for AOET. The church hosted a Ugandan dinner and cooking class fundraiser, led by Uganda team hostess, Margaret Kakaire, at which $2300 was raised. Two teams went to Uganda, with two more being planned for 2024.

Peace Week

by Kristin Oakes

2023 marked the 15th annual celebration of “Saratoga Peace Week." We had a jam packed schedule, and ended up with events all the way from Wednesday September 20th through Thursday September 28th. Caffe Lena and Skidmore College were instrumental in our success again this year, with some very well attended events. Below is a summary of the weeks’events.

Students create a peaceful entrance to the Ballston Spa Middle School!

Caffe Lena Community Classroom: Documentary Film Screening and Discussion

An Albany, NY Imam, and a pizza shop owner become the focus of an FBI sting. A convicted felon is sent to entrap the Imam by tricking him into serving as a witness to a money laundering scheme that they connect to a fake terror plot in Masood Haque’s “Witness: A Documentary.”

Caffe Lena free concert: Los Liminals

Los Liminals draw on a mix of history, music, and spoken-word poetry, exploring the liminal space of the border and its residents over time. The duo is made up of acclaimed El Paso historian and musician David Dorado Romo and vocalist/poet Adriana Lopez. Their music is meant to inspire audiences to learn about El Paso history – and draw their own meaning from it. This was presented in partnership with Skidmore College Department of Latin American, Caribbean & Latinx Studies.

Paint and Sip Event at Frederick Allen Lodge: lodge fundraiser, with Page Darrow We came together for creativity, camaraderie, and to support the lodge.

Storyteller and Craft (ages 5 and up): Jeannine Laverty and CREATE studios Jeannine Laverty has been telling international folk tales since 1979 when her work teaching English as a Second Language to immigrants in New York City showed her firsthand how the U.S.

is made up of cultures of all the countries of the world. Since 1980, she has been teaching workshops in storytelling for adults, most recently at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. She co-coordinates the Open Mic Storytelling at Caffe Lena.

C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios then coordinated the creation of “kindness cards”, to be collected and given out to organizations in the community that could use them.

Interfaith Service: Celebration of the Fall Equinox with Kathy Johnson

All were invited to celebrate the fall equinox at the interfaith healing garden behind the church. The service was led by Reverend Kathy Johnson, alongside people with different beliefs helping with readings, music, meditation, and sharing the garden.

Drum Circle at the Senior Center: with Chelsie from Rural Soul Music Studio

Drumming today has been scientifically proven to benefit the body and mind by reducing tension, anxiety, depression, and stress; boosting the immune system and increasing energy; helping to control chronic pain; releasing negative feelings and emotional trauma; improving joint mobility and motor skills; and building social interactions and community!

Peace Stories with Kate Dudding

Storyteller Kate Dudding shared stories about the kindness of strangers, ways she’s found personal peace, and a story about one path to world peace. Since 1995, award-winning storyteller Kate Dudding creates entertaining, heartwarming and memorable stories about real people who made a difference.

Peace Stories with Kate Dudding

Labyrinth Walk: Rachel Magnell, Tom Ryberg, piano

We walked the labyrinth in solidarity for peace in recognition of the vision of Global Peace as the UN leaders meet. We walked in silence with Tom Ryberg providing keyboard accompaniment. All walked respectfully at their own pace, in their own style, allowing for their own peaceful reflection. Witnessing is also an important way to participate. Accommodations were available upon request for handicap accessibility.

Moon Bee: Moon Catcher Project

Since 2011, The MoonCatcher Project has been making reusable, washable menstrual management kits for distribution to girls around the world. We worked together to measure, cut, fold, and sew kits. There were jobs for all skill levels.

ACTT Naturally: Hearts in Harmony The ACTT Naturally program employs the non-verbal communication between horse and human. This presentation was an overview of the programs that ACTT Naturally provides to women, veterans, families of veterans, and first responders. SkidWell hosted ACTT Naturally at Skidmore

Utica: The Last Refuge - film and panel, by Saratoga Immigration Coalition & Skidmore departments of Anthropology, Political Science, and World Languages and Literatures. This documentary follows the Azeins, a refugee family from Sudan, over the course of two and a half years as they transition from isolation to being part of a larger community. After living in refugee camps in Ethiopia for six years, the Azeins land in Utica, N.Y.

The film screening was followed by a discussion with the director, Loch Phillips

Comedy for Peace: Comedy show sponsored by Skidmore College

This project founded and directed by comedian Dotan Malach brings together the best Muslim, Jewish and Christian stand-up comedians for an inspiring, funny, and unforgettable evening!

For more details, www.peace-ing.org has the full schedule for Peace Week.

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