The Presbyterian-United Church of Christ
Annual Report 2024
24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
"Working to Make God's Love and Justice Real in This World"
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From the Pastor
Andries Coetzee, Interim Pastor
This year has been marked by significant progress in our transition journey. The congregation actively participated in two crucial assessments: the Welcoming Diversity Inventory and the HolyCow! Consulting Congregation Assessment Tool. These surveys, combined with our productive Transition Talks, have provided valuable insights that shaped our Mission Study and Local Church Profile. This comprehensive work, which we all contributed to, empowers our Pastor Search Committee in their discernment as they seek to find an installed pastor who aligns with our congregation's values and vision for the future.
As your Interim Pastor, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary welcome from the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Saratoga Springs. As a gay man married to my wife, this congregation recognizes that we are so much more than this one aspect of our identity. Your embrace of life's complexities and commitment to non-dualistic thinking allows you to see and celebrate the full spectrum of human experience. Your acceptance demonstrates a remarkable capacity for living into the unknown with grace and courage, seeing beyond labels to welcome the wholeness of each person's journey.
A key focus this year has been strengthening our Youth, Children & Family Ministry. We are fortunate to work with Dr. Sarah Leer, a practical theologian and experienced Presbyterian Church (USA) leader with a Doctor of Educational Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. Her expertise in building inclusive, justice-oriented ministry programs is helping us envision and create meaningful experiences that nurture the spiritual growth of our youngest members. This ministry remains central to our congregation's future, and through our work with Dr. Leer, we're developing sustainable approaches to help it flourish.
Following the resignation of Dr. Gary O'Brien as Coordinator of Senior Ministries, we are in a discernment process to continue the vibrant ministry. Building on the strong foundation in past years, the Care Team continues supporting our homebound members through regular visits, phone calls, and special initiatives like holiday caroling. Their compassionate outreach ensures that all church family members remain connected and cared for, regardless of siblings ability to attend in-person services.
Looking ahead, we're developing a new Manual of Operations to align with our welcoming spirit and make participation in church life more accessible. The Finance Committee is working to establish standard financial procedures, ensuring transparent and efficient operations. We're also collaborating with an architect to explore facility improvements, particularly regarding the sanctuary bathrooms, to better align our building with our welcoming mission.
Throughout this interim period, PUCC has continued living out its mission of making God's love and justice real. The congregation's willingness to challenge traditional interpretations and embrace new perspectives demonstrates a deep commitment to creating a genuinely inclusive community.
As we move forward, I am inspired by your dedication to spiritual exploration and your trust in the Spirit's leading. Your openness to growth, commitment to justice, and genuine care for one another create a strong foundation for PUCC's future. Together, we continue to work toward a church that welcomes all, nurtures everyone's gifts, and serves as a beacon of hope and justice in our community.
With gratitude and hope!
Mooi Loop,
Andries
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Our Pastor Search Committee (L-R) Omay Elphick, Jim MacNeill, Sean D'Evelyn, Sally Marshall, Charlie Wright, Kim Potts, Kristin Oakes, Dorothy Phillips | |
Governing Board of Elders
Marian Roth, Clerk of the Session
Below are some of the actions taken by The Governing Board during 2024:
- New signage was approved for the church building and for Nolan House. Thank you, Trustees!
- Contracted with Kumlander, Donofrio, Hay & Pehl to provide accounting services and assist our staff with current software
- Passed a motion to support an intergenerational trip to Cuba in February 2025
- Revised church by-laws (done every ten years)
- Supported Get Out the Vote efforts
- Approved the PUCC Mission Study (PCUSA) and Local Mission Profile (UCC) as presented by the Transition Team
- Approval of the Pastoral Search Committee
- Approved the reinstatement of the Facility Assessment Task Force
- Recognized the work of the Environmental Action Team
- Renewed the Interim Pastor contract for one year beginning October 1, 2024
- Approved the reaffirmation of our congregation’s commitment to welcome immigrants as stated in our Covenant of Welcome to Immigrants (2017)
- Contracted with Dr. Sarah Leer for youth ministry and consultation and confirmation program support
- Approved twelve new members to our church
- Decided to sell the church bus and trailer
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Much gratitude to Dorothy Phillips, who channeled all efforts to get an updated Church Directory! | |
Board of Trustees
Gary Johnson, Trustee Chair
The Trustees are primarily responsible for the maintenance of church property. Along with the Finance Committee we are also responsible for the investments held by the church. Every Sunday you will see two Trustees deal with snow and ice seasonally, unlock the doors, put out the welcome tables, and bring out the food pantry donation shelves. After the service we put everything back, count the offering and provide an audit sheet for the church office.
We also have two big workdays per year where all are invited to help. One in the spring and one in the fall. We had a terrific turnout on both cleanup days in 2024.
Every year we have a fire inspection that always comes up with a deficiency or two, usually minor such as this year some sprinklers needed repair. This year, for the first time we were asked to have an inspection and certification of the fire escape on the Nolan House. This will turn out to be expensive as the porch roof needs to be reinforced to carry the weight and some additional welding is needed to reinforce the steel structure. Work is continuing into 2025.
Lifeworks has expanded their use of the kitchen beyond just the soup kitchen. 200 meals daily are prepared for takeout, home delivery and for the residents of RISE as well as the traditional soup kitchen. We are currently renegotiating the agreement with Lifeworks to more accurately reflect current costs and define responsibilities for the maintenance of a commercial kitchen. Steve Sullivan from Olde Bryan Inn has been very helpful in providing help and contacts. This is a terrific partnership for the community.
Having full-time guests in the Nolan House has meant some increased maintenance for that building. Plumbing work, electrical work, fixing leaks, bat remediation, appliance repairs and additional kitchen shelving were worked on this year. Having full-time guests has its advantages. They have been helpful in doing much of the maintenance themselves. The church has hired a couple part time for custodial work, another for lawn work over the summer and the place looks great.
Last year, we contracted with a new company for snow removal after our long-time dependable contractor moved to the south. Well, the new guy turned out to be not dependable at all. We had very little snow until late March when we received a foot of snow, and he was unavailable. We were eventually able to find a contractor with a small truck that pushed the limits of her truck. But with her truck, many of the Nolan House residents with shovels and a couple of Trustees with their home snow blowers cleared the walks and driveway by Saturday evening. The good news is that our old guy is back in town and contracted for this winter!
We had some problems with the heating boilers last year, particularly in the sanctuary building. We were never confident in the maintenance provided by that contractor, so we put out a request for bids and chose a new provider.
Other projects completed in 2024:
- Repair and expansion of parking lot, seal coat and striping.
- Bus and trailer sale. Most of the contents from the trailer went to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County for use. Memories of youth group trips, Christmas Caroling and men’s work groups stayed with us.
- Nolan House Porch Maintenance: Chalk, prime with oil-based primer and repaint. The snow wreaks havoc on the mahogany deck.
- Solar Panel certification was never completed. High Peaks Solar covered the cost to complete the application and certification.
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Church Energy Assessment. This will include long range possible change to electrification replacing all fossil fuel usage
- Playground equipment. Wood chips were spread under climbing apparatuses. All apparatuses were inspected and repaired as needed.
- Pride Free library was placed in a secure lit area of the parking lot
- Zoom hardware upgrade. Owl was purchased and received and Nolan House had a wifi upgrade
- Parlor couches. Anybody want some antique couches?
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Board of Deacons
by Rachel Magnell
The mission of the Deacon Ministry centers on fostering compassionate and meaningful welcome, invitation, and engagement. It offers a profound connection to the heart of the church, attuning us to its rhythms through a variety of actions, including:
- Preparing and serving communion monthly and on Maundy Thursday.
- Establishing the warmth of radical welcome during weekly fellowship.
- Engaging congregational responses to provide food for families facing health crises.
- Organizing receptions for memorial services, baptisms, and celebrations.
- Sending Easter and Advent plants to homebound congregants.
- Committing to creation justice practices such as composting, fair trade coffee, recycling, reducing plastics, and supporting the Annual No Waste Sunday.
The Deacons supported the congregation through three memorial service receptions, a wedding celebration for Nolan House residents, a baptism, the welcoming of 12 new members into our community, and engaging the community to provide 15 meals to four families in healthcare crises.
We also embraced new celebrations such as Heritage Celebration Sunday and the Creation Justice Church Celebration, while contributing to the three spring discernment sessions led by the Transition Team in preparation for our search for a new pastor. Alongside cherished traditions like the Advent Breakfast, wreath-making, tree-trimming, and sing-along, we supported the exploration of a potential new tradition initiated by Pastor Dries—the Around the World Lunch. This event celebrated the richness of diversity through congregational meals. Witnessing mission leaders pin the World Map and intergenerational dialogues about origin stories was a highlight. Together, these celebrations and traditions reflected the vitality of our church community.
In 2024, the Deacon Board focused on intentional growth and collaboration, guided by the sermons and leadership of Pastor Dries. Together, we crafted a mission statement, revised the operational manual for elder approval, and updated the bylaws in preparation for a 2025 congregational vote. Embracing the traditional roles of deacons, we partnered with ministries such as the Youth Group, CARE Team, E.A.T., and the Transition Team to support the needs of our growing congregation. With gratitude, we look forward to Pastor Dries providing guidance and preparation for the next board and the church at large.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to David Wood and Dawn Randall, who completed two consecutive three-year terms marked by unwavering compassion, quiet strength, and boundless generosity, leaving an enduring legacy of love and service. As Head Deacon for the past six months, Rachel Magnell will complete her three-year term with profound gratitude for the trust placed in her to lead this ministry alongside a team so richly blessed with the gifts of the Spirit.
We also extend heartfelt thanks for the ongoing dedication of Janice James, Ellen Walleser, and Christie Keegan, who will complete their service in 2025, as well as Wendy Spierling and Sue Stasch, whose terms will conclude in 2026. With gratitude, we invite the congregation to warmly welcome the incoming slate of deacons to this vital ministry. We look forward to their observations, ideas, and questions that will keep us moving forward.
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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.
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.
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Personnel Committee
This year the Personnel Committee standardized and updated job descriptions for all the PUCC employees. The committee was pleased to change the office manager position from hourly to a full-time position with benefits.
In May we accepted the resignation of Gary O’Brien from the position of Coordinator of Senior Ministries. On behalf of the congregation, we thanked Gary for his service.
In October, Pastor Andries Coetzee’s contract was extended for one year.
An employee handbook was completed in December and will be distributed to our employees pending Governing Board approval.
At our December 22 worship service, our employees were recognized and thanked for their hard work. We, on the committee, feel very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated staff.
Members of The Personnel Committee are Suzy LeFevre, chair, Steve Sink, Jean Kalwas, Fran Geissler and Marian Roth.
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The Finance Report
We have a fairly large gap in the budget as we move into 2025. We had two significant expenditures in 2024 --- parking lot sealing/striping and bat remediation. Now that we have people living and sleeping here, abatement became a priority.
A few things coming together in 2025 that also carry significant price tags but are required for us to live into our mission --- the fire escape on Nolan House needs servicing and architectural work, the Nolan House needs to become handicapped accessible, the sanctuary bathrooms will be addressed to be more inclusive and we are planning an audio/visual upgrade in the sanctuary. (Did you know? We have between 50 and 60 viewers on an average Sunday!) As our pastor search heads into high gear, there will be additional expenses such as airfare and lodging.
We continue to draw from our invested funds to support the operating budget. We received two bequests in 2024, and we have been notified of another in 2025. These are bequests from church members and friends who remembered PUCC in their wills. This type of legacy is vital to our work to make God's love and justice real in this world.
Click here to take a look at the full finance report.
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The Facilities Team
Anne Diggory, chair
The Facilities Team was created in 2019 to study the current uses of our buildings and property and to look at ways to improve our ability to fulfill our mission. We defined a general goal for our facilities: that we have flexible, durable, efficient spaces that help us funnel our resources toward mission. To do so the spaces should be hospitable, accessible, beautiful, functional, green, sacred, serve our congregation, serve children and youth, and provide for mission and community use.
With the departure of Katrina Trask Nursery School and the high costs of maintaining Nolan house, the group was tasked with advice on selling Nolan House, then possibly renting parts of Nolan House, and then advice on proposals for conversion of upper floors to living spaces - eventually the creation of immigrant housing. In 2024 our focus was a re-survey of spaces with special attention to two issues important to the congregation: inclusive and updated restrooms in the sanctuary building and handicapped access to the Nolan House. We look forward to discussing some options with the Governing Board and the congregation.
Gary Johnson, Don McPherson, Anne Diggory, Pam Quinn, Jim Cumming, Omay Elphik
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Congregational Life
Elizabeth Meehan, Chair
Congregational Life started off in January by hosting our 2nd annual MLK Saratoga dance party at the Frederick Allen Lodge. We rehired the awesome band, Out of the Box with Larry Gravett. It was a wonderful evening and an opportunity to socialize with members of the lodge and the public.
In February, Congregational Life with Faith and Action organized a group of a dozen + church members to hear the Rev. Dr. William Barber deliver an inspiring lecture, “We are Called to be a Movement” at Union College.
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In April we continued the tradition of the Palm Sunday breakfast and 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.
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In May, the Women retreated at Camp Fowler for a wonderful weekend using the book, The Well-Lived Life A 103-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. 6 women took part in leadership and warm weather meant great hikes, kayaking and canoeing! We continue to enjoy Camp Fowler staff, food and amenities. It was great to spend time with the church sisterhood! | |
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In June we combined the church picnic with Heritage Day. We reflected on our past and present. Assisting in the service was Albany Presbyter Rob Trawick, and former pastors Jay Ekman and Tony Green. Many older members were with us and previous and present staff were recognized. The youth participated in opening our time-capsule from way back in the day. It was a wonderful event coordinated between Congregational Life and the Deacons. Participants brought side dishes and desserts. We ordered a chicken entrée.
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In September a fun, adventurous group participated in an intergenerational, international church-wide retreat at Camp Fowler. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, especially our guests from the Nolan House. We had discussions, worshipped, had communion, played intergenerational games, had campfires, went canoeing, hiking and thanks to the Greens, paddleboarding!
New this year was a highly successful talent show! It was a highlight of the weekend as most people shared something. As always, Camp Fowler staff were great and the food and facilities wonderful.
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In October we went back to the Frederick Allen Lodge for Beer and Hymns. Jim MacNeill used the church bus (for the last time) to provide transportation to and from church. Pam Lipkin played the Lodge’s piano while Elizabeth Meehan and Sue Stasch led the singing. The folks from the lodge are very receptive to us having events there.
In December, we observed all our Advent traditions including Advent Wreath Making, Tree Trimming and Christmas Carol Sing Along in one day. Al Green did a great job of leading the wreath making and Trish Wildermuth provided great ornaments for kids and adults to make. A new membership class and potluck lunch were also added. Deacons did most of the set up and clean up.
Rachel Magnell took charge of arranging Christmas Caroling for folks on our Care Team list. She did a great job! A good size group turned out and we carpooled to each residence. Our folks seemed appreciative of our visiting. Last stop was the Artisanal Brew Works for refreshment and more music.
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Faith in Action (formerly the Social Concerns Committee)
by Elizabeth Meehan, Chair
The Faith in Action Committee of the Presbyterian- United Church of Christ is comprised of church members who are committed to making God’s love and justice real in the world through service, advocacy, and directing some church funds to different projects and causes. Thank you to everyone, church members and friends, who donated time and money to our projects in 2024. Our committee directed $15,000 of the church's funds to various social justice projects that positively impacted people both here in the Capital Region and abroad. In addition to the projects listed individually below, we provided funds for aid in Gaza, local backstretch ministries, Rebuilding Together Saratoga, The Labor & Religion Coalition, disaster relief, MLK Saratoga, LGBT Asylum seekers, Honduras, RISE Housing and Support Services and micro loans in Africa.
This year we started monthly congregation-wide conversations on a range of issues on second Sundays after church. Participation was good and the conversations thoughtful and challenging. We hope to bring these back in the new year. Have a topic you’d like to discuss? Let us know!
If you're interested in joining us in 2025, we'd love to have you! Please email Elizabeth Meehan Elizbeth1226@yahoo.com to get involved.
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Cuba Partnership
Dave Wood
The P-UCC church community maintains a supportive relationship with the Los Palos Presbyterian Church in Cuba. Beginning in 2016, three mission trips to Cuba have occurred, introducing 24 members of our congregation to our Cuban brothers and sisters. A 4th group, intergenerational by design (6 youth, 10 adults), is scheduled to visit Cuba in February 2025.
Reverend Izett Sama Hernandez, minister of the Los Palos IPR, is our host and island contact. In January 2024 Izett, along with her spouse Glenda, visited P-UCC and participated in the service on Sunday of the MLK weekend. After the worship service, P-UCC members who had previously traveled to Cuba helped Izett and Glenda prepare and serve a Cuban meal. In September we were blessed with a second visit by Izett and Glenda, made possible as they had just attended a Cuba Partnership Network meeting in Chicago. A “Christmas in September” collection raised donations to support a variety of community-wide services in the Los Palos community.
Many would say that Cuba’s economic and political environment is at a crisis stage. Significant food and fuel shortages, frequent and extended electrical blackouts, and a shrinking population due to emigration continues to burden our Cuban neighbors.
Financial contributions from our PUCC congregation is one source of support for the Cuban Church. And more importantly, our gift of periodic visitations to Los Palos IPR conveys that we are all indeed one family in Christ.
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Welcoming Immigrants Task Force
Terry Diggory
The newly expanded facilities for housing refugees at Nolan House were fully utilized this year, with the number of residents reaching a record of 16 for a time. At year’s end we are at 15, with guests from Ukraine, Venezuela, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. PUCC members continue to be generous in responding to calls for donations, providing transportation, and—most important of all—forming friendships.
Our new neighbors have brought us many blessings. On World Communion Sunday (October 6), Jorge and Mariia shared their native languages (Spanish and Ukrainian) in reading portions of the Call to Worship and Communion liturgy. On the second Sunday of Advent (December 8), Jorge and Mariia were joined by former Nolan House resident Arinze (who read in Igbo) in offering versions of the St. Francis Prayer as an enactment of our theme, “Christmas Around the World.” Last April, Arinze, who is a PUCC member, shared with the congregation the good news that he has been granted asylum in the United States. And on August 24 (Ukrainian Independence Day), Mariia and Zhenya were married at PUCC in a ceremony to which the entire congregation was invited.
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PUCC engagement with immigrants and their families extends into the local community and beyond. We continued to support the workers at the Saratoga Race Course backstretch during racing season. Housing for workers’ families, organized by the Race Track Chaplaincy, shifted this year from the Pine Gove camp to a local apartment complex. Kim Weir of PUCC led the effort to make the apartments ready for occupancy with volunteers working in teams, including a PUCC team headed by Janice James. Children from backstretch families enjoyed a morning at the Saratoga Lake home of Paul and Jean Phillips; Connie Wood provided lunch; and Sarah Wright and her family took the kids to mini golf and ice cream in the afternoon.
A partnership including PUCC, First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa, and First United Presbyterian Church in Troy received a $10,000 Mission Grant from Albany Presbytery to support the resettlement of an Afghan family of seven who had been living in refugee camps in Pakistan since 2021. The family arrived in the US in October under the auspices of the WelcomeCorps. They are currently living with a relative in Clifton Park while they seek an apartment of their own. PUCC members have donated a number of items to help them set up their apartment.
PUCC members are involved as sponsors in an effort to resettle another Afghan family through the newly formed Saratoga Area Welcome Circle, also under the auspices of WelcomeCorps. This family of three members is scheduled to arrive early in 2025. To help support them, the PUCC Faith in Action Committee donated $700 from the “Welcoming Immigrants” budget.
Other PUCC members have filed sponsorship applications to bring to this country a woman from Venezuela and a man from Ukraine, both with ties to Nolan House residents. It is uncertain whether the programs of “humanitarian parole” that authorizes such sponsorships will continue under the next federal administration, which has signaled opposition to welcoming immigrants. Anticipating such opposition, the Governing Board on November 11 approved a resolution re-affirming PUCC commitment to our 2017 “Covenant of WELCOME to Immigrants.” In another sign of commitment, this year’s Christmas Eve offering raised $1700 to support PUCC mission for welcoming immigrants.
Anyone interested in getting involved in this mission is encouraged to contact Terry Diggory; tdiggory@skidmore.edu; 518-860-0262.
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AOET Uganda
Paul Phillips
2024 was another excellent year for PUCC support of AOET-Uganda. There are currently 140 children being sponsored by Saratoga area folks, including one in three PUCC families. Two teams traveled to Uganda, one led by Dr. Manny Cirenza and one by Paul Phillips. The Phillips team interviewed 150 children including most of those sponsored by PUCC congregants, raised $20,000 in donations, and carried 400 pounds of supplies. There were also three AOET craft sales at PUCC. The FIA PUCC budget provided $1000 for the AOET-Lira microloan program and $1000 to support the Phillips team. Peter Nelson and Paul Phiilips serve on the AOET Saratoga leadership team.
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BOA (Being Open and Affirming)
Terry Diggory
Under its new name, the Faith in Action Committee continues to support PUCC’s mission for welcoming and including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer persons (LGBTQ) in church and society. In 2024, Faith in Action made monetary donations to the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition, More Light
Presbyterians, and the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester, MA.
In observance of Pride Month, LGBTQ justice was the focus of a Social Justice Conversation after church on June 9, and on June 20, a Little Library of LGBTQ+ “banned books” was installed on PUCC grounds, in partnership with Saratoga Pride.
On August 13, responding to a post on the Stand in Pride Northeast FaceBook site, a delegation from PUCC attended a same-sex wedding in Congress Park to show support for a couple whose family members refused to attend “for religious reasons.” This year the annual Saratoga Pride Festival was held on September 15 (postponed from June due to inclement weather), and Lynne Davidson, Sondra Dutton, Kathlyn Rooney, and Anne and Terry Diggory staffed a PUCC table. Interim Pastor Andries Coetzee was among the clergy officiating at the Transgender Day of Remembrance at Skidmore College on November 17.
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).
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Environmental Action Team
Judy Beers, Chair
EAT had a very productive year addressing the climate crisis. We achieved recognition from both United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) as Creation Justice and Earth Care churches respectively.
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In February, four of our church members attended the NYS is Not Disposable Day of Action in Albany.
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We had an article on our electrification approved and added to the National UCC Creation Justice site.
In an effort to reduce food waste, we offered an after church informational program. Relating to our national waste problem, we adopted a church composting program which resulted in more than a thousand pounds of food waste going to a local gardener for compost, keeping it out of the landfill.
In April, we collaborated with Skidmore College and Sustainable Saratoga on an Sustainability Fair, focusing on electric cars and e-bikes.
We created two informational banners, displayed in our Fellowship Hall, one on reducing fossil fuels and the other on Earth Care.
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In the fall, we built a four section composting bin for the garden, leaving the area much neater& enabling us to more effectively utilize garden waste. | |
May through October kept us busy with our Organic Healing Garden. Over the course of the season, we donated more than 300 bags of produce to the backstretch workers and their families, serving more 400 people. We continue to struggle getting enough volunteers, especially during July & August but fortunately we are blessed with a handful of dedicated workers.
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We provided two reducing plastic information tables after church, which generated a nice amount of interest. We attempted to have some Zero waste Sunday services with some push back from congregants so have opted to focus our energies elsewhere.
We’ve strived to reduce disposable name tags by encouraging all regular attendees to have a permanent one made for them. We see this as a way to distinguish visitors so they can more easily be identified and welcomed.
EAT made a significant “Get the Vote Out”, focusing on climate conscious candidates resulting in hundreds of post cards & letters being sent out to voters.
We held a “sewing bee” in early December to make reusable sandwich wrappers.
| Lee Alekel agreed to co-chair our EAT for 2025 with Judy Beers. Click here for the EAT mission statement. | |
Peace Week
by Kristin Oakes
“Saratoga Peace Week” 2024 held events from September 20th through September 26th. We partnered with many local organizations, and formed some new partnerships. Below is a summary of the week’s events.
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga: Children’s Storytime and Craft. This was mostly ages 5 and under, with an adult.
How to Sponsor a Refugee: Presented by the Saratoga Immigration Coalition and the Saratoga Regional YMCA. This event was well attended, and people were interested in the subject matter. It seems like a program that should be presented to the public more often.
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Paint and Sip at the Frederick Allen Lodge. We were very lucky to have Mariia Isaieva as our artist/teacher this year. This was a time for fun and fellowship for all!
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Wellspring’s Pooch Parade: Held in Congress Park, this was a creative way to raise money for all of Wellspring’s programs and services. You could register your dog for the parade, or just walk around and check out the vendors, raffles, and more.
Children at the Well: Youth Storytellers. Each child had their own unique story to share to promote peace and understanding. www.childrenatthewell.org
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Documentary Viewing: The Cave (2019). Sponsored by Our Lodge Foundation. Amidst air strikes and bombings, a group of female doctors in Syria struggle with systemic sexism while trying to care for the injured using limited resources. A short discussion about war and immigration followed the viewing.
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.
Unplug Childhood Hunger! Sponsored by Caffe Lena. Saratoga musicians raised funds for SNACpack (Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children). Annie & The Hedonists, Rick Bolton & Friends, Garland Nelson, Jeff Brisbin, and The Beat Generation. It was a full house. Very stirring music, and audience participation was encouraged. Such a great night!
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A Peace Circle: facilitated by Teresa King. We explored how to have more peace in our lives, and examined what blocks us from having it. Teresa King has been passionately facilitating circles and workshops for 27 years in southwestern Vermont and Washington County, NY. They include Women's circles, Spiritual circles, Circles to Honor Grandmothers, Peace Circles and Heart Circles. She was a yoga instructor for 28 years and is currently working on her first book Missed Opportunities - Journeys to my Ancestors.
Cultivating Peace: A Yoga Practice, with Jilly Sansone. Jilly is a licensed and registered occupational therapist and certified Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation teacher. Jilly works with children and adults, currently working in the school system and the criminal justice system. Jilly is a published author and is currently working on another children's book focusing on guided meditations for children.
Zentangle/Mandala Drawing with Katie Long and Theresa Morrison. This practice is always well attended at the senior center. It promotes creativity, concentration, and personal well being.
Peace Stories for Adults with Kate Dudding. An award winning storyteller, Kate creates heartwarming stories about real people. She touched our lives too!
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