Please note: The full newsletter will return next week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(New) Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus seeks volunteers
Love your neighbor is at the heart of most faith traditions.
Among our neighbors in the Capital Region are many newcomers to the United States. Refugees and immigrants strengthen our communities as they build new lives. Would you like to serve your neighbors, and get to know them better? Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, located in the former Emmaus United Methodist Church in Albany, works to:
.. support refugees and immigrants to build new lives and thrive in the Capital Region. We do this through language classes, immigration and employment assistance, youth programming, and case management.
You can help RISSE help our neighbors. Individual or family volunteers can help newcomers with:
- skills and knowledge for daily living (shopping, transit, navigating medical and school systems, etc.)
- Tutoring
- Conversation sessions to strengthen English speaking skills.
Want to volunteer, or learn more about volunteering?
Please contact Noora Ahmed, Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@risse-albany.org
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, 240 West Lawrence St., Albany, NY 12208
Click here to view their website.
(New) Quaker Spring Church seeks books, VBS materials in Spanish and projector for mission trip to Guatemala
The Quaker Springs UMC is in need of any books in Spanish (particularly children's) that anyone might have and are also looking for VBS program preferably in Spanish (geared to ages 5-11 - Kindergarten to 4th grade) if anyone might have any available. Also looking for a slightly used projector that they could take to Guatemala with us so that they could continue using. We are going February 7 -16, 2025. Please contact Mission Leader Linda Campbell if you can help. lcampbellfarrell@gmail.com or call her @
518-791-9052.
(New) Shenendehowa UMC can only accept flood buckets that are complete, with lids on them
Shenendehowa UMC was recently asked to temporarily store flood buckets prepared in the Albany Area. Unfortunately, some have been delivered that are not complete, or are missing lids. It is extremely difficult to store buckets that are not stackable because of lack of lids. Effective immediately, only COMPLETE buckets, with lids on, are being accepted for transport. If the buckets are not complete, please hold onto them for a future campaign. If you have questions, please send an email to John Orton @ js_orton@yahoo.com
First UMC of East Greenbush member seeks assistance for flood victims in Pakistan
Albert Liaqat, a member of First UMC of East Greenbush, shares his story on how he was welcomed by the church shortly after moving from Pakistan a couple of years ago. He is now a member of the Missions Team. He shares the plight that people in his native land are facing with devastating floods. He has established “Seeking the Lost,” a 501-c non-profit charitable organization to assist those families in Pakistan hardest hit by recent and continued flooding. Please click here to view the full article and to see how you can help.
Events. Sales and Suppers
Brown Bread and Bake Sale, Simpson UMC, Order now for Nov. 22 or Nov. 23 pickup
Simpson UMC is holding its semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale. Cost is still $8 per loaf. Pick-up dates: Friday, Nov. 22 between 4 PM and 6 PM and Saturday, Nov. 23 between 9 AM and 2 PM. Bake sale on Saturday. Our address is 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls. Call (518) 885-4794 to place your order. Please leave your name, telephone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let us know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order. Thank you.
Ping Pong Wednesdays have resumed at the Jonesville UMC!
Join us for Ping Pong from 4 PM to 7 PM Wednesdays in Fellowship Hall at the Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. Please contact the Rev. Youngjae Jee at pastorjee@gmail.com or call or text (518) 354-9768. Come when you can; you don't have to commit to every week...
Thanksgiving and Holiday Coffee House, Friday, Nov. 15, First UMC of East Greenbush
A Thanksgiving and Holiday Coffee House will be hosted by the First UMC of East Greenbush from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at the church, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush. Halloween and goblins exit at the end of October making way for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Join us at the Holiday Coffee House and relax with tasty snacks, song, dance and stories, all performed by talented performers from the Capital District area. This show is special as artists include themes of each holiday with sing-a-longs, dance troupes, instrumentals, and vocalists. Join with friends and neighbors for an evening of fine entertainment. Donations at the door go to help fund our Family Assistance Ministries.
Church Christmas Fair, Saturday, Nov. 16, First UMC of Ticonderoga
Join us for our Church Christmas Fair to be held from 9 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the First UMC of Ticonderoga, 1045 Wicker St., Ticonderoga. Luncheon from 11 AM to1 PM. Gifts galore, wreaths, Christmas decorations, bake sale, Holiday Arrangements Naturally, Silent Auction and the Thrift Shop.
Holiday Craft Fair, Saturday, Nov. 16, Jonesville UMC
All are welcome to our Holiday Craft Fair from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St., Clifton Park. There will be beautiful home-made crafts, a lunch counter and a bake sale. To view the poster, click here.
Holiday Craft and Food Sale, Saturday, Nov. 16, Westport Federated Church
Join us for a Holiday Craft and Food Sale from 9 AM to 2 PM Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Westport Federated Church, 6486 Main St., Westport. Lunch starts at 11 AM - Corn chowder, chicken salad sandwich, chili, cornbread, brownie sundae. Visit our Facebook Page and start shopping. Credit cards accepted. Click here. Proceeds to benefit the Westport Federated women.
Fall Craft and Vendor Fair, Saturday, Nov. 16, Center Brunswick UMC, Troy
Join us for our Fall Craft and Vendor Fair from 9 AM to 2 PM Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Center Brunswick UMC, 990 Hoosick Rd., Troy.
(New) From Stigma to Support: Transforming our Church's Approach to Mental Health, Sundays Nov. 17 and Nov. 24, First UMC of East Greenbush
You are invited to join the First UMC of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush at 9:30 AM on Sundays Nov. 17 and Nov. 24.
The church's Mental Health Matters Committee has dedicated two Sunday services to the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day that is Nov. 23. Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh will deliver the message on Nov. 17: "From Suicidal Thoughts to Purpose: Elijah's Transformational Journey: A Story of Mental Health and Healing." Christine Baxter, NAMI Faithnet Coordinator and Senior Adult Mental Health Advisor will deliver the message on Nov. 24: "Prophetic Anxiety: Understanding Moses' Struggles Through the Lens of the DSM" (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) She and NAMI will be in the church both Sundays and they will distribute their resources and answer questions. Their table will be in the back of sanctuary. To view the poster, click here.
(New) Mindfulness Meditation Group, Monday, Nov. 18, ZOOM
The Saratoga Springs UMC's Mindfulness Meditation Group will meet Monday, Nov. 18 on ZOOM from 7 PM to 8 PM. The focus of the class will be 'Engaging Mindfully When Uncertainty Feels Unpleasant.' If you plan to attend, kindly register your intention by contacting Brenda Arley at (518) 793-3309 or brendajarley@gmail.com. All are welcome! The gatherings are twice a month. On the first Monday evening of the month is a meditation group where Brenda Arley guides the practice of mindfulness meditation. On the third Monday of the month, is a mindless class where she offers a teaching talk related to developing understandings of mindfulness and its practice.
Click on this link to join the class on Nov. 18:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6336007547?pwd=NjE0SHJSUFVMZDVReHoxRnpyM2pMZz09.
ID#: 6336007547
(New) Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, Nov. 14, Stephentown Federated Church
The Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Rd., Stephentown will celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 24 at its 9:30 AM service. There will be a food drive for the Stephentown Emergency Food Pantry.
(New) Community Thanksgiving Eve Service, Wednesday, Nov. 27, Porter Corners UMC
The Porter Corners UMC will host a Community Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 PM. Our Church is located at 512 Allen Rd. in Porter Corners. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music by the "Thanks Band."
Christmas Craft Market, Saturday, Nov. 30, First UMC of East Greenbush
All are welcome to the First UMC of East Greenbush's Christmas Craft Market from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, Nov. 30. There will be more than 30 vendors and crafters, a bake sale, silent auction and live Christmas music from our outstanding choir! The choir will be singing starting at 1 PM. All proceeds for the event will go to supporting our Confirmation Class trips and community service projects. Click here to view the poster.
(New) OsteoBusters Program, begins Wednesday, Dec. 4, Queensbury UMC
The OsteoBusters Exercise and Education Program is a free, community-based program designed for women and men aged 50+ that encourages participants to take steps to build and maintain strong bones. The main focus of the program is to help those attending the classes to improve bone and overall health through exercise, including strength training, balance exercises, and gentle stretching. Nutrition, safety training, and education are also important aspects discussed during the class. This is a low-impact program using both hand and leg weights which are provided at each site. Our first class will take place at 9 AM on Wednesday, Dec. 4 and every consecutive Wednesday for about one hour, at Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Rd, Queensbury. If you would like further information on the program, please contact Paula McMahon at (518) 793 9728 or via email to office@umcq.org.
Community "Blue Christmas" Service, Wednesday, Dec. 4, Melrose UMC
A community "Blue Christmas" service will be held at 7 PM Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Melrose UMC, 20 Church St., Melrose. The Blue Christmas service is for anyone who is mourning, who has or is experiencing loss, a recent death of a family member or friend, the end of a marriage, the loss of work, or a move away from the place that has been home for a while. Blue Christmas is an opportunity to gather together to begin the Advent Christmas season with a quiet time of worship and healing. Blue Christmas is an ecumenical community service of scripture, prayer, and music during Advent for those who struggle, mourn, or find celebrating difficult. If this Christmas season is difficult for you, come and begin your Advent worship. Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome. If you have any questions, please email communications.melroseumc@gmail.com or call the church at (518) 233-0044.
Green Sale and More, Saturday, Dec. 7, Newman UMC in Shushan
The Shushan: Newman UMC's annual "Green Sale and More" will be on Saturday Dec. 7 from 9 AM to Noon. The sale will feature individually hand-crafted wreaths, swags, sprays, porch pots and boxes as well as table decorations. Also available are select holiday items, kitchen accessories and a food/bake sale. Local vendors are welcome.
Roast Beef Dinner, Saturday, Dec. 7, First UMC of East Greenbush. Reserve by Dec. 4
Join us for our Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, Dec. 7 at First UMC of East Greenbush. There will be seatings at 4 PM and 6 PM. Tickets: Adults $20; Children (6-12) $10; Children (under 6) Free.
Take out available. Reservations are REQUIRED and can be made by calling (518) 477-9693 by Dec. 4. Sponsored by the United Women in Faith. The church is located at 1 Gilligan Rd.
Christmas Decoration and Cookie Sale, Saturday, Dec. 7, Melrose UMC
The Melrose UMC, 20 Church St., Melrose, will hold a Christmas decoration and cookie sale fundraiser from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, Dec. 7. A variety of Christmas decorations, as well as assortment of Christmas cookies will be available for purchase. All are welcome to attend.
(New) Winter Vendor Festival, Saturday, Dec. 14, South Bethlehem UMC
Come join us at the South Bethlehem UMC, 67 Willowbrook Ave., South Bethlehem, for our Winter Vendor Festival from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, Dec. 14. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch will be available. Our Thrift Shop barn and ‘Boutique’ will be open as well. There will be a raffle of goodies from participating vendors. Please come out to support small business, do your Christmas shopping and grab a bite to eat. This is always a fun time! Contact Emily Shutter at (518) 813-0661 for further information.
|