October 29, 2024 Crossroads and Finger Lakes Newsletter

Crossroads and Finger Lakes Districts

October 29, 2024

Next newsletter is November 12, 2024

Please submit items for inclusion to the district office no later

than Friday before.

“Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years draw near when you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them.'” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,

We all remember when we were young. For some, the young adult years were the times of meeting important people in life and making life-changing decisions. For others, it was years full of agony, disorientation, and uncertainties. Either way, these years are a formative time for a person’s spiritual journey.

For this reason, college is a unique time filled with opportunities for personal growth, both in knowledge and faith journey. Amidst the academic pressure, spiritual life can easily be overlooked. Moreover, college often presents challenges to young people’s faith as they move from “the faith they were taught” to “the faith of their own.” They struggle, tumble, and misstep.

This is why Campus and Collegiate Ministries are critical, as they provide young people an opportunity to connect with others on the same journey and solidify their beliefs. Our United Methodist Campus Ministries around the connection provide students these communities and guidance.

In order to raise awareness of the significance of campus ministry, United Methodists observe United Methodist Student Day every year, which is a denomination-wide celebration of the value of education and a call to action for all of us to invest in the lives of students who seek to grow in knowledge, faith, and service. This year, it is on November 24, 2024.

On this special day, we honor the transformative power of education by giving generously to support scholarships and initiatives that bless students across our connection. "Having access to a good education is foundational to nurturing the future generations of world-changing United Methodist leaders for the church and the world. Supporting UM Student Day creates opportunities for deserving United Methodist students to attend college through over 70 scholarship programs, especially those mostly impacted by the ever-growing social-economic gap that affects many communities in our nation and around the world," said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, Resident Bishop of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area. If you want to give to the connectional body, you can make a donation online here.

In Upper New York, there are Campus and Collegiate Ministries that are doing incredible, life-changing work in nurturing faith, developing leadership, and providing community to young adults. You can find the list on the Upper New York Conference website here.

On this United Methodist Student Day, we invite you to engage with these transformational ministries by doing the following:

Read this letter during your Sunday services on United Methodist Student Day.
Read the names of Campus and Collegiate Ministries in Upper New York.
Pray for these campus ministries. The following is a sample prayer to consider using.

Loving and almighty God, with hearts full of gratitude and hope, we lift up the students who receive encouragement through United Methodist Student Day. Thank you for their dedication, hard work and the bright futures that lie ahead of them. Strengthen their faith and perseverance in their educational journeys. Give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation so they may know you better. Bless campus ministries that help and guide these students in navigating their lives in faith. Use these ministries to bring community of love and belonging to those who may feel lost amidst academic pressure. Equip and empower all their leaders. Bless all the students who experience God’s grace through these ministries. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer adapted from ResourceUMC.org

Reach out to these ministries if your congregation can be of any assistance.
Consider joining Upper New York’s College Ministry Team. For more information or questions, contact the Rev. Jee Hae Song at jeehaesong@unyumc.org.

Together, we can make a significant impact, not only on the lives of individual students but on the future of our communities and churches. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Jee Hae Song

United Methodist Chaplain, Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University

Associate Director of Missional Excellence

Just a reminder to update your contact information

for the district. All mail should be sent to:

District Office

PO Box 23206

Rochester, NY 14692

Please also update our email address to:

betsyoflynn@unyumc.org

Thanks

3rd and Final Clergy Day Apart

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Fulton First United Methodist Church

1408 NY-176, Fulton, NY 13069

Lunch will be provided

Please RSVP by November 4^th to BetsyOFlynn@unyumc.org

We all know that Advent is a time of preparation. As persons serving churches, we spend a lot of time making plans for our congregations to celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. This day apart is a time for you

to personally prepare yourself for the same. We will gather at 9:30 and share in worship at 10am. We will learn about and do two spiritual practices with time to share in both small and large groups.

We will share in a meal and fellowship. This is intended to be a

time of rest and renewal. Our time will be led by

Pam Kelsey-Gossard, certified spiritual director.

This is the third and final clergy day apart for 2024."

Again, these are optional events. Please let the district office know if you plan on attending.

Crossroads District News

Church Announcements

Stewardship with Susan Ranous

Please check out the blog below

CLICK HERE for the Blog: Stewardship with Susan Ranous

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October 29, 2024

PENNELLVILLE FREE WILL DINNER

The Pennellville United Methodist Church will be having their next

Free Will Dinner on Tuesday, October 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The menu will be a ham dinner with scalloped potatoes, vegetable, rolls, assorted desserts and beverages.

Come out and enjoy some good food and fellowship.

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

We are a self-sustaining group with our goal of bringing community together in sharing a meal and fellowship. We appreciate those who have helped us to provide the meal through your giving,

Donations are not required but are gratefully accepted. Thank you.

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November 1, 2024

Manlius UMC

FAMOUS ANNUAL HAM LOAF DINNER

Friday, November 1, 4:30 -6:30pm.

Tickets at the Door - Dine in/take out.

Dinner: $15 Seniors: $14 ages 5-11: $10 under age 5: free.

Manlius United Methodist Church,

on the corner of Wesley and Pleasant Streets in Manlius. (across from the Post Office.)

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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November 2, 2024

Grandma's Old-Fashioned Roast Beef Dinner Drive-Thru

and Limited Dine-In

Saturday, November 2, 2024

4:00 PM—6:00 PM

*Limited Dine-In by Reservation ONLY - $16 per person

We are accepting reservations for two limited seatings, one at 4pm and one at 5pm. Please call (315) 263-1014 with your name and number of people in your group to reserve your dine-in spot.

DRIVE-THRU:

$15.00 / Adult Dinner—Includes roast beef, mashed potatoes gravy, corn, tossed salad, roll with butter, and homemade dessert

$8.00 / Children’s Dinner—Includes a half portion of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, tossed salad, roll with butter, and homemade dessert

Faith Journey United Methodist Church

8396 Morgan Rd. Clay, NY 13041

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November 3, 2024

On Sunday, November 3^rd 4:30-5:30p.m. (or until gone). Free will eat-in (turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetable, rolls, pie, and beverage) dinner at the Oswego Trinity United Methodist Church, 45 E. Utica St. Downstairs. Info: (315) 343-1715 or https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC.

CLICK HERE for Flyer

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November 9, 2024

Little Utica UMW's Craft Fair

It is on Saturday November 9th, from 9:00am - 2:00pm

The church located at 1459 Lamson Road, Phoenix.

There will be a wide variety of vendors, a bake sale, and lunch will also be available for purchase.

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November 9, 2024

Turkey Dinner Drive Thru

Saturday, November 9th from 4:30 pm ‘til gone

Jordan United Methodist Church

63 Elbridge Street

Jordan, NY

jordanumc.org

DRIVE THRU ONLY

cash donations gladly accepted, none required

Menu:

Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing

Squash, Corn, Cranberry Sauce, and Dinner Roll

& Pumpkin Pie while they last!

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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November 18, 2024

Gethsemane UMC to host a Drive Thru Pasta Dinner

The church is located at 1700 Butternut Street, Syracuse NY 13208

November 18, 2024

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Menu: pasta with meatballs, Salad, bread & Butter, dessert

Cost is $15.00

Drive Thru Only

CLICK HERE for a Flyer

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December 1, 2024

On Sunday, December 1^st 4:30-5:30p.m. (or until gone). Free will eat-in (pork roast, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cookies, and beverage) dinner at the Oswego Trinity United Methodist Church, 45 E. Utica St. Downstairs. Info: (315) 343-1715 or https://www.facebook.com/OswegoNYTrinityUMC

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December 8, 2024

God's Country Jamboree

Sunday, December 8, 2024

6:00pm

Featuring God's Country Ramblers

Cicero UMC

8416 Brewerton Rd

Cicero, NY

Finger Lakes District News

Church Announcements

November 2, 2024

Annual Turkey Supper

Sponsored by Port Gibson United Methodist Church

location: Port Gibson Fire hall

Serving starts at 4 pm

Tickets - advance sale until Nov. 1: $13

Saturday and at the door $14 for Adults

Children [6-10] $6; under 5 Free

TAKE OUTS w/seating available

Info & tickets call Dawn 315-277-0700 or Nancy 315-597-2269

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November 2, 2024

The Lyons UMC will have their

Annual Turkey Dinner and Bazaar on Sat, Nov 2.

The meal will include turkey, potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing,

squash, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls and

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

Pre-sale tickets are $12 for adults,

$7 for youth ages 6-12

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

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

OR take-outs are available from 4:30pm - 6pm.

Get tickets by calling 315-946-6035, emailing lyons.umc@verizon.net

or call/text 315-945-7462.

The Bazaar begins at 2pm and there will be an assortment of crafts, baked goods and candy. Address is 93 William St, Lyons, NY

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November 9, 2024

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

will host its third annual Veterans Tribute Concert

in the sanctuary on Saturday, November 9th at 3:00 pm.

The public is welcome and admission is free. The concert will honor veterans with the presence of the VFW and American Legion Color Guard. The program includes the Newark First United Methodist Chancel Choir and Canaltown Chorale performing on their own and in a combined community choir, as well as local musician Corey Comer and others performing historical patriotic selections.

Following the concert, a reception will be held in the church lounge, compliments of the VFW Auxiliary and Newark First United Methodist Church. Freewill Offerings will be accepted to benefit the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Please join us to honor our veterans.

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