1085 E. Genesee Street
Office: 324 University Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
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Greetings!
Here is your weekly news from UUMC.
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Hello,
I'm excited to bring you good news. Beginning February 13 we no longer need reservations for worship. We will continue to social distance. I ask you to sit in the pews marked with a smiley face only. We strongly encourage people to wear masks. This is mainly because we are a large group gathering, we sing and worship lasts about an hour. All of these things create a higher chance of infection.
We will continue to livestream at 10:30 a.m. We found a device that is working well for livestream while we wait for the new equipment to be installed. Therefore, we do not need to pre-record worship.
Once again, welcome back!
Peace,
Pastor Alicia
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Sunday Worship | 10:30 a.m.
In Person and Facebook Live
Click Below to Join Worship on Sunday
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Please note: Every worship service remains "live" on our Facebook page. You are able to watch every one that has been done since we began online worship. They never go away. If you are unable to begin at 10:30, you can watch it at your leisure another time. |
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Virtual Coffee with Pastor Alicia
Every Tuesday - 10 a.m.
Click below to join on Tuesdays
Passcode is 7277
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Worship | Last Sunday after Epiphany
February 27, 2022
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Sunday’s theme, “A Better Way,” is played out in many of the scriptures we have been reading during Epiphany from “The Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church.” In fact, this theme really encompasses all of these readings. God calls Her people together, all Her people, not just the Pharisees and Sadducees. God especially calls those at the margins… in the words of last week’s reading from 1st Corinthians, both the high born and the low born. God then offers wisdom, not politically savvy wisdom, not how to retire at 35 wisdom, not “Make her like you in 10 seconds” wisdom, but Spirit Wisdom. Spirit Wisdom comes to those who hear God’s call… who understand Her vision of inclusion. Spirit Wisdom is shared by those who have listened because God’s rainbow vision has become their guiding star.
Scripture
This week's scriptures are Zechariah 8: 1-8, I Corinthians 2: 1-5, 10-13 and Luke 7: 24-35
Worship Music
Prelude: I’m Troubled - arr. Eugene W. Hancock
Postlude: What A Friend We Have in Jesus - arr. Dale Wood
Guest Preacher
Beth DuBois will be joining us to preach this Sunday, Feb. 27.
UUMC Sanctuary Renovation Update
- The plaster repairs to the piano loft are now complete, and repairs to the organ loft are estimated to be finished by at least April 1.
Online Giving
- For your convenience, you can click here to give online.
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Church Updates | New Information |
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A New Spiritual Discipline for Lent |
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Traditionally during Lent, we give something up as an act of sacrifice. This Lenten season, instead of giving something up, I'd like you to send gratitude to our healthcare workers.
Therefore, I am challenging you to send at least one thank you card to a healthcare unit or department each week of Lent. If you have children around you, please invite them to draw a picture or make a card to mail as well.
Our healthcare workers have had two very challenging years. Let's share God's love with them through our gratitude for their sacrifice, caring and hard work.
Here are some addresses to get you started.
Crouse Hospital:
(Name of Department)
736 Irving Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
St. Joseph's Hospital:
Volunteer Office
(Name of Department)
301 Prospect Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13203
Syracuse VA Medical Center:
(Name of Department)
800 Irving Ave
Syracuse, NY 13210
Upstate University Hospital:
(Name of Department)
750 E. Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
—Pastor Alicia
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Spiritual Gifts Assessment for Lent |
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(This is the last week to submit your spiritual assessment to the office.)
We believe everyone has a gift.
As we begin a new year, we would like to explore the congregation's Spiritual Gifts so that we may give opportunities to use these gifts inside and outside of our church community. Please take a few minutes to take the UMC Spiritual Gifts Inventory this month. We would like you to report your findings to the church office by February 25 via email or drop off a printed copy. During Lent, we will connect with you about your God-given gifts.
Let's all work together Feeding God's People; Body, Mind and Spirit in our own way.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Alicia and Ann Owens
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Tuesdays during Virtual Coffee with the Pastor, beginning March 1: Discussion on the Full to the Brim Lenten Devotional Booklet. This booklet will be provided by the church, with copies available for pickup in the office starting Feb. 27.
Sundays at 6 p.m., beginning March 6: John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton, $13 in paperback at cokesbury.com.
Mondays at 6 p.m., beginning March 7: We Cry Justice: Reading the Bible with the Poor Peoples Campaign, edited by Liz Theoharis, $16 at cokesbury.com.
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UUMC Events Looking Ahead |
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February 27 at 10:30 a.m.: Rev. Beth DuBois preaching, pick up your Lenten Devotional Book
March 1 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor, using the Lenten Devotional Book.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
March 2 at 7 a.m. (every Wednesday morning): SUMM Prayer Group via Zoom
March 2 at 6:30pm: Ash Wednesday Service, in-person and online, "Full to the Brim: With All That You Are"
March 6 at 10:30 a.m.: First Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Even in the Desert"
March 6 at 6 p.m. (every Sunday): Bible study (lead by Pastor Alicia and Pastor Beth alternating) "John: the Gospel of Love and Light."
March 7 at 6 p.m. (every Monday): Study "Cry Out Justice" begins via Zoom (Pastor Beth leads)
March 8 at 10 a.m. (every Tuesday): Virtual Coffee with the Pastor (Pastor Alicia leads reflection on Lenten Devotional Book)
March 13: Second Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Under God's Wing"
March 20: Third Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: You Are Worthy"
March 27: Fourth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Prodigal Grace"
April 3: Fifth Sunday of Lent "Full to the Brim: Brazen Acts of Beauty"
April 10: Palm Sunday with guest speaker Angela Douglas, "Full to the Brim: Even the Stones Cry Out"
April 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Holy/Maundy Thursday Service, in-person and online "Full to the Brim: Take Off Your Shoes"
April 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Good Friday "Full to the Brim: A Cup of Sorrow," sanctuary open for prayer, reflection and Stations of the Cross
April 17: Easter Sunday! "Full to the Brim: An Expansive Life"
April 23: Earth Day Neighborhood Clean Up
April 24: Guest speaker in Sunday worship, David Weber from Casowasco
May 24 at 6 p.m.: ACTS Annual Banquet at Drumlins
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150 Years of Ministry – Still Moving Forward
The UUMC Governing Board sees this moment as an opportunity to move
faithfully and daringly into a future of ministry and expanded growth. Our resources are bountiful. A committed congregation and community of volunteers. A beautiful building that can anchor many ministries. An endowment that has grown and allows us to venture.
We build on the past and grow into the future in many ways.
1. We are working to return to full in-person worship as soon as possible with our
beautiful music, inspiring sermons, meaningful liturgy, and fellowship.
2. When in the sanctuary, see the scaffolding – we are taking care of our
building so we can continue to be in ministry and gather together in
worship.
3. We are enhancing the online worship experience — where many find us
and members gather — by upgrading our technical equipment, hopefully by
Easter.
4. The Food (and Clothing) Center @324 continues to expand to serve the
neediest who are experiencing food shortages and cold weather – we are
feeding hungry children, elderly, homeless, families. – and providing warm
clothing.
5. We are upgrading our bathrooms so that they are accessible, attractive,
comfortable, and private.
6. Our Justice Seeking Team is organizing to work with other community
organizations to correct legal and institutional systems that unjustly affect
the poor.
7. The Pastor/Parish Team is working to expand our clergy staff to be able to
minister to our growing congregation, work with our Outreach and Justice
Teams, and reimagine ministry uses for our second and third floors.
8. The Legacy Team is working to create a stable future for ministry to the
“least of these,” and a meeting and worship center that welcomes all regardless of how they may be identified. Members will be invited to consider how their life’s purpose and passion may be continued into the future through the ministries of University Church.
We are not simply a “church” but a community of members and others who
believe we can make a difference in following Jesus’ commandment “to love one another,” both now and in the future.
Feeding God’s people: Body, Mind and Spirit.
—The UUMC Governing Board
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We will be hosting a class for new members on March 1 at 1 p.m. If you'd like to be a member, reach out to the church office by then! If this date isn't convenient for you, please let us know, and we'll set up a different time.
New members will be inducted Sunday, March 27.
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Wednesday morning prayer via Zoom |
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Every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. we gather for a zoom prayer meeting. It is open to everyone: come once, come every week, but you are invited to join us at any time: zoom link: Join Zoom Prayer
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JOIN PASTOR ALICIA ON A TRIP TO SCOTLAND
You're invited to join us as we explore scared locations in Scotland (as well as Ireland) on the Celtic Christianity in Scotland tour. The trip is scheduled for September 14 - 23, 2022. Our goal is to bring you into an even closer relationsip with God. Part of our adventure includes daily devotionals, prayer, and of course, fun! Below is the itinerary.
- 9/14 - Depart US on an international overnight flight
- 9/15 - Weclome to Scotland
- 9/16 - Lismore
- 9/17 - Mull and Iona
- 9/18 - Oban to Glasgow
- 9/19 - Whithorn
- 9/20 - Glasgow to Edinburgh
- 9/21 - Edinburgh
- 9/22 - Dunfermline and St. Andrew's
- 9/23 - Depart from Edinburgh for return home
Please note that each stop presents certain physical demands with regards to tours, walking, etc. For complete details, please contact Pastor Alicia. Pamphlets are available at the Church.
The cost starts at $3,898 per person.
Save the date and bring a friend!
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Performances have returned, taking place each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. If you need a ride, contact Jayne Humbert or Nelson Price. You can find the location and show for each week's performance on the Civic Morning Musicals website. |
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Please note: Prayer requests and comments submitted in the chat during our online service are public knowledge, as the church’s Facebook page is open to all.
As a caring church, we hold one another in prayer. The names in the next sentence are selected each week from the church directory, generally in alphabetical order. This week, please pray for:
Satoshi Kawashima, Carol Morgan, and Michael
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The requests list below come from the previous Sunday’s worship and those received during the week.
Angela P.: Prayers for my dad, Dominic, who has health issues.
Ann: Prayers for Patrick, who was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Anonymous: Please pray for Tiffany to continue making good, healthy decisions, and stay safe and keep moving forward, regardless of what comes in my way.
Anonymous: Pray for Woodcock and Armani.
Anonymous: Pray for peace.
Anonymous: Prayers for the Stevenson family in their grief.
Connie: Prayers for peace, especially in Ukraine
Connie: Prayers for those who are grieving. And prayers for those who are traveling.
Cynthia S.: God, please be with the Ukrainians and the Russians, let them all know you are with them, but offer peace that is stronger than conflicting issues. Our prayers to you for all their safety and understanding.
Mamie B.: My mind has been overwhelmed thinking of the homeless, please keep them in prayers, and all who are struggling. I keep you in prayer. God bless everyone.
Mark L.: A prayer of praise: my mom turned 80 this past week. Also prayers for my sister-in-law with health issues.
Martha: Prayers for the Crane School of Music in Potsdam who are mourning the loss of their student who was murdered on Friday, and prayers for her family.
Kokie: Prayers for Ukraine
Sarah: Prayers for friends who are ill.
Sherri: Prayers for Holly and her family on recent loss of her cousin Troy and healing of her aunt Karen. Prayers for Ann, Cooper and Spencer. And for Kathy and Jayne.
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At University United Methodist Church, we believe that church is more than just a building; it’s a way of living. It’s connecting with others — in compassion, love, justice, service and fellowship. Volunteers assist with outreach in a number of ways. |
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Weather-related Closings UUMC Outreach |
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Food Center @ 324 University Ave.
University United Methodist Church
Please tune into news channel 9, 3, 5 (CNY Central) or Spectrum News to learn if we are closed during foul weather or extreme cold. Please check for “University United Methodist Church or the Food Center @ 324 University Ave.” for closing information.
As a guide; we will close if the wind chill or temperature is 20 degrees Farenheit or below, receive 5 inches or more of snow, if there is freezing rain or if the Syracuse City School District is closed for bad weather.
We strive to remain open every Friday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for our Emergency Food Distribution, as well as every Sunday from 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. for our community breakfast. However, extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice are dangerous to our workers, your vehicles, our guests who wait outside and the arriving Food Bank trucks.
Thank you for understanding!
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UUMC Outreach Clothing Closet Update |
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The clothing closet will be reopening March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Your continued donations and support have been appreciated! Thank you!
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Knitting Project Completed! |
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Jayne Humbert and the Knitting Group at UUMC wish to thank all who have contributed yarn and their knitting skills to the project this year. Thirteen baby hats were donated to Mark and Deidre Zimmerman in Nepal, and countless hats and scarves have been donated to our Sunday Bagel Breakfast and other church groups for distribution.
The project is coming to a close for this year. Leftover yarn has been donated to Knitty Gritty Yarns, 1153 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13204, phone (315) 472-9276. This beautiful yarn shop keeps a section of free, donated yarn for knitters who do knitting for charity. Please visit them for further supplies.
Thank you again for all your hard work and kindness in this effort. If you have questions, contact Jayne at (315) 345-6809
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February Volunteer Opportunities |
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Ongoing Requests
Little Free Library
We need books to be donated for our library. Contact Desi at the church office office@uumcsyracuse.org to arrange a drop-off time.
Pet Food Needed
If you’re able to donate pet food, please call or email the office for an appointment to drop it off.
Hygiene Items Needed
Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant – have been in high demand and much appreciated. If you are able to donate those, please call the office to arrange a time for drop-off.
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RESTART Special Winter Request |
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With the arrival of frigid winter temperatures, we have some families who are without warm blankets. Donations of gently used or new, twin, full and queen blankets would be appreciated. Please bring them to Erwin or contact Evelyn Disinger.
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Ongoing RESTART Ministry Requests
Restart remains in need of many items, as they go out quickly to those in need. In addition to metal bed frames for twin, full and queen beds, there is a need of hand towels, kitchen towels and pot holders.
The bed frames must be complete with no missing feet/wheels and brackets. If you have frames that fit this description, please contact Jackie Sadowski at 315-463-8025
OR — Bed frames cost $45, and if you prefer to buy new ones for Restart, make checks payable to "SUMM" and put "Restart" on memo line. Checks should be sent to UUMC.
Also, we need bath towels, pillows, cookware. These items don't need to be new but should be in usable condition. Blankets are always needed.
More ways to help RESTART
The team has set up a wish list on Amazon.com. Click the link to below to view a list of needed items. Choose what you would like to donate by adding items to your cart. When done shopping, go to checkout for payment. Be sure to select “Restart Ministries c/o Evelyn Disinger” for the mailing address. The items will be shipped directly to Restart.
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Donations we accept for use at UUMC:
- Clean, gently used clothing, winter (thick) socks, gloves, hats, and outerwear (Machine washable ONLY)
- Clean, gently used shoes & boots
- Undamaged books
- Cat & Dog foods (Unexpired)
- Undamaged/unopened shelf stable foods (Unexpired)
- Unopened/undamaged personal hygiene items. Specifically; toothpaste, (individually wrapped) toothbrush, shampoo, bar soap, deodorant, lotion, women’s sanitary items
- Baby diapers, baby wipes and unopened, unexpired foods for baby
- Face Masks (Never worn, paper or cloth)
Financial donations drafted to University United Methodist Church with the destination in memo (i.e.: Food Center, winter clothing, breakfast, pet foods, etc.)
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Donations we accept for United Methodist RESTART Ministry
- Clean, gently worn pots, pans, flatware, glasses, tableware (plates, bowls, mugs (not plastic))
- Clean, gently used bed blankets, sheet sets & towels (Machine washable ONLY)
- Financial donations drafted to the Syracuse United Methodist Ministries, with Restart noted on the memo line.
For donations of lamps or furniture contact Jackie Sadowski at jlsadowski@aol.com or, Interfaith Works 315-449-3552. Both of these sites fill a home or apartment for someone whose life is in transition or “Restarting”
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UM Board of Global Ministries spreads money to sustainable farming in Africa, refugee funds |
After another year of Sunday services affected by COVID-19, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministry expected a significant decrease in funding. But by the grace of God and the generosity of Methodists around the world, giving only fell a small percentage.
With unexpected funds, the Board and its subsidiary agency, UMCOR, were able to help a variety of vital Methodist ministries around the world.
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Peter Gomah walks through palm fields at the United Methodist Ganta Mission Station |
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2021 Annual Conference Reports |
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UM News posts the official summaries filed by annual conferences from around the connection. Find the latest reports on our archive page.
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Daily Anti-Racism Prayers
Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church offers anti-racism prayers emailed to you Monday through Friday. To sign up to receive them, click the link below.
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Please click the link below to read United Methodist news from around the country and world on UM News Digest.
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The ACTS Race Matters Book Club will be discussing “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together” by Heather McGhee on Monday February 28 @ 7 p.m. on Zoom.
There are 24 copies in the Onondaga County Public Library system, so it should be accessible for all. However, if you wish to order your own copy,
Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date.
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COVID Info
Tests
The federal government has made four at-home rapid tests for COVID-19 available to every American. Go to covidtests.gov to order yours. If you need assistance using the Internet to order these tests, please call the church office. |
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