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THE BELL TOWER

Ringing out the news from Valley Falls United Methodist Church

March 2026

Photo by Bill Bobear

All are welcome here. We are one of over 600 Methodist churches in the Upper New York Conference, whose vision is to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places.

Pastor Dion's UPDATES and INSPIRATIONS

Themes and focal points attached to the Lenten season between Ash Wednesday and Easter have varied from generation to generation, denomination to denomination, and social/geographic location.

Repentance and forgiveness; prayer, contemplation, and reflection; fasting and sacrifice; and renewal and transformation are all on the Lenten table.

We might focus on drawing near to God, self-discovery, renewal, and nurturing an inner beauty to blossom in sync with the Spirit’s leading. Themes of exodus weave into the story. We might look forward to emerging as a butterfly from a cocoon, emerging from caves at sonrise/ sunrise on Easter and leaving behind what no longer uplifts our more liberated state of gratitude, grace, love, mercy, and joy.

Whether we pray, read, study, fast, serve, or give alms, Lent is a time for accepting God’s present invitation and loving embrace. Lent will play out differently for each of us each year. The welcome table is always set. We decide how readily we take a seat and join in the shared meal, shared cares, and conviviality.

This year, I am hoping to not let the church busy-ness of the Lenten season detract from times of Lenten solitude and going deep with God. Let us choose what supports our Lenten purposes. Yes, we are metaphorically in the wilderness with Jesus. We are drawing near to God, learning to rely on God, turning away from distractions, discovering our character, and honing our life path once again; but, let’s not allow our pursuits during the season to exhaust us or contribute to weariness as we journey toward renewal and transformation.

We journey not just as individuals, but also as a community. Gathering at Lenten luncheons means being part of an ecumenical Christian community that strengthens our hearts and might even stretch our minds. Such gatherings can increase hope, joy, love, and peace on earth.

As we journey through Lent to Palm Sunday and Easter, we remember our baptism and confirmation. In these milestones in our Christian life, it is our covenant and intention to turn away from evil and to resist evil in the many ways it presents itself. In order to love, serve, and lead in ways that transcend barriers, it is helpful to be intentional about connecting with God’s worldwide creation.

Of course, creation care is one theme to consider as the world is greening near us; the health of the earth impacts all who live upon it.

March 28^th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. is Earth Hour. It is a time to turn off all lights and consider our use of electricity and the ways it impacts our lives and the planet. I am grateful for electricity, but I am open to learning about creation care and action steps as we do our best each day to navigate the realities of 21st century life.

Another small way I will attempt to connect with God’s creation with love and understanding is to be aware of church and world special days. I will read the UMC, ecumenical, interfaith and worldwide special days calendars each day. My goal is to gain an awareness of our neighbors’ faith practices, as well as the values, concerns, and needs of people around the world.

However you decide to observe the remaining days of Lent, may you find renewal day by day. Call on God who is near. May you grow in peace and love. Find your chair at Christ’s welcome table. Know that you are blessed and valued, and give thanks.

WORSHIP

Worship services are held each Sunday at 9 a.m. and are followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, March 22 - Palm Sunday celebrated a week early

Sunday, March 29 - From Palm-to-Passion Sunday, appreciating the hope of Palm Sunday while also contemplating the violence and consequences that come to pass as Holy Week progresses.

Holy Saturday, April 4, Calvary UMC, Latham, @ 4 p.m. An Easter cantata, "God So Loved," by Pepper Choplin.

Rehearsals at Calvary UMC - Thursday 8-9 p.m. starting Feb. 26; Saturday, March 28, 9:30-1:00; Tuesday, March 31, 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunday

Do you play an instrument and are looking for a chance to play with others?The Music Gathering continues to practice after church on most Sundays.

OF SPECIAL NOTE

Money Matters

Where do your church donations go? Those who keep track of the answers have been addressing this question in brief presentations during Sunday worship.

Here is a list of the causes and organizations you have supported in the past year through donations to United Women in Faith, as reported by Kay Egan, president.

Stewarts' milk cards for Schaghticoke and Pittstown Area Food Pantries

Hoosic Valley CS After-Prom party and Christmas Fund

Skye Farm Camp - 2 scholarships to summer camp

Valley Falls Free Library

Art supplies for Brookdale Nursing Home (via Judy Tomisman, daughter of Rev. Russell and Joyce Smith

Victoria's Life Church for meals

Other recent expenditures included:

Annual pledge to Albany/Adirondack District

Speaker honorarium for Phyllis Chapman

Parting gift for Brian Backstrom and Sharon Bridgford

In addition, UWF funds are kept available for repairs and updates to the parsonage.

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Reporting for the trustees, President John Faulkner highlighted two older projects you may or may not have noticed: the renovation of the front entryway and replacement of the sidewalk on the south side of the church.

In the more recent past, your money made possible the following repairs and replacements:

The new floor in Fellowship Hall

Stair repair at rear entrance

New fuel tanks

A new furnace

Plans for the future include a new tree to replace the River Birch that was on the northwest corner of the church and continued maintenance on the building masonry and slate roof.

OTHER HAPPENINGS

United Women in Faith

Thursday, March 5 @ 10:30 a.m. - Come for brunch (Thank you, Sue Hill, Allison Wheeler, and Lynn Keyes), fellowship, and conversation. Carol Eddy, Social Justice Coordinator, will lead us in a discussion of "What Does Justice Mean to You?"

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Sunday, March 8 - Daylight Saving Time begins at 2.m. Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour the night before, or you will miss the service!

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Enrich your Lenten experience at the ecumenical luncheons to be offered on the first four Tuesdays in March at Transfiguration Parish in Schaghticoke. Come at noon to enjoy a Lenten reflection, fellowship, and soup. Scheduled speakersare:

March 3 - Rev. Dion Marquit, Valley Falls UMC and Rev. Larry Russell, Johnsonville UMC

March 10 - Beth Thayer, Transfiguration Parish

March 17 - Susan Martin Cipollo, Mechanicville UMC

March 24 - Rev. Lynne Hardy, United Presbyterian, Schaghticoke, and Rev. Ken Bevan, Melrose UMC

OUTREACH

Sunday, March 8 - Donations for Joseph's House due. Current needs are jellies and jams, instant oatmeal, canned soups (other than chicken noodle), canned fruits and vegetables, instant noodles or ravioli, crackers, and coffee.

OUR METHODIST CONNECTION

Skye Farm Camp Seeking Health Directors

According to Director Robin Vernon, A Health Director is needed for each of two weeks this summer: Week 2 (July 5-10) and Week 3 (July 12-17). An invaluable asset on the summer staff team, each week's Health Director brings comfort and safety to campers, parents, and staff.

Needed:

RN or physician with current NYS license
Available July 5-10 and/ or July 12-17
Someone prepared to manage camper medications, provide first aid, care for sick or injured campers, and help campers who have chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes) to stay safe at camp.

What you get:

$1000 per week salary (volunteer option available)
50% off the cost of camp for a child in your life during your week at camp
Training from current camp nurses on Skye Farm-specific systems
Room, board, and a great community of campers and staff in the beautiful Adirondacks!

To apply or acquire more information, contact Director Robyn Vernon at robynvernon@unyumc.org

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Save the Date!

The Skye Farm Foundations' annual "Evening at Camp" will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Shenendehowa UMC.

New this year, tickets for both eat-in and take-out dinners will be available, as well as an on-line auction benefitting Skye Farm. As in past years, you can look forward to sharing a delicious meal, singing along with Skye Farm musicians, browsing new camp merchandise, and supporting the long-term future of Skye Farm.