THE new BELL TOWER

Ringing out the news from Valley Falls United Methodist Church

Summer 2025

All are welcome here. We are one of over 800 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

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

(The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

United Methodists of Upper New York gathered in Syracuse May 22-25 for Annual Conference 2025. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez preached that God is calling us to step forward in faith and “embrace God’s boundless love,” even when the path ahead is uncertain. He challenged us to dismantle systems of oppression with truth and love and speak God’s truth to power. He declared that, “new life is possible. Resurrection is happening. It’s time that we believe it, live it, claim it, and share it with as many people as possible.”

The Bishop named three principles that focus our connectional work: celebrating what is going well, recognizing where business as usual is no longer an option, and embracing necessary shifts to remain faithful witnesses of Christ’s love. He also shared plans to continue to build community among clergy and to travel around the conference.

The Revs. Kris Sledge and Rachel Gilmore, co-authors of Followers Under 40, addressed the reasons young adults leave the church and what would it take to bring them back. “We don’t want to just talk about the next generation—we want to listen to them, learn from them, and reclaim the Good News in a way that feels healing, hopeful, and actually worth following.”  

(NOTE: To listen and learn, I will be interviewing willing volunteers from the younger generations. Please text me if you want to chat over ice cream at Chrissy’s or another nearby establishment: 518-915-3393). 

In other actions, we passed Petition UNYAC2025.7, affirming Bishop Hector’s intent to bring together a team to work with churches seeking to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.

We passed Petition UNYAC2025.8, endorsing the Statement of the NYS Poor People’s Campaign and Labor-Religion Coalition.

We also voted on the Proposed Constitutional Amendments from the General Conference that met in 2024, but we will not know the results until autumn after all Annual Conferences have voted. The amendment topics are: worldwide regionalization of the UMC, gender and ability inclusion, racial justice, and educational requirements for clergy members.

WORSHIP

All summer worship services at VFUMC are at 9 a.m., followed by coffee hour.



Sunday, July 13 @ 9:00  Members of the Presbyterian United Church in Schaghticoke will join us for worship at VFUMC .

Sunday, July 27 @ at 9:30 (Note the time change)—The Valley Falls congregation will gather at Presbyterian United for a hymn sing. 

Sunday, Aug. 31 @ 9 a.m.— No service in Valley Falls. Join your friends from area Protestant churches for our 47th annual worship at the fairgrounds. 

The Music Gathering continues to practice after church on most Sundays and is gearing up to play for a service during the summer. If you play an instrument, please join us. Drum or guitar players are especially welcome. For more information, contact Carol Eddy (518-588-8906). 

SPECIAL EVENT

OTHER HAPPENINGS

Friday, July 4—Join Pastor Dion and his team of volunteers in the reading of the Declaration on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, on the VF library lawn. Pastor Dion invites us to “help the community to remember some of the founding values of our nation and dare to dream who we can be together.”

Saturday, Aug. 23, at 3 p.m.— Visit the VF library for a “preview” recital of our September cabaret. Broadway solos, duets, and more…plus refreshments! Come for what will surely get you in the mood for the actual performance.

Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. Our choir (and friends) present “An Evening Cabaret,” featuring show tunes and other musical favorites. A repeat performance ("A Matinee Cabaret") will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m. 

OUTREACH

Sunday, July 6— Joseph’s House donations due.

Current needs: Canned goods (soup, Spaghettios, ravioli, vegetables, corned beef hash); toiletries (soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, razors, deodorant); dry goods (crackers, oatmeal, cereal, tuna, rice); men’s and women’s t-shirts—all sizes. 

United Methodist Economic Ministry Backpack Program—Once again, we have the opportunity to assist our UMEM friends in Salem, ME in providing back packs and school supplies for students in the upcoming school year. To participate, please donate cash in the offering plate in an envelope marked UMEM or by check with UMEM in the memo line or mail to VFUMC at PO Box 236, Valley Falls, NY 12185.

CELEBRATING OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Birthdays and Anniversaries