1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

FEBRUAY 2015
THE TELESCOPE
First United Methodist Church of Delmar
www.delmarmethodist.org
RPMs Sr. Hi Youth Group
Midnight Run Needs: Warm Winter Clothes and Toiletries needed for the Midnight Run on
February 21. Look for a donation box for Midnight Run located below the literature table next to
the Nursery. LOTS of WARM WINTER items, preferably dark colors are needed!
Lots of hats, gloves and coats (womens/mens); sweaters and sweatshirts (large and xlarge preferred); jeans (sizes 32 – 40); boots and/or sneakers (men’s sizes 9-12, women
sizes 8 plus); long underwear; toiletries
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Grounds for Giving
Annual Fundraiser to Benefit the RPMs Mission Trip
Saturday, March 7 from 6-9 PM at Delmar Reformed Church
Tickets: $15 or 2 for $25
Child Care will be provided – prior sign up a must!
Tickets will be available during Fellowship Hour (and at the door) or contact
[email protected] / 518.596.2116
Upcoming Connect Events
Come for Evening Worship February 8
U2Charist (all the music will be U2 music played live by
the local band Code Blue) & stay after for a Soup Supper
When and where? February 8 @ 5PM
Sanctuary for worship, supper in Fellowship Hall
Supper of soup, salad, and bread included. Vegan soup
option available.
Who?: You plus whomever you wish (bring the kids, your
partner, a friend or two or three!)
Come for an afternoon munchies, coffee/tea
and conversation – March 1
When and where?
March 1st @ 2-3:30 PM at the Parsonage
128 Adams Place, Delmar NY 12054
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FEBRUARY 2015
Who?: You plus whomever you wish (bring
the kids, your partner, a friend or two or
three !)
Rev. Iona has small kids so there
are plenty of toys to occupy little kids!
PAGE 1
PASTORAL MESSAGE
“What About Lent?”
Rev. Iona Dickinson
Church seasons are often somewhat of a mystery to us, even those of us who are very
“churched” (aka have spent a lot of time in church). Sure, we know what Christmas is and Easter
too, but what about Lent?
“Lent is a part of the rich history of the Christian Church, dating back to the third century CE. In
fact, our observance of Lent even pre-dates the observance of Christmas. At first the Lenten
observance was only a 40-hour fast for catechumens [similar to our confirmands] before their
baptisms on Easter, to coincide with the belief that Jesus spent 40 hours in the tomb. Over the
years, it was expanded to include all the faithful and was lengthened in duration. The church
finally settled on a 40-day Lenten fast, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding the
Saturday before Easter (Sundays are not included in the count, as each Sunday is a little Easter,
a weekly reminder of the Resurrection). The number 40 was chosen for it significance in the
Bible—most notably because Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days—but also recalling the
40 days and nights of the rain in the flood story, the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the
wilderness, the 40 days Moses spent fasting on the mountain before he received the Law, and
the 40 day journey of Elijah to Mount Horeb. Today, few Christians observe a Lenten fast, using
the season instead as a period of introspection and self-evaluation, for Bible study and
contemplative prayer. Often, people will give something up for Lent, or take on a spiritual
discipline. With its emphasis on repentance, Lent’s liturgical color is purple.”
So, that’s generally what Lent is all about. But here at Delmar United Methodist, the pastors and
Worship and Education Teams have been cooking up something great for Lent this year! “Lent is
the rushing journey toward Easter, but it is not a straightforward journey, there are tricks and
turns along the way, and variables that change the course of events. In this Season of Lent, we
will stop awhile at places where the Lenten story bends in order to recall our history and
traditions, to retell our sacred stories, and to renew ourselves and our world.” Through worship
we will recall our Hebrew Bible stories, we will retell our stories of Jesus, and we will consider
together how we might renew ourselves and our world.
To make the most of this season, we invite you to do two things:
Worship!
Worship each week with us, move with us through recalling, retelling, and renewing so that we
might be ready for resurrection on Easter morning.
Take on something (not just giving up something)!
As we think about renewing ourselves and our world, we’ll be focusing on “The Kindness Quilt”
by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace [hear it told to the children on 2/22!]. Each Sunday in Fellowship
Hour, you’ll have a chance to make a kindness quilt square demonstrating how you showed
kindness/compassion in the previous week so that together, as individuals and the church, we
can show how following Jesus is making a difference in the world!
Will you join us this Lent?
[quotes from Seasons of the Spirit worship and Sunday School curriculum]
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PAGE 2
Church Ended 2014 with $50,000 Deficit; Pledges up 9% for 2015
First United Methodist Church of Delmar spent well below budget in 2014 but nonetheless ended
the year with an operating deficit of $51,109 – cutting into our cash reserve and setting the stage
for a challenging budget year in 2015.
Leah Giordano, church treasurer, told the Administrative Council last week that preliminary
figures show the church spent $598,140 on its operations last year. This was $53,624 below
budget, as teams restrained discretionary spending. But income was $104,733 below budget.
The reserve savings account ended 2014 at $79,232, down from $137,062 at the start of the
year.
The Finance Team is currently working to prepare an operating budget for 2015, for presentation
to the Administrative Council later this month. Ed McEwan, chair of the Finance Team, said
Consecration Sunday had been successful in yielding a net increase in 2015 pledges of about
$24,000 compared to last year, including 94 new or increased pledges. Additional pledges are
expected and McEwan said the net increase should end up at about $30,000.
Buildings and maintenance account for about 12 percent of the operating budget; church
operations, programs and parish cultivation account for about 9 percent. Payments to the
conference come to about 17 percent and benevolences are about 6 percent.
Questions may be directed to Ed McEwan ([email protected]) and/or Leah Giordano,
([email protected])
FUMC Budget Snapshot - 2014 vs. budget and vs. 2013
Compared to
Budget
Compared to
2013
$
333,501
140,000
73,530
$ 547,031
- 114,163
(no change)
+ 9,430
- 104,733
- 11,375
(no change)
+ 11,277
- 122
$
- 23,410
- 12,774
- 2,223
- 12,424
- 2,607
- 905
- 1,035
+ 1,754
(no change)
- 53,624
+ 23,435
+ 883
- 1,490
- 3,386
- 3,444
- 587
+ 11,301
+ 9,730
+ 330
+ 36,772
2014 Final
Income
Contributions
Use of investments
All other
TOTAL INCOME
Expenses
Staff compensation
Church operations
Church programs
Parish cultivation
Buildings and maintenance
Taxes
Capital improvements
Conference
Budgeted benevolences
TOTAL EXPENSES
Bottom line
THE TELESCOPE
315,867
21,091
9,652
20,369
71,803
5,595
14,965
101,798
37,000
$ 598,140
(51,109)
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 3
Want to Learn More about Delmar United Methodist Church?
Interested in Joining on March 8th?
Ever wonder what church membership is all about? Do you need to be a member to come to
church? To take communion? To attend Sunday School? To give of your time or talents?
Nope! Everyone is welcome to receive the benefits of and participate in the ministries of this
church. So we like to say that there are really no extra “perks” to being a member of the First
United Methodist Church of Delmar.
Instead, membership is about commitment; it’s about deepening your engagement with
the church and making a public profession of faith to be a follower of Jesus in this place.
Our members take a vow to support the church’s ministry through their prayers, presence,
gifts, service, and witness — that’s what it is about!
How do you become a member? It’s easy! 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Inform us of your desire to become a member. This can be done in several
ways. Simply talk with one of the pastors or you may mark that you are interested in joining
on the WELCOME CARD in the pews. Rev. Iona will follow up with you later.
Step 2: Attend a CONNECT EVENT. While it’s important that you know what it means to
be a United Methodist, and the history of the church, and what is asked of you at your
joining, we recognize that folks are much more likely to stay involved in the life of the
church if you know other people in the church. So, at a CONNECT EVENT you’ll have a
chance to meet others inquiring about joining the church as well as long time members.
It’s a fun event (there’s always food!) so you won’t want to miss it. (Next one is Sunday,
February 8th … attend Evening Worship at 5 and stay for the soup supper time after!)
Step 3: Meet one-on-one with one of the pastoral staff. Remember how we said it’s
important to know about the United Methodist Church and all that good jazz? This is the
time to learn, ask questions, find out all you want to know. Bonus … it can be at your
house, at a local coffee shop, or just about any location you find convenient!
Step 4: Joining – Sunday, March 8th we will receive New Members! When you are
ready, you get to confirm your faith and formally promise to support First United
Methodist Church of Delmar with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and
your witness! It’s your chance to officially say “THIS is my church!” And, we give you
balloons and cake too!
Interested? Contact Rev. Iona at [email protected] or call 439-9976
VBS 2015 - SAVE THE DATE
G-Force: God's Love in Action
During the week of July 27-31, 2015 kids will experience God’s
unstoppable love and discover how to fuel up and move in and
through life with God during this fun filled week.
Keep watching for registration details! Volunteers needed - if interested, contact Lisa Ball at
[email protected]
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 4
U2
Sunday,
February 8
@ 5 pm
Delmar UMC
Featuring LIVE
music performed by
local band
Code Blue
A free will donation
will be taken to
support
“Stop Hunger Now”
charist
A Communion &
Worship service with
live music written by
the rock band U2
Got a Skill in Communications? You Can Help Us!
The Communicators Team is the small group of people who provide hands-on communications
services for the church. We'd rather the group weren't quite so small - and we'd love to welcome
some more volunteers who are willing to do additional communications work (brochures, signs,
public service ads? - ideas would be great) or to back up current communicators.
In our 2014 year-end report, we noted that the communicators have revamped our work a bit,
based on the results of a survey of the congregation. We launched a completely redesigned and
restructured web site, established a much more active Facebook presence, and upgraded the
look and content of our weekly email newsletter.
The monthly and weekly email newsletters are produced by Nan Rabinow, with backup on the
Telescope from David and Mary Shaffer and on the weekly from Rev. Iona Dickinson. Rev. Iona
updates our Facebook presence. Matthew Shoop posts on Twitter. Phil Jenkins produces videos
for our YouTube channel.
The new website was designed primarily to serve new and non-members, including those who
come to the site through search engines when they are researching local churches. It has been
getting over 3,000 visits a month. Most of the information provides background on our services
and ministries, and stays in place week to week. That information is also of interest to members,
of course, as are such things as the on-line calendar and the latest news (both accessed from
picture buttons on the home page at www.delmarmethodist.org). The site gets small updates,
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 5
normally twice a week (with the weekly news posted under "The Latest," and with service and
scripture information at the upper right of the home page). The site is maintained by David
Shaffer, and was developed in collaboration with an outside vendor called faithconnector.com,
which hosts multiple church sites around the country.
More help would be welcomed immediately! Contact David at [email protected], if you'd like to
pitch in.
Reconciliation Team Updates
The following Call to Worship was shared during morning worship on Sunday, January 21, 2015.
These words were spoken by members of a relatively new ministry team called the FUMC
Reconciling Exploration Ministry Team. The team is exploring the possibility of becoming a
“reconciling” church. A reconciling church, community or campus ministry is a community that has
gone through a period of discernment and has adopted a statement that includes a welcome to
people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. FUMC has held a number of educational
programs to discuss this initiative, and plans to hold more in the future. We welcome all people
who would like to join us on this faith journey.
Call to Worship (1/21/15)
Who is welcome here?
 People from any ethnicity or heritage,
 If you are 3 days old, 30 years old or 103 years old,
 Regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
 If you've never stepped foot in a church; or if you are Buddhist, Roman
Catholic, agnostic or are a life-long Methodist,
 If you are single, married, divorced, separated, or partnered,
 If you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Socialist or not registered
to vote,
 No matter where life has taken you or the troubles you carry,
 If you own your own home, rent, live with your parents or are homeless,
 Regardless of any differing abilities you may have,
You are welcome here!
The congregation was invited on the 21st to vote on a proposed welcoming statement by
response to a survey included within the bulletin. The following results although not a definitive
vote show that there is large majority support to continue this conversation:
Of the 181 individuals attending church on the 21st, 101 responses were received and a
number of comments have been received since. From the 101 responses received on
the 21st, 96 individuals voted yes indicating that they agreed with either the statement
or the sentiment and 5 voted no. Many individuals offered well thought-out suggestions
as to how we could improve the welcoming statement.
A summary of the responses has been posted on the bulletin board located directly across
from Room 207 (next to Church Office) on the second floor.
Please take a minute to review the statement below and e-mail your comments to the
Proposed Welcoming Statement below to Church Office at [email protected]
indicating whether you agree or disagree and share your thoughts. We welcome all comments
and suggestions on how to improve the statement.
(cont’d.)
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FEBRUARY 2015
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FUMC Proposed Welcoming Statement
"The First United Church of Delmar is called to the ministry of reconciliation. We embrace, as a
gift, the diversity of our community and the world. We celebrate our human family’s diversity of
sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, age, faith history, economic status, marital status,
physical and mental ability and education.
While the church has made progress in being open and affirming to many groups, according to
the language used within the Book of Discipline there continues to be condemnation and
exclusion, or at least a tolerance of such condemnation through silence of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender persons from the community of faith. We believe such actions are
inconsistent with Christ’ teaching of love above all.
We affirm that all people are created in the image of God and as beloved children of God, and
all are worthy of God’s love and grace. We welcome the full inclusion of all people in the life
and ministries of the First United Methodist Church of Delmar as we journey toward
reconciliation through Christ.
We recognize that there are differences among us, but believe that we can love alike, even
though we may not think alike. We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known
the pain of exclusion or discrimination in the church and society.
We invite all people to join us in our faith journey toward greater love, understanding and
mutual respect.
Next Steps

Our next step is to engage the congregation in further conversation about becoming a
Reconciling Congregation. This process could take at least six months.

When that process is completed the Reconciling Ministry Team will bring to the
Administrative Council the recommendation to become a Reconciling Congregation. If
approved by the Administrative Council the team would then advance the recommendation
to become a Reconciling Congregation to a Church Conference the date to be determined.

If the congregation should choose to affirm the recommendation to become a Reconciling
Congregation at a Church Conference a second recommendation would follow for the
adoption of the Proposed Welcoming Statement.
Fellowship Hour Needs Cookies and Scouts on February 22!
To honor our scouts and show our support of scouting, please bring a box (or two!) of GS cookies
for fellowship hour on Feb 22! This is a great opportunity to show our love for what our kids - and
grown-ups do in their scouting pursuits!
We need any Scouts, child or adult to help host Fellowship Hour on February 22 as well! Please
wear your uniform so you are recognized!
Please contact: Jamie Cable, [email protected] or 439-4193 to let her know you will help host
or bring cookies on the 22nd Thanks so much!
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PAGE 7
Church Conference
Thirty plus congregants attended the Special Church Conference held on Wednesday,
January 22. The Investment Guidelines were overwhelming approved and the resolution
regarding funding of Church projects was referred to the Trustees for discussion and modification
Church Audit
During October and November, Stark and Basila CPAs PC conducted an audit of the church’s
receipts and disbursements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
The accountants did not identify any internal control deficiencies that were material. There were
three internal controls termed significant:
1. All Church financial resources should be recorded in the accounting system.
2. Bank reconciliations need to be reviewed and approved by the Treasurers.
3. Administrative Council minutes should have formal resolutions approving the Council’s
decisions.
One control not considered significant dealt with enhancements to the bill paying process.
All of the above are being addressed and significant progress is being made.
Copies of the auditor’s opinion and the statement of cash receipts and disbursements are
available in the Church Office.
Dear Delmar Methodists –
We want to thank everyone for their part in helping to make my mother Velma Jones’ birthday
party such a success, especially Karen Jones, JoAnn Supan, Deb Suparmanto, Karl and Debbie
Parker and many other friends who made food and sent cards. We have not seen mom so
animated or smile so much since she has been in assisted living. Since her recent hospitalization,
she was weaker and non too happy. Now she is excited about getting back in shape to walk
around outside of the building as soon as the weather is warmer! We were able to pull off the
surprise by having her friend Millie bring her down to the community room as Denise wanted to
conduct a service for them. Marilyn and Norm Fancher
Mary Marthas
The next meeting of Mary Martha will take place on Thursday, February 12 at 1 PM in the
Lounge.
We are going to do a repeat of a very popular program that was so much fun! So - be prepared to
bring one or two items that have some special meaning to you. Last year among the many items
were: paintings, a quilt, a ring, a poem, etc. See what you can come up with; and if you have
never attended a Mary Martha meeting, come join us and contact either Barb Logan at 439-4782
or Shirley Milbert at 472-1298.
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 8
Friendship Club – February 20
Friendship Club’s program for February will feature Delmar UMC’s own Jim Knowles-Tuell. He
will bring his guitar and entertain us with songs, both sacred and secular. Some will be familiar,
while others will be new to you. You may even want to sing along – and you will be welcome to!
Please notice the slight schedule change – this one is the third Friday of the month, not the
fourth. Our pot-luck supper begins at 6:30 PM, (food should be brought in by 6 PM). Remember
to bring your own place setting. All are welcome, singles, couples, members and non-members,
young and young-at-heart, friends and neighbors. If you are able to bring a dish to share, the cost
is $2. For others the cost is $7. Volunteers in the kitchen are always greatly appreciated – it’s not
a difficult job. Reservations may be made by calling Marilyn Peterson at 439-8012 or
[email protected].
Upcoming Events for Seniors on the Go
(shared by Capital Area Council of Churches)
Feb. 11: Oscar Party: 12:30 PM at St. Sophias
Feb. 25: 1st Annual Seniors on the Go Community Resource Panel: 1:30 PM at St. Sophia
(this event for a senior citizen, family member or caregiver)
Feb. 26: Neighborhood Friends and Family Dinner: 6 PM First Lutheran Church
Delmar UMC to Host Blood Drive
On May 14 from 1-6 PM, Delmar UMC will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive in Fellowship
Hall. If there is a team/group from this congregation interested in sponsoring this drive (volunteer
the day of the drive and assist with getting donors) please contact Nan in Church Office,
[email protected] or 439-9976.
Fair Trade/Equal Exchange for January
This Sunday, February 8 at 11 AM during Fellowship Hour, Church & Society will hold their
monthly sale of Fair Trade/Equal Exchange goods. The Exchange is offered the second Sunday
of every month.
2015 Concert to Benefit the Children’s Programs of
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless of Albany
Sunday, March 8 at 3 PM
Featuring
 Capital District Youth Chorale
 The Music Studio of Albany
 University of Albany Chamber Singers
 Chancel Choir of Delmar Methodist
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 9
Prayers and Concerns
Larry Dickinson, Barbara Whitney, Parker Hayes, Carol Willey, Sally Gazzetta, Kathleen
Anderson, Carole and Woody Carver, Peg Miller, Juanita Jordan, Dottie Houston, Nancy
McEwan, Ray Bell, Muguette Martel, Natalie Darrone, Karl Ebert, Delaney Beck, Mark
Beauchamp, Anthony Macarelli, Tim Anderson, Paul Wos, John Mech, Lois Vadney, Susan
Bradshaw, David Lemire, Nicoline Autrey, Chris Curit, Ellen Weston, Lynda Seitz, Larry
Wilson, Roberta LaBour, Richard Larkin, Irma Crounse, Molly Anderson Keegan, Elias
Carey, Diane Braden, Brian Rosse, Nancy Grenier, Jennifer Scott, Jean Tindall, Lillian
Belfield, Ralph Doyle, Albert Mertz, Patricia Kavanaugh, Iris Klizak, John Ryan, Marge
Larkin, Dr. Brolin Parker, Vincent Flanigan, Sudano Family, Owen McMasters, Laura and
Edwin Busch.
To all whose lives have been impacted by war,
environmental disasters or trauma.
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 10
Church Calendar for the Month
“Animate” Study Group (& 2/9,2/16)
Membership & Evangelism Team
Room 207
Library
1 PM
7 PM
7 PM
7 -8:30 PM
“Animate” Study Group (2/11,18)
Staff Parish Relations Team
Leadership & Nominations Team
“Drop In” Hours with Rev. Iona
Room 207
Library
Pastor’s Office
Panera Bread, Glenmont
5:30 PM
Confirmation Retreat (ends 2/7 @
2:15 pm)
Upper Classrooms/FH
8:30 AM
1:30 PM
Women-in-the-Middle
JUMP Jr. Hi Youth Group
Tool’s Restaurant
Kitchen
Monthly Fair Trade Sales
Care Corps
Confirmation Session #2
U2charist @Evening Worship &
Soup Supper Connect Event (follows)
Fellowship Hall
Room 218
Room 216/FH
Sanctuary
Fellowship Hall
Mon., Feb. 2
6:30 PM
7 PM
Wed, Feb. 4
Fri., Feb. 6
Sat., Feb. 7
Sun., Feb. 8
11 AM
11 AM
11 AM
5 PM
Tues., Feb. 10
1 PM
1 PM
7 PM
Care Corps
Worship Team
Trustees
Library
Room 207
Room 207
Thurs., Feb. 12
1 PM
Mary Marthas
Lounge
Presidents Day Observed
Offices Closed
Finance Team
Room 207
Mon., Feb. 16
Tues., Feb. 17
7 PM
Wed., Feb. 18
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
Lenten Series Soup Supper
Ash Wednesday Service
Fellowship Hall
Chapel
Sun., Feb. 22
9:30 PM
Scout Sunday
Sanctuary
Mon., Feb. 23
2:30 PM
Loss & Hope Fellowship
Lounge
Tues., Feb. 24
6 PM
Building Committee
Room 207
Wed., Feb. 25
5:30 PM
7 PM
Lenten Series & Soup Supper
Administrative Council
Fellowship Hall/Room 207
Hummel Chapel
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FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 11
First United Methodist Church of Delmar
428 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054-1806
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Delmar, NY - Permit No. 13
(518) 439-9976
‘A Christian community, growing together in faith and in service to God’
Weekly Calendar Items
Intermediate Choir (except 2/15)
Morning Worship
Church School
Fellowship Hour
Junior Choir (except 2/15)
Theological/Social Issues
Adult Bible Study
Evening Worship
Room 219
Sanctuary
Classrooms
Lounge
Room 219
Room 216
Room 207
Hummel Chapel
Men’s Breakfast
Treasure Cove Thrift Shop
Upper Room Study Group
Four Corners
135 Adams St.
Library
Bible Study w/Mark Baumbach
Delmar Place
Thursdays
8:30-10 AM
10 AM
4-8 PM
“Drop In” Hours w/ Rev. Iona
“Needlestix” Craft Group
Treasure Cove Thrift Shop
Perfect Blend
Lounge
135 Adams St.
Saturdays
9 AM-1 PM
Treasure Cove Thrift Shop
135 Adams St.
Sundays
8:30 AM
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
10:45 AM
11 AM
5:00 PM
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
8 AM
10 AM – 6 PM
7 PM
10:30 AM
“Like” us on Facebook, at http://www.facebook.com/FUMCdelmar!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DELMAR
PROGRAMS FOR LENT 2015
February 18 (Ash Wednesday)—April 5 (Easter)
As Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and culminates in
Easter we too can work to create our own rebirth
through new awareness and discovery.
This church season asks us to focus on discovering God’s
presence throughout history and in our lives today.
Come join us as we educate, examine and stretch
ourselves to realize the Easter awakening.
Invite family and friends to walk this path with you.
The FUMC Education Team
Wednesdays During Lent
Pot Luck Supper each Wednesday Feb. 18th—April 5th 5:30p.m.
During the 7 weeks of our Lenten Program, you are invited to come for supper with your faith family.
Bring a dish to share 5:30—6:30 p.m. Feel free to come for the whole hour or sneak in at 6:25 and
grab supper to take to your program! We ask that each attendee bring a dish to share. You are
welcome to come to the dinner even if you cannot stay for the program.
Child Care
Age appropriate child care will be available during the Lenten programs (6:30-7:30 p.m.).
Programs (2 Choices each Night)
6:30—7:30 p.m.
Between the weeks of Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday we will have 2 programs from which to
choose. They can be enjoyed independently week to week. One will be primarily suited for adults and
the other will be engaging for children and adults. Attending dinner is not required.
Ash Wednesday Worship, March 5th
6:30—7:30 p.m.
On Ash Wednesday, everyone will gather for a time of intergenerational worship and learning in our
chapel.
See reverse for future program alternatives!
Wednesday, February 25
A BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING IN THE 21st
Century
Room 207
Christians throughout history have kept the Bible relevant for
their times. TV portrays Christianity frozen in the 50s. Join
us in reexamining Bible lessons that speak to issues for our
day.
Led by our own Bryan Goddard
Wednesday, March 4
A
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RELATIONSHIPS AND FIGHTING FAIR
Choir Room
All is fair in love and war. Are there some
conventions to adopt to assure everyone wins?
Learn to turn conflict into closeness.
Led by Dr. David Olsen
Exec. Director at Samaritan Counseling Center
Wednesday, March 11
STRAM CENTER COOKING DEMONSTRATION
Fellowship Hall
Culinary Nutritionist shows how to create some
new healthy snacks. We will taste everything he
makes and keep the recipes!
Please RSVP to [email protected] by Feb 25
Led by Eric Sharer, MPH, RD, CSO, CDN
Of the STRAM Center
Wednesday, March 18
A
D
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T
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N
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D
6:30—7:30 p.m.
LEARNING LENT
Fellowship Hall
Multiple stations for creative meditation, including
the Labyrinth, will be available to learn about
Lent. This will be time spent to encourage
seeking, meeting and spending time with God
(walking is NOT required) OPEN to ALL AGES
Led by our own Rev Iona Dickinson
6:30—7:30 p.m.
FREE THE PAIN, PREVENT THE PROBLEM
TBD
Find new understanding of posture,
biomechanics and methods we can aid our own
bodies in maximizing pain free health
Led by Delmar Chiropractic
6:30—7:30 p.m.
SING A NEW SONG
Sanctuary
From the newer Faith We Sing hymnal. Ken will
introduce, explain and help you enjoy singing
Led by our own Ken Loiacono
Church Organist, Choir & Bell Choir Director
IDEAS, INSPIRATIONS AND DETAILS FOR
LOCAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
TBD
Learn from 40 years of experience and a slide
show of where to find low cost outdoor activities
in the Capital Region.
Led by our own Rev. Denise Gisotti
Led by Dr. Tom Denham owner of Dr Adventure
THREE DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Room 207
From the book Who is this Man by John Ortberg
is the basis for discussion. Walk these days with
Jesus’ followers.
Led by our own Connie Tilroe
Wisdom from decades of study, reading and living
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6:30—7:30 p.m.
A DIFFERENT WAY TO PRAY
Chapel
Through prayer we experience the presence of
God in a variety of ways. Come explore ways to
pray through prayerful movements, folk dancing
and contemplative exercises.
Wednesday, March 25
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6:30—7:30 p.m.
WE ARE THE CLAY, GOD IS THE POTTER
Room 218
Focus on touching beads in religions. Create
your own prayer beads with attention to color and
texture. All ages and talent levels are encouraged to explore this new awareness.
Led by our own Jen Bailey
Teacher of faith, creativity and fun
Maundy Thursday, April 2. 5:30 Dinner and 6:30—7:30 Service
On Maundy Thursday, we will gather for a potluck supper with emphasis on Middle Eastern foods and
worship. Childcare will be provided during worship for the youngest in our midst.
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Membership Role Update/Review
In the fall, the Membership and Evangelism Team began the process of updating/reviewing the membership roles. The process began with a
mailing to current members of the congregation who fall into the following categories (as stated by the Care of Members Paragraph 227, section b
(1-5) of the United Methodist Book of Discipline)



If a member residing in the community is negligent of the vows or is regularly absent from the church without reason
(homebound, etc) … a letter will be sent (including grown children of current members who are post-college age and likely
no longer living at home)
If the member whose address is known as residing outside the community and is not participating in the worship or activity
of the church, a letter will be sent
If the address of the member is not known
After mailing these letters (and we apologize that some active, giving members inadvertently got the letter!), we have retained over 50 folks,
removed a little over 30, formally transferred about 5. In the process, we’ve identified 100+ persons who are listed as members, but whom we
have no contact information.
In keeping with The Book of Discipline, the below list is the folks who we have not heard from. This list was shared at the November Church
Conference. A second letter will be sent in the fall of 2015, and if no further word directing us one way or another, the names of the persons listed
will be removed from membership.
This process is NOT being done to lower our shared giving with the Upper New York Annual Conference, as our giving is not based on membership
numbers. Rather, it’s being done to more accurately represent who is a part of this congregation. The Book of Disciple asks us to do this process
annually and it has been at least 5 years since a thorough review of the roles has been done.
If you see have contact information for persons on the following list, please share that with the Church Office. And, if you have any concerns please
feel free to talk with Anna Campas, Membership and Evangelism Chair, Brink Hartman, coordinator of this process, or Rev. Iona.
Darrin
Everleth
Patricia
Irzyk
Cindy
Mashuta
Mark
Randles
Donald
Smith
Roger
Woodin
Helen
Everson
Denise
Jadick
Mike
Mashuta
Jeffrey
Randles
Heather
Smith
Laura
Wyckoff
Brian
Farrell
Christian
Jadick
Michael
Mashuta
Deb
Brienza
Priscilla
Smith
William
Wyncoop
Linda
Carotenuto
Gloria
Jean
Nicholas
Mashuta
Alei
Rathjens
Alyce
Smith
Jim
Wyrough
Matthew
Elaine
Jeram
Bill
Elze
David
Rathjens
Joanne
Smith
Jan
Xeller
Ralph
Carotenuto
Carotenuto
III
David
Jewell
David
Elze
McKenzie
Rathjens
Peter
Smith
Ellen
Yacobian
Debra
Feinberg
Jamie
Jewell
Sue
Elze
Jesica
Raymond
Robert
Smith
John
Yacobian
Nancy
Fey
Wayne
Johnson
Robert
Elze
Michael
Raymond
Nancy
Smith
Brett
Zick
Randy
Fisher
Kathryn
Johnston
Lee
Daniel
Reed
Elizabeth
Smith
Andy
Zimnicki
Jane
Fisher
Jen
Kaler
Leslie
Massagee
MatthewsStandfield
Gretchen
Reed
Douglas
Smith
Jay
Zimnicki
Carol
Fitzgerald
Scott
Kaler
Cindy
Michelin
Scott
Reed
Kirk
Smith
Mark
Flint
Andrew
Kanuck
Jeanne
Randles
Doris
Reed
Sanford
Smith, Jr
Marlene
Everleth
Charles
Keebel
Zachary
Mayes
Nathan
Reed
David
Sodergren
Dick
Everleth
Donald
Davies
Laura
Mazula
Steven
Relyea
Gretchen
Sodergren
Shana
Flood
JoAnn
Davies
David
McCann
Wendy
Relyea
Barbara
Soldano
Donald
Foley
Peter
Nye
Mildred
McCann
Kenneth
Relyea
Chris
Spinosa
Dylan
Foley
Ruth
Anderson
Amanda
McDonagh
Christine
Reuss
Deborah
Spinosa
Gloria
Foley
Hope
Kelley
Heather
McEvoy
Mark
Reuss
Jimmy
Spinosa
Russ
Counse
Melvin
Kelley
Brian
McKenna
David
Reynolds
Vincent
Spinosa
Nathan
Foley
Sue
Kells
Karyn
McKenna-Barry
Brian
Rice
Shauna
Spinosa
Ian
Foley
Mark
Kelp
Liz
McManeth
Steve
Rice
Nicole
Spinosa
Johna
Foro
Jean
Kerr
Beau
Melita
Tim
Rice
Lance
Sprinkle
David
France
Megan
Klim
Pat
Mendel
Christopher
Riedel
Jaye
Sprinkle
Jason
France
Sue
Klim
Jennifer
Miller
Barbara
Tate
Ted
Sprinkle
Julie
Funio
Thomas
Klim
Charlene
Miller
Jim
Tate
Chad
Sprinkle
Charles
Furman
Alyssa
Knaack
Jonathan
Millett
Bradley
Tate
Jay
Standish Jr.
Emma
Furman
Phil
Conway
Stephen
Millett
David
Riedel
Pamela
Standish
Alexander
Gebhardt
Ryan
Knaack
Jodi
Mongin
Michael
Riedel
Scott
Starker
Kerry
Gebhardt
Daniel
Knickerbocker
Michael
Mongin
Gabrielle
Ritaccio
Mary
Storm
Phillip
George
Adam
Kopp
Gwen
Moore
Madeline
Ritaccio
Phillip
Stoughton
Cheryl
Geurtze
Alex
Kopp
Marilyn
Moran
Jeff
Ritz
Christina
Stroud
Vanessa
Graf
Mary
Noble
Jim
Mortensen
David
Ritz
James
Stroud III
Victoria
Graf
Lauren
Kopp
Gregor
Mosley
Linda
Roberts
Erica
Sufrin
Scott
Gravlee
Kara
Kosoc
Robin
Mosley
Marian
Robertson
Lisa
Summerskill
Amy
Gray
Meilissa
Kreider
Valerie
Mosley
Raymond
Robertson
Paul
Sutliff
Martha
Babbitt
Robbie
Kuhn
Kathie
Motschmann
David
Robinson
Lynda
Sutliff
Robert
Babbitt
Robert
Kuhn
Anna
Prentiss
Janet
Robinson
Paul
Sweet
Lisa
Gray
Samantha
Kuhn
David
Doherty
Jane
Robinson
Brenna
Talbot
Pg. 1
Melissa
Hadad
Errin
Lagow
Elizabeth
Murphy
Jill
Roemer
Frank
Taylor
Audrey
Halvorsen
Jim
Lamb
Melissa
Muzik
Gregory
Roeth
Patrick
Teetsel Sr.
Carl
Halvorsen
Mary
Lamb
James
Myron
Mary
Rucks
Jennifer
Ten Eyck
Kenneth
Halvorsen
Krista
Lane
Elnaz
Najdmazhari
Kent
Russell
Donald
Terhune
Ryan
Schneider
Brian
Rudolph
Mansfield
Neal
Christina
Russell
Evan
Thorne
Ellen
Hammond
Emily
Rudolph
Jonai
Nertney
Mark
Russell
Bradley
Titus
Lawrence
Hammond
Kevin
Rudolph
Melissa
Nettleton
Andrew
Ryther
Melody
Toma
Karen
Harmon
Nancy
Rudolph
Philip
Nettleton
Richard
Ryther
Walter
Tool
Dennis
Harrington
Judith
Larkin
Stephen
Nickel
Caitlin
Ryther
Diane
Tortolani
Dondrue
Harrington
David
Larkin
Anna
Noble
Rachel
Ryther
Jerome
Tracy
Nelson
Harrington
Katherine
Lenox
Mark
Switzer
Sandra
Ryther
Alexander
Tracy
David
Harrington
James
Leonard
Danny
Noble
David
Saintcross
Cathy
Tracy
Thomas
Hart
Dorothy
Leonard
Jean
Nold
Ty
Sanderson
Christopher
Tracy
Everett
Hart
Lesley
Leuallen
Paul
Nold
Daniel
Santola
Michael
Tracy
Tom
Hart
Linda
Leuallen
Gretchen
Normand
Jonathan
Santola
Emily
Traylor
Anne
Jackson
Katie
Wiley
Brendan
Nugent
Kathy
Santola
James
Traylor
Brendan
Jackson
Matthew
Wiley
Robert
Nuzzo
Laurie
Schemmelfing
Beth
Trimmer
Carrie
Jackson
Tracey
Lewis
Ronald
Obach
David
Johnston
James
Trimmer Jr.
Marnie
Harvith
Alan
Lewis
Deborah
Oellerich
Gary
Schleich
Matthew
Tulloch
Sara
Haskins
Shirley
Lewis
Brandon
Ornoski
Brenda
Schmidt
Ruth
Turngren
Kevin
Hasselbach
Donald
Lindell
Frank
Ornoski
Gordon
Schmidt
Tracey
Turngren
Nicholas
Hasselbach
Doug
Hasbrouck
Sharon
Ornoski
Priscilla
Schmidt
Christopher
Urig
Samantha
Hasselbach
Marilyn
Hasbrouck
Tara
Ornoski
Janis
Schoonover
Julia
Urig
Timothy
Hasselbach
Mark
Counse
Ruth
Paige
Kevin
Schoonover
Jeff
Vadney
Fred
Hasselbarth
Nathan
Counse
Charles
Palmer Jr.
Judy
Schoonover
Douglas
Van Ness
Timothy
Haverly
Shane
Counse
Marcia
Pardoe
Bob
Schoonover
Helene
Van Nosdall
Carolyn
Hawkins
sue
Counse
Alex
Parker
Craig
Schreck
Jack
Van Nosdall
Peter
Hay
Kathy
Blanchard
Corinna
Parker
Craig
Schreck
Margaret
Veazey
Norma
Hayward
Kevin
Blanchard
Douglas
Parker
Louise
Schwartz
Lynda
Wade
Nancy
Heffelfinger
Todd
Wright
Elaine
Parker
Jennifer
Scott
Nancy
Waldron
Matthew
Heineman
Douglas
Lindell
Eric
Harris
Susan
Karen
Ward
Robert
Heineman
Nancy
Du Bois
Shannon
Harris
Betsy
Kris
Ward Jr.
Dominick
Hendrickson
David
Lloyd
Russ
Parker
Becky
Kris
Ward Sr.
Richard
Hermann JR
Douglas
Lloyd
Duncan
Patton
Sarah
Scott
SearleSchrader
SearleSchrader
SearleSchrader
Melissa
Warden
Kenneth
Herr
CJ
Hart
James
Peak
Paul
Secor
Alan
Brian
Herrington
Diane
Lloyd
Janeth
Peak
Monica
Seebode
Walter
Warner
Waterbury
III
Heather
Herrington
Ned
Locke
Tyler
Russell
Bertha
Seelman
Susan
Waters
Pg 2
Reed
McEwan
Amy
Ludik
Gail
Wells
Nancy
Sevilla
Tracey
Waters
Rob
McEwan
Margaret
Lyman
Don
Pearsall
Donald
Stokoe
William
Waters
Becky
Herrington
Mary
MacDonald
Gail
Pearsall
Leann
Stokoe
Chris
Waters
Cheryl
Herrmann
Jeanne
MacDowell
Laurie
Pelham
Victor
Sevilla
Melinda
Waters
Kirk
Lamitie
Judith
MacDowell
Kaitlyn
Peterson
Kathleen
Shaffer
Rob
Way
Sarah
Lamitie
William
MacDowell
Jim
Peterson
Matthew
Shaffer
Patricia
Weiss
John
Anson
Cindy
Maclutsky
Lauren
Peterson
Patrick
Shaffer
Ray
Weiss
Jeffrey
Hodder
Alison
MacMillan
Rita
Peterson
Rebecca
Ten Eyck
Wendy
Weller
Brian
Hoeg
Robert
Kells
Ryan
Peterson
Janet
Shaffer
Daniel
Wheeler
Kristin
Hoeg
Roger
MacNamara
Chris
Philippo
Craig
Shufelt
Jaclyn
Wheeler
Nancy
Hoffman
Roselyn
Macri
Susan
Philippo
Craig
Shufelt
Jamie
Wheeler
Barbara
Hoffman
Audrey
Madison
Timothy
Philippo
Holli
Shufelt
Linda
Wheeler
Doug
Rice
Mary
O'Connor
Stephen
Piorkowski
Carol
Shultes
Maddie
White
Geoffrey
Rice
Jeannie
Mahony
Ginny
Plaisted
Alfred
Shutts
Becky
White
Philip
Rice
Heather
Mann
Ben
Porter
Evelyn
Shutts
Pamela
Whitwell
Christina
Hoffman
K.J.
Mann
Chris
Porter
Chad
Silber
James
Wiley
Jim
Hoffman
Brendan
Manning
Rachel
Porter
Jennifer
Silber
Nathan
Wilkie
Jacqueline
Hook
Kelly
Manning
Brian
Post
Duane
Silver
Sarah
Wilkie
Edward
Horn
James
Many
Robyn
Potter
Regina
Silver
Wendy
Wilkie
Carolyn
Houck
Richard
Many
Beth
Pritchett
Lauren
Sinacore
James
Willey
Debra
Howard
Elizabeth
Varney
Raymond
Pritchett
Bob
Sinacore
Stephanie
Willi
Andrea
Howard
Mike
Varney
Lesette
Pylant
Adam
Sinuc
Suzanne
Williams
Corey
Hutchins
Thomas
Marks
Christina
Qaiser
Helen
Smith
Richard
Willsey
Spencer
Hutchins
Nancy
Marr
Huma
Qaiser
Priscilla
Smith
Edna
Witherell
Joel
Vadney
Betty
Martin
Tariq
Qaiser
Sharon
Wondrasch
Judy
Ragone
Pg 3