*COVID PROTOCOLS
Mask wearing is now optional. Please continue to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if you are immunocompromised in any way. Please also continue to wear masks if that is what is most comfortable for you. If you are feeling under the weather in any way, please stay home and take advantage of watching our services on line.
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
ADVENT DECORATING AND SOUP POTLUCK DINNER
Join is for a fun evening of decorating the sanctuary for Advent/ Christmas season on Friday, December 2nd. We will start our night with a soup potluck dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6pm followed by decorating. Hope to see you there!
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
The Angel Tree will appear in the Lounge on Sunday, December 4th. This year NUMC has adopted three families in need; a mom with 5 children ages 12-22 years, a family with 3 children and a family of 4. Please have all gifts (wrapped with the Angel Tree tag identifying the recipient on it) back to the church by Sunday, December 18th for delivery. If you have any questions, please email the church office.
ADVENT MEMORIAL ORNAMENTS
The ornaments on the tree in the Sanctuary are a visible symbol of a donation made in honor or memory of friends and loved ones. This year, all proceeds go to the Capital City Rescue Mission. We are asking for $10 per ornament. Please make checks payable to NUMC and include "Ornaments" in the memo field. The last day to order is Sunday, December 18th. Ornaments will be placed on the tree each week as orders come in. Press on the button link above for an order form.
NIGHT TO SHINE EVENT
After a two year break due to Covid-19, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albany is once again hosting a Night To Shine event. On February 10, 2023, Our Savior’s will join more than 700 other host churches in the world serving more than 100,000 special needs guests for a very special evening, an unforgettable prom night experience. Night To Shine will be held in all 50 states and 20 countries - all on February 10, 2023. In the past we at Newtonville United Methodist Church have been supporting this event with donations for corsages and gifts for the guests. If you’d like to donate, Sandy Rivenburg is collecting donations, accepting both cash and checks. If you’d like to make out a check, please make it out to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Thank you for your support. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, see https://www.oslalbany.com/night-to-shine
NUMC LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
NUMC continues to supply our community with food and essential supplies even during the winter months.
With the cold weather arriving soon, we will suspend collecting canned goods. We ask instead that you consider donating the following: crackers, cookies, rice meals, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, pasta, dried fruit, tea/coffee, popcorn, beef jerky, snacks, baking mixes, dried soup mixes, powdered milk, dried beans, pancake mix, instant potatoes, bar soap and cereal. Any questions or concerns may be sent to Pam Palmer at ppalmer55@nycap.rr.com
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY
On Christmas Eve this year, Saturday December 24th, we will be having one worship service at 7pm. This will be one big celebration, both for children and families, as well as all of the candlelight and carols for the adults! Please make plans to be with us. Let’s fill the sanctuary this year with all of our families and friends! More info will be available as we get closer. Christmas Day is on Sunday this year, and we will worship at our regular time at 10am. More details about that service will be out soon!
CHOIR REHEARSALS FOR ADVENT
Choir is in session for advent! Please reach out to Brandon if you would like to come sing (email:brandon.malowski@gmail.com")
2023 NUMC GARAGE SALE Mark your calendar!
The 2023 garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023. We have a person to be responsible for each department. These people will need help organizing and pricing. If you haven’t already, please contact Kathy Franklin by email: auntiedoll@earthlink.net if you can help. We will start accepting donations on Monday, April 10.
OFFICE HOURS
Nick will be in the church office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-3pm. On Thursdays he will be holding “out of office hours” at The Works Café, in the plaza right around the corner. He will be there each week from 12-3…inside if it’s raining or hot, and outside if the weather permits. Just stop by and chat. The coffee is on him! Karin will be in the church office Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons starting the same week 12pm-3pm.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Each week you have the opportunity to don the altar with flowers, whether they are in honor or in memory of a loved one, or you would just like to beautify our altar. You may purchase the flowers from your own florist, make an arrangement from your garden or you can pay us and we will take care of the rest. Sign-up is in the Lounge.
ACOLYTES
We are seeking children and youth to be added to an acolyte rotation for Sunday mornings. You will be responsible to light the candles during the first hymn and to carry the microphone to congregation members during prayer time. Please let Karin in the office know if you have a child or youth that would like to be added to the list. newtonvilleumc@gmail.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:00pm in Room 10. All are welcome to attend!
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers for Kathy Maker recovering from a fall and surgery; Beth, a friend and neighbor of Diane Davison; Karen Smith as she recovers from injuries from a car accident; those dealing with health issues; Bill Smith, Bill Rainbolt, Sally Coonley, Barb Rasmussen, Piper Toby, Eleanor Loos, Pat Loz, Christopher Biggs, Stephanie Sherman, Ann Crocker Lawton, Susan C.; those dealing with addiction and those struggling to manage anxiety and fight depression. Contact the office to add or remove a prayer request.
VISITATIONS
If you have someone that would like a visit, please contact Pastor Nick at pastornickbufano@gmail.com
DONATION / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES
CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION
Newtonville United Methodist Church is presently doing an outreach program for the Capital City Rescue Mission.
We have volunteered to serve dinner on the 2nd Monday of each month from 5:00 – 7:30pm. There are 5 volunteers needed each month to serve the guests. Young volunteers must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Parking is available across from the Mission in a closed DMV parking lot; the group that served in November met at NUMC to car pool. Mandatory: face masks, hair net, gloves and apron, which are all part of what the Mission supplies to the volunteers.
Please contact me if you are interested in this program or have any questions: Gail Cotler, 518-441-4853 phone/text or gailcotler@gmail.com.
RISSE UPDATES
Training for any volunteers who would like to become English language tutors is online, free and available. Intake to Outcomes training for our purposes involves completing 2 online modules in about 3 weeks time. If you are interested in trying it, let me know and I can register you with Literacy New York. We have many requests for individual tutors from refugees and immigrants who are unable to attend any of our in-person or online classes.
The most recent request for tutoring is from a Spanish speaker in Troy who would like to meet once a week at the Troy library. She speaks English conversationally but would like to improve her skills to help her obtain a better job.
Volunteers are also welcome for the school year in the Afterschool program. Some of our regular staff and volunteers are finishing up their college semesters and leaving so we have several opportunities in the program which runs from around 2:45 pm to 6 pm each weekday.
RISSE is piloting a new conversation group for community members interested in practicing their English language skills in an informal setting. The drop-in group will meet in the church on Fridays in June from 11 am to 1 pm. "Conversation starters" will be provided. Please let me know if you would like to participate. We plan to provide tea and cookies or some such refreshment and that can also be a no-contact volunteer opportunity if you would like to provide them.
If you would like to mentor a refugee family in the area, there are opportunities to provide transportation, to help with navigating schools, medical care, mail, banking and other intricacies of American culture. If you are interested we can discuss the finer details.
Again, thank you for your support. RISSE could not provide the services it does without help from our dedicated volunteers. Your donation of time is invaluable.
Ann Krischer
Interim Volunteer Coordinator
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus
240 West Lawrence Street
Albany, NY 12208
call/text 518-424-6663
SUPPORT THE HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE IN UKRAINE
United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways:
The United Methodist community in Ukraine, though quite small, is actively engaged in assisting neighbors in need. Global Ministries is in touch with the church’s leadership as well as with church leaders in countries welcoming those who are fleeing from violence in Ukraine.
MUSLIM DONATION CENTER
For those wishing to donate clothing to refugees, please consider the Muslim Donation Center, 350 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham. Clothing must washed and not be stained or ripped. All underwear, socks , pajamas must be new and never worn. Bedding must be clean and no stains or rips.
They accept donations on Tues & Sat, 10-12. Tues: 5:30-7:30 PM.
REQUEST FOR COMMUNICATION WITH UNITED METHODIST SENIORS
“I am writing in hopes of getting some virtual volunteers to write letters or send cards to our wonderful residents who are of the Methodist faith. Also if there are any links the church has where services are posted online or have different prayers etc. listed I would love to share that with our residents. We have been doing non-denominational services throughout COVID but our residents have asked for a connection with members of their Methodist faith. I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and look forward to hearing from you by phone or email.” Cynthia Ellison Activity Director Hudson Park Rehab & Nursing Center 325 Northern Blvd. Albany, NY 12204 (518) 449-1100 ext. 3519 CEllison@hudsonparkrehab.com
OTHER NEWS
THE RESPONSE (UMW Magazine)
The Response magazine is an award-winning publication, is the official magazine of United Methodist Women and is published by the national office. Each issue will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind. Topics and issues cover spiritual growth, mission outreach and reports on our local, national and international work. Here is the link: https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/response Password Newtonvilleumc@gmail.com; zip code 12110
UPPER ROOM
Daily Devotionals are available at https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals. There is an app available for both Upper Room and Alive Now, so you can get them right on your phone or tablet. Printed copies are available in the elevator alcove.
Are you or is someone you know in need of financial assistance? The church has received gifts from individual's stimulus checks to use the funds to help those who may be in financial need during this difficult time. If you know of someone who may be struggling to feed their family, pay utilities, or otherwise meet basic expenses, please Karin in the office. If you are interested in adding to this fund please send your gift to the church, attention: Kathy Franklin. All donations and distributions will remain fully anonymous.
Food assistance is available through food pantries throughout the Capital Region. If you or someone you know is in need of food, you can locate a food pantry serving your community here: www.thefoodpantries.org
The NUMC Little Food Pantry is available 24 hour per day/7 days per week for anyone in need of emergency food or personal care items. If you would like to donate simply leave your items in the food pantry cabinet, located in the rear parking lot.
Financial offerings can be mailed to the office, either in your regular offering envelopes or marked "Attn: Kathy Franklin" to P.O. Box 7, Newtonville, NY 12128. The GivePlus app is another option that can be downloaded to either iPhone or Android. Simply search by zip code 12128. For electronic giving on a regular basis, please contact the church office and we will put Kathy in touch with you to set that up through Vanco. We sincerely appreciate your continued financial support.
Mask wearing is now optional. Please continue to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated, or if you are immunocompromised in any way. Please also continue to wear masks if that is what is most comfortable for you. If you are feeling under the weather in any way, please stay home and take advantage of watching our services on line.
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
ADVENT DECORATING AND SOUP POTLUCK DINNER
Join is for a fun evening of decorating the sanctuary for Advent/ Christmas season on Friday, December 2nd. We will start our night with a soup potluck dinner in Fellowship Hall at 6pm followed by decorating. Hope to see you there!
ADOPT-A-FAMILY
The Angel Tree will appear in the Lounge on Sunday, December 4th. This year NUMC has adopted three families in need; a mom with 5 children ages 12-22 years, a family with 3 children and a family of 4. Please have all gifts (wrapped with the Angel Tree tag identifying the recipient on it) back to the church by Sunday, December 18th for delivery. If you have any questions, please email the church office.
ADVENT MEMORIAL ORNAMENTS
The ornaments on the tree in the Sanctuary are a visible symbol of a donation made in honor or memory of friends and loved ones. This year, all proceeds go to the Capital City Rescue Mission. We are asking for $10 per ornament. Please make checks payable to NUMC and include "Ornaments" in the memo field. The last day to order is Sunday, December 18th. Ornaments will be placed on the tree each week as orders come in. Press on the button link above for an order form.
NIGHT TO SHINE EVENT
After a two year break due to Covid-19, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albany is once again hosting a Night To Shine event. On February 10, 2023, Our Savior’s will join more than 700 other host churches in the world serving more than 100,000 special needs guests for a very special evening, an unforgettable prom night experience. Night To Shine will be held in all 50 states and 20 countries - all on February 10, 2023. In the past we at Newtonville United Methodist Church have been supporting this event with donations for corsages and gifts for the guests. If you’d like to donate, Sandy Rivenburg is collecting donations, accepting both cash and checks. If you’d like to make out a check, please make it out to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Thank you for your support. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, see https://www.oslalbany.com/night-to-shine
NUMC LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
NUMC continues to supply our community with food and essential supplies even during the winter months.
With the cold weather arriving soon, we will suspend collecting canned goods. We ask instead that you consider donating the following: crackers, cookies, rice meals, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, pasta, dried fruit, tea/coffee, popcorn, beef jerky, snacks, baking mixes, dried soup mixes, powdered milk, dried beans, pancake mix, instant potatoes, bar soap and cereal. Any questions or concerns may be sent to Pam Palmer at ppalmer55@nycap.rr.com
CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY
On Christmas Eve this year, Saturday December 24th, we will be having one worship service at 7pm. This will be one big celebration, both for children and families, as well as all of the candlelight and carols for the adults! Please make plans to be with us. Let’s fill the sanctuary this year with all of our families and friends! More info will be available as we get closer. Christmas Day is on Sunday this year, and we will worship at our regular time at 10am. More details about that service will be out soon!
CHOIR REHEARSALS FOR ADVENT
Choir is in session for advent! Please reach out to Brandon if you would like to come sing (email:brandon.malowski@gmail.com")
2023 NUMC GARAGE SALE Mark your calendar!
The 2023 garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023. We have a person to be responsible for each department. These people will need help organizing and pricing. If you haven’t already, please contact Kathy Franklin by email: auntiedoll@earthlink.net if you can help. We will start accepting donations on Monday, April 10.
OFFICE HOURS
Nick will be in the church office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-3pm. On Thursdays he will be holding “out of office hours” at The Works Café, in the plaza right around the corner. He will be there each week from 12-3…inside if it’s raining or hot, and outside if the weather permits. Just stop by and chat. The coffee is on him! Karin will be in the church office Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons starting the same week 12pm-3pm.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Each week you have the opportunity to don the altar with flowers, whether they are in honor or in memory of a loved one, or you would just like to beautify our altar. You may purchase the flowers from your own florist, make an arrangement from your garden or you can pay us and we will take care of the rest. Sign-up is in the Lounge.
ACOLYTES
We are seeking children and youth to be added to an acolyte rotation for Sunday mornings. You will be responsible to light the candles during the first hymn and to carry the microphone to congregation members during prayer time. Please let Karin in the office know if you have a child or youth that would like to be added to the list. newtonvilleumc@gmail.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:00pm in Room 10. All are welcome to attend!
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers for Kathy Maker recovering from a fall and surgery; Beth, a friend and neighbor of Diane Davison; Karen Smith as she recovers from injuries from a car accident; those dealing with health issues; Bill Smith, Bill Rainbolt, Sally Coonley, Barb Rasmussen, Piper Toby, Eleanor Loos, Pat Loz, Christopher Biggs, Stephanie Sherman, Ann Crocker Lawton, Susan C.; those dealing with addiction and those struggling to manage anxiety and fight depression. Contact the office to add or remove a prayer request.
VISITATIONS
If you have someone that would like a visit, please contact Pastor Nick at pastornickbufano@gmail.com
DONATION / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES
CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION
Newtonville United Methodist Church is presently doing an outreach program for the Capital City Rescue Mission.
We have volunteered to serve dinner on the 2nd Monday of each month from 5:00 – 7:30pm. There are 5 volunteers needed each month to serve the guests. Young volunteers must be at least 16 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Parking is available across from the Mission in a closed DMV parking lot; the group that served in November met at NUMC to car pool. Mandatory: face masks, hair net, gloves and apron, which are all part of what the Mission supplies to the volunteers.
Please contact me if you are interested in this program or have any questions: Gail Cotler, 518-441-4853 phone/text or gailcotler@gmail.com.
RISSE UPDATES
Training for any volunteers who would like to become English language tutors is online, free and available. Intake to Outcomes training for our purposes involves completing 2 online modules in about 3 weeks time. If you are interested in trying it, let me know and I can register you with Literacy New York. We have many requests for individual tutors from refugees and immigrants who are unable to attend any of our in-person or online classes.
The most recent request for tutoring is from a Spanish speaker in Troy who would like to meet once a week at the Troy library. She speaks English conversationally but would like to improve her skills to help her obtain a better job.
Volunteers are also welcome for the school year in the Afterschool program. Some of our regular staff and volunteers are finishing up their college semesters and leaving so we have several opportunities in the program which runs from around 2:45 pm to 6 pm each weekday.
RISSE is piloting a new conversation group for community members interested in practicing their English language skills in an informal setting. The drop-in group will meet in the church on Fridays in June from 11 am to 1 pm. "Conversation starters" will be provided. Please let me know if you would like to participate. We plan to provide tea and cookies or some such refreshment and that can also be a no-contact volunteer opportunity if you would like to provide them.
If you would like to mentor a refugee family in the area, there are opportunities to provide transportation, to help with navigating schools, medical care, mail, banking and other intricacies of American culture. If you are interested we can discuss the finer details.
Again, thank you for your support. RISSE could not provide the services it does without help from our dedicated volunteers. Your donation of time is invaluable.
Ann Krischer
Interim Volunteer Coordinator
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus
240 West Lawrence Street
Albany, NY 12208
call/text 518-424-6663
SUPPORT THE HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE IN UKRAINE
United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways:
- Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
- By toll-free telephone: 888-252-6174
- By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line, either mailed and addressed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or given at or through any United Methodist church
The United Methodist community in Ukraine, though quite small, is actively engaged in assisting neighbors in need. Global Ministries is in touch with the church’s leadership as well as with church leaders in countries welcoming those who are fleeing from violence in Ukraine.
MUSLIM DONATION CENTER
For those wishing to donate clothing to refugees, please consider the Muslim Donation Center, 350 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham. Clothing must washed and not be stained or ripped. All underwear, socks , pajamas must be new and never worn. Bedding must be clean and no stains or rips.
They accept donations on Tues & Sat, 10-12. Tues: 5:30-7:30 PM.
REQUEST FOR COMMUNICATION WITH UNITED METHODIST SENIORS
“I am writing in hopes of getting some virtual volunteers to write letters or send cards to our wonderful residents who are of the Methodist faith. Also if there are any links the church has where services are posted online or have different prayers etc. listed I would love to share that with our residents. We have been doing non-denominational services throughout COVID but our residents have asked for a connection with members of their Methodist faith. I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and look forward to hearing from you by phone or email.” Cynthia Ellison Activity Director Hudson Park Rehab & Nursing Center 325 Northern Blvd. Albany, NY 12204 (518) 449-1100 ext. 3519 CEllison@hudsonparkrehab.com
OTHER NEWS
THE RESPONSE (UMW Magazine)
The Response magazine is an award-winning publication, is the official magazine of United Methodist Women and is published by the national office. Each issue will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind. Topics and issues cover spiritual growth, mission outreach and reports on our local, national and international work. Here is the link: https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/response Password Newtonvilleumc@gmail.com; zip code 12110
UPPER ROOM
Daily Devotionals are available at https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals. There is an app available for both Upper Room and Alive Now, so you can get them right on your phone or tablet. Printed copies are available in the elevator alcove.
Are you or is someone you know in need of financial assistance? The church has received gifts from individual's stimulus checks to use the funds to help those who may be in financial need during this difficult time. If you know of someone who may be struggling to feed their family, pay utilities, or otherwise meet basic expenses, please Karin in the office. If you are interested in adding to this fund please send your gift to the church, attention: Kathy Franklin. All donations and distributions will remain fully anonymous.
Food assistance is available through food pantries throughout the Capital Region. If you or someone you know is in need of food, you can locate a food pantry serving your community here: www.thefoodpantries.org
The NUMC Little Food Pantry is available 24 hour per day/7 days per week for anyone in need of emergency food or personal care items. If you would like to donate simply leave your items in the food pantry cabinet, located in the rear parking lot.
Financial offerings can be mailed to the office, either in your regular offering envelopes or marked "Attn: Kathy Franklin" to P.O. Box 7, Newtonville, NY 12128. The GivePlus app is another option that can be downloaded to either iPhone or Android. Simply search by zip code 12128. For electronic giving on a regular basis, please contact the church office and we will put Kathy in touch with you to set that up through Vanco. We sincerely appreciate your continued financial support.
