**COVID PROTOCOLS
1. The mask mandate has been lifted.
2. You may sit anywhere in the sanctuary.
3. Coffee hour has resumed.
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY
Sunday June 12th will be Children’s Sunday! Our Sunday School youth will take part in leading many parts of the service, and they will lead us in a worship song during the Kid’s Time. We will celebrate with the kids during coffee hour as well! This will be the last day of Sunday School for this school year. Come and fill our sanctuary, and take part in this wonderful worship service. See you there!
LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
**We are in desperate need of volunteers for the food pantry on Sundays.**
NUMC continues to supply our community with food and essential supplies. Ideas for items to leave in the pantry include: crackers, rice meals, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, popcorn, beef jerky, snacks, dried soup mixes and paper products. Volunteers are asked to use SignUpGenius.com (Little Food Pantry/Blessing Box) to register their availability at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849ACAE28 A2FC1-little If a volunteer does not have a key to the church, please contact Pam Palmer, and arrangements will be made for access. Any issues or concerns should be sent to ppalmer55@nycap.rr.com.
GARAGE SALE UPDATE
Dear Veteran Garage Sale workers and new helpers in 2022,
Thank you all for volunteering your time at Newtonville Church for the sale on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Bob Kircher, is a gift to this church, a man for all seasons, multi- talented, truly gifted in planning and design. Bob’s Furniture helpers, Clifton Fowles, Jim Ambrose and Rick King are the lifters, and haulers. All workers!
Judy Mills indefatigable with her time, devoted to the Appliances and Housewares checking all prices on items to be sold. Arrangements and displays extraordinarily Inviting !
Cleaner of metals, Joan Jensen. Lots of effort, and time and shiny, clean silver.
Many helpers to the large Houseware department.
Donna Buda, Pamela La Casio, Margie King, Donna Ware, and Tina Sheridan. Tina who checked prices on appliances along with Jim Ambrose and Gary Thompson.
Pam Palmer displayed all Linens to their best advantage. Cheryl Assimon was a good helper, and Margaret Blanco was too.
Toy store specialist Sue Brooks assisted by Bill Rainbolt, Margaret Blanco and new this year willing Wendy Spendiff,
Maryann Olstead artistic designer of holiday items which always look so well displayed.
Plant expert Nancy Breyette who presented lovely house plants as a new addition to our garage sale.
Gail Colter joined us this year as the leader of the fine Bakery department with good help from Maureen Rowe.
Kathy Mascelli Jewelry and handbags always a favorite had many helpers, and among them was Sue Whittle.
The Gardening and Sporting goods department were chaired by Gary Thompson, who is new to us this year and very quickly felt and operated like a veteran.
The Silent Auction table supervised by Ann Sheffer who is so encouraging to potential bidders. Ann worked on advertising.
Sandy Rivenburgh, a staple, always there to help in so many ways. Sandy and Larry great on cleanup.
Newtonville church expresses its deep appreciation to the Cathedral of All Saints for accepting The unsold items from the garage sale.
It took them four pick ups to get all of the items. All Saints operates a thrift door on Thursdays year round.
The first Thursday after the garage sale they did a business of $400 which is the best they have done in more than two years due to Covid.
The cooperation between Newtonville and All Saints has been beneficial to both.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGES 4 THRU 6TH GRADE
Young people will gather in the Grace Krauss Lounge at 9:30 where they will sing a song with Brandon, explore the scripture passage for the day, and then complete a fun, aged based activity connecting the passage to their lives! It is our hope that the young folks will then join their families for worship at 10am. During the Kid’s Time each week, the children will share their song and Sunday school activity with the congregation. Parents are welcome to stay and help their young ones, and/or gather for fellowship in the Grace Krause Lounge. Come check out this new and exciting program!
MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY
Join Pastor Nick on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm on Zoom for our weekly Bible Study. We will start each meeting with song, study and apply God’s Word to our lives today, and pray for one another each week. Call or email Pastor Nick if you have any questions! The Bible Study will wrap up for the summer on May 25th. Spread the word and invite your friends!
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.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
There is a sign-up in the Lounge for those interested in hosting a coffee hour this summer. Our coordinator, Wendy Spendiff, would be happy to fill you in on all of the details.
MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Choir has reconvened and anyone is welcome to join in! Let Brandon know if you are interested in sharing your musical talents, whatever they may be, with the congregation during worship. We hope to have guest musicians every other Sunday and want to extend this invitation. Please contact Brandon with interest at brandon.malowski@gmail.com.
YOUTH GROUP - seeking volunteers
We are seeking coordinators for our Junior High and High School Youth Group. Please share your interests with Pastor Nick or Karin.
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 will resume in-person gatherings the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:00pm in Room 10; masks required.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers for Betty Mathis (former Newtonville organist) entering into hospice care; Bill Smith as he recovers from recent health issues; 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 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
LAITY GATHERING WITH THE BISHOP AT MCLOKNVILLE UMC JUNE 8TH
Next month, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, will be hosting regional gatherings with laity for a time of worship, conversation, and celebration of mission and ministry. This will be a time to converse about the current realities within the UMC and the opportunities found in our call to live out the mission of Jesus Christ for today and into the future.
The following are the dates and times for the gatherings with Bishop Webb:
June 7, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Gouverneur UMC
June 8, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at McKownville UMC
June 9, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Olean: Christ United
June 12, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. at LeRoy UMC
June 12, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Liverpool First UMC
June 13, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Nimmonsburg UMC
The gathering in the Albany District is from 6:30 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, June 8 at the McKownville UMC, 1565 Western Ave., Albany 12203. Please RSVP to Carrie Boyer in the District Office, albanydistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 608-1246.
CROP WALK UPDATES
Well over 100 walkers registered last Sunday at First Lutheran Church in Albany for the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk. In addition, many other walkers and congregations chose to walk on a different day and/or route. With over $77,000 collected, the $100,000 goal is in sight. The virtual walk continues throughout the month of May. To register as a walker, set up a team, and/or make a donation, visit the Albany CROP Walk web page at www.crophungerwalk.org/albanyny. Pictures of the Opening Ceremony and the Walk can be seen on Facebook at 2022 Capital Region CROP Walks.
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.
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.
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
IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES
If you have a heart for the oppressed and displaced person in this world, you need go no further than Albany, NY, to be of service. The people you will meet, both refugees and volunteers, will warm your hearts. Two organizations I can endorse from personal experience are USCRI {U. S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants} and RISSE {Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus}.
Broadly speaking, USCRI is a federally contracted refugee resettlement agency, the front line receiver of families providing initial case management for the 90-day period after arrival. USCRI will meet the families at the Albany Airport, secure and pay for their initial housing, provide furniture and household necessities, assist families with transportation to clothing centers and medical visits and provide other basic services. The organization also operates numerous post 90-day programs to help facilitate refugees’ transition to their new lives in America.
RISSE assists families with paperwork; English-language acquisition for adults and children; citizenship; after-school programming; youth summer activities; and more. RISSE has a strong need at present in the Afterschool program for teaching professionals, retired or otherwise, to tutor children.
Both organizations require applications and background checks for volunteers who work directly with refugee families. There is a great need for good quality furniture to include tables and chairs, couches, lamps, and area carpets. Also, toiletries, towels, kitchen items, paper products, soaps (personal, dish & laundry). Money donations allow the most flexibility.
Volunteers are needed to muster supplies, make deliveries, ferry people, repairs & cleaning, organizing goods, etc. The ability to assist on very short notice is especially valuable, but more predictable opportunities are also available.
To help out at RISSE, which is located at the Emmaus United Methodist Church at 715 Morris St, Albany, you may contact Ann Krischer, volunteer coordinator, at: volunteer@risse-albany.org or call 518.424.6663.
To help out at USCRI, contact Jennifer DeMarco at jdemarco@uscrimail.org.
If you would like to visit either organization or get more information, you may also contact Brian Hayesbrian.m.hayes6@gmail.com or call 518.791.9454.
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
GENERAL CONFERENCE
The Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church rescheduled for Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022, will not be held. Instead, the next General Conference will take place in 2024.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Postponing Annual Conference creates a new set of logistical concerns to address and the decisions about those concerns will be shared once they are made. In the meantime, anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
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.
1. The mask mandate has been lifted.
2. You may sit anywhere in the sanctuary.
3. Coffee hour has resumed.
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY
Sunday June 12th will be Children’s Sunday! Our Sunday School youth will take part in leading many parts of the service, and they will lead us in a worship song during the Kid’s Time. We will celebrate with the kids during coffee hour as well! This will be the last day of Sunday School for this school year. Come and fill our sanctuary, and take part in this wonderful worship service. See you there!
LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
**We are in desperate need of volunteers for the food pantry on Sundays.**
NUMC continues to supply our community with food and essential supplies. Ideas for items to leave in the pantry include: crackers, rice meals, macaroni and cheese, hot chocolate, popcorn, beef jerky, snacks, dried soup mixes and paper products. Volunteers are asked to use SignUpGenius.com (Little Food Pantry/Blessing Box) to register their availability at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849ACAE28 A2FC1-little If a volunteer does not have a key to the church, please contact Pam Palmer, and arrangements will be made for access. Any issues or concerns should be sent to ppalmer55@nycap.rr.com.
GARAGE SALE UPDATE
Dear Veteran Garage Sale workers and new helpers in 2022,
Thank you all for volunteering your time at Newtonville Church for the sale on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Bob Kircher, is a gift to this church, a man for all seasons, multi- talented, truly gifted in planning and design. Bob’s Furniture helpers, Clifton Fowles, Jim Ambrose and Rick King are the lifters, and haulers. All workers!
Judy Mills indefatigable with her time, devoted to the Appliances and Housewares checking all prices on items to be sold. Arrangements and displays extraordinarily Inviting !
Cleaner of metals, Joan Jensen. Lots of effort, and time and shiny, clean silver.
Many helpers to the large Houseware department.
Donna Buda, Pamela La Casio, Margie King, Donna Ware, and Tina Sheridan. Tina who checked prices on appliances along with Jim Ambrose and Gary Thompson.
Pam Palmer displayed all Linens to their best advantage. Cheryl Assimon was a good helper, and Margaret Blanco was too.
Toy store specialist Sue Brooks assisted by Bill Rainbolt, Margaret Blanco and new this year willing Wendy Spendiff,
Maryann Olstead artistic designer of holiday items which always look so well displayed.
Plant expert Nancy Breyette who presented lovely house plants as a new addition to our garage sale.
Gail Colter joined us this year as the leader of the fine Bakery department with good help from Maureen Rowe.
Kathy Mascelli Jewelry and handbags always a favorite had many helpers, and among them was Sue Whittle.
The Gardening and Sporting goods department were chaired by Gary Thompson, who is new to us this year and very quickly felt and operated like a veteran.
The Silent Auction table supervised by Ann Sheffer who is so encouraging to potential bidders. Ann worked on advertising.
Sandy Rivenburgh, a staple, always there to help in so many ways. Sandy and Larry great on cleanup.
Newtonville church expresses its deep appreciation to the Cathedral of All Saints for accepting The unsold items from the garage sale.
It took them four pick ups to get all of the items. All Saints operates a thrift door on Thursdays year round.
The first Thursday after the garage sale they did a business of $400 which is the best they have done in more than two years due to Covid.
The cooperation between Newtonville and All Saints has been beneficial to both.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGES 4 THRU 6TH GRADE
Young people will gather in the Grace Krauss Lounge at 9:30 where they will sing a song with Brandon, explore the scripture passage for the day, and then complete a fun, aged based activity connecting the passage to their lives! It is our hope that the young folks will then join their families for worship at 10am. During the Kid’s Time each week, the children will share their song and Sunday school activity with the congregation. Parents are welcome to stay and help their young ones, and/or gather for fellowship in the Grace Krause Lounge. Come check out this new and exciting program!
MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY
Join Pastor Nick on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm on Zoom for our weekly Bible Study. We will start each meeting with song, study and apply God’s Word to our lives today, and pray for one another each week. Call or email Pastor Nick if you have any questions! The Bible Study will wrap up for the summer on May 25th. Spread the word and invite your friends!
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.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS
There is a sign-up in the Lounge for those interested in hosting a coffee hour this summer. Our coordinator, Wendy Spendiff, would be happy to fill you in on all of the details.
MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Choir has reconvened and anyone is welcome to join in! Let Brandon know if you are interested in sharing your musical talents, whatever they may be, with the congregation during worship. We hope to have guest musicians every other Sunday and want to extend this invitation. Please contact Brandon with interest at brandon.malowski@gmail.com.
YOUTH GROUP - seeking volunteers
We are seeking coordinators for our Junior High and High School Youth Group. Please share your interests with Pastor Nick or Karin.
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 will resume in-person gatherings the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 1:00pm in Room 10; masks required.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayers for Betty Mathis (former Newtonville organist) entering into hospice care; Bill Smith as he recovers from recent health issues; 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 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
LAITY GATHERING WITH THE BISHOP AT MCLOKNVILLE UMC JUNE 8TH
Next month, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, will be hosting regional gatherings with laity for a time of worship, conversation, and celebration of mission and ministry. This will be a time to converse about the current realities within the UMC and the opportunities found in our call to live out the mission of Jesus Christ for today and into the future.
The following are the dates and times for the gatherings with Bishop Webb:
June 7, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Gouverneur UMC
June 8, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at McKownville UMC
June 9, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Olean: Christ United
June 12, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. at LeRoy UMC
June 12, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Liverpool First UMC
June 13, 2022 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Nimmonsburg UMC
The gathering in the Albany District is from 6:30 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, June 8 at the McKownville UMC, 1565 Western Ave., Albany 12203. Please RSVP to Carrie Boyer in the District Office, albanydistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 608-1246.
CROP WALK UPDATES
Well over 100 walkers registered last Sunday at First Lutheran Church in Albany for the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk. In addition, many other walkers and congregations chose to walk on a different day and/or route. With over $77,000 collected, the $100,000 goal is in sight. The virtual walk continues throughout the month of May. To register as a walker, set up a team, and/or make a donation, visit the Albany CROP Walk web page at www.crophungerwalk.org/albanyny. Pictures of the Opening Ceremony and the Walk can be seen on Facebook at 2022 Capital Region CROP Walks.
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.
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.
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
IMMIGRANT ASSISTANCE MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES
If you have a heart for the oppressed and displaced person in this world, you need go no further than Albany, NY, to be of service. The people you will meet, both refugees and volunteers, will warm your hearts. Two organizations I can endorse from personal experience are USCRI {U. S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants} and RISSE {Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus}.
Broadly speaking, USCRI is a federally contracted refugee resettlement agency, the front line receiver of families providing initial case management for the 90-day period after arrival. USCRI will meet the families at the Albany Airport, secure and pay for their initial housing, provide furniture and household necessities, assist families with transportation to clothing centers and medical visits and provide other basic services. The organization also operates numerous post 90-day programs to help facilitate refugees’ transition to their new lives in America.
RISSE assists families with paperwork; English-language acquisition for adults and children; citizenship; after-school programming; youth summer activities; and more. RISSE has a strong need at present in the Afterschool program for teaching professionals, retired or otherwise, to tutor children.
Both organizations require applications and background checks for volunteers who work directly with refugee families. There is a great need for good quality furniture to include tables and chairs, couches, lamps, and area carpets. Also, toiletries, towels, kitchen items, paper products, soaps (personal, dish & laundry). Money donations allow the most flexibility.
Volunteers are needed to muster supplies, make deliveries, ferry people, repairs & cleaning, organizing goods, etc. The ability to assist on very short notice is especially valuable, but more predictable opportunities are also available.
To help out at RISSE, which is located at the Emmaus United Methodist Church at 715 Morris St, Albany, you may contact Ann Krischer, volunteer coordinator, at: volunteer@risse-albany.org or call 518.424.6663.
To help out at USCRI, contact Jennifer DeMarco at jdemarco@uscrimail.org.
If you would like to visit either organization or get more information, you may also contact Brian Hayesbrian.m.hayes6@gmail.com or call 518.791.9454.
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
GENERAL CONFERENCE
The Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church rescheduled for Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022, will not be held. Instead, the next General Conference will take place in 2024.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Postponing Annual Conference creates a new set of logistical concerns to address and the decisions about those concerns will be shared once they are made. In the meantime, anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
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.
