Pastor's Page

(updated 6-27-24) “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence,[c] but through love become enslaved to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. .” Galatians 5:1, 13-15 NRSV 

Congregational Care & Family Ministries

(updated 6-27-24)   Wishing You Every Blessing of Summer!   There are so many fun things to do this summer. We wish you every blessing for a safe and fun with your friends and family. One of our summer joys is offering our free week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, from July 8 thru 12, I will be among the “happy campers” as we offer a summer camp adventure with God! Each day from 9:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., we will learn new songs, enjoy a snack, be part of the morning story, do arts and crafts, recreation, and science! So, sign up – bring a friend, wear the color of the day if you can (our first day is purple. Our registration brochure gives us our daily colors and more information), and we will see you soon! – Pastor Jeff – a/k/a “Happy Camper” the Storyteller.

Church on the Island

CHURCH ON THE ISLAND  ~~  Join us at 8:00 a.m. for a 30-minute service in a beautiful outdoor setting that runs through Sunday, September 1. This ecumenical offering features different guest preachers and musicians throughout the season.  Bring your chair – your morning coffee – and friends and neighbors! 

Church on the Island Schedule

Worship Services – 8:00 AM   Here is our schedule for the season!
July 7: Rev. Kirsty Dickson-Maret, First Presbyterian Church, Baldwinsville;
July 14: Rev. Chuck Copps, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Baldwinsville;
July 21: Rev. Beth Quick, The United Methodist Church;
July 28: Rev. Kirsty Dickson-Maret, First Presbyterian Church, Baldwinsville;
August 4: Rev. Chuck Copps, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Baldwinsville;
August 11: Rev. Joseph Hannah, Grace Episcopal Church, Baldwinsville;
August 18: Rev. Michael Grinnals, Plainville Christian Church (UCC);
August 25: Susan Ranous, Administrative Pastor, Baldwinsville, Liverpool, Pennellville;
September 1: Rev. Bill Mudge, Pastor Baldwinsville, Liverpool UMC

Men's Bible Study ~ Summer

The General Epistles, the short NT books preceding Revelations, were written to guide Christians experiencing tensions in the world around them. Tuesdays, July 9 – August 13 at 6:30 p.m. George Ramseyer (315-720-6184) and David Horan (315-638-2407)

Church BBQ Chicken Fundraiser

Chicken BBQ Fundraiser– Saturdays, July 20 and August31, beginning at 11:00 a.m.   The church thanks all the volunteers who helped at our last BBQ chicken plate fundraiser.  It was a fun and joyful day!  We are again asking for volunteers to assist in this sale.  This solicitation is for the entire congregation who would like to help.  If you are able to assist, please notify the church office (315-635-6442; secretary@bvillefirstumc.org) or Alan Lindsey (315-857-4609; awlsr@hotmail.com).  Thank you for your consideration in this matter. 

Eureka! Book Club

Eureka! Book Club invites you to join us in August as we explore “Haven” – the dramatic story of 1,000 World War II refugees and how they came to America. We will read the book by Ruth Gruber, see the engaging documentary, and then visit the Haven Museum in Oswego. Attend one or all three events in what promises to be an intriguing exploration this summer! Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Haven by Ruth Gruber; Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. – Safe Haven the documentary (originally aired on PBS); Thursday, August 22 day time gathering TBA. – Safe Haven Museum in
Oswego  (open 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.) $19.14 paperback, Amazon. Jeff does have a limited # of copies for sale for $10. We also have one on the bookshelf in the outer office to borrow for one week at a time. 

Blessing of the Backpacks

On Sunday, September 8 we will have our annual Blessing of the Backpacks during our 9 a.m. worship. Bring your book bags and work bags!
On that same day we will host First Fest, our annual celebration of beginning the fall season, a chance to register for Sunday School in the fall, and an opportunity to see all the ministries of the church “first” hand and up close – and ask questions, and sign up for events, groups, and studies! – Pastor Jeff