Pastor's Page

(updated 08-25-23)  “14As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NRSV 
                I have always had a mixed relationship with September. On the one hand was the shortening of daylight, the return to school and the perceived loss of summer freedom. On the other hand, was the invitation to a fresh start – a new beginning with fresh notebooks and books and pencils and crayons. That’s right, crayons. 

Congregational Care & Family Ministries

(updated 08-25-23)   Rev. Jeff Hodge    Church on the Island closes its 8th Season on Sunday, September 3. There are two more weeks of worship on Papermill Island as Church on the Island winds down its 8th season of outdoor worship. This week, August 27, Rev. Jeff Hodge is our preacher, and on Sunday, September 3, we welcome Rev. Patti Walz to Church on the Island. The September 3rd service will also include music by Piper Jack and a special coffee time provided by the Church on the Island team. We have had a wonderful, inspirational season with eight different preachers, including two who were new to our pulpit. There will be a complete report in October. 

Church Bell Choir

The Covenant Chimers will resume practice on September 5. Anyone interested in learning to ring, we are in need of more ringers. Our practice time is 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. Call Linda Miller at 315-440-6049 with any questions.

S.A.M.A.S.A.N.

Anyone interested in joining S.A.M.A.S.A.N. (Some are Married and Some are Not), please call Eileen Rice at 315-635-9644 or email at Raylee73@aol.com.  There are no dues and it's free to join, with minimal obligations, those being showing up for a good time! We have a great group as of right now, but we need some new, younger people to keep this fun group going. We usually do something fun and interesting 6 times a year but would like to see some new faces. We think you will enjoy it. Thank you, Eileen Rice, Pres., Melba Lindsey, VP, and Mickie Lorenz, Treas.

Men's Discussion Group

Beginning Tuesday, September 19th at 6:30 PM., the "Acts of the Apostles" will be discussed. We shall follow the journeys and activities of the Apostles, primarily focusing on the missionary efforts of Peter and Paul. We will learn the details of the early spread of Christianity, the conversion of Gentiles, and the challenges faced by the early Christian community, providing insights into the growth and establishment of the Church in the years following the crucifixion of Jesus. The purpose of this study is to know God better. From this we will glean insights into how we too can be a more effective part in spreading the Word of God to others in Baldwinsville and beyond.  Additional information: David Horan (315-638-2407), George Ramseyer (315-720-6184).

8-4-F (Eight-for-Fellowship)

Join us for the 8-4-F dinner club! Our first get-together will be a potluck dinner on September 23rd, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please bring your own table service and a covered dish to share with everyone. We will provide drinks.  
We’ll be getting to know each other and providing information about how the 8-4-F club works. Please RSVP to Eileen Rice (Raylee73@aol.com) or Melba Lindsey (lynb81@hotmail.com) by September 20th so we can plan accordingly.
All are welcome to join 8-4-F! This is a great opportunity to connect with others in the church community and enjoy a delicious meal together.  

Eureka! Book Club

September 26, 2023 --Razorblade Tears: A Novel by S.A. Cosby Ike Randolph has been out of jail for fifteen years, with not so much as a speeding ticket in all that time. But a Black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid. The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah’s white husband, Derek. Ike had never fully accepted his son but is devastated by his loss. Derek’s father Buddy Lee was almost as ashamed of Derek for being gay as Derek was ashamed his father was a criminal. Buddy Lee still has contacts in the underworld, though, and he wants to know who killed his boy. Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons with little else in common other than a criminal past and a love for their dead sons, band together in their desperate desire for revenge.

Fall Rummage Sale

Donation days: October 4 & 5, 9:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.
Sale days: October 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ; Bake Sale (Friday only) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and October 7, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ($4 bag day)
Volunteers Needed! – In order for our Fall Rummage Sale to be successful, we need YOU to help. Do you have a friend or neighbor who would work beside you? We’re an EO “employer” for fun and fellowship. All proceeds from the sale stay right here in Baldwinsville. (Shh, best kept secret, volunteers have first choice of items they wish to purchase) Please call Mickie Lorenz (315-635-5182) or Dave Horan (315-415-0229). Thank you & God Bless
Donations wanted –  clothing of all sizes, linens, bedding, kitchen items, puzzles, books, games, toys, tools, sporting equipment, leftovers from your garage sale, etc.