Pastor's Page

"A Sheepdogs Tale"
     “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIV
     It is a blessing to write this first pastors letter to the church family at Baldwinsville First United Methodist!  I am very excited about coming along side you and helping this great church continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world - to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places.
     I was asked by the church leadership to write a brief letter of introduction with some background history of my time in ministry, so here goes!

Church on the Island

Church on the Island will begin its third season on Sunday, June 17 at 8:00 a.m. and will run through September 2. The informal ½ hour non-denominational worship services have become a popular destination at the Papermill Island Amphitheater in Baldwinsville. Coffee, tea, pastries, and fellowship abound!

Rev. Patricia Walz, recently retired, has been contracted by the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church to continue to be the Church on the Island coordinator and director. Revs. Walz, Hodge, Mudge, and Ranous will be preaching during the summer as well as various other pastors from the area.

Church on the Island Schedule

Worship Services – 8:00 AM
August 19 – Rev. Bill Mudge - First United Methodist Church of Baldwinsville
August 26 – Rev. Catherine Carpenter – Grace Episcopal Church, Baldwinsville
September 2 – Rev. Patricia Walz - Church on the Island, Developer/Facilitator; UMC, Upper NY Conference
In case of inclement weather, services will be held at The Red Mill Inn.

A Book Study

A study using “Christianity’s Family Tree” by Adam Hamilton will be offered this fall: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., September 12 - October 31. It will cover eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. A video will help the group identify what other Christians believe and why. Please sign up early in the office so that books may be ordered for you. The cost of the book is $10.00. Contact Jan Beall (315-635-1356) with any questions.

Fall Rummage Sale & Bake Sale

Donation days are September 26 & 27, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sale days are September 28, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and September 29 (Bag Sale), 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
We will take clothing of all sizes, books, puzzles, toys, dishes, kitchen items, bedding, linens, craft items, tools, sporting equipment etc. Please save for us: grocery bags, especially from Kinney Drugs. Thank you!
We can't take bowling balls, computers, printers, large furniture. If you have any questions or would like to help with the sale, please call Wayne Gilbert (315-638-4653) or Marlene Fredette (315-652-6989).
The Cheery Visitors will be having a Bake Sale on Friday, September 28 in conjunction with the U.M.W. Rummage Sale. Your donation of baked goods would be most appreciated. Questions? Call Alice Nykaza (315-635-5569).

Grief Support Group

Our next meeting is September 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
This is a monthly support group that meets on the third Wednesday of every month for those that have lost a loved one and would like to meet with others to talk or just to listen. A bereavement counselor is present; we meet in the church library; refreshments served.

O.W.L.S. Luncheon

Our next gathering is on Thursday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. in the church dining room. (Terry Miller, 315-409-4063)

Eureka! Book Club

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Septmeber 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the church chapel. The book for September is “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Copies are available to borrow in the church office. Dinner will be catered - please RSVP to the church office by noon on Friday, September 21 (315-635-6442).

SAMASAN Mystery Dinner Theater

Mark your calendars for a new SAMASAN program. On Thursday, September 27, we will attend a mystery dinner theater at Spaghetti Warehouse. (This program is not available weekends. Note: the date is different than in your SAMASAN flyer.) Arrive by 6:45 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. show. For a cost of $37.50, there will be a choice of 4 dinners and includes coffee, tea, and soft drinks, tax, tip, and the interactive theater performance of “My Dead Lady”. This is open to the entire church, family, and friends. Please respond to Patty Kline, Stu Hosler, Mickie Lorenz, or Norma Widmann if you plan to attend. Payment is due by September 20. Payment may be made to any of the above or mailed to Patty Kline, 1373 County Line Road, Fulton, Ny 13059.  Make checks payable to Norma Widmann.