Pastor's Page

          Some of you know that of all the colors in the world the pigment that I like least is pink; and that may be an understatement. Upon learning this some people have taken great delight in “pinking” me. I once arrived at my office to discover that I had been anonymously gifted a complete ceramic nativity set - each figurine painted pink and dusted with pearlescent glitter. Not wanting to offend the unknown donor, each Advent it was displayed on the bookcase near the door. That is until someone confessed to having bought it at rummage sale and spray painted it just to annoy me. I’ve been given too many pink shirts (gift receipt enclosed only once) to count. And there are always bulletins or letters printed on pink paper because “It’s all we have left.” (Whether you believe it or not mauve and fuchsia are just other names for pink.)

Safe Sanctuary Training

Safe Sanctuaries Training is for individuals with responsibility for the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in the churches’ ministries. If you would like to teach as an adult instructor, a nursery care taker, or Sunday school teacher, you need to complete this training. The UNY Conference (United Methodist Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, N.Y. 13088 Meeting Room B) will host a free 3-hour training session on June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For more information and how to register, see: http://www.unyumc.org/events/event/safe-sanctuaries-training. You can also call Carol Barnes to register or with questions at: (607) 687-4793.

Adult Discussion Group

Our Adult Discussion Group meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room with open, all-inclusive discussions.   We begin with an ecumenical video and then share our views.  All are welcome to join us.  Facilitators are Ann Horan and Craig Barrett.

Zimmerman Letter 4-2-2018

Kathmandu, 2 April 2018.
Dear Friends, "Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news." Mark 16:15
           It was a glorious March morning as I cycled along the still-quiet streets to Patan Hospital. Having sent the boys off on their new 7am school bus, I was hoping to get an early start to a busy day in my new role of helping the hospital develop nutrition ervices for patients. The air was filled with birdsong and bright sunshine that quickly dismissed the early morning chill, and the sense of spring in the air was palpable. So strange, I thought, to be surrounded by such light and hope when a shadow had just loomed over our heads. Arriving at the hospital, I was soon busy supervising the preparation of nutrition supplements in the kitchen and checking individual patients who were to receive them on the wards. Nevertheless thoughts kept popping into my head as to what the coming weeks, or even months, might hold for us.

Vacation Bible School 2018

“Rolling River Rampage”: Monday, August 13 – Friday, August 17, 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
This is a free camp for children going into Kindergarten through 6th grade. On Camp Preview Day (see announcement above), there will be a VBS table with activities for young campers, and for early registration. If you are interested in volunteering for VBS (either as an older youth or adult teacher), please contact Frankie at christianeducation@bvillefirstumc.org.

O.W.L.S. Luncheon

Our next gathering is on Thursday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the church dining room. Lunch will be mac n' cheese, ham, and a veggie for $8.00 per person. The program will be presented by Shirley Eisenhauer and The McHarrie Towne Singers. (Terry Miller, 315-409-4063)

SAMASAN ~ Safe Haven Museum Trip

Saturday, June 2 at 9:45 a.m. we will meet at the church parking lot to carpool to Safe Haven Museum in Oswego followed by lunch at Bridie Manor. All are invited to this event. Please contact Mary Anita Berry (263-6628) or Nancy Brotherton (638-2949) with your reservation and $5.00 Museum fee by May 18th.

Food Collection Sundays

June 3
Children will be collecting food donations as you enter the Sanctuary. Needed in June:  & soup. Monetary donations are also gladly accepted.

Eureka! Book Club

Eureka! Book Club
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m. in the church chapel. The book for June is "Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint" by Nadia Bolz-Weber. Dinner will be catered through a local establishment and the cost will be shared among attendees. Please call the church office (315-635-6442) by noon on Friday, June 1, if you would like to attend. Copies of the book are available in the church office to borrow.

United Methodist Women

Hannah-Sarah Circle
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

Spring District Meeting on Saturday, May 19 at Phoenix UMC, 9 am to 2 pm. Susan Ranous will be speaking of her mission experience in Haiti. If you plan to come and stay for lunch, please call Elaine Bisbee at 315-668-7385.
 

Church on the Island

Beginning June 17, 2018:  Paper Mill Island Amphitheater, Baldwinsville. This informal, ½ hour, non-denominational worship begins at 8:00 a.m.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the cool breezes, rising sun, inspiration, and fellowship. 

Grief Support Group

Our next meeting is June 20, 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.

Community Dinner

We invite anyone in the Baldwinsville area to our delicious, homecooked meal. October - May, please join us on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., to socialize and eat.