Pastor's Page

Rev. William Mudge, pastor   (updated 9-28-21)
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.” Philippians 3:10-16 NRSV 

Congregational Care & Family Ministries

Rev. Jeff Hodge   (updated 10-15-21)
With less volunteers and students, we have made some adjustments to our weekly Sunday School offerings. Ages pre-school thru 6th grade are invited to “Sunday’s COOL”, a hands-on rotational model that takes place every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.
We have also turned Wednesday into Wonderful Wednesdays, a weekly intergenerational gathering for family fellowship and fun open to the entire congregation. The weekly flow will generally be the same – meal, devotion time, and an activity focus, but the themes will be different each week. See our schedule for October.

UNYC Director of Stewardship

Rev. Susan M. Ranous, Deacon of Stewardship   (updated 08-27-21) 
As you’re reading this article, consider that it has been over 533 days since the world changed, a pandemic raged and, for a time, everything seemed to shut down. There have been over 36,832,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with over 629,612 deaths in the United States, 2,166,366 cases in New York State alone (of which I was one!), and 53,539 deaths of New Yorkers, one of which was a coworker. Keep in mind that not everyone that had COVID was tested; so the numbers are probably actually higher! 
          Many of us were extremely careful and were doing all the right things and still got sick; some died. Even after “recovering”, some still suffer with lost of smell, lost of taste, hair loss, scarred lungs, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, shaking, brain fog, joint pain…and that’s just people I know. 

Sunday's COOL

As we re-boot our Sunday morning gatherings, we are re-designing Sunday School this fall. We will gather in the multi-purpose room for Sunday's COOL! - our one-room rotational Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a time of fun and learning!
Music - Bible Lesson - Drafts & other hands-on experiences. 
October 17:  The Baby in the Basket
October 24:  God speaks to Moses
Note: Sunday's COOL is a mask wearing zone.

Men's Discussion Group

The Men’s Discussion Group is starting to meet in person again! Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. in the church conference room.
Our initial study will be on Sanctification: A Life Pleasing to God. Dave Horan and George Ramseyer, coordinators

Wonderful Wednesdays

 Wonderful Wednesdays:  
A weekly Family Night with a light meal & activities from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a time of food, fun, and fellowship every Wednesday. This is a mid-week opportunity for intergenerational fellowship and friendship. Each week will look a little different as we shape this new time together.
If you have any questions, or want to be part of the planning team, please see Pastor Jeff or e-mail him at Jhodge312@yahoo.com

Eureka! Book Club

Join us each month at 6:00 p.m. We are bringing our own dinner and sharing in conversation and fellowship. Our book discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 26 – “Memories of Glass” by Melanie Dobson
Tuesday, November – Date TBA – “Taste and See: Discovering God Among Butchers, Bakers & Fresh Food Makers” by Margaret Feinberg
Tuesday, December – Date TBA – “Advent in Plain Sight – A Devotion through 10 Objects” by Jill Duffield       

S.A.M.A.S.A.N. - October

Our Fall Festival will be held 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30 at the home of Ray and Eileen Rice (7667 E. Dead Creek Rd., Baldwinsville).  Everyone is asked to bring a fruit or vegetable to dress up in a Halloween costume. I have plenty of materials for dressing them, so all you need is your imagination! (You are more than welcome to bring your own materials, but we will dress them at the event.) You will judge the ones you like the best and there will be prizes.

Trunk or Treat

When: Saturday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church parking lot 
Children ages 2-12 wear costumes and go car “trunk” to car “trunk” to receive Halloween treats! 
We will also have refreshments and games! 
Children must be accompanied by an adult
OPTIONAL: Decorate your “trunk” and be part of the fun. Please bring 100-200 wrapped candies, snacks or non-food items like pencils, toys, etc.

The Longest Night - A Service of Remembrance & Hope

Sunday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m. The Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church is offering to the Community, an In-Person Church Service: "The Longest Night: A Service of Remembrance and Hope"
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one or other losses, the holidays can be a difficult time and we need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern and to know that we are not alone.