Please Note:

"The Longest Night: A Service of Remembrance & Hope" has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Pastor's Page

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:5-7 NRSV 
            I heard a story recently that made me smile.  I offer it to you here as an invitation to come home this holiday season and join our friends and family at the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church.  This story was written by Dr. John MacArthur, and it speaks to me of our need for fellowship, our need for each other.
The Lonely Ember  
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going.

Congregational Care & Family Ministries

 Advent Resources for Families   The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. (Umc.org/advent) Here are some online materials to help you observe and celebrate the seasons at home:

Yoga Classes at BFUMC

Yoga means union of body and mind. It can lower stress, which is toxic to overall health and well-being. A typical class will begin with warm-ups and a Kriya (set of exercises) followed by deep relaxation and meditation. This is a safe environment with sensitivity to the needs of each student. All are welcome at any level of experience. You do not need to have experience with yoga to receive benefit from the class. You don’t have to be excessively flexible to enjoy this class. Bring a blanket, water bottle, and anything else you may need for a yoga class. Chairs will be available for all classes if necessary. Non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry are always welcome as well. $10 per class or 6 classes for $50. Drop in for $10. Wednesdays:     5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Checks should be made out to “Baldwinsville FUMC”.  Families are encouraged to come together.

Adult Discussion Group

Our Adult Discussion Group meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room with open, all-inclusive discussions.   All are welcome!!   We first view an ecumenical video presenting thought-provoking issues and ideas.   We then have a very open discussion including all who are with us. 

Youth Group News

Next Meeting: December 22, 5:30 - 700 p.m.
Youth Group is for 9 - 12 graders. We gather in the multi-purpose room and will usually meet on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month, as well as other times for special activities and service projects. (Joan Ellsworth, 315-251-5477)

Grief Support Group

Please Note: there will not be a regular meeting in December due to the special service on Monday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.  (Rescheduled for Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m.)

Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau

Help the Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau  
The tree by the church office is for the Christmas Bureau. Please take an ornament from the tree, purchase the toy, and return it here by Monday, December 16. The Christmas Bureau has requested these specific items. Thank you for all you do.

SAMASAN Christmas Party

Come one, come all, to our SAMASAN Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the church dining room. Once again we will have a Chinese Gift Exchange. If you are female, please bring a $10 woman’s gift and if you are male, please bring a $10 male gift labeled accordingly. Looking forward to seeing you all there! Nancy Brotherton, Norma Widmann, Stu Hosler, and Pam Fallesen.

Children's Christmas Bazaar

Saturday, December 14, 9:00 – 12:00 a.m.   It’s not too early to start thinking about the Children’s Christmas Bazaar! It will be held on Saturday, December 14 and children will be able to shop in secret for family and friends. Each item, regardless of size, will cost 50 cents! We welcome the following donations! Items can be brought to the church office.  Gift bags – we have plenty of wrapping paper; Tissue paper, bows, tape, and gift tags; Gifts for men, women, and children of all ages.

The Longest Night - A Service of Remembrance & Hope

This service has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m.

This candle lighting service is extended to all people in the Baldwinsville Community. On Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m., the Hands of Hope Group will once again host a remembrance service in the church Sanctuary for those that have lost a loved one. The holidays can be difficult when we are grieving and this is a special time to remember that person and light a candle in their memory.  If you would like, come early so you may print your loved one’s name on paper and set a framed picture on the altar table before the service begins. Fellowship in the dining room after the service; refreshments will be served. If you would like to make memorial donations for flowers, candles, cookies, or expenses, please contact Karen Picco (652-2917) or Lisa (635-6442).

O.W.L.S. Luncheon

Our next gathering is on Thursday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. in the church dining room. (Terry Miller, 315-409-5786)

Epiphany

We’re celebrating Epiphany with our friends at Syracuse Home  
Join us for a moving, entertaining and worship-filled intergenerational Epiphany Party worship on Sunday, January 5 at 3:00 p.m. at Syracuse Home.