March/April Website: First United Methodist Church 2 Chapel St. P.O. Box 446 Seneca Falls, NY 13148

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1 First United Methodist Church 2 Chapel St. P.O. Box 446 Seneca Falls, NY March/April 2016 If you would like to be added or removed from this mailing, please let us know. Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School begins in the Sanctuary at 10:00 AM. Coffee Hour after Worship Service in the Fellowship Hall. THE CLARION First United Methodist Church Seneca Falls, New York PASTOR: Rev. Susan Hadley Admin. Assistant: Mary Freeland Church Office : Parsonage: hadley@netsync.net sfumc1@verizon.net Office Hours: Tues, Wed, Thur 9:30 AM-12:30 Website:

2 From the Pastor s pen Feb Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, As I look around our beautiful community, I am acutely aware that we are blessed. We are living in a nation of plenty, a land where water, food, electricity, education and medical attention are part of our daily lives. Other parts of the world do not have these things. For many, they are considered to be luxuries. One such place is Africa and I would like to spend some time writing to you about Africa 360, Health and Education for Generations. It is an initiative where our goals are set high the first is to eradicate the deadly disease of malaria and the second, to support Africa University, one of the leading centers of education on that continent. Africa 360 is a holistic approach to a God-sized dream, one that is ambitious and yet attainable if we all work together. The goals set are ambitious to eliminate preventable deaths from malaria and to equip the next generation of leaders through education. Imagine No Malaria is a comprehensive strategy of education, treatment, communication and prevention. Where do the leaders and specialists needed to meet these challenges come from? From Africa University, an institution of higher education where the students fulfill the mission to live here, learn here, lead here. As the Upper NY Conference has stated, we were the first to bring Imagine No Malaria and Africa University under the umbrella of Africa 360; two initiatives that fit into a larger story. We are blazing a trail! It is oh so true that with God, our gifts go far. Each church in our conference has been asked to support Africa 360 with our gifts and offerings. Donations of $1,000 per church are being sought for this global mission. It is a difficult task, but one that each of us can pray about and get behind. Our youth are doing their part. This year, they will again be hosting a kaleidoscope concert at the church. Half of the proceeds made will be going to Africa 360. The money received will be used towards our church s charge statement from the Conference. If you are interested in helping out as well, checks can be made out to UNYAC with the words Africa 360 in the memo line and placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. If you have a suggestion for a fund raiser and wish to spear-head it, we welcome it. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, that 40-day trek into the wilderness of self-introspection and repentance. During this time of prayer and reflection on God s goodness and grace, please join your hearts with mine as together we consider this mission s support. Let us pray together as one voice, joining in the prayer below given to us from those invested in this mission: Eternal God, we are amazed by how much you continue to provide. You have cared for us deeply, loved us unconditionally. We confess that we have not trusted your abundance when our faith is challenged. However, you have given us a space to strike a blow against fear, disease and poverty, and to follow your generous example through our actions. Help us move beyond our tendency to see only the headlines of doom and gloom and risk extravagant care for others that the world might be healed, that the world might be saved. Amen. May God richly bless you during this holy season of the year. Pastor Sue

3 the area. WINTER COATS NEEDED Waterloo Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency (CSCAA), located at 23 Center St. in Waterloo is in need of winter coats for children of all ages and adults. Adults extra-large coats are especially needed. Coats may be dropped off at CSCAA Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. For more information, call CSCAA at SPRING BAZAAR! Saturday, April 30! The fourth annual Spring Bazaar will be held on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A soup-&-salad luncheon will be available for $6, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The luncheon will consist of soup and salad bar and beverages. Dessert will be available for purchase from our bake goods table. The bazaar is after Easter this year and will include local crafters and vendors. Watch for more information during the next month. Worship Opportunities in Holy Week SUPPORT LITERACY IN SENECA COUNTY The Fourth Annual Spelling Bee, a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Seneca County, will be held on March 12 th at 10:00 a.m. at the Waterloo High School Auditorium. To register a team, call Bill Judd at As soon as a team registers, they will receive a word list to study. The quicker you register, the more time you have to study. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three team winners. Holy Week provides opportunities to worship in purposeful and reflective ways. Scripture, special music, and visual symbols will help us to once again experience the passion of Christ and the joy of his resurrection. What a great time to reconnect with your faith community, share in meaningful worship experiences, and invite neighbors, friends, and family members to share them with you! Here is a summary:

4 March 20 Palm/Passion Sunday: Youth Brunch following worship. Thursday, 24 Maundy Thursday: 7 p.m., joint service with the Presbyterian Church and combined choirs at our church. Friday, March 25 Good Friday: Ecumenical Good Friday Service at St. Pat s at 7p.m. and Prayer Vigil at our church. The church will be open from 2 p.m. 4 p.m. Stop in during those hours for personal prayer and/or meditation March 27 Easter Sunday!: Worship Service at 10 a.m., with Special Music No Coffee Hour. Special Worship Services in the Coming Months Sunday, May 8 Mother s Day Sunday, May 22 Children s Sunday, followed by Ice Cream Social $6.00/per quart There is a limited selection still available for purchase in the freezer. See Mary Freeland or one of the soup makers if you would like to purchase some. SFUMC Relay for Life Team RFL Events: Sunday, April 17: Euchre Tournament 1:30 p.m. - $10 donation Sunday, May 1: Pansy Sale and Potato Bar and Salad Luncheon during Coffee Hour Saturday, May 14: Yard 116 Clinton St. 9:30am to 3pm (if you have items you would like to donate for the sale, please contact Maria Fowler) Friday, June 3: Relay for Life Event SOUP SALES Another successful soup season is coming to an end. The following soups are available in March and April: Friday, March 4: Chicken Corn Chowder Friday, March 18: Minestrone Friday, April 1: Tomato Orzo & Potato Ham Anyone interested in joining the team is welcome! Please contact Team Captain Jenny Fowler for information at jldnurse80@yahoo.com Barb and Roy Clark would like to thank the church for the Valentine s Day card that they received. They would also like to thank Jan Driscoll for delivering the delicious meal cooked by

5 Pastor Sue on Valentine s Day VROOM! VROOM! VROOM! Motorcycle Run ROAD TRIP! SAVE THE DATE! Sept. 17, 2016 You d be the queen of my highway, my motorcycle mama and we ll see the world from my Harley (if the chain don t break!) Do you remember those words from Sailcat s hit song Motorcycle Mama? Well folks, saddle up this fall for SFUMC s first annual motorcycle cruise. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. We ll keep you posted as more details are known, but what has been established so far is that we will be meeting at the church and leaving at 10:00 a.m., Sat. Sept. 17 th. From there, we will ride and return to a picnic meal at the church later in the afternoon. This should be a great ride with other wonderful folks so save the date and come join us. 2 nd ANNUAL OAKLEY FOWLER EUCHRE TOURNAMENT Sunday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. $10 donation per player: All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Snacks, Beverages, Door prizes provided. Contact Maria Fowler to register. Her phone # is or her at mfowler527@yahoo.com BLESSING OF THE BIKES Calling all bikers motorized varieties and foot-powered ones, all are invited to a blessing of the bikes. Pastor Sue will be anointing riders and vehicles on Saturday, May 14 th at 10:00 a.m. in the church parking lot. Please spread the word to family and friends, we hope to make this a tradition at SFUMC. With God s blessing, we will be in prayer for a safe riding season this year. Hope to see you there! HAITI TEA The 11 th annual Haiti Women s Tea will be held April 30 from 2-4 at the Waterloo Methodist Church. There is no cost but donations to the school lunch program will be accepted along with a chance to bid on a multitude of silent auction items. Come join us for sandwiches, fruit, tea/coffee and a lovely afternoon to support an important project. Let Jan Driscoll ( ) know if you plan to attend, so a

6 table can be reserved. Additional Vocal and Instrumental Soloists and Small Ensembles Dessert Bar to follow in the Basement Fellowship Hall. On Sunday, March 6, members of the Administrative Council will once again be providing a brunch during coffee hour along with a silent auction to support Church World Service. There is no charge for the meal, but donations to this worthy cause will be greatly appreciated. Silent auction items and service items are also being collected please think about what you could donate or a service you could provide. Bid forms are available in the Carter Room and on the silent auction table in the fellowship hall. A love offering will be taken and the proceeds will benefit SFUMC Youth Group and Africa 360 (which includes Africa University and No More Malaria) UPCOMING FUNDRAISING CONCERT We are just beginning to plan our Fundraising Kaleidoscope Concert, set for Sunday, April 10 th at 7:00 p.m. We are looking for youth and adults to participate in SFUMC s Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. John Pratt. Mr. Pratt will have music available for all concert band members to practice on their own, and the band will rehearse together on Saturday, April 9 th from 10 a.m. to Noon, followed by pizza for lunch. We hope many of you will join us! We are also looking for youth and adult vocalists and instrumentalists to perform solos, duets and in small ensembles. You are cordially invited to attend Seneca Falls United Methodist Church s 2 nd Annual Kaleidoscope Fundraising Concert on Sunday, April 10 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Mr. John Pratt, Concert Band Conductor Anyone who wishes to participate in this concert, please contact Mrs. Carol Hauf at catch22@rochester.rr.com. Or please speak to any of these concert-planning committee members: Mr. John Pratt, Pastor Sue Hadley, and Organist/Choir Director Ms. Beverly Thompson. Ms. Beverly Thompson, Vocal Soloist

7 Youth Group News Youth Group Secretary, Nicole Siwarski, reports that the SFUMC Youth Group has begun meeting regularly again. Most recently, we had a meaningful lesson on jealousy and then played board games and enjoyed a time of fellowship with each other. We also planned some Spring Activities and Fundraisers: March 20: Fundraising Brunch following service. Food will be provided by the Youth Group. A free-will offering will be taken to raise funds for the youth group s upcoming activities. April 10 th : Fundraising Kaleidoscope Concert. Concert is at 7:00 p.m., followed by Dessert Bar. Youth Group members who sing or play instruments are invited to participate and youth group parents will be contacted to provide desserts for the Dessert Bar. This is a community event, so please invite your friends, family and neighbors to attend. Proceeds this year will benefit SFUMC Youth Group and Africa 360 (Africa University and No More Malaria). April 22-24: Up!Word Youth Conference held in Liverpool. Please contact Pastor Sue or youth leaders Darla Shumway or Maria Hartwell if your youth is interested in attending. Cost is yet to be determined, and our fundraising efforts will help keep the cost as low as possible for each youth. More info will follow as we get closer to the event. CCYM members, Katie Shumway and Abby Hauf, want to remind their fellow youth group members of this year s theme for Up!Word Do Something: Disciples Edition. There are so many youth at SFUMC who are doing great things at home, in our church, in our schools, and in our community. Their positive presence and attitude really makes a difference. Please encourage our youth to keep up their great work and help them find ways that they can serve God and His community, in big ways and in small ways. We can all make a difference if we just Do Something! June 24 th : Doug s Fish Fry To Go Fundraiser: 11 am to 6 pm, 5-Star Bank parking lot. Proceeds benefits SFUMC Youth Group. Please invite your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy their delicious food.

8 Youth Group Treasurer, Jonah Hauf, wishes to thank all who contribute to our ongoing can and bottle drive. As a reminder, there are several ways you can donate: 1. Coon s Cars on 5 & 20 in Waterloo has an account in our name. Just drop off your cans and tell them it s for SFUMC Youth Group. 2. Churchill s on Auburn Rd. just tell them it s for SFUMC Youth Group and they will credit our account. 3. Drop them off in our tan drop-off box next to the church parking lot. 4. If you have a large number of bottles & cans to donate and need assistance, please let us know and we can make arrangements to pick them up. As always, thank you for your support! Our next meeting is TBA, so please check your s for updates. You are always welcome to join us!

9 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PROJECT for SENECA COUNTY January 22, 2016 Dear Friends, Thank you to everyone who made the 2015 Community Christmas Project successful, without your support we would not have been able to do it. Everyone who contributed in any way, whether it was a monetary contribution, sponsoring a child, donating toys/clothing, volunteering or just your good thoughts and prayers, helped make Christmas 2015 a nice one for 348 families, comprised of 806 children and teens. The teens still in school received gift certificates and each family received a gift certificate for food as well as all the wonderful clothing and toys for the children. A special thanks to those who undertook the task of coordinating the angel trees at the churches. Finding sponsors for all the children is always a challenge but thanks to your help the job was accomplished. As many of you know each year we strive to serve all those who are in need and the help you provide makes it possible. THANK YOU for caring about others. With great appreciation, The Seneca County Community Christmas Project Committee

10 What are the Special Sundays? Compiled from Let s Go Fishing: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World and umc.org. Ever wonder what a special Sunday is, why these days exist, and when each occurs? Well, read on to find answers to these pressing questions. According to The Book of Discipline 2012, p. 263: The special Sundays in The United Methodist Church intended to illustrate the nature and the calling of The Church are celebrated annually. The special Sundays are placed on the calendar to make clear the calling of The Church as the people of God and to give persons the opportunity to contribute offerings to special programs. Special Sundays fall into four categories: Church-wide, additional offerings set by conferences, UNY Conference special Sunday, and special Sundays without offerings. Church-wide special Sundays There are six Church-side special Sundays with specific celebration dates each year. Human Relations Day Jan. 17, 2016 It is always celebrated the Sunday before the observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s birthday. Human Relations Day supports community developers, United Methodist voluntary service, and youth offender rehabilitation programs. The goal of this Sunday is to strengthen United Methodist outreach in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youth. One Great Hour of Sharing March 6, 2016 It is always celebrated the fourth Sunday in Lent. One Great Hour of Sharing provides support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which assists people affected by crisis or chronic need with programs and projects in disaster response, health, sustainable agriculture, food security, relief supplies, and more. Native American Ministries Sunday April 10, 2016 It is always celebrated the third Sunday of Easter. This special Sunday helps nurture mission with Native Americans ad provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist seminaries. Peace with Justice Sunday May 22, 2016 It is always celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost. Peace with Justice Sunday supports peace with justice ministries through the General Board of Church and Society and the annual conferences, enabling The Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice. World Communion Sunday Oct. 2, 2016 It is always celebrated the first Sunday in October. This special Sunday provides scholarships for United States racial and ethnic minority students and international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. United Methodist Student Sunday Nov. 27, 2016 It is always celebrated the last Sunday in November. United Methodist Student Sunday provides loan and scholarship funds for undergraduate and graduate students attending United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities. Additional special offerings In addition to the Church-wide special Sundays, there are four other Sundays with special offerings. Each conference sets the dates for these Sunday offerings

11 Christian Education Sunday This special Sunday s offering helps support and strengthen programs that nurture religion. Disability Awareness Sunday It celebrates people with disabilities and calls The Church and society to include those with disabilities. Offerings collected are used by conferences to create architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local churches. Golden Cross Sunday Traditionally received in May The offerings on this special Sunday are used for a conference s health and welfare ministries. Rural Life Sunday Offerings collected on Rural Life Sunday support ministries in rural areas within a conference. Upper New York Conference Special Sunday today, and the meaning of Christian conferencing. Laity Sunday It is always celebrated the third Sunday in October, Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all lay Christians. Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday It is always celebrated the third Sunday in November and recognizes organ donation as an act of love and ministry. Men s Ministry Sunday The date for this special Sunday is set by the congregation and celebrates men s ministry in The Church and community Learn more about your giving impact: The following special Sunday is specific to the Upper New York Conference, and therefore, is only celebrated by our Conference: Africa 360 Sunday April 17, 2016 This is day of shared prayer and celebration across UNY to support Africa 360, the Conference s holistic plan for health/education initiatives in Africa. Special Sundays without offerings There are four special Sundays that help focus attention on a specific aspect of The Church s ministry. There are no offerings collected on these days. Heritage Sunday Heritage Sunday is always celebrated the third Sunday of May. It is a day for United Methodist congregations to reflect on its heritage, celebrate where The Church has been, how it views itself