Pastor Jack's Weekly Chimings Message - 2022 Archive
Friday, December 30, 2022
Happy New Year!
Hello Friends!
As we end this year of 2022 and jump feet first into 2023 here are our plans for the next few days here at Immanuel:
Pastor Jack
Hello Friends!
As we end this year of 2022 and jump feet first into 2023 here are our plans for the next few days here at Immanuel:
- Worship this Sunday will be in the Sanctuary at 10:00am ONLY. We will be hearing again some of the great scriptures and carols reminding us of the blessed birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. And I'll be using one of the best loved stories of Christmas as my meditation. We will, of course, live stream the 10:00am service on our Facebook page and then upload the completed service to our YouTube channel. We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, as well. We will save you a seat in our beautifully decorated Sanctuary! We can't wait to welcome you to worship!
- Next Sunday, January 8th we have some BIG things happening here! Lori will have the nursery program up and running on that day and we will also welcome a new KIDZ CLUB Coordinator! Alex Beavers begins her service to our kids that day and we are making plans to welcome her to our church staff. Alex is a college student of Lisa Miller and has lots of energetic plans for the young people. Kids... try to be here to welcome Alex and make her feel at home! And then... It's the annual Chili/Chowder cookoff in the Fellowship Hall following worship! Make sure to sign up this Sunday and plan to bring a pot of Chili or Chowder to enter into the "competition"! We'll get to taste test all the varieties and vote on our favorites! And the winners will take home prizes of congratulations from us all. Sounds like a winning event to me, huh? Don't forget to sign up, please!
- The church staff is so appreciative of the gifts showered on us this past holiday season. We enjoyed wonderful baked goods, beautiful cards and the generosity of the congregation and, speaking for us all, it is a pleasure to serve Christ here at Immanuel.
Pastor Jack
Friday, December 23, 2022
Greetings on this Christmas Eve Eve! I understand there is a little bit of snow in the forecast? Stay safe and warm and here is what is planned for the next week or so around the church....
1. Christmas Eve worship will be at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. The 4:00pm service is geared for the young and the young-at-heart and the 7:30pm will be our more traditional Christmas Eve celebration. Both services will include the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the singing of "Silent Night" with candles. The 7:30pm worship will be live-streamed on the church's Facebook page if you are not able to join us in person. After the service is completed we will "upload it" to the church's YouTube channel, as well. As always during this time of year, please use your best judgement when deciding to attend in-person services. However you attend... Please join us as we celebrate the coming of the Lord!
2. On Christmas morning you will find a Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols on the church Facebook and YouTube pages. You can watch with your family whenever you would like at your holiday celebration! There will be NO worship services held in the Sanctuary on Christmas morning. At 10:00am that morning I am inviting anyone who would like to join me as I cook breakfast in the Fireside Room. We will watch the Service of Lessons and Carols as we enjoy breakfast together.
3. The church office will be closed from December 26th through January 1, 2023 and re-open on Monday January 2, 2023! Emergency numbers are on the church's answering machine if you need to reach me for a pastoral emergency.
4. On Sunday January 1 we will worship at 10:00am only in the Sanctuary. We will begin the New Year with a time of rededication of our lives to the Lord and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We hope you can join us at 10:00am only that day!
5. Some wrap-ups for you all...
- All of the Angel Tree gifts were distributed and we know many young people were blessed by your generosity!
- 214 Mitten Tree items were delivered last week and many young kids will be kept warm by your gifts this winter!
- Helen and Sarah have completed their efforts for the Heifer International Project and are grateful for your caring hearts!
- Our Advent Study group of 13 people completed our study of the Angels of Christmas last week!
Thanks for a great Advent.... as we live into the call of magnifying the Light of Christ in the world!
Pastor Jack
Friday, December 16, 2022
Greetings from the Church Office! As we prepare for the arrival of some SNOW here are some reminders for you....
1. This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Advent and my message is Wait for the Lord with GRATITUDE. How do we experience and show gratitude? How do we live out our gratitude? And if you've ever been to the Washington Monument... have I got a story for you! We will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and, of course our 10:00am worship is live-streamed on the church Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel. You can still turn in poinsettia orders on Sunday, as well as bring your Christmas gifts to be beautifully wrapped by our Youth. All proceeds go to help the Solvay Youth Center in their important work. Look for the young people in our Fireside Room about 10:00am! We will also be welcoming new members to our church family at the 10:00am worship service, as well!
2. Also... please remember that if the West Genesee schools are closed... our church office is closed for the day, as well.
3. Our annual LIVING NATIVITY takes place on Saturday night at 6:00pm in the parking lot. Dress warmly and join with our young people and some barnyard animals as we retell the Christmas story. We also have some wonderful special music planned for you that night! And we'll top the night off with cookies and HOT CHOCOLATE!
4. The deadline for January/February newsletter articles is Tuesday, 12/20. Please have all articles into the church office by Tuesday. Thanks!
5. Christmas Eve worship is at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. The 4:00pm service, featuring some Ring & Sing music by our young people, is designed for the young and young-at-heart... while the 7:30pm worship is our more traditional Christmas Eve worship. Both services include the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the singing of Silent Night by candlelight.
6. I am preparing my famous Egg Bake for Christmas morning breakfast, in the Fireside Room, at 10:00am on Sunday, 12/25. No worship on that day in the Sanctuary... but we will have a recorded service of Lessons and Carols of Christmas for you online! Please remember to sign up for breakfast so I know how much to prepare for our morning together! All giving for the 2022 giving year needs to be in the office by Sunday, 12/25 to allow us to properly close the 2022 books and open the 2023 books. Thanks! And a reminder that if you are an ACH giver, it would be really helpful if you could complete an Estimate of Giving card for 2023 to help us plan for our ministry.
7. The church office will be closed from December 26th through January 1st. Emergency telephone numbers are available on the voicemail should you have a pastoral emergency!
8. The Finance Team is praying for a new Financial Secretary to help us with our work in 2023. If you are interested (or know of someone who might be) please speak to Shelley, Gary or Pastor Jack!
9. And finally... you'll want to prepare for ONE WORSHIP SERVICE in the Sanctuary on New Years Day at 10:00am. Mark your calendars and join us as we kick off the New Year with the Sacrament of Holy Communion that morning!
Enjoy the rest of this day and do all you can to MAGNIFY the light of Christ in the world!
Pastor Jack
Friday, December 9, 2022
It's Friday! As we get ready for yet another BIG weekend here is what we have planned here at Immanuel...
+++ Our worship this week has us looking at Waiting Upon the Lord with REJOICING. As we hear about Mary meeting up with Elizabeth, I hope to explore how it is that both of these "mother's-to-be" are called to REJOICE! We'll be in our beautiful Sanctuary at 8:30am and 10:00am and, of course, our 10:00am worship service will be "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page. Following worship, we upload the recorded service to the church YouTube channel, as well! So you have many ways to join us for worship this weekend!
+++ Also on Sunday you can order your Christmas Poinsettias to adorn our Christmas altar by seeing Phyllis in the Narthex and you can still add items to our Mitten Tree for distribution in the next couple of weeks. THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR ANGEL TREE MISSION AGAIN THIS YEAR! THERE WILL BE LOTS OF HAPPY CHILDREN ON CHRISTMAS THANKS TO YOUR GIFTS!
+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday night, 12/13 at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room and then the Administrative Council meeting takes place at 7:00pm that same night. Team members please try to be here so we can accomplish this important work.
+++ Next Saturday night, 12/17 we will be blessed by our young people as we join for an outdoor LIVING NATIVITY celebration. Join us at 6:00pm that evening as we watch the kids remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. We'll have music, scripture, singing, and live animals to help in the celebration!
+++ Next Sunday, 12/18 we will welcome new members to our fellowship and our youth will be offering a Christmas gift wrapping fundraiser to support the work of the Solvay Youth Center. The kids will be wrapping your gifts during worship and all donations will help the Youth Center accomplish their ministry in the community. Check out the flyers advertising this event at the church.
+++ On Christmas Eve we will worship at 4:00pm and 7:30pm in the Sanctuary! Although the 4:00pm worship is intended for the young and young-at-heart, both services will offer the Sacrament of Holy Communion and singing of Silent Night with candles. We will save you a seat!
+++ On Christmas Day we will offer a virtual worship experience on our Facebook and YouTube pages at 10:00am. Check out the Service of Lessons and Carols on-line at 10:00am that morning. We will also gather to watch this worship service in the Fireside Room, where I will offer a continental breakfast for folks who want to watch worship with us. There is a sign-up sheet outside the Fireside Room so I know how much food to prepare for that morning. There will be NO worship service in the Sanctuary on that day. Also... all end of the year donations for 2022 giving statements need to be in the church office by Sunday, 12/25 to allow us to accurately close this year's financial books and open 2023 finances. Thanks for your help in meeting these schedules and for all the gifts you give that support the ministry of Immanuel around the world.
In Isaiah 25:9 we read...... "In that day they will say, ''Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us REJOICE and be glad in his salvation."
We hope to see you on Sunday as together we REJOICE!
Pastor Jack
Friday, December 2, 2022
Happy Friday, my Friends! I'm writing this on the first day of December and the Advent/Christmas rush is on! And this is all the more evident when I look at the activity level here at Immanuel! We are busy and blessed people! Here is what I think is lying ahead...
+++ This Sunday will see us have a really busy day! We start out this Second Sunday of Advent and we will be talking about HOPE this week. I'm speaking about Isaiah 40: 27-31 and I'll be sharing with you a young 10 year old boy named Phineas. And what a story he has to tell us! We worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and from far away you can look for us on the church Facebook page at 10:00am! Following worship we will be uploading the completed worship to our church's YouTube channel as well. So there are many ways for you to join us for worship on Sunday! Of course, we would love to see you all in the beautifully decorated Sanctuary! We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at both worship services this Sunday. And Lori Z. will have the church Nursery open this week at 10:00am with lots of activities in store for kids up to age 5. She's planning music, a craft activity and lots of fun for our little ones!
+++ Also going on on Sunday... it's the final day for Angel Tree gifts to be returned. Please make sure your gifts are here on Sunday so they can be distributed soon to those in need. Thanks for sharing with so many others. Poinsettia orders will be taken on Sunday as well. You can help us decorate the Altar area for Christmas as we remember and celebrate those special people in your lives. Following worship we will greet our District Superintendent, Rev. Nola Anderson who will lead our annual Charge Conference meeting. Administrative Council members please plan to attend as we do this annual business of our church. Then we will head to Summerfield Village for a time of Christmas caroling and bell ringing with our friends at Summerfield Brookdale. And while all of this is happening we will also be delivering Shut In Meals to some of our congregation's homebound members. Thanks to Sam for his culinary skills and to all who will help deliver this gift of love from Immanuel! WOW.... what a day!!!
+++ Our church Trustees meet next Wednesday, 12/7 at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room.
+++ Listen for information about our outdoor Living Nativity celebration on Saturday night, December 17th at 6:00pm! Shelley is always looking for angels, shepherds and others to be part of this Christmas tableau that our kids present.
+++ On Sunday December 18th we have a couple of activities, as well. Our church hopes to welcome new members at each worship service that day! Please speak to me if you are ready to take this important step in your faith journey. We love to welcome new brothers and sisters to our fellowship! Our youth group will also be offering a Christmas gift wrap fundraiser on that day. The funds raised will be used by the Solvay Youth Center to help with their afterschool program activities. What a great way to get a beautifully wrapped gift! And the requested donation is really reasonable too! Check out the flyers hanging at church on Sunday for more information.
+++ Christmas Eve worship will be at 4:00pm and 7:30pm again this year. The 4:00pm worship is geared toward the young and young at heart and the 7:30pm worship will be a more traditional worship time. Both services will offer the Sacrament of Holy Communion and singing of Silent Night with candles... So join us when you can!
+++ Listen for a special announcement in worship on Sunday about our plans for Sunday, December 25th... Christmas Day! We are planning something very special for this worship time!
So, you can see that there is so much happening here at church. And that is the sign of a healthy congregation indeed! I can't wait to see you on Sunday!
Pastor Jack
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
"With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid."
Ezra 3:11
I give thanks to God for each and every one of you.
Many blessings on your Thanksgiving celebrations.
+ The church office will be closed Wednesday, November 23 - Friday, November 25.
+ Welcome back Pastor Jack! Pastor Jack has returned from his renewal leave and is very excited to return to worship with us this week, Sunday, November 27. If you are unable to attend in person, we will be live streaming the 10am service on Facebook and then it is uploaded to our YouTube channel. However you join us, we are glad to have you with us!
+ Advent Study begins this Wednesday, November 30 at 1pm in person and at 7pm (if there are at least 6 people) via zoom and will be 4 consecutive Wednesdays, ending on December 21. This study is a look at 4 angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus. There is a sign up in the Narthex and books are available in the church office. Please sign the notepad with the books if you take a book.
+ The halls have been decked and we are ready to begin our Advent journey. Many thanks to all who pitched in to make everything look so nice.
+ The mitten tree for our friends in need is up and will be available thru December 18 in the Narthex. Please bring in new gloves, scarves, hats, mittens and socks and also "gently used" children's coats, snow pants, and children's boots. Last year through your generosity we collected 179 items. Any questions please see Shelley Dawson Smith.
+ Angle Tree: Please have your angel tree gifts returned with the tag attached by next Sunday, December 4. Blue angel tree tags are NOT wrapped. White angel tree tags are wrapped. There are still tags left to be taken, too.
+ Sunday, November 27 is also United Methodist Student Day. This is the last of six special offerings received by the larger Methodist church each year. Gifts on this day help deserving United Methodist students continue their education and their faith journeys as they strive to make a difference in the world and discern what God has called them to do. There will be special offering envelopes available in the Narthex.
+ The Trustees have scheduled window replacement on the east side of Fellowship Hall for the week of November 28. Please plan accordingly if you need to use Fellowship Hall.
+ Our annual church charge conference will be Sunday, December 4 following the 10am worship service. This is a time for us to celebrate our ministries at Immanuel and do some necessary church business. All are invited and welcome to attend.
+ We will be caroling at Summerfield on Sunday, December 4 at 1:30pm. Please see Lisa or Dan Miller if you would like to join in the fun!
+ We will be taking poinsettia orders on Sundays in December, 4, 11 and 18. The cost is $10. To place an order in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please see Phyllis Girvan after worship on those days.
+ Many thanks to Laura Smith who pointed out that the Upper Room devotionals that arrived last week are for January/February. I put in another call to the Upper Room to have the November/December issues mailed out. Maybe next week........
Blessings from the church office.
Friday, November 18, 2022
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
+ This Sunday, November 20 is the day we will dedicate our estimates of giving for 2023 by returning the green pledge cards you received in the mail this past week. If you do not have a card or forget it on Sunday, there will be extras on the ushers table. It is through your many gifts that Immanuel is able to “Stay Strong” and bring God’s light into the world.
+ This Sunday, November 20 is also the last Sunday that Rev. Susan Ranous will be with us leading us in worship. We are grateful for Rev. Susan’s leadership while Pastor Jack has been away on renewal leave.
+ The Mission team invites you to share Gods love for children by taking a gift tag from the tree and purchasing a gift in the amount $15-$20. The gifts will be given to children in the Syracuse City School District registered in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and the Hillside Family of Agencies. This year’s angel tree will be a little different. Our tree will have blue angel tags for the BBBS children and white angel tags for the Hillside children. The white Hillside angels will be the same as years past. Giving a specific wrapped gift with the angel attached..... The blue angels will just say boy aged 8-12 or girl aged 8-12. The gift choice is up to you. We will have a few suggestions for you. Please DO NOT WRAP this gift. You can however attach the angel.
A signup sheet will be by the tree to put your name, phone number and angel number.
Please return the gifts by Sunday Dec. 4th. Any questions or concerns contact Angela Keida 315-378-6494.
+ The mitten tree for our friends in need is up and will be available thru December 18 in the Narthex. Please bring in new gloves, scarves, hats, mittens and socks and also "gently used" children's coats, snow pants, and children's boots. Last year through your generosity we collected 179 items. Any questions please see Shelley Dawson Smith.
+ Next Sunday, November 27 is the first Sunday of Advent and Pastor Jack will be back to lead us in worship. He will also be starting an Advent Study on Wednesday, November 30 at 1pm in person and at 7pm (if there are at least 6 people) via zoom. It will be 4 consecutive Wednesdays, ending on December 21. This study is a look at 4 angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus. There is a sign up in the Narthex and books are available in the church office. Please sign the notepad with the books if you take a book.
+ Sunday, November 27 is also United Methodist Student Day. This is the last of six special offerings received by the larger Methodist church each year. Gifts on this day help deserving United Methodist students continue their education and their faith journeys as they strive to make a difference in the world and discern what God has called them to do. There will be special offering envelopes available in the Narthex.
+ The Trustees have scheduled window replacement on the east side of Fellowship Hall for the week of November 28. Please plan accordingly if you need to use Fellowship Hall.
+ Our annual church charge conference will be Sunday, December 4 following the 10am worship service. This is a time for us to celebrate our ministries at Immanuel and do some necessary church business. All are invited and welcome to attend.
+ The November/December Upper Room devotionals have finally arrived and are located on the table underneath the church office window.
+ The church office will be closed Wednesday, November 23 -25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Blessings from the church office.
Friday, November 4, 2022
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2a
+ We welcome Reverend Susan Ranous as our worship leader for the first three Sundays in November. Please let her know we are happy to have her with us as we celebrate All Saints Sunday and share in Holy Communion this week. Our 10am service will be available on Facebook live and later uploaded to YouTube for anyone who is not able to worship in person.
+ Lori Zaleski and her grandsons will be available for nursery care for anyone under age 5 on the first Sunday of the month, starting this Sunday, Nov. 6.
+ We will be making and selling door sprays to support our mission work. The door sprays are $20 and orders will be taken after worship Nov. 6th and Nov. 13th or see Shelley. If you can help, please let Shelley know.
+ Our Annual Election Day Turkey dinner is on Tuesday, November 8. There is still time to help! See the sign up sheets in the narthex. Pre-sale tickets are available after worship and at the door.
+ There will not be a chair yoga class this week. The last class for chair yoga will be Nov. 15.
+ Our Finance team and Administrative Council meet on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Finance at 6pm, Admin. Council at 7pm.
+ The church office will be closed on Nov. 10 and 11.
+ Carpets will be cleaned on Nov. 10, please plan accordingly.
+ Read our latest newsletter here.
Blessings from the church office.
Friday October 28, 2022
"We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing....To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of your call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2Thessalonians 1:3, 11-12)
This Sunday, October 30 will be Pastor Diane's last Sunday with us. We are grateful for her leadership and for sharing her faith with us this month. Thank you Pastor Diane!
Next week Reverend Susan Ranous will be our worship leader. Rev. Susan will be with us for the first 3 weeks of November. Please give her a warm welcome.
I spoke with Pastor Jack this week and he and Becky are enjoying Hawaii. They are grateful for our church family and for all of the prayers and good wishes while Pastor Jack is on renewal leave.
+ Worship this Sunday is at 8:30am and 10:00am. We will, of course, "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then "upload" the recorded version to our YouTube channel for those worshipping somewhere else on Sunday. We hope to "see you" in person or online this Sunday!
+ On Sunday, Nov. 6, we will celebrate All Saints day at both services. If you have a name of a loved one who has passed away in the last year and you would like to have that person remembered, please give their name to Pam in the church office no later than November 1.
+ Mark your calendar for our Annual Election Day Turkey dinner on Tuesday, November 8. It will be a drive through dinner again and many hands make light work! Please see Dave or sign up on the sheets in the Narthex. Pre-sale tickets are available after worship. We are in need of Apple and Pumpkin pies!
+ DOOR SPRAYS It's that time of year again! Please support Immanuel's mission work by buying a beautiful door spray for $20.00. Orders will be taken on Nov. 6th and Nov. 13th in the Narthex. However, if you will not be in church those dates but would like a door spray please contact Shelley and we can figure something out. We will be making the door sprays on Saturday Nov. 19th starting at 9:00 a.m. and any help would be appreciated even if you can only help for an hour. Any questions please see Shelley Dawson Smith.
+ Dear church family, We (Lori Zaleski and grandsons Anthony and Jona) are offering nursery services on the first Sunday of the month starting November 6. Crafts, dancing, and games for children 5 and under will be available. Hope to see you all on Nov. 6th!
Blessings from the church office.
Friday October 14, 2022
Dear Beloved of God,
I hope you have had the opportunity to stop and gaze in wonder at the brilliant colors the Fall season brings to the trees. Such a glorious closing ceremony nature gives us! Before they drop, they burst into vibrant colors. This makes me feel the same inner awe as heavenly chorus of "Hallelujah's".
I didn't always think this way about Fall. In the past I had experienced this season as one of loss...loss of spring and summer when the weather was more amenable to growing things, enjoying outdoor life, and travel. But recently I read that the leaves falling off the trees are doing it to save the tree's energy from having to feed them during the colder months. So actually when the leaves fall off, they are part of making a way for the trees to support the new growth to come next spring.
I didn't test this theory scientifically, but the metaphor I take from it is that the rhythms of nature often give us clues about the rhythms of human nature. Focusing on the regular movements of nature can provide us with a certain sense of security (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The order of the natural world helps us realize that life is not haphazard, and so we can have a sense of security within the world, especially when things change.
May your days be blessed with "Hallelujah's" for all that God, steadfast in faithfulness, is providing for you, whether you are aware of it or not. 'Tis the Season!
And so, I invite you to worship with us each week so we can raise our "Hallelujah's" together. Oh, what a chorus of praise that will be.
Better together than apart....just envision the glorious color of a pile of fallen leaves versus the one lone leaf blowing in the wind. AMEN.
Pastor Diane
Happening in the Life of Our Church:
+ CROP walk will be Sunday, October 16. Please see Shelley Dawson Smith or Chris Paoli to make a donation to help feed the hungry in our community.
+ Our Fall “Fine Arts Craft Show” is Friday & Saturday, Oct 21-22. We are looking for baked goods for Barb’s Bistro. We need brownies, muffins and pies. Interested?? If so, there is a sign-up sheet on the easel outside the Fireside Room with more info. Or you can contact Denise S @ 315/673-4028. Thank you!!
+ Mark your calendar for the Annual Election Day Turkey dinner on Tuesday, November 8. It will be a drive through dinner again and many hands make light work! Please see Dave Stanton if you can help in the kitchen and sign up on the sheets in the Narthex. Pre-sale tickets will begin after worship on Sunday, October 16.
+ The deadline for the Nov/Dec newsletter is October 20. Please have all items into the office by that date.
+ On Sunday, Nov. 6, we will celebrate All Saints day at both services. If you have a name of a loved one who has passed away in the last year and you would like to have that person remembered, please give their name to Pam in the church office no later than November 1.
+ Pam will be on vacation next week (October 17-21). There will be volunteers covering the church office each day from 9am – 12pm. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact the office to reach Pastor Diane. There will not be a Chimings email next week.
Friday October 7, 2022
Dear Ones:
Thank you for the honor to walk with you at this time so that Pastor Jack and his wife, Becky, can attend to the chapter in their lives that is before them. I continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in this ministry and I pray for all of you to feel guided by God in the days that are before us.
In keeping with the gospel for this week (Jesus heals the Lepers) and the Keatings' needs for hope, strength and endurance.
I am reminded of a meditation I have read and used often before from "Tales of the Magic Monastery" entitled 'Together':
"I thought it good fortune to go to the Magic Monastery for Christmas.
But at the foot of the hill sat a blind beggar, and when I drew near to give him some money I heard him ask,:
"Who will lead me to the heart of God?"
I could not go on. Who would lead him into the heart of God? I sat down in front of him. I took his hands.
"Together." I said. "Together we'll go to the heart of God."
Whatever the season of our life is, we followers of Jesus are to be in a state of preparedness to lead others to the heart of God.
May we be that for each other and all those God places in our lives between now and the time in which we meet again.
God's peace and grace be with you all,
Pastor Diane
Happening in the Life of Our Church:
+ Our Finance team and Administrative Council meet on Tuesday, October 11.
+ Dinner and a Movie Saturday, October 15
Where? The Fireside Room
Time: 5 pm
Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee who will treat you to some delicious crock pot specialties ( including a vegetarian option), salad, dessert and beverage.
On our new 65 inch TV, we will watch the fascinating true story of an atheist, Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter who set out to disprove the growing faith of his wife. The movie follows his investigation, which led him to unexpected, life altering results!
It is rated PG, and suitable for family viewing and open to family and friends.
To attend, you need to reserve a seat, by signing up in the Narthex, because space is limited.
We need your reservation by Monday, October 10.
Come join us for some good food and fellowship!
+ CROP walk will be Sunday, October 16. Please see Shelley Dawson Smith or Chris Paoli to make a donation to help feed the hungry in our community.
+ Our annual Craft show will be Friday, Oct. 21 from 4-8pm and Saturday Oct. 22 from 9am-3pm. Invite your friends and family to come support our fine arts and crafters, get some early holiday shopping done and I heard a rumor that Barb may be making macaroni and cheese!
+ TURKEY DINNER UPDATE With the Asian bird flu, we have had a bit of a challenge this year getting turkeys for the turkey dinner on November 8, 2022. We have gotten the turkeys so we are going to need everyone to keep this date open as we will need volunteers to help. It will be a drive thru as we have done the last couple years. AGAIN, we will need volunteers making pies for dessert. APPLE OR PUMPKIN ONLY. Sign up sheets will be coming soon. PRE SALE TICKETS will start Sunday, October 16th, 2022 in the Narthex after the 8:30 service.
Friday September 30, 2022
While Pastor Jack is away on Renewal leave, I will be doing my best to share announcements each week in place of his weekly Chimings. I had a wonderful vacation last week and am very thankful to the faithful volunteers who covered the office while I was away. One of the benefits of the Covid pandemic is being able to participate in worship virtually when we are not able to be here physically. However if you missed worship last Sunday, you may have missed Pastor Jack's announcement that Becky's cancer has spread and that has limited her treatment options significantly which in turn will also alter his original plans for his renewal leave. Pastor Jack and Becky have faced Becky's illness with an incredible faith and hope in our God. They continue to hold fast to this as they face this next part of the journey. They appreciate every good thought and prayer that the folks of Immanuel have shared and I pray that you will continue to keep them close in prayer.
During the month of October, we will welcome Pastor Diane DiLuzio as our worship leader. Pastor Diane is a retired elder of the UMC and is currently serving as the Crossroads District Associate. Pastor Diane will be sharing worship with us on Sunday mornings in October and is available for Pastoral emergencies as well. Please contact the church office if you have a Pastoral emergency.
We will continue to worship on Sundays in person at 8:30 and 10am. The 10am service will be available via Facebook live as well as on our YouTube channel following the 10am service. However you are able, we love to worship with you! We will celebrate World Communion Sunday this week. World Communion Sunday is one of 6 special Sundays that the larger UMC hosts. The World Communion Sunday offering funds graduate racial-ethnic World Communion Scholarships worldwide as well as undergraduate ethnic scholarship and ethnic in-service trainings in the United States. There will be special envelopes for you to support this effort located in the narthex. Please write "World Communion Sunday" in the memo of your check.
Happening in the Life of Our Church:
+ We will be providing meals to our shut in friends on Sunday October 2 through our meal ministry.
+ Our Trustees will be meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 4pm.
+ October 6-8, Helen Forward and I will be attending the UNYUMC virtual annual conference. Please pray for our church as we do the business and celebrate the ministries of our Upper NY conference.
+ Looking for a fun way to spend a Friday night?
There will be East Coast Swing Dance lessons held here in the Fellowship Hall on 4 Fridays, beginning October 7th from 6:30-7:30pm. The cost is $10 per person, you don't need a partner and beginners are welcome. Click here for more information.
+ Dinner and a Movie Saturday, October 15
Where? The Fireside Room
Time: 5 pm
Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee who will treat you to some delicious crock pot specialties ( including a vegetarian option), salad, dessert and beverage.
On our new 65 inch TV, we will watch the fascinating true story of an atheist, Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter who set out to disprove the growing faith of his wife. The movie follows his investigation, which led him to unexpected, life altering results!
It is rated PG, and suitable for family viewing and open to family and friends.
To attend, you need to reserve a seat, by signing up in the Narthex, because space is limited. We need your reservation by Monday, October 10. Come join us for some good food and fellowship!
+ Our annual Craft show will be Friday, Oct. 21 from 4-8pm and Saturday Oct. 22 from 9am-3pm. Invite your friends and family to come support our fine arts and crafters, get some early holiday shopping done and I heard a rumor that Barb may be making macaroni and cheese!
One of my favorite Scripture readings is from Isaiah 41:10:
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Thanks be to God.
Blessings from the church office.
Friday September 23, 2022
Happy Friday! Happy Weekend! Here are some words from Ephesians for us to consider today...
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
(Ephesians 6:10)
If you are a person who learned to hide or make yourself small, please know that this is not the life God intended for you. If you are a person who has felt like you have to mute your personality, your take-charge attitude, or your leadership abilities, please know that this is not the life God has for you.
God wants the best of you. And God wants the best FOR you. God wants for you to heal, for you to come out of hiding. God wants for you to learn how to grow big inside yourself, full of God's Spirit and might. God wants for you to learn how to stand up for the convictions inside of you.
But I have found in my work as a pastor that many people are slowly giving up on these truths. Don't get me wrong: most people are not giving up on being helpful or kind to others. Most people are not giving up on God. But after working with people for so long (now over 25 years) the truth is that many people are slowly and subtly giving up on parts of themselves that need healing.
Many people find themselves at this very destination. They love God and seek to care for other people. But they have almost given up on the idea that maybe, just maybe, God wants them to bring out the best in THEM. And that's why Paul reminded the church in Ephesus, and each of us, that we can always be strong in the Lord and in the Lord's power. Feel... and live into that power today!
+++ Worship on Sunday is at 8:30am and 10:00am. This 16th Sunday after Pentecost brings us to Luke 16 and we will meet the Rich Man and Lazarus. My message, "The Problem with Riches", has me thinking about how, sometimes, the real challenge with money is not how to get it... but what to do with it once we have it! Come and think this through with me! We will be "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am as usual, and then we will "upload" the completed service to our YouTube channel. We will enjoy Special Music, a wonderful choir anthem, and the fellowship of our sisters and brothers in Christ, as well! Remember that our Coffee Hour ministry is back after each service too! We will save a seat just for you on Sunday morning!
+++ Next Sunday is World Communion Sunday and Pastor Diane Diluzio will begin her ministry here at Immanuel while I am away. We will also receive our special World Communion Sunday offering, as well.
+++ FOR YOUR CALENDAR... A new ministry, Dinner and a Movie begins on Saturday, October 15th at 5pm in the Fireside Room. We will enjoy a delicious dinner, and watch the movie, "The Case for Christ ''. This movie is the story of investigative reporter Lee Strobel and his attempt to dis-prove Jesus' messiahship. Seating is limited so you need to sign up outside the Fireside Room by 10/10. Speak to Barb M. for details.
Make this day a great day and we can't wait to see you in worship on Sunday!
Pastor Jack
Friday September 16, 2022
Here are some words I read from Proverbs not too long ago...
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge
God, and God will make your paths straight."
(Proverbs 3: 5-6)
No matter who you are and what you do, it's a sure thing you won't be living on this earth forever. So, when your time here on earth comes to an end, where will you be? What will you have? What will you do?
Whether we like it or not, we are all traveling -- somewhere. From the day we are born, we are really capable of going in only two directions: Either we are headed toward God or we are headed away from God. Despite what we would sometimes like to think, there is no middle ground. All our thoughts, choices, and actions really add up to one very important decision: Which way will we go?
The Almighty God of all wants YOU. God wants to put you on the path that leads to Him. God wants you to be in God's presence for eternity. There are no guarantees about tomorrow. So don't wait any longer to call on God. This very moment is the only one that matters right now.
Which road are you headed down? Is it the right one? Will it take you to your Heavenly Father? If you ask God, God will be happy - yes, most delighted - to direct you to God's place!
NEED DIRECTIONS? --- GOD
+++ The Trustees fall work day is Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm. We will find jobs for everyone who can help us out. Come and help us beautify God's house! Can you spare just a couple of hours?
+++ Worship this Sunday is at 8:30am and 10:00am as we have returned to our school year worship schedule. This week is the 15th Sunday after Pentecost and we will hear another parable from Jesus.... this time about a Shrewd Manager. And my message, Changing the Bottom Line, will have me thinking about how we each use the gifts God blesses us with. We will, of course, "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then "upload" the recorded version to our YouTube channel for those worshipping somewhere else on Sunday. And Children's Time this week has us using cookies as props... does it get any better than that? We hope to "see you" in person or online this Sunday!
+++ Next week Pam is on vacation and we are so blessed to have wonderful volunteers who will fill the office each morning! Thanks for your ministry here office helpers!
+++ Tuesday morning is a busy morning here at Immanuel. The Tuesday Guy's group, Ladies Bible Study and Yoga classes are all meeting and are reported to have room for more friends to join. Just show up on Tuesday for a great morning!
+++ Our SPRC meets, via ZOOM, on Wednesday night at 7:00pm!
+++ Worship at Summerfield Village is on Thursday at 1:00pm! We'll save you a seat if you'd like to join us.
+++ Some members of Immanuel responded to a request for an accessibility lift. Check out the story.
Make this day a great day and never be afraid to ask God for directions!
Pastor Jack
From the office:
Don't forget! This Sunday, Sept. 18 is Pastor Jack's 65th birthday. We will celebrate that and his 25th anniversary of being in ministry during our 10am worship service. There will be a cake reception following the service.
Friday September 9, 2022
As the school year has begun and we return to more normal schedules, Chimings returns to it's Friday publication this week. Now hear some words from the prophet Nehemiah...
"The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
Jay Kesler once wrote in Campus Life magazine, "There are two ways of handling pressure. One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure could crush a conventional submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. Inside they're cramped.
"When these craft descend to the ocean floor, however, they suddenly find they are not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate-glass windows, what do you see? Fish!
"These fish cope with the extreme pressure in an entirely different way. They don't build thick skins. They remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves."
What a marvelous analogy for the gift of laughter God has given us. It helps us "equalize" the pressures that come on us in life. It helps us avoid exploding or imploding. While we should never laugh at the expense of others, it is a wonderful idea to laugh at life a little every day. Or, if you like, laugh a lot!
I LOVE TO HEAR YOU LAUGH! --- GOD
+++ We return to our fall worship schedule this Sunday with worship services at 8:30am and 10:00am. And on this day there is lots happening! We will celebrate the return of Coffee Hour at both worship services this week and also deliver shut-in meals after worship. At the 10:00am worship we will be celebrating Ashley's ministry and welcoming new members to our church family, as well! The Choir will also be back from their summer vacation! We will be "live-streaming" on our Facebook page at 10:00am and then uploading the completed worship service to our YouTube channel when it is completed. After listening to Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai in Exodus, I'll be thinking about "Changing God's Mind" in my message. Does God change God's mind? Come and think this through with me!
+++ This Sunday is the last week to pick up your mid-year giving statements on the back table. Please grab your statement on Sunday and save the church the cost of mailing next week. Thanks!
+++ Our chair Yoga class resumes on Tuesday, 9/13 at 9:30am in the Nursery. Space is limited so please sign-up on the board outside the Fireside Room on Sunday. See Barb M. with any questions, please.
+++ Our Trustees have scheduled a fall clean-up day on Saturday, September 17th. Can you spare a few hours to help us make sure God's house is prepared for the upcoming change in seasons? Again... sign up on the white board to let us know you'll be here to help.
Make this day a great day and enjoy a good laugh today!
Pastor Jack
Thursday September 1, 2022
On this first day of September, hear these words from Eccelsiastes...
Fear God and keep God's commandments, for this
is the whole duty of mankind." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
In an extensive opinion survey, The Day America Told the Truth, James Patterson and Peter Kim reported some startling findings:
- Only 13% saw all Ten Commandments as binding and relevant.
- 91% lied regularly, both at work and home.
- Most workers admitted to goofing off an average of 7 hours per week.
- About half of the workforce admitted they regularly call in sick even when they felt well.
When they were asked what they would be willing to do for ten million dollars, 25% said they would abandon their families, 23% said they would be prostitutes for a week, and 7% said they would murder a stranger!
God's commandments were never meant to enslave us. They were meant to guide us away from chaos and lawlessness. They were meant to teach us to live peacefully and safely with our neighbors. They were meant to keep us from the consequences of destructive behaviors.
God's commandments were intended to bring order and happiness to our lives... rather than restrict our freedom. If you haven't read God's commandments for a while, open up the Bible to Exodus, chapter 20 and take a look. You will find an outline for successful living -- a gift from a loving God for each of us!
HAVE YOU READ MY TOP 10 LIST LATELY? --- GOD
+++ Pastor Jack will be back in worship this week. His sermon title is "Following Jesus...No Matter the Cost." We will share in the sacrament of Holy Communion and we will gather at 9:00am in the Sanctuary for worship. And, of course, you can catch us on the church Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 9:00am, as well. Then, after the worship service is completed, we will "upload" the worship to our YouTube channel. Please join us, however you are comfortable, in worship on Sunday!
+++ Our choir will be starting up in September. Rehearsal starts on Thursday, September 8 at 6:30pm. The choir will sing during our 10 am worship on September 11. See Lisa or Dan if you would like to join in the fun!
+++ September 11, 2022 we will return to two worship services, at 8:30 and 10am.
+++ Coffee hour for both services will be starting back up on September 11. Please see Barb Merckel, Denise Sabattis or Sandy Van Epps to join in offering hospitality to our church.
+++ We will celebrate Ashley's ministry with us on September 11 at the 10am worship service.
+++ We are planning on receiving new members into the fellowship of Immanuel on September 11th. If you are ready to make the step into membership, speak with Pastor Jack to join the list!
+++ Back by popular demand! Our chair yoga class will resume on Tuesday, September 13. They will meet on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am. Please sign up in the Narthex.
+++ Our Trustees have scheduled a church maintenance day for Saturday, September 17 starting at 9am. Please see the sign up sheet in the Narthex for more information and to join in this important work.
Many blessings to each of you from the church office.
Thursday August 25, 2022
Today's reading takes us into the Gospel of John...
"I have come that they may have life, and that they
may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10 NKJV)
Author James Hewiett wrote, "When I recognized this Higher Power, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike. God was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that God suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. When God took the lead, it was all I could do to hang on! God took me down delightful paths, up mountains and through rocky places -- at breakneck speeds.
"I worried and was anxious and asked, 'Where are you taking me?' God laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. When I'd say, 'I'm scared,' God would just lean back and touch my hand.
"At first I did not trust God to be in control of my life. I thought God would just wreck it, but God knows bike secrets - how to make it lean to take sharp corners, dodge large rocks, and speed through scary passages. Now I'm beginning to enjoy the view and cool breeze on my face with my delightful, constant Companion."
Letting God have the front seat in your life can thrust you into an adventure you never even imagined possible! The Master of the universe knows where all the good stuff is.
LET'S DO LIFE! --- GOD
+++ Pastor Jack and Becky will be on vacation this week and Pam will be leading worship. This coming Sunday we will have a Taize worship service and Pam's message is entitled, "Creation Praises the Creator." We gather at 9:00am in the Sanctuary for worship. And, of course, you can catch us on the church Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 9:00am, as well. Then, after the worship service is completed, we will "upload" the worship to our YouTube channel. Please join us, however you are comfortable, in worship on Sunday!
+++ Please pick up your six month giving statement the next time you are at church. We are so grateful for your support of the ministries at Immanuel.
+++ Our choir will be starting up in September. Rehearsal starts on Thursday, September 8 at 6:30pm. The choir will sing during our 10 am worship on September 11. See Lisa or Dan if you would like to join in the fun!
+++ September 11, 2022 we will return to two worship services, at 8:30 and 10am.
+++ We will celebrate Ashley's ministry with us on September 11 at the 10am worship service.
+++ We are planning on receiving new members into the fellowship of Immanuel on September 11th. If you are ready to make the step into membership, speak with Pastor Jack to join the list!
Enjoy these beautiful days of summer!
Blessings from the church office
Thursday August 18, 2022
As we head into what forecasters are calling another beautiful summer weekend, we read these words from Matthew's Gospel account...
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do
not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs
to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)
A partially deaf boy came home from school one day, carrying a note from his teachers. The note suggested that the parents take the boy out of school, claiming he was "too stupid to learn." The boy's mother read the note and said, "My son Tom isn't stupid. I'll teach him myself." And she did just that, providing home schooling for Tom for several years.
Many years later, when Tom passed away, the people of the United States paid tribute to him by turning off the nation's lights for one full minute. Because little Tom, who we all know as Thomas Alva Edison, had not only invented the lightbulb... but motion pictures, the record player, and more than one thousand other items that changed the course of the world.
Mrs. Edison knew that no child is beyond learning and no child is beyond experiencing a close and intimate relationship with God. Over and over, the Bible says that God welcomes children with open arms. Jesus blessed them, held them on His lap, and told His disciples not to hinder them. Children were welcome wherever He went.
Whether you are reaching out to God for the first time, or nurturing a long and satisfying relationship with God, don't hesitate to share what you have found with the children in your life. God will always be delighted!
C'MON OVER AND BRING THE KIDS. --- GOD
+++ As Becky and I head off for a couple of weeks of vacation, worship will be led by Pam the next 2 Sundays. This coming Sunday the topic is prayer and Pam's message is entitled, "Talking With God." We gather at 9:00am in the Sanctuary for worship. And, of course, you can catch us on the church Facebook page for our "live-stream" at 9:00am, as well. Then, after the worship service is completed, we will "upload" the worship to our YouTube channel. Please join us, however you are comfortable, in worship on Sunday!
+++ Remember the newsletter deadline is on Saturday, 8/20. Please have all articles for the September/October edition of our church newsletter in the office by that date. Thanks!
+++ Our parking lot is getting a new coat of sealer and re-striping on Wednesday and Thursday, 8/24 and 8/25 weather permitting. Staff will be working from home on these days and we are so blessed by our Board of Trustees that cares for our facility. Look out for the cones and ribbons while the parking lot is unavailable. Floor waxing is also being done over the next two weeks throughout the building.
+++ Immanuel is the new, westside home of the Syracuse Youth Chorus. Sabine Krantz is one of the directors of this group and you can check out their website, syracuseyouthchorus.org to find out more about this exciting ministry.
+++ Our FAITHFUL FRIENDS ministry is kicking into high gear this month. Speak with me if you'd like to get involved and become a FAITHFUL FRIEND!
+++ We are planning on receiving new members into the fellowship of Immanuel on September 11th. If you are ready to make the step into membership, speak with Pastor Jack to join the list!
Make this day a great day and share Jesus with a child today!
Pastor Jack
Thursday August 11, 2022
Happy Thursday, Friends!
Today's scripture text comes from Ecclesiastes, an Old Testament prophet...
"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."
(Ecclesiastes 12:1)
As a boy, Steven was ambivalent about his Jewish heritage. To him, being Jewish often meant not being a part of the "normal" world. Christmastime was especially tough since he lived on a block that won awards for its Christmas decorations, with the exception of his home, which he dubbed "the black hole."
His sense of being different was heightened when his family moved to a Phoenix neighborhood with very few Jews. Then, when his father took a job in northern California, he experienced overt anti-Semitism for the first time. Some of his high-school peers openly ridiculed him, and one bully routinely hit him during flag football games.
Years later, when his son Max, was born, Steven Spielberg came to grips with his Jewish heritage. Although he believed other filmmakers were better suited for the project, he proudly embraced the responsibility to make the film, Schindler's List. In accepting and appreciating who he was, Spielberg finally fulfilled himself both artistically and personally.
God has created each one of us with unique gifts and talents that can be expressed by no one else. Express your real self today -- without compromise. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and no one can fulfill that plan but YOU!
I MADE YOU, AND I DON'T MAKE MISTAKES. --- GOD
+++ Sunday worship is at 9:00am again this week and we've got lots planned! Julie N. is in town and will be offering us some wonderful Special Music, our young people will hear about running in a race and we will be celebrating the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. Our lectionary reading takes us to the 12th chapter of Luke's Gospel and I'll be offering some thoughts on "Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength". We also will be "live-streaming" on the church Facebook page at 9:00am and then uploading the recorded worship to our YouTube channel when worship is complete. So, you have many ways to join us for worship this weekend! We hope to "see you" there!
+++ Don't forget to pick up your 6 month giving statements when you are here. And please check them for accuracy! This will help us make sure we have accurate and up to date information in our system. Should you find any discrepancies, please let the office know as soon as possible. Thanks!
+++ Our fellowship team is working hard on being ready for a return to Coffee Hour, starting on September 11th. We have people who have stepped forward to offer to help once per month and now we are looking for some people who would agree to be on a "sub" list for each worship service. See Barb M., Denise S., or Sandy V. to get involved! We all look forward to the return of this fellowship time in September!
+++ Worship at Summerfield Village will be on Thursday, August 18th at 1:00pm. Join us if you can and you'll have a chance to see many of our friends!
+++ The deadline for newsletter articles for the September/October edition of our church newsletter is August 20th! Please try to have all articles into the office by that date!
+++ Last weekend's Mini Golf Tournament for Missions was a great success, once again! We raised over $2,200 for mission work and had a great time. Thanks to Shelley and all who worked so hard to make this such an enjoyable event for all! Thanks also to all our hole sponsors, golfers and mulligan buyers!
Make this day a great day and look excitedly for God's plan for YOUR life!
Pastor Jack
Thursday August 4, 2022
Welcome to August! Today's reading comes from the prophet Ezekiel...
"I will put my Spirit in you and you will live." (Ezekiel 37:14)
There are, I think, moments in each of our lives when we seem to be drowning in the turbulent emotions of a desperate crisis. At those times, it may seem difficult to reach out to God and receive God's comfort. But those are also the times when we need God the most!
It grieves God to see us try to endure those troubling times alone, to hear our agony as if we were on the other side of a closed door. God could, of course, come crashing through the door, but that is not God's way. God has instead placed within each of us a free will, a freedom of choice that God will not override.
No matter what you may be going through today, your best recourse is always to invite God to come inside and touch your hurting heart with God's loving, healing hands. You may be too confused and distraught to even know what it is you really need. But God knows. And once you invite God in, God will give you all the strength, encouragement, love and comfort you need.
So don't try to face the tragedies of your life alone. Reach out and unlock that door. No matter what you are facing, God is always the answer!
GOT ME? ---- GOD
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday morning at 9:00am in the Sanctuary. This week we celebrate the 9th Sunday after Pentecost and we will share the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. Our scripture reading comes from Luke 12 and we will hear Jesus' warning to us to remain watchful. How are you remaining watchful and expectant for God? Join us as we think through this together. The worship service will be "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am and then uploaded to our YouTube channel when completed. However you choose to worship with us.... we'll be "looking" for you!
+++ Our Mini Golf Tournament for Missions will take place on Saturday morning at the Fairmount Glen course on North Onondaga Road. We register at 8:30am and the "shotgun" starts at 9:00am. Following golf, we return to the Fellowship Hall for a delicious brunch and the awarding of prizes! Just so all are aware... There will be a large funeral taking place in the Sanctuary on Saturday morning, as well so golfers will enter through the Nursery School door just a few steps away on the front sidewalk! Thanks!
+++ Also on Sunday our August delivery of our meal ministry takes place following worship. Thanks to Chef Sam and all the drivers who make these important deliveries!
+++ I will be at Camillus Ridge Terrace leading worship on Tuesday, 8/9 at 11:00am!
+++ For your calendar planning... on September 11th we will return to 2 worship services and we also hope to re-start our Coffee Hour ministry. We have a team of folks who will supply all the baked goods.... but we need some volunteers who could help once per month, to set up, make the coffee and then clean up. If you'd like to be a part of this fun ministry.... speak to Barb M., Sandy V. or Denise S. to get involved! We are looking for help at both worship services.
+++ Also on Sunday 9/11... we will welcome new members into the fellowship of Immanuel. If you would like to take this step into membership, please speak to me to get involved.
+++ If you are in need of a cool space to get away from the excessive heat, please give our church office a call. Our building is air conditioned.
Make this day a great day and open that door to invite God in!
Pastor Jack
Thursday July 28, 2022
Happy Thursday! As the month of August lies in the immediate future, here are some words from Matthew's Gospel account for us today....
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
While skiing in Colorado one day, a man noticed some people on the slope wearing bright red vests. Moving closer, he could read the words on their vests: BLIND SKIER. And that statement really intrigued him. After all, he had difficulty skiing with 20/20 vision! How could people without sight manage?
Soon he discovered their secret. Each skier had a guide who skied beside, behind, or in front of them but always in a place where they could easily communicate. The guide used two basic forms of communication. First, tapping the ski poles together to assure the blind person that the guide was there and second, speaking simple, specific directions: "Go right. Turn left. Slow. Stop. Skier on your right."
We can't see even five seconds into the future. We cannot see the struggles to come or other people who may run into us or we into them, like errant skiers on a crowded slope. But God has promised to be our guide through life -- to walk before and behind us and to dwell in us. It is our role to listen and to obey.
You may be facing a slippery slope today and the prospect of making it to the bottom, without any idea what challenges you will face along the way. Let God be your guide. Together you can make it!
ALONE YOU CAN'T. TOGETHER WE CAN. --- GOD
+++ This week's worship will be a little different. We'll be welcoming a new Praise Band who will be leading our music! You'll hear guitars, drums, instruments and voices joining together to sing God's praises this week! Be here at 9:00am to check it out! We will be celebrating the 8th Sunday after Pentecost and our scripture reading is the Parable of the Rich Young Fool from Luke's Gospel. My message, "Consumerism VS. God-Centered Security" will encourage us to look closely at where we place our confidence... in God or our finances and power. Come and think this through with me! And, of course, you can join us on Facebook for our "live-stream" at 9:00am or after we upload the recorded worship to our YouTube channel when it is completed. However you're comfortable... join us for worship on Sunday!
+++ This week we have been blessed to welcome a UMC Mission Team from Calvary UMC in Pennsylvania, as they have been doing some work on the Onondaga Reservation. We provided a wonderful dinner for their arrival on Monday night (thanks to Sam P.) and they have accomplished much this week. Now we wish them safe travels home!
+++ Next Saturday, August 6th, is our 13th annual Mini Golf Tournament for Missions. Registration is at 8:30am at Fairmount Glen Golf Course on North Onondaga Road. But we need your registration this weekend to finish organizing the teams! You can sign up as an individual, couple, or foursome but we need you to SIGN UP! For all of us non-golfers.... mulligans are very reasonably priced! And then we'll return to the church for a delicious brunch and the awarding of prizes. Come have fun with us next Saturday, August 6th!
Make today a great day and listen to God as your guide!
Pastor Jack
Thursday July 21, 2022
Happy Thursday!
Hello Friends! Summer is surely here now! As we try to stay near the air conditioning and away from the oppressive heat, I read these words from Paul's letter to the Ephesians....
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith --
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God..."
(Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Do you ever feel inadequate? Unworthy? Most of us do from time to time. And we all know people we think are too successful to have those same feelings.
Martin Luther, the sixteenth-century German preacher and Biblical scholar who initiated the Protestant Reformation, sounds like the type of man who would be eminently sure of himself. Any man who would dare to publicly question the theology of his church --- in a time when it could cost him his life --- could not be a man who had doubts about himself. Or could he be?
In truth, Luther spent his early years obsessed by his presumed unworthiness. But one day while reading the Bible, Luther realized that he could not earn his salvation. He read in the book of Romans that we receive God's love and mercy. We don't earn it. It is a gift -- a priceless gift that cost the life of God's own Son.
On days when you fall flat on your face or just feel low, remind yourself that your mistakes aren't the end of the world. Your relationship with God doesn't depend on how well you manage to color inside the lines! God loves you, and God already realizes that you're not perfect! So receive God's gift of grace today!!
JUST SAY GRACE. --- GOD
+++ Sunday worship continues on our summer schedule at 9:00am this weekend. This week, as we celebrate the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, we will hear Jesus' disciples asking him to teach them how to pray. In this Gospel lesson from Luke 11, Jesus gives them a wonderful example of the way we should pray. My message is "Do Like This..." and I'll be thinking about how Jesus' prayer was only a model for us to consider. We'll be singing some great hymns of our faith and reading another timely message from the Psalms, as well. Our "live-stream" begins on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am and then we upload the completed worship service to our YouTube channel when completed. We hope to "see you" in worship this Sunday!
+++ All next week Immanuel will be welcoming a mission group from PA who will be doing some work on the Onondaga Reservation. We will open our doors for sleeping and meals to UM friends in this way!
+++ We worship with our many friends at Brookdale-Summerfield next Thursday, 7/28 at 1:00pm!
+++ Don't forget to sign-up for our Mini Golf Tournament for Missions on August 6th! Sign-up sheets are on the table in the Narthex or on our church website!
Make this day a great day and try to stay cool and hydrated!
Pastor Jack
Thursday July 14, 2022
Today's scripture comes to us from Proverbs.....
"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot." (Proverbs 10:7)
A rather unsavory character was being buried one day in a small town funeral home. He had never been anywhere near a place of worship in his entire life, and the services were being conducted by a pastor who had never heard of him. Caught up in the moment, the pastor became carried away with the occasion. The pastor poured great praise on the departed man.... in his desire to bring as much comfort as possible to the family.
As the pastor lamented the great loss of this father, husband, and boss, the man's widow, whose expression had grown more and more puzzled, nudged her son and whispered, "Go up there and make sure it's Papa."
Regardless of your station in life or the material possessions you may amass, the day will come when your life will end. Will you leave behind a legacy of hate, immorality, and faithlessness? Or will you leave those who have known you memories filled with love, faithfulness, and hope? And where will you be spending eternity?
Today is the day of opportunity. None of us may have a tomorrow. Decide today to turn your back on hell and set your eyes toward Heaven. Live your life in such a way that even the kind words of a stranger will ring true in the ears of those who knew you. Begin now!
HELL: DON'T GO THERE! --- GOD
+++ We gather for worship in our beautiful, air-conditioned Sanctuary at 9:00am on Sunday morning! This week we will be celebrating the 6th Sunday after Pentecost. And we will hear once again the story of 2 sisters, Mary and Martha, who welcome Jesus to their home in very different ways. My message is entitled, "How Not to Flame Out" and I'll be talking about the burn-out we all occasionally feel. We will, of course, be "live-streaming" at 9:00am on the church's Facebook page and then uploading the recorded worship service to our YouTube channel when it is completed. We hope you can join us this Sunday! And we've got some very special Special Music from one of our young people this week, as well! Join us however you are comfortable for worship!
+++ Saturday will see Karissa Hart and Tyler Pledger join together in marriage here in the Sanctuary. Pray for them and congratulate the parents of the bride, Tom and Joyce, when you see them!
+++ Thanks for your continued gifts that support the ministry work here at Immanuel and around the world. Your offerings help us meet our financial obligations as a church family and help others all around our United Methodist connection.
+++ Hopefully you have your calendars marked for our 13th annual Mini Golf tournament for Missions! We tee off on August 6th with registration at 8:30am and a "shot-gun" start at 9:00am at the Fairmount Glen golf course on North Onondaga Road. After the tournament, we return to Immanuel for a delicious brunch and prizes! Gather your 4 person team (or talk to Shelley to join a team looking for a golfer or two) and get your registration in soon! All funds raised support mission work here at Immanuel! For more information and to register click here.
Make this day a great day and set your sights on Heaven!
Pastor Jack
Thursday July 7, 2022
Today's scripture verse comes from Isaiah 55....
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)
Have you ever tried explaining something to a two-year-old child? Sometimes small children just don't seem to understand what we tell them, especially our answers to their never-ending question: "Why?"
In the "information-rich" world in which we live, we have figured out so much. And like a child who can't understand why he or she can't touch the moon or eat candy for every meal, we question God. It is easy to forget that what we know is but a tiny drop in the bucket..... compared with God's immeasurable ocean of knowledge.
In the Bible, God tells us that God's ways are much higher than our ways and that we are able to comprehend only a tiny piece of God's master plan. God has promised us that God's way is, in fact, the only way and that if we follow God, everything will ultimately work out for our good. This doesn't mean that everything that happens is good. It just means that even the most horrific, terrible stories can have happy endings when we place our trust in God.
Open your heart to see God in God's primary role -- Master Architect of the universe. Then remember.... that God has chosen to reach past the sun, the moon, and the stars in order to reach out and take YOUR hand!
MY WAY IS THE HIGHWAY! --- GOD
+++ This coming Sunday, July 10th, is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost! We will gather in our beautiful Sanctuary for worship at 9:00am and we will start our Facebook "live-stream" on the church's Facebook page at that time, as well. Following the completion of the worship service, we will upload the recorded worship to the church YouTube channel. This week I'd like to challenge all of our internet congregation to say "HELLO" in the comment section of the Facebook page and tell us where you are joining us from! We'd love to hear from you and have a chance to say "HI" to you, as well! And don't forget to SHARE the Facebook page with all your friends and family. It's a great way to invite your friends to join you for worship! On Sunday we will hear once again the story of the Good Samaritan and I'm going to try to help us think about "Being Neighborly". What are the qualities of a good neighbor? And do we demonstrate them to others? Join us for worship and help me think this through!
+++ We will also be delivering shut-in meals after worship this week, as well. I'm sure Sam has some wonderful treats prepared for our friends this week. Thanks to all who cook and deliver as we spread the love of God to those at home.
+++ Thanks as well to all of you who are remaining so consistent in your gifts of support to the ministry here at Immanuel. Gifts can be made on the DONATE button of our church website and also by mailing your gifts directly to the church. And your gifts allow us to remain on solid ground financially as we move through the summer.
+++ I'll be at Camillus Ridge Terrace leading worship on Tuesday, July 12th at 11:00am!
+++ And as you heard last week.... mark the date on your calendar for your upcoming Mini Golf Tournament to support our mission work. We tee off on Saturday morning, August 6th! Get your team ready for the competition or speak to Shelley to join up with a team already organizing! More details in the coming weeks! And... as always... mulligans are very reasonably priced!
+++ The Cicero UMC is looking to sign up a few more people to attend their Bus Trip to Williamstown Kentucky to visit the Noah's Ark Encounter and Creative Museum. The trip is September 26-October 1 2022 and the trip includes transportation, lodging, Aquarium visit with 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners (one being a cruise) driver gratuity and more. The trip is sponsored by the Cicero UMC Caring Support group. For information contact Mary Alice Scheel at (315) 699-7181. Cost is $875 per double per person and $975 single per person.
Make this day a great day and keep your heart open to the moving of God's Holy Spirit!
Pastor Jack
Thursday June 30, 2022
Hello Friends!
Since our summer office hours are changed to Monday-Thursday by appointment, "Chimings" will be posted on Thursday's during the months of July and August! Oh boy, an extra day to plan!
In the letter to the Hebrews, we read these words...
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)
A church once sent a man to spend two months as a volunteer at Mother Theresa's mission in Calcutta, caring for India's sick, poor and dying. He left on his mission with great joy and anticipation -- a dream come true.
Standing by the luggage carousel in Bangkok, some forty hours later, he felt anything but elation. Somewhere between South Korea and Thailand, his luggage had been "misdirected". His nerves worn raw by sleeplessness... he collapsed into a nearby chair and wondered, Was this trip a mistake? He felt as lost as his bags.
As his eyes wandered around the walls of the lobby, which was mostly empty owing to the late hour, he noticed a row of clocks on one wall. They displayed the time in major cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Bangkok. He quickly noted that it was noon at his home church -- and it was Sunday.
His church had promised to pray for him at noon services that day. They're praying for me right now, he thought. And with that revelation came a tremendous sense of peace. I'm not alone now. And I won't be alone in the months ahead!
God knows your needs, and no matter where you are, God is with you, hearing your prayers and working on your behalf. Whenever your circumstances start to bring you down.... look up!
PSSST....... UP HERE! --- GOD
+++ On this 4th Sunday after Pentecost we gather in the Sanctuary for worship at 9:00am! We'll hear about Naaman's healing from 2 Kings and Luke's account of Jesus sending out the 72. My message, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!" will have me thinking about how small matters can often have big consequences. We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday and enjoying an Independence Day Moment, as well! We will, of course, be "live-streaming" worship on the church's Facebook page at 9:00am.... before we "upload" the completed service to our YouTube channel at its completion. So, you have many ways to join us for worship on Sunday! We can't wait to "see you" then!
+++ The church office is closed on Monday for the celebration of the Independence Day holiday and will re-open at 9:00am on Tuesday morning.
+++ Thanks for all your efforts to keep current on your financial support during these summer months! The expenses of our ministry do not observe a "summer break" and we appreciate your on-going support of our work all year long!
+++ Congratulations to all our graduates and students moving up in their educational journey. Enjoy this summer break as you prepare for another exciting year of learning starting in September! And young people don't forget we have a Children's Moment and craft supplies in the Sanctuary each week throughout the summer! Come and worship with us!
Make this day a great day and always LOOK UP for God!
Pastor Jack
Friday June 24, 2022
On this Friday we hear from Paul's letter to the Ephesians.....
"How wide and long and high and deep is the
love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:18)
The love of God is sometimes difficult to understand on every level. Why would the great and mighty Creator of the universe care about us -- no more than pinpoints from the cosmic perspective? We may never be able to answer that question fully, but what does it matter --- the fact is God does!
Not only does God love us, but the Bible says God loves us individually, unconditionally, gently, intimately, eternally, closely, warmly, tenderly, protectively, and kindly. We are told that God's love is deep and fervent. God is constantly watching over us, and we are always on God's mind.
Many reject God's love because they don't feel they deserve it. But the Bible tells us that God knows we aren't deserving. God's love is a gift -- freely given rather than something that has been earned. God has made it available to every person -- adult or child, man or woman. And it's free, though not cheap. God paid a very high price when God reached out to redeem us -- the life of God's only Son!
Have you experienced the love of God in a personal way? If not, open your heart and let God fill it. Reach out and take hold of God's wonderful gift. I guarantee... it will change your life forever!
YOU'RE PRECIOUS TO ME! --- GOD
+++ Summer worship continues in the Sanctuary at 9:00am on Sunday! If you are worshiping on our Facebook page.... we will be live at 9:00am! And then we upload the completed worship service to our YouTube channel when we are finished. So you have many ways to join us for worship this weekend! We'll be celebrating the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost this Sunday and our gospel will have us hearing about the cost of following Jesus. We'll offer a Children's Time and some summer crafts for our young people, as well. We will save you a seat in the Sanctuary on Sunday morning!
+++ In July and August our summer office hours will be Monday-Thursday by appointment. The answering machine contains emergency phone numbers that are available each day, as well.
+++ I'm leading worship at Summerfield Village on Thursday 6/30 at 1:00pm if anyone would like to join the group!
Make this day a great day and always keep your heart open to God's Holy Spirit!
Pastor Jack
Friday June 17, 2022
Happy Friday, Friends! As we head into this Father's Day weekend, we hear these reassuring words from 1 Peter...
"The Lord is watching his children, listening
to their prayers." (1 Peter 3:12)
Three pastors were talking about prayer one day, and they began debating among themselves the most effective positions for prayer. As they talked, they were totally oblivious to a telephone repairman working on the phone system in the corner of the large room where they were sitting.
One pastor contended that the key to prayer was in the hands. He always held his hands together to show the firmness of commitment and then pointed his hands upward as a symbolic form of worship. The second pastor countered that real prayer could only be made if a person was on their knees. To him, that was the proper position for submission to God. The third pastor suggested that the best position was to pray while stretched out flat on one's face -- the position of supreme surrender.
By this time, the telephone repairman could no longer refrain from adding his opinion: "Well, I have found that the most powerful prayer I ever made was while I was suspended forty feet above the ground, dangling upside down by my heels from a telephone pole."
God doesn't care about the religious words connected with our prayers. God is always listening when we reach out for help or just to talk. God can even hear your heart. Forget all the formalities and give God a call.
MY LINE IS NEVER BUSY. --- GOD
+++ This coming Sunday, June 19th, we will switch to our summer worship schedule and gather for one worship service at 9:00am in the Sanctuary! We will also be "live-streaming" this worship at 9:00am on our church Facebook page! And then we upload the recorded worship service to our YouTube page when it is completed. This 9:00am worship schedule will continue through Labor Day Sunday. We also celebrate Father's Day this Sunday, as well.
+++ And even though KidzClub is now in recess until September, we will offer Children's Time and have some activities for the kids, as well.
+++ Our newsletter deadline, for articles for the July/August edition of our church newsletter, is Monday! Please make sure all articles are in the church office on Monday. Thanks!
+++ The final session of our current Bible Study, Invitation to the Old Testament, will be held on Monday at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room.
+++ You will find new copies of the Upper Room for July and August on the table in the Narthex on Sunday.
+++ The Tuesday morning Bible Study group, the Tuesday work group and the Healthy Living Class continue on Tuesday!
+++ Interfaith Works is hosting an ecumenical Prayer for Peace for Ukraine on Wednesday, June 22. Click here for more details.
Make this day a great day and spend some time talking to God today!
Pastor Jack
Friday June 10, 2022
As we prepare for another weekend here in the beautiful scenery of Central NY, here are some words from Jesus found in Matthew's Gospel account...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart,
and you will find rest for your souls."
(Matthew 11: 28-29)
Jesus invites each one of us to talk to him about everything we are facing and how it makes us feel. But that is often something about which we humans need regular reminding.
Often, we get so intent on just rushing ahead on our own, that we forget to take small steps with Jesus, talking to him and trusting him to lead the way. Our human brains kick in and we concentrate on solving our problems on our own... often in just one big, BIG move.
But God's world doesn't often work like that! Problems, like submarine sandwiches, are meant to be overcome one bite at a time! But many of us are too much in a hurry, too impatient, to ready to move on to the next situation, to allow God time to work out God's plan for us through God's Son, Jesus. And then... boy do we create even more problems for ourselves and those around us! We want God to work on our time frame... (immediately, if you would please God)... not according to God's good plan.
Perhaps this week you could try to intentionally stay in tune with God's plan for your life? What a difference that would make!
+++ We worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary! And, of course, we will be "live-streaming" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am as well. After worship is over, we upload the recorded worship to the church YouTube channel. This week is the First Sunday after Pentecost, and we will be receiving our special, church-wide offering for Peace with Justice efforts throughout our United Methodist connection. Look for the special envelopes in the Narthex for your gifts! At the 10:00am service we will be presenting Bibles to a couple of our young people and then celebrating the last Sunday of Kidz Club for this school year with an Ice Cream party after worship!
+++ Also on Sunday, we will deliver shut-in meals to some of our church friends following worship and it is the last chance to support our Becky's Blessings bike team as we prepare for next Saturday's Ride for Roswell! Thanks for your support to defeat cancer in our world!
+++ Check out the pictures from last week's Confirmation service!
+++ Our newsletter deadline for the July/August edition is coming up on Monday, June 20th! Please make sure all articles are in to the church office by that date!
+++ Join us on Tuesday night, June 14th for an open discussion about the current situation in our United Methodist Church regarding the questions around human sexuality. We will try to update you on what has brought our denomination to this point and what might possibly be ahead in the future for the church throughout the world. We begin the discussion at 7:30pm in the Fireside Room after our abbreviated Administrative Council meeting at 7:00pm. All church members are invited for this discussion!
+++ Next Sunday, June 19th we celebrate Father's Day and move to our summer worship schedule of one worship service at 9:00am in the Sanctuary.
Make this day a great day and listen closely for God's plan for your life!
Pastor Jack
Friday June 3, 2022
Happy Friday All! Hear these words from the Prophet Jeremiah...
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans
to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
On a bleak winter morning, Jim felt overwhelmed by a sense of failure. He kept thinking, My life is worthless. I don't fit in. He was forty-three years old. Alcohol was destroying his life, and now, he had lost his job as well. Jim didn't see any future. Then he remembered Ted.
Ted was Jim's AA sponsor, a crusty straight-talking farmer. Jim drove to Ted's house and found him sitting by his wood-burning stove. Ted seemed genuinely pleased to see Jim and began telling him how things were going on the farm. Finally, Jim began to pour out his heart to Ted, rehearsing years of disappointments, hurts, and failures.
"I know things seem hopeless right now," Ted told him, "but God has a wonderful plan for your life. Give God all your disappointments and failures, and God will give you a sense of peace deeper than any you have ever known."
"God wouldn't want me," Jim responded. "My life is a mess. I have nothing to offer God."
"But God does want you," said Ted. "God wants you just the way you are. You give God your mess, and God will give you His peace. It's an amazing offer."
No matter what condition your life is in, that exact same offer is available to each of us, too!
DO I HAVE AN OFFER FOR YOU! --- GOD
+++ It's a big weekend here at Immanuel this weekend! We will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am and celebrate Pentecost and the Sacrament of Holy Communion at both services. Don't forget to wear something RED! And... During our 10:00am service, we will be celebrating the Rite of Confirmation with 4 of our wonderful young people. We hope you can be with us in the Sanctuary for these exciting worship services! Of course, we will be "live-streaming" on our Facebook page at 10:00am, as well. And if you're not a Facebook user, look for the recorded worship on our YouTube channel as soon as it is completed. However you worship, we hope to "see you" this weekend!
+++ We will receive our Peace with Justice special offering next Sunday, June 12. These second mile gifts help the United Methodist Church to continue to do justice work here in the U.S. and around the world. Thanks for using the special offering envelopes for your gifts. Checks can be made out to "Immanuel UMC" with "Peace with Justice" in the memo.
+++ Meetings this week include our Old Testament Study resuming at 1:00pm on Monday afternoon and our church Trustees meeting at 4:00pm on Wednesday, June 8th.
+++ Next Sunday, June 12th is the last Sunday for KidzClub until September and we will mark the day with ice cream sundaes for all following the 10:00am worship service.
+++ On Sunday, June 19th we will celebrate Father's Day and move to our summer worship schedule which is one worship service at 9:00am in the Sanctuary each week. Mark your calendars for this change of worship time!
+++ The local version of the Ride For Roswell happens on Saturday, June 18th! Our team of riders sets out at 10:00am from the Brewerton UMC parking lot and we will cover 20 miles raising funds for patient treatment and cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo. There is still plenty of time to leave us a message and donation on the table in the Narthex! Last year our Becky's Blessings team was able to raise over $10,000 for this important work and we thank you for all your prayers and support!
Make this day a great day and watch for God's amazing offer in your life!
Pastor Jack
Friday May 27, 2022
Today's word comes to us from the Book of Revelations.....
"If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief,
and you will not know what time I will come
to you." (Revelation 3:3)
Many people act as if God is sitting up in heaven taking care of the universe, not knowing or caring what we're up to down here on earth. But God does know! The Bible tells us that God knows every time a little sparrow falls to the ground.
God is watching. God sees us as we go through our daily lives -- hearing what we say and noting what we do. God knows our deepest thoughts and most embarrassing secrets. Yes, God knows... and still loves us anyway!
God is loving, kind, and patient, but the Bible also says that God will not wait forever for us to get our ducks in a row. One day, God will come back and hold us accountable for how we have lived our lives. The Bible says that we will not know when the day of reckoning will occur. Therefore, we are to live our lives in a prudent manner.
How are you living your life? Will you be embarrassed to face your Creator when God arrives? If so, make your peace with God right now. Open your heart and ask God to clean you up and make you ready for the day when God will come down here.
Don't make me come down there! --- GOD
+++ This Sunday, the 7th Sunday after Easter, we worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. In addition to celebrating the Memorial Day holiday weekend, it is also Commitment Sunday for our M2 campaign! Don't forget your pledge card... which you should have received in the mail this week. Rest assured if you can't locate yours, we will have extra pledge cards available on Sunday, as well. Our scripture from John 17 shows us Jesus praying for each of us and my message "That They May All Be One" will have us looking at this prayer. If you can't join us in the Sanctuary we will hope to "see you" on our Facebook page for the "live-stream" broadcast. And... don't forget to leave us a comment saying HELLO! After the service is completed we will upload it to the church's YouTube channel as well.
+++ Will you support our confirmands, Sammi and Joey, as they collect needed items for Helping Hounds dog rescue as their confirmation project? The list of items can be found here. Donations will be collected until Sunday, June 5.
+++ Next Sunday, June 5th is PENTECOST SUNDAY! How about wearing something RED to help us celebrate? At the 10:00am service next week we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Rite of Confirmation for four of our congregation's young people. We hope you'll be here to celebrate with these great kids!
+++ Sunday, June 12 will be our next Meal Ministry delivery. Please mark your calendars!
+++ On Sunday, June 12th we will celebrate the last Sunday of "Kidz Club" until September and no celebration would be complete without Ice Cream Sundaes! We hope you'll join us for the party!
+++And then on Sunday, June 19th, Father's Day, we begin our summer worship schedule with ONE worship service on Sunday morning at 9:00am in the Sanctuary! Mark your calendars and be a part of our summer worship here at Immanuel!
+++ Don't forget that the church office is closed on Monday as we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning at 9:15am!
Make this a great day and it's never too late to turn your life back to God!
Pastor Jack
Friday May 20, 2022
In Paul's letter to the Colossians we read these words...
"In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives
in bodily form." (Colossians 2:9)
No matter how we might try to deny it at times, we all exhibit many of the characteristics of our human mothers and fathers. Perhaps it is the color of our eyes, our hair, the size of our feet, or a certain temperament or personality. Even though God has created each one of us as a unique individual, God has also chosen to link us inextricably to our parents by placing within us our parents genetic imprint.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God's only "begotten" Son and that God has been with Him from the very beginning of time. In the same way that we are linked to our earthly parents, Jesus is linked to His Father -- God.
If you wonder what God is really like or long to better understand God person-to-person, read the four Gospels, which describe the life of Jesus. You will soon begin to appreciate and understand God in an entirely new way. No longer will God seem unknowable and incomprehensible. As a very insightful five-year-old once said, "Jesus is God with skin on."
Open your hearts to Jesus and you will be embracing both the Father and the Son. And you will never again be the same!
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON! -- GOD
+++ Our Sunday worship services, on this 6th Sunday of Easter, are at 8:30am and 10:00am. And as we listen to words from Revelations and the 14th chapter of John's Gospel account, I will be thinking about "The Promise of the Future". Each worship service will include a special time for a Stewardship Moment and a time of "burning"! You'll have to be with us to see what that is all about! We will, of course, "live-stream" the 10:00am worship service on our Facebook page and then upload the completed worship to the church's YouTube channel when completed. However you choose to join us, don't miss out on the chance to worship the Risen Savior on Sunday morning!
+++ This week is Adie's Bake Sale for Ukraine. Adie, one of our confirmands, has organized a bake sale to benefit UMCOR's efforts in the Ukraine and there will be a delicious assortment to choose from. Check out this mission opportunity on Sunday morning!
+++ Deadlines for camperships and scholarships are coming up within a few days. Check the links for details. And while you're there, check out some of the recent website updates that have been made by our webmaster!
+++ The 2022 Confirmation Class meets at 12:00noon on Sunday for our final session.
+++ The Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, June 5th --- Pentecost Sunday at the 10:00am worship service! Four of the young people of Immanuel will be professing their faith and becoming full members of the congregation on that day! We hope to see you all here to support and celebrate these young people. And how about trying to wear something RED to help them celebrate?
+++ On this Saturday our friends at First UMC in the village will be offering a Treasure Sale and pulled Pork BBQ dinner. Check out the flyer on the bulletin board and consider joining the celebration with these sisters and brothers in Christ!
+++ A new adult Paint Class is being offered here at Immanuel each Friday morning from 10:00-11:00am. For more information you can contact verospaintingclub@gmail.com. All you artists are invited to be a part of the class!
Make this day a great day and look for Jesus in each person you meet!
Pastor Jack
Friday May 13, 2022
Greetings, Friends! Here are some words from Exodus for us today...
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who
misuses his name." (Exodus 20:7)
Remember when you were a kid and classmates used your name to make fun of you? Maybe they rhymed your name with an unpleasant word or purposely mispronounced it. Maybe it was just the tone they used. No matter how old we are, we never seem to be able to completely forget those childhood taunts.
Why did they hurt so much? Perhaps it's because there's a lot in a name. Our possessions, our money, our job titles - all these can be taken from us. But our names stick. They were given to us by the people who love us. They identify who we are. Disrespect for our names shows disrespect for us and all we stand for.
The same is true with God. The Bible tells us that God's is the "name above all names." Taking God's name in vain - using it irreverently, casually, or profanely - says something about our attitude toward God. It tells God that we do not respect or love God. And if we fail to respect and love God, we fail to respect and love ourselves as God's creation.
A solid respect for God will help you to instill respect for yourself and those around you. It is an essential ingredient for a successful life. Be wise, don't compromise!
KEEP USING MY NAME IN VAIN. I'LL MAKE RUSH HOUR EVEN LONGER! --- GOD
+++ This Sunday we celebrate Camping Sunday in each of our worship services. We will welcome Mr. David Weber, the Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center as our guest preacher. If you've always wondered about our Annual Conference's camping ministry, this is the week to make sure to join us. And both the 8:30am and 10:00am congregations will have a chance to "virtually visit" the campsite with us! Look for us on Facebook live at 10:00am, as well!
+++ The deadlines for 2022 scholarships and camperships are coming up! Click the links for the needed information.
+++ Our Bible Study, Invitation to the Old Testament, continues on Monday afternoon at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. This week we look at the Exodus story! Join us if you would like, we have plenty of room for some more students!
+++ Our Confirmation Class meets for their 3rd session next Sunday, May 22nd at 12:00 noon! Confirmation Sunday is coming up on Pentecost, June 5th at the 10:00am worship service!
+++ Adie's Bake Sale to benefit the people of Ukraine is Sunday May 22 after both services. There is a sign up in the Narthex if you would like to contribute baked goods.
+++ Don't forget to check out the Ride for Roswell display in the Narthex, as well. Our 20 mile ride is coming up on June 18th, as we seek to earn needed funds for cancer research and patient care at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo!
Make this day a great day and remember to honor God's name!
Pastor Jack
Friday May 6, 2022
This week my reading took me to 1 John and this is what I read...
"This is the victory that has overcome the world,
even our faith." (1 John 5:4)
You know, there may be no better feeling in the world than the joy of winning a race you never expected to win. Just ask a woman named Jenny Spangler. She won the women's marathon in the U.S. Olympic trials in 1996, earning the right to compete at the summer Olympic games in Atlanta, Georgia.
At the time of the trials, Spangler was qualifier number sixty-one, which meant sixty runners had entered the race with faster times than hers. She had set an American junior record in the marathon during college... but had to leave the sports scene after a stress fracture had dashed her hopes in the Olympic trials of 1984. No one thought she could maintain a winning pace when she passed the leaders of the race at the sixteen-mile mark.
The favorites in that amazing marathon expected Spangler to fade, but she never did. Somewhere inside herself, she found the courage and the stamina to finish strong. She took home first prize that day and won a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Does the day ahead of you look as grueling as a marathon? Have faith in the gifts God has placed in your life. Ask for God's help, and then run the race God has put before you!
YOU LOOK LIKE YOU COULD USE A FAITH-LIFT. --- GOD
+++ Join us on Sunday for worship at either 8:30am or 10:00am. We will be celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Easter and I am speaking about, perhaps the most popular piece of Scripture known to humankind... the 23rd Psalm! My message is entitled, "Listening to the Shepherd" and I am thinking about how many times and in how many ways God's voice can be heard in each of our lives. We will also celebrate Mother's Day in worship this week and we hope you'll bring Mom to worship! Our 10:00am worship will be "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel when the service is completed. However you can make it, we hope to "see" you in worship on Sunday! And don't forget to leave us a comment to say "Hi"!
+++ A special Mother's Day concert will be offered at 2:00pm on Sunday at St. Joseph's church to support the church's Food Pantry ministry and the ministry of ECHO Meals on Wheels. Many alumni of the West Genesee School district will be sharing their talents at this concert on Sunday afternoon!
+++ Check out our website for approaching deadlines for scholarships and camperships! Only a few weeks are left to get in your requests and the website has all the information you will need!
+++ A new class, "Exercise and Nutrition for Healthy Living" begins on Tuesday morning at 10:00am starting this Tuesday. See Barb M. for more information and to become a part of this new ministry group here at Immanuel.
+++ Next Sunday we will welcome David Weber, the Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center, as we celebrate Camping Sunday at each of our worship services.
+++ One of our confirmands, Adie K. will be offering a Bake Sale after worship on Sunday, 5/22. This is Adie's mission project and all of the proceeds will be sent to support the work of UMCOR in the churches of Ukraine. Speak to Adie to offer to bake for this great project!
Make this day a great day and always rely on the gifts with which God has blessed you!
Pastor Jack
Friday April 29, 2022
This week our Bible Study started each day with a prayer from Psalm 119. I'll quote a verse of it here for us all to consider...
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for
my path." (Psalm 119: 105)
Did you know that the Holy Bible is the best-selling, most-read book in the entire history of the world? It has had a profound impact on all of western civilization from its beginning.
Chances are, almost every house has a Bible in the home, even if it's just gathering dust on the coffee table. And most people started out with a great plan to read it from Genesis to Revelation! But then we got sidetracked in the middle of the section that told who "begat" whom. "It's just too hard!" most of us groaned.
It's OK. Most people have a really hard time with the King James Version. It was easy reading for folks back in the sixteenth century, but the translation is now a little difficult for most of us to understand. But don't give up, friends! Did you know that there are many modern translations? Not to mention study Bibles, Bibles on the internet, study guides, and Bible study groups. No matter what your educational or cultural background, there's something for you.
Once you find a translation you can understand, God's Words will come alive for you. It's a book about real people just like you and me, and it contains advice for every situation that you might encounter today. Go ahead. Read it! Find out today who God is and how much God loves you!
HAVE YOU READ MY #1 BEST-SELLER? (There will be a test.) ----- GOD
+++ On this Third Sunday of Easter we worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. Our lectionary from John 21 takes us to the Sea of Tiberius and we will hear about Jesus meeting the disciples after his Resurrection over an open breakfast fire. My message, "After the Easter Parade" will have us talking about fishing, as well. And you can either join us in our beautiful Sanctuary or as a part of our internet community congregation. Look for a live broadcast on the church's FaceBook page at 10:00am on Sunday... and then we will upload the recorded worship to our YouTube page after the service is completed. And don't forget to leave us a comment to say "Hello" when you join us online! We will also receive a special offering for Native American Ministries at each worship service this week.
+++ The Great Garage Sale is underway and sales are going well! There are still lots of treasures for you to pick from however. Friday hours are 9:00am - 6:00pm and Saturday the event goes from 9:00am until 12:00noon. Thanks to all who donated, worked, sold and bought during the event!
+++ Our Confirmation Class meets on Sunday afternoon from 12:00noon-3:00pm in the Fireside Room. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch as we work through Wesley's Three Simple Rules together.
+++ The church's Board of Trustees meets on Wednesday, May 4th at 4:00pm!
+++ Our Invitation to the Old Testament study started on Monday and we meet each Monday afternoon at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. We still have lots of room and books available if you'd like to be a part of the group! Just join us on Monday! More information on our website.
+++ Next Sunday we celebrate Mother's Day and there will be a special Mother's Day Concert at St. Joseph's Church to benefit the community Food Pantry and ECHO Meals on Wheels. Check out the blue flyer in the Narthex for more information.
+++ Check out the Church's newsletter for information about Scholarships and Camperships. We hope to continue to support our young people and you'll find all the information you need in the newsletter!
+++ Mark your calendars for May 22. Adie, one of our confirmands, is organizing a bake sale after both worship services with proceeds to benefit the folks in Ukraine. Stay tuned for more information!
Make this day a great day and start reading your Bible (again) today!
Pastor Jack
Friday April 22, 2022
Today I offer you some words from the Prophet Jonah...
"From the depths.... I called for help, and you
listened to my cry." (Jonah 2:2)
In recent years, every community in the United States has been equipped with a 911 emergency phone system. The newest versions of this system are all state of the art. All a person has to do is dial those three numbers and they are instantly connected to a dispatcher.
The dispatcher's computer screen identifies the number from which the call is being made, the address, and the name for whom the telephone number is listed. The system is simultaneously connected to the police department, fire department, and paramedics. A person using the 911 system doesn't even need to utter a word in order for help to be activated and dispatched to the scene.
But you know God has long had God's own 911 system --- a system more foolproof, failproof, and faithful than anything mankind can ever hope to design. When we dial "911" prayers, we are sometimes hysterical, or we don't know the right words to convey the deep need we feel. But God hears and knows!
God already knows your name and all about your circumstances. God knows the precise answer to your problem even before you ask. When you are facing fearful circumstances, call out to God. God's help will be on the way the moment you speak God's name!
KNEES KNOCKING? TRY KNEELING ON THEM. --- GOD
+++ We worship on Sunday at both 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary. Most of the Easter decorations remain through this Easter season so, if you couldn't see them in person last Sunday, join us this week! Our 10:00am service will be "live-Streamed" on the church Facebook page and then uploaded to YouTube when completed. If you are watching online, drop us a comment at whatever time you are watching. We try to respond to comments several times a week! This week we will meet once again the disciple Thomas. You'll remember him when you re-hear his story. My message is entitled, "Blessed Are You".
+++ Our springtime Bible Study begins on Monday afternoon at 1:00pm in the Fireside Room. This 8 week study is entitled, "Invitation to the Old Testament" and will lead us through some of the foundational Hebrew scriptures that helped to support and lay the groundwork for our Christian faith. See me on Sunday to get a copy of the book we will be using for this study!
+++ Next week is Garage Sale week. Donations are accepted on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and the big sale starts on Thursday morning. We need some helpers to work at this event and the sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Please sign up or speak to Shelley to get involved.
+++ Next Sunday, May 1st is the 2nd session of our 2022 Confirmation Class. We will meet following worship at 12:00noon until about 3:00pm. Lunch will be served and we look forward to this exciting time in the life of 4 of our young people!
+++ Next Sunday is also Native American Ministries Sunday. We will have special offering envelopes available to support native American ministries right here in our annual conference. Did you know that our annual conference has 3 Native American United Methodist Churches? Thanks for your support of these congregations!
Make this day a great day and always remember.... God answers "knee mail"!
Pastor Jack
Friday April 15, 2022
Today, while preparing for our upcoming worship services, I came across these words from John's Gospel account...
"My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me. I give them eternal life
and they shall never perish. No one shall
snatch them away from me."
(John 10: 27-28 TLB)
God is patient, loving and kind. God has plans for you -- plans for a future grander than anything you could imagine -- but time is running out. In the Bible, God says his desire is for every person to be part of his plans. But God knows that many will perish in the stormy waters of willfulness and pride, stubbornly refusing God's offer to take God's hand and be brought safely into the boat.
The Bible says that one day everyone will believe, because they will experience the consequences of their decision to turn their backs on God. But by then, some fates will be sealed -- the result of their choice, not God's. Eternity without God is unthinkable -- eternal separation from God, tormented by the wrong choices. If only they had listened. If only...
There's an old saying that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". Someday, they intended to follow God. Someday, they were going to make God their top priority. Someday, they were going to learn more about God's plans. But that someday never came. Death intervened.
God is calling you. God's words of invitation have been delivered to your heart. How will you respond? Believe God now! God loves you and wants you to follow Him!
BELIEVE ME NOW. SEE ME LATER. --- GOD
+++ Today is Good Friday and our Sanctuary will be open for private meditation and prayer from 12:00 noon- 3:00pm. Feel free to stop in whenever it is convenient for you as you remember Jesus' sacrifice for you!
+++ Resurrection Day worship is at 8:30am and 10:00am on Sunday! The Sanctuary will be beautiful, the music will be wonderful and we hope to greet many of you in worship. Feel free to wear your face masks if you would like and join us as we celebrate Jesus' victory over death! The 10:00 am service will be "live-streamed" on the church Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel when worship is completed. We are looking forward to greeting many of you in worship on Sunday as we hope for a mini "reunion" of the Saints here in Camillus!
UPDATE: There will NOT be Kidz Club on Sunday. Lori Zaleski will be offering childcare in the nursery for children 5 and under during the 10:00am worship service.
+++ Sunday is the last day to bring in non-perishable food items for the Brown Bag lunch program at Camillus First UMC. We have been collecting items all throughout Lent and Sunday will end our Lenten journey. There is a brown paper bag that you can leave a financial donation in as well.
+++ The May/June edition of the Upper Room magazine is on the table in the Narthex. Pick up your copy today!
+++ Next Wednesday, April 20th, is the deadline for newsletter articles for the May/June edition of our church newsletter. Please have all articles into the church office by Wednesday! Thanks!
+++ A new springtime Bible Study begins on Monday, April 25th! We will gather for 8 sessions on Monday afternoons at 1:00pm and we will be enjoying An Invitation to the Old Testament. Each session will be about 90 minutes and we have the participant books in the church office. Speak to me about joining the group and I can get you the needed book!
+++ We have received a request for the church to participate once again in the Camillus Memorial Day parade. But to do so we need someone to coordinate our efforts! If this ministry sounds like something you are interested in, please speak to me by next Friday, 4/22. Thanks!
Make this day a great day and remember that God loves YOU!
Pastor Jack
Friday April 8, 2022
Holy Week Begins on Sunday!
As we prepare to start Holy Week 2022, I read these words from the Prophet Isaiah...
"Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear
what I say." (Isaiah 28:23)
One day, an old woman went to Anthony Bloom and told him that she had constantly recited the prayer of Jesus for many years, but she had never really experienced the presence of God.
Bloom replied, "How can God get a word in edgeways if you never stop talking? Give God a chance. Keep quiet."
"How can I do that?" she asked. He then gave her this advice, which he later gave to many others. He advised her to tidy her room each day after breakfast, making it as pleasant as possible. Then, to sit down in a position where she could see the entire room, including the window that looked out on the garden.
"When you have sat down, rest for a quarter of an hour in the presence of God, but take care not to pray," Bloom said. "Be as quiet as you can and as you obviously can't do nothing, knit before the Lord and see what happens." She returned several days later, happy to report that at long last she had felt the presence of God!
God most often speaks to us in a still, small voice; therefore, it takes a still, quiet heart to hear God. Practice being quiet before God and see what happens. God just might have something very important to tell you!
IF YOU LISTEN TO ME WHISPER NOW, I WON'T HAVE TO SHOUT LATER. --- GOD
+++ Holy Week begins on Sunday, as we celebrate Palm Sunday at both the 8:30am and 10:00am worship services. We will bless the palms and sing many of your Palm Sunday favorites from years gone by! My message, "Who Is Jesus?" is based on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as detailed in Matthew 21: 1-11. The 10:00am service will be "live-streamed" on Facebook and then "uploaded" to our YouTube channel when completed. This gives us lots of opportunities to worship each week! The schedule for the rest of Holy Week is:
+++ A special reminder.... Lori Z. will be offering a nursery program for the youngsters at the 10:00am service on Easter Day. She's planning some games, crafts, etc. for the little ones.... so spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
+++ This Sunday is the final day to order Easter flowers for our Altar by seeing Phyllis in the Narthex!
+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room and the Administrative Council meeting follows at 7:00pm on Tuesday night. Members please mark your calendars to attend these important meetings!
+++ Our Trustees Board will be meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room, as well!
+++ We hear that Carla Fuess will be celebrating a big birthday on April 25th! I won't tell you her age... but I will let you know she will no longer be in her 80's! Why not drop her a card at 305 Kasson Rd., Camillus 13031 and brighten her big day?
+++ Our annual Garage Sale is coming up in just a few weeks! The big days are April 28, 29, and 30! Check out the announcements in church or the website to find out more details and speak with Shelley to get involved and join in on the fun!
Make the day a great day and "listen" for the Lord today!
Pastor Jack
As we prepare to start Holy Week 2022, I read these words from the Prophet Isaiah...
"Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear
what I say." (Isaiah 28:23)
One day, an old woman went to Anthony Bloom and told him that she had constantly recited the prayer of Jesus for many years, but she had never really experienced the presence of God.
Bloom replied, "How can God get a word in edgeways if you never stop talking? Give God a chance. Keep quiet."
"How can I do that?" she asked. He then gave her this advice, which he later gave to many others. He advised her to tidy her room each day after breakfast, making it as pleasant as possible. Then, to sit down in a position where she could see the entire room, including the window that looked out on the garden.
"When you have sat down, rest for a quarter of an hour in the presence of God, but take care not to pray," Bloom said. "Be as quiet as you can and as you obviously can't do nothing, knit before the Lord and see what happens." She returned several days later, happy to report that at long last she had felt the presence of God!
God most often speaks to us in a still, small voice; therefore, it takes a still, quiet heart to hear God. Practice being quiet before God and see what happens. God just might have something very important to tell you!
IF YOU LISTEN TO ME WHISPER NOW, I WON'T HAVE TO SHOUT LATER. --- GOD
+++ Holy Week begins on Sunday, as we celebrate Palm Sunday at both the 8:30am and 10:00am worship services. We will bless the palms and sing many of your Palm Sunday favorites from years gone by! My message, "Who Is Jesus?" is based on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as detailed in Matthew 21: 1-11. The 10:00am service will be "live-streamed" on Facebook and then "uploaded" to our YouTube channel when completed. This gives us lots of opportunities to worship each week! The schedule for the rest of Holy Week is:
- Thursday, April 14th - We celebrate Maundy Thursday at 7:00pm here in the Sanctuary.
- Friday, April 15th - The Sanctuary will be open for your private meditation on Good Friday from 12:00noon- 3:00pm.
- Sunday, April 17th - A "Celebration of the Resurrection" Easter Worship at both 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary!
+++ A special reminder.... Lori Z. will be offering a nursery program for the youngsters at the 10:00am service on Easter Day. She's planning some games, crafts, etc. for the little ones.... so spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
+++ This Sunday is the final day to order Easter flowers for our Altar by seeing Phyllis in the Narthex!
+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room and the Administrative Council meeting follows at 7:00pm on Tuesday night. Members please mark your calendars to attend these important meetings!
+++ Our Trustees Board will be meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room, as well!
+++ We hear that Carla Fuess will be celebrating a big birthday on April 25th! I won't tell you her age... but I will let you know she will no longer be in her 80's! Why not drop her a card at 305 Kasson Rd., Camillus 13031 and brighten her big day?
+++ Our annual Garage Sale is coming up in just a few weeks! The big days are April 28, 29, and 30! Check out the announcements in church or the website to find out more details and speak with Shelley to get involved and join in on the fun!
Make the day a great day and "listen" for the Lord today!
Pastor Jack
Friday April 1, 2022
Happy Friday! After a busy week, here are some words from John's Gospel for us to consider...
"Through him all things were made; without him
nothing was made that has been made. In him
was life, and that life was the light of mankind."
(John 1: 3-4)
Imagine if you will a person walking into a museum in Florence, Italy. He or she gazes at the carefully, expertly crafted sculptures of great artists like Michelangelo -- works of art that took months, or even years to complete. Now imagine this person proclaiming, "Wow, I wonder what random series of accidents resulted in these beautiful sculptures?"
Logic and common sense dictate that a person who says this is foolish. Intelligent design implies an intelligent designer. Great art requires a great artist. Yet, when it comes to the greatest artistic creation of all -- the universe and all it contains -- some people give the creative credit to a mysterious, cosmic "Big Bang."
You wouldn't see a windstorm whipping through a junkyard and assembling a 747, but some people insist that the world came into existence through such an improbable accident. And never mind questions such as: Who created the energy for the Big Bang? Who created the materials that exploded? Who created the atmosphere in which this grand cosmic incident took place?
The Bible says that God created the universe and all that's in it. It was a cogent, purposeful act. Take a long look at the star-filled sky some evening. Then decide for yourself -- the aftermath of an unlikely accident or the masterful hand of an artist?
"BIG BANG THEORY"? YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING. --- GOD
+++ This Sunday we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent when we gather for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. Our scripture will take us to Jesus' trial in Pilate's Judgement Hall. And we'll meet the character Barabbas in the Gospel story. Come and experience the trial with us in worship. We will, of course be "live-streaming" on the church Facebook page at 10:00am and then "uploading" to our YouTube channel once the service is completed. YOU HAVE MANY WAYS TO JOIN US IN WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND! We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at each worship service this weekend, as well! We hope to "see" you in worship on Sunday!
+++ Our spring Arts and Craft Fair is today and Saturday at the church. Stop by to check out the beautiful crafts made by so many of our community's artists! And don't forget to visit "Barb's Bistro" for some delicious, homemade lunch!
+++ Phyllis will be available to take your Easter flower orders again this week after worship! Wait until you see how beautiful our Altar will look on Resurrection Sunday!
+++ Our non-perishable food item for this week's brown bag lunch program is individually wrapped servings of "oreo-like" cookies. Just leave your donation on the table in the Narthex and you too will be helping to provide lunches to young people in our community this summer through the First UMC Brown Bag lunch program! Thanks for your donations and caring about the hungry in our community!
+++ Our Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Sunday, 4/10 --- Palm Sunday Worship at 8:30am and 10:00am.
Thursday, 4/14 --- Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.
Friday, 4/15 --- Good Friday open Sanctuary from 12:00noon-3:00pm.
Sunday, 4/17 --- Resurrection Day Worship in the Sanctuary at 8:30am and 10:00am!
Make this day a great day and take the time to check out the handiwork of the Creator!
Pastor Jack
Friday March 25, 2022
Hello Friends! I am back from the southern part of the country and ready to resume our Lenten journey together! This past week I read these words from John 13....
"A new command I give you: Love one another."
(John 13:34)
One day, three rough-looking fellows on huge motorcycles pulled up to a highway café. Inside, they found only a waitress, the cook, and one truck driver -- a little guy perched on a stool at the counter, quietly eating his lunch.
The motorcyclists, angry that a trucker had cut them off several miles back, decided to hassle this innocent man. They grabbed his food and mocked him, laughing in his face and calling him bad names. The truck driver said nothing. He simply got up, paid for his food, and walked out.
One of the three men, unhappy that they hadn't succeeded in provoking the little man into a fist fight, said to the waitress, "He sure wasn't much of a man, was he?"
The waitress replied, "I guess not." Then looking out the window, she added, "I guess he's not much of a truck driver either. He just ran over three motorcycles on the way out of the parking lot."
So many of the problems we face in life are of our own making. If you find that your life keeps hitting snags because of inappropriate behaviors or improper choices, it's time to make a change. God won't condemn you for the past. But God will give you the courage to make your future a better place to live.
OK, BREAK IT UP! --- GOD
+++ Worship on Sunday is at 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary! We will also be "live-streaming" worship at 10:00am on the church Facebook page. After worship is over, we then "upload" the recorded worship service to our YouTube channel. So you'll have lots of ways to be a part of our worshipping community on Sunday! This week, the 4th Sunday in Lent we will hear Peter's denial as we visit the Courtyard of Caiaphas the High Priest. My message is entitled, "The Story Isn't Over!" and although I am specifically thinking about how this pertains to Peter, I also realize that it pertains to each of us, as well! Join us on Sunday and hear all about it!
+++ This Sunday is also UMCOR SUNDAY! We will receive special, second-mile offerings for those who want to support and underwrite the work of our United Methodist Committee of Relief. Look for the special envelopes as you enter the church on Sunday!
+++ Our non-perishable food item of the week is Goldfish crackers. These need to be individually packaged for the brown bag lunches served by First UMC in Camillus. Just place your gifts on the table in the Narthex!
+++ On Sunday you can start ordering Easter flowers for our Easter altar! Just see Phyllis in the Narthex to place your order!
+++ Next weekend, April 1 & 2, is our springtime Arts and Crafts festival here at Immanuel. Many area crafters will be here with their beautiful crafts for sale. This Festival benefits Immanuel's Mission Team and helps to cover the expenses of mission trip work throughout the year! We also still need a few helpers for this event and you can sign up outside the Fireside Room. Thanks for your support!
+++ Our Confirmation Class also meets on Sunday for it's first session. We will meet from 12:00 noon-3:00pm in the Café space across from Ashley's office. The Rite of Confirmation will be offered on Sunday, June 5th!
Make this day a great day and remember... with God the story isn't over!
Pastor Jack
Friday March 4, 2022
This week, I read these words in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians...
"Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong."
(1 Corinthians 16:13 CEV)
At age thirty-three, golfer Paul Azinger was at the top of his game. He had only one problem: a nagging pain in his right shoulder, which had already been operated on in 1991. After seeing the doctor, Paul received a call that changed his life. His doctor wanted him back in Los Angeles immediately for a biopsy.
Paul forged a compromise with the doctor: he'd be there as soon as he played in the PGA Championship tournament and the Ryder Cup Challenge. Until then, he would rely on medication and prayer. He tried to convince himself he had tendinitis, but the pain grew worse. Ultimately, he learned that he had cancer.
One morning while praying in his bedroom, Paul was wondering what would happen if he didn't get better. Suddenly the sun seemed to force it's way through the blinds and a powerful feeling of peace swelled within him. He knew with absolute assurance that God was with him.
Two years later, Paul rejoined the pro tour -- the cancer gone. He says that his main goal in life has now shifted from winning golf tournaments to helping people see that "God is always there for them."
Are you looking for the courage to face a difficult situation in your life? Don't let fear push you around. Place yourself squarely in God's hands!
COURAGE IS FEAR THAT HAS SAID ITS PRAYERS. --- GOD
+++ Worship on Sunday, this first Sunday in Lent, continues at 8:30am and 10:00am. And yes, we will be "live-streaming" the 10:00am worship service on the church's Facebook page! Then we'll upload the completed worship service to our YouTube channel, as well. So you'll have many ways to join us for worship this weekend! We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday and the Choir is back singing, as well!
+++ Our sermon series, "The Week That Changed the World" takes us to Bethany this week where we will meet Mary and hear all about her "give it all" attitude! Check out Matthew 26: 6-13 to refresh your memory about her story.
+++ Speaking of giving, remember our non-perishable item to support the brown bag lunch program at 1st UMC. This week is... a box of zip-lock sandwich bags! Look for the table in the Narthex and add your donation to the pile! Thanks for helping to feed the hungry right here in Camillus through this wonderful ministry at 1st UMC!
+++ I will be heading off for a couple of weeks of R & R in the sunshine on Sunday afternoon so... "Chimings" will be taking a short break for a couple of weeks. Look for the next edition of "Chimings" on March 25th after I return! Emergency pastoral coverage is available through the church office while I am away!
+++ Our shut-in meal ministry will be making deliveries again this weekend! Thanks to all who cook and deliver these meals, as we remember those who are currently shut-in for various reasons!
+++To help those in the Ukraine, you can make out a check to “UMCOR” and write “Advance #982450” in the memo. These can be sent to our church or directly to UMCOR at Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068 or online at their website at www.umcmission.org and click on the “Give” button. More information about this giving opportunity is on our website here.
Make this day a great day and look for God to guide you through the storms of your life!
Pastor Jack
Friday February 25, 2022
As we now live in a world where war is raging, I read these words from the Psalms...
"You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed."
(Psalm 119:4)
Why do you think God gives us a list of rules to follow? Why is the Bible so full of dos and don'ts? Is God some kind of big egomaniac who created us so that God would have someone to order around?
Let's look at it in another way. Why doesn't a mother let her child touch a hot stove? Why doesn't a father let his kid run out in traffic? Rules like these don't always make sense to a child, but they are meant to protect -- a way of ensuring that beloved child's safety and happiness.
Similarly, abiding by the commandments of the One who created us and the universe in which we live should provide heightened levels of protection, fulfillment, peace (both internal and external), and well-being. The quality of our lives is most often a product of our choices. The problem is that we don't always have the information or perspective we need to make the proper choices. That's precisely why God, who loves us and greatly desires to see us succeed, has given us guidelines to live by.
If you have been viewing the Ten Commandments as the big stick God uses to beat God's creation into submission, it may be time to shift your perspective. God is, after all, for you, not against you!
WHAT PART OF "THOU SHALT NOT..."
DIDN'T YOU UNDERSTAND? --- GOD
+++ This Sunday, February 27th is Transfiguration Sunday. We will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. Our 10:00am worship service is "live-streamed" on the church Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel after the worship service ends. We have noticed some "interruptions" in the streaming over the last few weeks and we are working to correct that each week. It's interesting to me that these "interruptions" aren't present... EXCEPT in the live-stream! In other words, if you watch the Facebook page after the service is completed the "signal flow" is perfect! And the YouTube broadcast also does not contain any interruptions! Sometimes I just scratch my head at technology! But know that we are continuing to work to try to improve the broadcast each week.
+++ Lent begins next week when we gather in the Sanctuary for our Ash Wednesday worship service. The Imposition of Ashes and the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion are both a part of this service and we hope to see you on Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. The Choir will also be back singing at this worship service, as well!
+++ During Lent our theme is "The Week That Changed the World" and we will journey with Jesus during Holy Week. We are using Matthew's Gospel account of Holy Week as our road map for this journey. Our first stop will be next Sunday when we arrive in Bethany with Jesus.
+++ Thanks for all your on-going support of the ministry here at Immanuel. We are so thankful for all the gifts that allow us to stay current with our financial obligations! And... did you know... you can always make a financial gift to Immanuel by using the DONATE button on our church's web page? It's a simple, safe, and secure way to help us continue to do the important work we do each month here in Camillus and around the world! Thanks for all your gifts!
Make this day a great day and remember God loves us so much... God gave us rules to live by!
Pastor Jack
Friday February 18, 2022
Doesn't 55 degrees feel great? It sure does while I am writing this, but the weather forecasters are saying it won't feel like this when you are reading this article! Here are some words from Philippians for us to consider today...
"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior
from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)
I heard that a young woman was filling out a job application not long ago and came to the line asking for her "permanent address". She began to list her street name and house number.... but then paused for a moment. With a twinkle in her eye she wrote, "HEAVEN." You see, she understood that Heaven is a real place - and the ultimate home of God's children.
No place on earth is truly home for those who belong to God's family. The Bible tells us that we are travelers - just passing through. Heaven is the ultimate, eternal destination for all those who love God. In fact, our time here on earth is like a small dot on a continuous, never-ending line.
Is God the landlord of your permanent home? If not, then it might just be time to start investing in the future. Maybe we should consider asking God to wash us clean and forgive our trespasses and sins so that we will be suitably clothed for Heaven's splendor. Ask God to make you God's child through the sacrifice of Jesus. Ask God to reserve a place for you, so that you too can be with God forever.
Heaven really is the best home of all.... because God lives there. It is filled with hope and joy and peace and love, and it's forever. I suggest that we all start planning for our future today, friends!
WILL THE ROAD YOU'RE ON GET YOU TO MY PLACE? --- GOD
+++ We are preparing for another Sunday of worship this weekend. On this 7th Sunday after Epiphany we gather in our beautiful Sanctuary at both 8:30am and 10:00am. We also continue "live-streaming" worship on our Facebook page at 10:00am each Sunday. Then the worship service gets "up-loaded" to our YouTube channel when concluded. However you are comfortable... Please join us for worship this Sunday! And, if you're on Facebook... don't forget to SHARE our worship! Because sharing is caring and this allows you to invite all your Facebook friends to join you for worship! What a great way to spread the Good News with those you know!
+++ Team leaders... don't forget the newsletter deadline for March/April is this Sunday, 2/20. Please have all articles into the church office by Sunday. Thanks!
+++ You'll find the March/April edition of the UPPER ROOM magazine on the table in the Narthex. We encourage you to use these for your daily devotional reading!
+++ The church office will be closed on Monday, 2/21 in observance of the President's Day holiday. The office will reopen on Tuesday morning.
+++ And don't forget to mark your calendars for our Ash Wednesday worship service on Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:00pm. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion and offer the Imposition of Ashes at this service, as we begin Lent together in the Sanctuary. The Choir will also be singing for their first time back at this worship service!
Make this day a great day and it's never too early to start planning for your future with God!
Pastor Jack
Friday February 11, 2022
Happy Friday Everyone! I am looking forward to being back in worship with you all on Sunday! But, in the meantime, I came across these words from Proverbs...
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans
will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)
I read that a poor young artist called her aunt one day to let her know that she was leaving on a trip to try to sell her wood carvings of sea birds to the owner of a gift shop at a fashionable resort. She asked her aunt to pray for her venture to be successful. Her aunt assured her that she would pray for the largest order she had ever received!
That evening, the young artist called her aunt back. With great exuberance she told her aunt what had happened. Not only had the gift shop owner purchased all her carvings, but the owner of a chain of gift shops had ordered as many carvings as she could make! She was filled with wonder at how abundantly God had answered prayer. "Now", she said to her aunt, "pray that I can fill his order!"
Her aunt wisely replied, "The Lord doesn't open a door for us unless He expects us to walk through it successfully. When you pray for rain, don't be surprised when you get a cloudburst!"
When you ask for God's help, are you expecting a bare minimum, meager-but-satisfactory answer or no answer at all? God wants to help you succeed in all your endeavors. Open your arms and receive His blessing. He is always glad to help!
YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME. --- GOD
+++ Worship on Sunday at both 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary! On this 6th Sunday after Epiphany we will hear Jesus' teaching on the plain and we will be thinking about steps along our journey of faith. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together at each service this week. And, of course, our 10:00am worship service is broadcast through "live-streaming" on the church Facebook page. We will see some more enhancement to our broadcast again this week as we keep working to improve the quality of the broadcast. Following worship we will "upload" the service to the church's YouTube channel, as well. We are so blessed to have so many people worshiping with us each week and, as pandemic numbers continue to drop, we hope to see more and more of you return to the Sanctuary each week!
+++ Our Tuesday morning ladies Bible Study group resumes starting this coming Tuesday. They will meet as long as the weather is conducive to travel. If in doubt, call Linda N. at (315) 487-3789 to make sure! Welcome back, ladies!
+++ Our Newsletter deadline for the March/April edition is coming up on February 20th! Please have all articles into the church office by that date. Thanks!
+++ You will find a collection of books on the table in the Narthex that are free to anyone who would like to take them to read. We also have the church library in the hallway available with a good collection of reading materials for you to choose from.
+++ Our Crossroads District will be offering some leadership training classes, including one offered here at Immanuel, this spring. To register for any/all of these classes use the following link: https://www.churchofthebells.org/resources/winterspring-2022-lay-servant-classes.
Make this day a great day and be ready for the abundance of God's blessings!
Pastor Jack
Friday February 4, 2022
On this snowy Friday I offer you a story from Max Lucado to think about...
"When our oldest daughter was thirteen years old, she flubbed her piano piece at a recital. She went on to be a fine pianist and a wonderful singer...but everyone has an off day. She just happened to have hers in front of an auditorium crowded with family, friends, and onlookers. The performance started well. Her fingers flowed up and down the keyboard like Billy Joel's. But midway through the piece, her musical train jumped the track.
I can still see her staring straight ahead, fingers stuck as if in superglue. She backed up a few measures and took another run at it. No luck. For the life of her she couldn't remember the next part. The silence in the auditorium was broken only by the pounding of her parent's hearts. Come on honey, you can do it. Keep trying. Don't give up. It will come.
Finally it did. Jenna's mental block broke, and she completed the piece. But the damage had been done. She stood up from the piano bench, chin quivering, and curtsied. The audience offered compassionate applause. She hurried off the stage. My wife and I scurried out of our seats and met her at the side of the auditorium. She threw her arms around me and buried her face in my shirt.
"Oh. Daddy."
That was enough for me. We sandwiched her with affection. If a hug could extract embarrassment, that one would have. At that moment I would have given her the moon. All she said was, "Oh, Daddy."
I think true prayer begins right there. Prayer begins with an honest, heartfelt, "Oh, Daddy." Today... try coming to God in prayer with the greeting, "Oh, Daddy." Wait till you see what a difference that can make!
+++ On this Sunday, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, we will worship at 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary! We will, of course, be "live-streaming" the 10:00am service on the church's Facebook page and then uploading to our YouTube channel after worship is completed. We appreciate your continued patience as we work to offer a better virtual experience for all those worshipping with us via the internet. We are working to address issues about colorful views, focus on some shots and the variances in Wi-Fi signal strength. This work continues and I have the feeling working to improve our internet presence may just be a thing of the next few weeks! Again... we appreciate your patience and grace as this work continues!
+++ Check out Luke 5: 1-11 for Sunday worship. We'll hear a fishing story about Jesus and I'll be offering my message, "Wetting a Line with Jesus". Let's go fishing!
+++ We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion at each service this week... so if you are worshipping at home... have your communion elements ready as we worship so you can join us at the "virtual" table of Christ!
+++ When our Annual Report was compiled the Missions Report was inadvertently left out of the copying process. It has now been copied and is available as an addendum on the back table in the Narthex. Grab a copy because you'll want to see all the great mission work we did in 2021! Sorry for this oversight!
+++ Our Finance Team meets on Tuesday, February 8th at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room.
Make this day a great day and spend some time in prayer today!
Pastor Jack
Friday January 28, 2022
Recently I saw this story and today's words from Romans fit right in...
"We know that God is always at work for the good of
everyone who loves God." (Romans 8:28 CEV)
One Christmas Eve, a man was driving two young women to church when they came upon a multiple-car collision. They were unable to stop on the slick road and slammed into the back of another car. One of the girls, Donna, was thrown face-first through the windshield. The jagged edges of the broken windshield made two deep gashes in her left cheek. But, thankfully, other than that, she sustained no major injuries.
At the hospital, the doctor on duty happened to be a plastic surgeon. He took great care in stitching Donna's face. Nevertheless, the driver was devastated by what had happened.
A short time later Donna's family moved away. Fifteen years passed before the driver happened to see Donna's mother again, who gave him the following report. "Donna was so intrigued by her hospital visit that she decided to become a nurse, got a good job at a hospital, met a young doctor, married him, and then had our two beautiful children. God took a stormy day and created a beautiful rainbow. Donna told me that the accident was the best thing that could have happened to her!"
God is not the initiator of tragedy and suffering in our lives, but God is always there to bring good to every situation. If you are in the midst of a fierce storm, don't lose hope. Look for the rainbow from God!
I STILL CREATE RAINBOWS! -- GOD
+++ Sunday worship continues at 8:30am and 10:00am in our beautiful Sanctuary. We also are "live-streaming" the 10:00am worship service for our virtual, worshiping congregation on the church's Facebook page. Join us, however you can, for worship on Sunday! After the service is completed we also "upload" it to the church YouTube page and you can continue worshiping whenever it is convenient for you! Last week we tried an enhancement to our broadcast that allows those at home to see the monitors in the Sanctuary easier and this work continues over the next few weeks. We sure are learning an awful lot about technology each week here at Immanuel! Thanks for your patience as we continue to work on improving our broadcast!
+++ Each week we lift up prayer concerns for those with special needs in our church family. We have been praying for Cal & Jessie, Dave & Bev, Patti & Fred, Dave & Darlene, Jerry, those undergoing treatments, folks whose marriages are in difficult days, those suffering because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and those who are shut-in during these long winter days. We hope you'll join us in holding these folks in prayer and if you have a prayer request for us to add to our list, please e-mail the church office and let us know!
+++And speaking of prayer... you can always add your prayer concerns to our "Prayer Tree'' in the Narthex! Just fill out one of the paper tree "ornaments" and hang it on the tree. We stop and lift up those prayer requests several times a week!
+++The 2021 Annual Report is completed and ready to be picked up on the table in the Narthex by the office window.
Make this day a great day and always look for God's rainbows!
Pastor Jack
Friday January 21, 2022
Here are some words from 1 John for us to consider today...
"Now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he
appears we may be confident and unashamed before him
at his coming." (1 John 2:28)
Have you ever watched a potter begin to shape a vessel? The potter begins by carefully wetting their hands, selecting the clay, and placing it on the wheel. As she or he begins to turn the wheel, the lumps in the clay are revealed. Spinning the wheel faster, the potter smooths out the lumps, and the clay begins to take on an unruffled appearance. This is just the first step, however.
The potter then shapes the mass of clay so that it is perfectly aligned with the very center of the wheel. This requires both strength and a loving, delicate touch. This "centering" is the most important step in the preparation process because it gives the piece strength and integrity.
Walking in relationship with God is much like the potter and the clay. When God first enters our lives, we are like that piece of clay with many lumps. As we learn to trust God and let God mold our lives, however, we become perfectly aligned with God's purpose for our lives. Soon we are transformed into beautiful, strong vessels.
God wants to make a beautiful vessel from the clay that is your life. Don't neglect your relationship with God. Open your heart and allow God to mold and shape you until you are all God created you to be!
JUST WHERE IS THIS RELATIONSHIP GOING, ANYWAY? -- GOD
+++ As another cold front looms on our horizon, we are preparing for worship on Sunday morning. This week is the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany and we continue worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. Our 10:00am service will be "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page and then uploaded to the YouTube channel after it is completed. If you are feeling well, grab your face mask and join us in the Sanctuary on Sunday! And if you are part of our virtual worshiping congregation, we are excited that you, too, are worshiping with us. However you are comfortable, we hope to "see" you on Sunday!
+++ If you are a team or ministry leader here at Immanuel, your annual report is due to the church office NOW. We are in the process of preparing statistical reports and this information is a part of our reporting process. Thanks!
+++ General Fund offering envelopes are in and ready for you to pick up. If you requested envelopes you will find them in the Narthex on Sunday!
+++ Did you know you can make a safe and secure contribution to support Immanuel's ministry on our church website? Just click on the DONATE button and you can use this very secure method to help underwrite our ministry. Thanks!
Make today a great day and stay warm in the winter weather ahead!
Pastor Jack
Friday January 14, 2022
Today we hear some words the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome...
"God demonstrates [God's] own love for us in this:
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
(Romans 5:8)
Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs during his baseball career, but on one particular day toward the end of his career, the Braves were playing the Reds in Cincinnati, and the great Bambino was no hero. He bumbled the ball and threw badly. In one inning alone, his errors were responsible for most of the five runs scored by Cincinnati.
As the Babe walked off the field and headed toward the dugout after the third out, a crescendo of angry cries and boos rose to greet him. Then a young boy jumped over the railing and ran out onto the field. With tears streaming down his face, he threw his arms around the legs of his hero.
Ruth didn't hesitate for a second. He picked up the boy, hugged him, then set him down and patted his head. The cries from the crowd abruptly stopped. A hush fell over the entire park. In that brief moment, those fans saw two heroes on the field: Ruth who, in spite of his own dismal day in fielding, cared about the feelings of the young fan and a boy who cared about the feelings of another human being.
It seems to me the lesson here for us is that no matter what your performance has been on the playing field of life, God has a hug waiting for you. God looks past your performance and sees instead your heart. Because friends, God is your number-one fan!
NEED A HUG? --- GOD
+++ In our worship this Sunday we will hear about Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana. Maybe you'll want to check out the story in John 2: 1-11? We gather at both 8:30am and 10:00am in the Sanctuary for this time of sacred worship. As you know, the 10:00am service is also "live-streamed" on the church Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube channel. So you have many options to join us in worship this week! If you are joining the Facebook "Live stream" why not click on your SHARE button and invite your friends to join you in worship? It's a great way to help spread the Good News of Jesus to the world around you. And don't forget to leave us a comment, as well! And on YouTube make sure you "SUBSCRIBE" to the channel so you will get a notification each time we post something new to the channel. If you're feeling well, we hope to see you in worship here in the Sanctuary behind your mask! However you can... try to be with us for worship this weekend!
+++ The church office will be closed on Monday, 1/17 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday morning, 1/18 at 9:00am.
+++ The Knit and Stitch group will be taking a hiatus until April so there will be no Monday morning gathering for the next several weeks.
+++ Also on Sunday, we will be receiving our Human Relations Day offering. This is one of our 6 church-wide offering appeals and gifts for this offering support neighborhood ministries through Community Developers across the church. This offering also provides for community advocacy work and a program for at-risk youth here in the U.S. and around the world. We thank you for your second-mile gifts to support this important work.
+++ Just a reminder that it has been our church policy that whenever the West Genesee School District is closed due to inclement weather, the church office will also be closed. Staff will be working from home on these days, however.
Make today a great day and look for the hug from God today!
Pastor Jack
Friday January 7, 2022
Happy Friday!
As we prepare for worship on Sunday, here are some words from John's Gospel for us to consider:
"Do you love me?"... "Feed my sheep."
(John 21:17)
Many years ago, on a bitterly cold day in February, a little boy was standing barefoot in front of a shoe store in New York City. A woman riding up the street in a beautiful carriage saw him and ordered her driver to stop. She climbed down from her carriage and quickly went to the boy. "My little friend, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of warm shoes," he replied, shivering. The woman took him by the hand and went into the store. She asked the shop owner for a half-a-dozen pairs of socks. She also asked for a basin or water and a towel. When he brought them to her, she took the boy to the back of the store, removed her gloves, knelt down, washed his grimy feet, and dried them with the towel.
She then had him put on a new pair of socks. Returning to the front of the store, she bought him a pair of shoes. As they parted company she said, "I hope, my little fellow, that this makes you more comfortable."
He caught her hand and with tears in his eyes replied to her, "Are you God's wife?" Friends, if you love God, it will show in the way you live with and for others.
HAVE YOU TOLD ME LATELY THAT YOU LOVE ME? --- GOD
+++ This weekend we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in our worship services. At both our 8:30am service and the 10:00am service we will have the chance to come to the baptismal font and renew our own baptismal vows! Join us for worship, here in the Sanctuary, if you are feeling healthy! If not, join us in our "live-stream" worship service at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page. We will also continue uploading the service, after it's completion, to the church YouTube channel. However you join us, please be a part of our congregation either in-person or virtually this Sunday!
+++ Immanuel's Shut In meal ministry takes place again on Sunday and the meals to be delivered will be in the refrigerator in the Cafe Sunday School room! Drivers... if you need help finding this room just ask!
+++ On Monday, January 10th the carpets in the Fireside Room and hallway will be cleaned so our Knit and Stitch group will not be meeting and access to this part of the building will not be possible. We should be back to normal operations on Tuesday morning!
+++ Our Finance Ministry meets on Tuesday night, January 11th at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room and the Administrative Council meeting follows at 7:00pm. If you are a member of either of these ministry groups please try to join us for these important meetings.
+++ Next Sunday we will receive our church-wide Human relations Day offering. Look for the special envelopes on Sunday, January 16th! Thanks!
Make this day a great day and look around for someone on whom you can shower God's love!
Pastor Jack
*Newsletter correction: The picture of the shepherd and 2 angels in the Jan/Feb newsletter are Shelley Dawson Smith's grandchildren, Mason, Elodie and Avery. We apologize for the misnamed photo.