First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville
Churchmouse July/August 2017
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name,
and theyre always glad you came
by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo
D
o you remember the TV show Cheers
from the 1980s? It was a quirky sitcom
that took place in a bar. Does it seem
strange to you that I would write about a
sitcom that takes place in a bar? If so, bear with me
for my letter this month is all about community.
In that show, there was a regular cast of
characters, who when put together form a small
group community. The characters represented a
small group of people from various walks of life and
totaled around a dozen when taking into account the
various characters that came and went
over the duration of the eleven years that
the series aired (1982-1993). These
characters were regulars at the bar and
helped one another through many comical
and sometimes difficult life situations.
I find many parallels between the
fictional life that was presented in the television
show and the life of the church today. Minus the
alcoholic beverages, both places include people
from various walks of life seeking a source of
community where they are comfortable in sharing
their struggles as they seek to find meaning in lives.
Over the past year or so, I have discovered a truth
that I think has been present for a long time, but has
been overlooked. Every one of us needs rela-
tionships, and in the day and age of cell-phones, e-
mail, Facebook, and texting, we struggle to find the
right ways to fill this need. We have become a
society filled with people who carry their
community in their pockets.
Sometimes you want to go where everybody
knows your name, and theyre always glad you
came. These words were sung as a part of the
theme song for Cheers. I sometimes find myself
whistling the tune for no reason. Maybe it is the
Holy Spirit reminding me that I have a need for
relationship and community. And my need for
community and relationship is often greater than I
am willing to admit. In the midst of the song, the
struggles of life are mentioned (at least some of
them are) before we get to the words that are quoted
above. We need community and relationships to get
us through.
As I think about our purpose as the church, I
understand that part of this purpose is to be a place
where opportunities for community and rela-
tionships are available to all people. Not everyone in
the church can be a part of every intimate com-
munity, but everyone in the church can be a part of
an intimate community made up of
individuals in the church. Just like the
characters in the show are present at the bar
on a regular basis seeking relationships and
purpose, I believe that we who attend
church are present on a regular basis
seeking relationships and purpose.
Unlike the show, we dont have script writers
creating the situations in our lives. We do however
have a loving God who is always looking to do the
best with us and in us, despite some of the choices
that we make. We have a God who desires a
relationship with us, and who desires that we would
be in relationships with one another. Relationships
take work, and relationships can be hard but
when they are true, is there any better place to be?
Jesus knew (and knows) our need for relationships.
Jesus brought together the disciples and helped them
to build meaningful relationships with one another.
Jesus is doing the same with us. Jesus is bringing us
together, providing us with the opportunities to be in
a relationship with him and with one another . . . it
is up to us as to what we do with those oppor-
tunities. Sometimes I want to go where everybody
knows my name and theyre always glad I came . . .
I always want to go where Jesus knows my name,
and I know that he is always glad I came. Are you
willing to join me and one another in a relationship?
If so, Cheers! Pastor Gary

 

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017 2

REFLECTIONS ON PASTOR GARYS ORDINATION by Barbara Munderville, Lay Leader

W
hen asked to write an article about Lords heard throughout the congregation, and yes,
Gary's ordination I said to myself, lots of clapping and waving hands too! It was an
why ask the half-blind gurl what awesome message.
she saw? After the Offertory (the Metropolitan Voices were
But then I thought, anyone can tell you what they wonderful), some responsive readings and prayers,
saw. So, I will tell you then, what I FELT! Bishop Webb presented Persons to be Com-
The Ordination ceremony took place missioned, Ordained or Recog-
at the culmination of the Annual nized. As each candidate was called,
Conference in Syracuse. The they were asked a series of questions
Syracuse 9 were: Andy Bell, Betsy
Imagine by the Bishop. All responses,
& Gary Bates, Cheryl & Bob for a moment prayers, hymns, etc., were printed in
Hammer, Lynn & Steve Dudek (who a lovely booklet. The one thing that
had attended the entire conference),
800 voices rests on my heart still is that as each
Dianne Lucci, and me. raised in song . . . candidate was called, their church,
The On Center is huge (no family and friends stood up in the
steps!). After checking with some congregation to bear witness.
attendees, it was estimated that there I feel blessed and highly favored to
were about 800 people, more than half have been a witness to Gary's ordination. One cannot
of which were clergy. Upon being seated help coming away from this service with a renewed
I saw two ginormous flat screens on either side of an sense of purpose and strength and with joy in my
equally ginormous stage. As the clergy progressed heart!!
to their reserved seats, I looked up on stage and saw Editors note: Please see page 8 for more pictures
a choir entering. I wiped my eyes then leaned over from the ordination.
to Bob Hammer and asked, Is that
a black choir!? It was indeed an all
-black choir! Boy, did I sit up
straighter! I heard but did not see an
organ and a band, which were
excellent, with the organist adding
just the right amount of soul.
Promptly at 2:00 pm on Saturday,
June 3, 2017 the ceremony opened
with the first hymn, Lift High the
Cross. Imagine for a moment 800
voices raised in song. It made me
feel as though I was singing with
the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! I
was filled with joy and so glad to be
present! It was also gratifying to see
among the congregation some folks
that looked just like me!
We then had church with the
sermon Resources for the
Journey, delivered by a very char-
ismatic brother, Dr. Junius B. Members of the congregation made the trip to Syracuse to attend
Dotson, Discipleship Ministries Pastor Garys ordination on June 3. From left, Andy Bell, Lynn
General Secretary. There were many Kohrs-Dudek, Bob & Cheryl Hammer, Gary Bates, Pastor Gary,
amens, hallelujahs and yes Betsy Bates, Barbara Munderville, and Steve Dudek.
 CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017 Page 3

JULY 2017 AUGUST 2017

2nd Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study 2nd Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market
10:00 am Worship Service 3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN
12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open 7:30 pm Al-Anon
6:00 pm AA Meeting 5th Sat 10:00 am AA
7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 6th Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study
5th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market 10:00 am Worship Service with
3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN Pastor Gary at NS
7:30 pm Al-Anon Presbyterian
8th Sat 10:00 am AA 12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open
9th Sun 7-8:00 am UMM Breakfast 6:00 pm AA Meeting
8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study
10:00 am Worship Service 9th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market
12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open 3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN
6:00 pm AA Meeting 7:30 pm Al-Anon
7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 12th Sat 10:00 am AA
10th Mon 7-8:30 pm Trustees Meeting 13th Sun 7-8:00 am UMM Breakfast
11th Tues 6:30-8:00 pm Missions Meeting 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study
12th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market 10:00 am Worship Service with
3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN Pastor Gary at NS
7:30 pm Al-Anon Presbyterian
15th Sat 10:00 am AA 12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open
16th Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study 6:00 pm AA Meeting
10:00 am Worship Service 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study
12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open 16th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market
6:00 pm AA Meeting 3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN
7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 7:30 pm Al-Anon
19th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market 19th Sat 10:00 am AA
3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN 20th Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study
7:30 pm Al-Anon 10:00 am Worship Service with
23rd Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study Pastor Gary at NS
10:00 am Worship Service with Presbyterian
Rev. Holly Cameron 12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open
at FUMCV 6:00 pm AA Meeting
12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study
6:00 pm AA Meeting 23rd Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market
7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN
26th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market 7:30 pm Al-Anon
3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN 26th Sat 10:00 am AA
7:30 pm Al-Anon 27th Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study
29th Sat 10:00 am AA 10:00 am Worship Service with
30th Sun 8-9:30 am UMM Bible Study Pastor Gary at NS
10:00 am Worship Service with Presbyterian
Rev. Holly Cameron 12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open
at FUMCV 6:00 pm AA Meeting
12-3:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet open 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study
6:00 pm AA Meeting 30th Weds 3:30-6:30 pm Farmers Market
7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 3:30-6:30 pm Karie Jeans Closet OPEN
7:30 pm Al-Anon

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
Congratulations!
Caleb Edward Marsh
Born May 29, 2017 to first-time
parents Katie & Ken Marsh

and

Connor Vansen Tidd
Born May 26, 2017
to parents Meghan & Mark Tidd
and big sister Allie Beckett
NOTES FROM THE
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
W
e are considering sending statements
by e-mail. We ask that you send an e-
mail (office@fumcv.org) or call the
office (765-2895) if you DO NOT
want your statement e-mailed. All others will be
asked to sign a release to allow e-mail receipt and
verify we have the most current e-mail address
before the fall statements.
Also we always are looking for counters to assist
one Sunday per month (usually on a set schedule)
recording offerings on a log of givers. Please call me
if you can help, 869-3713. Thank you.
Finally, if you can pre-pay all or part of your
capital Campaign pledge or make a donation to help
pay for the paving, it would help the church to meet
this bill, taking less money out of long-term
investments (Endowment Fund). Your keeping up
with regular giving all summer is appreciated.
~Sue Bell, Financial Secretary

  
ANTI-OUCH POUCH
T
his "Anti-Ouch
Pouch" soft pillow is
designed to be worn
snugly against the
underarm area to cushion the
area after breast surgery. The
wedge shape gently holds the
arm away from the body when
the user is standing. The strap
holds the pillow in place
without having to use sore arm
muscles to "clutch" it. The strap is adjustable and the
fiberfill may be adjusted via the overlapped opening.
These pain saving pouches are available to anyone
in need. Please contact me if you would like one.
~Pat Klose-Hammond, proud mother of Karie Jean
THANK YOU CURLINGSTONE FARM !
A
BIG thank you goes out to Lynn from
Curlingston Farm Greenhouse for the
lovely flowers she planted around the
church. Lynn also spent some time
weeding around the memorial garden where the
benches are. If you come by the Farmers Market, be
sure to say Thank You! to Lynn.
~Dianne Luci, Trustee
KITCHEN NEEDS
P
lease take notice of the list
of items needed for our
kitchen, which is on the
bulletin board in our
kitchen. If you can sign up for one or
more of the items any month, that
would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
~Pat Klose-Hammond, Food Team Leader

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
WHY ARE SMALL GROUPS SO IMPORTANT . . . ?
O
ver the past year, I have spoken about
the need for our congregation (and its
members) to be involved with small
group ministries. As we move into the
next season of our ministry together, I envision this
being a big part of our journey of faith together. All
of this begs the question: why are small groups so
important in the tradition of Methodism?
For the purposes of this article, I would like to
focus the answer to this question on something from
the Methodist tradition known as the class meeting.
When you hear or read the word class, it seems to
imply that some kind of learning will take place.
Though in the Methodist tradition, the class meeting
wasnt so much concerned with the learning of
information, but rather with the transformation of
the individuals in the group as they deepen their
lives of faith.
A class meeting was not a study group (though
some groups would invest some of their time in
studying the scriptures) and there was no guarantee
that any particular individual would improve or
learn. These meetings were places where people
would come together to share their faith experi-
ences, their struggles, and would actively pray for
and encourage one another as they all strove to grow
in faith.
BEVERAGE SALES AT THE
FARMERS MARKET
M
issions will be running the beverage
table once again at the Farmers
Market. This year we will be raising
money for specific missions. For June
and July, all proceeds will go to the Hilltown
Backpack Project, which outfits children with a
backpack of the school supplies they will need in
September. If this is a mission you might like to help
with, please contact me at 765-4811 or email me at
kbryden1@nycap.rr.com with dates you would be
available to cover. There are still many weeks of
coverage needed. If you can make lemonade, you
can help! I will be there most every week so you
would not be on your own and all the supplies will
be there. Thank you!
Kathy Bryden, Missions Team

  
by Pastor Gary
A question that was answered as a part of these
meetings was this: How is it with your soul? Or
put into our common speech today, How is your
relationship with God this week? These class
meetings were not places where people were forced
to confess every sin they ever committed! Con-
fession was (and still is) important to the Methodist
practices of faith, but confession of this nature would
happen in much smaller groups that involved people
that were involved in deep and committed rela-
tionships of faith (and confession was never forced,
but was willingly offered).
The class meeting was a place where a small group
would meet to talk about the visions, realities, and
struggles that surround a life of faith, and where this
same group of people would find strength and
encouragement through conversation and prayer as
they continued to deepen their relationships with
God and with one another. That was the entire
purpose of the class meeting to deepen the
relationship with God and with one another. The
class meeting was a place where individuals would
hold one another accountable to living a spiritual
life, and would encourage and build each other up
for the edification of the individual, and more
importantly, for the glory of God.
Why are small groups so important? Now you
know!
ANGELS CORNER
Grace is a treasure,
a package of soul flowers ,
received by intuition
to be opened delicately
and appreciated forever.

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
HS Graduate Duncan Bain
Son of Melanie and Todd Dykstra
D uncan will be attending
Siena College in the fall,
majoring in Environmental
Science. He has enlisted into the
United States Army Reserve and
will be completing his basic
training this summer.
College Graduate Colleen Bates
Daughter of Gary & Betsy Bates
H aving already received a
degree in Animal Behavior,
Ecology and Conservation from
Canisius College in Buffalo,
Colleen has now graduated from
Alfred State College of
Technology with a certificate in
Veterinary Technology. Colleen
is already hard at work at Cherokee Trail Veterinary
Hospital and resides at her parents home in
Batesburg, SC.
HS Graduate Travis Dedrick
Son of Karl and Audrey Dedrick
T his fall, Travis Dedrick will
be attending Hudson Valley
Community College, majoring in
their 2 year Electrical
Construction & Maintenance
program. Travis enjoys long
boarding, mountain biking and
working on his 2003 Ford Ranger.
HS Graduate Miles DeFranco
Son of Randall DeFranco and Bonnie Halkenhauser
T his fall, Miles will be
attending Nazareth College
of Rochester, majoring in
Science and minoring in Music.
He also plans to play volleyball
for the Golden Flyers!

  
HS Graduate Jaynie Parmenter
Daughter of Jerry and Monica Parmenter
Granddaughter of Bob and Marion Parmenter
J aynie is graduating with
Academic High Honors from
Voorheesville High School. She
will be attending the University of
Vermont in the fall, studying
Music Education and Theater.
College Graduate Philip Paty
Son of Philip and Dawn Paty
P hilip graduated from
Binghamton. University
with a degree in Political Science.
Philip plans to take a gap year in
which he will be working with
local and city political campaigns
and studying to take his LSAT to
attend law school the following
year.
HS Graduate Annie Sherer
Daughter of Jeff Scherer and Winnie Wu
A nnie will be attending the
College of St. Rose to study
the music industry this fall.
Annie is a singer and songwriter
whose music can be heard on
Spotify and Youtube.
HS Graduate Boden Sundeen
Son of Michele and Richard Sundeen
A n enterprising young man
and outdoor enthusiast,
Boden will be attending the
University at Buffalo to study
aerospace engineering this fall.
CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017 Page 7

From left: Emma Parker, Dylan Paty, Conner Horn, Pastor Gary,
Alyssa Horn, Mason Wight and Trevor Relyea.

CELEBRATING OUR NEWEST CONFIRMS

O
n Sunday June 4, six of our youth were
confirmed and became full members of
our congregation and the United
Methodist Church. Alyssa Horn, Conner
Horn, Emma Parker, Dylan Patty, Trevor Relyea,
and Mason Wight attended a number of learning
sessions leading up to confirmation and learned
about the doctrines and traditions that we celebrate
and observe as United Methodists. May we as the
Body of Christ continue to encourage them as they
grow in faith.

Save the Date!

August 7-11

Our theme this year:


CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
PASTOR GARYS ORDINATION June 3, 2017, On-Center, Syracuse, NY
I
t has been said that the ordination process is
not for the impatient. Although candidates set
their own pace towards ordination, it still takes
them at least several years to complete the
process. Truthfully, it is no small
accomplishment. When asked how
long he had been working towards
his ordination, Pastor Gary an-
swered, In some ways all of my life,
but from a professional standpoint,
since I began serving in ministry in
2011. This includes 3-1/2 years of
seminary.
Pastor Gary recalled the time when
he first felt his calling more than ten
years ago. He was away on a week-
end retreat, and when his wife Sarah
picked him up she began to talk
about starting a family. He re-
sponded by saying he was being Pastor Gary being
called into ministry! Ultimately, they yoked to Jesus
both got their wish! by Bishop Mark Webb
The first step in the very long
ordination process is called Inquiring Candidate,
in which you discuss your desire to minister with
your pastor, district superintendent, or member of
the United Methodist ministry. The second step is
called Beginning Candidacy during which you
apply for admission to the candidacy program. You
must be a member of a United Methodist Church for
at least one year before you can apply. During
the third step, Declaring Candidacy, you
complete an interview with the parish staff,
request a recommendation by the appropriate
district committee, and undergo a mentoring
program. The fourth step, Certified Can-
didacy, puts you through a psychological
evaluation and a background check. The fifth
step is called Continuing Candidacy, during
which you attend a university or theological
school, and after which you can be assigned as a
local pastor. Finally, the Completing Can-
didacy stage is reached. You must have one
year of ministry service, be a certified candidate
for at least a year, completed all of your
graduate-level theology training and undergo
several interviews. You then go through the

  
final stages of getting elected to provisional
membership in the clergy and participating in your
ordination ceremony.
But first, to become a provisional member of the
conference, the candidate must have
completed his/her seminary educa-
tion, write a series of 20+ papers,
and go through a series of interviews
with the Board of Ordained
Ministry. Upon their recommenda-
tion, the candidate is then commis-
sioned and becomes a provisional
member of the conference. This
period must last at least 2 years
(maximum of 8 years) and during
this time, along with serving in the
local church, the candidate must also
complete participation in a mission
trip experience. Upon the completion
of this provisional period, the can-
didate must write another series of
20+ papers and go through another
series of interviews with the Board
of Ordained Ministry. Upon their recommendation,
the candidate is then voted upon by the clergy of the
annual conference into full membership and is then
ordained by the Bishop.
What an monumental accomplishment for our very
own Pastor Gary! Congratulations on your achieve-
ment! ~Carolyn Barrett
Pastor Garys family came up on stage during the
laying on of hands. The Bishop places both hands
on the head of each ordinand and prays.
 CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
PRAYER QUILT MINISTRY
T
he purpose of the handmade Prayer &
Squares Quilt is to promote prayer through
the use of quilts. Heavy thread is used to
take stitches through the quilt layers, and
the ends are left free to be tied with a square knot
while a silent prayer is said for someone in special
need, who then receives the finished quilt.
Its not about the quilt,
its all about the prayers.
When someone hears of a need, either here in our
congregation or absolutely anywhere, please let me
know.
~Pat Klose-Hammond, proud mother of Karie Jean
CRAFTY CHRISTIANS
SUMMER SCHEDULE
T
he Crafty Christians will not be meeting as
a group over the summer, however, we
hope to see many of you at our table at the
weekly Farmers Market. Check out our
new items, among them patio/deck lights, special
bookmarks and octopus dolls. Of course our usual
items of pot holders, dishcloths, catnip toys,
scrubettes, rice bags to heat or freeze, and some baby
items will also be available for purchase. Please stop
by and see us! ~Lee Ellis, Crafty Christians
Karie Jeans Closet
Bring a Friend Sundays!
Bring a friend shopping
and you will both receive a
20% discount every Sunday in July.
Page 9
FINDING GRACE
THROUGH ZOE IN LIBERIA
G
race is often elusive, and we suffer when
we cannot find it. Then, when we least
expect it, grace arrives. Such was the
case for its namesake, a vulnerable girl
living in Liberia.
When her father died, Graces mother moved to a
larger town to find work, leaving Grace to live with
her impoverished aunt. Graces life was very hard.
Her aunt had no money for
food, let alone school and
other necessities. Grace had
to leave school and work
for the little bit of food they
ate. It was not enough to
take care of her needs, and
she became malnourished.
Yet, Grace had dreams.
She wanted to become a
doctor. So, when ZOE came
to her community, she learned that it was an
opportunity to move out of poverty and achieve her
dreams. She eagerly joined the new group.
With ZOEs help, Grace returned to school.
However, her life needed to be sustainable for her to
continue her education. Together, ZOE helped
Grace and her group start a cassava farm that
provides both a reliable source of food and income
from the sale of the excess harvest.
ZOE also provided Grace with a micro-grant to
start a business selling plantain chips in her local
market. Her business is perfect for her because she
can sell the chips when she is not in school, allowing
her to continue her education while providing an
income to sustain her.
ZOE also gave her a rooster and hen after she
completed training in livestock care. Grace now
breeds chickens to sell in the market as well. Grace
has enough money to meet her expenses, eat three
nutritious meals a day and has opened a savings
account. Quite an accomplishment for a 14-year-old!
She says, I thank God for ZOE who has made me
to earn my own money. Gods grace is sufficient
for her.

  

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017

Zoe Brewer Ryan Lane Robert Zautner, Jr.

Antoinette Cantalupo Rosemary McGowan In Military Service
Janine Cantalupo Belinda Robinson Jacob Adams
Phyllis Clark Rev. Wally Taylor Ariel Burns
Rod Fortran Malik Thomas Luke Burns
Freeman (from IPH) JT Trossbach Adam Ellis
Prayer Bruce Hammond Griffin VanLare Nick Frandsen
Requests Sandra Hammond-Thompson Nancy White Scott Matthews
Jean Kohrs Donald Whiteley

If you want someone put on the prayer list or taken off the prayer list,
please contact Dianne Luci, 765-4536 or Derris Tidd, 369-8621.

Tuesday, July 11
4-6:30 pm

Giffys BBQ Chicken

1/2 Chicken, baked potato,
cole slaw, roll, cookies, beverage

Take out $12

Pre-order $11

Guarantee your dinner by

Cheri Perillo with Bob and Cheryl Hammer, manning the
pre-ordering. Call 439-6454
water booth during the Memorial Day Parade. New Scotland Presbyterian Church

RESUMING IN SEPTEMBER . . . by Pat Klose-Hammond, proud mother of Karie Jean

Free Community Lunch Ministry Womens Bible Study

O O
ur Tuesday Free Community Lunch ur Women's Bible Study will start in
Program will resume on September 12 September on Thursday the 14th from 1-
from 12-1:00 pm and run through May, 3:00 pm. Study material to be chosen. I
2018. As always, it will be held on the hope you can join us as we continue our
nd th
2 and 4 Tuesdays of each month. We hope you journey through the Bible, learning of Jesus and his
can join us, for a light home-made lunch, good love for us.
company, meet new friends, and many laughs. No test at the end!

CHURCHMOUSE JULY/AUGUST 2017
MISSIONS NEWS by The Missions Team
Confirmation Lunch Extends to
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
T
he Missions Team was so pleased that
many of you joined us after the worship
service on June 4 to celebrate with our
newly confirmed youth at a picnic lunch.
It was a special, happy time which was extended
when Ferne Horn took the food that was left down to
Interfaith. The cook happily reported that the food
provided a delicious full meal at the shelter.
We continue to provide meals once a month during
the summer and would welcome anyone who wants
to cook and/or go with us to the shelter to serve and
eat with the guests. Watch for information in the
church bulletin.
Africa University Scholarships
P
astor Bob Long, a pastor in our conference,
rode his bike from Niskayuna to Syracuse
to the annual conference again this year . . .
approximately 155 miles . . . to raise funds
for the 8 Perpetually Funded Scholarships of the
UNY Conference for students at Africa University.
We extended the collection of donations to support
Africa University scholarships by asking each
person in the church family to donate $1.00 to the
cause during worship on June 18th. The Missions
team is matching all donations, including those that
had already been received in sponsorship of Bobs
ride.
This is a new way to respond to missions. Let us
know what you think of the idea!
Our Missions make a Difference
A
s of this writing, over $200 has been
donated to the Special Sunday Peace
with Justice appeal. Thank you so much
for your support!
The Slingerlands Price Chopper continues to
donate unsold baked goods that are picked up by
FUMCV volunteers and delivered to Interfaith
Partnership for the Homeless and the Capital City
Rescue Mission on three days each week.
Family Promise guests from St. Matthews
shopped at Karie Jeans Closet recently. These
homeless families are invited to choose the clothing
items they need at no charge.

   
Travel Toiletries Needed
A
large collection of the small travel or
sample sized toiletries that had been
brought to church was recently taken to
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless
(IPH ) to be distributed to guests who come to the
shelter. IPH was thrilled to receive them and said
that their supplies of these items are low. Please
keep this in mind when youre traveling this summer
and bring those sample sizes back home with you so
we can pass them on to IPH.
ZOE - Safe Housing for Children
is a TOP Priority
W
e all know that housing is a basic
human necessity. To have a place
that provides safety and protection
from the elements is critical to
becoming sustainably self-reliant.
In Kenya, where the ZOE group we sponsor is
located, children often have land and housing.
However, it is often inadequate or has fallen into
disrepair. ZOE Kenya begins by helping the family
to earn needed funds through individual and group
businesses that earn income quickly.
After a few months, most children have enough
extra income to improve their homes or build new
ones. However, in cases where children are homeless
or in unsafe situations, a group can choose to build a
home for a child-led family using a ZOE fund.
Together, the group purchases the materials and
hires a builder to help them build the house. When
the home is ready, ZOE provides a metal roof, door
and windows.
When homes are built, ZOE employs a strategy for
ownership that ensures empowerment for the whole
family. In Kenya, where our church family supports
a group, the policy is to give the home to the
youngest child in the family. That way, if an older
child decides to marry or move away, the younger
siblings can remain in the home.
Donations to support our annual ZOE pledge of
$3,750 are accepted all year. We are asking each
person or family that is able to donate the $40 cost to
support one child from the group by December.
(continued on back page)
Churchmouse
First United Methodist Church
68 Maple Avenue (Rt. 85A)
Voorheesville, NY 12186

Gary M. Kubitz, Pastor

pastor@fumcv.org
Office phone: 518-765-2895
Parsonage phone: 518-765-2743
The church office is staffed Tuesday
through Friday, from 9 am noon
www.fumcv.org office@fumcv.org
July/August 2017 Issue

Missions News (continued from page 11)

Donations of any amount will help us reach our goal. The Missions team provides up to $2000 to complete
the pledge. Our gifts mean new life for children who formerly had no hope.

SEPTEMBER The United Methodist Mens Group

CHURCHMOUSE DEADLINE
The deadline for articles for the
September 2017 issue of
The Churchmouse is August 15.
Please email your information/articles
to us at Office@fumcv.org. Thank you!
invites all men to meet with us
every Sunday at 8:00 am
for Bible Study.
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, the
group meets at 7:00 am for breakfast.

 Please note Pastor Garys office hours

(Church office hours remain unchanged.)
He can also be reached at the Parsonage (765-2743) or by email at pastor@fumcv.org.
Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays
4:00-7:00 pm 9:00-12:00 pm 9:00-12:00 pm By appointment