FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 63 Church Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Email: firstumcsl@centralny.twcbc.com Office (518) 891-3473 Secretary: Kathryn Cross Editor: Marilyn Gillespie

Website: http://firstumcsl.org Pastor: Rev. Eric Olsen Pastor: email: midwinds@gmail.com Pastor Phone: 518-354-9999

MAY 2020 NEWSLETTER

FROM  THE  PASTOR’S  “CREATE  IN  ME”  

    It  is  difficult  to  believe  that  it  is  May.    Then  again,  it  has  been  difficult  to  know  what  day  of  the  week  it  is  or  the  date.    For  more  than  30  years  I  have  centered  each  week  around  Sunday  mornings  and  beginning  the  week  in  the  presence  of  fellow  Christians.    Now  with  the  church  being  all  but  closed  and  work  weeks  being  curtailed  my  entire  calendar  is  off.    Yes,  I  have  caught  up  with  old  friends,  done  lots  of  reading  and  some  binge  watching  but  there  seems  to  be  so  much  missing.    I  guess  I  am  missing  the  fellowship  and  affection  both  given  and  received  each  week  at  as  the  congregation  gets  together.    It  has  not  gone,  but  it  is  harder  to  motivate  myself  without  the  energy  and  joyful  expressions  around  me.    I  also  do  not  have  the  opportunity  to  sing  at  the  top  of  my  lungs  to  the  glory  of  God.    Even  prayer,  the  daily  conversation  with  the  Lord  seems  a  bit  lacking  as  I  seem  to  be  discussing  the  same  concerns,  asking  the  same  questions  and  fumbling  with  the  same  worries.    In  the  spirit  of  community,  I  have  found  myself  judging  others  including  the  many  voices  of  government  for  their  approach  to  a  crisis  that,  so  far  only  inconveniences  me.    Perhaps  the  cabin  fever  is  setting  in  and  I  know  it  is  not  right.    Like  the  air  in  a  home  where  you  are  spending  way  too  much  time,  I  think  my  spirit  was  getting  stuffy.     A  few  days  ago,  before  the  snow  returned  and  the  sun  shown  I  turned  down  the  thermostat  and  opened  all  of  the  windows  in  the  house.    With  my  sons  at  home  and  dogs  etc.  it  became  necessary  to  air  things  out.    I  found  that  my  spirit  needed  some  airing  out  too.    As  the  spirit  is  found  in  the  winds  that  moved  across  waters  in  the  earlies  days  of  creation,  the  spirit  of  gratitude  for  God’s  creation  blew  through  me,  reminding  me,  filling  me  and  again,  creating  in  me.    As  I  looked  through  the  screen,  (knowing  the  Black  Flies  are  ready  to  pounce),  I  head  a  dove,  watched  a  chipmunk  and  felt  the  love  of  God  spring  up.  I  started  to  smile  and  in  a  sigh  of  deeply  felt  blessings  and  I  remembered  that  God’s  grace  has  never  left  me,  I  just  forgot  where  I  put  it.         worries  than  is  necessary  and  great  potential  for  doubt  and  judgement.    God  reminds  us  through  Christ  that  all  the  worry  will  not  change  a  single  thing,  that  the  judgement  is  up  to  Him  and  that  I  do  not  need  to  go  there.    It  is  comforting  to  know  that  God  wants  to  keep  me  mentally,  emotionally  and  spiritually  safe.    His  creative  spirit  arrives  every  day  I  open  myself  up  to  it.  I  just  need  to  be  reminded  to  do  it.      

  Looking  to  the  next  few  weeks  we  are  will  be  continuing  our  services  on  Facebook  and  our  Website.    Please  let  us  know  if  you  want  the  service  materials  or  need  anything.    We  will  continue  our  ministries  with  the  United  Methodist  men  providing  shopping  for  the  homebound  and  the  Community  Supper  ministry  delivering  to  those  who  need  a  meal.    These  are  available  to  you  and  those  you  know  so  spread  the  word.    Also,  a  Bible  Study  on  the  book  of  Acts  will  be  beginning  on  Sunday  the  10th  at  1PM  through  zoom.  Please  let  us  know  if  you  want  to  take  part.    It  will  go  for  about  an  hour  and  a  half  and  be  a  chance  for  fellowship  and  sharing.    As  always,  please  keep  these  ministries  in  your  prayers  along  with  those  you  know  who  might  be  in  need.    Prayers  are  our  best  tools  in  these  days.    Well,  prayer  has  always  been  our  best  tool  and  as  David  asks  in  his,  “Create  a  clean  heart  in  me  oh  Lord,  and  renew  the  right  spirit  within  me.”    It  is  my  prayer  too.       Blessing,  as  we  enter  another  week  together,  separately.    Pastor  Eric,      AKA  Big  e    Men Deliver Groceries to Area Seniors and the Most Vulnerable The Men in Ministry group is partnering with Tops Markets to deliver groceries to seniors and those who are most vulnerable to COVID – 19. Orders are taken by telephone or email on Mondays and deliveries are made on Tuesdays. Customers get in-store prices including weekly specials and free delivery. The service is sanctioned by the Saranac Lake Police Department. Safety is the number one priority. Store employees do the shopping. In addition, all non-produce items are wiped with a disinfectant cloth before bagging them in paper rather than plastic bags. During delivery, members of the men’s group are required to wear rubber gloves and a face mask. Groceries are left on the front door step to ensure that distancing is maintained. The men get their “referrals” mostly as a result of church members simply checking in on friends, neighbors and other church members. The church also maintains a relationship with the Saranac Lake Adult Center and several senior living housing units in the area. Please refer questions to Travis McElyea, 518-891-3012 or tdmcelyea@gmail.com. FINANCE NOTES – We know these are trying times, but we are a giving church. In the absence of Sunday services, you can mail your offering to FUMC 63 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Someone will deposit them regularly.

• Our  pledge,  plate  offering  and  identified  giving  is  $3,574  greater  than  last  year.    • Special  appeal  donations  for  fuel  are  $313  over  last  year.    • Our  Use  donation  is  $195  less  than  last  year.    • The  grant  for  community  supper  utilities  is  $537  less  than  last  year.  • The  Pastor  Discretionary  Fund  now  stands  at  $1,897.    • Salary  expense  is  $1,733  greater  than  last  year.    • Janitorial  Rug  Cleaning  and  other  expense  is  $146  greater  than  last  year.    • Fuel  Expense  is  $709  less  than  last  year.    • Our  Music  /  Handbills  expenses  are  $230  less  than  last  year.    • Worship  material  is  $616  over  last  year.  

• Our  advertising  costs  are  $420  under  last  year.    • Repairs  and  Maintenance  costs  in  Saranac  Lake  is  $1,394  less  than  last  year.    • Our  Ministry  Shares  at  $2,750  is  $396  greater  than  last  year.    • Overall  our  income  is  $6,207  less  than  our  expenses  for  the  year.  This  compares  to  last  

year  where  income  was  $8,743  less  than  expenses.  

First UNITED METHODIST SARANAC LAKE. (complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.”

Our services are now being live-streamed on facebook.

WORDS OF WISDOM

• Read Proverbs 10:19 The wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why don’t we all be like that wise old bird?

• Do you ever feel trapped? Sometimes in life we do feel trapped; we have to admit that we are helpless on our own. Sadly, we are often the source of our problems in life. Thankfully, God knows exactly how to help us. When we humble ourselves before Him, God helps those who know they are helpless. Instead of trying to be in control, focus on God with prsaise and thankfulness.

• It is good to know that th God who cares for us never loses track of us. Do you feed the birds and watch them? Matthew 10:29-31 tells us that Jesus talked about the birds and that we are worth more to Him than the bireds. We are prone to quickly forget the Lord’s goodness and care for us. Fear fades when we trust our Father. You are the God who can be trusted.

• When you feel estranged from God or spiritually weak, you can find spiritual nourishment in God’s word. Feeding on God’s word keeps us strong and healthy in the Lord.

SARANAC LAKE INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY For May we are asked to contribute peanut butter and jelly. Please place your donations in the shopping cart labelled “Food Pantry” at the back of the Sanctuary. REMEMBER WITH A CARD Rose Nadon: Neighborhood House, PO Box 46, Keene Valley, NY 12943 Genevieve Clarkson: Champlain Valley Senior Community, 10 Gilliland Lane, Willsboro, NY 12996

LECTIONARY

• Friday,  May  1,  2020:  Psalm  23;  Exodus  3:16-­‐22,  4:18-­‐20;  1  Peter  2:13-­‐17  

• Saturday,  May  2,  2020:  Psalm  23;  Ezekiel  34:1-­‐16;  Luke  15:1-­‐7  

• Sunday,  May  3,  2020:  Acts  2:42-­‐47;  Psalm  23;  I  Peter  2:19-­‐25;  John  10:1-­‐10  

• Monday,  May  4,  2020:  Psalm  100;  Ezekiel  34:17-­‐23;  1  Peter  5:1-­‐5  

• Tuesday,  May  5,  2020:  Psalm  100;  Ezekiel  34:23-­‐31;  Hebrews  13:20-­‐21  

• Wednesday,  May  6,  2020:  Psalm  100;  Jeremiah  23:1-­‐8;  Ma&hew  20:17-­‐28  

• Thursday,  May  7,  2020:  Psalm  31:1-­‐5,  15-­‐16;  Genesis  12:1-­‐3;  Acts  6:8-­‐15  

• Friday,  May  8,  2020:  Psalm  31:1-­‐5,  15-­‐16;  Exodus  3:1-­‐12;  Acts  7:1-­‐16  

• Saturday,  May  9,  2020:  Psalm  31:1-­‐5,  15-­‐16;  Jeremiah  26:20-­‐24;  John  8:48-­‐59  

• Sunday,  May  10,  2020:  Acts  7:55-­‐60;  Psalm  31:1-­‐5,  15-­‐16;  I  Peter  2:2-­‐10;  John  14:1-­‐14  

• Monday,  May  11,  2020:  Psalm  102:1-­‐17;  Exodus  13:17-­‐22;  Acts  7:17-­‐40  

• Tuesday,  May  12,  2020:  Psalm  102:1-­‐17;  Proverbs  3:5-­‐12;  Acts  7:44-­‐56  

• Wednesday,  May  13,  2020:  Psalm  102:1-­‐17;  Proverbs  3:13-­‐18;  John  8:31-­‐38  

• Thursday,  May  14,  2020:  Psalm  66:8-­‐20;  Genesis  6:5-­‐22;  Acts  27:1-­‐12  

• Friday,  May  15,  2020:  Psalm  66:8-­‐20;  Genesis  7:1-­‐24;  Acts  27:13-­‐38  

• Saturday,  May  16,  2020:  Psalm  66:8-­‐20;  Genesis  8:13-­‐19;  John  14:27-­‐29  

• Sunday,  May  17,  2020:  Acts  17:22-­‐31;  Psalm  66:8-­‐20;  I  Peter  3:13-­‐22;  John  14:15-­‐21  

• Monday,  May  18,  2020:  Psalm  93;  Genesis  9:8-­‐17;  Acts  27:39-­‐44  

• Tuesday,  May  19,  2020:  Psalm  93;  Deuteronomy  5:22-­‐33;  1  Peter  3:8-­‐12  

• Wednesday,  May  20,  2020:  Psalm  93;  Deuteronomy  31:1-­‐13;  John  16:16-­‐24  

• Thursday,  May  21,  2020:  Ascension  of  the  Lord:  Acts  1:1-­‐11;  Psalm  47;  Ephesians  1:15-­‐23;  Luke  24:44-­‐53  

• Friday,  May  22,  2020:  Psalm  93;  2  Kings  2:1-­‐12;  Ephesians  2:1-­‐7  

• Saturday,  May  23,  2020:  Psalm  93;  2  Kings  2:13-­‐15;  John  8:21-­‐30  

• Sunday,  May  24,  2020:  Acts  1:6-­‐14;  Psalm  68:1-­‐10,  32-­‐35;  I  Peter  4:12-­‐14,  5:6-­‐11;  John  17:1-­‐11  

• Monday,  May  25,  2020:  Psalm  99;  Levi-cus  9:1-­‐11,  22-­‐24;  1  Peter  4:1-­‐6  

• Tuesday,  May  26,  2020:  Psalm  99;  Numbers  16:41-­‐50;  1  Peter  4:7-­‐11  

• Wednesday,  May  27,  2020:  Psalm  99;  1  Kings  8:54-­‐65;  John  3:31-­‐36  

• Thursday,  May  28,  2020:  Psalm  33:12-­‐22;  Exodus  19:1-­‐9a;  Acts  2:1-­‐11  

• Friday,  May  29,  2020:  Psalm  33:12-­‐22;  Exodus  19:16-­‐25;  Romans  8:14-­‐17  

• Saturday,  May  30,  2020:  Psalm  33:12-­‐22;  Exodus  20:1-­‐21;  Ma'hew  5:1-­‐12  

• Sunday,  May  31,  2020:  Pentecost:  Acts  2:11-­‐21;  :24-­‐34,  35b;  I  Corinthians  12:3b-­‐13;  Johnn  10:19-­‐23  

LET’S “FLOOD” LENORE LEAVITT WITH CARDS FOR HER 100TH BIRTHDAY. Her address is: Lenore Leavitt 78 Will Rogers Drive Apt.3 Saranac Lake, NY 12983

MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Georgia McMinn 4 Kathy Cross 5 Lenore Leavitt 100 in 2020 7 Jessie Aubin 8 Raymond Harris 11 Kathy Hannon Marsha Morgan Brian Stinson 13 Ashley Kent Brett King 15 Madelyn & Katelyn Gay Patty Hall Greenia 18 Emily & Andrew Gay 20 Hillary Pond Michelle Simmons 24 Justina Deitz 25 Karen Dailey 26 Elwin Hall Michael Martin Claudia Wamsganz 27 Erin Hesseltine 30 Melissa Kelting MAY ANNIVERSARIES 4 David & Melissa Kelting 9 Travis & Janean McElyea 12 Sean & Emmalee Kroencke 27 John & Robin Gay

JUNE BIRTHDYS 1 Jennifer Tuggey 2 John Gay 3 Michelle Davis John Ellithorpe Jim Halla Benjamin LeBlanc 10 Kara Mae Besio Teradon Collins Harley Jean Wilson 13 Marilyn Gillespie 15 Cheri Fisher 16 Steve Smith 19 Joan Sleinkofer Nancy Stover 20 Darrell Davies 22 Austin James 23 Marisa Farmer 24 Linda Banta Lee Bouton 29 Donny Gay 30 Shirley Pickreign

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 9 Rusty & Wanda Knobel 13 Art & Eileen Leavitt 13 Phil & Cathy LeBlanc 15 Mike & Jen Tuggey 16 Eric & Susan Olsen 19 Ted & Sandy Bandru Bob and Pat Brown 23 Bruce & Jill Barnard 28 Joe & Cheri Fisher

First United Methodist

Church

Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 10:45 a.m.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

ALL ARE WELCOME