CLAY CAMPUS

8396 MORGAN ROAD, CLAY, NY 13041 315.652.9186 • [email protected]

NORTH SYRACUSE CAMPUS

106 CHURCH STREET, NORTH SYRACUSE, NY 13212 315.458.0890 • [email protected]

January 2016 Newsletter Part 1 We gathered at the dining room table, and as always, we joined hands for prayer. She refused to do so. It did not stop us, we bowed our heads, closed our eyes, and I offered a prayer of thanks for the day. As I ended the prayer, I lifted my head, and looked at her. She looked at me, and it looked like she was trying to figure out if she should laugh or not. You see, her Grandpa sometimes does silly things, and he is always ready to play together. At age two, she is still trying to figure out so many things. When I closed my eyes and talked, it must have looked just a little odd to her. Should she laugh, or is this a new thing to learn? My hope is that she learns of her connection with God and learns how to enjoy that connection with the creator of the universe and the source of all pure love. My hope is that she learns the depth of life, the acceptance of making mistakes and starting again, and the stories from the scriptures that will shape her life. Silly Grandpa will do what he can. And as Ruthie continues to figure out what is silly and what is important, I hope she discovers that prayer will be important to her. Meanwhile, I look forward to the day she joins hands with us around the dining room table. - Rev. Bradford Hunt

news & updates

Purchasing of the new location for Cradle and Beyond and worship center. On November 30th, a Faith Journey Church Conference was held to consider the purchase of the old Animal Hospital and attached house next to Dunkin Donuts near the Bear Road and Route 11 intersection. The purchase price is to be $51,000. The building is in great need of repair. Our hope is that by the time this newsletter is read, the purchase will be complete. A loan from a bank is being secured, and when renovations begin, it is planned to sell notes to the congregation to cover those costs. It is also planned that most of the renovations will be done by volunteers. This is a bold and exciting step forward for Faith Journey UMC.

Watch for more updates.

Thanks to Bonnie Bergen for heading up this year’s Christmas wrapping project! Faith Journey folks handled the bulk of the hours of wrapping at the Great Northern Mall. The wrapping added almost $3,000 to our budget. A big thanks goes to all those who helped

make this project a success.

2015 CAMPAIGN

FUND OUR MINISTRY

ROAD TRIP TO

IN

2016

~

What a great time it was on November 22nd to travel to each of our locations together! Andy’s Camp offered nice weather for a walk on the property. S’mores were made, and dreams for the property were shared. Rolling around in the new culverts waiting to be installed was a different experience! We, of course, ended with a prayer.

The Clay location provided a wonderful supper, and time for conversations and getting to know one another. The North Syracuse location included a wonderful cake made by one of the youth of the congregation. The Karenni Children’s choir offered a scri pture and song. (It was shared later that they were a little shy, for in their congregation they are very loud!) The choir, balloons and confetti added to the celebration of being faith Journey UMC. Commitment cards for the 2016 budget are still coming in!

Cradle and Beyond Gives Funds for Food Pantries On December 8th, The Cradle and Beyond gave $700 each to the food pantries at Sacred Heart in Cicero, St. Rose in North Syracuse, and the North Syracuse Christian Church. With funds needed for the purchase of the property, it did not deter the committee to continue to help those in need.

Southern Sudan Health Projects Word is still slow in getting to us, but our 8 Home Health Promoters still work in the war torn area of South Sudan. The latest word remains that 6 are working in Malek, and 2 are still working in the refugee camp. The progress of peace and development is very slow. It is said that many companies are leaving South Sudan in discouragement for their progress. It is one of the most undeveloped countries in the world. It is an honor to be able to help make a difference for the love of God. It is an honor to continue to support the Home Health Promoters and offer hope in a place where hope is needed so much.

From Kathy LaDuca

Thank you! Thank you to the Faith Journey Congregation, SPRC and Rev. Hunt for remembering and celebrating the 30th anniversary of my commissioning with me at the Thanksgiving service. It has been an honor and a blessing to be able to serve God during the last 30 years. It has been a faith journey for me as I hope it has been for the people in the congregations I’ve served. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, the clock from SPRC and the flowers which were on the Communion Table. You truly made it a special and meaningful evening as we all gave thanks for all the blessings God has given us.

From Linda Smith:

I really have two separate thank you’s to go to the members of Faith Journey UMC. One is to thank all of you for your prayers and cards I received while I was recovering from my hip replacement. It is amazing how much you can feel the prayers that are being said for you. Thank you again.

Also I want to thank everyone for stepping up to gift wrap and cover the hours I might have been able to work. I know we had a lot more hours to wrap and I feel I should have been there, but I know I needed to have my hip replaced. I am doing extremely well and feel so much better. Thank you so much.

January 3rd: We celebrate Epiphany, or the arrival of the wise men to see the toddler Jesus. The scripture will be Matthew 2:1-12. It is the story of the Jesus attracting the wisest and most thoughtful, and even those with great worldly success, from all around the world. We will celebrate Holy Communion on this day.

January 10th: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 is the story of Jesus’ baptism. Baptism, and it becoming our primary identity will be the focus of this worship.

January 17th: This will be our mission Sunday with many plans in the making for sharing God’s love. It will be a great day to make an impact in the community. The scripture will be from Matthew 25

January 24th: Luke 4:14-21 is the story of Jesus starting his ministry. As we are followers of Jesus Christ, it helps us to identify that which we can be about in the same way.

January 31st: 1 Corinthians 13 is the well known chapter on love, as part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It is a joyful and challenging passage of scripture that is easily understood.

Date: Time: Place: Price:

Saturday, January 16th 4-6pm Steckel Hall at North Syracuse Campus · $8 for one cheese or pepperoni · $15 for two · $1 for extra cheese · $1 for extra pepperoni

The Christmas Concert Maryna once again gathered her family and friends to present an amazing concert on November 29th. Over $400 was raised to provide a better Christmas for those in North Syracuse. The funds were given to St. Rose Church that is part of the Onondaga County Christmas program for those in need. They cover this particular area. Thanks to Maryna for her amazing talent, her talented family, for Luba, and for the Faith Journey Chancel Choir.

Trustees’ Repairs Clay Campus:  

The outside doors at the back of the Clay Campus have been replaced. The Office Manager’s office furniture has been taken out. The office is awaiting paint, new flooring, and the new office furniture that was donated.

Andy's Camp: 

There has continued to be a problem with the washout at Andy's Camp. Not long ago it was thought that we had it fixed, but a more comprehensive repair was needed. Two 20' culverts have been ordered, and our good neighbors have agreed to put them in place. This should solve the problem. Funds reserved for Andy's Camp will be used.

W p d T t a h

January 2 Sunday

3

Epiphany Sunday

9am-Worship 9:30am-Sun. School After Worship, Adult Sunday School 10:30am - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Sanctuary 11:00am - Karenni Worship at PoLMC at 201 Molloy Rd 12:30pm - Karenni Sunday School 2pm- NWM Bible Study SS 3pm - NWM Worship 5-7pm - Junior Pro Art Sanctuary 6:30pm - Worship Planning 6:00pm - Boy Scout Committee Meeting - Steckel Hall

Mission Sunday

9am-Worship 9:30am-Sun. School After Worship, Adult Sunday School 10:30am - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Sanctuary 11:00am - Karenni Worship at PoLMC at 201 Molloy Rd 12:30pm - Karenni Sunday School 2pm- NWM Bible Study SS 3pm - NWM Worship 5-7pm - Junior Pro Art Sanctuary

5

6

5-8pm-Karenni Ministry:PoLMC 6:00-9:30pm - Boy Scouts: Steckel Hall

5-8pm-Karenni Ministry at PoLMC

6:00pm - Girls Scouts #10080 - Rm 302b 6:00-

5:30pm-TOPS I: Room 203

4:30pm-TOPS 5:00pm - Karen ministries at P

8:30pm - Cub Scouts: Rms 103, 202, 203, 204, 302a

E

7:00pm - Ministries Council Meeting at Clay

7-9pm : Square

12

13

6:30pm - Trustees Meeting at N. Syracuse

10am-Adult Respite: Steckel

10am - Memorial Committee Meeting 5-8pm-Karenni Ministry:PoLMC 6:00-9:30pm - Boy Scouts: Steckel Hall 6:00pm - Girls Scouts #10080 - Rm 302b

4:30pm-TOPS 5-8pm-Karenni Ministry at PoLMC 5:30pm-TOPS I: Room 203

18

5:00pm - Karen ministries at P

6:00pm - Village Drummers Circle - Steckel Hall

7-9pm : Square

6:00-8:30pm - Cub Scouts: Rms 103, 202, 203, 204, 302a

19

20

5-8pm-Karenni Ministry:PoLMC

1:00pm Alzhiemers Support Group Meeting Lounge

4:30pm-TOPS

6:00-9:30pm - Boy Scouts: Steckel Hall

1pm - Cradle & Beyond Meeting

5:00pm - Karen ministries at P

6:00pm - Girls Scouts #10080 - Rm 302b

5-8pm-Karenni Ministry at PoLMC

6:00-8:30pm - Cub Scouts: Rms 103, 202, 203, 204, 302a

5:30pm-TOPS I: Room 203

10am-Adult Respite: Steckel

5:30pm - Worship Planning in Clay - All are welcome!

6:30pm - Informational Meeting in N.Syr

24

25

9am-Worship 9:30am-Sun. School After Worship, Adult Sunday School 10:30am - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Sanctuary 11:00am - Karenni Worship at PoLMC at 201 Molloy Rd 12:30pm - Karenni Sunday School 2pm- NWM Bible Study SS 3pm - NWM Worship 5-7pm - Junior Pro Art Sanctuary 6:30pm - Worship Planning for Lent - All are welcome

Tuesday

4

11

10 9am-Worship 9:30am-Sun. School After Worship, Adult Sunday School 10:30am - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Sanctuary 11:00am - Karenni Worship at PoLMC at 201 Molloy Rd 12:30pm - Karenni Sunday School 2-4pm - Visitation from St. Mary & St. Mima Coptic Church at N. Syracuse 2pm- NWM Bible Study SS 3pm - NWM Worship 6:00pm - Cub Scout Committee Meeting - Steckel Hall

17

Monday

6:30pm - SPRC Meeting in Clay

26

10am-Adult Respite: Steckel 5-8pm-Karenni Ministry at PoLMC

6:00pm - Girls Scouts #10080 - Rm 302b

Notes:

9am-Worship 9:30am-Sun. School After Worship, Adult Sunday School 10:30am - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Sanctuary 11:00am - Karenni Worship at PoLMC at 201 Molloy Rd 12:30pm - Karenni Sunday School 2pm- NWM Bible Study SS 3pm - NWM Worship 5-7pm - Junior Pro Art - Sanctuary

Sunday Worship Schedule: 9:00am - Traditional Service in North Syracuse 10:15am - Catalyst Contemporary Service in Clay with the Band 11:30am - Traditional Service in Clay

5:00pm - Karen ministries at P

5:30pm-TOPS I: Room 203

6:00-9:30pm - Boy Scouts: Steckel Hall

31

27 4:30pm-TOPS

5-8pm-Karenni Ministry:PoLMC 6:00-8:30pm - Cub Scouts: Rms 103, 202, 203, 204, 302a

7-9pm : Square

7-9pm : Square

2016 Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

Saturday 2 1:00pm - 5:00pm : Private Party - Steckel Hall (Debbie Riggal) 6:00pm - 7:30pm - Grand Kids' Event - Steckel Hall

EPIPHANY

II: Room 202 nni Congregation - Children's PoLMC

e Dancing- Steckel Hall ??

7

nni Congregation - Children's PoLMC

e Dancing- Steckel Hall ??

II: Room 202

nni Congregation - Children's PoLMC

nni Congregation - Children's PoLMC

e Dancing- Steckel Hall ??

6:00pm - 7:30pm - Grand Kids' Event - Steckel Hall

15

16 9:00am - Druss Kususi Tutoring at Path of Life Ministries at 201 East Molloy Road, Mattydale NY

6:30-9:00pm - Venture Crew: Steckel Hall

4:00pm making pizza for Costa Rica Mission Trip at Clay

6:30pm - Junior Girl Scouts Troop # 10873 Rm 203 6:30pm - District Day at Bellvue Heights UMC

7:30pm - Gambler's Anonymous in Clay

5:00pm - Cornerstone - Sanctuary 6:00pm - 7:30pm - Grand Kids' Event - Steckel Hall

21

22

23 9:00am - Druss Kususi Tutoring at Path of Life Ministries at 201 East Molloy Road, Mattydale NY

5:30pm - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Corporate Prayer - Sanctuary in N. Syr

9:00am-3:30pm - Pine Wood Derby - Steckel Hall and Kitchen

6:30-9:00pm - Venture Crew: Steckel Hall 6:30pm - Junior Girl Scouts Troop # 10873 Rm 203

7:00pm - 9:00pm Community Crafters - Rm 202

28 II: Room 202

7:30pm - Gambler's Anonymous in Clay

5:30pm - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Corporate Prayer - Sanctuary in N. Syr

6:30pm - Trustees Meeting in Clay

e Dancing- Steckel Hall ??

9 9:00am - Druss Kususi Tutoring at Path of Life Ministries at 201 East Molloy Road, Mattydale NY

5:30pm - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Corporate Prayer - Sanctuary in N. Syr 6:30-9:00pm - Venture Crew: Steckel Hall 6:30pm - Junior Girl Scouts Troop # 10873 Rm 203 7:00pm - 9:00pm Community Crafters - Rm 202

14

II: Room 202

8

12pm - Southern Sudan Health Projects Meeting in N. Syracuse 7:30pm - Gambler's Anonymous in Clay

6:00pm - 7:30pm - Grand Kids' Event - Steckel Hall

29

30 9:00am - Druss Kususi Tutoring at Path of Life Ministries at 201 East Molloy Road, Mattydale NY

5:30pm - Cornerstone Community Fellowship Corporate Prayer - Sanctuary in N. Syr

District Training Day @ Cicero Heights UMC

6:30-9:00pm - Venture Crew: Steckel Hall 6:30pm - Junior Girl Scouts Troop # 10873 Rm 203

Dana - Workshop in Clay

7:30pm - Gambler's Anonymous in Clay

**11:30am-2:30pm - Private Party - Steckel Hall** 6:00pm - 7:30pm - Grand Kids' Event - Steckel Hall

Brown Memorial UMC: Weekly Tutoring Snack Donation Listed below is January’s Schedule for Snack Donations for Brown Memorial UMC’s Tutoring Program that takes place on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Please place donations in the basket just out the Sanctuaries in Clay and North Syracuse. Week of January 3rd Individually Wrapped Snack Packages

Week of January 17th Juice Boxes

Week of January 10th Granola Bars

Week of January 24th Individually Wrapped Fruit Cups

Edith Meade is celebrating her 100th birthday! A party in her honor is being held Saturday, January 16th from 1-4 pm at the North Syracuse Community Center 600 South Bay Road

Food $ense Shoppers Program at LUTHER MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

435 South Main Street, N. Syracuse, NY 315-458-1481 ext#1 Everyone can S-t-r-e-t-c-h their food dollars …. NO income limit requirements!! * * * For January’s Food $ense Food List, please check the tables outside of the church office at both the Clay and North Syracuse Campus. * * *

As we prepared this newsletter, we do so knowing that there wasn't a newsletter in December due to the arrival of a new office administrator, (secretary) and all our Christmas worship services. So the question was if the old article would suffice. It would have if Ruthie didn't spend a few days with us. So here goes part 2 of my message: As re recall from the beginning of this newsletter, my granddaughter (Ruthie who is 2 and 1/2) hadn't figured out what a prayer was at meal time. It appears that my daughter may have been a little taken back by the lack of prayer knowledge by this preacher's granddaughter. For you see, when we gathered at a table and it was time for prayer, both her Mom and Dad would fold their hands and encourage Ruthie to do the same. She wouldn't. Marty's sister and her family arrived from New Jersey, and we gathered at the table. Now, Ruthie doesn't mind at all taking charge, and she can be an instigator. (She gets it from her Grandmother's side of the family). So we sat at the table, ready for lunch. There were 9 of us around the table, and Ruthie reached out and grabbed the hands of her mother and grandmother at the table and looked at me with a gleam in her eye. We all then joined hands, and I offered a prayer. I think her Mom and Dad were pleased. But you see, so was Ruthie pleased. A few minutes later, she took their hands again, and looked at me. I prayed again. Well, Ruthie took this type of praying really well. By the time we had finished lunch, we had joined hands and prayed four times. Ruthie was pleased. And I like to think that God was, too. Sometimes I forget that those who just begin to understand the power of the faith and the connecting with God and one another can get more excited about the faith than many of the rest of us. Sometimes, when we see it in another, we need to remember the importance of our faith that we can take for granted. All those prayers at that meal reminded me once again of the importance of seeing faith from the eyes of one who is just beginning the journey. May we always get excited about those who are new to the faith, and new to our congregation. - Rev. Bradford Hunt

Mission Sunday January 17, 2016 What is a Mission Sunday? Mission Sunday is where the entire congregation is given an opportunity to participate in a "Hands ON" event to Seek, Serve, Share God with Others. Traditionally for the former congregations, these special days have taken place in the Fall and in the Spring. We thought we would try January! This, then, is the first Mission Sunday for Faith Journey UMC. At each worship service on this day, there are planned five interviews of persons who lead areas of outreach of Faith Journey, or a project we support. This will be a great way to learn more about our mission.

The Mission Opportunities:    

 

Food and Clothing Drive: This drive will take place in North Syracuse (and Clay if folks volunteer). 100 sandwiches will be made for the Samaritan Center in the city. Knitting and Crocheting lap robes for Palliative care. The opportunity to help teach the Sunday School with the new Karenni (Burmese) congregation that meets at 201 East Molloy Rd. in Mattydale is offered on this Mission Sunday. They meet at 10:30am. The opportunity to help teach the Sunday School at the New World Ministries (African) will be at 2:00pm. They also meet at the Path of Life Ministries at 201 East Molloy Rd. in Mattydale. Madison Village: In the evening a pizza party with games for kids and adults will be made available to the residents at Madison Village on route 57 in Clay.

January 18th: An Informational Meeting On January 18th, there will an informational meeting on the sale of 106 Church St, the former Andrews Memorial building. At this gathering, it will be shared about the offer of $350,000 from the St. Mary and St. Mima Coptic Church. Father Kyrillos Sadek will be present to share about their denomination and their congregation, and the possibilities of working together in the future. The sale is not yet complete, and will take some time. But this is the direction in which we are going and the Ministries Council decided it would be good to inform the congregation at an open meeting. Faith Journey UMC decided to put the building of for sale at our June and July Church Conferences. The trustees are very pleased with the offer and the progress of the sale.

Sunday School at the North Syracuse Campus During December we learned about the birth of Jesus – including the visits of the angel to Mary, Joseph and Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. We made lots of fun crafts some of which they could use to decorate their homes for Christmas and the older children enjoyed some different worksheets. Grand Kids continues on Saturday nights. We have had several new children attend. Kids have been having good meals and crafts are a big hit. Most of the kids want to take home the worksheets to work on them later.

Sunday School. Times: Clay Campus  9:30am - Sunday School Preteens & Teens  10:15am - Sunday School for Preschoolers North Syracuse Campus  9:30am - Sunday School for ages 3 - 6th Grade  After Worship - Adult Classes:  Truthseekers - Rm 203  Coffee Pot Class - Lounge

The Karenni children are also really enjoy working on crafts and worksheets. During December they did a Christmas pageant for PoLMC - Mattydale the Karenni congregation in which most of the  11:00am - Karenni Sunday children took part. Following their class on the School  2:00pm - New World Sunday before Christmas we gave the children Ministries Sunday School gift bags which had a Christmas book, Christmas activity book, crayons, a pencil, erasers, and candy. The children were very appreciative – surprisingly – especially for the crayons. The Sudanese children have also been enjoying the crafts and worksheets. Some of the older children start by working on worksheets and then spend the last half hour working on crafts. A good way to really enjoy the class. If you are willing to help with either the Karenni or Sudanese Sunday Schools please talk with Kathy LaDuca. You may choose to join us every week or come in on a less regular basis. - Kathy LaDuca

Druss Kususi Saturdays from 9-11am at Path of Life Mission Center (201 E. Molloy Road, Mattydale) Druss Kususi met the three weeks before Christmas during December. We got to hear Christmas stories, answer questions about them and work on some fun Christmas math worksheets. When the children do not bring homework we work on reinforcing skills with them so that they continue to work on their academics. On the Saturday before Christmas we had special Christmas cookies to decorate and eat after we finished a healthier lunch. Almost everyone took some home for their families. Many of the children take home some lunch to other family members. Before the children left we gave them Christmas gift bags filled with books, activity books, pencils, markers, erasers, candy and a game. These gifts were made possible by donations from the congregation for the kids. It is our hope that they continue to read and do learning activities over the Christmas break. Thanks to all the people who made donations which made the gifts possible. We are looking forward to getting started again after the New Year and look forward to your continued support of this ministry. If you are interested in tutoring please contact Kathy LaDuca. Financial donations may be made to the church marked for Druss Kususi. Gift card donations for Wegmans, Walmart, Five Below or Ollies may be given to Kathy LaDuca or Linda Raulli. Wegmans gift cards help us to provide food for the children each week. Donations of 100% juice boxes the ones that are at least 6 oz. or Quaker granola bars are always welcome.

- Kathy LaDuca

Blood Drive Tuesday, January 19th 3:00pm - 7:00pm Fellowship Hall at the Clay Campus Please call Ann Reed at 457-6360 to schedule your appointment!

The Bridge is a Conference Communications Ministry tool that delivers to local churches news and stories of ministry from around the Conference and the world. www.unyumc.org

What are the Special Sundays? Ever wonder what a special Sunday is, why these days exist, and when each occurs? According to The Book of Discipline 2012, ¶263: The special Sundays in The United Methodist Church intended to illustrate the nature and calling of The Church are celebrated annually. The special Sundays are placed on the calendar to make clear the calling of The Church as the people of God and to give persons the opportunity to con-tribute offerings to special programs. Human Relations Day Jan. 17, 2016 It is always celebrated the Sunday be-fore the observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Human Relations Day supports community developers, United Methodist voluntary service, and youth offender rehabilitation programs. The goal of this Sunday is to strengthen United Methodist outreach in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youth. Turn on the news or drive around the outskirts of your town and you will find what Jesus called “the least of these.” Those living in the margins of society, struggling to survive. People like: 

An immigrant teenager in Texas’ poorest county, being recruited by a local gang



A father struggling for sobriety in Little Rock, Arkansas



An Oklahoma woman recently released from incarceration looking for work

Over and over Jesus served people like this, embracing them. And that’s what we want to model as the people of The United Methodist Church. To continue the ministry of Jesus we established Human Relations Day as a Special Sunday that calls all of our churches to participate in helping all God’s children to realize their potential.

FAITH JOURNEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

N SYRACUSE : 106 CHURCH STREET, NORTH SYRACUSE, NY 13212 315.458.0890 • [email protected] • [email protected]

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage Paid Syracuse, NY 13220 Permit No. 3325

CLAY : 8396 MORGAN ROAD, CLAY, NY 13041 315.652.9186 • [email protected]

Cradle & Beyond

Wednesdays & Thursdays : 11am-4pm Saturdays: 10am-2pm

Upcoming Sales

Located in the basement of at the North Syracuse Campus at 106 Church Street in North Syracuse.

Items

Effective Dates:

Jackets and Winter Coats 50¢ each

Jan 6,7 & 9

Bring in our Facebook Coupon on your Smart phone or Print it out for $2.00 off your purchase

Jan 13, 14 & 16

$5.00 Bag Sale

Jan 20, 21 & 23

Shirts and Blouses 50¢ each

Jan 27, 28 & 30

Donations can be dropped off at the Clay Campus in the large garbage can located in the Narthex.