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The Carillon (Our monthly newsletter)
Weekly Wakeup for the week of May 4, 2025 (Current Weekly Wakeup)
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May 18, 2025
THE CHURCH HEAT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF FOR THE SEASON IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE MONEY. SO, IF IT COLD OUTSIDE IT WILL LIKELY BE COOL INSIDE.
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Condolences
We are saddened to share that Pastor Doug's Father, Douglas Sr., passed away on February 7th. A memorial service was held in Doug's hometown of Garnerville, NY on Monday, February 17th.
Pastor Doug thanks Deb Elliott for leading Sunday Worship at Scotia UMC in his absence.
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Seeks New Administrative Assistant
We are seeking a permanent replacement for our longtime Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Lovely. Cindy Zych is serving as our temporary administrative assistant, but we are searching for someone to serve more long term. The position is for 8 hours a week, split over multiple days. The job is multifaceted and coordinating work hours with the pastor is expected as the assistant will work with the pastor on various tasks. A successful applicant must know word processing (Microsoft Word), merging documents , and email (Google mail). Proficiency at typing is a plus. Although not a complete list, the assistant will be responsible for sorting mail, retrieving phone messages, communicating with vendors and members, and maintaining the membership roll. The assistant will be the first face many will see so a pleasant personality is needed. At times there may be work that can be done at home but that will not be the norm. These skills will be helpful in preparing the weekly bulletin, special mailings, Weekly Wakeups, The Carillon -our monthly newsletter, liturgist mailings, and interaction with the pastor and the community. Please email the Church office at scotiaumoffice@gmail.com with names and contact information of possible candidates for the position to assist in our search. We look forward to being able to fill the position in the near future.
Recruiter’s Rally and CROP Walk
Schenectady’s CROP Walk planning is in full swing! The Recruiters’ Rally is on Monday, March 3rd, at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School at 6PM with the CROP Walk set for Sunday, May 4th. If you’d like to learn more or become a team leader, join us for the Recruiters' Rally. For more info please see Susan Van Vorst after church. Thanks!
Our directory is out of date!
Please provide an updated email address, phone number and home address for each member of your family. Please put this information either on a note and drop it off in the workroom or email scotiaumoffice@gmail.com.
February 16, 2025 Church Service
Church service for February 16, 2025 was cancelled due to weather. Watch pre-recorded service here:
SUMC Feb 16 2025 Pre-recorded church service
United Methodist Church Social Creed
Letter From The United Methodist Church Council of Bishops
Pastoral Letter Addressing the Plight of Migrants, Immigrants and Refugees in the US, Epiphany 2025
Lenten Study
Lenten Study
Pastor Doug is considering leading a study during lent on Adam Hamilton’s new book: The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. The six-week study, explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. The book will explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John, and more. Dates and times are yet to be set. Please let him know if you are interested in being part of this study.
Pastor Doug is considering leading a study during lent on Adam Hamilton’s new book: The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. The six-week study, explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. The book will explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John, and more. Dates and times are yet to be set. Please let him know if you are interested in being part of this study.
Kitchen Counter Cleanup
Kitchen Counter Cleanup
Please stop by the kitchen to see what might belong to you. Some of the items are a large white deviled egg tray, cooler bag, plastic bowls, wooden tray, large drink containers, tops from cups, etc. Please help clean off the counter. Thank you!
Please stop by the kitchen to see what might belong to you. Some of the items are a large white deviled egg tray, cooler bag, plastic bowls, wooden tray, large drink containers, tops from cups, etc. Please help clean off the counter. Thank you!
Altar flowers Needed
Altar flowers Needed
These can be artificial flowers in a vase, real flowers or an artificial arrangement you have at home. Years ago flowers were ordered on a weekly basis from a florist which was a big expense. Help us by signing up on bulletin board in the hallway to provide flowers and keep our altar looking nice every Sunday. Deb Cieslak and Jan Beaty.
These can be artificial flowers in a vase, real flowers or an artificial arrangement you have at home. Years ago flowers were ordered on a weekly basis from a florist which was a big expense. Help us by signing up on bulletin board in the hallway to provide flowers and keep our altar looking nice every Sunday. Deb Cieslak and Jan Beaty.
Workroom Reorganization
Workroom Reorganization
It has become clear that the workroom has become the place where different groups and people like to place things, and that often these items end up staying there indefinitely. SPRC would like to assign drawers, cupboards and cabinets to groups that need the storage space. We have had items untouched for years just waiting to be retrieved so there will be a major cleaning. Please see Belinda after church to get your assigned location and retrieve items as well. We will be doing a preliminary cleaning after church too. All are welcome.
It has become clear that the workroom has become the place where different groups and people like to place things, and that often these items end up staying there indefinitely. SPRC would like to assign drawers, cupboards and cabinets to groups that need the storage space. We have had items untouched for years just waiting to be retrieved so there will be a major cleaning. Please see Belinda after church to get your assigned location and retrieve items as well. We will be doing a preliminary cleaning after church too. All are welcome.
Committee Chairs
Committee Chairs
Please check your mailbox each week to get your messages and mail. Recycle mail that is not necessary or relevant. Anything that must be saved should go into your assigned place in the workroom.
Please check your mailbox each week to get your messages and mail. Recycle mail that is not necessary or relevant. Anything that must be saved should go into your assigned place in the workroom.
The Free Community Breakfasts at SUMC will take place the third Saturday morning of every month from 9-11 am.
February 15, from 9-11AM, will be a Valentine’s Day ❤️ themed sit-down breakfast.
During the breakfast, there will be a “Soup and Bake Sale”. The last breakfast (Christmas) we served over 100 meals!
Church Directory
If you would like a printed copy, please send a request to scotiaumoffice@gmail.com
Prayers
We have been asked to pray for our missionary friends Randy and Anita Trythall as they continue to have health issues. Please consider adding them to your regular prayer time.
Prayers also for the families of Clarence Mosher, Philip Benner, Barbara Blum, Carol Graves and Ruth Stowe in the recent loss of their loved ones.
Prayer Request from Rev. Megan Stowe:
“My mom, Ruth Stowe, passed away this morning. (Sept. 10). Please keep my dad, Bob Stowe, my sister, Michelle McCormack, and myself in your prayers.” Blessings, Rev. Megan Stowe. For those who would like to send cards, Megan's address is:
The Schad-Stowe Family
53 Birchwood Dr.
Holden MA 01520
Sunday School Director Retiring
After many years of heading Sunday School, Mary Connors is retiring! She has dedicated years of her life and made a huge impact on the young Scotia United Methodist Church disciples. Although we are sad to see her step down she has promised to run some special activities for the children. We are looking for someone to officially take over the Sunday School program. If you are interested in teaching our young church members or have an idea to keep this wonderful program running, please email Karen DeSorbo at karendesorbo@yahoo.com.
Reminders for All
Please pick up your 2023 statements & 2024 pledge letters in the back of the sanctuary.
Deadline for Weekly Wakeup is Thursday morning each week.
Deadline for bulletin is Wed. morning each week.
Deadline for newsletter remains as the 28th of previous month.
Altar Flower Sign-ups
We can use some volunteers to help keep our altar looking nice with a flower arrangement. Your flowers can be an artificial arrangement you have at home, artificial flowers can be put in a vase, a green plant, flowering plant, or fresh flowers. Bring them in and put them on the altar on Sunday morning before service. Sign up on the bulletin board in the hallway to help us keep our altar looking nice. You can let Cyndy in the office know if you want them in honor of someone or in memory of someone. Otherwise the bulletin will say they are being provided by the donor. Thank you for your help! Jan and Debbie
Volunteers Needed...
to take out the recycling and trash to the curb on Tuesday and retrieve it on Wednesday. There is a signup sheet for people to volunteer on the hall bulletin board. Please sign up and help us to share the responsibility. Thank you-Erik
June Pelham
June is presently living with her daughter, Linda Tucci, at 710 Man of War Ct., Inman, SC 29349. Cards and/or notes would be most welcome!
Building Updates
Please be sure to check the doors going in and out of the church to be sure they are closed and locked. In temperature changes, they may stick and not close as well. Also, remember to turn out all the lights when you leave, thank you!
Heating Fund Memorial
Heating Fund Memorial inserts are available on the small table in the hall and also in the workroom.
Thank You
To all those who purchased my Aging Fabulously devotional. I truly appreciate all the support and hope you are inspired by our words. If you get a chance, please leave a short review on Amazon. Somehow, it helps our rankings. Everyone should have received your books by now; if not, please let me know. And if anyone else would like to buy a book, just send me an email. - Cyndy
Thank You for Your Sympathy
The Lavery, Rogerson, and Pfisterer families wish to extend their appreciation for all the prayers, words of encouragement and sympathy through texts, emails, phone calls, hugs and cards throughout Erica’s 2-year battle with cancer. It is with my church family’s support that we maintained our strength and commitment to her final journey in life. With deep appreciation and love, RoyAnn.
New cleaning service
We have a new cleaning service, Legacy Upstate Cleaning, thanks to Mark, saving us >$5K/year. The one duty they don't perform is taking the recycling and trash to the curb on Tues. and retrieving it on Wed. There is a signup sheet I made for people to volunteer, on the hall bulletin board. We have been doing this since Aug 19th. I would appreciate it if folks would sign up and help us to share the responsibility. Thank you-Erik
Scotia/Glenville Senior Center
If anyone would like information on activities and programs for the Scotia/Glenville Senior Center, check with the office.
Garage and Bake Sale Follow Up
Thanks to everyone who supported (via donations) or worked our 45th annual garage and bake sale.
It was a busy 2 days at your church, setting up, selling and the "dreaded" clean up.
When the dust finally settled, we made $320.00 from the bake sale and $1,777.00 on the garage sale.
Once again, thanks to everyone for your support.
Ok, on to our next fund-raising adventure this fall…
Chicken Dinner
Our 2nd Annual Chicken Dinner is in the books. Many thanks to everyone that supported the dinner by either working or stopping by. Thanks to Stewarts (via Sean O’Sullivan) for the gift card and Ruggiero’s pizza (via Brian Cieslak) for the donation of butter pads. We made over $900 for the church. Plan on doing it again this fall with another Chicken dinner or perhaps a Kielbasa & Cabbage night.
Coffee Hour
Volunteers needed for the Coffee Hour Fellowship on Sundays. Please sign up on the list on the bulletin board in the hall. Thank you!
Offering Envelopes
The Offering Envelopes for those who requested or received them last year are in the back of the church. If you would like envelopes, please contact Pat Knapp.
Smile as you shop Amazon
If shopping via Amazon during this Advent season, please use “Smile Amazon”. “Smile Amazon” will donate a portion of your purchase toward Scotia Methodist. This is the same as normal Amazon, no additional charge to you. It’s an easy way to for your church to receive additional funds. Go to” Smile.Amazon.com”, click on “Supporting “then select Scotia Methodist and you are all set to shop. So far this year we have received over $100 in donations from Smile Amazon.
Letter from Our New Pastor: Intro to Pastor Doug
Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. If you'd like to support the relief efforts, you can write your check payable to SUMC and write "Ukraine" on the memo line. The church will then send the donations to UMCOR. Thank you.
From the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee
We are pleased to announce that Rev. Doug Mackey was appointed by the Upper NY Conference to serve part time for Scotia UMC and part time for Faith UMC commencing on July 1, 2022. For more info contact SPPRC members: Steve Wesley, Wendy Liebl, Judy Dudley, Sean Flansburg, Holly Russo, Clarence Mosher, and Deb Elliott.
Building Update
If you know of any groups meeting during the week in classrooms 2 & 3 or downstairs (besides AA) please email the office with that info and the days/time. Thank you! And in the future, pencil it in on the wall calendar in the workroom. This helps us to keep track of who is in the building and also for cleaning purposes.
Ellis Medicine will be housing a clinic weekly in the SICM Community Hub
Every Friday, from 9 am-11 am, all are welcome to walk in for any basic medical care. Please share with your faith communities and anyone you see fit. If you have any questions, contact Georgia Davis at 518.374.2683 x109.
Food pantry request:
"I am reaching out to you today with an urgent request for our pantry. Many of our guests have requested personal care items such as toothpaste and deodorant. These items can be expensive and are often the most requested by our food pantry guests when they visit. We try to care for each family the best we can when it comes to these requested items. If you can help, please drop donations at the loading dock behind the Rev Phil Food Pantry at 837 Albany Street on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8AM – 2PM. Thank you for your help. For any questions, please contact me." - Laura Pinckney 518-374-2683 x 103, Relations Coordinator, Schenectady Community Ministries
The Scotia UMC has a long history of providing and serving lunches at the Salvation Army location in Schenectady. This history was interrupted in March 2020 by Covid 19 when the Salvation Army closed their kitchen to all indoor meals. Our church has been advised that the Salvation Army is serving lunches and would like to know if we will come back and do what we did before, serving every other month. Before we can answer we need to know that we will have at least 8 volunteers to serve and clean up. It will be better if there are 10 to 12 volunteers. Volunteers will:
*Arrive at the Salvation Army, 222 Lafayette St., Schenectady by 9AM with a MASK, hat, apron and a smile. (There is a parking lot in the back by the service area.)
*Be sure all surface areas are clean (Clorox wipes will be provided)
*Prepare the lunch (everything will be provided)
*Lunch is at noon ending at 1:00
*Clean up
*Eat lunch
*Go home and be very tired but HAPPY
If you have any questions call me or we can meet in the Work Room after church.
-Dick Knapp (518) 810-6569 (C)
(518) 393-5737 (H)
Food Pantry - Always in need of plastic bags if you have any you are recycling.
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If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. I John 4:12 KJV
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