T H E C H I M E S

Jan. 7, 2021

Inside this issue: Stewardship 2021 From Pastor Alicia: 2 Our stewardship campaign for this calendar year is underway and con- Lessons learned cludes in mid-February. Below are articles explaining priorities set by the during difficult year Governing Board and offering suggestions on how the congregation can use its resources. Ideas on how to use our building as a resource are welcome. February birthdays 2 You will also hear from congregation members — in the eblast and Chimes (see Galyn’s story on page 8) and during worship — on how UUMC has af- fected their lives in a positive way. You’re asked to prayerfully consider all Outreach: Gathering 3 data for a this and more when you make your commitment for 2021 on Feb. 14. sustainable distribution Leveraging our resources Our priorities People & Prayers 4-5 As we grow into our new reali- The Governing Board -- after ties, the leadership of the church hours of discerning who we are as a Book Study: Sermon 5 would like to keep you informed on congregation, evaluating our possi- on the Mount the direction we will be taking. bilities and limitations and imagin- This is an introduction to our ing the future – voted to set several Black United 6 shift in theology of stewardship, in priorities for 2021. They recognize… Methodists want other words, taking good care of Our world has changed and will action now our resources. not return to pre-2020. We will host a congregational We will continue to live in an Finding a home at 8 UUMC Zoom webinar in January to present expanded digital-virtual culture. these concepts further and answer The pandemic has changed how we Finance Corner 8 your questions about this shift. work, gather and worship. It has See WHEN, Page 7 See EXPAND, Page 6

Lent starts this year Epiphany worship series: Following Jesus is ongoing process on February 17, Ash Wednesday. Palm Our worship series for the sea- the Grand Canyon, for example, or a son of Epiphany is “Follow Me,” from particularly beautiful sunset. Sunday is March 28. Discipleship Ministries of the United While there is beauty in the pres- Easter is April 4. Methodist Church. It runs Jan. 17 to ence of Christ, it is a beauty that Feb. 14. calls forth a response. Discipleship Ministries describes There are many ways to respond Articles for The Chimes the series this way: to the presence of Christ. In this se- must be submitted by The season of Epiphany has al- ries, we focus on the invitation to fol- noon on the deadline day ways been about seeing the light that low. It is the mission of the church to and can be sent to: [email protected] is Jesus the Christ breaking forth into make disciples, even as we are being the world in which we live. made disciples. It is an ongoing pro- Alicia Wood, Pastor Seeing is only the first step, how- cess to follow Jesus; a transfor- Tom Boll, Editor ever. We don’t see the light of Christ mation that continues through every the same way we see the beauty of stage of our lives.

From our pastor... We learned many lessons during tragic year of 2020 Happy New we look or have different experi- had never met before. Their Year! ences than we have had. hearts filled. Our blessings over- I’m excited As we spent more time alone flow. to finally write we realized we needed to listen We learned how to join and the numbers 2 0 to other people’s perspectives participate in Zoom meeting to 2 1 because the and life stories as much as we connect not only with friends and tragic year 2020 listen to our own context. family but to study the Scriptures Alicia Wood is over and we can I believe we learned as a through book and Bible studies. begin to hope and reimagine our church we need to shift and We shifted our small group gath- future together in 2021. change for our current times and erings to feed God’s people’s I’m someone who always realities. This means finding new minds while we met the needs of looks for the silver lining in all ways to truly live into our mission our day. situations, so even though I’m statement “Feeding God’s Peo- I believe we learned how grateful to say goodbye to 2020, ple: Body, Mind and Spirit.” much the work of our church and I would like to share positive As the pandemic came into church family means to us as I thoughts about what we have New York State we shifted the shed a tear every time I saw the learned from 2020. way we fed people’s bodies. large pile of mail at the office I believe we have learned We took our Friday pantry filled with donations, cards and that change happens no matter (now Food Center @ 324 Univer- letters encouraging me, Galyn how much we try to keep things sity Ave.) and our Sunday break- and the entire staff to keep Feed- the same and we can somehow fasts outside of our church build- ing God’s People. adapt to change even though we ing. As we turn the page to 2021, don’t like it. In doing so, we fed six times the leadership of the church is I don’t think any of us want the people. We also fed six times recognizing the shifts that have to look into a Zoom screen any the Spirits of the people we fed been made in our lives in more more than we have to, but we physically. ways than any of us could have learned how to Zoom and They felt so loved by our imagined, including the way we FaceTime and do whatever else church and by God because we use our resources. was needed to connect with fami- did not close but changed with a I’m excited to share more ly and friends. determination to feed God’s peo- with you in January and February. I believe we have learned ple. I’m excited to continue to partner how much we need connection to When we learned we could with you in ministry this year. people. As much as Americans no longer gather as a congrega- I’m overwhelmed with joy as say we are self-reliant and we tion we once again went outside we continue to live out our mis- can take care of ourselves, I be- our church building to the inter- sion of Feeding God’s People: lieve 2020 showed us how much net via Facebook and YouTube. Body, Mind and Spirit in new we need one another. This shift fed people’s Spirits. ways yet to come. We are not meant to take all We were able to connect “Blessed are those who have these emotions on our own. We through worshiping this awesome not seen and yet have come to are meant to be family and com- God and be a church family in believe.” — John 20:29 munity in all its fullness. spite of restrictions at least one Blessings in your new year, I believe we have learned hour each week. Pastor Alicia how to listen to the stories of As we moved to the internet, people who look different than we connected with people we February birthdays 2 – Bette Helwig 9 – Starke Donnally 21 – Taylor Bacon 7 – Domonick Weah 19 – Jan Garman 23 – Roseanne Samuel 8 – Tom Boll 20 – Aidan Brackett 25 – Elise Curry-Schemichen

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2020 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 2

Outreach Ministry

Data collected to enable a sustainable food distribution

December 2020 Emergency Food & Diaper Distribution

Galyn Date House Adults Children Seniors Families w/ Bagel Pet Murphy- holds Children Breakfast Food Stanley 12/4 284 477 807 65 184 (12/6) 46 4

Throughout 12/11 217 351 353 81 117 (12/13) 62 3 December we have been collect- ing additional ZIP code infor- 12/18* 329 660 631 53 249 (12/20) 65 7 mation from our guests who visit 12/30 134 256 179 17 73 (12/27) 50 — us for food and diapers. We strive to learn more Total 964 1,424 1,970 216 623 223 14 about how far folk are traveling to * Christmas distribution access our emergency distribu- tions. Seventeen ZIP codes across  Total Individuals who received food from UUMC’s Food Cen- Onondaga County visited us at ter: 4,153 (Food distributions & breakfasts) At our COVID safe least one time in December for Emergency Food/Christmas distribution on 12/18/20 we had food and/or diapers. a VERY successful first time ever distribution. We were able to Our intention prior COVID, provide 329 households with Christmas foods and a turkey. was to service 3 ZIP codes that 1,344 individuals enjoyed Christmas foods gathered at UUMC’s create the Southeast quadrant of Food Center @ 324. Interesting to learn that 109 more folk re- Syracuse. ceived foods at this Christmas distribution vs. the Thanksgiving I, with Pastor Alicia, the Out- distribution. reach team and the Food Bank of  Total number of families served who have children: 623 CNY will work through January to  Babies who received diapers on Dec. 4: 223. This equals establish a more sustainable 11,150 diapers distributed in 2.5 hours. method to work, serve guests,  Total guests who visited UUMC for Sunday breakfast: 223. This finance our food purchases and event continued throughout the month, without interruption, manage our distributions so we each Sunday. can continue this manner of Emergency Food Distribution as our community. It has become a They said: “Look forward!”, “How long as necessary. strong, reliable, thriving, well- do you advance?”, “Let it go. Our Sunday breakfast distri- rounded event. Move on.” “Who is next to you? bution thrives with new guests This event has NEVER can- What is happening with them?” and diverse volunteers. We have celed, paused or rescheduled. Their teaching was so effec- moved this effort into the Narthex Breakfast has been offered to tive, that this is still how I think, where folk can have more choic- anyone who needs a meal this is how I work, these words es, more warmth and access to throughout COVID, throughout are my mantra. I say them to my- winter outerwear donations. the holiday season. self, my kids. Breakfasts with coffee and Thanks: I struggle in remem- I work hard to acknowledge additional offerings are still made bering everything we’ve accom- important moments, take a photo available for guests choosing to plished this year. My mom & dad in my mind and try not to forget. remain outside. told my sisters and me when we We worked hard this year. Joyce and Katie Flynn have were girls that there is too much Emotionally, physically, financial- transformed this effort into a well work to do in the world to dwell ly, mentally. We had to push our- -organized, prospering offering for on frustrating, sad, angry mo- selves every day, sometimes. some of our neediest guests in ments. See UUMC, Page 7

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2021 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 3

People & Prayers DEATHS  Erika V. and Paul G. and who are not able to see their Longtime devoted member Paul’s dad families this Christmas sea- David Bacon, husband of Ellen  Beth Quick: 4 days, fever free son. Bacon and father of Steve Bacon  Jayne: Feeling relief after her  Kim Kromer Murphy: Please and Lynn Steenberg, died Dec. knee has been in pain pray for my sister-in-law and 18 in Rochester at the age of 90.  Prayers for Stephanie’s dad my nephew, both of whom The family is making plans to cel- and Stephanie’s mom, his have COVID. ebrate his life this summer. primary caretaker  Robin Searles: Kathy Bannin, Member Leigh Safford died  Ann Owens’ friend Judy who’s alone in the hospital as Dec. 5 at Loretto Health & Reha-  Lynn and Kellie she will receive the news that bilitation Center at the age of 85. her open heart surgery was His family is asking for donations  Sharon’s friend doing well to- day unsuccessful. Thank you! to our Food Center @324 in his  Marjorie Carter fell in October memory. Here is a link to his obi-  Pray for Barb Gilbraith. She had another mini-seizure and fractured her right femur, tuary: OBITUARY followed by surgery, then re-  Seth, Holly and Tiny in quar- hab. She can’t drive, but oth- antine THANK YOU erwise “feels fine.”  Susan Bates: For those with From Nancy Hough: Thank  Sharon Smith: Her friend Dar- health issues you for sending me Christmas ren continues to do better  Barb Weaver: Continued pray- cards. It was nice hearing from  Carol Long Boll: Leigh Saf- ers for my dad, Carus Olcott people. ford’s family Sr., and his caregivers.

PRAYERS REQUESTED:  Kim Kromer Murphy: We are Sunday, December 20 thankful for a warm and  Pray for Father Yannock and For Those in Military Service: bright home on a cold day. Sister, who are in Crouse Hos-

 Chance Lawson, Austin pital Payne, Ian Enderle, Nic Weah, Sunday, December 13  Please pray for Eduardo and Asani Mauridi  Stephanie Hitztaler: Prayers Diana Rodriguez, who have for my dad, and my mom, who COVID Sunday, December 6 is taking care of him.  Jeanne F-S: For the family of  Barbara Fought: Peace and  Kenna LaPorte: Pray for a the woman stabbed to death comfort for the fear those friend who has COVID. on the Northside while help- who have COVID have. Prayer  For all who suffer and feel ing a friend. Her 7-year-old is for their caregivers and all the alone during the holiday sea- a Seymour student. And the medical workers son. 17-year-old who was just ar-  Stephanie Hitztaler: Prayers  Jessica Clark: I want to pray rested as the alleged attack. for my dad, and prayers of for those who have the virus (He was a Seymour student) gratitude for celebrating  Renee Davis: Please pray for  Sharon Smith: Pray for Dar- Vera’s sixth birthday yester- me and my family ren, who is doing well in re- day on December 5.  Barbara Fought: Thankful for covery  Carol Boll: Prayers for those in the hope that the vaccine  Sue Bates: Liz’s co-worker nursing homes and for their brings... Joe, who has COVID families who have gone  We should all be praying for months and months without  Martha Sutter: For my sister those who have died, for their and her husband, who are being able to visit face-to- families, their caregivers, and face. both ill with COVID. Also for a first responders. It is just so colleague’s friend hospital-  Martha Sutter: Comfort for sad. the family of Roger MacDon-  Susan Bates: Those struggling See PEOPLE, Page 5 ald. He will be missed. with health issues and those

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2020 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 4

People & Prayers CONTINUED from Page 4 for them. was flooded during a storm. ized with COVID in Brazil.  Martha Sutter: Continued  Connie Myers: “Any sign of  Kim Kromer Murphy: My prayers for my sister and hope” Amen! cousin, who just lost his fa- brother-in-law still ill with  Jeanne F-S: Young couples ther. COVID dealing with unaccepting fam-  Tom Boll: Terry Hershey. His  Barbara Fought: For Paola ilies father died a few weeks ago, Marin, who leaves us this  Tom Boll: Our country, as we and then he had to move from week after earning her degree move closer to the transfer of his home and garden on at SUNY Oswego. She goes power Vashon Island, Washington home to Mexico and then to  Barbara Fought: For the State. Norway for 4 years earning a Moore Family — all 7 recover-  Barb Weaver: Prayers for my Ph.D. We shall miss her! ing from COVID (Nelson’s dad, who has been moved to daughter and family) a rehab facility. Sunday, January 3  Holly Austin: Please pray for  Stephanie Hitztaler: For my JOYS, THANKS & PRAISE Seth’s cousin by marriage, mom and dad, for all those who just lost her sister at age grieving and for all those Sunday, December 6 31. searching for work. Prayers of  Kevin, Liz and Pastor Alicia  Jackie Sadowski: For my son, gratitude for the joy children tested negative for COVID Erick, with COVID show us during the holidays.  Barbara Fought: For the Ba-  Jana Telfer: Persons beset Sunday, December 20 con Family, at the passing of with anxiety and depression,  Joys for unusual and creative David, Steve’s father. that stars will shine for them ways to gather with family and  Jackie Sadowski: Ester Par- friends for Christmas Sunday, December 27 due, with health problems  Jeanne F-S: Holly and Seth,  Erika Vitthuhn: For Barb Sunday, December 27 who took in an 18-month-old Weaver and Charles Alcott  Pastor Alicia: A blessing! Jim emergency foster child on  Barbara Fought: For Russ Tallman tested negative for Christmas Eve Young recovering from sur- COVID. Jim and Debbie ask  Tom Boll: For the families of gery for continued prayers in these the 17 Iraqis killed by the  Sue Bates: All essential work- uncertain times as he returns Blackwater guards and saw ers and those suffering with to work at McDonald’s. those convicted of the killings health issues go free via pardon.  Martha Sutter: For my sister Sunday, January 3  Stephanie Hitztaler: Contin- and brother-in-law and Edu-  Sue Bates: A joy! Liz and I ued prayers for my father, ardo Lakschevitz, still ill with were able to spend time last praise that his spirits were COVID Sunday with my niece and her high on Christmas Day. Pray-  Sara Faith Millward: For my kids. ers for all our frontline work- friend Lari, who lost work due ers – for continued strength to COVID and whose home

The next book study is be- er sites online. The class will Sermon on the Mount ginning this week. meet at 1 p.m. Fridays and 6 The book is Sermon on the p.m. Sundays starting Jan. 8 and is focus of next book Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to 10 and runs through Feb. 12 the Kingdom of Heaven by Amy- and 14. A Lenten book study will study group Jill Levine. It’s $12.99 from follow. Please contact Mary in Cokesbury and available at oth- the office to register.

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2021 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 5

Expand Outreach, discipleship and social media ministries, wisely use resources CONTINUED from Page 1 and expanded four times, through volunteerism” and changed our economic and busi- serving our neighborhood. service. ness realities with heavy burdens  Created an expanding team  Expand our virtual social me- on the poor and middle class. of volunteers from church and dia ministry through online Our reality has changed with community. worship, Bible study, social sharp divisions that will affect  Increased our giving and fi- media platforms, Facebook, families, communities and the nancial support website, new digital outreach- nation.  Stayed connected through our es. We build on a firm founda- phone tree.  Use our resources wisely with tion of achievement in 2020:  Prayed and cared for each a new way of thinking – peo-  Meaningful and effective on- other through a difficult year. ple, building, endowment -- line worship. Our UUMC resources: People with a new way of thinking to  ZOOM Bible studies – Building – Endowment – God’s support and expand our min-  Tuesdays Virtual Coffee with love istries (see additional article, the Pastor, Wednesday with Our priorities, in brief: Leveraging). children, Thursday thought-for  Expand our Outreach minis- The Governing Board invites -the-day, Friday at the Food tries and discipleship minis- everyone in the congregation to Center@324. tries by feeding God’s people explore possible ways of fulfilling  Food Center @324 with Grace through our Food Center our 2021 mission and ministry. Episcopal and Temple Con- @324 and Sunday Bagel We move Into this new reality cord, serving six times normal Breakfast, including more with a strong faith that God’s love pre-pandemic totals, to now prayer and fellowship with will move in us and through us to 300 families per week. those we serve. In the words meet 2021 needs, opportunities  Sunday Bagel Breakfasts, of our Staff-Parish Relations and challenges. moving outside our building Committee, “Living our faith — Nelson Price, Stewardship Committee member Black United Methodists want denomination to address racial issues now By Jim Patterson Blacks do have a future in the The United Methodist Church — UM News denomination. … If America in which we must find the cour- Black United Methodists needs to face its dark past in age to say unambiguously Black warn in a new book of essays race, I think it’s also time for the Lives Matter. Black Life Mat- that it’s critical the denomination church.” ters.” deal with racial issues with a In the forward of the book, Palmer goes on to say that sense of urgency. published in November by Abing- stumbling over those phrases is “I think there’s been a great don Press, West Ohio Area Bish- “beneath the gospel,” and dis- deal of debate around human op Gregory V. Palmer said that missing the truth of the phrases sexuality but no conversation, for each of the 10 essayists are say- because of efforts to “smear it the most part, around the part ing “See me, hear me, deal with and hope it will go away is a co- that race has played in the prob- me.” lossal failure of nerve.” lems the denomination is facing,” “The confluence of the every- The autobiographical essays said the Rev. Rudy Rasmus, sen- day indignities of being Black in key in on the varied experiences ior pastor at St. John’s Downtown America; the outrageous, egre- of Black United Methodists. In- Church in Houston and editor gious, legalized lynching of cluded are chapters on being a of the book I’m Black. I’m Chris- George Floyd; and the unforgiva- lesbian, a stutterer and a Black tian. I’m Methodist. ble disparities exposed once preacher in a predominately “I really think that now is the again by COVID–19 have con- white church. time where the conversation has spired together to create a semi- Editor’s Note: This is an ex- to occur as to whether or not nal moment in America and in cerpt. Full story here: STORY

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2020 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 6

When we serve others, they become interested in God CONTINED from Page 1 good. When we invest our assets and expand our vision by… Leveraging -- this is a new well, we become essential to the  Exploring for-profit enterpris- way of thinking about how our vitality of the community in which es by UUMC that do not vio- resources of people, building and we exist and everyone benefits.” late our values or mission endowment can increase our ca- Our theology for change: Je- and change lives in a positive pacity for ministry. In leveraging sus overturned the tables of the way. we use our strengths to maxi- money changers not because  Expanding how we use our mum advantage in creating addi- money was being exchanged, but building. Office space is be- tional resources of people power, because of economic injustice: coming more competitive as building use and endowment They were taking advantage of work-at-home continues. Are growth. It is based on how we the poor by hugely overcharging there ministries that will at- interpret Biblical scriptures. for services (changing money) tract funding or be self- Facts: There are increased and sacrifices. supporting? Is there a for- needs and opportunities for min- In the story of the talents, profit enterprise for UUMC to istry. Tithes and offerings alone the servants who risked but in- launch using our space? will not be enough for most creased the value of the talents  Increasing our endowment to churches to continue to do entrusted to them were reward- undergird our ministries by meaningful ministry. ed. The servant who wanted to inviting our members to con- When we change our think- play it safe planted his talent, sider deferred giving through ing about how to use our re- saw no growth and was chas- wills, bequests, life insur- sources, two things happen, as tised. ance, transfer of stocks and put by Joe Park of Horizons Stew- Paul not only lived on gifts other planned giving options ardship: from his followers but also from to ensure the important lega- 1. “More people become in- his tent-making craft, a for-profit cy of UUMC on our corner of terested in the God we serve. enterprise to support his minis- Syracuse. When we serve others by meet- try. By leveraging our resources ing their physical, emotional and John Wesley, Methodism’s of people, building and endow- justice needs, we become the founder, was a prolific writer and ment, we can increase our wit- hands and feet of Jesus. They publisher, creating ongoing in- ness for Christ and shower more encounter God’s love through us come for his ministry. Most of us people with God’s love. So, let and naturally become interested work to support our needs and to the conversation begin, and the in learning more about the God enable us to witness to our faith. ideas multiply. we serve.” Bottom line: we need to sup- — Nelson Price, 2. “We advance the common plement our tithes and offerings Stewardship Committee member

UUMC and Food Center now known in different way in the city CONTINUED from Page 3 to our efforts, our peers in work. diverse number of people, institu- Every minute of every day. We Your attention shone so very tions, programs and agencies in had to dig deep, to be our best bright others noticed. ways we wouldn’t have ever im- selves, be courageous, get up Please know that our city, its agined a year ago. and do the daily tasks often people, its leaders, know us. Most of all I’m proud of us, alone. Not get sick. UUMC and its Food Center @324 all of us. We did the best we The gratefulness I feel for is known in a way that is different could together for each other and you all brings tears to my eyes. from before. ourselves in many, many ways. You each, in so many ways, be- COVID has transformed Let’s look back at 2020 with came our best cheerleaders, our UUMC and us in so many ways. pride. We made it! best advocates, our moral com- We have become integrated and — Galyn Murphy-Stanley, pass, our financiers, the energy supported into and by a hugely Outreach Coordinator

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2021 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 7

Finance Corner

Pledging Update Put University United Stamp 2020 total pledges: $217,360 Here Total Pledges Received $211,322 Methodist Church Non-pledge contributions $43,133 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit UUMC PPP Loan (CARES Act) 1085 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 $36,365 Phone: 315-475-7277 Fax: 315-475-8995 SUMM PPP Loan (CARES Act) www.uumcsyracuse.org Email: [email protected] Return service requested (Pastors’ Salaries) $31,888 www.facebook.com/UUMCSyracuse Dated material Trustees Bathroom Renovation Twitter: @UUMCSyracuse Fund $27,825 Christmas Offering $1,190 Sounds of the Spirit Visual Fund Donations received $95,991 Expenses paid $88,891 Current balance $7,100 Galyn Murphy-Stanley: What was I doing at UUMC? Finding a home By Galyn Murphy-Stanley name a few resources. I’ve been the Neighborhood Our network brings a lot of Outreach Coordinator at UUMC collaborative efforts benefitting for almost 7 years. For about a UUMC and our guests, which ex- year I’ve added the title Food pand our network further. Our Center Coordinator to my ever- network now includes publishers, morphing job. I was hired by Pas- media, reporters, universities and tor Craig French to manage a cooperatives. Teaching, lecturing, midsized Food Pantry, to unite site visits and interviews are com- our Outreach guests with our con- mon for us. These folks share our gregation and to network/ efforts to a wider audience bring- outreach into our community. ing more resources and attention I was thrilled to have a job to UUMC and our Food Center that met my and my family’s @324. needs, that was in the neighbor- Now my family works with me hood I live in and allowed me an Galyn with daughter Brynn. very often. They bring their avenue for social justice efforts. ist traditions. Tom Boll and Pastor friends/acquaintances who need My family laughed that I was now Alicia Wood with Katie Flynn con- a foundation, have an interest, employed at a church. tinue to help me, especially with want an outlet. We understand In many ways working with the vocabulary (the Narthex is not Syracuse to be full of energy, in- the people of Syracuse was and called Narnia). terest and people who strive to remains the easiest and most The staff have changed and create a better, more equal life enjoyable part of my job. I’ve evolved into a more user-friendly for us all. done this work at all points of my model as we’ve grown. We found at UUMC a salt-of- career. I, with the Outreach team, the-earth congregation that works It was the building, the con- continue to find ways to unite all with us, that believes with us that gregation, the staff and the rou- of our guests equally and fairly, together we are stronger, that tines of a Methodist church that but we have grown to be very suc- there is enough for us all, that were intimidating. Quickly, I fell in cessful in networking. Using our fairness is most important and love with the building (it remains entire community as a resource that we are all worth the work. my greatest joy to work within for food, donations, money, labor, Vito Sciscioli once asked me such an amazing space). Margo physical support, medical support what an Irish Catholic girl was do- Koten and Pastor Craig French for our guests, infant supplies, ing in a Methodist church. I think, were my first teachers of Method- pet supplies and clothing, just to finding a home.

Chimes newsletter Volume 21 No. 1 January 7, 2020 Feeding God’s People: Body, Mind and Spirit 8

Our Food Center @324 gets lots of donations, some of which cannot be used. Thanks to Joyce Flynn, 88 pairs of shoes that were not useful to our food center are benefiting Americans Serving Abroad, a local non- profit that does medical and educational mission work in Ghana and Uganda. The donated shoes will be used for women's economic empow- erment programs in third-world countries. Joyce Flynn and Nick Mac- Naughton hold some of the shoes in the next photo.

SUNY Upstate Medical University students helped pack food boxes for our Christmas food distribution Dec. 18. They also collected warm socks and soap to donate. Stu- dents in the photo, from left, are: Mackenzie Hintze, Dan Loeffler, Gretchen Goble, Michael Hartnett, Amanda Kaley, Siya Bhagat and Amanda Balch.

Evelisse Viamonte, who led the sock drive, said this effort was one way to answer the question, “How can we try to meet our community’s needs?”

Our Emergency Food Friday and Sunday Breakfast Distributions