Robert "Bob" A. Donaldson Sr  Robert “Bob” A. Donaldson, Sr., age 75, of Lake Clear, died Monday, October 29, 2018 at University of Vermont surrounded by his family
Born in Saranac Lake, NY on April 14, 1943, he was the son of Adrian and Emma (Perk) Donaldson. Bob loved working and being in the woods. He also took great pride as everyone who knew him in his work. He enjoyed meeting new people, and was known for helping everyone out. Bob was proud of and enjoyed his family and being with them. He survived by his wife Deborah (Jones) Donaldson of Lake Clear, two sons Robert (Tami) Donaldson, Jr of Saranac Lake and William (Rebecca Farnsworth) Donaldson of Saranac Lake, four daughters Patty (Darryl) McDonough of Lake Clear, Mary (Chris) LaClair of Belchertown, MA, Kelly Donaldson of Saranac Lake, Bonny (Bryan) Engelhardt of Denville, NJ, one step-daughter Eva (James) Stinson of Saranac Lake, one step son Joel Wit of Saranac Lake, 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren two brothers Roger (Marion) Donaldson of Lake Clear and Richard (Beanie) Donaldson of Lake Clear, two sisters Beverly (Bob) Bruce of Myrtle Beach, SC and Carol (Brian) Howes of Moretown, VT. He is also survived by the mother of his six children Betty Donaldson of Saranac Lake and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be take place at 11:00 AM on Friday November 2, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Saranac Lake, with Rev Eric Olsen officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in Mt. View Cemetery in Gabriels. Friends wishing to remember Bob may make memorial contributions to Hope Lodge or First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.
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WORDS OF WISDOM
Had any trials in your life lately? Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They provide by developing in us the kind of patience that awaits on God and trusts Him for strength to endure the setbacks of life. They can to wait upon the Lord for his help and strength. Do you know what FEAR is? False Expectations Appearing Real When we observe the Lord's Supper, any ritual can lose meaning, but that does not make the ritual meaningless. May we always be moved with gratitude for the wonderful gift of ritual, Rather than give up the ritual, we need to restore the meaning. Thank God for how he has provided for you in the past. Remembering God's provision for yesterday gives hope and strength for today. Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings. Once you have trusted Jesus Christ as your savoir, you can never lose your relationship with Him. The Bible is full of promises that He will be with you always, even when you feel far away from Him. In moments when we don't understand God's ways, we need to trust His unchanging character. Our situation may look very different from God's point of view. We need to remember that God is good and faithful, even though we can't see everything and may not understand how He works. You like to eat, don't you? What are you waiting for? The Bible nourishes us for the day's journey. It strengthens us when we are weak, gives us wisdom and encouragement. God has set before us a banquet of delectable spiritual food and calls us to come and eat. We are all invited. The Bible is the bread of life and it never gets stale. SARANAC LAKE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY October is Peanut butter and jelly month. Please add your donation to the red shopping cart at the back of the sanctuary. CHURCH COUNCIL - REPORTS Finance - Pledge and identified giving along with plate offering and Festival Offerings is $13,700 better than last year. Giving is generally up and we also had some significant one time gifts. Special Appeals for fuel at $1,555 is $859 better than last year. We received a $7,900 donation and we have used $550 in memorial funds to cover the cost of the purchasing pew cushions for the sanctuary, balcony and choir loft. We received $1,845 as a use donation for the Community Supper to offset operating costs in the building. Rummage sale income, for the two sales, was $5,852 compared to last year of $6,189. We received $20,000 to provide a roof for the Handicapped Ramp. Salaries are $4,557 less than last year. Our fuel expense so far is $3,602 greater than last year reflecting cold weather and increased cost per gallon. Music and the cost for the hand bells is $1,112 over last year. Ecumenical Council received $1,200 this year compared to zero last year. Repairs and Maintenance is $10,238 over last year including $497 spent on the exterior of the building, $872 on the heating system, $538 on the lift, $435 on electrical and $213 on the men’s bathroom. In September we spent $8,473 to replace the fuel tank. We continue to be current on our Ministry Shares payments. Our current income is $8,765 over current expenses at this time. According to my calculations we have $36,894 in unallocated funds at the end of the month. Outreach – the new welcome visitor card was displayed. The plan is to give them to Barbara Darrah to distribute; they will also be on the back table and downstairs on the table by the entrance to the Fellowship Hall... It would be better to have someone hand them to you. Pat Brown and Carol Griebsch have joined the team and will be sending written notes to visitors. RUMMAGE SALE A very successful Rummage Sale was held at the end of September which benefited the church. As usual the church was very full of items to be sold, along with the garage outside. Setting up the tent outside were: Jim & Barbara Halla & Chris, Elwin & Charlotte Hall, Trevor Fravor & Autumn, Mitch Smith, Joel Wit. Setting up tables before the sale were: Pam Ryan, Eric Olsen, Alan & Nancy Roberts, John & Em Ellithorpe, Ruth Damp. Working at the sale were: Charlotte Hall, Merle Smith, Dolores Commo, Jessie Aubin, Jean McDouongh, Eileen Leavitt, Avana Forsyth, Sharon Farmer, Joan Sleinkofer, Gina Norton, Ruth Woodward, Barbara Halla, Virginia Santy, Martha Donnelly, Maxine Chardeen, Eileen McCalvin, Richard & Debbie Harrison, Roz Deitz, Mary Kent, Cathy LeBlanc, Diane Kelting, Ruth Damp, Pam Ryan, Barbara Darrah, Nancy Stover, Jean Kern, Chris Weidenheimer, Bette Deschler, Ed Martin, Mary LaBrake, Joel Wit, Al & Cathy Fuller, Em Ellithorpe, Clarrice Shore, Alan & Nancy Roberts, Mitch Smith, Marlene Martin, Darrell Davies. Bob Donaldson took away 2 loads of garbage. Richard & Debbie Harrison took away 4 loads of stuff that we could not sell. Donated were: bedding etc, to the Humane Society, Handi-capped items, St Joe's received 3 bags of clothing, Scotts Florist received many vases, Austin Dridge took the books, High Peaks Hospice received all the last clothing and shoes. Again we would like to thank everyone so much for all your help to make it possible for us to raise $4,117.00 to benefit the church. It was greatly appreciated. SAFE SANCTUARIES There will be training held in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, December 8 beginning at 10 am. This training is mandatory for anyone in our congregation who works with children, youth or vulnerable adults. Many thanks to Travis McElyea for making the arrangements for this training to come to us. A LOSS On October 12, Virginia Anne Lester-Santy passed. I like to think of her as a professional volunteer. In addition to volunteering at the hospital, Virgie did many things for our church: working at the rummage sales, ushering, providing refreshments for the fellowship hour, and helping with community supper prep on Wednesday mornings. In addition, she was president-elect of the United Methodist Women. On of her relatives, Jane Lester, referred to her as Saint Virgie. Now she rests among the other saints. SANCTUARY OR FELLOWSHIP HALL? - WHICH WILL IT BE As many of your know, we have been holding our services in the Fellowship Hall during the winter months (January, February and March) to help reduce our fuel oil costs. Now, our weekly attendance has grown to the point where the fellowship hall will be crowded. Our financial gurus have looked at the heating costs for the last few years and have determined that the cost of a service in the sanctuary is about $85 more per Sunday. This is where our ongoing fuel appeal comes in. There are small brown envelopes in the pew racks labelled FUEL APPEAL. Your additional contribution through those envelopes will help keep us upstairs on Sundays. 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 Margaret Turnbull: 3873 Burnup Road Black River, NY 13612 DID YOU KNOW…? Your church can be found on Facebook. Just go to First United Methodist Saranac Lake. (Complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.” FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN - LIBERATION  As this November begins, it does so with the usual clouds, rain, snow showers and friends heading south to avoid all of the above. It is a month full of Holidays and special events, such as the Election Day dinner, Veterans Day and of course Thanksgiving. Over this month we will here candidates spin tales at their opponents, watch infomercials, here opinions and for some, avoid the topic all together.
We seem divided as a nation and loosing the better parts of our nature. This month also carries with it the 100 anniversary of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 when the nations involved in World War 1 finally said enough was enough. Our nation emerged the strongest from the fray due to two important points, we were a God fearing principled people and we were free. God fearing is the point I wish to address, because to live in the physical and spiritual nature of God means to be truly free. Europe and her empires for years played on the world stage of domination, control, colonization, bigotry and haughtiness. It was the unwanted, underfed, religious free thinkers and opportunists who boarded ships to the new world. As they did, they entered in the melting pot of traditions, ideas, cultures, faiths and practices. We experience them today and are the better for it. In every country I have ever been in I have met people who have a relative or family member living in the States and doing their best to build the American Dream. You might ask what this has to do with Liberation and our November’s newsletter. I will answer by reminding you that we have all benefited. Virginia "Vergi" A. Lester-Santy ~ 1950 - 2018  Virginia Anne Lester-Santy of Gabriels, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, at the age of 68, surrounded by her loving husband and two sons.
Virginia or “Virgi” as she was often referred by is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, John Santy of Gabriels; a son Daniel (Kellie) Seeloff of Canandaigua; a stepson David (Samantha) Santy of Mechanicville; and multiple siblings: Frederick Lester of Stausburgh, Colorado, David (Susan) Lester of Newfane, Patricia (Dennis) Draper of Hilton and Raymond (Emelia) Lester Jr. of Niagara Falls. She has six grandchildren whom were the apple of her eye and who adored her immensely: Noah, Luke, Marissa, Jonathan, Delaney and Payton. She was predeceased by both of her parents and her younger brother, Timothy. Virginia was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on July 25, 1950 to Raymond and Jacqueline (Smith) Lester. She graduated from Niagara Falls High. Later she became employed as a secretary for the Franklin County Nurses in Saranac Lake for 20 years before retiring in 2015. By far the most important thing in her world was her family. Her love ran so deep, there was rarely a moment where she wasn’t thinking or doing something with or for them. John was the love of her life. She loved doing anything at all with him, whether it was road tripping to see their kids or running down the road to sneak some ice cream at their beloved Donnelly’s, where he was, her heart was. Being a mom and then a grandma made her so proud and so happy. It was her world. She absolutely loved being a grandma, often spoiling her grandkids with random gifts or “because I love you” cards in the mail, she never missed a birthday and began planning Christmas well in advance because it was so much fun for her. She loved them so much and they all knew it. Taking up another portion of her heart was the numerous pets she had over the years-she leaves behind her fur babies, Pidge, Chip and Wilson. Virginia was a member of The United Methodist Church of Saranac Lake and had deep roots within her faith. Her love for her community was shown almost on a daily basis with her extensive volunteering. Whether it was working the rummage sales her church, serving up their Wednesday night suppers or spreading her contagious warmth and kindness at the Adirondack Medical Center, Virginia was always there to offer her hand. She loved being an amateur photographer with family members, always bringing out a camera or her phone to snap pictures of any moment. Often later she would make those pictures into gifts for family members. Crocheting was a self-learned hobby that she took pride in and often made her grandchildren things. While her son, Dan, was growing up, she was often referred to as a second mom to many of his friends. It was well known that her front door was always open, the coffee always on, cupboards always full and the conversations always available. Many of Dan’s friends benefited so much over the years from that open door, the kindness and often tough love she always gave. It was appreciated so much during those years and to this day is still talked about and remembered by many of them. She will be missed immensely by so many. The hole she leaves in so many hearts will be impossible to fill. Her silly dances, goofy sentiments, contagious laugh, beautiful smile and zest for life will be missed on a daily basis. She was loved so much and brought so much good to the world. Anyone lucky enough to have her in their lives, even for a short time, knew how blessed they were. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the United Methodist Church, followed by burial in the Brighton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Paul Smith-Gabriels Fire Department in care of the funeral home. Family and friends wishing to remember Virginia Anne Lester-Santy may also sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com. 
WORDS OF WISDOM
Prayer is a journey into the great relationship we have with God. What are the right times to pray? What is the right way to pray? No matter what we say or when, God is always there. Praying to God is a wonderful privilege. What are you thanking God for today? God often gets blamed when something goes wrong, but he seldom gets credit for all the things that go right. No one knows how many times God has protected us from harm. But when there is a tragedy, we ask"Where was God?" Consider all the wonderful things God does silently on your behalf each day. God keeps giving us reasons to praise Him. Read Luke 10:30-37, the story Jesus told about the good Samaritan. Faith is seen in our actions. May we be ready and willing to help someone at any time. Four habits worth having: First, the habit of prayer Second, the habit of study Third, the habit of giving and, last, the habit of fellowship. We are "the light of the world." It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary people that keep the darkness at bay. There is one force that the darkness cannot conquer - the force of loving acts of kindness done in Jesus name, those who turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, forgive and love their enemies. So look for the opportunity to perform acts of kindness today to bring the light of Christ to others and light up your world. The word "mercy" means "steadfast love." It refers to God's faithfulness. "Wait on the LOrd from day to day, strength he provides in His own way; there's no need to worry, no need to fear, He is our God who is always near." (FORTNA) Remembering God's provision for yesterday gives hope and strength for today. Don't worry about tomorrow either - God is already there. On God's family, every person has a job to do; there are no spectators. We weep and laugh together, we bear each others burdens, We pray for and encourage each other. We challenge and help each other to turn from sin. We need each other to get to where God wants us to go. CHARGE CONFERENCE COMING Saturday, October 6 at 4 at the church. This is an annual event, held this year with our new District Superintendent. The primary responsibilities shall be to review and evaluate the total mission and ministry of the church, receive reports, and adopt objectives and goals recommended by the church council that are in keeping with the objectives of The United Methodist Church. It is also the time for us to elect three trustees as the class 2021. By New York State law, this must be done by a written ballot. Candidates for the class of 2021 are: John Ellithorpe, Steven Land and Betsy Pond. DID YOU NOTICE The lovely new wooden railing at the front entrance? It was made and installed by Rick Potts, a master carpenter and member of the Lutheran congregation. SARANAC LAKE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY October is pasta and sauces month. Please add your donation to the red shopping cart at the back of the sanctuary. CHURCH COUNCIL - IMPORTANT MOTIONS
Methodist Service 9:30 – 10:30 Christian education10:45 – 11:30 Lutheran Service: 11:45 – 12:30 CARRIED unanimously This will start October 14th.
Salaries are $5,535 less than last year. Our fuel expense so far is $3,426 greater than last year reflecting cold weather and increased cost Per gallon. ECUMENICAL COUNCIL NOTES Samaritan House: Welcomed its 100th resident since we opened a year or so ago, and we expect to be full for the upcoming winter. Debbie McCarthy has been conducting a Life Skills program for the residents, including a cooking class, which she and the residents share. We’ve had some volunteers for painting from the veterans’ group and are looking for more. The Go Fish Thrift Store at High Peaks Church is offering vouchers for Samaritan House residents. Grace Pantry: We have 30 volunteers at this point, which is great, since demand remains high, with around 40 households participating each week. Salvation Army: We gave out 18 vouchers in August to assist with paying items like past due rent and utility bills, and we also bought school clothing for six kids. We raised over $12,000 last winter through the Red Kettle campaign. This year’s campaign is starting to gear up. We begin around Thanksgiving and will have at least three locations, as well as counter-top donation boxes in at least three locations. We had 50 volunteers last year and would love to have more. Cathy Moore of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise is coordinating the Red Kettle Campaign for this year. To volunteer, give Cathy a call at (518) 891-2600 or email her at: [email protected]. The Council’s annual Progressive Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 13. We begin at the First Presbyterian at 5:00. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!! The Annual CROP Walk to raise money for the hungry is also on October 13th. Half the money raised stays here in Saranac Lake to focus on those in our area who are in need of food. We could use some volunteers to help organize it! Ecumenical Gospel Choir Workshop - Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Group on October 27 and being led by the SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir and its director, Dexter Criss. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church and includes a potluck lunch and dinner. An evening concert is planned for the end of the day. Sounds great! 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 Margaret Turnbull: 3873 Burnup Road Black River, NY 13612 DID YOU KNOW…? Your church can be found on Facebook. Just go to First United Methodist Saranac Lake. (Complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.”  GREATER THINGS What is an individual when they are walking alone? They might be thinking, day dreaming or imagining as they wander. When walking solo,one might contemplate, reflect and or decide the next step in their journey. The ability to reflect. We humans are a unique in this way and an elemental part of creation. No other species is so deeply made. Other beings don't need figure out what bills to pay next, channel to watch or what time they should get up in the morning. The Zebra has few political opinions or sports favorites. These problems and there manifestations are unique to our lot and that is the wonder of human creation. The book of Genesis would designate us as “the likeness of God”, created in His image. Whoa! So that walk alone, in the midst of creation and with the creator is in fact a truly unique experience. What we may often take for granted is in fact, the pinnacle of God's design for His blessed world. As it says in Psalm 8, “Who is Man that you are mindful of Him?
Who are we? A great question for the individual, the family unit and those of us who gather in His name each Sunday morning. Whether alone or with another, we are called by the spirit to define ourselves and those around us in loving, compassionate and courageous endeavors. We are not just who we say we are (that is a worldly definition) but who we show ourselves to be. We are ultimately what others experience in us and what we experience in and with them. It is through such relationships (along with the one we have in the Lord through the Holy Spirit) that we test our words, discover our talents and grow deeper into the knowledge of our abilities, limitations and humanness. It is here that we learn the meaning of savior and all too frequently that of sin ( our uncanny ability to hurt others from our lack of investment). It is here that we learn about forgiveness. It is here you may want to ask about “Great Things” as it says in the title? …......Now we can come to that. Along time ago I learned that if you don't take the time to learn, you don't truly learn. Over the Summer with the Help of Brother Michael Martin and Brother Bill Cross, we embarked on a theme of learning about the Holy Spirit and what it is trying to teach and give to us for a successful life. We preached it in Saranac Lake and Bloomingdale It was well received and many in the church appreciated the chance to grow in spiritual knowledge. We all profit when we learn or relearn what is important. For this reason we are continuing our emphasis on Christian education and spiritual awareness. Our individual commitments to Christ are, of course, personal but our walk together is cooperate, done together. Growing and learning are the essentials to life just as stagnation and idleness lead to death. We are created to be vibrant. (Don't be surprised if we have an Altar call some Sunday so those who have not dedicated their lives to the relationship offered by the Lord may do so.) In October we will all see a change in our worship time and also, at times, our worship format. This is to allow us to grow in the spirit. We will have a Christian education hour each week to either join or sit in on should the spirit move you. This fall we will hold a class on dealing with Dementia and another on our needed role in combating Racism and its many evil manifestations. We will explore books of the Bible, argue over issues and grow in the messy process of learning what the Lord would have us do. We are wonderfully created and it does not matter if one is 6 or 96 we have the ability to love, live and learn. It is the promise of Christ that these spiritual gifts we gain now will be in and with us forever. Join us and perhaps bring a friend. Who knows, they and you might find what you are looking for. Peace in Christ! Blessings Pastor Eric
WORDS OF WISDOM
Do you pray every day? Praying is not meant to be a chore. Like a good habit, praying becomes easier when it’s done every day, even if it’s only for a moment. Thank you Lord, for your great patience. Things to keep in mind: Is what I am sayi9ng true, and is it loving? What is my motive? Will it help anyone? Will this reflect the character of Jesus? Let love be your goal. It’s easy to stand with a crowd; it takes courage to stand alone. True faith responds to the needs of others. Lift our eyes above our own thoughts and circumstances, and let us care as God cares. Then others will know what the words “God is Love” means when they see it in our lives. As we center our thoughts more and more on God, trust displaces fear and worry. As our trust in God goes up, fear and worry automatically go down. Want to see a portrait of Jesus? Read Isaiah 53. RALLY DAY Rally Day will be on September 9, It will be held at the Brighton Town Park from noon until 3 pm. There will be sign-up tables for Christian education, choir, bell choir, community supper volunteers, readers, greeters, acolytes and those who help during services. IN REMEMBRANCE Former pastor Maggie McCarey passed on July 30, 2017. A celebration of life was held in Schenectady on August 19. English professor, United Methodist Minister, published author, radio show host, social activist, feminist theologian, artist, mother, spiritual guide, holistic healer, genealogist. These simple labels cannot come close to expressing the essence of Maggie McCarey. She often reminded us that each of us is a part of and intimately intertwined with Spirit and that to know others is to know both yourself and Spirit on a deeper level. If you were lucky enough to find yourself doing some carpentry task or painting a wall or moving a box for Maggie, then you came away from the experience enriched. Everyone whose life journey she intersected was improved, some subtly and others profoundly. If your loved one was dead or dying, you received not just her comfort but something more: transformative insight that might help you well beyond your current misery. Against insurmountable odds, Maggie fought bravely against life threatening illnesses because she would never submit to the tyranny of anything that she recognized as detrimental to a life journey. Maggie always insisted that we not look back at the past with regret but always move forward. For those of us that Maggie leaves behind, moving forward will be far more difficult without her. SARANAC LAKE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY September is peanut butter and jelly month. Please add your donation to the red shopping cart at the back of the sanctuary. CHURCH COUNCIL - IMPORTANT MOTIONS
RECENT DONATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY SUPPER
AUGUST 2018 UPDATE – ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF SARANAC LAKE The Council met on August 6th at the High Peaks Church. Here are some highlights of the meeting: Samaritan House
The sale will be held on Thursday September 27 & Friday September 28 from 9am to 7pm, Saturday September 29 from 9am to noon. All items left at the church must be in good condition, no rips, and no stains. All small electrical items must work. Leave before Tuesday September 25. Thank you. Questions--call Church at 518 891-3473, Deborah J. Donaldson at 518 891-4199 or Charlotte Hall at 518 891-2129. 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 Margaret Turnbull: 3873 Burnup Road Black River, NY 13612 DID YOU KNOW…? Your church can be found on Facebook. Just go to First United Methodist Saranac Lake. (Complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.”  FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN –ANSWERING THE QUESTION Throughout my life and perhaps for yours too, I have periodically run into profound questions needing to be answered. Some of these hauntings of my inner being sought emotional answers of self-awareness while others required commitments of issues which defined me. I wish to say that this is different from wondering with imagination and a sense of vague possibilities but asking the deeper question of worth, ability and cost. I have pondered the question of marriage, parenthood, changes in jobs and relationships all which, once decided, made a world of difference. I have also had to look at complex and often charged issues and feeling conflicted tried to push off moral, ethical and spiritual decisions only to be haunted by these issues again and again. I have been troubled by an inability to decide and feared to decide incorrectly.
The most powerful question in the Bible occurs in an exchange, as Jesus asks of Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13-23) This question arises after Jesus has spent many days preaching, healing, feeding and loving the lost, forlorn and down trodden. He is told that many believe He is John the Baptist or a returning prophet. The disciples, caught up in the excitement of the moment, are ecstatic over His and their success. Jesus knowing the hearts and minds of those around him doesn't seek those who are on a band wagon of success but disciples who know and are committed to building God's Kingdom. Jesus is also aware of the human tendency to waver in the face of adversity and even betray our knowing, better selves to save our skins or just our faces. He pointedly asks of Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" He replies, "You are the Christ!" (The Messiah!) This is the question which, for me requires continual reflection and assistance. As we are finishing our summer study on the Holy Spirit and learning of the gifts and fruits offered to us as the Children of God, I am surprised how important this question truly is. If Jesus is to us what we profess in our confession of faith and in our hearts, we need to keep this question and our answer in the forefront of our being and ponder it. It is the answer to this question which is the basis for answering all the other questions that challenge and face us daily. It is a question that at times I don't want to face due to my lack of willingness or courage, because in answering it, like Peter, it requires me to face my uglier inner self, if not now, then down the road. For like Peter, I have betrayed both myself and Jesus through sins of commission and more often sins of omission. The asking of this question and the response tends to bring both responsibility and a sense of admonishment, the gentle and sincere guiding of our souls into righteousness. To answer it honestly is to understand the depth of our sin and our deep need for forgiveness. The need for the Messiah! Until we bow before Christ "we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us". Once we do our actions become a living answer to the question. When Jesus returns to his disciples in the Book of Acts, His first words are "Peace be with you!" His return means the disciple’s faith is well placed and merited. They begin to understand the greater scope and plan of the Divine agenda and see too their need to get with the program in full. Their questioning hearts are stilled and reassured as ours can be also, because the Divine connection brings answers. Pastor Eric AUGUST 2018 NEWSLETTER PLANNING AHEAD
Over the summer, Pastor Eric Olsen and Michael Martin will be following the same spiritual outline for their weekly messages, concentrating on the theme: Gifts of the Spirit, Fruits of the Spirit. the topics for the rest of the summer are: August 5: The Fruit of Patience August 12: The Fruit of Self-control Ausugt 19: The Fruit of Peace August 26: The Fruit of Kindness September 2: The Fruit of Hope WORDS OF WISDOM Godis always ready to forgive and restore, the one in whom we can always trust. Let this encourage you. God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile. A recent study concluded that smiling can be good for your health; it slows down the heart and reduces stress. Your smile could be a message of cheer from God to a needy soul. It is always the time to invest in eternity, by how we make and live by choices that show the difference the love of Jesus makes in our lives. Help us not to trade away eternal values for convenience and comfort. One is truly wise who gains their wisdom from above. Caring for the burdens of others helps us to forget about our own. In this noisy, busy world it is so good to spend a few minutes with God. Time with Him refreshes your soul and is the source of your inner strength. He is always near to us. The word “gracious” comes from the word grace and it can mean an act of kindness or courtesy. As followers of Christ who have received grace, we are to show it in the way we treat others. Grace in our hearts pours out in our words and deeds. Sometimes the struggles we face in life seem so big, but God is bigger. God’s comforting presence is more powerful than our fears. Despite the worst circumstances, people who rely on God have a sense of stability and vitality; like a firmly rooted tree. Do you know someone who needs your help or needs you to sit alongside them? The best way to encourage others may be to just be near. At the right times the Holy Spirit will give us words to say, if they are needed. THANK YOU We received a thank you letter from the Church World Service Blankets program. Our donation totaled $275. RALLY DAY Rally Day will be on September 9, Lake Placid will be invited to join us since they won’t have their own service that day. SARANAC LAKE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY August is pasta and sauces month. Please add your donation to the red shopping cart at the back of the sanctuary. SAVE THE DATES - RUMMAGE SALE FOR THE CHURCH The sale will be held on Thursday September 27 & Friday September 28 from 9am to 7pm, Saturday September 29 from 9am to noon. All items left at the church must be in good condition, no rips, no stains. All small electrical items must work. Leave before Tuesday September 25. Thank you. Questions--call Church at 518 891-3473, Deborah J. Donaldson at 518 891-4199 or Charlotte Hall at 518 891-2129. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN At the banquet on July 12th the women approved a contribution to the school district backpack program and will finalize a sweat suit donation for the emergency room at the hospital at their September 13 meeting. Plans were completed for the yard sale on July 27th and 28th. YARD SALE The United Methodist Women the end of July held their annual Yard Sale to raise money for their many mission projecSt that they do over the year. Setting up the tables before the sale were: Jeff & Sally Murray, Jim & Barbara Halla, Eric Olsen, Virginia Santy, Pete & Martha Donnelly. Helping at the sale were: Merle Smith, Jean McDonough, Nancy Roberts, Jessie Aubin, Gina Norton, Joan Sleinkofer, Linda & Jim Pierson, Avana Forsyth, Barbara Halla, Virginia Santy, Eileen Leavitt, Art & Carol Adkins, Joel Wit, Ruth Damp, Diane Kelting, Hannah Marlow, Martha Donnelly, Janean McElyea, Linda Hall, Chris Weidnimen, Alan Roberts, Darrell Davies. A special thank you to Bob Donaldson for removing garbage. The Humane Society took some items for the animals, Ria Bombard took handicapped items, Joan Sleinkofer took several quilts and blanket to Samaritan House. It was a very, very successful sale and raised money for our various projects. A special thanks to everyone who worked and everyone who came and bought. 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 Margaret Turnbull: 3873 Burnup Road Black River, NY 13612 DID YOU KNOW…? Your church can be found on Facebook. Just go to First United Methodist Saranac Lake. (complete with capital letters and spaces.) When the page comes up, click on “like.”  WHERE IS DANIEL WEBSTER WHEN YOU NEED HIM? Long before Hollywood lost its moral, ethical compass along with its sense of prudence, the film industry had the ability to tell stories with a sense of justice, faith and equality. In the 1930s as our nation was forced into a depression due to the excesses and uncontrolled manipulation of money and commerce, another voice emerged reminding us that we are not the be all and end all of our God given destinies. This voice could be found in old folk songs, sermons of the time and movies. One such movie was The Devil and Daniel Webster from a story by Steven Benet.
In the movie, a frustrated farmer fighting the hard scrabble fields, symbolic of the dust bowl crosses the line by making a deal with "scratch" the devil. For his soul he receives a bag of gold and good fortune. In return he loses his decency, compassion and everything he loves. When it is time for Scratch to collect, the farmer Jabez Stone, realizes he has been fooled by the devil and tricked out of his soul. He turns to Daniel Webster a famed orator and lawyer. Webster demands a trial and scratch agrees as long as he can select the jury. The jury it turns out is made up of the noted criminals and traitors of the time, most notably Benedict Arnold. In the course of the trial it is argued that a man’s soul is his own, given by God, and if forfeited then must return to the maker. There is also a greater appeal to the jury who themselves are condemned men who have been meted out justice and suffered for their crimes. Webster askes them a deep and probing question, "How many of you, knowing the depth of your guilt, the consequences of your own deal with the devil, and before God, don't desire a second chance?" All who are truly repentant may know there are no second chances but want one. The jury is swayed and the verdict returns "Not guilty". Farmer Stone is not vindicated but must rebuild again with the forgiveness of friends and in faith for a better tomorrow. He also must work the ground he is given. In the current atmosphere of "righteous" opinion and nonstop analysis, the public square can be both cruel and biased. Here is an example. In a moment of recognition it was asked of a friend if the person in the car next to us looked like Garrison Keillor. The reply was not to look at the person or answer the question but to point out Mr. Keillor’s alleged crime and criticize the man, convict him. End of story. I was shocked. It seems in the search for "justice" we can now write off the person, shame them, take away a legacy of goodness and pass them on to obscurity with just an opinion. There seems to be no thought of the deeper individual, their walk, struggles, or even the facts. We "who of course are perfect and blameless" can just convict others, thus disregarding the second chances we ourselves have been given. We are judge, jury and executioner. Please note that I am not giving Mr. Keillor a pass. If he has done what he is accused of, I would hope for repentance and forgiveness. He will, I hop,e face his accusers and his God and seek forgiveness. My point is, as humans and as God's children we are defined by much more than our mistakes. We are children of the cross where our savior made the point that we need forgiveness for we know not what we do. I believe in a God of second chances. If He didn't give second chances, Peter's denial would have been the end of it. Paul's persecution of the Christians is the last word. All of us fail. Many nights both abroad in combat zones and far from family and the comforts within our nation’s boarders, and on many lonely nights driving into tough situations, I was comforted by the voice, faith, humor and down home talent of Mr. Keillor. I am truly disappointed by his alleged behavior and equally at the backlash of unequivocal condemnation. It is the nature of sin to disappoint, to take and not give what it promises. I am glad my God does not define me as the sinner I am but asks me to see my mistake, repent of the sins I undertake, learn from them, start over, and move on. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Blessings Pastor Eric |
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