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.
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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 |
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