Stephentown Federated Church

Good morning! Please see the message below from the Men's Group Breakfast: Report from the Men’s Group Breakfast The Men’s group last breakfast meeting was March 1st, 2020 then Covid canceled everything since. When we were able to meet, meals were provided by volunteer cooks - Ted Bears, Paul McMillan, Brian McMillan, Malcolm Beal, Doug Mayen, Matt Eckhardt and Josh Leab; set-up and clean-up led by Konnor McMillan, Braydon McMillan, Rich Terpening, Everett Madden and Ted Be...ars. Ordering of supplies by Larry Eckhardt. Both the spring and fall All Church Breakfasts also were canceled. We express our many thanks and blessings to all who have contributed to the success of our wonderful gathering over the many, many years. We were praying that we could have another big turkey feast this year, 2021. However, with the recent flair-up of the Covid virus in the local area, we sincerely regret that we will not have our Nineteenth Annual Turkey Dinner this February. We are all sincerely disappointed but continue our prayers for things returning to more normal whatever that may look like in the future! Nevertheless, many people have donated to the turkey dinner in the past 18 years and the spirit of giving and sharing is what our dinner is all about. We are urging those who wish, to donate to our local food bank or to the church painting fund with a note of recognition of the canceled Men’s group turkey dinner. Canned goods are always appreciated as well as any monetary donation. The Men’s group and our Church congregation has been, and always will be, a sharing and generous group of God’s people. The group continues its commitment to community outreach and benevolence by donating money to the Christmas tree giving program for needy families. Nancy Beal purchased gift cards appropriate for the families on behalf of the Men’s Breakfast Group. This is the ongoing effort to extend our good fortune to those in need in our community and reach out to others who might enjoy being part of our activities, fellowship and events. Officers continuing their positions for 2021 are: Larry Eckhardt President Richard Terpening Secretary/Scribe Ted Bears Treasurer and Men’s Rep to General Committee Yours in Christ, Sincerely, Larry Eckhardt - President

REMINDER! It's that time of year again, time for the Stephentown Federated Church's food drive for "Souper Bowl Sunday" to help the Food Pantry replenish their shelves. Donations of both food or money are gratefully accepted. Items that are always in need are: tuna, coffee, tomato sauce, pasta, canned soup and toilet paper. PLEASE NOTE: Even though we are still worshipping remotely through our website, we are planning to continue to support our Food Pantry. We plan to cont...inue this tradition FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH from 10 am to noon. We will gather offerings of food and monetary support on the kitchen side of the church. Bring soup or any kind of food you would like to contribute. Pull up to the door, bring your items to the alcove, and someone will be there to take them from you. Thank you so much for your care and support for our community. God bless you. See more

Tonight the beautiful church contiguous to the farm rang their bells at the same time as many other churches rang their bells across our nation. This was a part... of the inauguration that took place at the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool. This was done to memorialize all the people whose lives have been lost in our communities because of the Corona virus. The times they are a changing See more

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. you will hear the bells of the Stephentown Federated Church ring at the same time as many other churches bells across our nation. This is a part of the inauguration taking place at the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool in our nation’s capital the night before the Inauguration. This will be done to memorialize all the people whose lives have been lost in our communities through Coronavirus. We invite you to take a moment to remember, and reflect in this time in history. This is personal to all of us. May God be with all who work to move forward in this time in history.

OFFERING ENVELOPES - The 2021 Offering envelopes are now available for you to pick up in the lobby of Pierce Hall by the kitchen door. If you have not had a box of envelopes before, there are a couple of unclaimed boxes your welcome to. Please everyone, just mark on the control sheet that you’ve picked yours up. UPPER ROOM JAN/FEB are also available in the same place. Everyone is welcome to take one. ANNUAL MEETINGS... January 10th 9 am Council Annual Zoom Meeting Chaired by Janet Atwater hosted by Bev, Rev Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent Alb. Dist. UNYUMC attending January 10th 9:15 am Session Annual Zoom Meeting Chaired by Larry Eckhardt hosted by Bev JANUARY 17TH 9:00 AM NEW TIME Annual Zoom Meeting Chaired by Rev Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent, Alb. Dist. UNYUMC, hosted by Bev. Rev. Earthrowl will also be our minister for this Sunday's service. The Zoom links will be emailed to members the week before each meeting. Please take time to be involved with these meetings TREASURER’S MINUTE The General Committee and I are very thankful for your generous contributions this year. The Church is in good financial shape. We signed up with Tithe.ly to collect contributions with the GIVE NOW button on our website. Any donations are deposited directly into our bank account and recorded as your donation. You can donate once, monthly, weekly and designate how you want the funds to be spent. We still welcome all checks being mailed to: Stephentown Federated Church, Treasurer, PO Box 10, Stephentown, NY 12168. Every year we give to both denominations for Mission. The Methodist donation is given through the apportionment we pay monthly to the UNYUMC. The donation on the Presbytery side this year I decided to give to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian Mission. As a church we gave as follows: Water Filter; Rainwater catchment system; Fishery kit; Jerry cans; Family of chickens; and a Sewing machine. Just think of the difference these items made to a lot of people making them more self-sufficient and productive. I had a strong feeling that you might enjoy knowing exactly how our donation was going to be used in this year of upheaval and uncertainty. With these items that you have made a big impact in others’ lives. May we all have a Blessed New Year! And always check out our services each week on our website: stephentownfederatedchurch.org. Barbara Terpening Treasurer, Stephentown Federated Church