Advocate 2022: Volume 14, Issue 1

ADVOCATE Upper New York

Volume 14 Issue 1

A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church

Focusing on our children and youth

Upper New York

ADVOCATE

Focusing on our children and Youth

Volume 14 Issue 1

“ ”

“We are committed to preparing our children and the children of the world for a better future in every aspect of their lives.”

-Bishop Mark J. Webb

ADVOCATE Upper New York

Volume 14 Issue 1

dist Church of The United Metho York Conference the Upper New A publication of

Focusing on our children and youth

On the cover

A look into Asbury First UMC’s Children’s Ministry

The children and youth ministries thrive due to the enthusiasm and passion of the leaders and the hard work of the eager volunteers who support them. Learn what makes their enthusiasm so infectious on page 12.

All photos appearing in the Advocate, a publication of the Upper New York Conference, have been printed with permission.

Follow us online: www.unyumc.org, www.facebook.com/uppernewyork, www.twitter.com/uppernewyork, www.instagram.com/uppernewyork 2 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

inside

What’s

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Building youth leadership

14

The importance of confirmation

22

The Kids Club

The Conference Council on Youth Ministry is made of youth from across the Upper New York Conference. Learn how this counsil plans events and promotes leadership among peers.

In order to stand strong in faith, we must know what this faith is. Confirmation class is one tool for helping young people grow in faith and understanding. Read all about the confirmation proccess at Lansing UMC.

Many churches are aware of the longing for deeper connection to God, an open-minded spiritual community, and a place to spiritual ground children. Learn how Whiteface Community UMC responded to these needs.

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Daja’s dolls

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Resources

The children they serve have often moved several times in a short period, have few nice belongings, and are faced with stress. Find out how Eastern Parkway UMC provides a special friend for these children.

Browse through recommended books available at the UNY Conference Media Resource Center.

Office: 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. Telephone: (855) 424-7878. The Upper New York United Methodist Advocate is a publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, whose mission is to be God’s love with all our neighbors in all places. It is published two times a year. Materials in the Advocate may not be reproduced unless the item is accompanied by a copyright notation. Postmaster: send address changes to Upper New York United Methodist Advocate, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. We reserve the right to edit or decline any items submitted for publication.

unyumc.org 3

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” – Matthew 19.14

of Jesus, through Sunday School, youth fellowship, choirs, scouting, summer camp, and “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, mission trips. the Lord alone. And you must love the The willingness of Lord your God with all your heart, all two congregations your soul, and all your strength. And you to invest in must commit yourselves wholeheartedly ministries to to these commands that I am giving you children and youth today. Repeat them again and again changed my life and to your children. Talk about them when set my life toward God’s purpose for me. you are at home and when you are on I was invited to know the depth of God’s the road, when you are going to bed love through Jesus Christ, to step into and when you are getting up. Tie them the call of Jesus to follow Him and then to your hands and wear them on your be equipped to serve Him and offer the forehead as reminders. Write them on promise and truth of God’s love to those the doorposts of your house and on your around me. I wasn’t just told I was the gates.” – Deuteronomy 6.4-9 future of the Church; I was reminded that am blessed to say that I grew I was a part of the Church. up in the Church. Some of my The opportunity to offer the Gospel of earliest memories are from the Jesus Christ to the children and youth of Sunday School rooms and sanctuary our communities continues today. In a of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Williamsport, Pa. It was in that church that time when many congregations lament the lack of children and youth present in women and men invested in me. They the life of their church, there are great lived before me a life of following Jesus Christ. They taught me how to pray, study possibilities for how the Church can renew a commitment to engage the lives the Bible, and understand the depth of of young people with the Gospel of Jesus God’s love for me. When I reached my Christ and invite them to be a part of the teen years, my family returned to my Church. mom’s childhood church, now known as St. John’s United Methodist Church. Once I understand the challenges. I have again, I was blessed to be surrounded by been part of the conversations about why women and men who showed me the way ministry to children and youth seems so

I

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hard today. Families are busy; kids aren’t interested; sports and other activities interfere; we don’t have any young families in our church. These are indeed challenges, but the church has always had to adapt to the shifting nature of the culture and seek the new ways in which God calls and desires to work within and through our lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ offer exactly what young people are yearning and searching for – significance, relationship, and truth.

The Church must enter anew into the battle for the minds, hearts, and spirits of our children and youth in ways we have not for a long time. Our culture and world are ready to fill the void within the lives of those seeking significance, relationship, and truth. Understand me, there are some good things being offered, but there are also some very dangerous things shaping and informing our children and youth.

Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers the fullness of purpose for which every person was created and the way of life that results in eternal significance.

This issue of The Advocate celebrates ministry among and with children and youth happening within our congregations.

The pages that follow share ways in which you can engage in ministry to children and youth, with examples of resources and strategies. Take advantage of what is offered here. Reach out to someone to learn more, seek assistance, or engage in a partnership that will help your church strengthen or begin ministry with young people.

VISIT US ON THE WEB

I encourage you to keep going deeper in your journey of discipleship. Disciple the grandparents and the parents among you and you will disciple children and youth.

As the Church nurtured you and me, we now can do the same for our children and grandchildren. As the Church invited you and me to know the love of Jesus Christ, be transformed by that love, offer that love to others and be a part of carrying out the purpose of the Church, we now are given the chance to invite our children and grandchildren to do the same.

What is God calling you to be and do to reach the next generation for Jesus?

How does your church invite children and youth to be a part of the journey of following Jesus? Be bold and step into God’s call. Don’t look at what seems impossible; look to what God promises as possible.

We are committed to preparing our children and the children of the world for a better future in every aspect of their lives. It seems like we hold back nothing. My prayer is that as followers of Jesus Christ we will be as committed to preparing them for what truly matters – a heart changed by the love of God; a life following Jesus and a commitment to being the Church that through the power of the Gospel will transform the world!

WWW.UNYUMC.ORG unyumc.org 5

Building

youth leadership throughout UNY

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By Kevin Clark, CCYM Publicity Chair

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he Conference Council on Youth Ministry, or CCYM, is an organization that plans events and promotes leadership among peers. The council is made of youth from across the Upper New York Conference, Each District elects 4-6 youth that make up the committee, Within CCYM, there are four committees: Worship, Gathering and Organization (aka GO), Publicity and Presentation (aka P3), and the Youth Service Fund, (YSF), Worship committee plans the worship services for our events. This includes locating a band and/or speakers during youth gatherings.

The Gathering and Organization committee organizes dates, times, and schedules for events held by CCYM. Publicity and Presentation is responsible for putting out news and articles about CCYM and our upcoming events. They also are responsible for making and playing presentations for our worship services. YSF is money raised by youth for youth. This committee sells snacks and CCYM/YSF/MOP Merchandise at youth events, The money can be requested by Youth Groups when they need financial support with mission trips.

Before COVID-19, CCYM held events in the fall and the spring. In the fall, we divided up into our own Districts and planned our own District event. Some Districts joined together to make planning easier and create a larger event, A few Districts held overnights while others, a full day of fun. We had planned to hold a large Spring event in March 2020, which we refer to as “Outward.” This event has been held in Syracuse for years and is a whole lot of fun. There is music, games, workshops, and it helps strengthen your connection with God! There are also people from all over the Upper NY Conference you can meet. Everyone’s different which makes it easy to make friends!

As youth, we prefer to embrace our differences as we are all God’s children,

You can meet people completely unlike you who have a different perspective on life and God. Finding out how other people believe and worship can really help strengthen your connection with God. But if you are a youth who prefers to worship in a quieter, more personal way, we also offer peaceful spaces to draw, color, pray, or just sit in silence.

It’s an incredible event for anyone that comes.

After the worldwide outbreak of COVID, we sadly canceled Outward 2020. We then put a pause on everything until fall 2020, when the CCYM held camp clean-up days at some of the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Centers. We held these camp clean-up days at Asbury, Skye Farm, and Casawasco. They were all a success with helping the camps get ready for the winter and having a great time while doing so.

In the Spring, a very similar event was held at Asbury and Skye Farm. We had people from all over the state go to both, with a great turnout for each event. This time instead of focusing on getting ready for the winter, the cleaners focused on unpacking from the winter. The days were spent taking out supplies and cleaning up pathways to prepare for summer. Once again, everyone who went had a blast.

Throughout the tough times of COVID, our CCYM has been presented with challenges in meeting its goals, but we have stayed alive through meeting over Zoom as a whole committee, and as smaller break-out groups, Members have been spending time at their local churches continuing to work on their spiritual leadership skills, We are hoping to bring District and Conference-wide events back to Upper NY Conference, Stay tuned for more information,

CCYM is currently accepting new members, If you are interested in learning more about CCYM, you can reach to your District coordinator or District Superintendent.

If you are an adult interested in helping, you can contact Tony Hipes at tjhipes@gmail.com. unyumc.org 7

Children and Youth Ministry, the very

heartbeat

of our churches!

Endwell UMC

By Lynne Kimpland, Dir. of Children and Youth Ministries at Endwell UMC 8 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

T

he year 2019 was the culmination of effort, planning, inspiring, and training leaders.

The six years leading up to this time at Endwell UMC produced numerous familyfun entry points in our community with our Children and Youth Mission Statement in mind – Inspiring kids to know God’s love, laugh often, and live like Jesus.

I started this process by first changing the terminology from Sunday School to Children’s Church and then developed a Sunday morning program that was both inviting and exciting. As our Sunday morning programs began to build to over 50 children and youth attending each week and 40 volunteer teachers on a monthly rotation, we implemented six classrooms for toddlers- 5th grade, 6th-9th grade, Confirmation class, and a special needs adult class, all using the Celebrate Wonder curriculum. This provided an opportunity for Sunday morning worship to become an inclusive learning experience while everyone was engaged in the same Bible passage creating topics of discussion for families throughout the week.

In January, we host our annual Olaf and Friends Winter Fest. We recruit local high school students to dress up as Disney Princesses, Olaf, and all the Frozen movie characters, including a live petting zoo with Sven the reindeer and a unicorn pony.

Families come together and enjoy live music, crafts, snacks, and games. This winter event draws in over 1,000 people annually.

Continued on page 10.

With the congregations support, the Sunday morning programs morphed into creative community events scheduled throughout the year. These free and fun events spurred the growth of worship attendance as well as our children and youth programs on Sunday Mornings.

It begins in October with our outdoor event - Trunk N’ Treat on Halloween Night.

Twenty-five volunteers dress in kid friendly costumes and stock their car trunks with candy and treats donated from the congregation. While Trunk Treating, families enjoy music, hot dogs, drinks, and fellowship. This event draws over 1,000 people every year.

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In April, we host our annual Breakfast with the Bunny. This pancake breakfast is a fundraiser for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. Children enjoy pictures with the bunny, an egg hunt, games, and crafts.

In July, we host our biggest yearly event - a five-day Vacation Bible School, bringing together 130+ children and 75+ youth and adults who volunteer in various capacities. Children enjoy rotating to four activities including a large waterslide. By following the Safe Sanctuary protocols, families register for each event, which includes contact information, formulating a database to inform families of future church/community events.

It takes many volunteers to run these events, but we have learned that a church is at its strongest when everyone comes together and is contributing their individual talents and spiritual gifts.

Opening our doors and turning our church facility into a community center outside of Sunday Mornings has given us an opportunity to go out into the world and be a reflection of God’s love. Many new families have come into the life of our church via these community events and now are an active part of our church family.

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Then came March 20, 2020, and everything changed. COVID-19 shut us down and forced us to rethink how to live out our faith amidst a pandemic, so the story continued. To sustain our connection, I began developing an online Children’s Church and TWIGS youth program by utilizing our website, www. rootedateumc.org.

Each week, a new session was posted of our weekly bible passage with a personalized Kid’s Connect video, crafts, activities, and Bible story. Each session was archived for the convenience of families. This site also included a personalized weekly children’s sermon video that was shown during our remoteonly worship.

Our TWIGS (Teens Walking In God’s Spirit) Youth Group had to transition to Zoom meetings, which included high energy, shorter duration gatherings of games, faith formation, and social emotional learning.

Our church COVID-19 safety protocols stipulated the creation of a parent-led, online Vacation Bible School. These fiveday, interactive sessions included videos, back-yard games, crafts, Bible lesson, and even a snack to create all in the comforts of home.

We are presently emerging from many of the COVID--19 restrictions as families are slowly but surely returning, however, this has been a painstaking process.

To rebuild our program, the Saplings Children’s Choir was recently created.

We rehearse early Sunday mornings and perform every 4-6 weeks during worship.

The momentum of the children’s choir has had a direct impact on the newly energized Children’s Church program that now stands at two classes with 16 teachers, with the hope of returning to our five-class room program.

Confirmation Class October 17, 2021

Our return to a sense of normalcy has also reignited our TWIGS Youth Group.

We found it necessary to combine our Confirmation Class with our youth group that now meets Sunday morning after worship. This is a time of fellowship where past confirmands mentor this year’s confirmation class. Their time together is highlighted by learning, playing, and enjoying lunch together. However, as the COVID restrictions are being lifted, I am in the process of going back to our pre-pandemic format with two separate groups – the AM TWIGS Confirmation Class and TWIGS Youth Group, giving youth the option of attending both programs.

Building an active and growing children and youth ministry especially in and through a pandemic has been both challenging and inspiring. Moving forward, our call and mission in children and youth ministries is to ACT – Assess, Create and Train as a way forward to sustain present and future growth.

We invite you to Assess the needs of your church and community’s children and youth, Create entry points that meet those needs, and finally Train leaders who have the passion to inspire children and youth to know God’s love, laugh often and live like Jesus. The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise up a child”, and this may be the very heartbeat of our churches. unyumc.org 11

A snapshot of Asbury First UMC’s

children’s ministries

By Paula Dugan, Asbury First Children’s Ministries Director

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sbury First UMC, in Rochester, NY, endeavors to create an open, supportive, and lively environment for our children and youth. These ministries thrive due to the enthusiasm and passion of the leaders and the hard work of the eager volunteers who support them.

Paula Dugan, Director of Children’s Ministry, and Holly Temming, Director of Children’s Music, spare no effort to inspire, engage, and support our children. They continually approach tough issues, such as racial justice and the COVID-19 pandemic, with creativity and an energy that ensures all our children can process these difficult concepts and feel seen. They also work with families and an amazing crew of volunteers to provide entertaining and educational opportunities for our children.

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A wonderful example of this engagement and infectious enthusiasm is Asbury First’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). For 2021, the theme was “Be the Seed,” which coincided with the creation of our community garden.

“Be the Seed” was a special week full of hands-on experiences. Campers learned how to compost, create artwork and music, and even to raise some Monarch butterflies.

Asbury First’s VBS is based on rotating stations. They often include art, science, cooking, music, outreach, and games.

Finding a theme and tying it back to the Gospel is key.

Making that connection for children between the Word and their day-to-day life is important. How can they, the children of God be the Asbury First UMC seed in the world?

In the science station we learned about the stages of development of the Monarch butterfly. Each day brought a new surprise.

Starting with an egg as small as a mustard seed, growing into a hungry caterpillar, then ending with a chrysalis where a butterfly emerged for all campers to see and touch and release into the world. Like the butterfly, campers were challenged to go out into the world and spread the Word of God with others.

and at other youth ministry activities.

There are opportunities for youth to work backstage or to help with sets, tech, or concessions. All the money raised goes towards the mission trips that Mike Mullin, Minister for Discipleship and the youth go on Youth, also pulls out all the stops to foster over the summer. an open and accepting environment for our The musicals not youth. From interacting with other religious only bring institutions, such as Temple B’rith Kodesh the youth and the Islamic Center of Rochester, to together, multiple service opportunities and mission but the trips, Mike instills an open faith that is whole service-driven. All the while he encourages church them with a youth-oriented version of our comes main mission: Love God and Neighbor. Live together to Fully. Serve all. Repeat. embrace Mike also works with Carol Lamica, the youth by Director of Youth Music, and Dr. Larry Dugan, attending the Director of Youth Theater, to provide creative performances. outlets and fun activities for the youth ranging This points to from “Pie for Pi Sunday,” retreats at Camp another important Casowasco, the Youth Choir and Bell Choir, reason that the and of course the annual musical. children’s and The youth have been performing for youth ministries more than 25 years, and they recently thrive at Asbury had successful performances of “Annie”.

First: the The beauty of the fall musical experience involvement of at Asbury First is that it is an inclusive the entire church. opportunity for youth of all abilities and Our congregation drama experience. Anyone who tries out happily supports is included in the show, and youth who these ministries are neuro-diverse also have a chance to not just by participate. All the parts are given equal purchasing pies to raise funds for importance, and the director is very flexible mission trips, or volunteering time and talents given the busy schedules of our youth. for VBS, or attending musical performances, It’s a supportive environment and the but by embracing our children and youth youth encourage each other while bonding with love and acceptance. Asbury First is throughout the time they spend together. blessed beyond measure with an engaged These bonds extend outside the musical and passionate congregation and thriving experience—at school, in the community, children’s and youth ministries. unyumc.org 13

Reflecting on the importance of

confirmation

By Rev. Alison Schmeid, pastor of Lansing United Methodist Church

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ack in the last century, I loved confirmation class because it met in a relaxed environment. Our pastor wore blue jeans and sat in a rocking chair and talked with us as if we were thinking adults, not children. Today, a pastor in blue jeans is not an anomaly, and worship is much less structured.

More than a relaxed environment, it is important to find ways to convey to students that confirmation is a special time, that they are valued as independent thinkers, and that Christ’s invitation is real, personal, urgent, life-changing, and the best decision they will ever make.

In order to cling tightly to and stand strong in faith, we must know what this faith is.

Confirmation class is one tool for helping young people grow in faith and understanding. At Lansing UMC, confirmation class is open to students eighth grade and up and meets for an

hour-and-a half on 14 Sunday evenings. We recognize and commission confirmands before the congregation in worship at the start of the class and pray for them in Sunday worship each week until the day the confirmation ritual is offered.

In addition to classroom learning, the confirmation process includes mentors, a mission project, a retreat, and visits to other places of worship. The ritual of confirmation takes place on Pentecost, in the Sunday worship service.

In the next article, Lansing’s confirmation class leaders Christa Salmon and Dianne Walter express how confirmation class is a deep, spiritual experience for the entire congregation.

For an example of our latest confirmation service, visit: https://bit.ly/ Lansingconfirmation2021 or scan the QR code with your mobile device; you will be inspired!

The confirmation process at Lansing United Methodist Church

By Christa Salmon and Dianne Walter, Confirmation leaders at Lansing United Methodist Church

When I was 13, I remember meeting with the Rev. B. J. Norrix in his little office at Christ Community United Methodist Church in Syracuse. There were four of us and we met each week to read the Book of Luke. During this time, I remember deepening my connection with God, my church, my pastor, and my friends.

Confirmation has always meant connection to me.

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About 17 years ago, my mother-in-law, Dianne Walter, and I joined a Beth Moore Bible study called Believing God. Through this study, God inspired Dianne and me in so many ways, but one was to bring what we were learning to our young people. Dianne and I had participated in confirmation at Lansing United Methodist Church (LUMC) Lansing UMC for a couple

of years and were active in youth ministry. We wanted our young people and their families to feel that connection to their peers, other families, their church, and most importantly to Christ. With the Rev. Bill Gottshalk-Fielding’s help, we developed a new confirmation journey.

Today, confirmation at LUMC is about young people becoming members of the Body of Christ, thoughtfully setting their intention to seek God, and to follow Jesus.

This is a journey led by the Holy Spirit. Each young person walks the path with supportive witnesses surrounding them: their parents, Pastor Alison Schmied, Dianne, and me, as well as other adult members of LUMC and youth. All of us testify to God’s presence and action in our lives.

By connecting youth with so many other believers, they can feel God's love and presence through all of us. Our God is a God of relationships and confirmation is a chance to build relationships with God and others within His Church. We often celebrate confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, which is a testament to all the work the Holy Spirit is doing within these young people’s lives and within our church and community.

Confirmation begins with a seven-week study of the Book of Luke. Confirmands and their parents study the Bible together and meet weekly with the confirmation team to learn more about who Jesus is. I love this part of confirmation because we ask questions, discuss God’s Word, and we share how we experience God in our lives. We also have blindfolded obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and lots of laughter!

When my own daughter went through confirmation a few years ago, I realized what a truly precious opportunity this was to discuss spiritual matters. So often, we lack the confidence or chance to have those important conversations about our faith with our children.

During confirmation, we prayed for one another and shared our faith stories.

Then, the second phase of the journey begins. Confirmands travel the next portion of confirmation with their mentors, and the confirmation team. The mentor is a God

appointed member of LUMC who helps the confirmand understand what it means to commit their life to Christ. I like to think of this time as when confirmands “get to look over the shoulder of another Christian” to see what it’s like. A mentor is humble and open and willing to grow in their relationship with Christ too. Often mentors feel a rejuvenation of their faith as well.

Throughout the entire confirmation journey, the confirmand is being faithfully remembered in prayer by their prayer partners. Each confirmand has an adult prayer partner and sometimes a youth prayer partner. These youth are former confirmands who have the chance to return the blessing of prayer that they received during their confirmation journey.

Prayer partners are reminders for our confirmands, and for all of us, of the incredible importance of prayer in our faith walk. Prayer partners commit to remembering our youth by name to God in prayer daily. Wouldn’t we all like to think that there is someone special in our church body who is saying our name daily in the presence of God? This is truly special!

During an average year, we have about four young people participate. With parents, mentors, prayer partners and our confirmation team; this could mean 30-40 people are participating. This is not to mention the Bible study groups and the whole congregation praying for these young people.

As an eye-opener in our class, we often use a ball of red yarn to create a web as each of us says the name of someone we appreciate seeing at church. When I sit in church on Sunday, I often envision this web of string invisibly connecting each of us in the pews to one another.

Confirmation unites our church family and creates new multi-generational connections.

At one point, a friend said, “When confirmation is taking place, it’s the most important thing happening at LUMC.” I don’t know if that is strictly true but I like to think so. Every year, I am awed by how the Holy Spirit brings all of us together, showing us God’s unfathomable love and care for us, renewing our connection with one another and God through the miracle of confirmation. unyumc.org 15

How UNY CRM

shaped lives

By Matt Williams, Site Director of Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center

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t is always fascinating to see the number of hands that are raised when a group of clergy women and men are asked if they received their call to ministry in a camp and retreat setting. What is it about time spent at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake, and Skye Farm as a young person that exerts such influence over the direction of so many lives?

For Greg Milunich and the Rev. Dr. Beth Quick it was encountering an intentional community dedicated to a lived-out faith that helped them discern their vocation and continued involvement in the Church.

“Being a SNAP helped me realize that faith was something more than sitting in a church on Sundays,” said Greg. He spent three summers in his teenage years as a Special Needs Assistant Personnel (SNAP for short) helping with special needs programs at Sky Lake. Greg was already a long-time camper and jumped at the opportunity to spend even more time at camp when his brother’s friend told him about the SNAP program.

The campers Greg encountered were “some of the most genuine and wonderful people, who taught me so much about faith and what it means to be human in this world.” For him, the opportunity to experience a faith community in which people were welcomed and embraced without exception helped him claim his faith as his own.

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“Camp giving me a sense of ownership over my own faith journey was really meaningful” for the Rev. Dr. Beth Quick as well. It was the summer after fourth grade when Beth first attended a week of camp at Aldersgate, with the Rev. Dan Corretore as the volunteer dean.

“Getting to see so many clergy in the camp setting was influential.” After that first summer, she could not wait until she was old enough to be on staff, but in the interim, Beth continued returning to Aldersgate as a camper. She especially loved that there was a place where young people were not only expected but encouraged to speak about one’s own

faith and to take responsibility for that faith.

“The churches I grew up in encouraged this as well, but camp was the first time I saw people near my own age taking on leadership roles and speaking about their faith publicly,” Beth said.

From the moment the sites were established by the legacy Conferences, Upper New York Camp and Retreat Centers have been intentional about fostering the near-peer experience that both Beth and Greg encountered as campers. Whether it be for a weekend or a week, featuring young persons—who are only a few years older than the campers themselves—in leadership roles naturally invites campers to come into the center of ministry from the periphery in a way that local churches are not always equipped to do. Having clergy and committed lay adults in roles that actively support young persons in leadership roles contribute to the positive experience.

Looking back on her faith journey, Beth was like many campers in that her call to a vocation came in stages. She first felt the call to be on summer staff, which in turn led her to discern a call to youth ministry.

Beth recounts that as a teen, her pastor would let her plan the retreats the youth from Rome First would take at Aldersgate, which later helped her to discern a call to pastoral ministry. “When I became a pastor, the expectation of giving a week of my time to camp was genuinely exciting.”

Over her 17 years serving local churches, Beth’s excitement of being able to serve in this capacity extended to summers at Aldersgate and Sky Lake,

and with CCYM retreats at Asbury and Casowasco. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Drew Theological Seminary but looks forward to spending time at Skye Farm in the future.

Like Beth, Greg’s road to becoming a special education teacher today also involved stages. “After SNAPing, I realized that I liked working with people with disabilities, but was also passionate about history, so I decided to major in both in college.” It was during his time student teaching, that Greg concluded that he wanted a career that was going to be more than a job, that was going to be different every day, and that was going to make an impact on lives. “So I looked back at the positive experiences I had as a SNAP and decided that being a special education teacher was where I could best put my faith in action,” Greg said.

Being a teacher has also allowed Greg to return to camp as a volunteer dean multiple times. During the pandemic, his home church, Ogden-Hillcrest UMC in the Binghamton District, benefitted immensely from Greg videography and computer skills. Today, his oldest two children have become campers themselves. “I hope their lives are equally enhanced by the active faith community I encountered as a camper,” Registrations for summer programs and staff applications are currently being accepted at all Upper New York Camp and Retreat Ministry sites.

Visit campsandretreats.org for more information. Or scan the QR code with your mobile device.

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Passing on the

faith

By the Rev. Carrie Wolfe, Deacon and Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, Olean: Christ UMC

F

rom 2 Timothy 1:5 (ICB), “I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. And I know that you now have that same faith.”

Antoinette Abernethy Lamoreaux, one of the early contributors to the Sunday School movement, wrote in her seminal book The Unfolding Life, “May God have pity on the countless children who live in houses, but are homeless.”

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How can a child live in a house but be homeless?

For Lamoreaux, the home is the greatest influence on a child’s decision to move toward or away from God – whose love is our true home. So, a child living in a house whose influence, either intentionally or unintentionally, moves them away from God could experience a sense of homelessness.

Paul writing to Timothy in the passage above was blessed by Timothy’s faith and

he reminded Timothy that that faith was not only personal, but it was corporate…that Timothy was cooperating with what had been intentionally passed on to him by his mother and his grandmother…from one home to another.

Over 100 years after Lamoreaux and the early Sunday School movement began their campaign to help houses become spiritual homes; the National Study on Youth and Religion came to the same conclusion.

Lead researcher and Notre Dame professor of Sociology, Dr. Christian Smith concluded that nothing else “comes remotely close to matching the influence of parents on the religious faith and practices of youth.”

This means that whether or not a house is a spiritual home depends on the faith and practices of the parents or caregivers living in the house with the children. Other researchers found that if parents or guardians even attempt to make God a top priority; there is about an 85% chance that the child will maintain faith.

And comparatively, they determined that the Church alone has about a 15% chance.

Further, the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) identified three key priorities that are the hallmark of this influence parents and guardians have in their children moving towards faith.

First, parents must have faith themselves.

As we’ve said so often; you cannot give what you do not have.

Whether we want to offer a spiritual home to our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members, neighbors, or any child of God of any age, we cannot do that if we personally have not decided to yield our lives and our wills to God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Paul reminded Timothy, Lois passed on faith to Eunice and Eunice passed on faith to Timothy because Lois and Eunice HAD faith to pass on. They lived a transformed life in front of Timothy.

Second, in order for parents or guardians to pass on faith they need to prioritize God in the decisions made and the conversations had in the home.

What do we spend our time and money on…do we live under the reign of God’s love or the reign of someone or something else’s definition of success?

Our answers to these questions surrounding daily life are a good barometer of who or what is our top priority and if it is not God, we are missing opportunities to influence children to move toward God. Matthew 6:33 clearly focuses on who and what needs to have top billing in our houses in order for them to be spiritual homes: “The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you.”

Finally, the NSYR found that households that prioritize weekly church attendance maximize their influence on a child’s decision to have and maintain faith.

I think we can agree that this priority has been tested during the COVID pandemic. We have experienced two years of unprecedented chaos that has legitimately required that we say no to so much – including saying no to inperson church attendance.

My prayer is that we can begin the process of learning how to say YES again.

I believe that even though it’s scary and we cannot see all that lies ahead, together, we must start thinking about saying yes to church, to showing up. Showing up because children and parents are waiting. Waiting for someone to open the door to a spiritual home…waiting with an outstretched hand for you…for me…to pass them the baton of faith just like someone passed it to us. unyumc.org 19

UMC Connections with

Refugees

RISSE

They actively support RISSE with their time, talent, and treasure.

RISSE incorporated in 2012 and has helped hundreds of people over the past decade. Our mission is to help refugees and newly arrived immigrants create safe and sustainable lives. RISSE provides comprehensive, year-round English Language instruction and support services to the refugee and immigrant community.

RISSE operates After-School and Summer Youth Programs, Adult English Literacy/ Language Program, civics classes, life skills orientation, Job Search Assistance, Family Helpers, and more.

By Cheryl Lasher, Development Director of RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc.)

R

efugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc (RISSE) was founded in 2007 as an outreach project of Emmaus UMC in Albany, NY to help one family from the Congo get established in their new home. Fast-forward to 2022. Emmaus, First Methodist Delmar, Jonesville UMC, Burnt Hills – Ballston Spa UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and First Methodist East Greenbush are vital partners with RISSE. 20 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

We work directly with about 250 families a year utilizing one or more of our services.

Our families are originally from more than 25 different countries, so they demonstrate racial and religious diversity. Ninety-eight percent of their family incomes are below national poverty levels. Some newcomers are victims of human trafficking; almost all suffer from some degree of PTSD. They come from war-torn or famine-stricken areas around the world. Families can spend up to 10 years in refugee camps. Our families follow the established legal channels to become productive, tax-paying community members.

Volunteer opportunities are as varied as the RISSE families. Some volunteers work in our after-school classes to help with English as New Language, math tutoring, or listening to or reading to students. Others participate in our Adult Literacy Program where they can

be one-on-one tutors online with students, many of whom are new arrivals from Afghanistan. Here’s one volunteer’s input: “I loved my time at the school. It is so full of energy, engagement, and community spirit.”

- Cindy, volunteer

Some congregants from the aforementioned churches make sure all the after-school students have Christmas gifts, warm coats, and mittens each year. A new community playground was built at RISSE in 2019. It was a love letter to our children from an ecumenical team of these churches, Jewish temples, Roman Catholic Deacons, and individuals from many faith communities.

The churches also created a free bike program in 2021 to help families with transportation to work or the store.

Congregants interact with RISSE clients to help purchase bikes and deliver to their homes. Often, it is the first-time church members from the suburban areas are able to meet refugee families. This program was funded by a Mustard Seed grant from UMCOR to help establish connections and convey the message that refugees are welcome here.

Here is an example how RISSE impacts clients’ lives: R. and her family originally came from Sudan as refugees. She has four daughters and her son has special needs.

RISSE found an appropriate afterschool program for her son so she could work. She is the sole support of the family because her husband suffers from severe depression and is unable to work.

Mental health problems, particularly PTSD, are common among our families. Two of her daughters still attend RISSE.

R. attended English and civics classes at RISSE (where she also works). She achieved American citizenship and therefore, so have her younger children. She has learned how to drive and now owns a car. This family is an excellent case study of how RISSE helps the whole family with multiple services.

RISSE is now seeing an increased demand for services in 2022. The Federal Government increased the cap for accepting newcomers from 15,000 people to currently 125,000 per year. US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants anticipates 1-4 new families per month in the Capital Region and possibly more later in year. Three hundred people from Afghanistan have settled in the Capital District in the last six months. RISSE is the lifeline for new families to bridge the cultural and language gap between their lives in dire circumstances and new lives in the U.S. RISSE thanks our church partners for their generosity and loyalty. Christ told us to love one another. Our UMC partners live out that commandment in so many ways. We are very grateful.

unyumc.org 21

The

Kids Club at Whiteface Community UMC

Whiteface Community UMC

Ten minutes later, a bus pulls up. The first group of students bound off the bus, these days wearing their masks, Over the next 45 minutes, more children and a teen will arrive. They are warmly greeted by the adults as they hang up coats and backpacks, wash their hands, collect their snacks, and find a place at the table. Adults sit down with the kids and conversations range from sports and hobbies, to what happened in school that day, to sometimes the deepest, most painful experience that a child needs to share. Relationships are formed in this

By Rev. Chrysalis Beck, place; God’s love is embodied; lives are Pastor, Whiteface Community UMC changed; and we all meet Jesus in each other. t’s 2:30 p.m. on a Monday. A spread of Like many churches, here at the healthy snacks is on the counter. Chairs surround a table with an ongoing jigsaw Whiteface Community United Methodist Church (WCUMC) in Wilmington, NY, we puzzle. Checkers, a memory game, and are aware of the often unspoken longing the beloved Legos are out. Supplies in the wider community – the longing are arranged for making craft projects: for deeper connection to God, an opencare cards, prayer blankets, or perhaps minded spiritual community, and a place a science experiment. The flannel for families seeking spiritual grounding storyboard is ready, and the guitar is tuned. Three to four Kids Club adults take for their children. Kids Club at WCUMC a deep breath and prayerfully wait for the began in response to these perceived needs. first school bus to arrive.

I

22 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

We began in January 2017, meeting on Mondays after school. Kids Club is a faith-based children’s program created and run by WCUMC. It is open to all children, Kindergarten through Grade 6, regardless of church affiliation. Older children and teens may serve as youth assistants. The schedule consists of snack time, Bible story, games, crafts, missions, and singing. Our stated goal is to reinforce positive values and spiritual grounding for all children. We do this by providing an environment where children and youth can experience and internalize God’s love, teaching about God through the stories of scripture, and providing opportunities for them to live out Jesus’ care for others. Over the years, Kids Club students have blessed others by making care cards, prayer blankets, and message stones, as well as assembling flood buckets for UMCOR, and Christmas shoeboxes for Red Bird Mission. We

offer Kids Club at no charge to families.

The church covers any expenses and congregation members look forward to requests for snack and craft supplies.

Kids Club has opened the door for us to build relationships with new families.

When the grownups come to pick up their children, we often provide a listening ear and prayerful support.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and schools announced their closures, Kids Club suddenly stopped meeting. It was such an abrupt event with no time for preparation or closure. The Kids Club team and church family (including the Riverside Thrift Shop) leaped into action to prepare a box for each child filled with snack supplies, puzzles, books, toys and Bible activity packets. Families came to pick them up or we delivered. We thought it would only be for three weeks. As the reality set in that we would be distanced longer, we set up Kids Club by Zoom, but ultimately found the children and families to be so overwhelmed by their own adjustments and attending school remotely that this effort, while at first appreciated, lost steam.

Continued on page 24.

unyumc.org 23

When we were finally able to gather back in person in the fall 0f 2021, it was the most amazing gift to discover that, despite almost a year-and-a-half of not seeing each other (a very long time in the life of an elementary school student), the relationships were as strong as ever.

So many times, we are humbled by our perceived inadequacy and the power of the Holy Spirit. As one Kids Club leader commented, “[Even on a day when I feel inadequate for the task,] I trust God that what we are doing is having a positive effect…...” (NR) As the pastor, the entire picture brings me joy. Watching tender hearts being healed, witnessing the spark of sudden spiritual insight in receptive young minds, observing the development of healthy and supportive inter-generational 24 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

relationships, seeing a child fall in love with Jesus, with their Bible, and asking to be baptized, knowing that we are providing spiritual grounding and a connection to God to help youngsters navigate the complexities of life, I love watching youth and adults find a place to discover and use their spiritual gifts, and the sense of teamwork we all share.

We have an amazing team of dedicated disciples with a variety of gifts.

In addition, I am awed and humbled when parents and grandparents share their lives with us and allow us to fill a supportive role for them and for the children they care for. As we continue to build relationships with families, we are open to wherever the Holy Spirit will lead us. One thing we are all discerning is that we are just beginning - there is more to come!

When the Kids Club leaders were asked what brings them the greatest joy in being involved with Kids Club and what keeps them coming back, they say:

“I’m sure I am getting more joy from knowing the kids than they are getting from knowing me.” (NR) “Being a part of the Great Commission to share God’s love and tell of the Good News of Jesus Christ. It seems to me that children have especially receptive hearts to hear His word. We’re planting seeds in these little beings that God will continue to nurture.” (DW) “I love teaching them the Bible stories and I love when they remember the stories!” (BR)

songs that nourish their spirits, “I love singing with the children and teaching them ilies through the week.” (CB) ones that they will sing to themselves and their fam

We asked the children what they most love about Kids Club. Here are some of their responses:

cause we get to do fun “I like going to the church be about God.” (Skyler) activities and it’s fun to learn

“I like to go to Kids Club because everyone is so nice and everyone listens to me.” (Mya)

) “Legos!” (Edward “Playing!” (Nilana)

like “Eating, doing puzzles, crafts, reading about God, singing. I ta) that it’s a kids club, out of school, where you still learn.” (Yvet

“Hanging out with friends. A lot of personalities and positive relationships, not like school. A lot of parents are worried to send their kids to a group, but not this group. It’s safe.” (Anna, teen Kids Club assistant).

“Kids Club is an amazing program. My son, Edward, has been attending since he was in 1st grade. He is now in 6th grade. He does have some issues. ADHA, SAD, and he has some autistic tendencies. This program has not only accepted him for all of this but supported him in every way and never judged or was demanding of him in any aspect! What a wonderful thing! I’m so blessed and impressed in this program that I decided to volunteer as much as I can and bring my 3-year-old with me to become part of this wonderful program.” (Parent) unyumc.org 25

Children’s Ministry at Fairport United Methodist Church

By Judy Bermudez, Fairport UMC Children’s Ministry Leader

B

ecause family involvement is a critical component of any children’s ministry program, Fairport United Methodist Church (FUMC) has always been dedicated to making that a foundation for its children’s ministry programs throughout the years.

The following paragraphs will highlight those efforts prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the needed adjustments that were made during the past two years.

To start with, communication has been a key element in building a strong children’s ministry program at FUMC, Sunday School families are kept well informed through weekly emails that detail curriculum themes and the significance of activities and projects designed to reinforce learning and understanding, In addition, many family events outside of Sunday School have been sponsored by Children’s Ministry over the years, including a February winter carnival, a November crafting party, and December Christmas caroling, to name a few,

Back in 2017, the traditional FUMC summer VBS was transformed into “Summer Family Fun Nights.” This new initiative was designed for not only children ages 3-10, but for youth and adults as well – in other words, all members of the FUMC church family! The format involved Wednesday evening gatherings throughout July and August which included dinner, large multi-age group activities, and small group sessions for PreK/K, first/second graders, third-fifth graders, and youth/adults, Each summer has featured a different theme including “Camp Seuss” in 2019, based upon the resource, The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss. The Sunday sermons that summer were also 26 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

focused on this theme and provided deep connections and understandings of the Gospel lessons as seen through the writing of Dr. Seuss.

And then came March of 2020 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with so many other churches, the challenge was how to keep a strong children’s ministry program alive and well during this time of newly established COVID protocols. Almost immediately, weekly Zoom Sunday School was organized and implemented; one Zoom Sunday School lesson was provided each week to a combined group of PreK – 5th graders. Zoom skills were quickly learned by several teachers so that videos, PowerPoints, etc. could be incorporated into lessons to make learning more engaging and interactive.

By September of 2020, it was clear that online Sunday School would need to be extended, That was when the decision was made to provide families with monthly “Bags of Faith” containing at-home lessons and activities related to various Bible stories and themes, A great resource for this was the Sparkhouse at-home curriculum developed in response to the pandemic, All needed

resources and materials were provided to families using a drive-by pickup system, In addition, supplemental Advent and Lent activities were provided in December 2020 and late February 2021, These “Bags of Faith” enabled FUMC Christian education to remain ongoing and family focused!

But what about the family events that had always been such an integral and popular component of the FUMC children’s ministry program? The Children’s Ministry Team worked hard to figure out modifications to enable some annual events to move forward including our annual November crafting party.

Online orders were placed for selected crafts; bags were filled with the necessary supplies and directions; and distribution was accomplished at the November drive-by pickup, The team also created some new events including a socially distanced Halloween “trunk-ortreat,” as well as a Palm Sunday parade, complete with palms and the distribution of Easter themed athome activities and treats, Both outdoor events were held in the church parking lot and proved very popular with families eager to reunite in person.

Perhaps the biggest challenge the FUMC Children’s Ministry Team faced was how to implement Summer Family Fun Nights during the pandemic, For summer 2020,

it was decided that an at-home version of the Sparkhouse Digital VBS curriculum, “Splashing in God’s Word,” would be provided to each participating family.

Resources and materials were packed within two pizza boxes and families were encouraged to build five Bible story “pizzas” which involved the reading of each Bible story (crust), family discussion of each Bible story (sauce), family prayer time (cheese) and related activities (toppings).

Summer Family Fun Nights in 2021 took on a hybrid format, The ReNew curriculum from Sparkhouse, based upon the parable of “The Sower,” featured an overarching “green” conservation theme and was modified into a theme entitled “Caring for God’s Creation.”

This Summer Family Fun Nights curriculum included at-home activities and a weekly Wednesday outdoor gathering at a nearby park, featuring both children’s activities and adult discussion.

The Children’s Ministry Team of FUMC is pleased to report that in-person Sunday School has resumed with seven layers of COVID protocols. Special in-person family events are still on the calendar but thus far have been limited to outdoor locations. Hope runs high that Summer Family Fun Nights 2022 will be able to be held indoors at church. No matter what the future holds, the Children’s Ministry Team at Fairport United Methodist Church will persevere in providing opportunities for children and their families to learn about Fairport UMC the amazing love of God!

unyumc.org 27

Changing children’s lives

with dolls

By Pastor Natalie Boerman, Schenectady: Eastern Parkway UMC

M

y name is Natalie Bowerman, and I have the honor of being the pastor at the Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church in Schenectady. I began serving this congregation in July of 2020, during the stressful, early days of the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s been an interesting ride.

But one ministry of this church has been like a magic ribbon that gives our flock a unique, joyous identity, and that bonds us together. And the ministry involves dolls.

On a weekday afternoon, when I was in the building alone (as I often was) and I had met very few of my parishioners because we were worshiping over YouTube, I explored our largest Sunday School room, which we repurposed into our “outreach room,” and immediately fell in love with EPUMC: there on a table, lined up in a row, were half a dozen American Girl dolls all wearing shirts that read “Black Lives Matter.”

The dolls, their clothes, and several accessories and toys of various special interests were community donations to Daija’s Doll.

28 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

Eastern Parkway UMC

Named after a beloved little girl who two of our members once fostered, Daija’s Doll provides a special friend for children in foster and kinship care. The children we serve have often moved several times in a short period, have few very nice belongings, and are faced with many layers of stress. We invite these special children to come “shop” in our toy room and pick out a companion who looks just like them, a few outfits for him or her, a carrier, a doll bed, and some fun accessories. These children leave with huge smiles on their faces, feeling loved, unique, and treasured.

At first, Daija’s Doll was a small operation, working out of one room in a parishioner’s home and serving a few foster families in the immediate area. But our doll ministry served such a crucial need that it grew exponentially. We now have an entire room in our church for dolls, and a second for organizing donations that will soon go to the aforementioned “outreach room.”

When members of the community learned of this ministry, donations of toys and funds poured in, much to our gratitude.

Soon we branched out beyond “shopping days” for children in need. The last two years we have provided American Girl dolls and gift

bundles in coordination with the Schenectady Street Soldiers, which meet all year long to provide living essentials for those struggling in urban poverty.

Our church has tremendous concern for our impoverished neighbors, and we participate in several ministries that help with food, housing, clothing, hygiene, and healthcare—Schenectady Community Ministries, Bethesda House, and the local food pantry, to name a few. But Daija’s Doll changed the fabric of our little suburban church, and all for the glory of the Lord.

Our dolls bring folks into our church. Not just those who benefit from the ministry, but those who want to help. I frequently open our door to find someone standing on the other side holding a toy box. Our dolls make us venture out beyond our comfort zone. I met a woman in a parking lot a good 15 miles from the church to pick up toy donations, and then we hand delivered them in bundles to people who live five minutes from our church and yet had been strangers until that point.

Our dolls bring us together. We have volunteer groups of young people who come in for workdays where we restring loose limbs, wash hair, clean faces, and make our dolls new again for a child who needs something special to love.

Our dolls help us love one another as Jesus commanded. As I mentioned before, our dolls don’t just collect dust when they’re waiting for their kids. They pose for abundant photo ops. Two years ago they protested for racial justice, and their pictures spread the word on the church Facebook page. During the holiday season, the dolls had a party in our narthex. Two decorated a Christmas tree, three went sledding, two lit a menorah, one celebrated the lunar new year, and one celebrated Kwanzaa. When Valentines Day approached, they donned pink clothes and hugged each other. We’ve been having fun over here at Eastern Parkway.

As we get ready for the season of Lent, our congregation will reflect on our relative

privilege, nestled in a cushy suburb surrounded by resources. The disparity between the wealthy suburb of Niskayuna and the poverty of the city of Schenectady is what launched Daija’s Doll in the first place—we are aware of such immense need right at our doorstep, and we often struggle with that first step. When Daija, the young lady for whom we named this ministry, desperately wanted an American Girl doll, and her foster parents couldn’t afford the $110 price tag, their friends chipped in. Now this ministry is much more than dolls— we provide stuffies, sporting equipment, coloring books, and more every season.

But the heart of this ministry remains the same no matter how big it gets: our neighbors need us, and we can help, so we do, and the little children lead us right to Jesus. unyumc.org 29

Attracting young families to church with

puppets

By Shannon Hodson, UNY Conference Writer/Editor

S

park, Goldie, Jimmy, Samuel and “Big E” are responsible for growing the children’s ministry at Saranac Lake First United Methodist Church. These individuals are “The Not So Perfect” puppets, and “Big E” is Saranac Lake First UMC pastor, the Rev. Eric Olsen.

Rev. Olsen was ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1988. In 1992, he left parish ministry to work as an active-duty Army Chaplain, serving tours in South Carolina, Germany, Egypt, and Fort Drum, before transitioning to the New York National Guard in 1999. Following 9/11, Rev. Olsen served extensively at Ground Zero and spent a tour in Iraq. Rev. Olsen retired from the Army in October 2013 and now serves as pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Saranac Lake, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, and the New York State Department of Corrections.

30 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

So how did an Army Chaplain get involved with puppets?

“I actually learned about the ministry of puppetry in seminary,” said Rev. Olsen.

And now, dozens of years later, he has a thriving puppet ministry at Saranac Lake First UMC.

Rev. Olsen was appointed to Saranac Lake First in 2018. When he asked the church council what their mission was, they said, “We want to invite and encourage young families to join the church.”

Rev. Olsen said, “We started praying on this…and what transpired is amazing. Within a couple months, an individual (Jerry Manning) started coming Saranac Lake to church and said that he First UMC was a puppeteer. And then the idea came to me; ‘Let’s start a puppet ministry.’”

The congregation, who Rev. Olsen describes as “White-mountain folk,” primarily in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, were enthusiastic about this idea.

Members designed a portable set that is used in the sanctuary as well as in the streets for local festivals.

And a cast of puppets was created.

Jerry took on the voice of Jimmy.

Rev. Olsen’s wife, Susan, is the voice of Goldie.

And other members took on the voices of the other puppets.

Using a puppet show as the focal point, Saranac First UMC calls the fourth Sunday of every month, “Children’s Sunday.”

Rev. Olsen described this special monthly service:

“We all gather and then I begin the service by taking out my guitar; we sing a couple songs; then we do 1-2 skits. The kids then go downstairs for Sunday school, and I give a sermon for the adults, then the kids come back for more skits.”

Rev. Olsen chuckled, “The adults actually love the skits as much as the kids do.”

He continued, “The skit writing started out with just a couple people in the room and now we’ve incorporated several members to help write the scripts. It’s great because it helps us to see through the eyes of a child and honestly some of the struggles of children are like struggles that we have at 65.”

Some skits involve questions or concerns the puppet characters have and they seek wisdom or advice from Big E. Some skits zero in on Bible lessons.

For example, using the Good Samaritan parable from Luke: 10, Big E tells Jimmy that they are going to do a play and that he gets to play a bad guy. He tells Jimmy to get a “bad guy” mask on. He then tells Samuel that he will be a traveler who is assaulted by Jimmy. And that he needs to lean into the

wall as though he has been hurt.

Next, Big E. tells Goldie that she has to see Samuel and not help him.

She complains, saying “But I want to help him.” And Big E tells her that he knows that’s the right thing to do but, in this play, Goldie needs to act as though she doesn’t care.

Goldie then gets argumentative and explains how Jesus says that we should help people who are hurt. Big E says to the audience that it looks like he needs to recast the parts. He tells the kids that they will be able to see the story acted out once the recasting takes place and encourages them to have their parents read Luke chapter 10 to them.

Children’s Sundays began attracting families and up to 20 kids each time.

Then, the COVID pandemic hit.

Fortunately, an acclaimed videographer is a member of the congregation and agreed to tape the skits, which are posted on YouTube and to the Saranac First UMC’s Facebook page.

The Not So Perfect Puppets skits can now be viewed by children all over the world. Rev. Olsen plans to continue having them taped even once the pandemic dies down and people feel safe bringing their children back to church.

To watch some of the Not So Perfect Puppets skits, visit https://bit.ly/saranaclakepuppets.

Or scan the QR code with your mobile device.

unyumc.org 31

How Watertown First UMC filled their empty Sunday School rooms By the Rev. Anne Bey Canfield, Watertown First UMC

W

hen I became the pastor of the First UMC at Watertown, New York, it was clear to me that my church once had a large Sunday School for children and many young families in church. Now the church only had two families with children under age 18. There was only one little boy in Sunday School.

As I walked around the rooms upstairs of my new church, I noted a lot of empty unused space. Clearly, one room had been a church nursery filled with toys, a baby crib, and baby swing. There were several Sunday School rooms for children. I walked through every room; I prayed that soon all this unused space could be rededicated to help children in our community.

With the support of my District Superintendent: the Rev. Mike Weeden, the Rev. Dave Masland: (former) Director of New Faith Communities, and Upper New York 32 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

Area Resident Bishop: Mark J. Webb, and the approval of my Church Council, and several church volunteers, I was able to plant a New Faith Community, "A Little Child Will Lead Us," for families with young children.

Every Wednesday, we offer free childcare for children ages 10 and under from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., so parents can either work late, use the time for a medical/counseling appointment, or have some much-needed time for themselves. We also offer free childcare on the first Saturday of every month. Though at first my church was a bit skeptical we would ever connect with

unchurched families in our community, to date we have served 16 families and 30 children. Four children are on the Autism Spectrum. Wonderful educators in my church volunteered to tutor children. Other older members of my church act as honorary grandparents. Many of our parents are single mothers who now volunteer regularly at the ministry. They formed a parent- co-op, doing children's clothes drives and helping one another with childcare.

My prayer is that every older declining church like my own, might walk around their church and see all the rooms that once was dedicated for children's ministry. Don't be discouraged One mother wrote a testimonial, saying, if you no "I am a single mother of three kiddos, two of longer have an them are special needs, They have grown active Sunday to love the staff, the church members, and Pastor Anne. Through this childcare ministry, School. Offer an afternoon my children have made friends, learned so or evening much and have a community-based ‘home’ where they can feel safe, which as a parent, I of childcare or sponsor a can tell you is priceless." community Another mother wrote: "My family started playdate for going to the ‘A Little Child Will Lead Us,’ the kids in your children's ministry in the Summer of 2020. My community. You son Jack at the time was an only child and don't need fancy I looked for opportunities to socialize him. toys or electronics.

We went to the library and the YMCA. These “A Little Child Will groups were a lot of fun, but something was Lead Us” is a techmissing. Jack was hesitant to join in with free children's others; his report cards would reflect this in ministry. We play kindergarten too. Jack was a timid boy who blocks and dolls didn't have many friends. Due to being on the with kids; we paint autism spectrum, I knew it would be different and play with for him, but I didn't want that to get in the way playdough. We of giving him a chance to just be a kid like read to children every other kid. This children's ministry has and above all done wonderful things for Jack. Here, he has we listen to learned to have his own voice, to speak up children; how when something happens, and that it's okay. they feel deep his church is not like most churches that I inside about have been to; it is warm; it is kind. There is a their homes and sense of community among its people." families and This young mother now assists with schools. We model teaching Sunday School. My church now has to children how to live a dozen or more children attending Sunday out the Golden Rule.

School. Young parents are getting active with Missions and Outreach and showing leadership in our Church.

Watertown First UMC

unyumc.org 33

“Youth speak Truth”

At Red Creek Westbury United Methodist Church

By Kitty Dates

S

ometimes, congregations showing up to worship in the local church have a magical idea of how it all happens.

There is a whole process of planning, learning, researching, and praying that goes into the preparation of every worship service.

Generally, this task falls to the pastor, and sometimes if a pastor is lucky, a highly involved Worship Committee or talented musician. Usually, congregations don’t know how worship planning happens, and they are happy to show up and receive a bulletin and follow along.

The youth group at Red Creek Westbury United Methodist Church (RCW) has been leading worship once a month for the past year and has gained more than a glimpse behind the veil of what happens in the 34 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

worship planning process. It started as an idea from Pastor Ann Brown and became an iteration of what was normally the Sunday school time - worship planning once a month.

The youth gather around the scripture, read it with one another, and discuss it. What could these words mean? Is there a theme from these scriptures? How would we lead the congregation in worship and song and preaching with these scriptures? It is more than a Bible study - it is the engagement of meaning within the Bible and making theological decisions about how to present that information worshipfully to the congregation.

Questions arise about the order of

Red Creek Westbury UMC

own worship experiences and it gives them practice speaking to and leading others. It is a blessing all around.”

The youth at RCW are ages 8 to 17 years and they always bring their gifts and their life experiences with God to the worship service.

When asked about their experience leading worship they said the following:

gs fit “I like the music part and making the son with the message.”

“I like that our church lets the kids speak.”

ool “It’s easier to talk in front of others in sch because I’ve had practice in church.” worship–Should we have a call to worship for this service? Should it be call and response?

Or song? The youth engage topics about how best to present the scriptures. One reader? Or two? Or a drama? And of course, in good worship the music will thematically and theologically support the scripture and preaching. What hymns should we choose?

How does one even use a hymnal? How are the songs arranged in it?

The learning process in piecing together a worship service is difficult to overstate.

It takes deep spiritual questioning of the scripture and surrender to the movement of the Holy Spirit. And of course, it takes courage. More than one worship planning process with the youth has ended up with them asking the question - “How would our congregation respond to this scripture? Will they be ok with us presenting it this way? Will they be angry if we preach about this?”

The youth at Red Creek Westbury are involved in all of this. As Danielle Doll (Co- Christian Ed. Leader with Kitty Dates) says, “Our youth are an integral part of the church. They are musically involved, have the energy and enthusiasm to serve and organize fellowship events, as well as creatively lead our worship services. It’s important for them to be involved with their

“Acting and puppet shows were the most fun.”

“I like the music part and making the songs fit with the message.”

but “Sometimes planning was brain racking, .” ther toge when we came together, it came

“This made Sunday School classes more interesting.”

“With God: Youth speak Truth.”

If any church is having trouble with knowing how to engage young people, they will find the process of assigning one Sunday (once a month or quarterly) to the youth of the congregation a journey. And it will increase their engagement. If you are ready to hand something over to them for their responsibility, you will be amazed at the creativity and the candor with which young people come to the scriptures, and the ways that they are ready to engage with the church if someone is willing to step out of the way and give them the autonomy.

Give it a go – we at Red Creek Westbury United Methodist Church are glad that Pastor Ann encouraged our youth to step out with God!

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Resources Books for children available at the UNY Conference Resource Center:

Below are several recommended books for children based on age.

The Media Resource Center also has dozens of DVDs and curriculums that can be used for Sunday School or VBS. Visit the online catalog at http://www.rqmweb.com/search.asp?q=unyumc or scan the QR code.

For the whole family: Passing it on: How to Nurture Your Faith Season by Season

By Kara Lassen Oliver Kara Lassen Oliver provides a practical guide to help parents, grandparents, and other concerned adults nurture their children's faith. For four weeks at a time, she offers easy-tofollow suggestions for families during the seasons of Advent, Lent, summer, and back to school.

This book features

• plans for weekly Family Gatherings with age-appropriate activities

• symbols to remind family members of the week's spiritual emphasis • a suggested daily practice and prayer for each week

• a Leader's Guide for parent groups studying this book together

The most valuable legacy we can pass to our children, grandchildren, and other children is a spiritual heritage. Kara Oliver shows us how to do just that.

36 UNY ADVOCATE 2022, Issue 1

Ages 3-7: The Believe Storybook

By Randy Fazee

The Believe Storybook shows children how they can think, act, and be more like Jesus. With 60 old and New Testament stories from the Bible that showcase the themes, combined with captivating and dramatic illustrations by Steve Adams, children and adults alike will be inspired to become more like their savior and the person they were meant to be.

Eek Said Amy!

By L.J. Zimmerman

Devon is a little boy that introduces readers to his friend Amy. Amy helps Devon feel emotions, including fear.

Through his friendship with Amy, Devon learns that fear helps him stay safe, but sometimes he needs to face his fears.

Adam Hamilton addresses adults’ relationships to fear and faith in his study, Unafraid. This companion piece, Eek Said Amy!, inspired by Unafraid, gives you a tool to talk to your children about the same issues.

Bright, colorful, and amusing illustrations will make this scary topic more approachable. Additional resources on how to explore fear and anxiety with children are also included.

Sharing God’s Love

By Scott McKnight

Sharing God's Love, the children's companion to the adult study, The Jesus Creed, can transform kids as they learn to love God and others with intentionality. Join Aksel and Finley as they discover how to live out the Jesus Creed throughout their day at home and school, remembering: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.” unyumc.org 37

Ages 8-12: Delicious Bible Stories

By Daphna Flegal and Lee Dell Stickler

Everyone loves a good story and everyone loves to eat. Delicious Bible Stories combines the physical act of preparing the foods, the sensory act of eating the foods, and active listening to create unforgettable Bible stories. Using no-cook cooking methods, the boys and girls will make foods that go along with Bible stories from both the Old and the New Testaments. For example, the children will prepare Babylonian fruit and nut balls as they hear the stories of Daniel. Ingredient lists and preparation directions for the foods are included as well as the Bible stories. Help persons of all ages understand the Bible stories through the fun of taste and cooking!

The World Jesus Knew

By Marc Olson

Jesus often told stories using everyday objects to help his listeners understand life with God. But for most of us, the deep imagery and meaning behind those objects has been lost to history. This book helps kids discover the world Jesus lived in through maps, charts, graphs, and other infographic elements. They’ll learn about the culture Jesus lived in— his Jewish religion, the power of the ruling Roman Empire, the role of fishermen, carpenters, and shepherds. It’s an invitation to explore the stories of Jesus in their cultural context, bringing new life to familiar biblical events. This beautifully illustrated book will be a family favorite that kids and adults will come back to over and over again.

Bible Brain Breaks

By Barbara Bruce

After extended periods of concentrated effort, the brain needs short "breaks" that will allow it to change gears or re-energize. These activities are Bible centered and they are learning activities at the same time.

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For teens: The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

By Adam Hamilton

Using historical information, archaeological data, and stories of the faith, Hamilton follows in the footsteps of Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to the heart of his ministry, including the people he loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought.

Half Truths

By Adam Hamilton

They are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways.

Join Adam Hamilton in searching for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés to the message and ministry of Jesus. The clichés include: • Everything happens for a reason.

• God helps those who help themselves.

• God won’t give you more than you can handle.

• God said it, I believe it, that settles it.

• Love the sinner, hate the sin.

Battlefield of the Mind: For Teens

By Joyce Meyer

Let's face it: Teen life can be a constant battle. But the most important fight they'll face won't be in the halls of their school, in Internet chat sessions, at an after-prom party, or even in your family's living rooms. The most important fight of all will be waged in their minds.

Battlefield of the Mind: For Teens takes an honest look at what teenagers face every day—peer pressure, expectations for your future, the struggle for independence. With solid research, interviews with young people, and no-nonsense, biblically based advice, Joyce Meyer gives teens the ammo they need to make your brain a clean, mean, fighting machine. unyumc.org 39

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ADVOCATE Upper New York

A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church