Thursday April 25, 2024 
Are You Ready for a Little More Self-Reflection?
AVERILL PARK – After this year of sacrifice and separation this may be the last thing you want to hear. We all are eager for opportunities to interact with people, and folks at the Church of the Covenant in Averill Park feel the same way. And that will happen soon. But first, perhaps it is appropriate to slow down, get quiet, and take a moment or two to “Adopt an attitude of gratitude!” as my friend Peg says. The humbling yet exhilarating season of Lent is upon us. Yes, reflection is appropriate but our glorious goal is Easter (April 4).
We invite you to join us in this journey at 9:30, Sundays either in person or on Facebook. Yes, the building has reopened for services – a credit to our Task Force as the members remain data driven, not driven by our desires. The health and safety of all people remain critically important. Of course, masks, distancing, and hand sanitizing protocols are still in place and seating is limited to 40 people. You will be treated to a service that features plenty of music from our talented organist/pianist, our renowned choir (virtually) and guest soloists. Pastor Joe Auslander’s message will have you thinking about “things” in a different way. Remember, if you prefer virtual, the Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/COCAverillPark/
Thrift Shop and Bible Study at Church of the Redeemer
RENSSELAER – Thrift Shop is open Saturday, March 20 from 9-2. Come see what we have for Easter and Passover. If you have an emergency need, you may call 518-650-8181 to schedule an appointment. Donations are accepted while Thrift Shop is open. Please do not leave donations outside.
Sunday services on March 21 are at 8:00 and 9:30 with coffee hour following each service.
Hot Mess Crafters meets on Wednesdays at 10 AM.
Bible Study is held during Lent on Wednesday at 4:00. The discussions center on Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You. Contact Fr. Haskell if you are interested in having a book.
Diocesan guidelines of wearing face masks which cover both the nose and the mouth, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing are followed at all church activities.
The Church of the Redeemer is an Episcopal church located on CDTA bus route #214 at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets. There is handicap parking, a ramp in front, and a parking lot in the rear.
Fr. Robert Haskell may be emailed at rhaskell2@nullnycap.rr.com
Holy Week Services for First United Methodist Church
EAST GREENBUSH – 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush
Palm Sunday, March 28
The worship service at 8:30 AM is in the Fellowship Hall and the 9:30 AM service is in the Sanctuary. The 9:30 AM service will be live streamed on Facebook. Youth will meet at the church at 9:15 AM to have a socially-distanced palm parade outside the church followed by a resurrection story and an outside Easter egg scavenger hunt (weather permitting). Contact youthleaderamber@nullgmail.com for more information about Palm Sunday youth activities.
Maundy/Holy Thursday Service with Holy Communion on April 1
This will be live streamed beginning at 7:00 PM. We expect that a limited number of people will be able to attend in person.
Good Friday, April 2,
The choir will present Joseph Martin’s cantata “The Lenten Sketches.” The service will be live streamed beginning at 7:00 PM. We expect that a limited number of people will be able to attend in person.
Easter Sunday, April 4 Worship Services
There will be a sunrise service at 6:30 AM at the outdoor chapel. Masks must be worn, and socially distanced seating will be required.
Services in the sanctuary are at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The 9:30 AM service will be live streamed on Facebook and posted to YouTube shortly after it is finished.To make sure that we have seats for everyone, we are asking that you call or email the church office no later than noon on Friday, April 2 if you would like to attend Easter services. Please give us a contact name, phone number, the number of people in your group, and which service you will attend (6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, or 11:00 AM). Everyone will need to sign in and wear a mask at all times, as we are following all New York State guidelines. To sign up, please call 518-477-9693 or send an email to: office@nullfumceg.org. If you will have out-of-state visitors and have questions about New York State travel guidelines, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory for the latest information.
The Great Controversy
EAST GREENBUSH – The saga continues as The Leaves of Life Book Club reviews The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan on our YouTube channel and on our Zoom platform this and every Sunday at 6pm. We review chapter 5 this week on John Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation. The character of Wycliffe is a testimony to the educating, transforming power of the Holy Scriptures. It was the Bible that made him what he was. The effort to grasp the great truths of revelation imparts freshness and vigor to all the faculties. It expands the mind, sharpens the perceptions, and ripens the judgment. The study of the Bible will ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as no other study can. It gives stability of purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of the student in direct contact with the infinite mind, would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect, as well as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted from the ablest training that human philosophy affords. “The entrance of Thy words,” says the psalmist, “giveth light; it giveth understanding.” Psalm 119:130 Join us on Zoom for this transformative experience with Meeting ID 5417087554; Passcode- 660998. If you have not started reading the book as yet, it is not to late. Rich and deep Christian history and fellowship awaits.
Holy Week and Easter Gilead Lutheran Church
CENTER BRUNSWICK – The Holy Week and Easter Services at Gilead Lutheran Church has been announced. There will be not Maundy Thursday Service. The Good Friday service will be an afternoon service this year. Good Friday service will begin at 2:00 PM. As with all of our services, we are open for in person worship as well as on Facebook, Youtube and listening on your car radio in our parking lot.
Easter will be celebrated at our usual time of 10:30 a.m. and communion will be offered.
If you wish to worship in our sanctuary with us, you must wear a mask and social distance. Gilead Lutheran Church is at the corner of Route 7 and 278 in Center Brunswick and is handicapped accessible.
Doors of Hope Food Pantry
WEST SAND LAKE – Are you in need of food? Rensselaer county residents are eligible to receive food assistance monthly from the Doors of Hope Food Pantry, located in the 43 Mall in West Sand Lake. Hours of food distribution are 9:00 A.M.- noon, Monday-Saturday. We offer a variety of food choices and assure confidentiality for all recipients. Please call to schedule your food order: 518-674-4048. We look forward to helping you.
Brunswick Cares Food Pantry
TROY – Brunswick Cares Food Pantry serves those who are experiencing food insecurity in the greater Brunswick area. In an effort to serve, we need volunteers. Are you someone who could do this? We are open Tuesdays 5-7pm and Saturdays 9-11 am. Our volunteers need to arrive 1 hour before opening for set-up. We have safety protocols to protect you and our guests. If you would like to be a good neighbor by serving those in need, please contact us at brunswickfoodpantry@nullgmail.com.