Thursday April 25, 2024 
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.
Blooming Grove Reformed Church Easter Worship
RENSSELAER – We hope you can join us as we celebrate the joy of New Life! 7:00 AM at the Blooming Grove Cemetery (located between Bloominggrove Drive and Route 4) 9:00 AM Drive-in Service at 706 Bloominggrove Drive, Rensselaer, NY. Masks Required.
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.
Easter Worship With the Church of the Covenant UM
AVERILL PARK – If you are anything like me (Fred Erickson) you are waiting anxiously for the soaring, inspirational first notes of “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, signifying Easter has arrived. However, this year we will be singing in our living rooms along with our talented musicians who actually will be in the sanctuary. Due to attendance restrictions the church will be open only to those involved in the service. Easter Sunday usually sees a dramatic increase in attendance and we likely would exceed the allowable number of 40 and be forced to turn folks away. So, to be fair, the service will just be virtual – hence the word “with” above. Rev. Joe Auslander and our choir director have planned a wonderful blend of joyful music and meaningful messages that will truly light up your life. The music will be highlighted by the performances of a live (not recorded) quintet and a soloist. Finally, Pastor Joe is asking you to have some element of bread or a cracker and a small glass of juice ready for a special time in the service when we shall together partake of the elements to share a meal with blessings. Mark your calendars for April 4th and tune in at 9:30 using the link https://www.facebook.com/COCAverillPark/
Palm Sunday and Holy Week at Church of the Redeemer
RENSSELAER – There will be one service on Palm Sunday March 28 at 9:00 with coffee hour following.
Holy Week observances begin on Thursday, April 1, at 4 PM. There will be communion at this service, but the washing of feet is suspended this year. The service will conclude with the stripping of the altar. On Good Friday, Tenebrae will be at 7 PM.
Hot Mess Crafters meets on Wednesday 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
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.