Summer worship is at 9:30

July 4
Communion Sunday
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Ezekiel 2: 1-5, Mark 6: 1-13
Sermon: To Hear and Be Heard

July 11
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 6:1-8, Luke 8: 42b-48
Sermon: The Holy God: To See, To Hear, To Share
Guest Preacher: Elizabeth Hambrick-Stowe

July 18
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Sermon: Christianity 1-2-3
Guest Preacher: Charles Hambrick-Stowe

July 25
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: 2 Kings 4: 42-44, Psalm 145: 10-18, John 6: 1-21
Sermon: Hunger and Hope

Eleven canoeists completed the fifth segment in our goal to canoe the entire Erie Canal from June 20-24th, this time canoeing the 30-mile stretch of Oneida Lake from Lock #23 and taking out at Sylvan Beach. It was by far the most difficult paddling we have done so far as the lake can get windy with waves at different points causing us to pull out a few times and wait for calmer waters, and we definitely had some scary moments, but our experienced paddlers took it in stride.

We camped two of the nights – the first night at Lock #23 a few miles west of Oneida Lake and the second night at Johnson Bay Marina Campground – and then two nights in churches – Cleveland United Methodist Church where they were gracious in providing us with a delicious dinner, and then Vienna United Methodist Church on the last night before we headed home and had our traditional pizza at Ramunto’s in Brattleboro to end the adventure for this year.

We have all kinds of stories to tell so ask any of our paddlers to tell you about it – Jay Crowley, Barbara Daley, Meghan Pushee, Louis Nordlund, Ryan Gillett, Jacob Bachand, Josh Marshall, Emma Matteson, Holden Klumb, Abby Carroll, and Logan Lane.

If you recall the wonder of watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis or observing a child witness this, then you realize how apt the committee moniker of “Growth and Enrichment” is for this moment as Smith Church emerges from a hopefully dwindling pandemic.

Despite an extended hiatus, Smith Church is now stronger than ever, having grown in the many directions that have enriched us all. Some of the responses required quickly pivoting, for example, the offering of worship services on-line or meetings via Zoom. Others, such as the launching of a capital campaign fund drive and the installation of a new heating system were totally “new”. (Now, that took courage! And faith.) Finally, many folks remained behind the scenes, continuing the many outreach services perhaps with a twist (Such as delivering the monthly supplies for PJs and Pizza- or stitching masks instead of raffle quilts).

As we step out back into the world personally, we have grown, have been enriched, and are now ready to move forward in faith.

As we prepare for what the October 20th Harvest Supper will be like this year, and as we resume in person activities and fundraisers, the Stewardship Committee will be having a Chinese Auction — also known as a Penny Raffle or Chance Auction — as a part of the event. This is essentially the combination of a silent auction and a raffle. Rather than having bid sheets, bidders buy tickets and use those to bid for prizes. The more you want something, the more tickets you put in the jar to increase your odds of winning.

Over the next few months we will be collecting items to auction by contacting various businesses, services and individuals in the area for donated products or gift cards. Creating these baskets or boxes is a part of the fun! They can be on any theme—from books, to foods, to crafts, to music, to sports, to toys, etc. Please think about your interests and how you can share that as a donated basket or box for others who share that interest. We are also seeking additional volunteers to help us connect in the community for items as well. Please be in touch with Mike Bradley or the church office to help or with any questions.