From Our Pastors                                                                        Fall Is Here—and We Are in Full Swing! 

Dear Friends, 

The season has shifted. The crisp mornings, the turning leaves, and the golden light of October remind us that change is always in the air. Fall carries with it both a sense of homecoming and a reminder of God’s ongoing creation. Just as the trees release their leaves, we, too, are invited to let go of what no longer gives life and make room for God’s renewing Spirit. 

Here at the church, fall means we are in full swing—our ministries, small groups, worship series, and community outreach are alive with energy. What a joy it is to see familiar faces returning, new folks joining in, and the Spirit weaving us together in this season of gratitude and growth. 

As a Christian community, we know that faith is not static. Like the seasons, it moves, stretches, and deepens. October gives us space to reflect on how we are called to live faithfully in this moment: 

          • In worship, we root ourselves in the Gospel’s message of love, justice, and mercy. 

          • In fellowship, we build relationships that nurture and strengthen us for the journey. 

          • In service, we extend compassion to neighbors near and far, bearing witness to God’s kin-dom of peace. 

This season, I invite you to take a deep breath of that cool autumn air and ask: What is God stirring in me? What am I being called to release, and what new life am I being invited to embrace? 

Thank you for the many ways you bring your gifts, presence, and passion to our shared ministry. May October’s beauty remind us that God is ever-creating, ever-inviting us into lives of deeper faith, courage, and joy. 

With gratitude for each of you, 

Pastors Phil and Leigh

• Baked goods must be dropped off by 4 pm on Friday or by 8:45 am Saturday. 
• Saturday Helpers: Arrive no later than 8:45 am to familiarize yourself with your work area and finalize any changes. We'll share in a prayer before we open the doors promptly at 9 am. 
• Coffee hour and 1/2 price sale will be held on Sunday, October 5th from 10 am to 2 pm. 

In response to this important question, the Council has created a list of priority tasks where your help is most needed.

Thanks to Meg Edwards, who has graciously taken on the work of writing up these tasks, capturing photos, and creating a bulletin board in the Coffee Hour room, you can now easily see where you might lend a hand.

Take a look, pray about it, and see where your gifts and time can make a difference!

You can view the full list of tasks below.

Needed!  For the Interfaith Food Shelf!

Ruining Lunch - Thursday, October 9th at 11:45 a.m. at Plattsburgh United Methodist Church - 127 Beekman St.  

You’re Invited: Guns, Politics, and the Gospel of Peace: A Progressive Christian Witness in Violent Times 

     (Sign up with Diane P. - luv2garden5@gmail.com)               Bring a sandwich - Beverage and Soup will be provided! 

Join us for a challenging and hopeful community conversation led by Rev. Phil Richards, exploring these urgent questions from a Progressive Christian perspective: 

          • What does scripture say about violence and peace? 

          • How do we confront “gun idolatry” in our culture? 

          • How can faith communities embody peacemaking in the face of fear and division? 

This talk will offer honest analysis, theological grounding, and a call to courageous action — followed by time for open discussion. All are welcome. Bring your questions, your concerns, and your hope for a better way.

Annual Meeting Church Conference for PCC – October 9th at 6 p.m. at Plattsburgh United Methodist Church 

This is our annual meeting. All members of the church are encouraged to attend. The  District Superintendent, 

Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will preside. At this meeting, we will vote on Pastor’s Compensation for 2026, elect officers to the Church Council, and gather with other congregations in the area to hear stories of what God is doing in our midst.

"Dead Serious About Planning Ahead"

At the End, It’s Very Dark…

Wait — I think I see a light!

I’m somehow moving toward the light and suddenly … softly …

Psst…Just so you know:   You’re DEAD!

My name is Peter, and I just wanted to let you know what you’re missing. Your family is busy planning for your funeral right now. They’re making decisions you could have helped them with while you were still around.

• Cremation or casket?
• Wood or metal?
• What about flowers — never mind that you were allergic.
• Do you already have a plot somewhere that you never told anyone about? 
• What kind of headstone do you want? 
• And where’s that obituary you were going to write but never did?

So many things they now need to do. You were a Scout once, right? What happened to “Be Prepared”?

I hope I have your attention! What choices do you want to leave behind for your loved ones when you’re gone?

Oh no — we need to get busy with Orientation — apparently there’s a meeting with family and old friends, plus all the dogs and cats are here too (and guess what, no plastic bags required!).

More to come next month — if Peter and I can find a typewriter. Never thought I’d end up a ghost writer…

God Bless,
Howard Paul Bell
Cemetery Caretaker

Adirondack/Albany District Day - Saturday, October 25th at Saratoga Springs UMC 

Pre-registration is required and there is no charge for this event. List of classes offered and registration form is available in the back of the sanctuary or in the church office (on the purple paper). Many of us have attended District Day and enjoy the classes and meeting others from the churches in our district.