2019 Special Session of the
General Conference of the United Methodist Church
A Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church takes place February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to receive and act on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward, authorized to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and to explore options to strengthen church unity. You will be able to watch the proceedings via live stream here.
Our pastor, the Rev. Dr. Robin Blair, is attending as a member of the press corp. Want to receive text messages from Pastor Robin during the conference? Email her your cell phone text number at revrobinblair@gmail.com.
Please be in prayer for the special session. May God's will be revealed and served by the passionate and faithful voting delegates.
Interfaith Community Dish-to-Pass Supper
will be February 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., hosted by the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road in Lansing. Please bring a labeled vegetarian/dairy dish-to-pass and an open heart to meet new friends. Free and open to all.
World Peace begins in your own back yard.
"Bearing the Cross: Stations, Reflections and Prayers"
Fourteen iconic photos from the life of Dr. King are hung about the sanctuary, and a devotional booklet with context, quote and prayer for each station.
The exhibit will be on view through Easter (April 21). The sanctuary is open to all Sunday mornings for worship at 10:30, and is open and empty from 11:30–12:30, a good time for quiet viewing of the installation. If you would like to schedule a private viewing, please use the Contact Us page on this website. To download the booklet, please click Here.
Chapel congregation members collaborated to produce this moving exhibit. The original installation of photographs and booklet has traveled to at least a dozen churches and sites in Tompkins County. It is still out there, traveling, to witness to God's love and justice exemplified in King's ministry.
Waking Up White
Congregation members are reading Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race, by Debby Irving. Copies available through the library system, local booksellers and online. If there is interest, we will hold a book discussion later in February.
An excerpt is available here.
Devotional Time During Lent
We will be sharing a devotional time during Lent, Wednesdays 12:00 noon at Forest Home Chapel. If you are able to bring a sandwich, Pastor Robin Blair will bring soup. Bible study and prayer to last approximately 45 minutes, so attendees can get back to work if they are on a lunch break.
Winter / Spring 2019
Forest Home Chapel continues a series of community lectures addressing broad topics of social justice, the environment, politics, and the arts. Talks about 50 minutes, followed by questions and discussion.
Cosponsored by Cornell Protestant Cooperative Ministry
For questions about the event, including handicap access, contact
Wendy Millroy at millroyw@gmail.com
Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m.
SPEAKER – Chris Barrett, Stephen B. and Janice G. Ashley Professor of Applied Economics and Management and an International Professor of Agriculture at the Dyson School at Cornell. TOPIC – “Meeting the Global Food Security: Challenges of the 21st Century.”
Exploring the progress the world has made—and will need to make in coming decades—to ensure adequate availability, access, utilization and stability of food.
Saturday, March 30, 7:00 p.m.
SPEAKERS – Dawn Pierce, mezzo soprano and assistant professor of voice at Ithaca College; Haley Evanoski (soprano) and Erin O’Rourke (soprano), Opera Ithaca Community Ambassadors. TOPIC – “Operatic Women and Modern Women: Empowerment Through Victimization.”
Opera is a reflection of both the best and the worst of our society, especially for women. Join us in a performance and discussion of the roles women play in opera and how they reflect both their victimization and empowerment.
Thursday, April 18 7:00 p.m:
SPEAKER - Don Barber, an Ithaca native, who is always striving to lessen his carbon footprint. Don served for 22 years as Town of Caroline Supervisor, and is a farmer, homebuilder, and grassroots political organizer. TOPIC – “Mother is Not Herself.”
Coping with Mother Earth’s predictable and harsh response to man’s altering of our atmosphere.
YOGA CLASSES in the Fellowship Hall, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Amita Verma instructor. All levels of strength welcomed, especially beginners. This yoga class will inspire you to care for the body and spirit. $5 free-will donation benefits Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard.
For weekly updates on exact class schedules, please contact Amita directly at amita.ithaca@gmail.com.
