We share the Word of God most visibly through 

the Ministries of our members and groups.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer shawls are made to give to people who hurt -- those who are grieving, lonely, homebound, or in physical need -- within our church congregation and beyond. Anyone may give a prayer shawl.

Our shawls are begun, worked, and finished with prayer. Each shawl brings to the recipient the warmth, love and concern that have been absorbed into every stitch, through prayer. Both women and men knit or crochet the shawls at home or at a gathering at church.

Each finished shawl is blessed by members and the pastor. The shawl then receives a label indicating that it has come from our church. An added card carries this special message: "This prayer shawl was made especially for you with love and prayers. It is a gift of the First United Methodist Church of Greene, NY. At the last gathering of our ministry, we gathered in a circle to bless this shawl. May you discover comfort and solace as you wear it. May it encircle you with God's love and peace, now and always."

 

THE CLOWN MINISTRY

Words of God That Speak to Us.

Is There Any Room for Me?

I Can Dance With the Best of Them.

The Hammering of the Nails on the Cross

Vacation Bible School July 10-14

The First United Methodist Church of Greene had the honor of hosting vacation sible school on the week of July 10-14. We are happy to say that more than fifty (50) children and as many adults enjoyed a fun-filled week of song, dance, crafts, games, and snacks. Mor importantly, we shared an educational, spiritually energizing week surrounded by extended family and God's love.

Note

2007 Vacation Bible School is July 9-13 from 6:00 to 8:15 pm.

Thanks to everyone who helped make VBS 2006 a success, whether you volunteered as a leader, an assistant, or donated money, materials, food or time. Many people brought their talents together to create an excellent family program.

In addition to the many individuals who contributed, the following local businesses donated needed materials as well: The Cheese Trap, J Schantz, Curtis Lumber, Markham Packaging, Creative Stamping and WalMart.

from the pages of "The Chenango American"

 

The Annual AppleFest

The first Applefest was held in October of 1987. This event issponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Greene. It had a small beginning with just ten crafters in the Scout House, a demonstration of apple butter making, cider pressing, and a baking contest. We also had food available such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, donuts, candied apples, coffee, and popcorm. We had a couple of booths outside. All of these activities have continued to this day and we have added many more.

Since the beginning we have had various activities. The historical tour of Greene was done in 1989 and 1990. We had antique cars one year, and civil war demonstrations over several years.

We have had entertainment throughout the day. The choir of the First United Methodist Church has performed every year, as have the Moonlighters. We have had several other performers over the years, plus a magician. Ben Rounds has been with us from the beginning and in recent years his band has joined him.

We have activities for children, such as the petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and the Bounce House.

In 1989 the Lions Club made their Chicken Barbeque a part of the Applefest and for many years the Masons of Eastern Light Lodge participated with a pancake breakfast.

Each year articles have appeared in "The Chenango American" prior to the event dealing in some way with the apple and the celebration of its harvest. We have learned about the myths and legends surrounding the apple, the history of the apple in both Europe and America, ways of using the apple in our foods through many recipes, which have appeared in "The Chenango American" and resulted in the publication of three cookbooks.

In 1993 several members of the Applefest Committee attended a workshop in Binghamton sponsored by the I LOVE NY committee and worked closely with them in sponsoring the promotion of the apple throughout the state, since the apple is our state fruit.

The church has continued to provide food and beverages as well as a produce stand where apple products are sold.There is also a sweet shop where baked goods can be purchased , including more than 800 pies mostly apple but other kinds as well, made by the people of the church.

The basic premise of the Applefest has been that any booth on the field, other than crafters, was to be operated by a non-profit organization and located in the Greene area. In this way it has always been the hope of the committee that the others organizations in Greene could profit from the Applefest. We have many of our local organization providing food on the field at the Ball Flats ranging from pizza, baked potatoes, spiedies, italian ice, chili, apple crisp, apple dumplings, funnel cakes and so on.

Over the years we have expanded our advertising area and since we are now an established annual event, people have begun to look and ask for the date. This includes both participants and visitors.

Many of those who have been a part of the Applefest have told us that they look forward to coming to Greene because this is one of the few Festivals where the emphasis is on wholesome family activities. A comment made at one of our Festivals was that the organizers were more interested in people having a good time and leaving satisfied than they were in making money. We hope that this is true!

The Applefest for 2007 is set for Saturday, September 29. It will beheld at the Ball Flats in Greene. ______________________________________________________________________

 

• The Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Held at Noon on Thanksgiving Day in our Social Room, this meal is offered to all individuals and families.

 

• Welsh Cookie and Lemonade Booth - During the Greene Craft Festival on the fourth Saturday in July, our congregation sells homemade Welsh Cookies and fresh-squeezed Lemonade. A scripture verse in included in each of the bags of cookies sold.

We care for and serve the people of our community and world.

We support these programs and groups:

•     Labor Day Church Food Tent
•     Greene Area Food Bank
•     Rotary Club Christmas Baskets
•     60+ Meal Deliveries
•     CROP Hunger Walk
•     UNICEF
•     "Make a Difference Day"
•     "Ugly Quilts" for the homeless
•     Church Women United school and health kits.
•     The Children's Home of the Wyoming Conference