"Annual Conference" – Seven folks from NPUMC plus Pastor Dorothy attended New York Annual Conference at Hofstra University from June 11-14, 2008. Linda Loomis and Susan LoVerso attended as NPUMC delegates. Linda Mellor, Helen Karsten, Terry Smith and Gail Erdie attended as Catskill-Hudson District delegated. Margaret Howe attended as a member of Conference Committee on Finance and Administration. A detailed report will be shared in the coming weeks. A picture display will be on the Grove Street entrance bulletin board. Many exciting events to share:
      – for Heifer International! Contributions for 16 arks were received at $5000 per ark. NPUMC contributed $800 from our ‘Fill the Ark” month. Thank you to all!
      2505 were collected for UMCOR. NPUMC contributed 37!
      Bishop’s Partnership in Mission – Bishop Park gave $10,000 to each of the following:
      Fill the Ark – Heifer International, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Haiti, Ghana, Mozambique, Burundi, Myanmar, China, Youth Ambassadors, Biloxi, Camping and Retreat Ministries

      Do you want to learn more about the happenings around the Catskill-Hudson District? You can receive the District Newsletter – The Courier – which comes out every two months. You can read it by clicking on this link to THE COURIER at the Catskill-Hudson District.

      On Sunday, June 22nd, Al and Audrey Schreiber joined us for worship and were able to visit with many friends. We also gave them a tour of the renovated space and they were delighted to see what had been done.

      "Living in the Spirit" – a summer service series began on June 8th and will continue through August 29th. This series grew out of the Natural Church Development invitation to grow in the area of ‘Passionate Spirituality’. Each week a particular aspect of spiritual life is explored. Following worship everyone is invited for a time of ’Service Sharing’ to further explore the focus of the day or whatever may have arisen from the worship service.
      The remaining schedule of topics includes:
     
      June 29th – Living in the Spirit –Scripture and Imagination;
      July 6th – Living in the Spirit – Grace and Gratitude;
      July 13th – Living in the Spirit- Sabbath Time;
      July 20th – Living in the Spirit – Christian Community;
      July 27th – Living in the Spirit – Joy and Playfulness;
      August 3rd – Living in the Spirit – Mission;
      August 10th – Living in the Spirit – Awe and Mystery;
      August 17th – Living in the Mystery – Service;
      August 24th – Living in the Spirit – Mission –P.E.T.;
      August 31st – Living in the Spirit – Spirituality and Work.
      Handouts on various spiritual practices are available each week. Sunday School and childcare will be provided each Sunday throughout the summer. We are looking for volunteers for the following Sunday activities – teach one Sunday, provide childcare one Sunday, serve as usher or greeter, serve as a lay reader. Please contact Margaret Howe at howemarg@aol.com for additional information.

      Nooma Nights continue on Wednesday evenings 6:00 to 7:30. Nooma is an exciting series of short films covering all areas of contemporary Spiritual life. Written and produced by Rob Bell, each 10 –12 minute segment creatively engages you into reflection about our relationship with and perception of God and what this means for our lives today. The group of people is different each week – so come and join us! We share a simple supper while we watch and join in discussion. Sometimes we even watch the show twice because there is so much to be gleaned from it. Visit www.nooma.com for more information. Please contact Pastor Dorothy by Tuesday if you will be coming and if you would like childcare.

      Second Saturday Supper – July 12 – 5:00 to 7:30 – BarBQ Picnic and Game Night! Bring your favorite board games! We also have ping pong and air hockey! Bring meats, salads and other food to share. We will have the grill ready for hot dogs or burgers. If you have any questions email or call Margaret Howe at howemarg@aol.com or 255-8111.

      Summer Ham Buffet – Saturday, August 2 – continuous seating 4:30 – 7:00. All you can eat buffet – baked ham, salads, corn on the cob, desserts and more! Take out orders available. Tickets adult $10, children 5-12 $5, under 5 free. For more information and to help contact Linda Mellor (691-1182 or linda_mellor@earthlink.net) or Margaret Howe (255-8111 or howemarg@aol.com)

      As of this writing Wanda Neilson is recovering in Northern Dutchess Hospital from back surgery. Doris Phillips is in Benedictine Hospital recovering from a fall and is awaiting full time home car. Betty Moss is at her own home with full time home care. All of these people would love to receive cards.
      As always, pray for those on our Prayer List. You will find a complete list in the Sunday bulletin and on our web site. Prayers also for Jean Spencer, Mary Mumper Esther Ott, Laura Dyer ,Gladys and Don Briggs, Ron Wager

      Continue to bring food items for Family of New Paltz as well as items for “Hugs from Home”. This is an important ministry and is coordinated by our United Methodist Women.

      Other United Methodist Women News - The July UMW book study is postponed until fall. There is still time to register for School of Missions which will be held July 24 –27 at Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT. For addition information contact Pat Wager or visit www.gbgm-umc.org/nyaccsocm

      From the Treasurer - Although it is summer we can not forget that we will need to put the heat on again in the late fall. We are anticipating higher fuel costs….so July will be Fuel Money Month. If each family can make an additional gift of $100 during the month of July, we will be in a healthy position to pay for our heating oil. I know we will talk more about heating costs!

      For on-going information including prayer concerns and special events, go to www.newpaltzumc.org - If you have information for the Mini-Messenger contact