Trinity United Church of Christ in Union Springs has had a busy fall. On Oct. 18, 18 women from Trinity UCC experienced a wonderful and meaningful retreat at Stella Maris, the beautiful retreat center located on Skaneateles Lake. The theme was “The Way of Prayer” and the retreat was enjoyed by all who attended.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, the church celebrated “Blessings Sunday.” Newly purchased choir robes were dedicated, the sacrament of baptism was celebrated and a harvest dinner was held following the worship service.

The robes were purchased after a pledge campaign called “Buy-A-Note” was held. Members of the congregation could purchase a music note and all funds raised were used to buy the new robes.

For three weeks prior to the harvest dinner, congregation members were encouraged to bring in canned goods or fresh produce.

All their contributions were placed near the altar as a symbol of God's goodness and bounty. Following the Harvest Dinner, the food was given to the Rev. Bob Canino to be used at the First Love Ministry Church in Auburn.

Upcoming events at Trinity UCC include a service Sunday, Nov. 9, which will honor our veterans and a coffee hour which will follow the worship service.

Also, the singing group “The Harvesters” will perform during worship Dec. 14, and there will be an Advent dinner following that service.

Their weekly worship service is at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Sunday school is held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. for both adults and children. Everyone is welcome. Thanks so much to Pastor Shelley Pantoliano for sharing the news from Trinity United Church of Christ in Union Springs.

In other news:

#&149; Sunday Worship Cafe will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the United Church of Auburn, 77 Metcalf Drive. This special worship service will have a coffee house feel and feature the music of Diana Jacobs.

Everyone is welcome to relax, enjoy and worship at the United Church of Auburn. Thanks to Sue Waby for sharing the news.

#&149; The Stewardship Committee of St. Mary's Church is sponsoring Bishop Matthew Clark's “NY's Spirit Alive Series” on the Public Access TV station during November and December. This series includes four segments, which will be shown through Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Monday evenings and 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings. Each program is a half hour long. Segment No. 1, “Jesus Invitation to Us,” will be shown again Nov. 10 and 12; segment No. 2, “The Eucharist,” will air Nov. 17 and 19; segment No. 3, “Making Jesus Part of Everyday Life,” will be shown Nov. 24 and 26; and the final segment, “Committing Yourself to Life in the Spirit,” will be shown Dec. 1 and 3.

Treat yourself, and take some time to watch these very insightful programs that will help to “bring the spirit alive” within each and everyone of us. Thanks so much to Joyce Cavanaugh for sharing the news from St. Mary's Church.

#&149; Do you need some Christmas gift ideas? Then don't miss the annual holiday craft fair being held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at St. Joseph School, 89 E. Genesee St., Auburn. Many crafts will be featured ranging from jewelry, pottery, American Girl doll clothes to greeting cards, wooden puzzles and quilts. There is sure to be something for everyone.

Have a great week, and remember God loves you so very much.

“Young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.”

- President-Elect Barack Obama

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com