Sept. 11 Commemorations

Click here to see the 9/11 letter by Bishop Matthews.

Churches around the Upper New York Annual Conference will mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with special services and events. For details about the events, contact the host churches.

The Living Waters Parish will participate in a special worship at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the town park in Oriskany Falls. All four of the churches – Oriskany Falls, Bouckville, Deansboro and Madison United Methodist churches – will be worshiping together that day. Other churches in the communities are being invited as well.

Penfield UMC is combining the celebration of Sept. 11 with a Crop Walk. This ecumenical, community-wide commemoration will commemorate the day, but also do something that will make a difference in people’s lives. The church is located at 1795 Baird Road, Penfield. The community event is being organized by PEAC, the Penfield Ecumenical Association of Clergy.

First United Methodist Church of Northville, 303 South Main St., will host a community service of remembrance at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11. Churches in the community will participate.

In Natural Bridge, plans are under way to have a community-wide heroes appreciation event on Sept. 11. The two churches in town, the Natural Bridge UMC and the SDAC, will co-host a parade down Route 3 and dinner for the town fire department, ambulance corps, police, snowplow crews, and Fort Drum soldiers/families; all of whom will receive small tokens of the deep appreciation for their service to the country and the community. Local artist Dorothy Woodworth, who is active in the Natural Bridge UMC, has been commissioned to paint a banner in thankful tribute the local heroes, and it will be dedicated that day and thereafter hang in the community center.

Rev. Stephen G. Maddox, pastor of Camden and Cleveland United Methodist churches, and Father Paul Mathis, pastor of St. Mary’s and St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic churches in Cleveland and Constantia, are planning a joint worship service on Sept. 11 at St. Mary’s, which is across the street from the Cleveland UMC. Following the worship service there will be a community memorial service.

At First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, 66 Chestnut St., both morning worship services (8:30 and 11 a.m.) will be Services of Remembrance and Hope. At 4 p.m., First UMC will host a community event, “The Celtic Mass for Peace.” This musical liturgy was composed by Sam Guarnaccia and J. Philip Newell (link: http://www.samguarnaccia.com/). A professor from Hartwick College will direct the Mass and the band director from the high school will arrange the instrumentation. Local artists are being asked to contribute artwork about peace for an art show in the church with reception Friday, at 7 p.m. Sept. 9.

Sept. 11 services at Ogdensburg and Morristown United Methodist churches will honor first responders and remember the anniversary of 9-11. Services are 9 a.m. at Morristown UMC and at 11 a.m. at Ogdensburg First UMC. All first responders are invited, including local fire departments, ambulance squads, local police, Sheriff’s Department, State Troopers and Border Patrol.

Rev. Jeff McDowell, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath, will be one of the 100 voices in a Celebration Choir being recruited to perform with Christian big band Denver and The Mile High Orchestra for two The Home of the Brave concerts "commemorating 9-11 and celebrating America’s courage and commitment." The performances are at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 and 3 p.m. Sept.11at Bath's Haverling High School auditorium. An area ministry, Family Life Ministries, is organizing the concert. The choir will be rehearsing at Centenary UMC. Learn more at www.fln.org.

The Oneida First United Methodist Church will be open all day on Sunday, Sept. 11 (during its annual fundraiser) for anyone that wants to find solitude or meditate in the quiet privacy of the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to spend time in the sanctuary of God's house talking to God and absorbing the strength of the Holy Spirit. Remembrance candles will be available for those requesting personal prayers for their loved ones.

Hannibal UMC, of the E.J. Thomas Cluster, is hosting a service to honor firefighters and EMTs at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 as part of its commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. An honor guard of Hannibal firefighters will enter the sanctuary to place their flag. A bagpiper will then lead the Hannibal and six other fire companies, whose members will be in their dress uniforms, into the sanctuary. There will be refreshments downstairs after the service. The church is located at West and Church streets in Hannibal; it's part of the Crossroads District.

Endwell UMC on Watson Boulevard in Endicott will host a Service of Remembrance and Hope at 9 a.m. Sept. 11. The service will include special music, witness from one who went on a mission endeavor shortly after the bombing, and the lighting of candles of hope. The service will take place outside on the Watson Boulevard lawn, weather permitting.

On Sept. 11, Fonda-Fultonville UMC is planning a remembrance service during its regular worship hour and to honor service providers in the community during worship and after worship at a light brunch. Worship is 9:15 a.m. followed by brunch at 10:15. Representatives from local volunteer fire departments, the sheriff's department and others have been invited to participate. The church is located at 11 Montgomery St., Fultonville.

Nearby Salem UMC East Stone Arabia at1254 East Stone Arabia Road, Fort Plain, will have a remembrance during its 11 a.m. worship service that day.

The Otego United Methodist Church plans to hold a Dessert Concert of remembrance on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. "Tribute To America" will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 24, and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Church's fellowship hall. Patriotic music will be presented by the choir and instrumentalists as well as poems, narration and a PowerPoint presentation.  Choice of desserts and beverages will be offered. Tickets are Adults $8 in advance, $10 at the door; youth 12 and younger, $5 advance,$6 at the door, and are available from any choir member or by calling Helen Groves at (607) 988-2225, Joyce Shultis at (607) 432-8698, or the church at (607) 988-2866 (leave name and phone number). The church is located on Church Street in Otego.

The Lowell UMC will include a time for remembering and healing though scripture, special music and prayer during the morning worship 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 11. Also that day, is the dedication of an Angel Garden to remember those lost on 9/11 and other friends and family who have gone on to be with the Lord. The garden will include stepping stones, plants, pin wheels, angels and other remembrances. The garden will be dedicated at 11 a.m. on Sept. 11. Everyone – including firefighters and police – is invited to this time of remembrance and healing. There will also be a time for fellowship and refreshment.The church is located at Lowell Road and Route 26 in Lowell. Anyone who would like create a stepping stone with a design and/or name to remember a loved one, one who died on 9/11 or a member the armed services is invited to do so at 10:45 a.m. Aug. 28 following the worship service. Materials and assistance will be provided. The stones will be painted or will have names, decorative stones etc. incised in the concrete. People can also bring stones to place in the garden area. Angels and plants will also be placed in the garden. People do not have to pay for stones, but a donation to the church would be accepted and appreciated. For more information, contact Rev. Frederick Bailey at (315) 510-3464.

Apalachin’s Park Terrace Community and Apalachin United Methodist churches, Endicott’s Campville UMC, Little Meadows UMC, Owego’s Gibson Corners and Whittemore Hill United Methodist churches will take part in a Special Remembrance Community Service on 9/11 thatwill include reflections from speakers who went to Ground Zero to help others during that difficult time, including EMTs with the Apalachin Fire Department.The service will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Apalachin UMC, 303 Pennsylvania Ave.

Christ United Methodist Church in Sherrill will present a mini cantata titled God Bless America; Affirming Our Faith and Freedom in remembrance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.The music, arranged by Tom Fettke and based on the original score by Irving Berlin, incorporates patriotic music and hymns. Revenue from sales of this cantata go directly to The God Bless America Fund to benefit American youth; these funds are allocated for New York City children affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The Chancel Choir will perform during morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11. At noon, the city of Sherrill will hold a remembrance service at the gazebo that will include participation by our local churches as well as civic leaders and other members of the local community. 

Andrews Memorial United Methodist Church in North Syracuse will host a 9-11 Concert put together by John Harnois. The concert will be at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the church at 106 Church St. This is the concert's ninth year. An offering for Somalia relief, through UMCOR, will be collected at the concert.

On Sept. 11, Round Lake UMC at 34 George Ave., Round Lake, will remember the events of that Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, during morning worship with the theme Remember. "God has continually called God’s people to remember how God has been present in the difficult times to bring us back into relationship. We will remember God’s saving works throughout all times. We will celebrate the saving life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, with the Sacrament of Holy Communion," writes Rev. Jane Baker. At 7 p.m., the Malta area faith communities, in conjunction with the village of Round Lake, will lead a Time to Remember, Renew and Refresh in the Round Lake Auditorium, where the Methodist Camp Meetings were once held. The service will include the presentation of the colors, singing, recognition of the many involved in community service, readings and blessings from the faith traditions ending with candle lighting for peace. Refreshments will follow.

The Fields of the Lord Cooperative Parish, which includes the Greenwich Centenary Methodist Church, North Cambridge “Stump” Church and Easton Methodist Church, will join together for their annual Homecoming on Sept. 11 at the Knickerbocker Mansion historic site, 132 Knickerbocker Road, Schaghticoke. Coffee hour will begin at 9, the service at 10 a.m.; a picnic lunch will follow the service.  Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass and table setting. The Vale of Peace program at the Tree of Peace site will be a commemoration of the history of seeking peace and its relationship to the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy. There will be music by Rural Felicity.  For more information, contact Rev. Susan Cox at 796-8793 or coxwave2@gmail.com.

In remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, The McGraw and Virgil United Methodist churches will be acknowledging and thanking their local first responders – fire, law enforcement, and medical emergency personnel, who are invited to a special worship service at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the McGraw UMC, 20 E. Main St. Everyone is invited to wear their uniforms/badges to this service – including military, legion, scouting and auxiliary personnel as well as firefighters and law enforcement. A special offering will be taken to help support the fire departments' ongoing efforts. Following this service, the McGraw Fire Department will lead a parade of fire apparatus to the McGraw Village Park, where a Blessing of The Fleet and a moment of remembrance of 9/11 will take place. There will be a chicken barbecue from noon until 4 p.m. in the McGraw UMC fellowship hall; there will also be many activities and informational demonstrations throughout the day at the village park.

Three Steeples UMC in Champlain will be having a special service on 9/11 at the regular worship time. The service will be both a remembrance of 9/11 and to honor our local first responders. Firemen and EMT’s, along with village officials from both Champlain and Rouses Point will be attending. Along with the usual newspaper announcements, etc., there will be a fire dept. vehicle parked in front of the church the week before to announce the service to the community.

Clinton UMC will be part of a Clinton Ministerium "9/11 Remembrance Service on Sunday, September 11, at 9:00 AM on the Clinton Village Green. Regular worship will follow at the home churches.

A Service of Remembrance and Hope will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel and is open to the Syracuse University and greater Syracuse communities. Parking will be available in the lots surrounding Hendricks Chapel (Q1, Q3, Q4, Waverly and Hillside). A reception will follow on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, where guests will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on sheets to be added to the SU Remembers: 9/11 Sheets of Expression collection maintained by SU Archives. September 12-15 Hendricks Chapel will host nightly panel discussions on the events of 9/11 and their impact ten years later. Discussions will be held from 6-7 p.m. and are open to everyone.

Asbury United Methodist Church is located on the corner of Franklin, Parker and Sterling Streets in Watertown and will be offering a worship service of Remembrance, Healing and Hope beginning at 8:30 a.m. on September 11 and lasting until 11:15 a.m. There will be three segments, each lasting approximately 45 minutes which will include specific times of remembrance. The segments are as follows: 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 10:28 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Individuals are encouraged to freely come and go as time permits. While each segment will have its unique components, several elements will be repeated in each of the three segments – including videos, readings, music and a Power Point Presentation. Between each segment there will be an approximate 15 minute musical interlude – a convenient time to come/go if one wishes.

The Martinsburg and Lowville United Methodist Churches will be having a special remembrance of 911 during worship on September 11.  Martinsburg worship is at 9:00AM and Lowville begins at 11:00AM.  For more information, contact Rev. Beth O'Neil at 315-376-2123.

“Blessed Is the Nation, One Hope for America” by Brentwood Benson’s Simple Series will be presented as a special dedication by the Boonville UMC Choir on Sunday, 9/11/11 at both the 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. services. ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND! Blessed Is the Nation, One Hope for America is a 27 minute musical that takes a serious look at the state of our nation and serves as a call to prayer and repentance, lest, through our indifference, we lose the freedom we have so long cherished. With stirring  narration and music, we will be challenged not only to remember our godly heritage, but to return it.  God’s word is clear:  Blessed Is the Nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12

CenterPoint Christian Fellowship September 11th Service:  Outside service under a tent starting with the Presenting of the Colors, displaying of the flags, by the American Legion Color Guard, followed by their dedication service and a 21 gun salute in the remembrance of 1st responders and the military who continues to respond to the terrorist threats against the free world.  The sermon message for the day will be “Instructing Children in God’s Ways” so that this world may become a better place.  A free community picnic will follow with an Open House, Fun and Games and sign up for Sunday School.  Service begins at 10:37 am.

Wellesley Island UMC, Alexandria Bay UMC and Watertown-Bethany UMC will be holding Memorial services on Sunday, Sept. 11.  There will be a short video, prayers, one minute silence, and the laying of a memorial wreath by members of the local Firefighters, who will be joining us, at each service.  Our services are at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. respectively.

Broadalbin UMC and Edinburg UMC will remember Sept. 11 in worship on Sunday morning with a liturgy that includes tolling the church bell, candle lighting, prayers and a scripturally-based faith affirmation tailored to the day. The text for the day will be Psalm 27. Broadalbin UMC is located at 65 N. Main St. in Broadalbin. Service time is 10:30 a.m. Edinburg UMC is at 3 North Shore Road in Edinburg. Service time is 8:45 a.m.