Stillwater United Church, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., has been an integral part of the life of the Village and Town of Stillwater, New York, for more than sixty years. Located in the center of the village, we are easy to get to and are ready to open our doors to all who are looking for greater spirituality in their lives.
Our newly renovated sanctuary is filled with loving warmth on Sunday mornings as our theologically diverse congregation unites to praise God through music, prayer, testimonies, and message. Each person worshipping with us becomes a part of our family and is welcomed and supported through all the joyful – and not so joyful – moments in life. Whether you are the youngest toddler or wisest centenarian, we would love to have you as part of our church family!
Rev. Pamela Woodman has had a long-time relationship with our congregation beginning in the 1980s when her husband Charles E. Woodman served as our called pastor for nearly 17 years. After his death, Pam remained connected to us as a friend, a supply pastor and organist, and as part of a clergy group covering our area. In May 2023, she became our transition pastor while we began a search for someone new. After nearly two years, our congregation voted to dismiss the Pastor Nominating Committee and entered into an agreement for Pam to be our official pastor.
Over the years Pam has served several congregations as an interim pastor as well as a supply pastor. She was called to serve the Malta Presbyterian Church for twenty years.
We are so pleased that she has found her way back home to us. Her insightful sermons, boundless compassion, and beaming smile make her a perfect fit at Stillwater United Church!
PASTOR'S PORTION FROM SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Summer is coming to a close. We’ve had some pretty hot and humid days. In fact, I’m writing this in the middle of our last (I hope) heat wave! The close of summer is the time for school shopping. One of my favorite commercials: the parents are riding shopping carts down school supply aisles smiling big smiles while the children follow looking very sad. In the background the music playing is, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
The beginning of school means that Fall, with the changing of colors and colder winds, is close at hand. Fall also includes all the tasks we love to do: picking apples, carving pumpkins, and decorating with corn stalks. In all of these activities we are fed by the memories of past years and by the company of the people we love. This is the source that feeds us and keeps us whole.
The same is true with the resumption of church activities. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). As we do the activities of the Fall we are fed by the connection to each other in the Spirit of Jesus. Jesus feeds us and from that love we bear fruit.
We are the branches with the task to bear fruit. The fruit we bear are all the things we do for each other and for the community around us. And we can’t bear fruit without water. Jesus is our source of spiritual water and nourishment, as we live in the community of Jesus.
We must be connected to Jesus very well because of all the fruit we produce: worship services, Sunday School, teachers, suppers, coffee hour, Food Pantry, Attic Angels, community breakfasts, Session, Deacons, Trustees, and mission outreach. Let’s be excited about the fruit we produce because Jesus is in our midst.
Peace,
Pam
On the 4th of May, 1952, the Stillwater United Church came into being. Truly a united church, it was created by the consolidation of the Second Baptist, First Methodist, and Schoonmacher Memorial Presbyterian Churches. They were the three Protestant churches then existing in Stillwater, New York.
This remarkable interdenominational union affected the customs, beliefs, and traditions of three separate congregations, long established through nearly two hundred years of coexistence. From the time the building of the first little rural meeting houses, forces were at work which pointed the way to ultimate union.
In 1947, when circumstances warned that the three congregations should move more closely together, the spirit of the people was one of enthusiastic approval; and the first tentative step – federation – was taken. After four successful years as a federated church, it became apparent that certain disadvantages were inherent in this type of organization – financial, administrative, and denominational. Again, the people were ready for the next step to complete unity. They made the decisions and took the legal procedures necessary to bring it about.
Since that historic day in May, "United" has not only been our name, but it has been our identity. Today, the active and successful nature of Stillwater United Church reflects the wisdom of its founders.
Sunday Worship at 10:30am
747 Hudson Avenue
PO Box 480
Stillwater, NY 12170
518-664-7984
stillwaterunitedchurch.ny@gmail.com
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