The Grindstone Island United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 411
Clayton, NY 13624
April 2024
Dear Fellow Grindstoners,
Hoping that Spring really is arriving after some false starts. Many have snuck over to Grindstone
when the weather was warm enough, giving us encouragement to soon be back on the Island with
family and friends to renew the bonds that tie us to Grindstone.
Attached are the GIUMC Church Calendar and the Community Calendar which project a very busy
summer. Dodge Hall, The Research and Heritage Center, the Church, the Red Wing Farmstand and
the Winery have worked together to minimize schedule conflicts while blending all the activities of
each entity into a full summer calendar. Thank you to Caroline Larson for her hard work in pulling
it all together.
You will see that Jeff McArn, Charlie Moehs, and Art Couch will continue to provide ministry for our
congregation, joined as well by our wonderful visiting ministers. Even though Jeff has recently been
asked to be the interim pastor for a church in Litle Falls NY, he has told them he will, but he needs
to be on Grindstone for his beloved church from early June until September 1 st . We are so grateful
that he has held us in his heart and will continue to bring us his warmth and caring.
Jeff also adds his wonderful Parsonage Dinners and the Blessing of the Animals to round out the
season, so no one is left out of the umbrella of the Church’s caring and prayer.
In the past few years ushering, coffees, flowers, Mission collection and Sunday school aide
volunteering have fallen on the shoulders of a very few people. Please raise your hand and
volunteer for at least one small effort to support your church so we can continue to be a strong
Church for our Island community going forward. Please lighten the load of those who work so hard
to keep things running smoothly throughout our summer.
Work will begin shortly to repair the critically important Church building structural and roof issues
that we are facing. Mike Matthews and his team will be reinforcing the interior above the sanctuary
to strengthen the roof infrastructure and create better access areas to the ceiling and the Belfry.
When completed, we will bid out a contract for the required roof replacement to stop the leaks and
do any needed belfry repairs to finish this major endeavor. Your Trustees have invested many,
many hours to address this significant and challenging project and I’d like to thank Will Wolverton
and Lloyd Edwards for their exceptional efforts. Thank you also to Mark Purcell for his generous
consultation.
Once again, I invite you to return to our Church on the Island, starting on May 19 th at 10:00 am to
commune in spirit with your family, neighbors, and friends. Please bring others to join you to
sustain our membership and link us all to our unbroken circle.
See you in Church,
Betsy Fitter-Council Chair Jeff McArn-Summer Minister Jim Helpinstill- Treasurer
