LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Albany
United Methodist Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 55th Anniversary of the Albany United Methodist Society; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at its 55th Anniversary Banquet,
on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church,
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Albany United Methodist Society (AUMS), a ministry of the
Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, was
formed in 1959 as the Albany Methodist Inner City Ministry; and
WHEREAS, For 55 years, this inspired organization has honored its
calling to minister to the least of its neighbors in Albany, New York;
and
WHEREAS, AUMS' mission is to be in right relationship with all people,
and to focus on and meet the needs of the people of Albany in social,
economic, and political crises, nurturing spiritual growth and building
individual and collective community, responsibility, accountability, and
a sense of self-worth; and
WHEREAS, AUMS fulfills its high purpose by coordinating several
programs designed to meet community needs while maximizing the gifts and
talents of individuals; and
WHEREAS, To fight hunger, this worthy organization operates an emer-
gency food pantry to feed individuals and families in need; staffed
largely by volunteers, the food pantry offers a clothing room to its
patrons in order to meet emergency clothing needs; and
WHEREAS, AUMS also seeks to feed the hungry through cultivating its
Neighborhood Garden; this endeavor not only provides nourishment for the
body, it also offers a place for its neighbors to experience the
outdoors, get their hands dirty, eat healthily, and make their
surroundings more beautiful; along with hosting the garden, AUMS holds
nutrition and cooking classes, further building community and feeding
souls; and
WHEREAS, AUMS has always cared for the children in its area; in 1965
it worked with Trinity Methodist Church to sponsor Albany's first Head
Start Program; today AUMS supports young people through its Summer Youth
Enrichment Program, and its FUN Friday drop-in program for children ages
six to 12, which provides homework help, snacks and physical activity;
and
WHEREAS, AUMS helps people gain skills necessary to sustain themselves
and their families through its education programs; in conjunction with
the Trinity Institute and BOCES, it provides High School Equivalency
(formerly GED) and English as a Second Language courses, and offers
support to its students through its Accelerate Mentorship Program; and
WHEREAS, AUMS' staff and volunteers take to heart the lesson of the
Good Samaritan, remaining steadfast in the conviction that every person
is a neighbor, and that generosity is its own reward; and
WHEREAS, The Albany United Methodist Society is a solid cornerstone of
the Albany, New York community, and an exemplar of service and commit-
ment; and

WHEREAS, It is the belief of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the Albany United Methodist Society,
and to commend its selfless work to improve the lot of others; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Albany United Methodist Society.