Our Lenten Program for this year included three events. On March 8th we sponsored a shared dish Lenten supper and then went on to the Gloversville Presbyterian Church for an Ash Wednesday worship service. Members of four Presbyterian Churches in the Western District of Albany Presbytery gathered for this service.

On March 22nd members were invited to participate in our traditional "hot soup and crusty bread" Lenten meal. Our young friend, Carlos, who came to us from Ecuador, and other exchange students from other countries, talked to us about their homelands and their experiences in the United States.

The coordinator of the Fulton County Drug Court, Jackie Jones, addressed us on April 12th, following our Lenten meal. Mrs. Jones pointed out the notable success that the Drug Court has had in finding alternative methods of combating alcohol and drug abuse in Fulton County. She spoke knowledgeably about the lengthy and difficult process and answered a number of questions from the audience.

An important part of our yearly program is the Peacemaking Offering held on the first Sunday in October. The Peace and Justice Taskforce is very pleased to report that $802 was collected, probably an all time high for our congregation. As in the past, 25% of this amount is retained by the local church for peacemaking activities.

Finally, in every issue of the Saltshaker, our monthly church newsletter, we have submitted articles relating to themes of peace and justice in the hope of raising the level of awareness among our readers of the great need that exists in our world, nation and community for action to correct social abuses and to alleviate suffering and injustice.