As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, October 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans.

After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb wants to share with you that the postponed 2020 session of Annual Conference will be held virtually. Lay and clergy delegates will gather at their own location on October 3 for the Annual Conference session. The date of the Clergy Session is 10 a.m. until 12 noon; the Service of Ordination will be by invitation only and will be livestreamed on Friday, October 2.

Click here to watch Bishop Webb's video announcement about this decision to change the 2020 Annual Conference to an online-event.

Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving detailed information about these gatherings, including how to register and be prepared to participate through a virtual connection.  As you await this information, please do not hesitate to contact your District Superintendent or Conference office staff with any questions that you have.

Re-Opening Houses of Worship:

The Intersection Between Religious Liberties and Congregational Safety

11 a.m. to 12 noon, TODAY, July 23 

The seminar will feature Bishop Tom Bickerton, Resident Bishop, New York Conference United Methodist Church, Dr. Jay Varma, Epidemiologist and Senior Advisor, Science and Program, Africa CDC, Joel Cohen, Senior Counsel, Strook & Strook and Lavan, LLP and authors of the faith leader's open letter.

Click here  for the promotional flyer and to RSVP.

The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, August 29 to September 7, 2021, to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.

 

Today we refer you to a Faith Talks webinar/podcast. Faith Talks are monthly conversations with United Methodist Women hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Each conversation explores themes and resources that empower us to put faith, hope, and love into action. TODAY, Thursday July 23 at 6 p.m. EDT, Jennifer will discuss dismantling racism. Click here to register. Click here to listen to the webinar/podcast at a later date.

July 1 is always significant in the life of the United Methodist Church in Upper New York - it's the start date for new appointments. This year, July 1 also marked the start date for Regional and District Associates across Upper New York. To read more about the responsibilities of Regional and District Associates, please click here.

On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to August 8, 2020.

 

The UNY Conference Communications team is building our digital resource lists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches are finding ways to connect digitally. Currently, the UNY Conference has a directory of  UNY church worship services that are available online.

 

Has your church offered or plans to offer an online Bible study catered to adults or family? If so, send information and the link that people can use to join the Bible study to  [email protected] and we will add your Bible study to the directory.

As we know, guidelines for church reopening are being updated frequently. Building occupancy limits are set by your county's Health Department.

Congregations meeting in person must observe both New York State and Upper New York Conference guidelines.

Churches are required to have developed a Safety Plan and have it available/on file at the church and to submit a form that affirms that guidelines are being followed prior to reopening.

Upper New York also is requiring that churches affirm their compliance with safety requirements by submitting this form, which was due Friday, June 26. This is required even for churches that choose to continue to meet only remotely.  Please be mindful this form needs to be submitted whenever your church's method of worship changes.

On June 25, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 205 that requires individuals traveling to New York from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

 

This list is updated daily. On July 21 this order applied to anyone traveling from:
Alabama, Alaska,  Arkansas,  Arizona,  California,  Delaware,  Florida,

Georgia, Idaho, Indiana,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Louisiana,  Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi,  Missouri,  Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico,  North Carolina,  North Dakota,  Ohio,  Oklahoma,  South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin. 

This includes any New York residents who visit those states for an extended period and return home to New York. 

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people's relationship to God during this difficult time.

 

The Course of Study Program continues to work schedule courses so that everyone remains safe and healthy. To that end, all fall weekend courses have been moved to a fully on-line format. It is highly likely that the winter and spring courses will follow as well. The deadline to register for the fall courses is September 1, 2020. Because of the online format, we will adhere to the 20 student maximum limit. 

 

On-line courses will have both on-line writing and synchronous "zoom" components. Faculty are working to adapt their courses and syllabi should be posted soon. Please keep the dates listed below on your calendar for the zoom sessions. These likely will not be the whole day, but parts of the day. Watch for instructions from your faculty person.

 

Please stay safe, social distance, wear your mask and know that we are praying for you and your churches. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Sheppard at [email protected].

Ripley United Methodist Church, 84 W. Main St., once again will serve as Cornerstone's drop-off location for Upper New York's annual collection for Red Bird Mission.

Dave Alexander from Endwell United Methodist Church in the Binghamton District is again spearheading this effort ( [email protected]); Robert Ebert from Ripley UMC is Cornerstone's contact person ( [email protected]). 

 

Click  here  for the initial letter

Click here for the items for shoeboxes

 

Click here to see the listing services you can attend virtually. If your church's livestream is missing from the list, please email the link(s) and time(s) to  [email protected].