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WELCOME FRIENDS !
Welcome to the Finger Lakes District e
-Newsletter! Please share this with church members and staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this an invaluable resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Finger Lakes District. If you have something you would like to see included in a future issue of this e-newsletter, send to
[email protected]
May you have a blessed week!
Your friends at the Finger Lakes District Office,
Rev. Jeffrey McDowell,
District Superintendent
Pam Deckard,
Administrative Assistant
Office Hours: Pam will be working from home Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and in the Seneca Falls Office
Tuesdays and
Thursdays 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. You can call the office at any time (315-781-0188). Or email. Thank you.
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DS NOTES
Dear Friends: These are anxious times. I dread listening to the news, as today another shooting has taken place. I am hearing school children worried about their safety and church people anxious of how to defend themselves against harm. Pastors are concerned how to lead their flocks appropriately without taking sides on a variety of social and political subjects. During appointment - making season, churches and pastors are not sure what will happen when and cabinet members like me feel the same way! But we are resurrection people. We are Easter people. In the most worrisome times we are one with the One who came to save us from our sins: Jesus the Savior. This time, toward the end of our Lenten season we are fully attuned to God and our world. Don't miss the message of salvation. Jesus is still the prince of peace, even when the world is falling apart. God is still providing for us in ways we are not aware of until they come to us. What we can do is pray, trust and hope.
We are Easter people.
In Christ, Jeff McDowell
Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice soundeth,
saying, "Christian, follow me!"
In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love me more than these!"
Jesus calls us! By thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
Jesus Calls Us
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 398
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895
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The next edition of this eNewsletter comes out on April 10, 2018. To submit an item for the newsletter, please have it to the district office by April 5. Thank you.
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SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION!
Regstration for 2018 Summer Programs is now open! Click here to browse all of our 2018 summer programs and to register. Don't forget to take advantage of our Early Bird ($10 before May 1), Sibling ($20 per camper), and Refer-A-Friend ($40 for the referring friend) Discounts! We've got big things planned this summer and we want YOU to be part of it! Register today! If there are any questions, please contact us at (toll free) 855-414-6400 or
[email protected]
.
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Students: Apply now for 2018 UNY Conference scholarships
United Methodist high school seniors and college students are invited to apply for two scholarships offered by the Upper New York Conference: Conference Merit Awards and Lottie Brown Grants. Application forms and guidelines are available now.
Click here
for more information and to apply.
The deadline for applications for each of these scholarships are:
Conference Merit Awards: March 5, 2018
Lottie Brown Grants: April 10, 2018
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UMW Calendar:
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Spring Banquet, Club 86 in Geneva, 5:15pm (Registration), 6:00pm Dinner.
Attached (CLICK HERE) find the FLD UMW Winter 2018 Newsletter. Please share this with other UMW members who do not receive email.
Also feel free to copy any of the Spring meeting notices on church bulletin boards, newsletters, Sunday bulletins to get the information out on our programs and activities.
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UMM Retreat
We are very excited to be hosting this dynamic retreat at Skylake in Windsor, NY on September 7th & 8th, 2018.
This retreat is open to everyone, of all denominations as well as to women, children, families etc.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
Thank you so much and may the Lord bless you as you continue to do the Lord's work. FLYER
In Christ,
Sanjay Solomon,
(937) 626-5247
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced new appointments and retirements.
CLICK HERE for the latest appointments.
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Church Mutual advice on preventing frozen pipes
With the frigid temperatures we've been experiencing this winter, the water inside your building's pipes can easily freeze. Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes which puts tremendous pressure on the metal or plastic pipes containing it. No matter the strength of these materials, expanding water can cause pipes to burst and lead to costly damage to your building and contents. The pipes most susceptible to freezing are those exposed to severe cold in unheated interior spaces or exterior walls with little or no insulation.
Click here
to watch a video from Church Mutual that explains how you can reduce or eliminate the risk of frozen pipes and other cold-weather threats.
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Youth invited to participate in Mission of Peace mission trip to the Philippines in 2019
The Upper New York Conference is looking for four youth members to participate in the Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Council on Youth Ministries upcoming Mission of Peace (MOP) mission trip to the Philippines next year. If selected, each youth member must raise money to support their MOP and, upon their return, share their experience.
Click here
to learn more and to download a fillable PDF to apply. The deadline for submission is April 9.
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OUTWARD! event coming soon
The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) will host OUTWARD! 2018 from April 13-15 at the Syracuse-Liverpool Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway in Liverpool.
Embrace" is the theme based on Mark 11:22b: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you" (The Message). This year's Outward (formally UpWord) will focus on how we can put our Inward growth into Outward action. Workshop and activities are designed for youth in grades 7-12. Any questions regarding the registration, contact Judy Hipes at 607-624-2145 or [email protected]
This year's event has a different focus. The schedule will include opportunities for hands-on mission work. But the event will also feature some beloved traditions, including workshops, late-night options, Spirit-filled worship experiences, and an awesome band, SAMECITY. This year's worship speaker is Michael Jordan, dean of the chapel and chair of the biblical studies, theology and philosophy department at Houghton College.
Registration will open soon.
Click here
for more information and to see a slideshow of last year's event.
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl to be appointed to serve
as Adirondack District Superintendent
Bishop Mark Webb intends to appoint the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl to serve as the new District Superintendent for the Adirondack District starting
July 1, 2018.
Please pray for Debbie and her family in these days of transition and change.
To read more about this change as well as Bishop Webb's reflections on this news,
Click here
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ESI's (Employee Assistance Group) TotalCare EAP can help
with virtually every area of life. See flyer (
click here) for more information. Or go to:
www.theEAP.com or call: 800-252-4555
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Lay Servant Courses:
Four Courses offered
March 23-24 at Auburn UMC
99 South St, Auburn, NY 13021
Open to All * Laity & Clergy
1. Course: Basic Lay Servant Ministries
Friday, March 23rd from 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Course Facilitators: Michael Aiken and Jennie Young-Walczyk
Text: Lay Servant Ministries Participant's Book. by Jackson & Jackson
Cost: $25 includes snacks, light lunch, beverages
Basic Lay Servant Credit
2. Course: Storytelling
Friday, March 23rd from 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Course Facilitator: Pastor Della Ludwig
Text: Purchase, read, and bring to class:
Dancing with Words
by Ray Buckley
Cost: $25 includes snacks, light lunch, beverages
Advanced Lay Servant Credit
3. Course: Heritage: Living Our Beliefs
Friday, March 23rd from 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Course Facilitator: Patty Pierleoni
Text: Purchase, read, and bring to class:
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs by Kenneth L. Carder
Cost: $25 includes snacks, light lunch, beverages
Advanced Lay Servant Credit - a required course for Lay Speaker
4.
Course:
Heritage: Transforming Conflict
Friday, March 23rd from 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Course Facilitator: Rev. Wilson Jones
Resource fee is $20 for materials received when you register.
An additional online fee of $8 is charged when you take an assessment.
Cost: $45 includes snacks, light lunch, beverages and resources
Advanced Lay Servant Credit
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Annual Conference Registration:
Registration is now open for the Upper New York Annual Conference session, held May 30-June 2 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.
Click here
obtain more information about the 2018 Annual Conference session, including the registration form, the menu, and the housing form.
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What you need to know about 2018 Annual Conference: Getting There
Unlike the past few years, this year's Annual Conference is not taking place at the Oncenter; it is taking place at Onondaga Community College (OCC) SRC Arena. The Upper New York Conference has you covered. We will be frequently releasing news items related to "What you need to know about the 2018 Annual Conference."
Click here
to read the first article that explains how to get there and also details about accommodation options.
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A FEW SLOTS LEFT !!!
Looking for Equalization Members to Annual Conference
Annual Conference is Wednesday, May 30th through Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Onondaga Community College. If you would like to be considered as a Finger Lakes District Equalization Member, please talk with your pastor or worship leader and fill out the
application here, then return
it to the District office as soon as possible.
SESSIONS has indicated that only one application for adult EQ member will be accepted from each church/charge.
If you have any questions please call or email the District office. Thank you!
CLICK HERE to read DS Jeff's entire letter.
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Blueprint for Wellness Annual Conference Event Pre-Registration Begins
Wespath Benefits and Investments and The Center for Health has again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer "Blueprint for Wellness," a free health screening program for eligible participants in the Upper New York Conference. Quest Diagnostics will be at the Upper New York Annual Conference event at Onondaga Community College (SRC Arena/Allyn Hall Room A182), on Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1 from 6 to 10 a.m.
Pre-Registration is strongly recommended for the Annual Conference event. You can register for an appointment between now and May 18.
Click here
to learn more.
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AUDITS DUE BY March 15th
As of today, we have received 43 Audits! Thank you!
For the rest of you: Please get them in asap.
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The latest copy of the Bridge is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats.
Click here
to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.
As a bi-monthly publication, the Bridge can be used this Sunday or next, whichever is most useful to the local church. The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church. The newest volume will be listed at the top of the webpage, with older volumes below. The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact
[email protected]
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An Opportunity to Serve
Imagine No Racism District Volunteer Advocate
Racism is a disease that infects the hearts, minds, souls and bodies of individuals. churches and communities. Our Social Principles state, "Racism is the combination of the power to dominate by one race over other races and a value system that assumes that the dominate race is innately superior to others." Racism is contrary to the purpose and will of God. As children of God who are to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)," we are called to action.
In Upper New York Annual Conference we are going to Imagine No Racism together! Read more about the Team
here
, and if you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate, let us know and complete an application! Click
here
for the application.
The
Imagine No Racism Launch Day is
Saturday, April 21 from 12:30 pm - 4:00 PM. These events will be held across the districts on the same day in the "hub" church locale. Finger Lakes "hub" church is:
Cortland First UMC.
.
The participation of all persons under appointment or assigned is mandatory. Retired clergy not under appointment are invited and encouraged to attend.
You are also asked to bring one or more of your laity who are passionate about racial justice.
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CAMPERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS
Varick UMC is once again offering 3 campership scholarships this year. Policy is the camper pays the $75 deposit and the church will pay the rest.
Campers are to enroll online for one week of camp, pay the $75 deposit up front, and Varick Church will pay the rest. If there is a hardship case, they will pay the $75 as well. It is a ministry they love to do. Send children to camp.
Don Andrus, 607-869-5627 for any questions.
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Announcement: Upper New York Conference 2019 Narrative Budget booklet available
With Annual Conference right around the corner (May 30-June 2), now is the time to become familiar with the 2019 Conference Budget.
Click here
to gain an overview of how Ministry Shares support the Upper New York Budget in a new, dynamic video, starring many youth and adults across the Conference.
Click here
to view our updated 2019 Narrative Budget booklet online.
Printed copies of the Narrative Budget booklets are currently available at the United Methodist Center. Contact your District office to request your copy.
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We are often asked: how often do people need training in Safe Sanctuaries?
Short version: All adults (paid staff or volunteers) who have regular contact with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be SS trained by the UNY SS trained leaders. Workers who have had this standard/basic training need an annual orientation or update. Usually done by reviewing the church's SS policy and procedures.
HOW OFTEN DO THESE PEOPLE NEED BACKGROUND CHECKS:
Every two years!
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ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society (UNY-UMHS) announces a new publication UNY Historical News & Views. This emailed newsletter is a benefit for members of the Society. The publication includes Methodist historical vignettes, pictures/scans of Methodist/EUB historical materials from the UNY archives and elsewhere, tips, and news. The first issue is available
to read and can be accessed via this LINK
. Submission guidelines for article contributions are available through the contact information on page 5 of the newsletter.
The UNY UM Historical Society was organized by the Upper New York Commission on Archives and History to promote and preserve Methodist and EUB history within the bounds of UNY Conference. Its mission is to Preserve the PAST; Inform the FUTURE. Information on the Society can be found HERE.
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Pulpit Supply
Dear Friends; Below is a list of potential guest preachers available for pulpit supply. Please contact any of them directly to work out details and dates. DO YOU know of others? Email their names to the district office.
RE Carol Keller, Auburn 315-882-4624 (June-July only)
RE David Bergner, Rushville 585-526-5379 (short drive/lead time)
LP Marcia King, Auburn (H) 315-889-7727; (C) 315-703-4294
LP
Ellen Knight, Lyons 315-945-5557
RE Judy White-Wunder, Penn Yan (H) 315-694-9064;
Lay Pulpit Supply
Bobbie Valentine, Ledyard
315-406-9562
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UPCOMING SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAININGS
Saturday, April 7 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Wolcott: Faith
Saturday, April 28 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at Newark 1st
Contact District Office for more information and to register.
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ERT Basic and ERT Recertification classes are scheduled for Clifton Springs UMC on May 12. Details and registration are at:
Registration closes April 28. A minimum of 12 participants per class is the UMCOR guideline.
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Right Start Workshops Scheduled
Because healthy moves are important for the life of the church, clergy and their families, "The Right Start:Beginning Ministry in a New Setting" workshops have been scheduled at six locations across the Upper New York Conference.
Attendance at the workshop is mandatory for all full-time clergy who are moving to a new appointment, retirement or extension ministry. Less than full-time clergy are welcome and encouraged to attend.
CLICK HERE to register online through the following link:
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The Upper New York Conference is seeking to fill the position of Conference Treasurer
The job entails budget coordination, central treasury operations, financial reporting, supervision of staff in addition to other responsibilities. A Bachelor's degree is required, CPA is preferred with a minimum of five years experience in accounting or related field.
Click here
to learn more and to apply for the position.
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The Freeville United Methodist Church
In Cooperation with
The Tompkins County Sheriff's Department
Presents
Active Shooter Training Safety Program
Presented by the
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office
Tuesday, April 17
th
, 2018
from 6-9 PM
At the Freeville United Methodist Church
This is an opportunity to learn how to react and keep our congregations safe!
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The Yates County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the Penn Yan United Methodist Church will present a program:
CIVILIAN RESPONSE TO ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENTS
As a citizens safety training program on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 AT 6:30PM to 8:00PM in the fellowship hall
of the United Methodist Church, 166 Main Street in Penn Yan, NY.
"Deputies will provide strategies, responses and guidance for civilians surviving an active shooter event and related crime prevention especially for churches," said Sheriff Ron Spike.
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Equitable Compensation Application for July-December 2018 available
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period July 1 to December 31, 2018. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided by the APRIL 9, 2018 deadline.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE
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If you would like to subscribe to this e-newsletter, please send your email address to:
[email protected]
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Finger Lakes District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Jeffrey McDowell
,
District Superintendent
Pam Deckard,
Administrative Assistant
12 North Park St., Suite 11
Seneca Falls, NY 13148 (
new address)
Office: 315-781-0188 efax: +1-315-282-2367
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