Albany District and Conference News
July 1, 2021
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"I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”
― Abraham Lincoln
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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The Rev. Erik Smith is now residing at Kingsway Community, Room 211, 323 Kings Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
The Rev. Alan Rhodes is recuperating from a second stroke. You can send cards of care and concern to Alan at 3019 Spawn Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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As of today, we welcome these pastors to our congregations:
Rev. Nick Bufano to Newtonville UMC.
Lori Buno Taylor to Church of the Covenant (Averill Park).
Quincie McConathy Yamin to Voorheesville UMC.
Becky Richards to Trinity UMC (Albany).
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As of today, we bid farewell to these pastors and church leaders. Godspeed!
Pastor Joe Auslander, from Church of the Covenant (Averill Park) to Brownville and Dexter UMCs in the Northern Flow District.
Pastor Bob Farmer, to the Mohawk District.
Rev. Gary Kubitz, from Voorheesville UMC to Greece UMC in the Genesee Valley District.
Rev. Moon Ho Kim, from Gloversville: Foothills to retirement.
Pastor Jan Lacey-Markle to the Oneonta District.
Rev. Jeff Matthews from Trinity UMC (Albany) to retirement.
Audie Miller, to the Mohawk District.
Pastor Kathy Reese, to the Mohawk District.
Joyce Royal, to the Mohawk District.
Rev. David Smith, to the Mohawk District.
Rev. Steven Smith from Newtonville UMC to Queensbury UMC in the Adirondack District.
Ron Talbott, to the Mohawk District.
Pastor Amy Winnie, from Melrose UMC to Whitney Point UMC in the Binghamton District.
And we bid farewell to these churches, all transferring to the Mohawk District:
Bleecker UMC, Broadalbin UMC, Canajoharie UMC, East Stone Arabia, Edinburg UMC, Fonda-Fultonville, Fort Plain UMC, Freysbush UMC, Gloversville: Foothills UMC, Gloversville: North Main Street UMC, Mayfield UMC, Northampton UMC at Fish House, North Bush UMC, First UMC at Northville. If you are affiliated with any of these churches and you wish to be placed on the e-newsletter list for the Mohawk District, contact Cindy Muder @ mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org or (315) 797-1777
And to Ames Sprout-Brook UMC, transferring to the Oneonta District. If you are affiliated with this church and you wish to be placed on the e-newsletter list for the Oneonta District, contact Teresa Wood @ oneontadistrict@unyumc.org or (607) 441-5102.
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What's New from the Conference |
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2021 appointments announced |
To view the full list of appointments as of June 30, 2021, click here.This list will be modified as needed.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made? Click here to read about the process.
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The July issue 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.
This issue focuses on news from the successful 2021 UNY Annual Conference that took place virtually June 17-19, 2021.
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Dismantling racism podcast |
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
This week, we feature a Worship Matters podcast, in which, the Executive Director of Worship Ministries, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson has a conversation with former student and newly Ordained Elder Rev. Brittney D. Stephan about her work for diversity in the Michigan Conference of the UMC. Click here to listen as she explains what that involves and how churches can contribute to the call to dismantle racism in the UMC.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Intergenerational ministry for the post-pandemic church
Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says siloed age-level ministries often prevent congregations from worshiping together around one common table. But the pandemic provided an opportunity for us to rethink our concepts of place and space and to re-imagine what it means for us all to be together.
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8 financial lessons for the post-pandemic church
In the aftershocks of the COVID-19 crisis, many churches face a period of financial reckoning. These eight principles can help right the ship. They are all sound practices in the best of times, but are even more critical now as the church navigates uncharted territory in the post-pandemic world.
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Mission U offers three studies |
Hosted by the Upper New York United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church. This virtual study program will be presented Thursday evening, July 22, through Saturday afternoon, July 24. Deadline to register: July 5.
Choose one of three studies:
- Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.
- Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom
- Finding Peace in an Anxious World
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Register now for 2021 summer camp & retreat programs
The Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry is excited to share their 2021 summer camp and retreat programs with you! All five sites will be offering a variety of programs. Summer camp provides endless laughter, meaningful worship, and important friendships. Retreats provide a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
Get excited about Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center!
Click here to watch Skye Farm’s 2021 Summer Welcome video.
Questions? Call the site or the UNY CRM Central Office at 315-898-2026.
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Skye Farm seeks summer staff |
Skye Farm Camp is looking for summer staff! Camping ministries offer a unique and powerful opportunity for kids this summer to get outside and reconnect with God and with each other after a long and challenging school year. You can help make this happen! Skye Farm is especially in need of counselors as well as nursing staff to cover 4.5 weeks of summer camp. Food, lodging, training, and lots of fun all come with a paid or volunteer position at camp. If you would like more information, contact Hannah Lasher at hannah@campsandretreats.org or call the camp office at (518) 494-7170.
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Mission Hub seeks volunteers |
There is a great need for volunteers to help a woman in the Utica area. |
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Updated COVID guidelines
Following the announcement from Governor Andrew Cuomo that most New York State COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions have been lifted now that there is a 70% vaccination one-dose rate for persons 18 and older in the state, Church COVID-19 Guidelines have been updated on the Conference website.
Click here to review the updated Church COVID-19 Guidelines.
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Please note that there have been recent "phishing" attempts to get folks to buy gift cards or to respond to an email from Debbie Earthrowl asking for your assistance. The only legitimate email address for Debbie is debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Attention All Youth Leaders!
Do you have youth with a zest for life, a love for God, and the potential to lead?
CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministry) has openings for 3 young people from the Albany District. You must be going into 7th - 12th grade for the 2021-22 school year.
For more information about CCYM, and/or to request an application, please email Laura Clark, Albany District Youth Coordinator, at LLC1129@yahoo.com.
You can also learn more about CCYM and other youth opportunities by visiting the Upper New York Conference website. Click CCYM under "Ministries".
The direct link to CCYM is here:
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Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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