When you give on Peace with Justice Sunday, your gift makes possible our critical kingdom work in the world. Because you give:

These initiatives, and hundreds of other ones, are possible because you give.  Thanks be to God!

Last week, the UNY Conference published a news item overviewing reopening guidelines with a link to view an up-to-date comprehensive guide to help local churches understand when they can open and resume services. Since then, we have been getting some questions.

 

Click here for a compilation of the Frequently-Asked-Questions with answers. If you have a question related to reopening, feel free to contact our COVID-19 hotline at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected] and someone will contact you and add the question and answer to our compilation.

Great news for Lay Servant Ministries! Imagine No Racism (INR) has been approved as an advanced course for Upper New York. The curriculum, which has a deeply spiritual foundation, has been formatted as a 10-hour course including videos, conversations, and experiential learning. An INR facilitator will lead each course. Each District has at least three trained facilitators who will guide the conversation as the participants experience vital concepts dealing with racism in today's world.

The goal of this experience is to develop each lay servant's ability to be an ally who walks with people of color to build relationships and take action for justice.

The purpose and mission of every United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches and New Faith Communities are where disciples are made. Upper New York Director (UNY) of New Faith Communities, the Rev. Dave Masland, said, "In 2019, more than 60 percent of the churches in Upper New York reported that they did not have a single Profession of Faith! That is the definition of an organization struggling to live its purpose."

 

Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the UNY Conference Leadership Team, the UNY Cabinet, and the UNY Operational Team have continue work on "Discovering, Developing, and Deploying Christ-Following Leaders." Click here to learn more about the new tools to effectively fulfill their vision for 2025.

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is offering its annual Northeastern Jurisdiction Mission Academy in an online webinar format throughout May and June 2020.

 

Click here  for the full calendar of courses. All courses are free. Donations are welcomed to UMVIM and its partners offering these courses.

 

UMVIM connected with Global Ministries, UMCOR, Church & Society and community partners like New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) to offer several of the courses. The others are being offered by leaders within the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

 

Click here  to learn more.

The Upper New York Conference Leadership Team invites you to pray with them as they share prayers designed to be used however the Spirit calls you to use them. If the Spirit places it on your heart to include these prayers in your daily devotions, publish them on your social media page, or jump off from their movement into your own inspiration, go with God and with their blessing.

Click here to read the most recent prayer, provided by CLT member, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, seeking God's comfort, reassurance, compassion, and gentleness during this difficult time and expressing thankfulness for God's ceaseless patience and presence. 

 

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

 

The Upper New York (UNY) Communications team now has a worship video featuring the UNY Cabinet and other UNY leaders.

In accordance with the continued response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Upper New York (UNY) Conference local churches are strongly encouraged to continue to refrain from having in-person worship services through May 31. Recognizing that the New York Governor has placed drive-in theatres as a part of businesses that can open within Phase 1 of the states re-opening guidelines, we support any churches that desire to offer drive-in worship experiences within regions that are in Phase 1 of New York's reopening guidelines until in-person worship within our buildings can resume. It is vital that guidelines be followed closely if a church decides to offer drive-in worship and that the building not be opened or available for access in any way. You can find guidelines, as well as resources, for drive-in worship experiences here .

Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries also is offering classes via Zoom. Living Our Methodist Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage) will be offered from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 9, 16, 23 and 30 and from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on June 13 . For more information and to register, please email Arlene Schmidt, [email protected] .

The May Issue II 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 provides information on how to support those who may be experiencing domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing mandate, try to be creative in your distribution of the Bridge. Consider mailing or delivering them to your congregation members. Even better - post the link to the Bridge on your website or include a link to the Bridge in an email to your congregation.

 

If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]. 

Click here to hear the heart-felt message in this video.

It has been said that wherever two or more United Methodists gather, someone is bringing a casserole! Right now, we can't host in-person church meals, but we can still come together virtually using technology and through United Methodist Now.

Find videos and stories about United Methodists and food. You can also find recipes and share your favorites. Click here to find out how.

As a BONUS, if you subscribe to the free twice-monthly United Methodist Now e-newsletter through the link , you will get seasonally delicious recipe cards from other readers.

So, pull up a chair. Feel the love. Enjoy the food and the (virtual) company. 

Upper New York Conference Communications team has added a page on our Conference website ( www.unyumc.org) that showcases all the Methodist churches in our Conference that are hosting online worship services.

 

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