E-News from the Valley! April 11, 2017
Click here to go to the Genesee Valley District website.
NEW! Note from DS Vonda

We did hear praises of Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna Blessed is the One who comes in the Name of the Lord! Yet soon the shouts of Hosanna will turn into chants of "Crucify Him! Crucify Him"!  As we go through Holy week, let us pay attention to the Passion of Christ.  The strong yet determined love of God in Christ Jesus drove him to completing the purpose for his life. Jesus came so that we would be able to fight the Good fight. In knowing this we can truly say, "Alleluia! He Is Risen!
 
Happy Holy Week and Have a Blessed Easter Sunday!
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Wesley UMC & Fragrance of Christ would like to invite you to celebrate Good Friday with them.  
They will be hosting a Fish Fry on Friday April 14th 
noon until sold out
Please join them at the Wesley UMC  located at 
2009 Dewey Ave, Rochester NY 14615.

You are also invited to a Seven Last Words Good Friday Service at 7:00pm that evening - also at the Wesley UMC location.
  Area pastors will be preaching throughout the service.

All are welcome!
PRAYERS & CONCERNS

Please pray for the following churches this coming week:  
Fairport UMC; Farmington UMC; Gainesville UMC; Geneseo UMC; Greece UMC; Groveland Federated
CALENDAR EVENTS


Friday, April 14 - District Office Closed for Holiday
Friday, April 14 - Monday, April 17 - Betsy on vacation

April 18 - Prayer & Witness Gathering
Groveland Federated - 7-9pm

May 16 - GVD Clergy Gathering - "Grace"
Elmgrove UMC - 1-3pm

May 17 - Prayer & Witness Gathering
Canadice UMC - 7-9pm

June 1-3  
Annual Conference

July 8 - Retirement Celebration for Pastor Dave Hotchkiss
Livonia UMC 1-5pm
NEW! Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments in Genesee Valley District:

  • Hyun Joon Kim is appointed as a full elder to Red Creek: Westbury/Sterling UMC's effective July 1, 2017 in the Finger Lakes District
  • Sonya Mauser is appointed as a full elder to Gorham UMC and Middlesex UMC effective July 1, 2017 in the Finger Lakes District
  • Hoyt Brown is appointed as a full elder to Livonia UMC effective July 1, 2017.
  • Matthew Finch is appointed as the Pastor of Young Adults & Youth at Geneseo UMC in addition to his appointment at Hemlock UMC effective July 1, 2017.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of clergy session:

Daniel Finch
Doug Hess
David Hotchkiss
Geri Rapino


NEW! Save the Date
Retirement Celebration for Pastor Dave Hotchkiss
Saturday, July 8, 2017
1:00 - 5:00pm
*Special Tribute at 3:00pm
Livonia UMC
21 Summers Street
Livonia NY 14487
Everyone Welcome!
Native American Ministries Sunday

Dear Church Leader,

There are so many reasons to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on April 30.

On this day, United Methodists focus on the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans, both in the church and in communities.

The special offering received during the celebration supports Native American outreach ministries and provides scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians.

When our churches support Native American Ministries Sunday, we empower Native American congregations to minister to their communities with the love of Christ.

To help your leadership team promote this Special Sunday, download the  Native American Ministries Sunday Pastor and Leader's Kit

With resources including social media images, videos, an e-book and other tools, you'll have everything you need to get your congregation excited about this special celebration.

Let's all do our part to support the gifts and contributions of our Native American brothers and sisters.

Access your Pastor and Leader's Kit now!

Thank you for your leadership and continued support.
Genesee Valley District
of the Upper New York Conference 
of the United Methodist Church 

Pat VanVleck, District Co-Lay Leader
Betsy O'Flynn, Adminstrative Assistant
Rev. Vonda Fossitt, District Superintendent

1100 South Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 340-9525  * [email protected]