Oneonta District Newsletter
April 5th, 2017
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
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Father, we pray for all the lonely people, especially those who, coming home to an empty house, stand at the door hesitant and afraid to enter. May all who stand in any doorway with fear in their hearts, like the me two on the Emmaus Road, ask the Living One in. Then, by his grace, may they find that in loneliness they are never alone, and that he peoples empty rooms with his presence.
~E.M. Farr
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| An Easter Message from the DS |
One of the most powerful voices in Europe in the early decades of the last century was Ivanovich Bukharin, a prominent atheist. The story is told of a trip he took to Kiev to address a huge crowd about the absurdities of faith. He spoke for over an hour, a vigorous argument against Christianity. At the conclusion, he invited questions.
A voice cried out, 'Christ is Risen!' and the response rang out across the crowd: 'Christ is Risen indeed!'
A hundred years later, there are many who would echo Bukharin's message of unbelief. At the same time, the world reflects the ongoing discouragement that arises from seemingly intractable problems - poverty, violence, conflict - we all know the list.
In the middle of that, preachers across our district will declare, 'Christ is Risen!' It is a proclamation of light in the place of darkness, hope in the face of despair, life against the reality of death.
Just as it did in Kiev a hundred years ago, this Easter affirmation flies in the face of all logical arguments.
Yet for centuries it has been truth for human hearts - a bedrock belief in God's victory over evil and death through Jesus Christ. This year, the voices of Easter hope will say it yet again: Christ is Risen!
And thousands in our churches will respond: Christ is Risen Indeed!
And the strong message of God's love will continue to transform hearts, and move us ever closer to the triumph of peace and hope.
May your Holy Week journey be deep and gracious, and your Easter be full of life!
~Everett
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Continue to keep the Rev. Sylvia Barrett and the congregation of Milford UMC and the Rev. George Richards and the congregation of Fonda-Fultonville UMC in your prayers as they recover from fires.
Continue to keep Mary Ann, Lyle Linder and their family in your prayers. Mary Ann is continuing to improve slowly. Your visits, prayers and cards are very much appreciated.
Rev. Jan McClary Rowel (Retired Oneonta District Superintendent) during her recuperation.
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Milford UMC Update - from Pastor Sylvia Barrett
Many thanks to all our sister congregations who have contacted me in the past three weeks. We now have art supplies, childrens Bibles, and a whole host of new friends!
If anyone knows of a keyboard we could borrow, please contact me.
On Maundy Thursday, at 7pm, we will be gathering at the Cultural Center in Milford for a Communion and Tenabrae service.
We would love to see you there, to break bread, pray for the Body of Christ, and to continue to build on this opportunity the good Lord has given us, to gain strength from each other.
Donations continue to arrive for the Milford UMC Relief Fund, and cards of support. Many thanks to all who have reached out to us, as individuals or as congregations.
The Milford Task Force has been assembled and approved. Our first meeting is on April 27th. So many good things have come out of this setback already, and will continue to do so. Blessings and love from our congregation to yours. We truly are a connectional church. Praise the Lord!
Sylvia
The Milford UMC is accepting donations for their
Relief- rebuild fund .
Donations can be sent to :
Milford UMC
PO Box 127
Milford NY, 13807
Please be sure to write " Milford UMC Relief Fund" in the check Memo .
If you would like to help in this recovery please be in touch with Pastor Sylvia Barrett at email: [email protected] .
Sylvia will be sending out updates with more opportunities to be part of their recovery.
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| SAVE THESE DATES |
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Date
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Event
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Details
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Fri.April 14
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Good Friday - Conference & District Offices closed
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Sun. April, 16th
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Easter Sunday Happy and Blessed Easter to all.
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Sat April 22 & 29th
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Spring Lay Servant School -in Oneonta District
Click here for DETAILS
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Elm Park UMC & Time: 8 am-1:30 pm
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June 1 - 3
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Upper New York Annual Conference
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OnCenter - Syracuse NY
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Thank you to all the churches listed below for getting their 2016 audits in.
Afton UMC Hartwick UMC Richmondville UMC
Barnerville Huntersland UMC Roseboom UMC
Central Bridge McDonough UMC Sand Hill UMC
Cobleskill UMC Middleburgh UMC Schenevus UMC
Cooperstown UMC Middlefield UMC Schuyler Lake
Davenport UMC Morris UMC Sharon Springs
Delanson UMC Mount Upton Sherburne UMC
East Worcester Mount Vision Sidney UMC
Elm Park UMC New Berlin UMC Smithville UMC
Esperance-Sloansville Norwich Broad Street
First Oneonta North Norwich Treadwell UMC
Fly Creek UMC Otego UMC Unadilla UMC
Franklin UMC Oxford UMC Unadilla Center
Gallupville Plymouth UMC Warnerville
Grosvenors Corners Portlandville West Davenport
Guilford UMC Preston UMC West Exeter
Westford
Westville UMC
Worcester UMC
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| The Upper New York Conference office has moved . |
 The Upper New York
Conference Offices Have Moved
The Upper New York Conference office has moved to the new
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
NEW Phone: 315-898-2000
Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
Conference office hours are the same (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
The new phone number for the Conference office is: 315-898-2000. The toll-free number, 855-424-7878, will remain the same.
In addition to the Conference office staff, the new building will also house the Episcopal office, the Crossroads District office, and soon several other United Methodist offices that serve Upper New York.
- The office hours for the Episcopal office are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new phone number for the Episcopal office is 315-898-2020.
Open House at the new
United Methodist Center of Upper New York and more
On Wednesday May 31, the day before the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference, the doors of the United Methodist Center will be open for all from 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The Open House will showcase the Media Resource Center, Mission Central, all office areas, and all meeting rooms. A service and dedication will follow at 7:30 p.m.
Additionally, the Syracuse United Methodist Churches will be hosting an open-air service on May 31 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Columbus Circle, which is located two blocks north of the Oncenter where Annual Conference will be held again this year. This will be a nice gathering for worship and fellowship. Rev. BJ Norrix said, "We have a good band ready to go and expect to have a great time."
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| NEW - New Faith Communities Event April 21-22, 2017 |
You Are Invited to the
New Faith Communities Event April 21-22, 2017Â
at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center.
Each year, the New Faith Community Team of Upper NY Conference sponsors an event during the month of April to extend the movement of planting in Upper New York. Who should attend? Any person who is planting a new faith community OR is interested in learning more about what is involved in planting a new faith community! For planters it is a great chance to come away with other like-minded people and network and learn together. For those who are curious about the planting movement, it will give you a chance to meet planters, learn from experts and pray about what God is calling you to do. This year's event will feature Rev. Gary Shockley... long time church developer, coach, teacher, and artist from Western North Carolina. He will be sharing his unique SandArt worship experience (he made it to the final phase of America's Got Talent tryouts!), will lead us in some art-focused spiritual development, and will talk at length about innovative fund raising to support new faith community ministry.
Click here
for more details, information, and to register.
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| What's going on at YOUR Church ??? |
If your church has events that you would like advertised in this section please email Teresa at [email protected]
 All are invited
Lenten Soup Supper at The Otego United Methodist Church, 10 Church Street, Otego. It will be on Friday, April 7 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Included will be delicious homemade soups, bread and rolls, desserts and beverages. Donations will be accepted. There is ample parking at the church and a handicapped elevator is available. If you need additional information, contact Mary at 607-988-2613
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 This Saturday
The Annual Oneonta/Binghamton Men's Communion and Breakfast is coming up on Saturday, April 8th. Endwell United Methodist Church will be our hosts this year. It will begin with coffee hour at 7:30 am followed by Worship, Communion, Breakfast and a short program.
The contact person to call or email your reservations is Pastor Mark Kimpland at 607-754-5735 or email [email protected] . Make your reservations by Wednesday, April 5th.
Do not leave out the boys in your church from the very little on up.
The Oneonta District has been doing this annual lenten breakfast for over 50 years now. We have benefited from these breakfasts by meeting men from other churches and enjoying the fellowship and friendships we have had for many years. The Binghamton District was added as a result of Greene being switched over in 2010.
If your church would like to host this event next year or in future years, bring that invitation along. We try to alternate districts with Binghamton hosting this year.
We look forward to seeing all men and boys at the Endwell United Methodist Church. It is located on Watson Boulevard just west of Hooper Road. Exit 69 off Route 17 or I86 westbound or Exit 67 eastbound from Owego.
To get a poster to put up in your church go to www.unyumm.org and click on events.
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Continuing Education Requirements for Clergy
Attention: All clergy under appointment or assignment are required to complete
2 CEUs (20 contact hours) per year or accumulative 8 CEUs (80 contacts hours) per quadrennium and will provide documentation to the District Superintendent, unless enrolled and attending Course of Study or Seminary Degree Program.
COS Information
Our registrar is continuing to receive registrations with 2015, 2016 & 2017 dates on them. Please a make sure you are using the most updated form. You can download the correct form here:
Here is the mailing info for the application signed by DS, check and stamped envelope:
Betsy O'Flynn
UNYBOM COS Registrar
1100 South Goodman St.
Rochester, NY 14620
Any questions about this, email the registrar
[email protected]
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| Click here for ... Leading Ideas,  Resources & Quick Links |
Summer Camping 2017 * 
Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 2017 Summer Camp & Retreat programs. Program details are available online and brochures were mailed this week! Brochures were sent to past participants and campers as well as all Upper New York Annual Conference churches.
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| Mission Trip Opportunities...Click here |
Earn your way
to the Holy Land
Join Rev. Everett Basset with Bishop Mark J. Webb & Upper New York Annual Conference of the UMC on a trip to the Holy Land. An 11-day trip (January 9-19, 2018) to the Holy Land through Educational Opportunities Tours for anyone in the Conference to join.
Click here for Brochure and registration form. If you would like to join them, the earlier you register, the more you can save. For example, register by February 9, 2017 to save $150.
Pastors are also able to promote the tour and earn their trip. They will earn Tour Host credits for each full- paying passenger they recruit. The tour is based on one earned trip for every five full paying passengers. Five full-paying passengers will cover the pastor; five more will cover the spouse, etc.
Click here to learn how to become a Tour Host.
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| UNYAC Job Postings ...Click here |
| UNY Media Resource Center ...Click here |
Quick Links
The Oneonta District newsletter and calendar can be found
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| Please share this issue of the Oneonta District Newsletter with church members and staff, teams and organizations. If you wish to include news about your missions or disciple formation ministries, please send it on Mondays to be published - that week - email: [email protected] Also - If you have ideas for making our District Newsletter better - we would like to hear from you . |
Oneonta District Office
of the Upper New York Conference
of the United Methodist Church
"Living the gospel of Jesus Christ and Being God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Everett Bassett
, District Superintendent
Teresa Wood, Administrative Assistant
64 Chestnut St. (GPS) / PO Box 668 (Mailing), Oneonta, NY 13820
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Conference session 
