Keeping you informed of happenings around the New York Conference, UCC.

Happenings Around Our Conference
My Thoughts
Rev. David Gaewski
This is the fifth year and it's the same thing. Next to the curb where I park may car each morning at the conference office, there are twenty stunted tulip plants that desperately try to break through the grass turf. They barely make it. Every year they are a little bit weaker, a little less. I think four years ago one of the plants actually had an anemic bloom, which almost immediately was mowed down by deer. It's a sad site. Every year I think to myself, "I should dig these up and replant them somewhere where they might thrive." But I haven't. By June when the lawn is mown, the feeble tulip leaves are cut down, and I don't think about them (no one does) until the following April.
 
I can imagine sometime in the past, someone carefully created a flowerbed along the curb with good soil, fertilizer, and robust tulip bulbs. Maybe that person is reading this, maybe they have long ago moved on to another place. But for the five years that I've parked by this curb, there has been no flowerbed, just lawn. And each April, the forgotten tulips try once again to break the soil and reach upward. They fail. The curb is no longer the right place for them. The conditions there are no longer ideal. The gardener, whose beautiful vision lovingly started the tulip bed, is no longer here. There is need for a change. Gardens have a life span, and I celebrate all the beauty that these tulips once were. Sometimes, however, it's time to plant something new.
 
Draw whatever simile you like. I, of course, am only thinking about tulips.
 
David


~To Equip the Saints~

Rev. David R Gaewski
Conference Minister
davidgaewski@uccny.org  Twitter: @DavidGaewski1
Announcements
Videos Wanted

Would you consider making a 30 second video of yourself answering: "What I appreciate most about the United Church of Christ in New York is.... Or, What I appreciate most about what the New York Conference does, is......" Videos from cell phones are fine (just try not to shake too much!).
 
By submitting the video to us, you will give us permission to use it in a variety of settings, possibly including online website, social media, annual meeting, or association meetings. When you have completed your video-selfie, please email Marsha Williams (mwilliams@uccny.org) and she will give you instructions on how to get it to her via a Dropbox. Thanks for your help in telling the story of the United Church of Christ in New York!
Proposed By-Law Revisions Coming to the Annual Meeting


On Saturday April 1st, the Conference Board of Directors voted to recommend By-Law revisions to the Annual Meeting in May. You can find these proposed by-law changes on our website (click here). With the exception of the Personnel Committee section, most all of these revisions are minor editorials. Because we are having some, and anticipate more, fluctuation in the number of Associations in the Conference, we have eliminated the references to nine Associations and made the wording workable with whatever number of Associations we may have at any given time. There will be a special emailing as well as US Postal mailing of all the business to come before our Annual Meeting no later than April 23rd (as required by our by-laws).
Registration open for Annual Meeting

Registration is now open for the Annual Meeting and pre-meeting Authorized Ministers Retreat. Annual Meeting will begin at 2:00 on Thursday, May 25 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. For more information, visit the conference website:
To register, use these links:
Hotel Reservations - click here to book your group rate for New York Conference of the United Church of Christ, Inc.
Annual Meeting - click here to register for the meeting and meals
Retreat - register for the Pre-Annual Meeting Authorized Ministers' Retreat by clicking here
Sing in the Annual Meeting Choir

If you're interested in singing in the choir at Annual Meeting, please take a moment to fill out this form.
Gospel Choir Performance Tonight

SUNY Cortland Gospel Choir will have a Concert at Christ Community Church in Cortlandville (292 Tompkins Street, Corland) on Wednesday April 5, at 7:00p. This is their annual - Pre-Spring Concert Tour event when they use our church as a sort of "dress rehearsal with a live audience." The Cortland Gospel Choir is unusual in that it is an example of diversity and inclusiveness - students of different ethnic groups (not just African American) participate in the Gospel Choir.
 
Church Pianist Dorothy Thomas was one of the original members of the Gospel Choir when it was founded in the 1980s. Current director is Deyquan Bowen. This year's Concert Tour will take the group down to Washington DC., where they hope to visit the new African-American History Museum at the Smithsonian as well as sing in several venues.
A Huge Thanks from Nicaragua

This is a the moment to say Thanks to all of the people and sponsors that made the most recent mission trip on behalf of the New York Conference possible. February 21-27 was full of teaching youth about brushing teeth, love of God, and honoring of our bodies as holy. Thanks to Chris, Sueli, Dawn, Geri, Kelly, Eddie, Milane for giving of their time. Thanks to Plymouth and Bayberry Churches in Syracuse along with the Onieda Association and Wider Church Commission for their financial support of those going. Thanks to Hermano Enrique, Hermana Sonia, Mision Christiana and Staff of Escuela Luz Y Vida NI226 for the Generosity of open arms and open doors to welcome us. The group has more plans in the works for the next year to come; a presentation will be given at the upcoming UCCNY Woman's retreat. If your church would like to participate or you would like to participate please contact Sueli at the Conference office, you can all see some of our pictures and thoughts at
http://nicauccny.blogspot.com

Orient Church searching for relatives of former ministers

The Orient Congregational Church, UCC, is looking for former ministers, as well as children, grandchildren, etc. of ministers who have served the church in the past.
 
The church, located on the eastern end of Long Island (Suffolk Association) is celebrating its 300th Anniversary, and would like to invite these people to a celebration weekend, Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13. 

Please e-mail Rev. Dr. Ann Van Cleef, at pastorannvancleef@gmail.com .
Welcome, Lisa!

The Conference Staff is pleased to welcome Ms. Lisa Delgado as the new bookkeeper of the New York Conference.  Lisa comes to us with 26 years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping.   She holds a B.A. in accounting from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT and is a MBA candidate at Columbia College in Syracuse.  Lisa began work on March 9th.
Join the Climate March in Washington, DC on April 29

A climate march in Washington, DC on April 29th is being organized by the same broad coalition of groups that brought together more than 400,000 people for the 2014 climate march in New York City. The UCC Council for Climate Justice along with the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries are official co-sponsors for the upcoming march. We want to have a strong UCC presence at this march. RSVP to join the UCC contingent and receive updates from the Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice. One can also look online for the nearest sister march .

Sister March Webpage: www.peoplesclimate.org/sister-marches
Free accommodations for DC marches

Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ is offering free sleeping space and basic accommodations for any UCC groups coming to Washington DC for the following events
  • March for Science, Saturday, April 22
  • People's Climate March, Saturday, April 29
  • Immigrants March, Saturday, May 6
  • Equality March for Unity and Pride, Sunday, June 11 
Westmoreland UCC is located at 1 Westmoreland Circle in Bethesda, MD -- immediately across the street from DC at the intersection of Massachusetts and Western Avenues. From senior minister Rev. Tim Tutt: "The accommodations we can offer are not luxurious -- basically floor space for sleeping bags and pillows. But the cost may be right -- free."

Interested people can contact the church at 301-229-7766.
2017 UCC Musicians Association National Conference


Click here for the website dedicated to this national conference.
To download a brochure for the conference, click here.
Choirs invited to free workshops, festival

The Festival of Choirs USA® is a free church choir event, open to the public and scheduled for Saturday, May 13 at Sawyer Evangelical Church, 777 South Kendall Ave., Bradford, PA from 10:00a-6:00p.
 
The Festival is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for: Promoting public awareness of the need to reestablish and reinvigorate the choirs that were once in small town churches and communities.
 
Come for the day and enjoy great fellowship, music, workshops, and food or just come to hear the choirs perform in the afternoon. For more information or to register, click here. If you would like more information please contact:
Arcade UCC Choir:  Dona Roll- 716-676-2573
Festival Founder:  Jerry Goochee- 757-630-1490. 
Click here for a schedule of events.
Register now for New York Women's Annual Conference

Join the New York Women of the United Church of Christ for their annual conference on May 4-6 at Watson Homestead. This year's theme is God Brings New Beginning
. The conference features: workshops, Biblical drama, worship services, mission projects, card making, crafts, fellowship and activities, meditation room, book exchange, and Pennies for People.

For more information and pictures from last year's retreat, click here.
For a printable flyer to share or hang in your church, click here.
For a registration form, click here.
National gathering, advocacy training set in Washington 

Join Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington for " Confronting Chaos, Forging Community"  from April 21-24, 2017 to grapple with the intersectionality of racism, materialism, and militarism , and learn more about the impact they have around the world, in our communities, and in our own lives. Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, and networking with other Christians, we will face the current manifestations of these 'triplets' and together advocate for change in public policy that better reflects the Beloved Community about which Dr. King spoke. After a weekend filled with education and training, Ecumenical Advocacy Days will culminate with a Lobby Day on Monday, April 24, 2017, where participants will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress. We seek to renew this revolutionary spirit as we affirm the vision of a day when 'Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.'" (Isa: 40:3)

Click here for more information.
Free hymnals in Ithaca

First Congregational Church of Ithaca has a large stock of Pilgrim and New Century hymnals that need new homes. We would love to give away our Pilgrim hymnals, and possibly sell our New Century hymnals ($5/hymnal). Is your church looking for new hymnals? Contact our church office (607-257-6033; office@fccithaca.org) for more information.
Free meals at Central Square 

Free! Lenten Soupers: 
  • Wednesday, April 5
  • Maundy Thursday, April 13

Meals are from 6:00-7:00 pm at Central Square Community Church, 833 US Rte. 11 Call 315-668-6278  to make a reservation.

Register: United Church of Canada's Women's Conference

Women in the United Church of Christ are invited to the "55th Anniversary National United Church Women 'Celebrating Women'" conference. Please find below an electronic copy of the Conference Brochure as well as the Registration Form for the upcoming United Church Women (UCW), the women's conference of the United Church of Canada. The gathering is in Vancouver July 10-14, 2017 at the University of British Columbia.
Click here for a brochure.
Click here for the registration form.
Click here for the event website.
Conference Minister Endorses Camp Fowler

Two years ago Camp Fowler (and several other summer camps) requested that I endorse and promote their summer youth programs. Having worked extensively with summer camps in both Maine and New Hampshire, I am aware that a camp accredited by the American Camping Association is of critical importance in order for a conference to stand behind their programs. ACA accreditation ensures the highest standard for program safety in the summer camp industry. For this reason I told every camp that requested my backing that as soon as they achieved the ACA standard, I would support them.
 
I am very pleased to communicate that Camp Fowler on the shores of Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondack Mountains responded to my challenge and has been granted ACA accreditation. Having gone through the accreditation process in Maine, I can attest that this is no small achievement. For this reason I will promote Camp Fowler (or any other ACA accredited facility) for New York youth to enjoy! Camp Fowler is associated with the Reformed Church in America (Albany Synod). Ryan Henderson and I have met with their Director several times and we are pleased to support their program.
 
Registration for summer camp is now open online at campfowler.org. Check out their programs. Several members of the New York Conference have been very active in their programs throughout the years including Marian Shearer, Janelle Richardson, and Emily Otto. They will attest to the inclusive, spiritual, and safe attributes that make Camp Fowler a wonderful experience for youth. Visit their website. You can also call Camp Fowler at 518-631-6789.
 
David Gaewski
Association Spring Meeting schedule

April 29
Susquehanna Association, McLean -- All Ministry Team members present
Metropolitan, St. Albans
Genesee Valley, Community Christian
Suffolk, Middle Island

April 30
Oneida, Pulaski -- Marjorie Purnine

May 7
Black River/Saint Lawrence, Hopkington -- Marjorie Purnine
Western, TBA -- Ryan Henderson
Essex, Lewis -- David Gaewski

May 13
Hudson Mohawk -- Marsha Williams  
Staff Preaching Schedule

Rev. David R Gaewski
April 30 - First Congregational Church, Ithaca
May 14 - Henrietta United Church of Christ

Rev. Ryan W. Henderson
April 9 - St. Stephens Bethlehem UCC, Buffalo
May 7 - St. Peter's UCC, West Seneca
May 14 - Kenilworth UCC, Buffalo

Rev. Freeman L. Palmer
April 9 - Corona Congregational Church, Queens
April 16 - Nazarene Congregational Church, Brooklyn
April 30 - Christ Community Church, Cortland


Rev. Dr. Marjorie Purnine
April 30 - Groton Community Church


Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams
April 9 - Clinton Heights UCC
April 30 - Greene UCC
Opportunities for Education
ONLINE: UCC History, Theology and Polity Course, June 2017

A UCC History, Theology and Polity Course that meets the requirements as set forth by the UCC Polity Teacher's Network will be offered online during June 2017. Classes will begin at 9:30am and end at 4:00pm on the following dates: June 3, 10 (we will start at 9am on this date), 17, 24. The platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing ( zoom.us ) The tuition will be $475. For more information contact the instructor, Reverend David Gaewski, NY Conference Minister, at  davidgaewski@uccny.org
 
This polity course is sponsored by the Oneida Association of the New York Conference.  Payments should be sent no later than May 20th to: Diana Pelletier, 114 Munro Dr., Camillus, NY 13031.  Make checks payable to Oneida Association UCC.
 
A syllabus is available upon request. Laity, Members in Discernment and Privilege of Call candidates are all invited! Class size is limited to the first fifteen to register. The course will be cancelled if we do not obtain seven registered students. A student is considered registered when full payment has been received. Students who cancel enrollment will receive reimbursements up until June 1st. Please note the last online class reached maximum capacity.
Free Upcoming Webinar

Thursday April 6, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Leader: Elizabeth Christie
Join us as we talk about ways to observe Pentecost with children. We will discuss projects, books, and activities to help children and their families celebrate the birthday of the church, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and ways to "fan the flame."

Elizabeth Christie is a Christian Educator with the United Methodist Church. Additionally, she is a certified special education teacher and has worked extensively with children and adults with various needs. Elizabeth loves finding ways to make activities work for all ages and abilities, and is usually covered in markers, paint, and glitter.
Upcoming Boundary Training Opportunities:

REGISTRATION OPEN: ½ Basic offered online April 24 and May 1
Mondays, April 24 and May 1, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In the UCC, authorized ministers need to take Boundary Awareness Training. After the basic unit is completed, a "refresher" course is taken every few years. Associations offer refresher courses, since that is what most folks need. However, some still need the basic unit. With NYSOM's technological support, Penny Cannon will be offering the first half of a basic unit of BAT training via web conferencing, on Mondays, April 24 and May 1, from 7-9 pm.

If you have ever taken a Boundary Awareness Training, this IS NOT for you. And these two sessions are not a complete unit: they need to be combined with a face-to-face refresher  to constitute a basic unit of Boundary Awareness Training. The cost is $50 for the two web-conferenced sessions. Participants will read Cloud & Townsend's, 
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life, in preparation for the sessions. Click here to register now. The registration deadline is April 11 (so that participants will have time to order and read the assigned book). If you have questions, contact Leigh McCaffrey at  nysomclerk@uccny.org .

Renewal Class offered at Conference Office, May 20
The Oneida Association will be providing a one day refresher Boundary Awareness Training on Saturday, May 20, from 9am to 3pm, at the Conference Office in Dewitt. Cost is $75 and will be collected the day of the event. Registration can be made through Diana Pelletier, Oneida Registrar, at  dkluscombe@msn.com . A maximum of 20 individuals can attend. Registration deadline is May 10th. Please bring your lunch.

Renewal Class offered in Hudson-Mohawk, May 20
The Hudson-Mohawk Association will be providing a one day refresher Boundary Awareness Training on Saturday, May 20, from 9:00a to 1:00p, at the Interfaith Center at the University of Albany. Cost is $50; please bring your own lunch. This training will help increase awareness of the need for healthy and appropriate boundaries in the clergy/congregant relationship. Promote effective ministry by illustrating the impact of appropriate vs. inappropriate boundaries. Provide guidelines and suggestions for developing appropriate boundaries and necessary self-care strategies for ordained and non-ordained leaders. Help create healthy and safe churches . Register before May 13 with Sandy Damhof, sdamhof@gmail.com or 518-495-0029.

Renewal Class offered in Western, May 23
The Western association is hosting a one day renewal Boundary Awareness Training on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Ebenezer UCC,630 Main Street, West Seneca, NY 14224. This is the only scheduled BAT for 2017, so if you are due this year, this is the training for you. Cost for the training (9:00a-4:00p) is $75 if paid before May 10, or $100 at the door. For "no-shows" at the training event, a $25 fee will be retained from your refund. To register and for further information, please contact Rev. Robert C. Dievendorf at  dievenrc@gmail.com  or 585-492-4530.
News from Our Committees
From Global Ministries:
Loren McGrail itinerating in New York Conference

Loren McGrail, a missionary appointed jointly by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ will be itinerating in the New York Conference from April 29-May 15.  Loren, one of our New York Conference missionary partners, has been serving a four-year term in Bethlehem with the YWCA of Palestine and in Jerusalem with St. Andrews Scottish Church, assisting with worship and other pastoral duties. 

She will be preach at Greenpoint Reformed UCC in Brooklyn on April 30, and be the keynote speaker and preacher at the NY Conference Women's event at Watson Homestead May 4-6. She will preach at Corning UCC on May 7 and at Journey UCC, Slingerlands, on May 14.  She will present a program at First Congregational UCC, Gloversville on  May 10, following a soup supper and participate in the Hudson-Mohawk Association Meeting on May 13.  All are welcome to attend any of these worship services or programs.
From Global Ministries:
The Westras, Global Missionaries to Honduras, to visit UCCNY

Don and Maryjane Westra will be itinerating in the New York Conference in June. They have served the last 4 years with  CEVER (Center for Vocational Education and Evangelical Reformed) in Yoro, Honduras.  Sponsored by the Evangelical and  Reformed Church of Honduras, CEVER's mission is to provide vocational education, such as welding, automotive repair and  culinary arts to young people ages 14-30 with an emphasis on spiritual and moral development,  Maryjane, a medical social  worker has also been working with the church to reopen a rural health clinic whose mission is to provide basic health care  and nutrition support to an indigenous community in Yoro.
 
The Westras will be preaching in Honeoye UCC on June 4, Arcade UCC on June 11 and Henrietta (Rochester) UCC on June 18. They will also present a program at Webster UCC in Rochester on June 7 following a potluck supper.  They  will be available June 5-10 and June 12-17 to present programs in the western and central regions. Please consider organizing a daytime or evening program where they can talk about their work. Also, you can invite them to meet with a women's, men's, youth or retirees group, or participate in a Bible study. They would also enjoy hanging out with  a small group of interested people. If you would like to invite the Westras to  your church or if you have questions,  contact Kay Woike: kaywoike@verizon.net; (716)834-9781.
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What's Happening at Your Local Church?

Do you have an item of news that you would like to share throughout the New York Conference? Please email our Communications Coordinator at  communications@uccny.org and send the details - preferably with links and pictures!
Please note that the New York Conference does not publish news related to fundraisers.
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