JOYS & CONCERNS

Please include these prayer requests in your weekly church bulletin, in your prayers during your Sunday worship if you have a time of "pastoral prayer" and keep these pastors, their families and the Church families in your prayers throughout the week.

August 18
The Sinclairville:Park Church. Pastor Joe Pascoe, his wife Leslie and their daughters Ashley, Taylor and Riley.

August 25
The Steamburg Church. Pastor Rick Peters, his wife Lauretta and their family.

September 1
The Westfield 1st Church. Rev. Nick Perry, his wife Carmen and their children Nathan and Nadia.

Please keep the family of Brother Carl Isler in your prayers. Carl died Monday, July 29, 2019, after a brief illness. Most recently he served as lay supply at Conewango Valley United Methodist Church (May 2017-November 2018). A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, at the East Otto Fire Hall, 8990 Reed Hill Rd. A covered dish meal will follow the service.

Pastor John Green (Great Valley UMC) is working through some health issues. Please keep Pastor John and his wife Janet in your prayers.

We mourn with the victims, families and friends of all those wounded and killed in Dayton, El Paso and other mass shootings. Also be in prayer for all who are  in need of physical healing, burdened by stress, living with grief, and more.
Take Delight in the Lord - Psalm 37:4a
August marks our second month in ministry together. Our ministry of building God's kingdom one heart and life at a time. Our ministry of sharing God's love found in Jesus Christ. Our ministry directed by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the second month of five where I will be continuing to share my call story through Psalm 37.
 
Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
 
What does delight mean? Delight, a word that is infrequently used in our lives today. Webster's Dictionary defines delight as "a high degree of gratification or pleasure: such as the of joy children squealing in delight."  Synonyms include: pleasure, happiness, joy, joyfulness, glee, gladness, gratification, relish, excitement and amusement (not a complete list).
 
Take delight in the Lord. What does this phrase mean for us in our world today? To delight in the Lord is finding joy as faithful followers of Jesus. For me this means to love the Lord our God with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength. And to love my neighbor. Being a faithful follower of Jesus includes each one of us as individuals and as churches delighting in the Lord by loving God and loving our neighbors.
 
In the beginning of my faith journey, I thought that following Jesus required one to be serious, quiet, prayerful, to attend church regularly and to be a part of a Bible study. As a nurse, this was difficult for me to do since I worked a rotating schedule - day, evening and night shifts at the hospital as well as weekends. I was disappointed that I could not become a member of the church (not United Methodist) I was attending because I could not attend 10 consecutive weeks of classes. The delight I first felt as a new follower of Jesus quickly ebbed, as did my church attendance and participation.
 
Several years later Billy Graham came to Buffalo's Pilot Field for three nights. It was there that I learned that Jesus died for me and loved me. Those attending each night were encouraged to attend a church close to where we lived that preached the Bible. And so, my United Methodist journey began. Once again there was delight in following Jesus. I was personally invited to a Bible Study (the group was in the middle of Revelation - yikes!) and I became an active member of the church.
 
I share all of this to say that together as faithful followers of Jesus, as disciples, as churches and as a district we will all experience ups and downs in this journey called faith. We will delight in the Lord. We will weep together. We will have "dark nights of the soul." We will grow deeper in our faith. We will pray together. We will celebrate the sacraments. We will learn together. We will encourage and love one another. We will offer grace and we will offer forgiveness.
 
I can sincerely say that I take delight in the Lord. My life is focused. My life is not perfect. I make mistakes. I ask for and offer grace and forgiveness. I pray. I weep. I celebrate. I grieve. This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 12:10: That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
 
I know with Christ at the center, when I am weak, then I am strong. I know that as a District with Christ at the center, when we are weak, then we are strong.
 
  As I delight in the Lord, I also delight in God's creation. I still dance in the rain! I still make snow angels! I laugh out loud! I smile when a child says Jesus loves me! I rejoice when an adult comes to me and says God loves me! I am thankful the Holy Spirit transformed my life and continues to transform my life!
 
So, Delight in who God has made you to be - a beloved child of God. Delight as you follow Jesus. Delight in becoming the best disciple you can be - sharing the love of God found in Jesus.
 
With Joy,
Suzanne
Reverend Suzanne Block
NEW - Make Copies of the Bridge!
The August 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 includes an article about the first meeting of the Upper New York Delegation for the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences since they were elected in June - learn about the delegates' aspirations in the coming year. This issue also includes some success stories of Vacation Bible School in Upper New York in July. Additionally, this issue zeros in on the Upper New York Conference Mission Central HUB's latest campaign to collect hygiene kit supplies and monetary donations to help make as many kits as possible.
Ride for Mercy Flight
Trinity UMC, 131 N. 9th St., Olean, invites area motorcyclists (classic cars, other motorized vehicles welcome) to take part in a 100-mile Road Rally on Saturday, August 17 to benefit Mercy Flight and the church's outreach program. 

Riders/passengers will travel from Olean to Cuba to Arcade to Springville to Olean. A Mercy Flight helicopter will hover over participants throughout the route.

Cost is $20 per vehicle/driver and $10 for each additional passenger and includes a chicken barbeque at the church following the ride. Registration will open at 11 a.m. August 17 in Trinity's parking lot. Blessing of the Bikes at 11:30 a.m., departure at 12 noon.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Paul Kayes, 716-474-6220. 
Around Our District
Little Valley UMC, 109 Court St., will serve a drive-thru Chicken Barbeque from 11 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, August 24. Tickets are $10; menu includes 1/2 chicken, two sides (potato salad & baked beans), roll, dessert (brownie) and a bottle of water. Proceeds will benefit Little Valley's mission outreach.

Machias UMC, 9735 Route 16, will be the site of a 34-week Disciple II class beginning Tuesday, September 10. Pastor Nancy Preston will teach the class, which will meet at 6:30 p.m. each week at the church. Completion of Disciple I is a prerequisite for taking the class; participants are responsible for purchasing their own books. Please contact Cindy Hull, 716-258-9000 or [email protected]. 
Sign Up Now for LSM Training
Cornerstone's Fall Lay Servant Ministries Training is scheduled October 18-19 at East Randolph UMC, 122 Church St. In addition to the Introduction to Lay Ministry: The BASIC Course, taught by Pastor John Dedloff, the following classes will be offered:

Called to Preach, taught by Pastor Warren VanDewark
Leading Worship, taught by Rev. Susan Hadley
Public Prayer, taught by Rev. Carmen Perry
 
Cost for the training (Friday evening, all day Saturday) is $25 and includes snacks during breaks and lunch on Saturday. Participants are required to register in advance ( by October 4) and purchase their own books.

Please click here to download the registration brochure. To register online, go to  http://cornerstonedistrict.com/lay_servant_ministries.

Registration and payment must be received by the October 4 deadline, mailed or delivered to Cornerstone District Office, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, NY, 14701.
NEW - Sharing Jesus' Love
With Our Neighbors
The 10th annual East Otto Blueberry Festival, held at the church August 10, was a great success driven by the theme, Making Disciples for Jesus Christ. Numerous billboards on the church lawn told of Jesus being our Savior and handouts were shared that communicated Jesus and his love for all and included service times and phone numbers. 

At the hot dog booth, anyone who repeated John 3:16 got a free hot dog. The scripture verse was posted at the booth, so anyone unfamiliar with John 3:16 was encouraged to read the poster and claim a free hot dog. "I was the hot dog guy and I saw many people who had no idea of John 3:16 read the poster and smile," said Pastor Wes Tessey. "It provided a great chance to witness!"

How is your church sharing the love of Jesus Christ with your neighbors? We would like to share your story with the District - please send the information (with pictures, if you have them) to [email protected] 
Share Your VBS Stories!

Assembly time in the  sanctuary
Panama UMC held our VBS from 6 to 8 p.m. July 14 - 18. Dinner was served to all the families at 5:30, then singing started at 6. This year we used the Cokesbury curriculum, To Mars and Beyond . The music was absolutely fabulous! The children (and adults!) loved it. 

We had around 80 kids and 40 adult/youth helpers every night. There was so much energy - especially because we were able to use our new community room. What a blessing that was!
-- Submitted by Stacy Taylor

We'd love to hear about your church's VBS! Send us a paragraph or two about VBS at your church along with photos to [email protected] . 
Let's Get Ready for Charge Conference!
The 2019-20 forms for our annual Charge Conferences are now available. To download/print, click on this link:  http://uny.umconline.org/ 

We are beginning to build the Charge Conference schedule. To help Suzanne meet with as many individual churches/charges as possible, we have several mid- to late afternoon timeslots available on weekdays. If members of your congregation would be willing to gather on a weekday afternoon for your Charge Conference, please call or email the District office: 716-665-2423, [email protected].

Your prayers are appreciated as we prepare for this busy season!
EVERYONE - Please Read This Notice!
The deadline is quickly approaching for New York State employers to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training upon hire and on an annual basis. This is a law and all UNY church employees must complete this training. For this year, the training must be completed by all current employees and new hires by October 9, 2019. Once the initial training is complete, the employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date). Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets or some other manner for audit purposes.
 
In addition to the sexual harassment prevention training requirement, each employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. This policy should be shared with employees prior to the training. If you have yet to create a sexual harassment prevention policy, click here to learn more.
 
To learn more about programs that qualify for the sexual harassment training, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the New York State sexual harassment prevention requirements, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at 315-898-2017 or  [email protected] .
NEW - UNY United Methodist Historical Society Meeting
The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society extends an invitation to you to join them on Saturday, September 14, at Cortland United Methodist Church, 734 State Rt. 222 in Cortland  (Finger Lakes District)  for a program on circuit rider stories. Click here to download a flyer to post at your church.
Click here for the latest issue of
the UNY Media Resource Center newsletter.
Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation
As you recruit for leadership in your congregation for 2020 (committee members, worship leaders, trustees), please take advantage of Cokesbury's Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation. This resource offers a "job description" and practical "how to" information for 26 leadership positions in the local church. For more information, please call (716-665-2423) or email ( [email protected]) for more information.
FREE! Fall Quarter Curriculum from Cokesbury
In advance of every new quarter, Cokesbury sends the District office single copies of its Sunday school curriculum (pre-school through adult). If you or your church are interested in or has a need for these materials, please call or stop by the District office. We will be happy to have these materials put to good use!
COS Deadline is September 20
Please send your registration form to the District office for Pastor Suzanne's signature; we will forward it to COS Registrar Betsy O'Flynn for her signature and she will send the form to Wesley. Y ou cannot be registered for a class without the two (2) required signatures. 
UPDATE!
Check Your Email for Clergy Compensation Information
Please be aware that the Benefits Office no longer mails out printed "Setting the Pastor's Compensation" packets to clergy or S/SPRC chairs. All materials are sent by email to clergy and S/SPRC chairs. 

All materials may be downloaded using the following links:



Seminar for Retiring Clergy
A pre-retirement seminar will be held on Monday, October 7, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the UNY United Methodist Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool. The seminar will highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. It is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available.
 
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED , as clergy-specific retirement projections and lunch will be provided. The deadline to register is Friday, September 20. Click here to register and for more information.
Early Bird Registration is August 26!
Transforming Church Conflict &
Creating Space for Authentic Community
Time & Place:  
Western Series at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center, sponsored by the Mountain View District, Rev. Nancy Adams, District Superintendent
  •  Session One - September 18 & 19, 2019 (W/Th)
  •  Session Two -October 9 & 10, 2019 (W/Th)
West: Early Registration - $626  
After August 15 - $676*                  
 
*Please contact your District Superintendent for information about any subsidies being offered.

Maximum # of Participants / Series: 20

Content: 
The first session introduces Transformative Conflict Theory, spiritual practices to ground participants in the face of conflict, and skills & strategies for responding to conflict. 
The second session reviews the theory and skills in session #1, then introduces new concepts and skills used to facilitate participation in the heated church meeting. Methodology includes lecture, individual reflection, discussion, concept & skill development exercises, & role plays. 

Click here for a flyer; click here to register for the retreat.
Opportunities for Learning

"Wesley Revealed" at UM House
The United Methodist House, located at 14 Pratt Ave. on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, is pleased to announce a  weekly series at 7 p.m. on Thursdays through  August 22.

Dr. Richard Heitzenrater, a professor at Duke Divinity School and longtime friend of the UM House, will speak on a different topic each week (download  schedule of topics).  For information about parking and access to Chautauqua, please call  Rev. Carmen Perry, 716-357-4045.

Tending the Soul, open to both laity and clergy, is a program designed to train individuals in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation. The two-year training program (which takes place during six retreats) offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings.

The Rev. Tim Phelps, Chaplain of Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, took the TTS training from 2012-2014. This is what he has to say about the training:

"Since 2006 I have served in extension ministry as a hospice chaplain. My experience with Tending the Soul 2012-2014, affirmed and clarified my calling to end of life ministry. It named and gave a deeper understanding of what I was already doing in the area of Spiritual Direction, which is listening deeply to the individual and noticing the ways in which God is present in their life. I strongly recommend this two-year training to anyone who wants to learn more about Spiritual Direction, becoming more aware of the presence of God in their life, and in the life of others."

Click here to learn more about the 2019-2020 Tending the Soul Training, which begins Nov. 11-14, 2019.
GCORR's Rev. Michelle E. Ledder to Kick Off Imagine No Racism 2.0 Trainings
The Upper New York Conference's Commission on Religion and Race will continue Imagine No Racism (INR) trainings this fall and are calling this version INR 2.0. These trainings will kick off on Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the UNY Conference United Methodist Center in Liverpool with the Rev. Michelle E. Ledder from the General Conference Commission on Race and Religion (GCORR) as the featured speaker.  

This event is open to all laity and clergy throughout the Conference. INR 2.0 forges a stronger scriptural connection to INR lessons and offers a flexible format. This event will help refresh and update your knowledge base as well as help those who are now ready to start the Imagine No Racism initiative. Click here to register. To learn more about Rev. Ledder and the September 7 event, click here.

There will be opportunities to attend subsequent events in churches throughout UNY in September and October. Questions may be sent to Dr. Blenda Smith at (607) 761-0327 or [email protected].  
General Conference 2020 Petition Submission Process Opens
Petitions for consideration by the 2020 General Conference may be submitted to the Petitions Secretary now through September 18, 2019.

According to church law, "Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition the General Conference...."

Detailed instructions for submitting a petition are available on the General Conference website at umc.org/gcpetition. Petitions must be typed and may be submitted through the General Conference website, by postal mail or fax, or via e-mail to [email protected]. This e-mail address should be used for petition submission only. All other correspondence should be directed to [email protected].
UPDATE - Ways to Help UNY Mission Central HUB
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is focusing on the desperate need for hygiene kits around the world in places such as the transition shelters along the U.S. Mexico border.

Throughout the summer, the UNY Mission Central HUB is collecting monetary and supply donations to assemble UMCOR hygiene kits. Those who send in a donation, will have a "hand" placed on our "world."

Click here for a fun video visual of this campaign.

Click here to make a donation. 
Searching for a Church Home
The District office has received two reversible (purple/green), never-used pulpit scarves. They are from the R.J. Toomey. If your church could use one or both of these paraments, please call (716-665-2423) or email ( [email protected]) the District office.
DON'T FORGET!
New Places for New People Campaign Continues Through November 1.
Every individual who makes a gift of $100 or more will receive a button like the one pictured. Congregations that give at least $500 will receive a certificate recognizing them as a "New Places for New People"Partner Church. Churches should list Advance Special #664 in the memo line of their checks; individuals should write "New Places for New People" in the memo line of their checks.

The "New Places for New People" Partners campaign is underway until November 1. Click here for toolkit resources to promote the "New Places for New People" partnership. 
Important Dates For Your Calendar!

September 2
Cornerstone District Office CLOSED in observance of Labor Day

September 12
Fall Pastors' Gathering
Christ First UMC, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown

September 18
District Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM)
Bemus Point UMC, 4954 Bemus-Ellery Rd.

September 20
Registration deadline for COS Fall Weekend at UNY Conference Center in Liverpool

September 23-24
One-on-One Pastoral Conversations 
Christ First UMC, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown

September 25-26
One-on-One Pastoral Conversations
Christ UMC, 633 Linwood Ave., Olean

October 3
One-on-One Pastoral Conversations
Christ First UMC, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown

October 6
Installation Service for DS Suzanne Block
4 p.m., Christ UMC, 633 Linwood Ave., Olean

October 7-8
One-on-One Pastoral Conversations
Christ First UMC, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown

October 18-19
COS Fall Weekend
UNY Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool

October 18-19
Lay Servant Ministries Fall Training
East Randolph UMC, 122 Church St.

October 22-24
Bishop's Retreat
RIT Inn & Conference Center, 5257 W. Henrietta Rd., Henrietta
REMINDER - When You Get a Call from the District Office
The phone at the District Office goes through the Conference Office system. So a call from the Cornerstone district office will display 315-898-2000 (Conference Office main number) on your caller ID.  We will leave a message for you,  but  please don't hit "redial" to call us back; dial 716-665-2423 to call us back . 


Rev. Suzanne Block
District Superintendent

Rich Preston
District Lay Leader
[email protected]

Cathy Hall
Administrative Assistant
716-665-2423
[email protected]