.Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
March 17, 2021
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"Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
— Diana, Princess of Wales
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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The District Office is open
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please continue to keep Pastor Phyllis Holzhauer (retired) and her family in your prayers. Her husband, George Holzhauer, died on March 6. Phyllis served Fort Plain and Freysbush UMCs, Centenary UMC in Greenwich, and was coordinator of educational ministries at Shenendehowa UMC. Click here to read George’s full obituary.
Please continue to hold the Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith in prayer. They are dealing with serious health concerns. Cards of care and concern can be sent to the Smiths at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Share your story
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in the way we do church, but it has also offered opportunities for growth. Please share your story on how you or your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality.
(New) Read about what's happening at the Simpson UMC in Rock City Falls ... click here.
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Local Church Events and Classifieds |
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Click here to view Local Church Events and Classifieds.
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Bishop Webb reflects on one year of COVID-19
In a video addressed to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference, UNY Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, one year later.
Bishop Webb explains how the global pandemic of COVID-19 has transformed so many things. We have encountered fear as people we love and care about became ill. We have grieved the loss of too many lives within our families, congregations, communities, and world. Many among us and around us have suffered financial loss, the loss of sharing significant milestones of life with friends and family members, the feeling of isolation, and many other difficulties.
Bishop Webb also expresses deep concern over the divisions that continue within our Church, the country, and throughout the world. He wants the Conference to know that he, the Cabinet, and the entire Conference staff continue to stand ready and willing to partner with you in ways God leads, to assist in equipping you and your congregation for the new realities we face both today and in the days to come.
Click here to watch Bishop’s important reflection.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce three ad interim appointments, four appointments, and three retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Clergy now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
As New York State’s vaccine supply from the federal government increases, Gov. Cuomo has expanded eligibility to more New Yorkers to keep the vaccination progress moving. Starting today, three new groups of New Yorkers are eligible for the vaccine: public-facing government and public workers, not-for-profit workers who provide public-facing services to New Yorkers in need (this includes clergy), and essential in-person building service workers.
Please contact your local vaccination center to verify your eligibility.
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Add your Bible study to Conference listing
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, one year ago, the UNY Communications team has been connecting folks across the Conference to digital discipleship resources. As part of that, we have created a directory of online worship services.
We are expanding this effort and would like to create a directory of online Bible studies that are taking place across the Conference. If your church has Bible studies that are taking place online and you would like it added to our new directory, please contact Shelby Winchell at shelbywinchell@unyumc.org and include your church name, Bible study meeting time and day, and a link where it can be found online.
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March Issue II of Bridge available
The March 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. The stories that are featured in the Bridge can also be accessed from the news section of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference website for easy copying and pasting for those who wish to electronically distribute news featured in the Bridge. Click here to access the UNY Conference news items.
In honor of Women’s History Month, this issue celebrates Susanna Wesley, if often referred to as the “Mother of Methodism.” In this issue, you will also find the announcement for the rescheduled General Conference 2020 date, scheduled for Aug. 29 to Sept. 6 2022, as well as the Special Session, scheduled for May 8.
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What new thing has God done in you?
The pandemic has impacted us in ways we never could have imagined. Despite the most traumatic time many of us have ever experienced, there has been hope and promise in good things that are still happening through God’s grace.
The UNY Annual Conference Worship Planning Team requests submissions for a virtual liturgy. They are looking for ONE SENTENCE responses to this question:
"What new thing is God doing in you since we last gathered in person?"
Please send your written response to Worship Coordinator, the Rev. Rachel Dupont, at rachel.ann.barnhart@gmail.com by Friday March 26. Her team will be in touch with you shortly thereafter.
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Clergy who need to be excused from Annual Conference 2021
The 12th session of the Upper New York Annual Conference will be held virtually June 17-19, 2021. If you are a clergy member seeking to be excused from the Annual Conference session, please click here and submit this form.
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What to do if you receive a Notice of Hearing Approval of Disclosure Statement related to the BSA proof of claim
On recommendation of our Conference chancellor, many of our churches filed a “proof of claim” last fall with the bankruptcy court to protect their rights to indemnification from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in the event abuse claims against churches who may have sponsored BSA Troops are asserted.
If your church did file a proof of claim, you may have recently received a document entitled “Notice of Hearing to Consider Approval of Disclosure Statement.” The Notice advises all the parties in the bankruptcy case that the BSA is ready to propose a plan to emerge from bankruptcy and that details will be forthcoming as they are available.
The Notice is for informational purposes only and requires no action on the part of your church. There is nothing for you to do at this time. You do not need to file any document with the bankruptcy court, nor do you have to be available for the hearing.
The Conference’s attorneys are following the BSA bankruptcy case and will advise you of any significant developments in the case.
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Planning for Holy Week
Redemption and resurrection. We celebrate both during Holy Week, and this year’s services – after a year of living with a global pandemic and deep cultural divides – provide an opportunity to connect your faith communities with both spiritual traditions and each other.
In this special broadcast, a panel of worship leaders will help you creatively plan for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter’s celebrations, and other spiritual practices related to Holy Week.
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Courage, faith and resilient leadership
What gives Christian leaders the courage to persist in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges? Tom Berlin shares how courage emerges through faith, hope, and God-inspired convictions as we deepen our commitment to walk with Christ.
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10 Paradigm Shifts for Mission Renewal
Congregational renewal requires more than figuring out a better way to do what we’ve always done. Instead, we need to figure out a new way to be who and what God is calling us to be. The biggest challenges we face are adaptive, not technical, requiring not just new practices, but a new mindset.
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What's Keeping Younger People from Ordained Ministry in the UMC?
Last year, the Lewis Center’s annual report Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church revealed that the number of elders under the age of 35 had returned to near historic lows. (See Young Elder Numbers Return to Near Historic Lows in UMC.) Previous Lewis Center research has identified a myriad of systemic factors that have contributed to the declining presence of younger clergy over the past several decades. But the major decline since 2018, which followed a decade of relatively modest but sustained growth, is widely attributed to the current struggles over homosexuality in the UMC and uncertainty about the future of the denomination.
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Annual Conference 2021 to be held June 17-19, remotely
After consultation with the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Sessions, Conference Leadership Team, Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Committee, and the Upper New York Board of Trustees, Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet are announcing that the UNY 2021 Annual Conference (AC2021) session will be held remotely.
The dates for this year’s Annual Conference will be June 17-19.
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United Methodist Men's Spring retreat
The UNY Conference United Methodist Men invite men to their annual Spring Retreat, which will be held at the Aldersgate UMC camp ( https://aldersgateny.org/) 4 PM Friday, April 30 through 3 PM Saturday, May 1. To help us promote this annual event, there is a descriptive flier available on our www.unyumm.org website - Click here for the flyer. Any questions, contact Conference President Mark Jones at (315) 749-3700.
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2020 Audits due
The 2020 audits were due Monday, March 15. Please send them to Carrie via email or snail mail (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801.)
These reports were due Feb. 15:
2021 Budget (your format)
2020 Year-end financial report (your format)
If you have questions, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866.
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Nominations sought for the Denman Award
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, the Upper New York Conference works with the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize and honor one lay and clergy member for their commitment to consistently introducing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Nominations are now being accepted through April 15 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to dcmoffice@unyumc.org.
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training: March 27
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will be hosting our standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, March 27.
This training is brought to you and paid for by your Upper New York Ministry Shares. This basic training is required for anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults as stated by the Minimum Standards. This training is a must no matter if you are meeting in-person or online.
If you have already taken this training you DO NOT need to take it again.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
There will be a link to the handout that should be printed and available to you for the training.
You must REGISTER for the training. If you register and are no longer able to attend we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot with someone else who is waiting to take the training.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Conference Committee Co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Toolkit supports efforts to engage your community
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Bishop Webb and UNY Cabinet worship service available
Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident, Bishop Mark J. Webb, and members of the UNY Cabinet have put together and released a worship service that you can share with your congregation. Their hope is that by using this service in place of one of your services that pastors can have some much-needed rest and renewal. Your efforts in sustaining engagement with your congregation are much appreciated!
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General Conference postponed until 2022
General Conference organizers announced that the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly — long postponed by pandemic — must wait to meet another year. The global gathering is now scheduled Aug. 29-Sept. 6, 2022, in Minneapolis.
At the same time, the Council of Bishops has announced a special one-day General Conference on May 8.
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Intentional discipleship systems in a pandemic
In 2019, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations, wrote an article on what it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate. She offers excellent ways to develop disciples at this difficult time through weekly worship/biblical engagement, accountable relationships, and a missional life. Her advice can prove helpful now and even beyond the pandemic.
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Updated COVID-19 Guidelines and Best Practices
New York State, like much of the world, is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases with regional micro-clusters across the UNY Conference experiencing positive test rates above 4.5 percent.
With the health and safety of all members and communities of the Upper New York Conference in mind, the Conference Reopening Task Force, with the full support of Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and the members of the UNY Cabinet, have revised the COVID-19 guidelines. While underlying public health science and regulations have changed little since March, this revision seeks to increase clarity and ease of use.
The New York Forward requirements remain the minimum standards and are mandatory for every congregation. In addition to these requirements, the guidelines also include a set of “UNY Recommended Best Practices.” While these do not have the force of law, they are designed to further decrease the chance of infection and harm and are strongly recommended by the Bishop, the Cabinet, and the Task Force. Congregations, operating through their own “Reopening Task Force,” are responsible for making decisions about how they will keep staff, members, and visitors safe during this crisis.
The guidelines cover facility, worship, small group, food, and program hosting minimum standards and best-practices. Click here for a chart that outlines the minimum standards that churches should follow (the NYS guidelines) and the additional UNY recommend best practices. This chart also provides helpful resources.
Future updates and revisions will be noted in red in subsequent versions. If you have any questions involving these guidelines, feel free to contact the COVID-19 response team of the UNY Conference via phone at 315-898-2012 and email at covid-19response@unyumc.org.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
(New) Basic Lay Servant
(Adirondack and Binghamton District have teamed up for this)
Mondays, April 12, 19, 26 and Thursday April 29: all classes will be from 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Jacqueline Kim and Timothy Bard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays: April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 1: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
Thursdays, May 13 and 27: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 29: 9 am-1 p.m.
Monday, June 7: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt and Jamiee Ross
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Mondays June 14 and 21: 6-9 pm
Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 1: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Wednesdays: July 14, 21, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday: August 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Polity
Tuesdays August 17, 24, 31: 6-9 pm
Saturday, August 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. We are also posting daily reflections on Rick Warren's book "The Purpose-Driven Life" from Rev. Bill Mudge. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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News/Resources
From the Conference
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UNY Mission Central HUB seeks support for UMCOR
The Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is preparing for the coming spring to support survivors affected by the different disasters (floods and high winds) that may impact our area. In partnering with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), UNY’s status of kits on hand is low at best. The most requested items are cleaning and hygiene kits. Those who can support our communities by assembling kits in your homes or churches, please share projects so we can support your efforts and possibly share your methods with others. Any number of kits will help.
Please review the list for contents of each kit. If you cannot provide complete kits, we can use individual items to help complete other kits that arrive incomplete.
The HUB at the UNY Conference Center will remain closed until further notice. However, there is a tent outside the Conference Center where kits can be dropped off. You can also make arrangements to drop off kits at the HUB by calling MaryBeth Ingalls at 315-372 -0285 or emailing her at marybethingalls@unyumc.org or calling Mike Block at 315-491-0497 or emailing him at mikeblock@unyumc.org.
Click here for UMCOR Kit Assembly options outside the HUB.
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Ministry Share credit opportunity
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Share credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement.
To qualify for this credit, CHURCHES MUST PAY 100% OF THEIR CURRENT MONTH APRIL CHARGES (BOTH MINISTRY SHARES AND DIRECT BILLS). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward Ministry Shares in prior months. A church will also receive the credit if they have already paid their Ministry Shares in full prior to the April statement. The credit will be equal to 50% of May Ministry Share charges. (This credit will be reflected on your May statement as an increase to your YTD paid column.)
** PAYMENT FOR APRIL CHARGES MUST BE RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) BY THE CONFERENCE NO LATER THAN ARPIL 30, 2021 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CREDIT.**
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact Bob Flask (Conference Treasurer) at (315)898-2008 or bobflask@unyumc.org.
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Direct bill arrearage policy delayed enforcement extended
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Benefits office (Susan Latessa) to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
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2020 UNY Journal Vol. II available for download or purchase
The 2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com. This comprehensive book provides all the details of Annual Conference for the year of 2020.
Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $16.96 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
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Media Resource Center
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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GCORR offers small group resource for Lent
The General Commission on Religion & Race is offering a free Lenten Biblical Reflection, Roll Down, Justice!, written by Faye Wilson and featuring the music and reflections of Mark A. Miller.
The songs in this Lenten series are offered as six videos, and each video includes a guide for study:
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Conference Commission on Religion and Race offering courses
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer Imagine No Racism courses on ZOOM as the need arises. People interested and looking for an INR group may contact Blenda Smith at bsmith@binghamton.edu Clergy may receive 1 CEU, and Lay Servants may receive advance course credit. If you have formed a group on your own, please let Carrie know (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org).
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Real Property Tax Exemption reminder
All churches must renew their real property tax exemption every year. Renewal forms must reach your assessor’s office by the deadline date, which for most towns is March 1. Check with your local assessor’s office to confirm the date for your location. This deadline is critical.
Missing the deadline date may result in the denial or revocation of your church’s real property tax exemption. This filing includes all church buildings, parsonages, and all other parcels used for religious purposes. For more information, contact Pat Toukatly, UNY Conference Property Specialist, at (315) 898-2000 Ext. 2010 or at pattoukatly@unyumc.org.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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New York State Paid Sick Leave Law
All private sector workers in New York State are covered under New York State’s paid sick leave law. If a person is issued a W-2 year-end tax form, they are eligible for the New York State paid sick leave. Non-profit and religious organizations are not exempt from this law. Click here for information on the New York State paid sick leave law.
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Certificates of Insurance in the UNY Conference
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the Upper New York Conference’s Human Resources Generalist, Tracy Rickett, has compiled some helpful information for you. Click here for more information.
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New Faith Communities offers a great resource
The New Faith Communities team has issued a 30-Day Kick-off Calendar for anyone who is discerning a call to create new places for new people. This January calendar offers small ideas that can help you discern and follow your call.
Click here and “like” the Upper New York New Faith Communities Facebook page to follow along with the campaign and find other planting resources and a great community of support.
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Tap into Mission Insite
Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer. The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite. But in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship for Online and In-Person Audiences with Jason Moore - webinar available for through early March
On Dec. 10, Jason Moore hosted a webinar for the UNY Conference clergy that offered tips, strategies, and equipping to help the local church create a worship ministry where both in-person and online worshiping communities feel equally included and cared for.
This webinar will be available for your church leadership to view and review for 90 days.
The goal of this webinar is not only to help churches better prepare through Advent and especially for Christmas, but also to help churches prepare into the New Year.
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Digital discipleship
The Upper New York Conference is launching the Digital Discipleship Ministry to provide churches, large and small, with the proper resources to keep people connected.
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list, click here.
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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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Updated wedding guidelines
Guidelines for worship in Upper New York haven’t changed (50% capacity, masks, social distancing), but there are new guidelines for receptions.
The updated guidance for wedding receptions will go into place March 15 and will require the following:
- Testing for all that attend the event.
- 50% capacity - up to 150 attendees.
- Must be approved by local health department.
Click here to see all FAQs related to the coronavirus and your church.
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Web site for COVID "hot spot" zones
Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
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Other Resources and Information
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Download images for Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Need some ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter social media posts? Explore a wide variety of unique, free shareable graphics and download the images that will best speak to your online community. Post them on your church’s social media pages alongside Scripture passages, encouraging words or worship service details.
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Free recorded Hymns for the Lenten season and Easter
Two United Methodist clergy came together to record free hymns and special music for use during the Lenten season and on Easter Sunday.
The Revs. Yohan Go and Juhee Lee of the New England Conference worked with musicians to record 47 songs and make them available on Google Drive for any church that needs music to use freely.
All of those songs are from United Methodist hymnals, so any church with a CCLI license can use them for its online worship without worrying about copyright.
To download the free hymns and special music, click here.
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Online courses offered through Resource UMC
Courses include Worship Planning for a New Time, Caring for Yourself: The Caregiver, Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts and many more. For links to online courses through Feb. 1, click here.
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Webinars on Mental Health
This year, because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. According to the CDC, “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.”
From sadness and anger to depression and suicidal thoughts, this series will help pastors and individuals understand and better cope with the heightened stress this year has brought.
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Find daily, weekly devotions online
Devotional resources to share with members and other congregants is one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications. For a list of resources, click here.
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the South Glens Falls UMC
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 480-4866
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