Albany District and Conference News
December 16, 2021
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"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
-- Lao Tzu
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Jonesville UMC reaching out through STAHL Ministry |
The Jonesville United Methodist Church, its Pastor Youngjae Jee and the congregation are committed to removing the stigma of addiction through the development of the STAHL Ministry. (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life). JUMC’s Alcoholism & Addiction Family Recovery Resource Center provides information and hope to families and friends who love an individual struggling with Alcohol or a Substance Use Disorder. In addition, we recognize, respect and celebrate the courage of the recovery community estimated to be 2.5 million. The heart-wrenching and inspiring recovery stories from addicts and their families are the antidote to the unfair stigma associated with the disease of addiction.
JUMC’s STAHL Ministry sponsors speakers for the public as a way to celebrate recovery and eliminate the stigma associated with people who have Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders and, by association the stigma also felt by families and friends of an alcoholic or addict.
All those who have found recovery or are struggling with addiction, their families and members of our churches and community with faith or of none are invited February 16, 2022 at 7 PM to the Jonesville United Methodist Church, 963 Main Street, Clifton Park, to hear Michael Blanchard share his heartfelt story of recovery from the disease of alcoholism enhanced by his renowned photography. Dessert and book-signing will follow the presentation.
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Please pray for:
The Rev. Erik Smith, whose new address is Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer. Rob entered into at-home hospice care on Dec 6.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@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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Christmas message from Bishop Mark J. Webb |
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, offers a message of hope in this year’s Christmas message. He reminds us that the promise of a Savior delivered to shepherds in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, is a promise that is available to anyone who has or will ever live.
Click here to watch this inspiring Christmas message.
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Wondering how to help those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee? Contribute to UMCOR Advance # 901670. Click here or give by check mailed to: The Advance, 458 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, Please note Advance # 901670.
Following the devastating and deadly string of December storms and tornadoes, UMCOR is supporting Conference disaster response coordinators as search and rescue efforts continue and damage assessments begin. Solidarity grants to provide immediate funding are being released and UMCOR will work with impacted areas to journey from the chaos of response on through long-term recovery. Please continue to hold victims, survivors, and relief workers in your prayers.
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Deadline for filing Boy Scouts of America ballot has been extended |
The deadline for filing the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) ballot has been extended until Dec. 28. If a church hasn’t filed yet, please do so before this revised date. Click here if you need access to the ballot, watch the recorded webinars from last month, or to read guidance and instructions for local churches.
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Red Bird shoebox ministry
a success
Last week, we shared with you two Spectrum news stories that covered the packing and delivery of supplies to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. The statistics have been compiled. We thank you so much for those of you who contributed to the 10,000 lbs. of items for the Red Bird Mission.
The two commercial trucks coming from UNY were loaded with the following items:
· 2,904 shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies for men, women, girls, and boys
· 150 or more new sheet sets
· 25 or more backpacks filled with school supplies
· Over 100 handmade scarves and hats
· Over 100 blankets and pillows
Your contribution will help many families in the Appalachian Mountains.
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From isolation ministry to collaboration in UNY
Moving from isolation to generative ministry is best done through an intentional process whereby a team supports each other through the guidance of a coach.
In the latest issue of the Advocate, focused on mentorship, The Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, wrote an interesting article about pastoral leaders throughout the Conference who have joined incubator groups. These leaders have loved, learned, and led together, inspiring an environment of transformation in their local congregations.
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UNY Young Adult Ministries wants to hear from young adults
Do you have young adults in your congregation who would like to connect with other young adults across the UNY Conference Connection? The Young Adult Council would like to hear from them! Please share this 10 minute survey with your young adults as an opportunity for them to express their spiritual and connectional needs.
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New York State requiring masks indoors
This from the Conference Office:
Unless a church enforces a strict vaccination requirement, all persons entering church buildings must wear an appropriately fitting mask covering to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, effective Dec. 13 through Jan. 15.
As per the governor’s announcement, “any person, past their second birthday and medically able to tolerate a face covering, must wear an appropriate mask while in any indoor place, regardless of vaccination status. However, businesses and venues can choose to implement a vaccination requirement, requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of entry inside the business or venue. Whichever requirement is selected, it must apply to all within the business/venue’s capacity, including staff, patrons, visitors, and guests. A business and venue cannot do a “combination” requirement.”
To properly enforce a vaccination requirement, every person’s vaccination status must be confirmed prior to entering the church facilities. Any church unable to accomplish this should require all persons to wear a mask.
Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%.
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Churches can apply for grant |
Stewart’s Shops supports local youth in your communities by giving out grant money to “Local 501c3 organizations benefiting children under 18, preferably groups which help kids all year long” and that includes YOU (churches). Last year they gave out $1.8 million for local children’s organizations!
For the 2020-21 Grant Season, 17 United Methodist churches received grants! Last year Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center was among those who received grants as well.
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Human Relations Day is Jan. 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. You gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by The General Board of Global Ministries and The General Board of Church and Society.
Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing. Find free resources here.
Click here to order your Special Sundays printed envelope.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Top Lewis Center
resources of 2021
Lewis Center resources guide you in strengthening your personal leadership and renewing your congregation. Included are our most popular free and purchased resources of the year, plus a free PDF e-book.
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Simple guidance for preachers on Christmas Eve
As pastors and congregations prepare to receive guests on Christmas Eve, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter offers simple, heartfelt advice. Keep the sermon brief but grace filled. Appeal to people’s generosity. And make sure those inspired to begin their faith journeys are invited to take the next step.
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Hello all,
I am excited about my upcoming Facebook session called "Hybrid ministry tips for surviving the long Covid winter."
Winter can be difficult for some people, especially during pandemic. Long, dark days and inclement weather can lead to sadness, anxiety, or depression.
The coming winter could be tough as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and the emergence of new variants spreads. Join ministry consultant Lori Jagow for tips to provide online and in-person support through the upcoming holidays and throughout the winter. Live with Lori December Thursday, December 16th at 11 AM in the Digital Discipleship Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/131881748808121 
Faithfully yours,
Lori Jagow
Facebook Minister
Ministry Consultant
(716) 909-8329
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Advent calendar available |
View this year's Advent Calendar created by Rev. Thomas Mousin, Rev. Merry Watters and Susan Kochinskas: click here.
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Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry |
Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! |
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UMCOR launches Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement Program
The Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement program will reimburse up to $1,000 per local United Methodist church in the United States that is in a sponsorship relationship with Church World Service. Expenses eligible for reimbursement must fit the following criteria:
· Pre-arrival support, such as: setting up/furnishing an apartment; providing a culturally appropriate welcome meal; welcoming a family at the airport.
· Post-arrival support: assisting in English Language Learners (ELL) tutoring; providing transportation to medical appointments; assisting with grocery shopping or community navigation; mentorship.
· Providing other financial support to a newly arrived Afghan family to help them adjust to life in the U.S.
Click here for full details, including application forms.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that 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. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
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2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
The forms were due two weeks following your church conference. Please submit them as soon as possible.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant news
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has begun work on courses we will be offering in 2022. We plan to continue offering the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey. A complete listing of all our course offerings for next year will be coming out soon!
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life.
If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
Monday January 10, 6-9 PM
Thursday January 13, 6-9 PM
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9 PM
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.”
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Albany District Lay Servant news
Advanced Lay Servant Course (Certified Lay Speaker Required Course)
“Living our United Methodist Beliefs” (the Heritage course) will be offered via Zoom with the last class in person at a church central to the Capital Region.
Participants will need:
- Access to Zoom
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Living our Beliefs, the United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder available at Cokesbury or Amazon. ISBN: 978-0-88177-571-6
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A Brief History of The United Methodist Church available for free from Amazon.
- United Methodist Hymnal
- A method for taking notes
Dates: Mondays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2022 via Zoom and February 14, 2022 in person. All five sessions are required for completion.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
Please contact Bruce for a Registration Form.
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Basic Course Offered in Person!
Is God calling you to become involved in Lay Servant Ministries? It is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within our United Methodist connection (2021 Lay Servant Ministries Catalog). Through these ministries, we are equipped, empowered, and enabled:
- To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ;
- To deepen our knowledge of who God is and who God is calling us to be as God's people;
- To embody God's love;
- To be God's love in the world.
Lay Servants have felt God's call upon their lives to share their faith and God's love by leading, caring, and communicating to:
All God's people in
All places,
And in
All times.
This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses as you:
- Are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts;
- Consider the importance of exercising servant leadership;
- Develop future leaders;
- Remain rooted in consistent spiritual practices;
- Grow as a leader in mission and ministry in the community as well as in daily life.
Dates: Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 2022
Time: 10 AM to Noon
Place: Hope United Methodist Church, 566 Brunswick Rd, Troy, NY 12180
518. 279.3567(home) |518.495.2248 (cell)
Please contact Darlene for a Registration Form and the address to mail the form and check
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
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From the Conference Center |
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Resources for launching
a New Faith Community
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Couldn’t make “What Now?” New Faith Communities’ three-part series about dreaming of connection in a church changed by the pandemic?
No Problem!
Click here to access the videos freely via New Faith Communities YouTube channel.
Learn about:
· Fresh Expressions of Church from Luke Edwards
· How to build Relationships with People Online from Paul Gomez
· Gather in New Ways from Rachel Gilmore
Each of these important topics touch on the ever-changing landscape of the Church today. How do Fresh Expressions of church reach new people and minister to loneliness? How do you effectively build relationship with people who visit your church online? And how do we gather in the midst of pandemic and meet people where they are?
New Faith Communities anticipates in 2022 that we will be hosting a multi-week virtual Launchpad for churches and planters who are ready to reach new people. Launchpad invites you to discern, vision, gather, disciple, and worship in new ways. If you’re interested, please email davidmasland@unyumc.org by Jan. 15, 2022.
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Protocol study survey due Dec. 15 |
You may remember that at our 2021 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, the body passed UNYAC2021.7, which called for a study of our Conference’s readiness for the possible passage of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. This resolution created a Study Commission that was given commission-specific instructions on how to, both conduct the study and report the study’s findings.
The first part of this study is underway and involves two short surveys that was sent to every local church lay leader and every appointed or assigned clergy leader of the Annual Conference via email from their District office.
All appointed clergy and lay leaders should have received an email from their District office with a link to a survey earlier this week. Those who don't have emails will receive the information in the mail.
The Study Commission sent a note to the Conference on Oct. 14 stating that the survey responses were due on Dec. 1
This deadline has been extended to Dec. 15.
Questions can be addressed to the District office, from whom you will receive the surveys.
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United Methodist Conference Center seeking
Archives Volunteers
The UNY UM Conference maintains the Archives of all four of the Upstate New York Conferences which merged a few years ago.
Conference Archives and History has organized and arranged the rooms in such a way that with a little training, a volunteer can put items away and, most importantly, conduct a search. This happens regularly, often with legal papers needed by a family.
Do you love history? Do you have an interest in preserving UMC documents for research? Do you love a treasure hunt? The Commission on Archives and History (CAH) is looking for Crossroads District people - because you live nearby – to help the CAH and the Archives Assistant out 1-2 half days or days a month. Preferably Wednesdays, but TBD. New boxes arrive constantly and need processing. Training is provided. Karen Campolieto, current Archives Assistant is retiring in January. We are looking for someone to begin before then. The Conference Center is open following COVID masking rules. If interested or you have questions, email Karen Campolieto at karencampolieto@unyumc.org or Susan Slenker, at 315-516-5289.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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2021 UNY Journal vol. II now ready
The 2021 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($17.64 plus tax and shipping).
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New York State minimum wage/minimum salary increase effective 12/31/2021
Effective December 31, 2021, New York State minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. To read more, click here.
A news article regarding NYS minimum salary is posted on the Conference websiteBoth the minimum wage and minimum salary are effective 12/31/2021. To read more, click here.
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Conference seeking District Administrative Assistant |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for a District Administrative Assistant for the Finger Lakes District.
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Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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Revised CDC guidelines
affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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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. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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