If you've not read the devotional for the fourth week of Lent, please click here.
(Photo courtesy of ResourceUMC)
Please keep these pastors, their families and the Church families in your prayers throughout the coming weeks.
March 21
Dewittville-Hartfield & Mayville UMCs
Rev. Mark Parsons, his wife Jan and their family.
March 28 - Palm Sunday
Frewsburg:Trinity UMC
Pastor PJ Pasieka, his wife Lindsey and their children Peter & Leah.
April 4 - Easter
Westfield 1st UMC
Rev. Nick Perry, his wife Rev. Carmen Perry and their children Nathan & Nadia.
Please keep Rev. Bob Beard (retired) and his family in your prayers. Bob's wife of 62 years, Sandra, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The funeral was held Tuesday, March 9. Condolences may be sent to Bob at 13 Medbury Heights, Cuba, NY, 14727.
Continue to pray for all those who are affected by COVID-19, either directly or through a family member, neighbor or friend. May we continue to show respect for others by practicing good hygiene, wearing masks & social distancing.
To download the 2020-2021 District Prayer Calendar, click here.
Dismantling Racism Devotional
Each week of Lent and every day of Holy Week, a United Methodist bishop will offer a short devotion. Together, we will confess and fast from the sins of racism, discrimination, oppression and exclusion, and feast on the beauty and blessing of the diversity of God’s Church.
Bishop Christian Alsted, of the Nordic and Baltic Episcopal Area of the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference, is leading today’s Dismantling Racism devotional. This series offers an opportunity to confess and fast from the sins of racism, discrimination, oppression and exclusion, and feast on the beauty and blessing of the diversity of God’s Church.
Many churches filed a “proof of claim” to assert the right to be indemnified by BSA if child abuse claims are filed against a church-sponsored troop. These churches are now receiving “Notice of Hearing” documents from the bankruptcy court informing churches that BSA is about to propose a plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The notice is for information only and requires no action on part of the church.
Click here to read a note developed by Peter Abdella, UNY Conference Chancellor, and Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Executive Assistant to the Bishop.
Popular hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette wrote a new Easter hymn in 2020 for the coronavirus era. It can be sung to the tune of "The Church's One Foundation." Find all the verses here: https://www.carolynshymns.com/this_easter_celebration.pdf.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s latest spiritual discipline exploration, which delves into the discipline of worship.
Delay in Payment 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 December 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.
UNY Conference United Methodist Men wish to invite men from the Cornerstone District to their annual Spring Retreat, 4 pm Friday, April 30 to 3 pm Saturday, May 1 at the Aldersgate UMC camp (https://aldersgateny.org).
Click here for the retreat flyer/registration form. Questions may be directed to UNY UMM President Mark Jones, 315-749-3700.
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 March 17, 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.
WORSHIP RESOURCE
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 may be used on a Sunday of your choice. It is hoped that by using this service, your pastor can have some much-needed rest and renewal.
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
This week, we feature on article by the Upper New York Commission on Religion & Race member, the Rev. Holly Strickland. As an African American woman, she describes how she lives in two worlds, one world related to her rich heritage and one related to the white-dominated society.
Click here to read her eye-opening article, which includes research validating the institutional racism that People of Color experience.
CLASSES
OPEN TO ALL
Leading Prayer
April 14, 21, May 5, 6-9 pm; May 1, 9 am - 1 pm
Course fee, $15 each. To register or for more information, contact Arlene atadschmidt@nycap.rr.com. To view the brochure,click here.
Imagine No Racism
April 22, 29, May 6, 13 & 20, 2-5 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click herefor the registration brochure.Registration extended to April 1.
Lay Pastoral Care
April 28, May 5, 12 & 19, 7-9 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click herefor the registration brochure. Registration extended to April 1.
Basic Lay Servant
May 13 & 27, 6-9 pm; May 29, 9 am - 1 pm; and June 7, 6-9 pm
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period
July 1 to December 31, 2021. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment.
Click herefor more information, application guidelines, as well as first-time and renewal applications.
What Harm Can One Click Do...?
(Courtesy of UM Communications)
Email scams are an inevitable part of living in a digital age. The most deceptive appear as inquiries, warnings or attachments from a trusted friend, colleague or organization like your local church. In truth, imposters are tricking people to reveal contacts, confirm logins or reset personal information.
Has your information been harvested by a data breach? Use this tool to check. Prevent further data hijacking by minding these tips.
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.
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.
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 August 29 to September 6, 2022, as well as the Special Session, scheduled for May 8.
The stories that are featured in the Bridgecan 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.
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.
New About
Annual Conference
It's anticipated that registration for the online 2021 Annual Conference, June 17-19, will open April 1. Information will be shared in Around the Corner and on the Conference website - unyumc.org - as it becomes available.
Clergy and lay delegates who are unable to participate in the June 17-19 Annual Conference must submit a request to be excused. Click here to complete the form.
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 will follow the reformatted Zoom curriculum developed by the UNY Safe Sanctuaries team and 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.
Advance registration is required; a link to the handout that should be printed and available for the training will be provided. The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Conference Committee Co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Shares credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement.
In order 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 also will 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 Shares charges. Credit will be reflected on the May statement as an increase to the YTD paid column)
Payment for April charges must be received in the Conference office (not postmarked) no later than April 30, 2021 to be eligible for the credit.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact Bob Flask, UNY Conference Treasurer, at 315-898-2008 or bobflask@unyumc.org.
Nominations Due April 15
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, 2021 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to dcmoffice@unyumc.org.
Add Your Church's Online
Bible Study to UNY Directory
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 ofonline 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 atshelbywinchell@unyumc.org and include your church name, Bible study meeting time and day, and a link where it can be found online.
How can churches engage in spiritual growth in a digital age? The coronavirus was the catalyst that caused churches to go all virtual. Churches that didn't have a website now are streaming worship services online, collecting donations online, and reaching audiences near and far.
In turn, not only are homebound church members able to engage in their church's worship services, but also, there are visitors from counties, states, and even countries away from churches' physical locations, engaging in Upper New York Conference worship opportunities. To build on this momentum, 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.
Click here to read, "How Digital Discipleship Works" by Lori Jagow, Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister.
Mission Central HUB Seeking Support
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.
Note: From Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement & Peter Gudaitis, NY Disaster Interfaith Services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to help people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 provides FEMA $2 billion to reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred between January 20 and December 31, 2020.
