Albany District and Conference News
October 28, 2021
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"You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."
-- Wayne Gretzky
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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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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The Rev. Erik Smith has moved. His new address is now Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Please also pray for:
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. Cards can be sent to 148 S. Second Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118.
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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'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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News from Archives and History and a Nov. 5 workday |
The merging of four Conference archives into one at the Liverpool Conference Center is ongoing. On Oct. 22, 2021, a group of volunteers from the Commission on Archives and History went through many boxes of library books to weed out the ones appropriate for our very limited bookshelf space. Archives Assistant Karen Campolieto suggested this project and organized and prepared the workspace.
Former Archivist Karen Staulters reviewed all the books through Facetime to identify duplicates and to determine which should be saved to go on the valuable shelf space. Pictured is Sue Slenker and Loreen Jorgensen sorting through the final box of books.
Another workday is scheduled for Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. The team is especially interested in volunteers who can use or quickly learn Pastperfect software as they continue to enter the collection to create a useful database.
Click here to learn more about what’s new with UNY Commission on Archives and History.
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Advent is right around the corner—are you ready? We have some resources that may help you out!
Click here for a Worship Matters podcast, dedicated to Advent, brought to you by Discipleship Ministries. Bring your calendar and note pads as Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong, and Dr. Derek Weber talk worship planning, lectionary series, music, and liturgy for the rest of the year and the beginning of next year. They also cast a vision for worship beyond the confines of culture and traditional practice. Worship reflects what is and casts a vision for what might be.
Click here for candle-lighting liturgies for each Sunday of Advent, also provided by Discipleship Ministries.
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Dismantling racism resource: Reimagining Advent |
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
This week, we are sharing a General Commission on Religion and Race booklet that offers resources for Advent. If Jesus’ birth were happening today, and if Jesus were preaching that we should love and welcome refugees, or join the cry for racial justice for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, or to provide universal healthcare for all, where would you stand?
Are you willing to rethink Advent and reach out to the Jesus of the refugees, the poor, and the marginalized? Are you ready to examine this story of your faith in new ways and respond to God’s call for justice and joy, even if you are called to make significant changes in the ways you pray, love, give, speak out, and act?
Click here to read more about this fantastic resource that includes lectionaries, prayers, suggested hymns and songs, options for sermon emphasis, and even children’s hands-on activities for each week of Advent.
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UM Student Day - Nov. 28
There are some UMC students who might not have the resources to attend a college of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—help send them into the world God loves by giving on United Methodist (UM) Student Day. This year, UM Student Day is Nov. 28.
Click here for a UM Student Day video as well as a story about Ricky, whose parents were addicts. Ricky didn’t have much hope to be able to go to college, but the UM Students Day fund made it possible. You'll also find more information on UM Student Day.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Doing evangelism with integrity
Is your congregation squeamish when it comes to evangelism? Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. interviews Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison, author of the new book Models of Evangelism, on how congregations can more authentically engage a variety of evangelistic practices with confidence and integrity.
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3 strategies for creating more adaptable ministries
Meghan Hatcher explains that churches capable of adapting in response to the needs and assets of a community make it possible for more people to experience the transformative love and grace of Christ. She outlines three strategies to help a church be more innovative and adaptable.
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Book study starts in November |
A new book study will begin on Nov. 15 and 17. It will take place on Zoom, with your choice of Monday evenings from 7 to 8:15 PM or Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 2:15 PM. Diana Butler Bass is a prolific writer who writes beautiful prose that is filled with scholarly words, deep thinking, great faith, and real humanness. It is a gift to yourself to study one of her books, and we’d like to have you with us for this study.
Diana Butler Bass will be with us at one of the sessions to share her insights and answer questions!
Co-teachers are Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Sally White, and we’d welcome your registration simply by emailing Sally at pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com. Books can be purchased from your favorite bookseller, but please allow for delayed shipping as well as potential delayed postal delivery.
Please join us on this journey of rediscovering the many Jesuses: Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Study will end on Dec. 20 or 22.
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Show you care!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Click here for some more ideas on how to show your appreciation.
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Church conference schedule |
The church conference schedule is now available. The scheduling is for all in-person Church Conferences this year. Of course, COVID spread could change some of those plans, and we will be mindful of that. Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl is looking forward to being with all of you, and to sharing and dreaming about ministry with our communities near and far!
Please note that this year's conferences are church conferences, not charge conferences, meaning all church members have a vote. Please also note that at this time, only those attending in person can vote. Those participating via ZOOM cannot vote. If that changes, we will let you know.
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PWJ grant application deadline is Oct. 30
The Social Holiness Team administers the Peace with Justice Grant Program. This program is supported by one half the money collected by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering taken by each congregation. The other half of the collection is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to support their global grant program.
Grants (not exceeding $2,000) are offered to individuals, local churches, and faith-based organizations located within the boundaries of, and affiliated with, the UNY Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Social Holiness Team will give preference, but will not limit approval, to projects addressing one or more of the UM Social Principles as well as general criteria identified by the General Board of Church and Society.
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PWJ-funded handbook and webinar for congregations to reach out to the unvaccinated
The Rev. Dr. Dana Horrell, pastor of Cooperstown United Methodist Church, and also a published writer and co-editor of the ecumenical publication, the Parish Paper, is passionate about community outreach.
In May 2021, Dr. Horrell started work on a project he calls “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” This project, funded by an Upper New York Peace with Justice (UNY PWJ) grant. It has two components: a handbook and a webinar.
Right now, many are concerned about low COVID-19 vaccination rates. Congregations are uniquely poised to help, as many of them are in areas that are under-vaccinated or “socially vulnerable.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies as “socially vulnerable” those communities that deal with low pay, job loss, family responsibilities, and racial disparities in health care.
Click here to read more about Dr. Horrell’s handbook and webinar.
The 40-page “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” handbook is now available. Click here to download it.
The "Mobilize Vaccine Turnout" Zoom webinar will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, 2-3:30 p.m. EST.
Click here to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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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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Red Bird Mission collection |
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bid Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky.
If your church is willing to be a collection point, please contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 608-1246.
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place,Latham is a collection point. Read their letter here. Deadline for drop off here is Nov. 7. You may deliver between 11:30 AM to 3 PM on November 7 in the upper lot, or you may contact Rita Pickett at vrlenprita@aol.com or 518-786-1858 to make an appointment to deliver at an earlier time.
South Glens Falls UMC,15 Maplewood Parkway, is also a collection point. Deliver shoeboxes any time between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Call (518) 793-1152 for more information.
Please deliver your boxes by Nov. 2, as that is the day that pick-up is scheduled to begin.
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2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now 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, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
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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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UNY Committee on Native American Ministries:
We need your voice
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As church conference time returns, we wish to remind you to appoint a local church representative to Native American Ministries. Designating an individual to be mindful of native needs, share information with your church, and celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday is vital to help us serve native peoples in our Conference and beyond. As a representative, you receive links to timely issues, action items and resources for celebrating the special Sunday.
It has been a particularly challenging time for our Native American brothers and sisters. Heartbreaking losses due to the pandemic and the revelation of countless graves in boarding schools has caused much sadness. The legacy of boarding schools continues to traumatize many. The road to Repentance and healing is a long one. You continue to walk the road with us when you designate a local church representative at church conference.
Sharon Schmit, chair
UNY Committee on Native American Ministries
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From the Conference Center |
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Study Commission on possible passage of Protocol begins
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 current team includes Bob Flask, the Conference Treasurer; the Rev. Mike Weeden, the Dean of Cabinet; Peter Abdella, the Conference Chancellor; the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, the Director of Connectional Ministries; the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, the Director of Vital Congregations; Pastor Jennie Piatt, as a representative from the Committee on Finance and Administration; the Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell as representative of the Board of Ordained Ministry; Karyn McCloskey as a representative of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits; Rachel Giso, as a representative of the Jurisdictional Delegation, and Jack Keating, as a representative from the Annual Conference Board of Trustees.
Three additional members are expected to join the team once they are identified by the Conference Committee on Nominations.
The first part of this study is underway and involves two short surveys that will be sent to every local church and every appointed clergy leader of the Annual Conference via email from their District Office.
Survey responses are due Wednesday Dec. 1.
Questions can be addressed to the District office, from whom you will receive the surveys.
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On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Commissioner of Health designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease.
The NY HERO Act plan (a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Initially, the NYS Hero Act was effective through the end of September 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Oct. 31, 2021 because COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health in New York State.
Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
Click here to learn why asking for vaccination status is not a violation of HIPAA.
Click here to learn paid-leave requirements related to COVID-19 in New York State
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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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Bishop Webb announces
clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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New York State minimum wage 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.
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(New) Conference seeking District Administrative Assistant
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A new job opening has been posted on the website for a District Administrative Assistant for the Niagara Frontier District.
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Conference seeking Information Technology Support Specialist |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for an Information Technology Support Specialist.
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Conference seeking Site Director for Skye Farm Camp/Retreat Center |
A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Site Director for Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center.
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Conference seeking Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist
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A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for an Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist. Please apply online through the website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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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
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
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