Adirondack District and Conference News
March 23, 2022
|
|
“I like the story about Henry David Thoreau, who, when he was on his death bed, his family sent for a minister. The minister said, 'Henry, have you made your peace with God?' Thoreau said, 'I didn't know we'd quarreled.' "
-- Stewart Udall
|
|
|
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
|
|
The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated its website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section are listed six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Please keep the family of the Rev. Garry Campbell in your prayers. Garry died on March 11. Garry served several churches in the former Troy Conference, including Hartford, Argyle, Amsterdam, Burnt Hills, Center Brunswick and East Greenbush. He also was an Assistant Administrator at Wesley Health Care, in Saratoga Springs, and served as Conference Council Director for the Troy Conference Council on Ministries. Cards of condolence can be sent to Garry's son Christopher Campbell, 40 Eben St., Milford, MA 01757. A memorial service will be held at the Foothills UMC, located at 17 Fremont Street in Gloversville on April 30 beginning at 11 a.m. Click here to read Garry’s full obituary.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
The Rev. Erik Smith's address is Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
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 adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
|
|
NEJ Bishops offer hope
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and the rest of the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops have issued a 10-minute video sharing their vision of recommitment and hope even in these times of fear, illness, division, grief, greed, and unbridled abuses of power. Click here to see this moving video. You can also click here to see a transcript of the complete statement.
|
|
Clergy appointments announced |
Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce two ad interim appointments and four appointments.
Adirondack and Albany District changes:
The Rev. Steven Smith (currently at Queensbury UMC in the Adirondack District) to First UMC of Delmar in the Albany District, effective July 1, 2022.
|
|
|
|
|
How the working together at the 2014 District Days helped us get to where we are today
Considering the conflict and contention we have experienced as a denomination these last couple of decades, we are apt to see ourselves as hierarchical, even at times adversarial, with church vs. Conference, volunteer vs. staff, clergy vs. laity. Frankly, we are apt to be hard on ourselves, and in so doing, are apt to miss the many ways we do work together toward common ends.
Take for example our Conference working definitions of a disciple, a vital congregation, and a Christ-following transformational leader. These definitions serve as both goals and standards for the work the Conference is doing to equip local churches to fulfill our mission to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Together, the churches of Upper New are working to increase the number of disciples, vital congregations, and Christ-following transformational leaders in the Conference. Since these working definitions carry so much weight in our life together, the way we got them is crucial.
The creation of those definitions started at the 2014 District Days, and we all worked together at the District Days and the months following to come up with the meanings for each.
Click here to read the full story by the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and UNY Director of Connectional Ministries.
|
|
The spiritual practice of
Lecto Divina for Lent
Throughout 2022, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius is offering opportunities to engage in spiritual practices each month with video discussion and instruction. These videos invite you into ways of exploring, engaging, and nurturing your relationship with God.
This month, Rev. Dibelius will revisit a practice that was introduced previously, called Lecto Divina; this time using it as a practice for Lent.
|
|
|
|
|
Palestine-Israel Task Force:
We must do something to help Palestinians
Conflict between Jews and Palestinians arose as a tragic choice, occasioned largely by European experiences. Despite decades of hostility, divine impulse calls people of faith to an inclusive human identity. The Palestine-Israel Task Force believes we are called to care about every person in Palestine-Israel: the land between “the River and the Sea.” Peace cannot come for any people alone until it comes for all peoples together.
Father Abraham makes Jews, Palestinians, and Christians “blood brothers and sisters.” All these siblings feel deep connection to the Holy Land.
As Americans, we are also entangled politically and financially. As American Christians, our moral stake is clear: our tax dollars support an unjust structure of domination, which makes life miserable for millions of Palestinians living within the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and in refugee camps outside the land—who have been denied their “right to return” under international law.
Click here to learn more about the injustices and harm the conflict has caused for Palestinians and to learn what you can to do to help prevent our country’s support of the unjust structure of domination.
|
|
Holy Land Trip 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Register by April 14 ($125 off), May 14 ($100 off), June 14 ($75 off), July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: andmcand@hotmail.com, 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: pastoraliciawood@gmail.com, 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
There will also be an informational session on May 3 at Erwin First United Methodist Church that you can attend in-person or via Zoom.
|
|
|
NYS HERO Act Update
On March 18, 2022, the NYS Department of Labor updated its NY HERO Act website to confirm the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under the HERO Act ended. Private sector employers are no longer required to implement their workforce safety plans. No more health screens!
While this is great news, there are other obligations the NY HERO Act (NY Labor Law Section 218-b) that remain even when no designation is in effect. These obligations include creating an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, giving a copy of the plan to employees within 30 days after its creation, giving a copy of the plan to any new employees when they are hired, posting the plan in each work site so employees can view it, and updating the plan as necessary.
Any questions about the NYS HERO Act obligations can be addressed to Upper New York Conference Director of Human Resources/Benefits, Susan Latessa at susanlatessa@unyumc.org or 315-898-2002.
|
|
|
|
|
UMW now United Women in Faith |
NEW YORK, N.Y., Mar. 2, 2022: United Methodist Women is now United Women in Faith! The move is part of a refreshing of the organization that includes a new logo and an array of new and improved programs to nurture current members and welcome new women to join to put their love in action on behalf of women, children, and youth.
|
|
Part-time, year-round job opportunity as Maintenance Assistant at Skye Farm Camp
Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center, located in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains in Warrensburg, NY, is seeking a part-time, year-round Maintenance Assistant. This position is hourly, non-exempt. Hours are approximately 24 hours per week from May to September and approximately 12 hours per week from October to April. The individual in this role may occasionally be needed to assist with special events held on weekends.
Click here to learn more about this position and/or to apply.
|
|
What's New from the Lewis Center |
|
 |
Keeping your meetings from getting stuck in the weeds
Blake Bradford outlines strategies to make sure your meetings stay focused and productive. They include practicing mutual accountability, managing time carefully, and having a clear decision-making process for each agenda item.
|
|
|
|
Change and the small church
Roy L. Spore believes that decline and death are not inevitable for smaller rural churches. While smaller churches are often skeptical of change imposed from the outside, many find new life and energy for ministry when a new vision emerges from within the congregation itself.
|
|
|
|
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.
Here are four upcoming courses:
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Monday: April 18 & April 25: 10 am-2:30 pm
Thursday: April 21 & April 28: 10 am-2:30 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard & Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs
Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17: 6-9 pm
Sunday, May 15: 5-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, and 26: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Jamiee Ross
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27: 6-9 pm
Thursdays, June 16 and 23: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Arlene Schmidt
|
|
|
Albany District Lay Servant courses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia Through a Spiritual Lens
Tuesdays, April 19,26, May 3,10, 17 via Zoom
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
Public Prayer (Required Lay Speaker Course)
Wednesdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, and July 6, 2022 via ZOOM
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Rev. Nancy Dibelius
Course fee: $10
Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution
Saturdays, August 6, 13 via Zoom and in person at First UMC of East Greenbush
9:00 am-2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh
Course Fee: $10.00
Transforming Evangelism
Saturdays, September 10 and either September 24 or October 1 via Zoom
9:00 am-2:30 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage – Required Lay Speaker Course)
Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 via Zoom
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
|
|
Spiritual Gifts, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., April 9 and 16. Hybrid (In-person AND Zoom) Delta UMC, Rome, NY. For details or to register, Ken Guilfoyle, CLM, kguilf2855@aol.com or 315 254 6673.
|
|
|
|
Launchpad training
starts next month
|
Launchpad is the training for Churches and Church Planters looking to create “New Places for New People.” Over six sessions your Team will learn:
· How to engage new people outside of your church
· How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship
· How to establish a six-month plan with 1 year of monthly support from NFC
· How to gather support for your new ministry
The Launchpad training will take place on Zoom on Tuesday evenings from April 26-June 7 (with May 31 for team meetings), with a different topic each session.
Each Launchpad is limited to 20 individuals, each Team should include 2 to 8 Core Team Members. The Cost for your Team is $50. There is 1-2 hours of required reading to do before Week 1 of Launchpad.
Click here to see the topics for each session and to download a flyer of this training.
To register for Launchpad by Wednesday, April 20 please e-mail Launchpad's Spring 2022 convener, the Rev. Abigail Browka at PastorAbigail1@gmail.com.
|
|
A note from the Board of Laity of the UNYAC
In preparation for our annual Laity Session during Annual Conference in June, 2022 we would like to share those moments in all of our churches across our conference of "The Church Being the Church". How did you reach out to your families/communities over the pandemic? If you have any pictures and would like to share them for a presentation during the Laity Session, please email them to Brenda Shelmidine at shelmidinebrenda@gmail.com by Friday, April 8th. Please note in the email what church and district you are from. Thank you so much for being the hands and feet of Christ.
|
|
|
Adult Book Study "Faith After Doubt" begins next week |
Adult Book Study, beginning March 28 or March 30, via ZOOM
"Faith After Doubt - Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It," by Brain McLaren. Please email Rev. Sally White (pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com) to register. Also, please purchase your own copy of the book. There are two separate studies - Mondays at 7 PM beginning March 29, ending May 16 and 1 PM beginning March 30, ending May 18. Click here for more details.
|
|
|
|
|
UMM Retreat in April at Camp Aldersgate |
Please join the Conference United Methodist Men for a Spring Retreat April 29-30 at Camp Aldersgate. Keynote speaker is Pastor Leon Jicha. The theme of the retreat is "Iron Sharpens Iron." Click here for more information and registration form. Camp Aldersgate is located at 7955 Brantingham Rd., Greig, NY. Click here to view the website.
|
|
Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries
classes announced
|
The Conference team has issued a new brochure announcing upcoming classes. Open the brochure by clicking on the link in the box above.
Classes will be held May 7, Aug. 6 and Nov. 5. See the brochure for registration information. There will also be Training of Trainer classes on April 2 and Oct. 22. This applies to those who wish to become a trainer in their local churches or Districts.
You will notice that the dates are strategic as the team wants to make training available prior to summer VBS programs, Fall Sunday school start up and a couple others in between.
Pastors and church office administrators: Please post the brochure in your churches!
|
|
|
Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training at Casowasco
Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training (TIIMS) is designed to help pastors and congregations deal with the stresses of our culture in this time of uncertainty. While this training is specifically designed for those entering an interim situation (death of pastor, long pastorate, pastor leaving ministry, etc.), the training will help you deal with the everyday struggles you will find in any ministry setting.
This training is a three-phase experience spanning six months of time. Phase I is a three-day introduction to the concepts and principles of Interim Ministry. Phase II is a time in one’s ministry setting using some of the tools and principles learned in Phase I. Phase III is a re-gathering of the group.
Contact Jane Sautter with questions or registration information. She can be reached at 315-225-6170 or pastorjfs@gmail.com.
|
|
|
UMCOR Sunday is March 27
March 27 is UMCOR Sunday, a day in which churches throughout the denomination are encouraged to collect donations to support the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. For more than 80 years, UMCOR has ensured that 100% of its gifts to specific projects help those who need it most. Core resources are available in multiple languages.
|
|
|
|
|
Brag about the new leaders in your church
The Upper New York vitality focus for the month of March is “members stepping into leadership roles for the first time.” Do you have young people participating in services or events—taking on a leadership role? Do you have laity delivering sermons and leading worship services? When COVID-19 launched a new or updated digital ministry for your church, who stepped to the plate to do this? We want to hear your stories!
|
|
Presentation on General Conference recorded |
The Rev. Bill Mudge Senior Pastor of the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church, former Adirondack District Superintendent, and clergy General Conference delegation leader, was present on the Adirondack and Albany districts this week to answer questions and offer information and thoughts about the upcoming General Conference. There are things we know, things we don’t know, speculation, information, and misinformation. This was an opportunity to sort some of this out so that we may stay focused on our mission, and keep looking for what God is doing among and through us. Many people expressed appreciation for Bill's efforts to offer clarity and insight.
We recorded one of those gatherings. The link to the ZOOM presentation is below.
Topic: #3 Conversations about General Conference
Start Time: Feb 28, 2022 06:11 PM
Meeting Recording:
Here are links to related documents:
|
|
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with either Advance #982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line.
Send checks to UNYAC, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
Click here to read more about this response from Roland Fernandes, the General Secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.
|
|
|
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can either be placed in an offering plate or sent directly to the Conference office at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
- Hungary In Mission Together (Advance # 00175A)
- Poland In Mission Together (Advance # 00408A)
- Romania In Mission Together (Advance #00211A)
- Slovakia In Mission Together (Advance # 00236A)
Donations for Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia should be mailed directly to UMCOR Mission Together Advances at 458 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
|
|
United Methodists
stand with Ukraine
|
United Methodists across the globe condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with those experiencing violence, displacement and suffering in the midst of war. Learn more about the ways United Methodist prayers, aid and witness are being directed to Ukraine.
|
|
|
|
|
Women’s History Month
resource recommendations from UMW
|
March is Women’s History Month—a time to lift up all the women who have made an impact on our collective history.
For more than 150 years, since the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was first formed in 1869 in Boston, United Methodist Women (UMW) has been on the forefront of developing leaders, fostering spiritual growth, and advocating for justice.
During Women’s History Month, UMW honor not only the history of United Methodist Women, but of all women.
Click here to celebrate Women’s History Month with UMW-suggested resources—next month and every month.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Women in ministry: Then and now
Women who found movements are sometimes designated as “mothers.” In early Methodism, the women who earned this title bore it as a mark of distinction. They became revered as “Mothers in Israel,” an honorific which linked them and their piety, courage, and leadership with Deborah the Judge in the Old Testament.
In honor of Women’s History Month, click here to learn about the “Mothers of Israel” then and now.
The Church today benefits greatly from the unique leadership of women in ministry who stand on the shoulders of their spiritual foremothers.
_____________________________________
(New) More resources
The North Carolina Annual Conference has a comprehensive list of suggested resources, books and media available for churches wishing to celebrate the ministry of courageous women in Methodism. \
|
|
Nominations are open for the 2022 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards
The Denman award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Annual Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one lay person in each Conference.
The deadline for submitting your 2022 nominations to the Conference is April 15.
|
|
|
|
|
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022 |
Leaders in The United Methodist Church have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022. This is an extension from the March 31, 2022 extension as legal proceedings continue in the BSA's bankruptcy case. This new extension provides uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting.
Churches do not need to take any action to extend their current organizational relationship with the BSA until June 30, 2022.
Click here to read more about how organizational leaders are working to develop a long-term solution regarding the church’s relationship with Scouting for future generations of young people.
|
|
Retiree 2021 tax, benefit
and grant information
Upper New York Conference retirees, their spouses, surviving spouses, and clergy on medical leave of the Upper New York Conference can learn about tax information, benefits, and grants that may pertain to them. The Human Resources and Benefits Ministry Area has prepared a helpful packet with this information.
|
|
|
Boy Scouts of America settlement announced |
Pending court approval of a settlement agreement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) bankruptcy case, United Methodists have agreed to contribute $30 million to a $3 billion Survivor Trust Fund that will receive contributions from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), insurance companies, and charter organizations. To read more, click here.
Click here to read a full press release to learn more about the Survivors Trust fund, the goals Upper New York United Methodists had through the mediation process, and the commitments they have made to help prevent abuse against children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Stewardship Academy |
Upper New York ordained deacon and Director of Christian Stewardship, the Rev. Susan Ranous, is offering a Stewardship Academy via Zoom over four sessions (April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16). Rev. Ranous will share all concepts of stewardship including self, time, talents, money, and more.
Who Should Attend?
Clergy (approved for CEU)
Laity (approved by lay servant credit)
All those passionate about stewardship
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. There will be a final project due after the conclusion of the academy.
The topic would be one we have covered that you may want to get more detail on. It will be an opportunity to focus on an aspect of stewardship that you could use and help others utilize.
|
|
Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program
for Lay and Clergy
What is it? Tending the Soul is a program designed to train individuals in Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation.
The two-year training program offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings. The training includes home-based reading and reflection, experiential learning, and attention to the practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants will receive guidance in discerning their sense of giftedness and call to one-on-one spiritual direction and congregational direction and formation.
Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Forms due
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.
Most forms were due two weeks following your church conference.
Due Feb. 15 were: Trustees Report, Finance Report, 2022 Budget and End-of-the year expenses. Please submit them as soon as possible.
The Local Church audit was due March 15.
|
|
From the Conference Center |
|
CBOPHB delays enforcement of direct bill arrearage policy
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially.
|
|
NY Paid Family leave
changes for 2022
New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. This time can be taken all at once, or in increments of full days.
Paid Family Leave may also be available in some situations when an employee or their minor, dependent child is under an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Click here for all the details you need to know about 2022 Paid Family Leave in UNY.
If you have additional questions on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.
|
|
|
Expansion of NYS Whistleblower Protection Law includes posting requirement
Beginning Jan. 26, 2022, New York State’s “whistleblower” protection law significantly expands the scope of New York Labor Law Section 740 (NYLL 740). Employees and independent contractors will be protected for reporting employer activity that they reasonably believe violates any law.
Starting today, employers are required to post notice of employees’ rights under the law in conspicuous places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. As of the issuance of this news article, NYS has not issued a model poster. In the meantime, you should post the notice of the expanded whistleblower protection law.
If you have questions on the Whistleblower Protection Law, please contact either Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, at (315) 898-2000 or susanlatessa@unyumc.org or Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org.
|
|
|
'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.
|
|
|
Conference seeking reservations specialist and summer camp personnel |
A job opening has been posted to the Conference website for a Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. There are also openings for summer camp positions. Please apply online:
|
|
Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
|
|
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.
|
|
Dismantling racism resource: Consider confronting racism during Lent
Truth-telling, repentance, confession, and renewal are essential Lenten practices and central to the Christian faith. As a season for atonement and holiness, Lent is a perfect time for addressing the sin of racism. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is inviting all Christians to confront racism as a Lenten practice.
Click here to learn more about the study, “Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-Racism” and to access it.
|
|
|
We are witnesses:
Easter worship series
|
The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about life and about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
To read more and to download the series, click here.
|
|
|
Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
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.
|
|
|
|
Closer to Christ Lenten series |
Listen to two webinars: Adam Hamilton's "The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught," and Amy-Jill Levine's "Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Friday. Click here.
|
|
Lenten study on anti-racism |
General Commission on Religion and Race is offering online Lenten resources for purchase. "Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-racism", is a small group resource to help make connections between the traditions of Lent and the work of anti-racism. This curriculum is available to buy and download. Click here.
|
|
|
The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. Join with other churches by downloading this series.
|
|
|
|
|
Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
|
|
|
|
Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
|
|
Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
|
|
|
Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
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 Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
