Adirondack District and Conference News
May 11, 2022
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“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.”
-- Mother Teresa
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Moriah youth holding fund drive for Ukraine |
The High School Youth Group of the Moriah Methodist and Mt. Moriah Presbyterian Churches is holding a fund drive for humanitarian relief in Ukraine. A family in Ukraine known by a member of the Essex Church is receiving the money directly, there will be zero administrative costs; no overhead!
The youth group has labeled coffee cans and put them in stores and venues in Clinton and Essex County. They will collect until mid-May. So far they have raised over $100. If you know of a location for a jug or can or would like one for your church, please contact Rev. Ken Parker at (518) 643-8295 or at rekrapnek@charter.net You can also send donations directly to the church: Moriah UMC, PO Box 231, Moriah, NY 12960.
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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.”
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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 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.
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Bishop Webb to meet with laity |
Next month, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, will be hosting regional gatherings with laity for a time of worship, conversation, and celebration of mission and ministry. This will be a time to converse about the current realities within the UMC and the opportunities found in our call to live out the mission of Jesus Christ for today and into the future.
The following are the dates and times for the gatherings with Bishop Webb. These gatherings are in-person only; there will not be a virtual offering:
June 12, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. at LeRoy UMC
The gathering closest to folks in the Adirondack District is from 6:30 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, June 8 at the McKownville UMC, 1565 Western Ave., Albany 12203. Please RSVP to Carrie Boyer in the District Office, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 608-1246.
Note about McKownville UMC: Masks are encouraged, but not required. Those who are unvaccinated are asked asked to sit in the back 2 rows of the Sanctuary.
Pastors and church leaders: Please announce in your bulletin/newsletter and announce in worship if possible.
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Building youth leadership throughout UNY
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate focuses on children and youth. One article focuses on the Upper New York Conference (UNY) organization that helps foster youth leadership, the Conference Council on Youth Ministry, or CCYM. CCYM plans events and promotes leadership among peers. The council is made of youth from across the UNY Conference. Each District elects 4-6 youth that make up the committee. Within CCYM, there are four committees: Worship, Gathering and Organization (aka GO), Publicity and Presentation (aka P3), and the Youth Service Fund, (YSF). Worship committee plans the worship services for our events.
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How do you help your pastor renew and replenish? |
Pastors have a lot of responsibilities that go far beyond preparing for worship. They are on call to congregants who need support; they perform weddings and funerals; they have meetings throughout the week with different ministry teams at their church.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed more demands on these pastors—for many, they had to recreate the way they did worship to digital platforms.
We want to know how congregants are helping their pastors renew and replenish their souls and we’d like to share these stories with the entire Upper New York Conference.
By sharing these stories, our hope is that others throughout the Conference will be inspired to help their pastors prioritize wellness during these difficult times.
See related article under "Revisiting" below.
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Avoid pitfalls if you livestream |
Regardless of the size of their congregations or the number of services they conduct, most churches have at least tried their hand at livestreaming within the past year.
Whether you have a full team and a line-item budget for your livestreaming programs or you have just one member with a smartphone, livestreaming comes with unique benefits and drawbacks.
Here are four pitfalls to avoid:
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Peace with Justice Sunday:
June 12
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Peace with Justice is a faithful expression of shalom in the Bible. It calls the church to strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations throughout the world. It aims to make shalom visible and active in people's lives and communities by setting people free from bondage. We will celebrate Peace with Justice as witnesses to God's demand for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world. Generally, Peace with Justice Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday after Pentecost and a special offering is collected. The offering is administered by the General Board of Church and Society and benefits peace with justice ministries in the Annual Conferences and around the world.
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The May 2022 Issue II of the Bridge is ready 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.
This issue of the Bridge shares an inspiring story about Skaneateles UMCs unique fundraiser to help Ukrainians; describes the connection between Aldersgate Day and Heritage Sunday; and provides a call-out for stories about congregants helping their pastors prioritize wellness.
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Scriptural reflections
for mental health
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How many of the following symptoms have you ever personally encountered?
Depression… anxiety… inability to concentrate… mood changes… trouble relating to people… low energy… feeling hostile towards others… excessive worry… feeling unable to cope with stress… excessive drug or alcohol consumption…
Scripturally speaking, we are never invited to hide our mental hurts from God or from sharing in community. In fact, the scriptures cited in this article encourage us to recognize that which ails us and to share our burdens with God and community.
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Are you looking for a fun activity to help folks in need?
Mission Central HUB at the Conference center is looking for donations you can collect in your community and also for volunteers to come into the HUB for various projects.
What do we do here you ask? We help folks in need when a natural disaster strikes their community. The HUB helps train and coordinate ERT (early response teams) and collects UMCOR supplies and kits. Mission Central HUB donates the supplies to organizations (Red Cross, fire departments, churches) in communities affected by a natural disaster. These items are often used by ERT as well. We not only help locally, but nation wide. Many UMCOR kits we receive are delivered to the Mission Central HUB in Mechanicsburg, PA. then distributed to folks in need. Or sometimes to Sager Brown, LA. Our main warehouse...nothing goes to waste! All is needed. Items not UMCOR approved are donated to local non-profits. Without you the HUB would not exist.
Projects for volunteers are but not limited to:
· Verification of UMCOR approved supplies
· Preparing for shipment
· Counting of supplies
· General needs that might arise in the HUB.
Please consider volunteering at Mission Central HUB! The need is now and everyday. Large groups, small groups, folks of all ages welcome even if just a few people are a big help. Contact Marybeth Ingalls at the Upper NY Mission Central HUB. She will be happy to set up a time for you or your group to volunteer for a few hours.
Please follow us on Face book. For more information visit our website.
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
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Camp and Retreat Ministry sites receive grant money |
The Upper New York (UNY) Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) sites will be receiving a total of $118,000 in grant money to impact sustainability for each site and foundation board development.
Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center will upgrade windows in Ogden Lodge. Each site’s foundation board’s will be able to work with a consultant and procure books on board effectiveness. Robyn Vernon, Site Director of Skye Farm, said ““The new windows in Ogden Lodge will greatly improve our guest experience by making the space more comfortable. The energy efficiency of the new windows will increase our site’s sustainability in multiple ways. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
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Stewardship with
Rev. Susan Ranous
TALKING ABOUT MONEY IS IMPORTANT –
EVEN IN CHURCH
Too often, we avoid talking about money in church, don’t we? Sometimes it’s because we’re uncomfortable talking about money at all; sometimes it’s because we’re in church; and sometimes it’s because people hate it when we talk about money.
If we believe that what is said from the pulpit is important to people, then money should be talked about from the pulpit, because money is important. An article I read said when we don’t talk about money, we’re implying:
· 1. Money isn’t important; or
· 2. God only cares about the money you give; or
· 3. We don’t talk about money in the church, so you’ll need to find out how to manage your money from the world.
Ouch! I’m not sure any of those implications is what we should be relying upon!
I’m not saying we only talk about money, but people deal with money every day, and many times every day, so they need our help, our wisdom and our encouragement in handling and managing it.
Jesus talked about money in his teaching about 15% of the time! So not talking about money takes a pretty good chunk out of the New Testament, doesn’t it?
How about if we talk about money, sharing God’s financial principles and providing them with the tools that will help them fight against the world’s influence?
I encourage you to think about sharing money in this way, instead of only doing it under protest, and only when we want money FROM people!
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Passing on the faith
The Rev. Carrie Wolfe, Deacon and Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries, at Olean: Christ UMC contributed an article in our latest issue of the Advocate, which focused on children and youth ministries.
Rev. Wolfe’s article offers helpful tips for parents and guardians to assure that they pass on their faith to their children. Click here to read this informative, research-based and biblical article.
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Telling your faith story
Sharing faith stories nurtures an awareness of how God is working among us. Harold Percy outlines two simple approaches to sharing faith stories that can encourage people to consider and share how faith has shaped their lives.
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Creatively engaging your community while remaining true to who you are
Vital churches find new and creative ways to engage their neighbors. But that doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the best of what your church has always been. Paul Nixon explains how churches can adapt their strengths to engage their neighbors in authentic ways.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant news
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has planned new course offerings for 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 upcoming courses:
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
Advanced Course: Polity
Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Basic Lay Servant Course
Mondays, July 18, 25, Aug. 1: 6-9pm
Thursdays July 21 and 28: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Mondays, August 8, 15, 22, 29: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: For the Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Tuesdays, Oct., 4, 11, 20, 24, 27: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays, Nov. 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
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Albany District Lay Servant courses
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Public Prayer (Required Lay Speaker Course)
Wednesdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, and July 6, 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 September 17 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
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Lay Servant Courses Offered Around the Conference
Click here to find out when, where and how you can sign up for a lay servant course that you need or are interested in taking. This link connects you to all the Districts in UNY Conference that are offering courses.
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UNY Pastoral Wellness Initiative launches
Over the past year, the Upper New York (UNY) Conference has formed a Wellness Team, comprised of Conference leaders and wellness experts. The Wellness Team was derived from conversations among the UNY Conference Leadership Team and the UNY Operational Team and formed to gain a deeper understanding of the stresses those in pastoral leadership are facing, and to form some holistic solutions.
The Wellness Team is now working on collecting data specific to the UNY Conference.
They recently sent a survey to UNY church leaders to determine such factors as
· What spiritual practices do they engage in regularly?
· What would help them in their spiritual growth?
· What helps them to take a Sabbath?
In addition to the Wellness Team issuing a survey, in the coming months, the UNY Cabinet and Wellness Team will partner with the UNY Communications Team to publish stories of how pastors are successfully supporting their personal wellbeing. Resources will also be shared on ways in which church leaders can replenish their souls.
Click here to learn more about the UNY Pastoral Wellness initiative.
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The Rev. John R. Tyson, Ph.D. will be retiring from CRCDS at the end of this academic year. From 2010–12, Dr. Tyson served as Visiting Professor of Methodist Studies. From 2012 to present he served as Professor of Church History and Director of United Methodist Studies. He has authored multiple books and articles, including School of Prophets: A Bicentennial History of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Dr. Tyson is a dedicated member of the faculty and ecclesial leader whose service has been a blessing to many. We are sad to see Dr. Tyson go, we wish him the best in his retirement. Please join in thanking Dr. Tyson for his 12 years of service to our community.
We look forward to celebrating Dr. Tyson’s myriad contributions to CRCDS, academia and the church at 5 p.m. Monday, May 16. All are welcome to join us for this virtual event. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others in our community and beyond who would like to attend. There will be time during this event where you can offer your congratulations to Dr. Tyson in this virtual space.
David Riddell
Director of Advancement & Communications
COLGATE ROCHESTER CROZER DIVINITY SCHOOL (CRCDS)
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Bishop Yeakel’s memorial service to take place May 20
Bishop Joseph Yeakel died on July 4, 2021, at the age of 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which at the time included three Conferences (Western New York Conference, Northern New York Conference, and Central New York Conference) from 1972-1984 and is fondly remembered.
His fall 2021 Memorial Service was postponed due to concerns of COVID-19 at the time. The Memorial Service has been rescheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, University United Methodist Church, 324 University Ave., Syracuse, NY, 13210.
A number of rooms are being held at the Collegian Hotel (formerly the Genesee Grande), which is directly across the street from the church.
Questions can be directed to Upper New York Conference Episcopal Office Manager, Mary Bradley, at (315) 898-2020, or bishopsoffice@unyumc.org.
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(updated) May 22: Heritage Sunday
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Every May, United Methodists are encouraged to devote one Sunday to celebrating their Wesleyan heritage. This year’s theme for Heritage Sunday is “Splits, Separations and Reconciliations.” Congregations are invited to use this month as a time to explore how splits, schisms and mergers have framed our history and identity us as United Methodists.
Heritage Sunday shall be observed on Aldersgate Day (May 24), or the Sunday preceding that date (this year it is May 22). The day provides an opportunity for reflection on heritage, celebration of where the Church has been, how it understands itself as it shapes us today, and the meaning of Christian conferencing. Heritage Sunday calls the Church to remember the past by committing itself to the continuing call of God.
Aldersgate Day specifically recalls John Wesley's experience of assurance of his salvation by God's grace on May 24, 1738, in a meeting room on Aldersgate Street in London.
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Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Asian Pacific Islanders are not from one country, or even from one continent. The people we honor during this month are from the continent of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Polynesia. This category includes people from China, India, Hawaii, and several places in between. During this month we remember the Japanese immigrants who were instrumental in finishing the transcontinental railroad. We remember the presence and contributions made in how we cultivate land, in developing technologies, and the influences in cooking and art.
As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in our congregations, we are reminded that the image of God is revealed in all of us. When we worship with all of our unique voices, we are better able to reflect God's image.
Click here to learn more about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
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2022 Annual Conference has been postponed until Oct. 6-8 and will now be virtual
This news item was released April 21 by the Upper New York Conference office.
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States.
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8 and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
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UNY 2023 Ministry Share budget posted
The Upper New York Conference 2023 Ministry Share budget, is now available. The budget will be voted on at the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference, which is scheduled to be held June 2-4 at the SRC Arena in Syracuse. Click here to view the budget
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Are you part of an accountability group? |
The Upper New York Conference vitality focus for the month of May is “accountability groups.”
Accountability groups stem from what John Wesley called class meetings. Class meetings consisted of up to 12 women and men that met weekly as a “gracious accountability” group. Their focus was to individually answer the question: “How is it with your soul this week?”
Those in Wesley’s class meetings did not study a book. They may have sung a song, read a Bible verse, and had prayer. But their main purpose was not Bible study, but a review of the state of their souls. It resulted in a wildly successful movement to revitalize the Church of England and start the Methodist movement in North America.
Are you a part of an accountability group in your church or District? What does it look like? We’d love to know.
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Grants available for projects |
It is the desire of the UNY Conference United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) to offer grants to non-profit community and faith-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference.
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Denman award nomination deadline extended to July 1
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 2021 recipients in the Upper New York Conference were Pastor Della Ludwig (clergy) and Pastor Sean Chanthasone (clergy). The 2020 recipients were Nolan Carner (youth), Rick Fisher, Jr. (laity), and Pastor Jose Rodriguez (clergy).
The deadline for submitting your 2022 nominations to the Conference has been extended to July 1, 2022.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Skye Farm summer camp and retreat programs registration open |
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC |
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
Earlier this month, the Global Methodist Church announced that it will launch on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries
classes announced
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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 Aug. 6 and Nov. 5. See the brochure for registration information.
Our next training will be August 6, 2022 to prepare for the Fall Sunday School Season, so we recommend getting registered as soon as possible.
There will also be a Training of Trainer class on 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!
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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:
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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.
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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.
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United Methodists
stand with Ukraine
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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.
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Trauma evident
in Ukrainian refugees
Many Methodist women and men in various countries prove to be wide-hearted and helpful. However, the longer people in Ukraine have to live with the war, the more psychological support will be required. Click here to read a summary of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe’s efforts to support Ukrainian refugees.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 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.
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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.
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New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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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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From the Conference Center |
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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.
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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.
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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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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Director of Missional Engagement for the HUB
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
· Summer Camp positions – Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, Sky Lake
Full Time Seasonal Food Service Manager: Skye Farm
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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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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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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
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