Albany District and Conference News
Jan. 6, 2022
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"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
-- Mark Twain
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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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Please keep Pastor Brenda Tompkins (Mechanicvile UMC) and her family in your prayers. Brenda's husband, Charles Robert “Rob” Tompkins, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec. 30 with his family at his side. He was 66. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday Jan. 8 at the Mechanicville United Methodist Church, 7 North Main St., Mechanicville. A celebration of life will follow at the Mechanicville Elks Lodge, 300 Park Ave., Mechanicville. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Greater Grace Community Church, 100 Saratoga Village Blvd., #17, Malta, NY 12020. Cards of condolence can be sent to Pastor Brenda Tompkins, 148 S. Second Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118. To view the obituary, click here.
Please also pray for:
The Rev. Erik Smith, whose new address is Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
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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Imagine No Racism class begins Jan. 12 via ZOOM |
If you're interested in raising your awareness, expanding your knowledge, and developing skills for addressing racism in all its forms, you'll want to enroll in the next Imagine No Racism class. The six-week curriculum, taught on Zoom, will empower you and your church to discern how God is calling you to apply this new knowledge and skills in your life and mission.
The next class starts Wednesday, January 12, at 6:30 pm, and runs for six weeks. Each class lasts for about 1.5 hours.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant news
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has begun work on courses we will be offering in 2022. We plan to continue offering the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey.
Here are three new courses. Look for information on more courses soon to be announced:
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23: 6-9 pm
Tuesday, March 1: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: For The Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Times: all 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $ 15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Arlene Schmidt
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
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Ways for churches to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day |
Every third Monday in January, Americans observe a solemn day of remembering preacher and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day offers time both to celebrate of the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and to reflect and reaffirm of the principles of equality, justice and racial reconciliation for which King stood.
The United Methodist Church calls upon congregations and annual conferences across the United States to honor of King’s legacy and also to address contemporary issues of injustice in society.
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Mobilize for the environment |
New York State has become a leader in the care of Creation by passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019. Join hundreds of environmental advocates on January 25 from 11 am to 3 pm at the NYS Capitol underground concourse for the non-partisan Climate Can't Wait Mobilization Rally. We are asking the Governor and Legislature to prioritize climate in the 2022 budget so that NYS can move forward in climate and environmental remediation. Lunch will also be provided. For more information and to register, go to the Events page of Capital Region Interfaith Creation Care Coalition www.capitalcreationcare.org.
Our United Methodist Church has expressed great concern for global climate change. Look at these lines from our Social Principles:
“We acknowledge the global impact of humanity’s disregard for God’s creation. Rampant industrialization and the corresponding increase in the use of fossil fuels have led to a buildup of pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere. These “greenhouse gas” emissions threaten to alter dramatically the earth’s climate for generations to come with severe environmental, economic, and social implications. The adverse impacts of global climate change disproportionately affect individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions. We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and call on individuals, congregations, businesses, industries, and communities to reduce their emissions.” UMC Social Principles, ¶ 160, I The Natural World, D) Global Climate Stewardship
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Winter Mission Academy
with UM Volunteers in Mission
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The Winter Mission Academy with UM Volunteers in Mission takes place online Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. Six sessions will be 12 - 2 p.m.
January 31- Engaging the Community for Social Transformation
February 1 - Creating the Family Mission Experience
February 2 - Volunteerism with Justice for our Neighbors
February 3 - Raising Money (Without Embarrassment) for Your UMVIM Project
February 4 - Equipping the Church for Preparedness and Resilience for Extreme Weather and Disaster
February 5 - Mobile Photography and Mission
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A man who has identified himself as Arthur DeLorenzo, Joseph DeLorenzo and Arthur Joseph has contacted some churches in the area looking for financial assistance. He is very convincing. One of the numbers he's been calling from is 213-554-4114. Please do not be fooled by this person. For more information, contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 608-1246. |
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Media Resource Center needs your support |
Since the Upper New York Conference Media Resource Center does not have a budget for 2022 to purchase new resources, we are asking churches who have benefited from this ministry to support it with a financial contribution.
The committee for the Media Resource Center is asking if you could donate at least $100 toward purchasing new resources next year. If your church can contribute more than this, we would be grateful for your additional generosity. Your help is vital to keep this mission active and current. Click here for a letter from the committee.
You can make your check payable to the “Upper New York Conference,” and note it is for the “Media Resource Center” on the memo line. Checks should be sent to The UNY Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088.
We are also looking for volunteers to help us coordinate this ministry. Please contact any member of our committee for more information.
Click here to learn more about this fundraising campaign.
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You will receive:
- Online PDFs for each monthly Program Resource
- Valuable insight and videos to lead you onto a deeper spiritual understanding
- Monthly Community Gatherings with the author
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Community conversations, and more!
Information on how to join the Community Gatherings is also available on the Mighty Network platform. If you haven’t done so, explore our digital 2021-2022 Program Resource: Healing and Joy on Our Journey to God on Mighty Networks here and click “Access.” If you are already logged on to Mighty Networks, click on the “Resources” tab in the Menu to join the Program Resource. September through December are already available to all for free and ready to experience.
Subscribe now and be part of the next monthly Community Gathering on Thursday, January 6th from 8-9 pm. In these regular gatherings, we will dive more deeply into the theme and activities of the Program Resource, as well as share with each other our needs, joys and struggles in leadership.
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Not even a manger
As Diane Roe prepared for Christmas 2021, she thought about all the Palestinian villages in the South Hebron hills that are under threat from either militant Israeli settlers, or from the Israeli military.
Click here for a reflection on Diane’s time in the same Palestinian villages and stories she learned about Israeli soldiers evacuating Palestinians from their land. Learn how even now, hundreds of Palestinian families whose lands have been subject to closure, confiscation, or home demolition don’t even have mangers in which to lay new born babies.
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Watch a UMC Video
on the celebration of Epiphany, January 6th
Did you know the holiday Epiphany refers to an ancient holiday where the magi were guided to the Baby Jesus?
Check out this United Methodist Communications video on Epiphany.
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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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Human trafficking prevention |
January 2022 is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as decreed by presidential proclamation. January is also known as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a key time for us all as individuals to educate ourselves about human trafficking and crucially to learn to spot the signs of trafficking.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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How to organize an intergenerational morning of service for MLK Day
Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff reports on how a Connecticut church has made the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday a time for intergenerational learning and service. She shares tips on how churches large or small might launch a similar effort to educate and inspire young people and connect with the broader community.
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What to watch in 2022
F. Douglas Powe Jr. and Ann A. Michel of the Lewis Center staff name some of the changes church leaders should keep top of mind as we embark on 2022. They include still evolving patterns of worship and congregational life, worrying attendance trends, churches reevaluating their building needs, and underlying demographic changes that challenge assumptions many churches hold regarding their future.
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Human Relations Day is Jan. 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. You gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by The General Board of Global Ministries and The General Board of Church and Society.
Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing. Find free resources here.
Click here to order your Special Sundays printed envelope.
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Many people have recently reported receiving emails from Bishop Mark Webb in which he asks for assistance, and in some cases financial assistance. Please be aware that these emails come from a gmail account. Bishop Webb's email address ends in unyumc.org. Please delete these emails. We appreciate your reporting them. |
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Statistics for 2021- The Ezra site will be opened Saturday January 1, 2022 to enter the church statistical data. This year Ezra will still be on the same Ezra site as previous years. Nothing has changed other than the submission date. The new submission date is February 28, 2022.
The 2021 stat reports will be used for the 2023 Ministry Share calculations.
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New York State requiring masks indoors
This from the Conference Office:
Unless a church enforces a strict vaccination requirement, all persons entering church buildings must wear an appropriately fitting mask covering to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, effective Dec. 13 through Jan. 15.
As per the governor’s announcement, “any person, past their second birthday and medically able to tolerate a face covering, must wear an appropriate mask while in any indoor place, regardless of vaccination status. However, businesses and venues can choose to implement a vaccination requirement, requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of entry inside the business or venue. Whichever requirement is selected, it must apply to all within the business/venue’s capacity, including staff, patrons, visitors, and guests. A business and venue cannot do a “combination” requirement.”
To properly enforce a vaccination requirement, every person’s vaccination status must be confirmed prior to entering the church facilities. Any church unable to accomplish this should require all persons to wear a mask.
Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%.
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Wondering how to help those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee? Contribute to UMCOR Advance # 901670. Click here or give by check mailed to: The Advance, 458 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, Please note Advance # 901670.
Following the devastating and deadly string of December storms and tornadoes, UMCOR is supporting Conference disaster response coordinators as search and rescue efforts continue and damage assessments begin. Solidarity grants to provide immediate funding are being released and UMCOR will work with impacted areas to journey from the chaos of response on through long-term recovery. Please continue to hold victims, survivors, and relief workers in your prayers.
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Hero act remains in place |
Accordingly, NY HERO Act Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plans [should] remain in place.
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Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry |
Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! |
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UMCOR launches Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement Program
The Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement program will reimburse up to $1,000 per local United Methodist church in the United States that is in a sponsorship relationship with Church World Service. Expenses eligible for reimbursement must fit the following criteria:
· Pre-arrival support, such as: setting up/furnishing an apartment; providing a culturally appropriate welcome meal; welcoming a family at the airport.
· Post-arrival support: assisting in English Language Learners (ELL) tutoring; providing transportation to medical appointments; assisting with grocery shopping or community navigation; mentorship.
· Providing other financial support to a newly arrived Afghan family to help them adjust to life in the U.S.
Click here for full details, including application forms.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
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The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
The forms were due two weeks following your church conference. Please submit them as soon as possible.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Albany District Lay Servant news
Advanced Lay Servant Course (Certified Lay Speaker Required Course)
“Living our United Methodist Beliefs” (the Heritage course) will be offered via Zoom with the last class in person at a church central to the Capital Region.
Participants will need:
- Access to Zoom
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Living our Beliefs, the United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder available at Cokesbury or Amazon. ISBN: 978-0-88177-571-6
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A Brief History of The United Methodist Church available for free from Amazon.
- United Methodist Hymnal
- A method for taking notes
Dates: Mondays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2022 via Zoom and February 14, 2022 in person. All five sessions are required for completion.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
Please contact Bruce for a Registration Form.
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Basic Course Offered in Person!
Is God calling you to become involved in Lay Servant Ministries? It is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within our United Methodist connection (2021 Lay Servant Ministries Catalog). Through these ministries, we are equipped, empowered, and enabled:
- To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ;
- To deepen our knowledge of who God is and who God is calling us to be as God's people;
- To embody God's love;
- To be God's love in the world.
Lay Servants have felt God's call upon their lives to share their faith and God's love by leading, caring, and communicating to:
All God's people in
All places,
And in
All times.
This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses as you:
- Are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts;
- Consider the importance of exercising servant leadership;
- Develop future leaders;
- Remain rooted in consistent spiritual practices;
- Grow as a leader in mission and ministry in the community as well as in daily life.
Dates: Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 2022
Time: 10 AM to Noon
Place: Hope United Methodist Church, 566 Brunswick Rd, Troy, NY 12180
518. 279.3567(home) |518.495.2248 (cell)
Please contact Darlene for a Registration Form and the address to mail the form and check
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
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From the Conference Center |
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UNY Young Adult Ministries wants to hear from young adults
Do you have young adults in your congregation who would like to connect with other young adults across the UNY Conference Connection? The Young Adult Council would like to hear from them! Please share this 10 minute survey with your young adults as an opportunity for them to express their spiritual and connectional needs.
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Resources for launching
a New Faith Community
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Couldn’t make “What Now?” New Faith Communities’ three-part series about dreaming of connection in a church changed by the pandemic?
No Problem!
Click here to access the videos freely via New Faith Communities YouTube channel.
Learn about:
· Fresh Expressions of Church from Luke Edwards
· How to build Relationships with People Online from Paul Gomez
· Gather in New Ways from Rachel Gilmore
Each of these important topics touch on the ever-changing landscape of the Church today. How do Fresh Expressions of church reach new people and minister to loneliness? How do you effectively build relationship with people who visit your church online? And how do we gather in the midst of pandemic and meet people where they are?
New Faith Communities anticipates in 2022 that we will be hosting a multi-week virtual Launchpad for churches and planters who are ready to reach new people. Launchpad invites you to discern, vision, gather, disciple, and worship in new ways. If you’re interested, please email davidmasland@unyumc.org by Jan. 15, 2022.
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United Methodist Conference Center seeking
Archives Volunteers
The UNY UM Conference maintains the Archives of all four of the Upstate New York Conferences which merged a few years ago.
Conference Archives and History has organized and arranged the rooms in such a way that with a little training, a volunteer can put items away and, most importantly, conduct a search. This happens regularly, often with legal papers needed by a family.
Do you love history? Do you have an interest in preserving UMC documents for research? Do you love a treasure hunt? The Commission on Archives and History (CAH) is looking for Crossroads District people - because you live nearby – to help the CAH and the Archives Assistant out 1-2 half days or days a month. Preferably Wednesdays, but TBD. New boxes arrive constantly and need processing. Training is provided. Karen Campolieto, current Archives Assistant is retiring in January. We are looking for someone to begin before then. The Conference Center is open following COVID masking rules. If interested or you have questions, email Karen Campolieto at karencampolieto@unyumc.org or Susan Slenker, at 315-516-5289.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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2021 UNY Journal vol. II now ready
The 2021 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($17.64 plus tax and shipping).
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New York State minimum wage/minimum salary increase effective 12/31/2021
Effective December 31, 2021, New York State minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. To read more, click here.
A news article regarding NYS minimum salary is posted on the Conference websiteBoth the minimum wage and minimum salary are effective 12/31/2021. To read more, click here.
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Conference seeking District Administrative Assistant |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for a District Administrative Assistant for the Finger Lakes District.
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Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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Revised CDC guidelines
affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
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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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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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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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Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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