.Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
May 26, 2021
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“Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey."
― Pope Francis
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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The District Office is open
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please keep the Rev. David E. Smith, currently serving Northampton at Fish House and Mayfield UMCs in the Albany District, in your prayers. Rev. Smith’s mother, Lydia Smith, died on May 17. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Smith at 422 Sandy Creek Rd. #317, Albany, NY 12205-2724. Click here to read Lydia’s full obituary.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866 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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Mission Opportunity in Memory of Rev. Art Hagy
The Rev. Art Hagy had a mission near and dear to his heart: The United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, ME. Click here to read more about an undertaking that will benefit UMEM and honor Rev. Hagy at the same time.
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Local Church Events and Classifieds |
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Click here to view Local Church Events and Classifieds.
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New for you! Digital Discipleship |
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Digital Discipleship Information
To activate your subscription, join Facebook Group: Link below
Group Orientation & Live Q&A with Consultant Lori Jagow.
Come and ask Lori questions about getting your social ministry started.
Thursday, May 27th at 11:00 AM -11:30 AM
Simple Online Worship Set Up with Consultant Lori Jagow.
The secret is not having expensive equipment or using a specific platform for digital ministry. It is all about connecting and engaging with people. Hence the term "social" media. Join us as we explore ways to produce a simple but quality online presence without the high cost of equipment.
Thursday, June 3 at 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Hello and Welcome!
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.
When you decided to go into ministry, you probably didn't realize you would need to make the shift to online or what it would take to reach new people in your community. Pastors are among the group that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress of not knowing what to do is too much for most—this stress in common. Every church leader is facing similar frustrations.
This comprehensive program has SOLUTIONS for you! The lockdowns will change, but the future will never be the same as the pre-pandemic past. Digital connections are even more critical for delivering the Gospel.
Member Benefits
· Video Courses on Digital Discipleship
· Ongoing Support
· Discounted Individual Consultation (First Session only $25)
· Free EBook
· Free Resources
· Peer Support
· Clergy Networking
· Monthly Live Q&A
Each month, you will have the opportunity to engage in a Live video with Q&A that will cover everything you need to reach and keep more guests, both in-person and online.
You'll discover principles and systems that will work for any church, not just for the megachurch, but any size church!
PLUS... each presentation will be available to you after the classes are over. This on-demand access is included with your exclusive group membership!
TO ACTIVATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
GO TO THE FACEBOOK Digital Discipleship Education You will need to request to join the group. Don't forget to invite your team members by sharing this link with them!
Attached to this email, you will find everything you need to get started in digital ministry! A Free Ebook on Making Digital Disciples, Digitial Discipleship brochure, and a QuickStart to Digital Discipleship Facebook Group.
TRAINING TOPICS
• Simple Online Worship
• Growing Your Online Ministry
• Build an Easy Website
• Livestreaming
• Photography
• Assimilation
• Holiday Campaigns
• Online Engagement
and more
LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP
With a greater need for technology and billions of people searching online for answers to life's problems, the times are challenging us to have the faith to launch out into new uncharted and deep waters.
Learn to use social media the way it was intended, and
discover that when we step out in faith, like the apostle Peter, our nets will nearly break
once we cast into the deep.
Sincerely,
Lori Jagow,
(716) 909-8329
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Media Resource Center - June/July newsletter available
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce one ad interim appointments, four appointments, and one retirement pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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What the latest COVID guidelines mean for UNY churches
On Wednesday May 19, New York adopted the CDC's updated guidance on masks and social distancing and many business capacity restrictions have been lifted. What does this mean for Upper New York local churches? Keeping the safety of unvaccinated individuals in mind, UNY has answered many Frequently Asked Questions regarding these new guidelines as they relate to seating, singing, asking about vaccination status, and more. Click here for the latest COVID-19 FAQs.
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Mission u 2021 Registration Open
We hope you’ll join us this summer for the 2021 Mission u! Hosted by the Upper New York United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church. This virtual study program will be presented Thursday evening, July 22, through Saturday afternoon, July 24.
The program will feature group worship and plenary sessions and the participant’s choice of three different study options. A special mission presentation will be offered by Hope House in Utica, N.Y.
Registration is $25, with a special fee of $15 for first-timers. Scholarships are available and the fee should not be an obstacle. Register by July 5, but classes filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mission u is a transformative education program that offers studies on several different topics and is open to everyone—not just women.
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The spiritual discipline of prayer, Part 3
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Two weeks ago, Rev. Dibeluis introduced the spiritual discipline of prayer by describing the centrality of prayer both in modern times and in Jesus’s time. Click here to watch that video. Last week, Rev. Dibelius focused on our petitions to God; click here to watch that video.
This week, Nancy’s video examines how to listen deeply for God in our lives. Click here to watch the video.
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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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Training for Annual Conference virtual platform on June 16
GNTV held Pre-conference trainings on how the technical components at Annual Conference will work. Click here to view a training.
GNTV will be hosting one final training session on June 16 beginning at 10 a.m. This training will be different than the previous pre-Conference trainings in that it focuses purely on the technical components of Annual Conference and you will use your actual personal ID number that will be sent to you from GNTV prior to the training. This will be great practice to become accustomed to the format of Annual Conference, which begins on June 17. Click here at 10 a.m. on June 16 to join the training.
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Pre-Conference Briefings available
This year, Conference leaders gave their briefings during three Zoom trainings in May. Briefings have been recorded and are now available on the Conference website. Click here to access video briefings from the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, the Trustees, Equitable Compensation, and the Conference Council on Finance and Administration.
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Prayer Room at Annual Conference
At this year’s Annual Conference there will be a prayer room available for those who would desire a space for quiet reflection or who desire someone to pray with them. The prayer room will be staffed by spiritual directors in our Conference at the following times:
Thursday, June 17: 2-5:30 p.m., 7-9 p.m.
Friday, June 18: 9-12:15 a.m., 2-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 19: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
This year’s prayer room will be virtual through Zoom and individuals will be able to meet one-on-one in a private breakout room. Click here to enter the prayer room at any of the aforementioned times
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FAQs related to Annual Conference
With Annual Conference right around the corner (June 17-19), many people have been sending questions to various Ministry Areas so that they are best prepared for the conference. Click here to review Frequently Asked Questions. If you have questions related to Annual Conference not answered on the FAQ page, feel free to send them to questions@unyumc.org.
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5 Dos and Don'ts to make the most of your digital worship
It’s a good time for congregations to reassess their approach to online worship.
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Tackling tough topics in the church
Do you long for church to be a place where people can discuss real life challenges openly and honestly? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff interviews pastor and author Elizabeth Hagan on what it takes to be a “brave church” willing to tackle tough but important subjects.
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Failing creatively ...
Failure can be an essential step on the path to mastering the art of ministry leadership. New leaders need to give themselves permission to fail and find spaces where they will be supported as they master the complex skill of wise pastoral practice.
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Annual Conference 2021 to be held June 17-19, remotely
After consultation with the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Sessions, Conference Leadership Team, Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Committee, and the Upper New York Board of Trustees, Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet are announcing that the UNY 2021 Annual Conference (AC2021) session will be held remotely.
The dates for this year’s Annual Conference will be June 17-19.
Registration closes June 1.
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Again this year Mountain View District has created a fabulous newsletter about all things related to Annual Conference. They have sent us the link to be able to share in all this news.
This is packed full with information! Very helpful!
Patti has typed NEW next to those items that are new.
Here is the link to the All Annual Conference Newsletter
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Tentative UNY Annual Conference agenda available
The tentative agenda for the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held virtually, June 17-19, 2021, is now available. To view the tentative agenda, click here.
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A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care Zoom course
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people in your congregations who have experienced trauma, avoid retraumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This online course has been offered twice before in recent months and was well-received, so it is being offered again. The course will take place across three dates: June 7 (7-9 p.m.), June 14 (7-8:30 p.m.), and June 28 (7-8:30 p.m.). Click here to register and be sure to save your confirmation email as it has the Zoom link you will need for the course.
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training: June 12
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will be hosting our standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, June 12.
This training is brought to you and paid for by your Upper New York Ministry Shares. This basic training is required for anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults as stated by the Minimum Standards. This training is a must, whether or not if you are meeting in-person or online.
If you have already taken this training you DO NOT need to take it again.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
There will be a link to the handout that should be printed and available to you for the training.
You must REGISTER for the training. If you register and are no longer able to attend we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot with someone else who is waiting to take the training.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Certified Trainers.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Historical Society presents program on Union chaplains in the Civil War
The UNY United Methodist Historical Society is holding an open meeting on Zoom, "Union Chaplains in the Civil War," at 7:15 PM Saturday June 12. This presentation will focus on the chaplains who served the Union Army with great faith and devotion to duty.
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Camps and retreats are back in UNY
The Upper New York Camp and Retreat Ministry Area is excited to welcome back campers and guests for summer programs at all five sites. Safety precautions (including limiting capacity) will be in place to ensure the safety of all, as life-long memories are made in our fun and supportive environments.
Click here for more information on the programs being offered this summer, which is also where you will find the link to register.
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Information needed for lawsuits filed against the Conference
under the Child’s Victims Act
In response to lawsuits filed against the Conference under the Child Victims Act, the Conference Board of Trustees is seeking to identify insurance carriers, agents, or brokers used by any of UNY’s former Conferences (North Central New York, Troy, Western New York, and Wyoming Conferences) in the time period 1960 – 1990. Any information would be helpful and can be sent to info@unyumc.org.
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Toolkit supports efforts to engage your community
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Jason Moore’s follow-up workshop offers tips on 'hybrid' worship
Jason Moore recently offered an hour of follow-up on Zoom to recap the Zoom workshop he hosted in Dec. 2020 (Both/And), including what he has learned in the last four months on how to offer successful worship and engagement on digital platforms. There was also a time for questions from the 41 attendees. Click here to access this recording.
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Intentional discipleship systems in a pandemic
In 2019, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations, wrote an article on what it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate. She offers excellent ways to develop disciples at this difficult time through weekly worship/biblical engagement, accountable relationships, and a missional life. Her advice can prove helpful now and even beyond the pandemic.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, 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.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Mondays June 14 and 21: 6-9 pm
Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 1: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Wednesdays: July 14, 21, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday: August 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Polity
Tuesdays August 17, 24, 31: 6-9 pm
Saturday, August 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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(New) Albany District Lay Servant Classes
The following Albany District Lay Servant Ministries Courses are open to ALL LAITY AND CLERGY!
-- “Imagine No Racism” was developed by the Commission on Race and Religion by the Upper New York Annual Conference, and it has been approved by the Conference Lay Servant Ministries Team for Advanced Lay Servant course credit. This course is meant to launch the ongoing work of addressing, and ultimately, dismantling racism.
Dates: Wednesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6 and 13, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm via Zoom.
Facilitator: Thaddeus Pinckney. Contact Thaddeus at thaddeusp1@yahoo.com for a Registration Form. Once your registration form and check (payable to UNYAC -- $10) are received, Thaddeus will email you the Participant’s Guide.
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-- “Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution” is designed to help us be equipped and empowered to be avenues of grace through times of conflict to a time of transformation.
Dates: Saturdays, September 11 and 18, 2021 from 9 am – 12 pm and 1 -3 pm via Zoom..
Facilitator: Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh. Pastor Danyal participated in a three-year program on Conflict Resolution designed by author Thomas Porter while he was a student in Boston. It included three courses and one internship. Danyal received a certificate for moderating the circle processes based on Religion and Conflict Transformation from Boston Theological Institute and Boston University School of Theology.
Participant’s Book: The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation by Thomas Porter: ISBN 978-0-8358-1026-5
Cost: $10 Check payable to UNYAC
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-- “Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders” will be held in person with co-author Rev. Marc Brown who comes to us from Lynchburg, VA.
What is a vital church, and what is a Christian transformational leader? Rev. Brown will help us understand, learn, and define the three disciplines of Christian transformational leadership and the four qualities of Christian transformational leaders.
Dates: This weekend class begins on Friday, October 15 at 5:00 pm and concludes on Sunday, October 17 at 12:00 pm.
Participant’s Book: Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry, and John Briggs: ISBN 978-0-88177-881-6
Location: Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Road, Latham 12110
Cost: $65, includes registration, Friday night dinner, Saturday lunch, and Saturday dinner with CoVID protocols in place.
Hotel accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites, 833 New Loudon Rd, Latham 12110 for $75 plus taxes per night. The hotel is located about ½ mile from Calvary UMC. To reserve a room at that price, call La Quinta at 518.640.2200 and reference “Lay Servant Ministries.” Reservations must be made by September 24, 2021.
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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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News/Resources
From the Conference
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2022 UNY Conference Budget available
The 2022 Ministry Share budget that will be voted on at the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held virtually, June 17-19, 2021, is now available. Click here to view the budget. Click here to read and/or download the narrative budget booklet, which explains the ministries of each line item.
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UNY Mission Central HUB seeks donations
The UNY Mission Central HUB thanks all for the support they receive from our churches in supplying disaster relief kits. Due to the pandemic, donations have been low. The storm season is coming up, and there is a great need to re-stock supplies.
More than ever before, the UNY Mission Central HUB is in need of financial contributions in order to continue its operations. The funding of the HUB is made possible solely by donations.
Are you part of a church that has funds available to support the UNY Mission Central HUB? Outside of your Ministry Shares, can you be a part of keeping the important work of the UNY Mission Central HUB happening into the future? Are you an individual who can help the UNY Mission Central HUB financially, through either planned or estate giving?
If so, please send your check written out to UNYC with fund number # 951 written in the memo to UNYAC c/o finance department at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. Liverpool, NY 13088 or click here to give a donation online. Your donation will go directly toward the UNY HUB’s annual operational costs of $250,000.
UMCOR frequently updates their supply lists as needed. Several things have changed with the cleaning kits. If you have trouble finding N95 masks, please know that the Conference can supply those. They ask that a dollar donation per items missing in the kits is appreciated.
Follow this link for the current supply lists of the three kits that the Conference collects:
If you have questions, please be in touch with MaryBeth Ingalls, Mission Volunteer Coordinator,
1-315-898-2064 or 1-315-372-0285.
You can also find information on the Conference web site and on UNY Mission Central HUB’s Facebook page:
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Fraudulent unemployment claims
The Upper NY Conference office has seen an increase in fraudulent unemployment claims for conference staff. We have received a few calls from churches who participate in unemployment insurance that they have as well.
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Direct bill arrearage policy delayed enforcement extended
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Benefits office (Susan Latessa) to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
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2020 UNY Journal Vol. II available for download or purchase
The 2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com. This comprehensive book provides all the details of Annual Conference for the year of 2020.
Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $16.96 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
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Conference Commission on Religion and Race offering courses
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer Imagine No Racism courses on ZOOM as the need arises. People interested and looking for an INR group may contact Blenda Smith at bsmith@binghamton.edu Clergy may receive 1 CEU, and Lay Servants may receive advance course credit. If you have formed a group on your own, please let Carrie know (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org).
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Real Property Tax Exemption reminder
All churches must renew their real property tax exemption every year. Renewal forms must reach your assessor’s office by the deadline date, which for most towns is March 1. Check with your local assessor’s office to confirm the date for your location. This deadline is critical.
Missing the deadline date may result in the denial or revocation of your church’s real property tax exemption. This filing includes all church buildings, parsonages, and all other parcels used for religious purposes. For more information, contact Pat Toukatly, UNY Conference Property Specialist, at (315) 898-2000 Ext. 2010 or at pattoukatly@unyumc.org.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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New York State Paid Sick Leave Law
All private sector workers in New York State are covered under New York State’s paid sick leave law. If a person is issued a W-2 year-end tax form, they are eligible for the New York State paid sick leave. Non-profit and religious organizations are not exempt from this law. Click here for information on the New York State paid sick leave law.
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Certificates of Insurance in the UNY Conference
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the Upper New York Conference’s Human Resources Generalist, Tracy Rickett, has compiled some helpful information for you. Click here for more information.
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Tap into Mission Insite
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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Digital discipleship
The Upper New York Conference is launching the Digital Discipleship Ministry to provide churches, large and small, with the proper resources to keep people connected.
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list, click here.
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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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Updated wedding guidelines
Guidelines for worship in Upper New York haven’t changed (50% capacity, masks, social distancing), but there are new guidelines for receptions.
The updated guidance for wedding receptions will go into place March 15 and will require the following:
- Testing for all that attend the event.
- 50% capacity - up to 150 attendees.
- Must be approved by local health department.
Click here to see all FAQs related to the coronavirus and your church.
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Web site for COVID "hot spot" zones
Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
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Other Resources and Information
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United Methodist Communications offers free graphics downloads
Download free social media graphics designed to help you share uplifting messages with your community.
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UMCOR issuing grants to churches to help refugees and migrants
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is providing $2,000 "mustard seed" migration grants to UM churches in the US to help fund their new or existing programs designed to help refugees and migrants.
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Online courses offered through Resource UMC
Courses include Worship Planning for a New Time, Caring for Yourself: The Caregiver, Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts and many more. For links to online courses through Feb. 1, click here.
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Webinars on Mental Health
This year, because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. According to the CDC, “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.”
From sadness and anger to depression and suicidal thoughts, this series will help pastors and individuals understand and better cope with the heightened stress this year has brought.
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Find daily, weekly devotions online
Devotional resources to share with members and other congregants is one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications. For a list of resources, click here.
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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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 South Glens Falls UMC
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 480-4866
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