Albany District and Conference News
September 30, 2021
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"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
-- 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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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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RISSE program at Burnt Hills UMC |
Burnt Hills UMC's Social Justice Action group is hosting a presentation at 6:30 PM on Oct. 6 where the Board President of RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus) will discuss what is known about helping Afghan Refugees that may come to our area. Seating is limited, but we are also looking at creating a Zoom option for any additional attendees. Please see the flyer for more details. Click here. Contact Shelby Bryson at (518) 414-0967 to sign up.
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Please keep the family and friends of Donna Lavender in your prayers. Donna died on Sept. 8. She and her husband Melvin served St. James UMC in Cohoes for a number of years. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 8 at the Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham. The family would appreciate any clergy who come to pay their respects to come with vestments and join in a clergy procession. To read the obituary, click here.
A joy from Bob and Joy Lowenthal: We share thanksgiving with those who know we have sons with health challenges. Our oldest son Ben has recently moved in with us from Vermont and is in Albany Medical for 4 weeks. We are grateful to report he is coming home and resuming his life of hope and more normalcy. We commend the few but hearty workers who work sometimes 48 hours straight to put patients first! They definitely saved our son's life and put him first! We are in awe! For all prayers, heartfelt expressions of love and care we thank you each and all.
The Rev. Erik Smith has moved. His new address is now Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer. Cards can be sent to 148 S. Second Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Pastor Appreciation Month |
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Click here for some ideas on how to show appreciation for your pastor.
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Celebrate Hispanic heritage |
Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15-Oct. 15 in the U.S. This is the perfect opportunity for local congregations to honor the importance and contributions of the Hispanic culture. Plan a celebratory worship service with the help of preaching, music and liturgy resources. |
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On Monday, Sept. 6, Governor Hochul announced that the New York Department of Labor designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.”
This designation means that the NY HERO Act plan (a law signed by Governor Cuomo on May 5), which all employers were required to adopt and distribute to employees by Sept. 4, 2021, is now effective through the end of September 2021. Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
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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. I
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Conference seeking Site Director for Skye Farm Camp/Retreat Center |
A new job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Site Director for Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center.
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PWJ funded handbook and webinar for congregations to reach out to the unvaccinated
The Rev. Dr. Dana Horrell, pastor of Cooperstown United Methodist Church, and also a published writer and co-editor of the ecumenical publication, the Parish Paper, is passionate about community outreach.
In May 2021, Dr. Horrell started work on a project he calls “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” This project, funded by an Upper New York Peace with Justice (UNY PWJ) grant. It has two components: a handbook and a webinar.
Right now, many are concerned about low COVID-19 vaccination rates. Congregations are uniquely poised to help, as many of them are in areas that are under-vaccinated or “socially vulnerable.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies as “socially vulnerable” those communities that deal with low pay, job loss, family responsibilities, and racial disparities in health care.
Click here to read more about Dr. Horrell’s handbook and webinar.
The 40-page “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” handbook is now available. Click here to download it.
The "Mobilize Vaccine Turnout" Zoom webinar will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, 2-3:30 p.m. EST.
Click here to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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PWJ grant application deadline is Oct. 30
The Social Holiness Team administers the Peace with Justice Grant Program. This program is supported by one half the money collected by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering taken by each congregation. The other half of the collection is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to support their global grant program.
Grants (not exceeding $2,000) are offered to individuals, local churches, and faith-based organizations located within the boundaries of, and affiliated with, the UNY Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Social Holiness Team will give preference, but will not limit approval, to projects addressing one or more of the UM Social Principles as well as general criteria identified by the General Board of Church and Society.
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Dismantling Racism: Healing intergenerational trauma of Native Americans
On Oct. 6, 1879, Capt. Richard Pratt opened the first Indian boarding school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. For almost 100 years until the 1960s, thousands of Native American children were forcibly taken from their homes and trained to reject their heritage and do manual labor. Many died at these boarding schools.
The United Methodist Church supported at least 12 Native American Boarding Schools. The Native American International Caucus (NAIC) of The United Methodist Church is calling on United Methodists to observe Oct. 6 this year as a day of truth and repentance for children who were victims of Indian boarding schools.
Click here to learn what your church can do to help heal the intergenerational trauma experienced by Native Americans because of these boarding schools.
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Webinar today on welcoming Afghan refugees
Church World Service is hosting a webinar today, Sept. 30 from 1-2:30 p.m. on welcoming Afghan allies and friends. UMCOR’s trusted partner in refugee and asylum care, Church World Service is one of nine resettlement agencies sanctioned by the Department of State.
In this webinar, you will learn how faith communities can partner with CWS to welcome our Afghan allies and friends. Attendees will leave this session with action items and resources to equip your congregation as you engage in welcoming Afghans to your community.
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New 'Bridge' available
The Oct. Issue I of the Bridge is now available 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 features this year’s Red Bird Mission shoebox campaign and announces UNY Director of Missional Engagement, Mike Block’s retirement, celebrating his many accomplishments over the past four years.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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9 strategies for meeting people and learning their needs
Elizabeth Mae Magill sought to create a food ministry that wasn’t a charity but a demonstration of Christ’s radical welcome. She did months of street ministry to get to know food insecure neighbors, hear their stories, and build relationships. She shares nine practical tips for meeting people and learning their needs.
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Innovating to reach
more people
How can innovation help congregations reach new and younger people? Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. interviews Mikka McCracken about innovation, building relationships, and creating person-focused ministries so more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice, and love.
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Church conference schedule |
The church conference schedule is now available. The scheduling is for all in-person Church Conferences this year. Of course, COVID spread could change some of those plans, and we will be mindful of that. Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl is looking forward to being with all of you, and to sharing and dreaming about ministry with our communities near and far!
Please note that this year's conferences are church conferences, not charge conferences, meaning all church members have a vote. Please also note that at this time, only those attending in person can vote. Those participating via ZOOM cannot vote. If that changes, we will let you know.
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Sunday October 3 is World Communion Sunday
On World Communion Sunday, you have the opportunity to give an offering to support scholars in their education. Because of our giving on World Communion Sunday, the most powerful tool to change the world is in more hands.
In The United Methodist Church, World Communion Sunday is one of six Special Sunday offerings. On the first Sunday in October, our designated gifts benefit students around the world by providing scholarships, mentoring, and training.
As we come together to receive Holy Communion along with Christians around the world, we recognize our unity and shared commitment to building God’s kingdom on earth. Together, we help raise up new leaders around the world, equipping them to be agents of change. Please give generously on Oct. 3.
Click here to give an online donation for World Communion Sunday.
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Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries® Training of Trainers
WHO: Individuals interested in facilitating Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries Training as part of their District training team and/or for their local church.
WHEN: Saturday, October 9 from 9 AM to Noon
PREREQUISITE: Upper NY’s 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is a prerequisite for Training of Trainers. This needs to be completed sometime since June 2016 and must be the standard learning station format facilitated by a certified UNY Safe Sanctuaries trainer. This is non-negotiable.
Members of the District training team should be affirmed by their District Superintendent.
PRE-REGISTRATION is a must for the TOT by October 6 at Eventbrite
There is no charge, as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.
QUESTIONS: Questions should be directed to Co-Chairs Christine Mitchell, Pastor and Arlene Schmidt at email safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
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Dismantling racism: Recognize Oct. 11 as Indigenous People’s Day, not Columbus Day
At the 2015 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, eligible voting members approved Resolution UNYAC2015.10: Fruits of Repentance: An End to the Celebration of Columbus Day. Among other items, the resolution called for Conference members to no longer recognize Columbus Day, by which the Conference offices and local churches “will either not observe this holiday or will initiate organizational conversations designed to rename and re-purpose this holiday in accordance with our United Methodist Social Principles (The Book of Discipline ¶162 and ¶162a).”
UNY Conference Lay Leader, at the time, Dr. Scott Johnson, penned a letter about the resolution and the end to the celebration of Columbus Day. Now referred to as Indigenous People’s Day, In the letter, he references resources developed by the UNY Conference Leadership Team and UNY Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM). These resources include a liturgy for a Sunday near Indigenous People’s Day, an Indigenous People’s Day bulletin insert, a press release, and the full resolution presented at AC’15.
Click here to view the letter as well as to view and/or download the Indigenous People’s Day resources.
Also, keep in mind, that CONAM is calling all churches to recognize the Day of Truth and Repentance for Native American Children on Sunday Oct. 10, the Day before Indigenous People’s Day. Click here for an informative article about this day and for service ideas.
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Register Now For Conference UMW Annual Meeting Oct. 16
All are invited to join the UNY Conference UMW for an all-virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 AM to Noon. We will worship together, conduct formal business, hear from National Office CEO Harriett J. Olson, and grow in our understand of our sisters through our program on “Push Out” with UMW Director Valerie Clark.
Once registered, an agenda and Zoom link will be sent to you. If you wish to make a nomination to the Leadership Team “from the floor,” the form is available on the website and must be returned by Oct. 1.
We look forward to being with you on Oct. 16 as we make plans for 2022 and the mission and justice work we will continue to do for God.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
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Red Bird Mission collection |
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bid Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky.
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place,Latham is a collection point. Read their letter here. Deadline for drop off here is Nov. 7.
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2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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UNY Committee on Native American Ministries:
We need your voice
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As church conference time returns, we wish to remind you to appoint a local church representative to Native American Ministries. Designating an individual to be mindful of native needs, share information with your church, and celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday is vital to help us serve native peoples in our Conference and beyond. As a representative, you receive links to timely issues, action items and resources for celebrating the special Sunday.
It has been a particularly challenging time for our Native American brothers and sisters. Heartbreaking losses due to the pandemic and the revelation of countless graves in boarding schools has caused much sadness. The legacy of boarding schools continues to traumatize many. The road to Repentance and healing is a long one. You continue to walk the road with us when you designate a local church representative at church conference.
Sharon Schmit, chair
UNY Committee on Native American Ministries
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From the Conference Center |
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Conference seeking finance services specialist |
A new job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Finance Services Specialist. Please apply online through the website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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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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Bishop’s Retreat postponed until Sept. 2022
The Bishop’s Retreat has been postponed until Sept. 27-29, 2022. It will have the same theme, “Sharing our Faith Boldly,” and will still be held at the Radisson Hotel in Corning. Registration for the 2022 Bishop’s Retreat will open after the completion of the 2022 Annual Conference.
Click here for more information as it becomes available.
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2021 UNY directory available
The 2021 Upper New York Conference directory is now available to view or download or view online and a hard copy is available to purchase. Click here to view/download. Click here to purchase a hard copy for $6.28.
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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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Not sure many know we are a 24/7 operation at the Mission Central HUB located at the Upper NY conference. There are so many behind the scenes operations in a constant movement to make this ministry achieve its goal: “To help folks in need when a Natural Disaster strikes.” We also enable volunteers of all ages to come into the HUB and be part of the ripple of things to keep this ministry going. Not only are we in need of donations toward UMCOR kits, disaster response and general operations we are in need of small groups to help verify kits and small jobs at the HUB.
To learn more about Mission Central HUB, click here.
Its a fun very helpful way to help people in need when a natural disaster strikes.
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UMCOR supports Afghans in need
Thousands of Afghans are seeking to flee violence and a fear of persecution. Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR, expressed his sympathy for the Afghan people, stating: “The situation in Afghanistan is uncertain and unfolding. It is a tragedy of epic proportions. We pray especially for all of those left behind who now live with fear and for the many communities across Afghanistan also facing extended drought and hunger.”
In addition to prayer, UMCOR has outlined different ways you can help support their efforts in Afghanistan. Click here to read more.
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Response to Haiti after earthquake |
United Methodists are reaching out with their prayers and pocketbooks after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
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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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United Methodist theologians are preparing to lead the Tuesdays at the Table discussion series, which begins on October 5 at 11 a.m. Together, we will explore who we are, what we believe and how we live as people of God, today and into the future. To learn more, click here.
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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:
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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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