Adirondack District and Conference News
October 6, 2021
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"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."
-- Babe Ruth
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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 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.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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New Faith Communities
series of webinars
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Tired. Frustrated. Wondering.
What Now?
If you have found yourself in any of these categories over the past 18 months, then the New Faith Communities Team of UNYAC has an opportunity for you! We are offering a series of FREE Zoom webinars to help us all dream of ways to reconnect in a church changed by pandemic. The series is an opportunity to breath fresh air into current ministries and to dream of ministry opportunities yet to come. Each session will feature a topic presentation by a ministry expert followed by time for conversation to spur creativity. Even better, if you attend all three sessions, you can receive 1 CEU for your participation. The webinars will be offered on Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. Please register by Oct. 17. For more information, click here.
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Dismantling racism: Repenting against racism toward
Native Americans
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The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
For the past five weeks, the UNY Conference Communications team has been sharing educational and worship resources leading up to today, Oct. 6, “A Day of Remembrance for Our Children.” On that day in 1879, General Richard Pratt took children from First Nations and opened the boarding school in Carlisle, PA. The United Methodist Church went on to support at least 12 Indian Boarding Schools and has never accepted responsibility for its role in supporting these schools, which severed these children’s connections to their families and cruelly punished them to the point of death in many cases.
Click here to watch a video of UNY CONAM members discussing the Act of Repentance—acknowledging that United Methodists have caused atrocities among tribal persons—the boarding schools as just one example.
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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 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Spiritual Discipline: Confession |
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.
This month, Rev. Dibelius will be focusing on the spiritual discipline of confession; click here to watch the first video in this series
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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! The most recent posts explore the Social Principles. There is also a post about fall stewardship campaigns. To learn more about Susan Ranous, click here.
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Webinar: How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice
DATE: Thursday, October 14
TIME: 8 p.m.
PRESENTERS: Dr. Jemar Tisby (pictured), Rev. Dr. Tex Sample, Rev. Dr. Stephen Handy
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10 tips for successful online content |
Does your written online content need a readership boost? Explore these tips for delivering content that will capture your audience’s attention and help keep readers engaged until the last word.
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New York State minimum wage 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.
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Laity Sunday October 17
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and neighbor. On Laity Sunday (this year, Oct. 17, 2021), we lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – particularly as we remember the gift of those persons who loved us into leadership.
This year, the theme for Laity Sunday, is “Rise up and Revive God’s Gift.” Click here for resources for Laity Sunday, 2021.
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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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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Why pledging still matters
How can churches help a new generation of givers skeptical of institutional allegiances embrace the practice of pledging? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says it’s critical to frame the conversation around spiritual rather than institutional needs. She makes the case for pledging as a vital spiritual discipline that helps us grow in generosity and faith.
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Number of young United Methodist elders hits historic low
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership has released its annual report on clergy age trends in the United Methodist Church. This year’s statistics show that the number of ordained elders under 35 has reached an all-time low. Lovett H. Weems Jr. recounts the trendline for young elders in recent decades noting significant downturns since 2016 erasing several years of progress.
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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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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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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 Oct. 7 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.
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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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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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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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.
If your church is willing to be a collection point, please contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 608-1246.
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place,Latham is a collection point. Read their letter here. Deadline for drop off here is Nov. 7.
South Glens Falls UMC,15 Maplewood Parkway, is also a collection point. Deliver shoeboxes any time between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Call (518) 793-1152 for more information.
Please deliver your boxes by Nov. 2, as that is the day that pick-up is scheduled to begin.
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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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(Update) Media Resource Center
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Conference seeking Site Director for Skye Farm Camp/Retreat Center |
A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Site Director for Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center.
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Conference seeking finance services specialist |
A 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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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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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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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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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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