Adirondack District and Conference News
Feb. 9, 2022
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"The things that we love tell us what we are."
-- St. Thomas Aquinas
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Burnt Hills Social Justice/Action group hosting 2 events, open to all |
The Burnt Hills UMC Social Justice/Action Group is holding two upcoming events:
Hosting Paul Fisk of the Climate Reality Project at 7 PM tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 9 as he looks at the issue of Climate Change and presents fact based information.This event is also planned for the Sanctuary with a live stream opportunity; and
Connecting via Zoom to the event “Climate Peril: A Weatherman’s Perspective” presented by CRICC at 7 PM on Feb. 28. The presenter, Hugh Johnson, is a retired National Weather Service Meteorologist. The presentation will physically be at the Albany Unitarian Universalist Society, but we will connect via Zoom and have a group participation here at BHUMC.
The church is located at 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills (12027). Phone: (518) 399-5144.
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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 hold the Rev. Jim Bowen and family in prayer, as they mourn the loss of Jim's wife Ann, 84, who passed away on Feb. 3. Rev. Bowen served churches in the former Troy Conference before retiring in 2003. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at McKownville UMC, located at 1565 Western Ave. in Albany. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Bowen at P.O. Box 845, Guilderland, NY 12084. Click here to read Ann’s full obituary.
The Rev. Erik Smith's 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.
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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Presentation on
General Conference
Rev. Bill Mudge, Senior Pastor of the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church, former Adirondack District Superintendent, and clergy General Conference delegation leader, has offered to be present on the Adirondack and Albany districts to answer questions and offer information and thoughts about the upcoming General Conference. There are things we know, things we don’t know, speculation, information, and misinformation. This will be an opportunity to sort some of this out so that we may stay focused on our mission, and keep looking for what God is doing among and through us. You are invited to participate in person or online at any of the following dates and times:
Sunday, February 27, 6 PM, at the Newtonville United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 568 Loudon Rd., Latham (12110)
Monday, February 28, 2 PM, at the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh (12901)
Monday, February 28, 6:30 PM, at the Saratoga United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs (12866)
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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 three ad interim appointments, two appointments, and two retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Join live session on spreading hope for the Lenten Season
Although February is a short month, it can sometimes seem long as we await the coming of spring and Lent.
I am excited about sharing a new live session video in the Digital Discipleship group on Thursday, February 24, at 11 AM. I will discuss how to Spread Hope for Lenten Season on Social Media.
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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UMC Bishops rebuke
hatred and racism
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The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has condemned the recent hatred and racist attacks on houses of worships and institutions of learning in the United States.
In a statement released yesterday, Feb. 8, the Council of Bishops referred to the recent attack on a synagogue in Texas and bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities.
“We want our Jewish sisters and brothers to know that we are appalled by this senseless violence and stand with them,” the statement said. “Soon after the antisemitic attack in Colleyville, Texas, a series of bomb threats were received at Historic Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. At the beginning of Black History Month, no less! This begs the question, ‘when will these acts of hate end?’”
The statement calls on United Methodists not to remain silent and not to only pray but also add voices and actions to the prayers. Click here to read more and to access the full statement.
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Because We Care:
Opposing Anti-Semitism
“Because We Care,” a resolution passed at the 2021 Annual Conference, asked churches across the Upper New York Conference to engage in study and discussion of the “Cry for Hope,” a document from Palestinian Christians asking the world to relieve their suffering.
A detailed report by Amnesty International released on Feb. 1, 2022, stated, “Whether they live in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank, or Israel itself, Palestinians are treated as an inferior racial group and systematically deprived of their rights.”
AI’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated that Israel’s “policies of segregation, dispossession and exclusion” toward Palestinians means that “the international community has a responsibility to act.”
In their most recent article, The UNY Peace with Justice Task Force on Israel/ Palestine affirms that United Methodists need to keep their long-standing opposition to anti-Semitism, and any devaluing of our sisters and brothers of Jewish faith and culture, as they stand also with Palestinians who are devalued by the apartheid structures of Israel’s present government.
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Dismantling racism: James Lawson reflects on life, nonviolence, civil rights, and MLK
United Methodist pastor and activist, the Rev. James M. Lawson is known as the "architect of the nonviolence movement" in America. Rev. Lawson was a close ally to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and trained the young people whose peaceful witness at lunch counters in the South sought to end racial discrimination in businesses and public places. In 2016, at age 88, he looked back at the pivotal moments that shaped his life and ministry.
Click here to read more and watch a video of Rev. Lawson describing the importance of nonviolence.
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#BeUMC
You are invited to be a part of a meaningful campaign by including the #BeUMC hashtag in your social media posts. The hope is that as many United Methodists as possible will share their personal experiences, values, hopes, and heritage through photos, videos, and written reflections of why they continue to #BeUMC.
Click here to see dozens of inspiring examples of how United Methodists across the Connection have been sharing their #BeUMC posts!
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Mental Health First Aid
Wespath is offering virtual seminars on mental health first aid March 10 or March 17 and March 23 or March 24. Learn how to reach out to others and get them help as well as accept and understand your own mental health needs. The free events are led by Chris White. Be sure to register for two sessions.
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You are invited to take a short quiz about African American history in the U.S. and in The United Methodist Church. To take the quiz, click here. We encourage you to share the link with others and compare your scores! After you take the quiz, review the complete answers and learn more.
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Lenten study on anti-racism |
General Commission on Religion and Race is offering online Lenten resources for purchase. "Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-racism", is a small group resource to help make connections between the traditions of Lent and the work of anti-racism. This curriculum is available to buy and download. Click here.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Why church leaders can’t afford to wait and see
Tony Morgan says churches can’t wait passively to see if things return to normal. Nor should they long for the return of old systems and strategies that often weren’t working even before the pandemic. The task of leaders in this moment is to create urgency, embrace change, and bring clarity to the mission God calls us to.
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People support
what they help to create
David McAllister-Wilson describes how a style of leadership that engages others not only engenders support and buy-in but also promotes better decision making and more effective outcomes. While top-down solutions are tempting in these uncertain times, investing time and effort in collaboration is ultimately more effective.
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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: 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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Albany District Lay Servant news
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ZOOM Advanced Lay Servant Course: Public Prayer (Certified Lay Speaker Required Course)
Wednesdays, March 9 through April 6
This course is full. If you'd like to be put on a wait list, contact Nancy Goddard bngoddard@davespc.net or 607.242.2653 (cell). If there is enough interest, the course may be offered again.
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Crossroads District ZOOM Lay Servant classes open to all |
Leading Public Prayer, Beginning Sunday, February 27
Classes will run for 5 weeks, via Zoom, beginning
Sunday, February 27, 2022, from 3 pm to 5pm.
As a church leader, you may find yourself leading prayer at meetings, in worship
services and other settings. We generally learn to pray by listening to others pray. The
prayers we -hear have a large influence on our own prayer life. It is important,
then, that you are knowledgeable and lead well in prayer. This course will help you
overcome your fear of praying in public because prayer is something we learn, and it
can be taught.
This course will challenge some of your beliefs, test some of your preconceived ideas,
stretch your thinking and enrich your prayer life. The aim is to present you with an
opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading prayer and developing a
healthy prayer life. The primary objective for this course is to enable you to effectively
prepare and lead various prayer forms, at meetings, during worship and other settings.
Book: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey (Abingdon
Press, 2001).
Instructor: Rev. Nola M. Anderson, 315-506-2838 (cell);
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Living our Christian Beliefs (Wesleyan Heritage), ZOOM, Beginning March 11
We will discover the place of doctrine in relation to the missional movement known as Methodism. An understanding of Wesleyan theology will be developed and its influence on the practical structure and disciplines for the first Methodists will be determined. A knowledge of Methodist History and the formation of other Methodist denominations will be studied. The Wesleyan understanding of grace and how grace leads to the holiness of the heart and life will be explored.
Book: Living Our Beliefs, The United Methodist Way, 2nd Edition, Kenneth L Carder, 2009
Schedule: This is a 5-week Zoom Class beginning Friday, March 11, 2022, from 7 - 9 pm.
Instructor: George Ramseyer, 315-638-8177 (Home) 315-720-6184 (Cell)
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Spiritual Gifts, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., April 9 and 16. Hybrid (In-person AND Zoom) Delta UMC, Rome, NY. For details or to register, Ken Guilfoyle, CLM, kguilf2855@aol.com or 315 254 6673.
Exploring Healing Prayer, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, March 10-April 6, via Zoom, courtesy of the Mountain View District. Click here for info and registration.
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How are your developing the leaders in your church?
From January through July of 2022, the UNY Communications team is collecting narratives that showcase vitality in our local churches. Last month, we focused on members becoming followers of Christ.
For the month of February, we are looking for stories describing ways that you are developing current leaders in your church.
Your story may just provide the inspiration that other churches in the Connection need!
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Dismantling racism resource: Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on issues of race and religion and celebrate the important roles African Americans have played in the development of the United States. Recognition of those roles from a historical perspective is an important step in celebrating the contributions of individuals and the collective changes the African American community has accomplished.
Click here for worship resources to celebrate Black History Month in your local congregation.
We also need to reflect on the racism that is still part of our society today. Click here to read the Upper New York Conference’s 2020: Issue 4 of the Advocate, filled with stories and resources on dismantling racism.
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2022 Cady Grant applications now available
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to fund ministries, education, programs, or experiences that provide benefit or education to preferably, but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Priority will be given to proposals that have not recently been funded by the Cady Grant. Salaries and stipends will not be awarded from this grant. Awards may be up to $8,000.
Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, District, or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York.
Application deadline is March 15. Awardees will be notified by April 30.
Click here to learn more, review the procedures, and to apply.
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Retiree 2021 tax, benefit
and grant information
Upper New York Conference retirees, their spouses, surviving spouses, and clergy on medical leave of the Upper New York Conference can learn about tax information, benefits, and grants that may pertain to them. The Human Resources and Benefits Ministry Area has prepared a helpful packet with this information.
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Boy Scouts of America settlement announced |
Pending court approval of a settlement agreement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) bankruptcy case, United Methodists have agreed to contribute $30 million to a $3 billion Survivor Trust Fund that will receive contributions from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), insurance companies, and charter organizations. To read more, click here.
Click here to read a full press release to learn more about the Survivors Trust fund, the goals Upper New York United Methodists had through the mediation process, and the commitments they have made to help prevent abuse against children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
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Local church audit due March 15
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held in February
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday February 26 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2022 AT NOON
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
At this time there are no other trainings scheduled, so we recommend getting registered as soon as possible.
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell, UNY Conference Safe Sanctuaries Co-Chairs.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
Please remember that all persons being trained MUST be on their own personal device (i.e. Computer, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Upcoming Stewardship Academy |
Upper New York ordained deacon and Director of Christian Stewardship, the Rev. Susan Ranous, is offering a Stewardship Academy via Zoom over four sessions (April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16). Rev. Ranous will share all concepts of stewardship including self, time, talents, money, and more.
Who Should Attend?
Clergy (approved for CEU)
Laity (approved by lay servant credit)
All those passionate about stewardship
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. There will be a final project due after the conclusion of the academy.
The topic would be one we have covered that you may want to get more detail on. It will be an opportunity to focus on an aspect of stewardship that you could use and help others utilize.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program
for Lay and Clergy
What is it? Tending the Soul is a program designed to train individuals in Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation.
The two-year training program offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings. The training includes home-based reading and reflection, experiential learning, and attention to the practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants will receive guidance in discerning their sense of giftedness and call to one-on-one spiritual direction and congregational direction and formation.
Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
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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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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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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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Forms due
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.
Most
Most forms were due two weeks following your church conference.
Coming due on Feb. 15 are Trustees Report, Finance Report, 2022 Budget and End-of-the year expenses. Please submit them as soon as possible.
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From the Conference Center |
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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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NYS Hero Act extended through Feb. 15
On Jan. 15, 2022, the Acting NYS Commissioner of Health announced the fourth extension of the NYS HERO Act through Feb. 15, 2022, classifying COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health." Click here to read more about the latest extension of the NYS HERO Act.
As a reminder, the NYS Hero Act required employers to adopt a model prevention plan and conduct a “verbal review” of the policy related to infectious airborne diseases.
Also, employers were required to provide a copy of the adopted plan to all employees in their primary language.
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Expansion of NYS Whistleblower Protection Law includes posting requirement
Beginning Jan. 26, 2022, New York State’s “whistleblower” protection law significantly expands the scope of New York Labor Law Section 740 (NYLL 740). Employees and independent contractors will be protected for reporting employer activity that they reasonably believe violates any law.
Starting today, employers are required to post notice of employees’ rights under the law in conspicuous places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. As of the issuance of this news article, NYS has not issued a model poster. In the meantime, you should post the notice of the expanded whistleblower protection law.
If you have questions on the Whistleblower Protection Law, please contact either Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, at (315) 898-2000 or susanlatessa@unyumc.org or Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org.
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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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Conference seeking maintenance manger and reservations specialist |
New job openings have been posted to the Conference website for a Maintenance Manager and a Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Please apply online:
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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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The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. Join with other churches by downloading this series.
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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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