.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
May 13, 2021
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"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246.
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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) 608-1246.
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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) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please keep family and friends of Pastor Gaylord “Jake” Campbell (retired) in your prayers. Pastor Campbell, 84, died on April 21. He served several Upper New York churches, including Pownal UMC, Boyntonville UMC, Petersburg UMC and Tomhannock UMC in the former Troy Conference. Click here to read Jake’s full obituary.
Please also pray for:
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as the chemo did not work for Rob as hoped. They ask for prayers for wisdom and clarity in next steps.
Lydia Smith, Rev. David Smith's mother. She is in Upstate Medical after a fall, and the family may be looking at Palliative or Comfort Care.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from another stroke
Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith, both dealing with serious health issues.
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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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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Pre-Conference Training Dates
If you are clergy or lay delegate or Equalization Member to the 2021 Annual Conference, it would be a good idea to pencil in one of the days below to attend a Pre-Conference training—the UNY Cabinet and the executive staff have secured different days and times for this training in hopes of accommodating as many people as possible to attend.
Choose one of the following dates and times:
- May 13th 6-8 pm
- May 20th 9-11 am
Click here to attend the training tomorrow, May 13. a training. Note that the link will not work until the time of the meeting. A new link will be sent for next Thursday's training.
At these trainings, first, Dave Wood from GNTV (this year’s technology support) will offer a presentation and tutorial on how the platform will work for this year’s virtual conference.
This training will then move on to the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, UNY Director of Connectional Ministries and Executive Assistant to the Bishop, and other Conference leaders previewing the agenda of the 2021 Annual Conference. There will also be a time for questions and answers.
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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 nine appointments. View the full list of changes here.
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The spiritual discipline of prayer
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.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s latest spiritual discipline video about prayer, in which she describes the centrality of prayer as a spiritual discipline both in modern times and in Jesus’s time. Next week, Nancy’s video will focus on our petitions to God and video for the following week, will examine how to listen deeply for God in our lives.
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New 'Bridge' available
The May Issue II 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. The stories that are featured in the Bridge can also be accessed from the news section of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference website for easy copying and pasting for those who wish to electronically distribute news featured in the Bridge. Click here to access the UNY Conference news items.
This issue focuses on the fact that the UNY Mission Central HUB needs financial contributions to sustain its operations and provides information about Peace with Justice Sunday.
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CCYM sponsoring Work Days at Skye Farm and Asbury
The Conference Council of Youth Ministries (CCYM) is sponsoring workdays at two of our Camp & Retreat Centers in May. Like the fall opportunities, volunteers will be helping the camps prepare their grounds for the upcoming camping season.
· The Asbury Retreat Center event will be on May 22. The deadline for registering is May 17. Please bring gloves for each participant and clippers for bushes and branches.
Each workday will begin at 10 a.m. Masks are required for all attendees. Cost is $20/per person (youth and adult) and includes lunch.
Each day will include worship and fun along with helping each of our wonderful Camp & Retreat Centers. The day will close with worship and end around 4 p.m.
Please make checks payable to Upper New York Conference with “CCYM Spring Event” in the memo line.
Questions? Contact Judy Hipes at (607) 624-2145 by phone or text.
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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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Updated COVID-19 guidelines
Starting May 19, New York State Governor Cuomo has stated that sanctuary capacity restrictions (i.e., set occupancy percentage) will no longer be required. Instead, sanctuary seating limits will be based on space available to maintain six-feet of social distance between individuals and/or households. Total sanctuary occupancy cannot exceed 250. Mask wearing while moving when entering, moving about, and exiting buildings is still required.
Additionally, outdoor worship limits will increase to 500 on May 10.
In terms of hymnals, Bibles, communion ware, and collection plates, limiting the sharing of these items remains the best practice. However, the CDC guidance indicates surfaces are not the primary way COVID is spread so using these items can be done with less risk if worshippers clean their hands before and after use.
To remain up-to-date on COVID-19 guidelines, be sure to check the Conference website by clicking here
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Peace with Justice Sunday coming up May 30.
Prepare for Peace with Justice Sunday! The Pastor and Leader Kit includes everything you’ll need to empower your congregation to give generously. From promotional to devotional resources, a wide variety of ready-to-use tools are available to download and share today. There is also a downloadable poster and a bulletin insert you can print out and insert in your church bulletin the week prior to this special Sunday.
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2021 UNY Annual Conference Offerings
If you have already registered for Annual Conference, you may have noticed that you can give an offering to one or more funds right at the time of registration. Each year, these offerings are a part of specific services, but because this year, Annual Conference is taking place virtually, you can give an offering to any fund at any given time. There will be reminders about the offerings during the conference.
As a refresher, here's how your donation will make a difference:
· Clergy Care Fund assists clergy who need financial support.
· Helping Hands Fund raises money to be used by the Upper New York Cabinet to assist congregants in need of financial support.
· Mission of Peace (MOP) is an annual journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community. It is sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries.
· New Faith Communities work to create safe places for un-churched or de-churched people to explore their faith, consider what it means to follow Jesus Christ, and then practice discipleship together with new friends.
· UNY Mission Central HUB is a place for local churches to actively engage in outreach and disaster response ministries. Located inside the UNY Methodist Center, the HUB offers trainings for the Conference's Volunteer in Mission and Disaster Response teams and is also a place where volunteers collect and assemble flood buckets, hygiene kits, school kits, and more.
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2021 Issue of the Advocate now available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.
The 2021 issue I of the Advocate focuses on “celebrating who we are” throughout the Upper New York Conference. In this issue, you will find stories that showcase the tapestry of different size congregations, and individuals with a variety of ethnic backgrounds and theologies, as well as different age groups.
This issue is currently available as an e-issue and has been distributed to local churches and District Offices.
Click here to read or download this issue of the Advocate on the Conference website.
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Could smaller congregations each Sunday be a good thing?
COVID-19 has left many churches worrying about how to increase attendance, but could smaller numbers be leading to more engaged members and a more inviting environment for visitors?
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Leveraging Church Property Can Sustain Your Mission
Churches give great attention to how they spend their money to support their mission. Likewise, churches should consider their land and buildings as shared assets of the community of faith to be used to the maximum for the mission. The most obvious use of a church’s property is for worship, education, fellowship, and community service. However, even active congregations have relatively low space usage compared to how other organizations use their space. So, exploring additional uses — whether to expand the church’s ministry, support other groups, or generate revenue — is an exercise in prudent stewardship.
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'Get Them Talking:' Celebrations
"Get Them Talking" is a series of resources to help families start conversations about issues of faith. This week's article talks about celebrations.
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What excuse do you have for not delegating more?
The simple solution to ministry leaders feeling overloaded and overwhelmed is to delegate more. Our most common excuses for failing to delegate don’t really stand up. The key is clarity around what tasks can and cannot be shared.
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'UMCOR' to offer aid to fight COVID crisis in India
The United Methodist Committee on Relief will assist two partners in India to provide ventilators, hospital beds, money and more to help combat the dire COVID-19 crisis there.
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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 is now open. 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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For Certified Safe Sanctuaries Trainers Only:
Zoom Review of Revised Trainers Manual and Final Curriculum
2 training opportunities:
(both sessions will be the same, please only sign up for one)
Tuesday, May 18th, 7pm-9pm
Wednesday, May 26th, 7pm-9pm
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2020 Audits due
The 2020 audits were due Monday, March 15. Please send them to Carrie via email or snail mail (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801.)
These reports were due Feb. 15:
2021 Budget (your format)
2020 Year-end financial report (your format)
If you have questions, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246.
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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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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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News/Resources
From the Conference
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Media Resource Center
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.
For more information about the Media Resource Center, click here.
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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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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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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 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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