.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
April 15, 2021
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"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
― Winston Churchill
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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 the Rev. Donald Washburn in your prayers. Rev. Washburn, 80, died on April 4. He was predeceased by his wife, Debra Washburn. He served several Upper New York churches, including Burnt Hills, Amsterdam United, Mechanicville UMCs, and others in the former Troy and Wyoming Conferences. Calling hours will be from 2-4 p.m. on April 23 at Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home at 13 Gates Ave. in Schuylerville, NY. A funeral service will start at 11 a.m. on April 24 at Bacon Hill Reformed Church in Bacon Hill, NY. You can watch via Zoom by clicking here the day of the funeral service. Condolences can be sent to The Family of Donald Washburn at 212 Pondside Drive, Apex, NC 27539. Click here to read Rev. Washburn’s full obituary.
Please continue to hold the family of Pastor John Bizimana in prayer. John's son-in-law, Edmund Hatungimana, a pastor with the Ministry of Reconciliation, was recently killed in a car accident in Bujumbura/Barundi. He was married to John’s daughter, Divine, and they have three children, ages 3, 7, and 12. This is especially difficult for John because he is so far away. Pastor John serves Emmaus UMC and Pawling Ave. UMC in the Albany District. Cards of care and concern can be sent to Pastor John at 518 Pawling Ave., Troy, NY 12180.
Please also pray for:
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as he continues a new regime of cancer treatment.
- 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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Workshop: "New Doorways for New People Into Your Church"
On Tuesday, April 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, the Rev. David Masland will lead a Zoom workshop for the Albany and Adirondack Districts called: “New Doorways for New People Into Your Church.”
Rev. Masland, director of New Faith Communities, says: “This is a challenging time for all churches as they seek to come back to in-person worship after the pandemic. Even though we all wish things would return to “normal,” the fact is, everything has changed. Some people are hesitant to EVER gather with crowds again. Churches need to adapt and find new ways of relating to the people in their mission field if they wish to have a future.
"In this workshop, we will explore many best practices for churches that want to connect with lots of new people in their community. The focus will be on creating new pathways into the life of your church."
To join the workshop, click on the ZOOM link below.
Debbie Earthrowl is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: New Doorways for New People into your Church
Time: Apr 27, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 838 4213 2696
Passcode: 365844
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,83842132696#,,,,*365844# US (New York)
+13017158592,,83842132696#,,,,*365844# US (Washington DC)
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Spiritual Discipline: Meditation
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 exploration, which delves into the discipline of meditation.
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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 two appointments. View the full list of changes here.
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Is Bishop Webb emailing me?
Have you recently received emails from Bishop Webb, your pastor, or other leader asking for gift cards/money or perhaps informing you of an urgent request? Please be aware that these are phishing schemes—they are SPAM emails. Over the past year, there has been an increase in these types of emails world-wide, and, just like everyone else, we have seen an increase in Upper New York. Here are some identifiers of these types of emails:
· First and foremost, the Bishop or another leader would not request gift cards or money from you in an email.
· If the email says it is urgent or a favor is needed, not mentioning what and asks you not to call but to reply by email, it is likely a phishing email.
If you get emails like these, simply delete them and/or mark it as SPAM.
Click here for a good five-minute video clip on what to look for in phishing emails.
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Can churches require proof of vaccination for visitors
at worship or a church event?
With vaccination eligibility available for so many now, a lot of New Yorker’s are starting to return to more regular participation in various activities as they are vaccinated. This includes going to church.
Accordingly, there are a lot of questions about if it is okay to require that visitors show proof of vaccination when attending church events, including weekly worship. Current legal guidance advises against requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination. Click here to learn why.
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Youth group raises funds to combat racism
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
This week we share with you an inspirational story of how a California Methodist church youth group raised $675 for the Minnesota Conference’s Just Love campaign.
Does your church have a youth group doing work to help combat racism? If so, the Conference Office would love to hear about it. Send your story to news@unyumc.org.
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Launchpad Spring 2021 starts April 22
Do you want to reach New People? Or plant a new ministry or even a new church? Launchpad is the training for churches and church planters looking to create New places for New people.
Over 6 Sessions, your team will learn
· How to engage new people outside of your church
· How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship
· How to establish a 6-month plan with 1 year of monthly support from the Upper New York New Faith Communities
The first session starts Thursday April 22 via Zoom. Each Launchpad is limited to 20 individuals; each team should include 2 to 8 Core Team Members. The Cost for your Lead Team Member is $50, each additional team member is $20. The UNY Conference’s next Launchpad will be Fall 2021.
To register or obtain more information about Launchpad, email Launchpad's Spring 2021 convener Rev. Abigail Browka at PastorAbigail1@gmail.com by Sunday, April 18.
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Transforming Church Leadership to Transform Lives
WHO: Church Leadership Teams covenanting to work together
for 12 months
WHY: To prepare to lead the church into its revival
WHEN: 3 phases Orientation Meeting May 4 - 8 p.m. via Zoom
· May 11 - July 27, 2021, Zoom Bi-weekly, Tuesdays 6 - 8 p.m.
· September – December 2021
· January - June 2022
Register by April 24.
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Peace with Justice grant deadline is April 30
As we look toward our next Peace with Justice Grant application deadline – April 30 – Heather Smith wanted to highlight the ministries that received Peace with Justice Grants in 2020.
In May, the Social Holiness Team awarded Niagara Frontier City Ministries a grant to help them support their work to provide masks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products to the underserved in their area around Buffalo and Niagara Falls. This area and especially the homeless population was particularly hard hit in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In November, the Social Holiness Team was able to grant the New York State Poor People’s Campaign for the development of a podcast entitled Getting into Step. The goal of the podcast is to connect activists and spiritual leaders and provide training and support for those doing the work of the of this national movement.
The Social Holiness Team looks forward to receiving this next round of applications and supporting emerging justice ministries. Click here for an application and contact Heather Smith (peacewithjustice@unyumc.org) with any questions. April 30 is the deadline to submit your application.
Finally, Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30th, please don’t forget this important giving opportunity – half of all the money donated in our Conference stays right here to support the ministries we are starting! Click here for resources for worship.
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Operational Team March 31 meeting recap
On Wednesday, March 31, the Conference Operational Team met via Zoom to continue their work of Discovering, Developing, and Deploying Christ-following transformational leaders (CFTLs).
During the loving time, the team reflected on the journey of Holy Week and spent time with accountability to spiritual development goals. As the meeting turned to the learning time, conversation was had about the importance of measurement, including why measuring matters and how measuring the right things can reveal the progress being made toward goals. The remainder of the time was spent in conversation around the Ministry Action Plan (MAP), the team is using to guide their work.
Ongoing conversation was had about how to increase alignment of Conference ministries around the equipping of leaders for the local congregations. Conversation was also shared regarding the work of the team developing a process for whole-life care of clergy, and the team working on a revisioning and relaunch of the Dashboard for tracking the work of Discovering, Developing and Deploying CFTLs. The team will meet again April 23.
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New 'Bridge' available
The April 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 reminds parishioners that April 18 is Native American Ministries Sunday and shares a story about Marilyn Anderson, a Native member of Four Corners UMC in the Niagara Frontier District; Marilyn shares the struggles that Natives like her face in being respected by the Church.
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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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Understanding Generation Z and connecting with their passions
What are the unique characteristics of young people coming of age today? Rock Jones, president of Ohio Wesleyan University, describes a generation of digital natives who are highly connected but also lonely and anxious. Dr. Jones describes Gen Zers’ life questions, the perspectives they bring to spiritual engagement, and ways church leaders can meet them where they are.
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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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5 Ways Churches Can Play a Critical Role in Vaccination Efforts
Asa J. Lee of Wesley Theological Seminary shares key learnings from a recent event at the Washington National Cathedral which highlighted the critical role churches can play in encouraging vaccinations and fighting the coronavirus.
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Do you need a mission statement for your
post-pandemic transition plan?
As congregations plan for a future with fewer pandemic-related restrictions, Lovett H. Weems Jr. says they need a standard for assessing various options. Without a clear connection to your primary mission your transition plan could easily be hijacked by those pushing hardest for their point of view or what neighboring churches are doing.
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Basics of Faith Formation Teaching Series
Basics of Faith Formation is a five-session series designed to equip local churches for disciple making through understanding the role of the church in forming faith. This course aims to help church staff and volunteers gain more clarity about discipleship and the role of the church and extension ministry settings in forming disciples.
To read more and to register for the series, click here.
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Don't miss out with your church e-newsletter
Why using a PDF for your church e-newsletter is a mistake.
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Church communicator's toolkit
The Church Communicator’s Toolkit is loaded with real-world insights, helpful tips and inspiring video messages from a local church communicator. Learn how to address common communication challenges, implement deadlines in your church, and deal with administrative issues related to your social media. You will also learn how to jumpstart a communication plan, set goals, improve your online accessibility, and archive the intellectual property your church creates.Why using a PDF for your church e-newsletter is a mistake.
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One-Hour follow up to Both/And:
Maximizing hybrid worship for online & in-person audiences
Last December the Upper New York Annual Conference hosted Jason Moore’s Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship for Online & In-person Audiences. This webinar was helpful in equipping so many churches to be engaged in hybrid worship and other settings.
A lot has happened in the online and in-person world of our churches since then. Jason Moore has hosted this webinar with over 35 Annual Conferences and para-church ministries since then. Jason will be back to host just over an hour of follow-up on Monday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. The follow-up includes a time of recap. The recap includes hearing what Jason has learned in the last 4 months and sharing things you have learned. We will then open up the conversation for discussion and Q&A. This follow-up will take place by Zoom.
· What have we learned about in-person and online Worship since December?
· What questions remain or have surfaced as you have engaged in Hybrid worship?
· What questions have you been dying to ask Jason?
Join your fellow hybrid and on-line planners and presenters in this discussion with Jason Moore, Monday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the follow-up zoom conversation please Email here to Northern Flow District Office. A Zoom link will be sent to you closer to the time of the presentation.
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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.
Click here for more Annual Conference News, compliments of Patti Gridley, administrative assistant for the Mountain View District.
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Save a date to attend Pre-Conference training
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 8 - 9 - 11 a.m.
- May 13 - 6 - 8 p.m.
- May 20 - 9 - 11 a.m.
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.
GNTV has offered their services to many Conferences throughout the country and along with accolades and high recommendations, GNTV also received awards at the United Methodist Association of Communicators Awards gala.
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.
Zoom links will be posted on the Conference website and sent via email as the training gets closer.
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training: April 17
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will be hosting our standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, April 17.
If you have already taken this training you DO NOT need to take it again.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
There will be a link to the handout that should be printed and available to you for the training.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Conference Committee Co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell with the assistance of 8 co-trainers.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Native American Sunday: April 18
Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. Native American Ministries Sunday serves to remind United Methodists of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. The special offering supports Native American outreach within Conferences and across the United States and provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans.
United Methodists typically celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on the Third Sunday of Easter, which is April 18 this year.
If you have questions about Native American Ministries Sunday, you will likely find answers here. The United Methodist Church has responses to eight frequently asked questions about this Special Sunday.
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United Methodist Men's Spring retreat
The UNY Conference United Methodist Men invite men to their annual Spring Retreat, which will be held at the Aldersgate UMC camp (https://aldersgateny.org/) 4 PM Friday, April 30 through 3 PM Saturday, May 1.
To help us promote this annual event, there is a descriptive flier available on our www.unyumm.org website - Click here for the flyer.
Any questions, contact Conference President Mark Jones at (315) 749-3700.
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Mission u 2021 Survey
United Methodist Women in the Upper New York Conference are planning this summer’s “Mission u 2021” event, to be held virtually in July. Mission u is a transformative education program that offers study on several different curricula, including plenary and worship sessions open to everyone—not just women.
Please help us in preparing this event by completing a two-minute survey by April 26. If you have attended Mission u events in the past or would just like to consider attending in the future, you are encouraged to complete this survey. Thank you in advance for helping guide the development of this important program.
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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 (albanydistrict@unyumc.org or PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128)
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) 480-4866.
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Nominations sought for the Denman Award
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, the Upper New York Conference works with the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize and honor one lay and clergy member for their commitment to consistently introducing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Nominations are now being accepted through April 15 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to dcmoffice@unyumc.org.
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Updated COVID-19 guidelines
As of Feb. 2, 2021, New York State (NYS) allows any church not in a restricted cluster to worship at 50% capacity. Click here for details. All other COVID protocols remain in place:
· Social distancing of 6 ft/12 ft for singer
· Masks required
· Disinfecting required
Based on current guidance from the NYS and CDC, vaccination status does not change the requirements.
Effective April 1, 2021, NYS will no longer require domestic travelers without symptoms to quarantine on arrival in NY for 14 days. Click here for details.
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Toolkit supports efforts to engage your community
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Add your Bible study to Conference listing
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, one year ago, the UNY Communications team has been connecting folks across the Conference to digital discipleship resources. As part of that, we have created a directory of online worship services.
We are expanding this effort and would like to create a directory of online Bible studies that are taking place across the Conference. If your church has Bible studies that are taking place online and you would like it added to our new directory, please contact Shelby Winchell at shelbywinchell@unyumc.org and include your church name, Bible study meeting time and day, and a link where it can be found online.
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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.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
Thursdays, May 13 and 27: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 29: 9 am-1 p.m.
Monday, June 7: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt and Jamiee Ross
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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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 - April Newsletter available
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
For more information about the Media Resource Center, click here.
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Ministry Share credit opportunity
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Share credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement.
To qualify for this credit, CHURCHES MUST PAY 100% OF THEIR CURRENT MONTH APRIL CHARGES (BOTH MINISTRY SHARES AND DIRECT BILLS). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward Ministry Shares in prior months. A church will also receive the credit if they have already paid their Ministry Shares in full prior to the April statement. The credit will be equal to 50% of May Ministry Share charges. (This credit will be reflected on your May statement as an increase to your YTD paid column.)
** PAYMENT FOR APRIL CHARGES MUST BE RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) BY THE CONFERENCE NO LATER THAN ARPIL 30, 2021 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CREDIT.**
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact Bob Flask (Conference Treasurer) at (315)898-2008 or bobflask@unyumc.org.
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Direct bill arrearage policy delayed enforcement extended
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Benefits office (Susan Latessa) to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
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2020 UNY Journal Vol. II available for download or purchase
The 2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com. This comprehensive book provides all the details of Annual Conference for the year of 2020.
Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $16.96 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
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Conference Commission on Religion and Race offering courses
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer Imagine No Racism courses on ZOOM as the need arises. People interested and looking for an INR group may contact Blenda Smith at bsmith@binghamton.edu Clergy may receive 1 CEU, and Lay Servants may receive advance course credit. If you have formed a group on your own, please let Carrie know (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org).
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Real Property Tax Exemption reminder
All churches must renew their real property tax exemption every year. Renewal forms must reach your assessor’s office by the deadline date, which for most towns is March 1. Check with your local assessor’s office to confirm the date for your location. This deadline is critical.
Missing the deadline date may result in the denial or revocation of your church’s real property tax exemption. This filing includes all church buildings, parsonages, and all other parcels used for religious purposes. For more information, contact Pat Toukatly, UNY Conference Property Specialist, at (315) 898-2000 Ext. 2010 or at pattoukatly@unyumc.org.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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New York State Paid Sick Leave Law
All private sector workers in New York State are covered under New York State’s paid sick leave law. If a person is issued a W-2 year-end tax form, they are eligible for the New York State paid sick leave. Non-profit and religious organizations are not exempt from this law. Click here for information on the New York State paid sick leave law.
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Certificates of Insurance in the UNY Conference
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the Upper New York Conference’s Human Resources Generalist, Tracy Rickett, has compiled some helpful information for you. Click here for more information.
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Tap into Mission Insite
Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer. The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite. But in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Digital discipleship
The Upper New York Conference is launching the Digital Discipleship Ministry to provide churches, large and small, with the proper resources to keep people connected.
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list, click here.
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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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Updated wedding guidelines
Guidelines for worship in Upper New York haven’t changed (50% capacity, masks, social distancing), but there are new guidelines for receptions.
The updated guidance for wedding receptions will go into place March 15 and will require the following:
- Testing for all that attend the event.
- 50% capacity - up to 150 attendees.
- Must be approved by local health department.
Click here to see all FAQs related to the coronavirus and your church.
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Web site for COVID "hot spot" zones
Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
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Other Resources and Information
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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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