Albany District and Conference News
June 23, 2021
|
|
"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
-- Mark Twain
|
|
The Adirondack District Office is moving |
As of July 17, the Adirondack District Office will be housed at the Newtonville UMC in Latham (together with the Albany District Office).
The new mailing address is PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128 (beginning June 15). The physical address is 568 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110 (entrance is in the back parking lot, off Maxwell Road). Our new phone number is (518) 608-1246. Carrie will be in the office Tuesdays through Saturdays.
We will miss our folks at the South Glens Falls UMC, and are appreciative of their generous hospitality over the last four years!
|
|
|
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
|
|
|
|
The Rev. Erik Smith is now residing at Kingsway Community, Room 211, 323 Kings Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from another stroke.
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.
|
|
What's New from the Conference |
|
The 2021 UNY Annual Conference, held virtually, from June 17-June 19, was a success! If you are looking for an easy way to report the happenings of this important event to your churches, we’ve done the work for you!
Click here to find an overview of Annual Conference, notes for what was accomplished each day, and videos, including recorded livestreams in addition to the Memorial and Ordination services.
|
|
|
|
|
The Memorial Service
at Annual Conference
The Memorial Service was held at Cicero UMC by invitation only and was also livestreamed at the Upper New York 2021 Annual Conference on Friday June 18. Over 100 clergy and clergy spouses who have died since Annual Conference 2019 were celebrated. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding delivered a message about the comfort to those mourning provided by Jesus and by those who serve as a vessel from Jesus.
|
|
|
|
What's New from the Lewis Center |
|
 |
3 indicators of a thriving
rural congregation
Allen Stanton says rural churches need better indicators of what it means to thrive. He outlines three characteristics of vital rural congregations able to lead the wider community toward the Kingdom of God. To read more, click here.
|
|
|
|
3 myths about digital worship
Tim Snyder of the Lewis Center staff reveals how common myths that diminish the legitimacy of digital worship are not borne out in research or practice. Digital worship can be as real, as embodied, and as communal as the types of worship with which we are more familiar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mission U offers three studies |
Hosted by the Upper New York United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church. This virtual study program will be presented Thursday evening, July 22, through Saturday afternoon, July 24. Deadline to register: July 5.
Choose one of three studies:
- Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.
- Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom
- Finding Peace in an Anxious World
|
|
|
|
New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
|
|
|
|
Updated COVID guidelines
Following the announcement from Governor Andrew Cuomo that most New York State COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions have been lifted now that there is a 70% vaccination one-dose rate for persons 18 and older in the state, Church COVID-19 Guidelines have been updated on the Conference website.
Click here to review the updated Church COVID-19 Guidelines.
|
|
Register now for 2021 summer camp & retreat programs
The Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry is excited to share their 2021 summer camp and retreat programs with you! All five sites will be offering a variety of programs. Summer camp provides endless laughter, meaningful worship, and important friendships. Retreats provide a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
|
|
|
|
|
Skye Farm seeks summer staff |
Skye Farm Camp is looking for summer staff! Camping ministries offer a unique and powerful opportunity for kids this summer to get outside and reconnect with God and with each other after a long and challenging school year. You can help make this happen! Skye Farm is especially in need of counselors as well as nursing staff to cover 4.5 weeks of summer camp. Food, lodging, training, and lots of fun all come with a paid or volunteer position at camp. If you would like more information, contact Hannah Lasher at hannah@campsandretreats.org or call the camp office at (518) 494-7170.
|
|
Mission Hub seeks volunteers |
There is a great need for volunteers to help a woman in the Utica area. |
|
|
|
|
Please note that there have been recent "phishing" attempts to get folks to buy gift cards or to respond to an email from Debbie Earthrowl asking for your assistance. The only legitimate email address for Debbie is debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Attention All Youth Leaders!
Do you have youth with a zest for life, a love for God, and the potential to lead?
CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministry) has openings for 3 young people from the Albany District. You must be going into 7th - 12th grade for the 2021-22 school year.
For more information about CCYM, and/or to request an application, please email Laura Clark, Albany District Youth Coordinator, at LLC1129@yahoo.com.
You can also learn more about CCYM and other youth opportunities by visiting the Upper New York Conference website. Click CCYM under "Ministries".
The direct link to CCYM is here:
|
|
|
|
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
|
Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Adirondack District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 New Loudon Rd., Latham (12110)
Mailing Address:
PO 511 Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
