Albany District and Conference News
June 3, 2021
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“Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey."
― Pope Franciss
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Please hold the family of Jane Smith in your prayers. Jane died yesterday, surrounded by her family. Jane was the wife of the Rev. Erik Smith who served many churches in Troy Conference, including Alplaus, Warrensburg, Bolton Landing, Gloversville:Fremont Street and Green Island. A full obituary will be shared when available. Cards can be sent to Erik at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
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.
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.
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What's New from the Conference Center |
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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.
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Spiritual Discipline: True Service |
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, True Service, which she explains as a lifestyle encompassing acts of compassion and acts of justice.
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Dismantling racism resource: 25 traits of the Beloved Community
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
This week, we feature, “25 traits of the Beloved Community.” These traits exhibit agape love, which, as the love of God operating in the human heart, seeks to “preserve and create community.”
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The June issue of the Bridge is now available for download. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary. This issue focuses on what you need to know for the 12th session of the UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually, June 17-19, 2021.
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This month, the People of God campaign is celebrating our commitment to strengthening our faith. Share this inspiring message with your congregation by downloading resources for social media, worship, websites and more, available in English and Spanish.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Simple steps to launch
a planned giving program
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center says this could be a now-or-never stewardship moment for congregations whose pews are full of older adults. She outlines six simple steps for launching a planned giving program to help this generation faithfully steward their lifetime assets.
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Now is the time for risk-taking leadership
During the pandemic, many leaders were concerned primarily with avoiding risk. Bill Wilson says we are now entering a time in the life of the American church that cries out for creative risk taking that puts aside personal preferences for the sake of the gospel.
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Safe Sanctuaries Training June 12 |
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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.
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
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June 3 at 2:00 pm
2021 Spiritual Growth Studies
Jennifer R. Farmer, Host
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Hello and Welcome!
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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Historical Society presents program on Union chaplains in the Civil War
The UNY United Methodist Historical Society is holding an open meeting on Zoom, "Union Chaplains in the Civil War," at 7:15 PM Saturday June 12. This presentation will focus on the chaplains who served the Union Army with great faith and devotion to duty.
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A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care Zoom course
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people in your congregations who have experienced trauma, avoid retraumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This online course has been offered twice before in recent months and was well-received, so it is being offered again. The course will take place across three dates: June 7 (7-9 p.m.), June 14 (7-8:30 p.m.), and June 28 (7-8:30 p.m.). Click here to register and be sure to save your confirmation email as it has the Zoom link you will need for the course.
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From the Conference Office |
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What the latest COVID guidelines mean for UNY churches
On Wednesday May 19, New York adopted the CDC's updated guidance on masks and social distancing and many business capacity restrictions have been lifted. What does this mean for Upper New York local churches? Keeping the safety of unvaccinated individuals in mind, UNY has answered many Frequently Asked Questions regarding these new guidelines as they relate to seating, singing, asking about vaccination status, and more. Click here for the latest COVID-19 FAQs.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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:
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Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
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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 12128
(518) 608-1246
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
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