Dear Friends,
Recently I have considered buying a new car. I even ran into a pastor and spouse while I was out car shopping!
I looked at 3 different dealerships which had the models I was looking for. All were friendly. One salesperson gave me his card, and I also met the sales manager, but neither one ever asked me my name. The salesperson let me take a couple test drives on my own. I must have had an honest face! The 2
nd
place I went was short-handed, and finally paid attention to me when they could. I was again allowed to take a test drive by myself. I didn’t go far, because the gas gauge was on “E.” The 3
rd
place I went, I asked for help, and the salesperson was in the middle of something else, but assured me he would be right back, and he was. I told him what I was looking for, and he came with me on a test drive, and showed me the features of the vehicle, and answered my questions. I didn’t intend on putting down a deposit that day since I was I was still trying discern which of two models I wanted. While I was on the test drive, I decided that the model I was driving was what I wanted. I told him, and of course he was delighted.
We went back to discuss the options I wanted, color, etc. While it had to be ordered because of the color I wanted, and the wait was going to be longer than I expected or wanted, I did put the deposit down. (The salesman since called and said it would be in mid-June instead of July, so that’s a plus).
Why did I tell you all of this? This experience reminded me of the hospitality we show (or don’t) in our congregations. Do we only talk to someone new if they initiate the conversation? I hope not! Do we fail to get their names? I hope not! Do we go out of our way to take the time to really listen to the person and answer their questions as best we can? I hope so! The one who took the most time with me was the one with whom I wanted to make the deal. Let that be instructive to us…
While we have no control over a person’s decision to either come to our church or return to our church or listen to us in another venue share about Jesus, the more
genuine
(Did I say genuine, because I mean genuine) we are in our initial encounter (and of course all subsequent encounters hopefully leading to a meaningful relationship), the greater the chances that they will respond positively. These encounters may well have eternal significance. May we never take them for granted, and may we be agents of God’s grace to all we encounter.
With You in the Journey and Rejoicing that God is Always Up to Something New,
Nancy
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DISTRICT & CONFERENCE OFFICES
WILL BE CLOSED
on Monday, May 27th
in Observance of Memorial Day
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CLERGY APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
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Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced new appointments pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes
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Everything Annual Conference
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Here you will find the the latest updates and ALL Annual Conference Information
5/9/19
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Please keep the 12 Upper New York Early Response Team (ERT) members in your prayers as they act as the hands and feet of Jesus. This group of ERTs is headed to Montrose and New Milford, PA . They left Sunday, May 19th to help people recover from flooding that happened this past summer. The group will be staying at the Fellowship Hall at Montrose UMC and working in the area through May 25.
5/23/19
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HEALTH DIRECTOR NEEDED
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
158 Casowasco Dr, Moravia, NY 13312
Who?
Must be 21 years old
Certifications?
EMT, LPN, RN, PA, NP, or Physician with current CPR FPR w/AED and valid driver’s license
Time Commitment?
1 week to full season,
GIVE US A CALL
– beginning June 2019
Expectations?
Supervise camper and staff health and sanitation, oversee initial health screening at check in, review health forms, provide first aid and care for other health needs, oversee dispensing of medications, maintain medical and medication log, maintain inventory and first aid kits, prepare for and handle emergencies, check in with groups, participate in activities
Housing/Salary?
Housing on site; Volunteer or Weekly salary –
LET’S DISCUSS
5/23/19
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Learn together for the transformation of the world at
Mission U
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Take time this summer to study, worship, sing, and experience some fellowship. Mission U (formerly known as School of Christian Mission) will continue its annual emphasis on "learning together for the transformation of the world." It was created by Methodist women in the early-20th century to educate women and inspire them to a sense of mission at home and around the world. The United Methodist Women remain dedicated to the planning and promotion of this program. The schools were formed by and for women but over the years the demographic has changed as men, children, and youth take advantage of this rich opportunity.
Click here
for the three locations and dates that Mission U will be offered in Upper New York this summer.
5/23/19
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Mission opportunities throughout UNY
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There are many mission opportunities throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference where you can be the hands and feet of God. Some opportunities are at local United Methodist churches, others are at community centers or organizations, and some are ecumenical collaborations with other communities of faith.
Click here
to view some upcoming volunteer opportunities in UNY. If you know of a volunteer opportunity, contact MaryBeth Ingalls, the UNY Conference Mission Volunteer Coordinator at (315) 898-2000 EXT. 2064 or
marybethingalls@unyumc.org
to add your opportunity to our website.
5/23/19
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Peace with Justice Sunday is June 16
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Always the first Sunday after Pentecost, Peace with Justice Sunday is a day for United Methodists to recognize efforts across the connection that are building peace. This year, Heather Smith, the Upper New York Conference's Peace with Justice Coordinator, has great hope that our Conference-wide participation will increase - hopefully meeting the 30% goal that was set at the 2017 Annual Conference session. It only takes $1 per church to count as a participant in this Special Sunday.
Click here
to learn how the Peace with Justice collection has helped amazing ministries in our Conference.
5/23/19
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There is still time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a diverse and growing group of people here in the United States. The scope of cultures represented among this group is broad, as it includes people with origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands; each of these geographic areas contain similarities as well as their own unique cultural characteristics. With all this diversity, there is much to celebrate.
Click here
for several articles on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Click here
for prayers and a newsletter nugget that can be used to honor our Asian American And Pacific Islanders brothers and sisters.
5/23/19
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ResourceUMC
is a new site rich with content from around The United Methodist Church - all to provide quick access to the information and inspiration
local church
and
connectional leaders
need to make effective disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Here
you will find practical and timely resources on specific topics such as worship, stewardship, mission, church administration, specialized ministries and much more. You will also find detailed information on each general agency and other denominational entities such as the Council of Bishops, Connectional Table, General Conference and the ethnic/language national plans. Whether you are looking for ideas for a children's ministry, launching a church website or want to learn about how we celebrate Holy Communion, we want to connect you with the best resources available.
ResourceUMC will continue to grow - it will never be finished! As you explore the site you may find some areas more filled out than others. Watch for more content and new topics in the coming weeks and months. New resources will be added constantly. You can help us fulfill our mission to resource leaders by telling us what would be helpful to you and sending suggestions. Share questions, critiques and ideas by emailing us at
ResourceUMC@umcom.org
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5/23/19
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New Places for New People
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You can donate on the Conference Website, (unyumc.org), and type “New Places for New People” in the search box, or at Annual Conference, or send a check to Upper New York Annual Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. Liverpool, NY 13088, and put “New Places for New People” on the memo line.
5/16/19
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UNY Historical Society meeting Saturday, June 15
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The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society will meet on Saturday, June 15 at the UNY Conference Center (7481 Henry Clay Blvd.) in Liverpool, NY. Early birds can do volunteer work in the conference archives starting at 9:30 a.m.
Bring your own lunch if eating at the Center.
The Society meeting will start about 12:40 p.m. with a business meeting, followed by a PowerPoint presentation by Nancy Rutenber on UMC Historic Sites connected to Upper New York Conference.
Then there will be a ceremony for retiring old Bibles led by the Rev. Jim Barnes II. Bring your worn-out Bibles for recycling or burning. Hard covers and any metal may need to be removed before any recycling.
The meeting is open to all those interested.
5/21/19
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Camps & Retreats Open House Dates
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SKYE FARM:
June 1, 1 - 6pm
1844 E. Schroon River Rd, Warrensburg, NY 12885
ALDERSGATE
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June 15, 2 - 7pm
7955 Brantingham Rd, Greig, NY 13345H
CASOWASCO:
June 16, 2 - 7pm
158 Casowasco Dr, Moravia, NY 13118
ASBURY:
June 30, 1 - 4pm
16 Lakeside Ave, Silver Lake, NY 14549
4/9/19
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Wesley Heritage tour scheduled for February 2020
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Join Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and his wife Jodi on a Wesley Heritage tour in England Feb. 11-19, 2020. This journey will take you through England where you will learn about the roots of the early Church and the ministry of John Wesley. Visit London, Oxford, Epworth, the Old Rectory where John Wesley grew up, and much more. Take advantage of this time to enrichen your knowledge of John Wesley, and you will also have a day to explore London on your own.
Bishop Webb said, "Jodi and I look forward to sharing this journey that will visit many of the places that shaped John Wesley. His formation led to the vision and birth of a movement that we continue as United Methodists. This is certain to be a spiritual pilgrimage that will impact your life for years to come. We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us. "
The cost of this trip is $3,298 if you fly from New York City or $3,498 if you fly from Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse. This cost covers:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Basic tour and guided sightseeing
- Deluxe motorcoaches
- Admission and entrance fees to the sites
- First-class hotels including gratuities and program fees
- Daily breakfast and dinners (dinners not included in London)
Click here
for brochure- If you sign up please let Rev. Nancy Adams know and use her Tour Host #19972
4/18/19
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RESOURCES & HELPFUL LINKS
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Useful Information from GCFA
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Financial Glossary Interactive Resource
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As the finance agency of The United Methodist Church, GCFA has produced several resources to help local churches manage the financial aspects of church administration. This glossary of financial terms is for those who have no formal training in finances but are committed volunteers learning about and working on church budgets.
5/8/19
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What You Don't Know About Your Building Could Be Costly
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It is just as important to conduct an annual check-up of your church building and facilities as it is to get your annual wellness check-up. What you do not know about your building could be costly. Download the checklist today to be proactive in taking care of your building and facilities.
5/8/19
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Copyright Webinar 2:
Why You Should Care
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“If you or your church are sued for copyright infringement, it will be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming.” – Attorney Sam Miller. Miller joins GCFA’s legal team to break down copyright law in the second installment of our Copyright Video Series from the Legal Services Department.. Between song lyrics, Google images, and PowerPoints, church personnel need to have a firm grasp on copyright basics. Watch today, and look for more in this continuing series next month
5/8/19
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The Judicial Council Rulings on the Traditional Plan
In its April 23-26 meeting, the United Methodist Church's Judicial Council reviewed the Traditional Plan, which was approved the Special Session of General Conference in February. This plan retains the current stance of the Book of Discipline regarding same-sex marriage and the ordination of practicing homosexuals.
The Judicial Council ruled that seven of petitions of the newly adopted Traditional Plan remain unconstitutional, and the rest of the plan is valid as church law.
Click here
to read the updated Summary of the Judicial Council Ruling Fact Sheet prepared by the Upper New York Episcopal Office. This document clearly outlines the petitions that were ruled null and void and the petitions that were ruled constitutional.
5/1/19
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Learn More About Your Community through Mission Insite
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Church leaders and pastors across our district recently have updated their online Church Profile. Did you know that the Upper New York Conference also offers all churches access to a free tool that provides important information about the communities where they are located?
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. The reports are user-friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
In order to access the website you will need to register your local church. The links below provide instruction for you to register and establish user name and password for your local church.
4/9/19
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New York State Employers required to provide sexual harassment prevention training
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New York State employers must provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training upon hire and on an annual basis. For this year, the training must be completed by all current employees and new hires by Oct. 9, 2019. Once the initial training is complete, the employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date). Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets or some other manner for audit purposes.
In addition to the sexual harassment prevention training requirement, each employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. This policy should be shared with employees prior to the training. If you have yet to create a sexual harassment prevention policy,
click here
to learn more.
To learn more about programs that qualify for the sexual harassment training,
click here
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4/25/19
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Mountain View District Office
District Superintendent
Rev. Nancy Adams
District Administrative Assistant
Patti Gridley
Phone: 607-962-8047
Mailing Address:
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
Physical Address:
35 Wilkes Ave. , Suite 101
Bath, NY 14810
(located in the back of Five Star Bank)
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The United Methodist Center of Upper New York
Address:
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone:
(315) 898-2000
Toll-Free:
(855) 424-7878
Fax:
(315) 898-2150
Camps & Retreats Center
Toll Free: (855) 414-6400
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