September 10th, 2020 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
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Procedures for Visiting District Office
Our plan is to continue to work mostly remotely through Sept. 29th, due to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in our area, however we will be in the office occasionally.
Masks will be required so please wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth to enter the building . If you cannot wear a mask, perhaps we can help you outside the building. Please call to explore options.
Hand sanitizer will be available when you enter our offices. Maintain six feet or more of distance between people.
NOTE: If you are feeling ill on the day of your appointment, please contact us to reschedule.
Teresa works Mon.-Thurs. and the office hours vary from day to day.
The Office is closed Fri, Sat. and Sun.
You are welcome to call us after hours at (607) 441-5102 and leave a message or email the district office at OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience .
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PLEASE NOTE: Teresa will be away from the office Sept. 16th – Sept. 21st and will be returning on Tues. Sept. 22nd.
If you have an emergency during this time please contact Binghamton District Admin. Assistant, Rosemary DiIorio at
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IMPORTANT - Please note when sending snail mail to the district office; send to the following address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
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IMPORTANT: Due to rising numbers of positive Covid-19 cases in the area, the following Oneonta district churches are back on PAUSE - returning to on-line services only through Sept.26th at least !
Elm Park UMC
Morris/ Edmeston UMCs
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NEW - Bishop Webb's Message to UNY
Because of the postponement of Jurisdictional and General Conference, which assign Bishops, the Upper New York Conference enters the ninth year of ministry with Upper New York Area Resident, Bishop Mark J. Webb.
In this September 8 video message to the UNY Conference, Bishop Webb exclaims that churches have the opportunity to offer the Gospel of Jesus Christ to help support the emotional and spiritual needs that people have right now. Click here to watch Bishop Webb's heart-felt and encouraging video.
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UPDATE - Virtual UNY Annual Conference
Registration for the 2020 Annual Conference is open. The Annual Conference will take place on October 3 at 9:30 a.m. through a secure livestream. Click here to see the full agenda.
To register to the October 3 Annual Conference, click here.
When registering individuals must provide a login email and create a password for the event. Individuals will be responsible for knowing their login information and for having the necessary technology to participate. Technical questions about the event can be directed to the Conference Director of Communications, Steve Hustedt, at stevehustedt@unyumc.org.
The 2020 Annual Conference Clergy Session will take place via a secure livestream on Saturday September 19 at 10 a.m. In order to attend, you must preregister by this Friday September 11. Click here for preregistration information as well as the form needed if you must request to be excused.
VOTING:
Those who are eligible to vote must provide a login email and create a password to access the virtual meetings when they register for the September 19 clergy session and the full Annual Conference session on October 3. Click here to learn how voting will work at both the clergy session and the full Annual Conference session.
All eligible voting members must preregister by September 25. Click here to register.
Non-eligible voting members can view the Annual Conference session via a public livestream that will be available on the Conference website.
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NEW - Practice Session for Annual Conference
All of those participating in the Clergy Session and voting members of Annual Conference will be able to practice how the virtual platform works on Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. Please note that each person who would like to practice needs to have registered for the Annual Conference Session (not only the clergy session). The deadline to register for Annual Conference is September 25; however, if you would like to participate in the practice session, you must register for Annual Conference by Wednesday, September 16.
Click here to register for Annual Conference. Once registered, you will receive details for logging into the practice session at 7 p.m. September 18.
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Important: Get Ready for Charge Conference!
In preparation for the upcoming Charge Conferences, the following information is now available:
Charge Conference forms are all located on the following page: 2020-2021 Charge Conference forms. There is a downloadable/printable forms check list to help ensure that each church is on track to completing the forms necessary for their Charge Conference on time. Many of the forms need to be submitted to the District Office two weeks prior to your scheduled Charge Conference. Other forms, such as the annual audit, have later deadlines.
If you get an error message while trying to access the Charge Conference forms, click here for help.
The 2021 Clergy Compensation Package information has been emailed to the Staff Parish Pastor Relations Committee (SPPRC) chairs for those churches which have provided contact information. Pastors have been emailed the materials and local church treasurers have been advised where to obtain the basic information contained in the packet. The United Methodist Discipline directs the SPPRC to consult with pastor and staff regarding all aspects of compensation and to then recommend appropriate proposals to the Church Council prior to the Charge Conference; and/or on an annual basis.
Information and forms, including the Salary Report Form and benefit cost information for 2021 can be on the following page: 2021 Pastor's Compensation.
Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!
NOTE: Annual Charge Conferences will be held Virtual this fall (held via ZOOM). Dates for Charge Conferences will be announced soon, so be watching your email for this information.
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2021 Conference Budget Information published
A hard copy of the Upper New York (UNY) Narrative Budget Booklet has
taken on a new format that will allow for multi-year use.
Click here for the proposed Ministry Shares budget numbers for 2021.
Click here to review the Narrative Budget Booklet electronically and to read some reports that some ministry areas submitted to support their 2021 UNY Conference Budget.
For hard copies of the Narrative Budget Booklet, contact the District Office.
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NEW- Weekly Spiritual Practice
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.
This week, Rev. Dibelius guides you through the practice of Spiritual Direction. Spiritual Directors walk alongside you-the intent is to nurture and support your relationship with God as you seek to hear and discern God's deep desire for your life.
Click here to watch Rev. Dibelius describe our relationship with God using a visual created by Spiritual Director Margaret Silf. Rev. Debelius also provides a link to list of Spiritual Directors available in Upper New York.
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NEW - For Parents of School Students
The Department of Labor (DOL) recently published new frequently asked questions (FAQs) about whether employees qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in different school reopening situations, including those that blend in-person with distance learning. The new FAQs address eligibility for expanded family and medical leave and paid sick leave when:
- A child attends a school operating on an alternate-day basis:
- A parent chooses remote learning when in-person instruction is available; and
- A school begins the year with remote learning but may shift to in-person instruction if conditions change.
In general, according to the FAQs, parents qualify for FFCRA leave only on days when in-person learning is not offered as an option by the school. Click here for more information.
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Time for Boundaries Training - Pastors and Lay Pastors
(Note: Boundaries Training is not the same as required
New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training)
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Reminder: NY State requires 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 annually.
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. Click here to learn more.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Imagine No Racism: Train as a facilitator
Are you moved to help dismantle racism? Have you already experienced the "Imagine No Racism" curriculum? The Conference Commission on Religion & Race (CCORR) is planning more opportunities to train people as INR Facilitators to lead new small groups. This one-day training will be on ZOOM. If interested, please contact the district office and let Teresa know and she will be in touch with Blenda Smith, (Convener of CCORR) so that times can be coordinated that work for you.
If you have not experienced the six sessions of INR but are interested, please let Teresa know so we can find a small Zoom group for you.
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Resources for Responding to Systemic Racism
We must be prepared to minister to those that are hurting and to adequately address the issues that are confronting our nation. Discipleship Ministries has collected resources to help churches address the topics of racism, systemic oppression, violence and more. Click to view the resources.
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NEW - 30 Days of Anti-Racism
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, August 29 to September 7, 2021, 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.
It's not too late to catch up on the General Commission on Religion and Race's (GCORR) 30 Days of Anti-Racism. For each day of September, GCORR suggests simple activities to help you become more antiracist.
Click here to participate in #30DaysAntiracism.
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Lay Servant Classes on Zoom - Open to All
Adirondack District: Leading Worship (retreat), Zoom or Willsboro UMC, 3731 Main St., Willsboro, NY 12996. Sept. 19: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sept. 20: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Contact adschmidt@nycap.rr.com
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Grief Share group- sponsored by: First UMC of Unadilla
Meeting online - Registration fee: $0.00 (Includes workbook)
This group is currently meeting online. Please register or contact the group contact person for more information.
OPEN ROLLING ENROLLMENT. JOIN ANYTIME.
Contact person
Brandilynne Craver, Group Leader
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Are you, or someone you know, interested in caring for or improving your church's program of history?
The General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church will be offering a Local Church Historian School in 2020 for church historians---or anyone interested in the story of their church.
This is the same school developed and offered by the Indiana Conference in the past---now updated---and being offered by the General Commission on Archives and History to any United Methodist church globally.*
The Local Church Historian School curriculum will cover a wide range of skills necessary to become a "complete" church historian. Participating congregations will benefit from a new consciousness of their heritage and legacy and be motivated to study their unique stories and proclaim it to those around them.
The Book of Discipline says our Conference is "to encourage and assist the local churches in preserving their records, compiling their histories and celebrating their heritage...." This school provides United Methodists the opportunity to do just that.
The school will begin on September, 14, 2020. Plan now to use this opportunity to ensure that the heritage of each of our churches will be celebrated and that each church can receive the full benefit of its own amazing story.
*The only prerequisite for the Local Church Historian School is access to dependable email service. (Minimal computer skills are required.)
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World Communion Sunday is Oct. 4
According to the 1972 Book of Discipline paragraph 163.b there shall be a World Communion (formerly Fellowship of Suffering and Service) offering to support the division of chaplains and ministries, Crusade Scholarships and the scholarship fund for minority groups.
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Important Reminder : Reports NOW PAST Due |
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2019 Annual Reports now past due
· Report of Trustees
· Report of the Finance Committee
· 2019 Local Church Financial Audit
These reports are now past due. Please send these to the Oneonta district office at your earliest convenience. Note: if you have the means to email them vs. snail mail then this is very welcome.
Thanks to the Oneonta district churches who have submitted these reports!
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Media Resource Center is now partially reopened
The Media Resource Center began lending and accepting back overdue resources on Aug. 1. Please send back any items that you currently have as soon as possible. If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are still officially closed to the public at this time.
Click here to read the latest UNY Media Resource Center newsletter!
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UNY Conference seeking Site Director for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
The Upper New York Conference is seeking a Site Director for the Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Click here for a brief description of the position and the online application.
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Upper New York Red Bird Mission Shoebox Campaign seeking drop-off locations
Dave Alexander and the mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church are again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission is a poverty-relief organization that serves a remote, impoverished population in Bell, Clay, and Leslie counties in southeastern Kentucky.
Currently, the Endwell UMC Mission Team is looking for drop-off locations for the shoeboxes. As of now, Endwell UMC, and the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool are two drop-off locations and several other churches have expressed interest. Please consider being a drop-off center. Items can be dropped off from Nov. 2- Nov. 24.
If your church would like to be a drop-off location, please email Dave Alexander at Dalexander4@stny.rr.com by Sept. 1 and a list of the drop-off locations will be distributed to the Conference via the Weekly Digest the following week and will also be published on the Conference website (www.unyumc.org).
Click here to read more about Red Bird and the contents needed for the shoeboxes.
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Visit Conference website for updates
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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2020-21 UNY Appointment List
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference release the final appointment list for 2020-2021. Click here to view the full list of changes.
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For eligible clergy
Register now for HealthFlex workshops
The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange workshops via Zoom, at various churches around the Conference. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants, under the age of 65, must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange.
Click here to learn more about the HealthFlex Exchange and to register to one of the seven dates (beginning Sept. 11 through Oct. 6). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julie Valeski at (315) 898-2001 or julievaleski@unyumc.org.
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Online pre-retirement seminar to be held Oct. 9
All clergy looking to retire in the next year are encouraged to attend a virtual pre-retirement seminar on Friday Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Due to the coronavirus, the seminar will NOT be held in person at the United Methodist Center like in the past. This virtual seminar highlights and explains the benefits available through The United Methodist Church. A pre-retirement seminar is held once each year in the fall. A retirement seminar is held each spring.
Join Julie Valeski (UNY Benefits Administrator), Susan Latessa (UNY Conference Director of Human Resources/Benefits), Peter Hang (Wespath Conference Liaison), and Robert Christophel (Wespath Director of Benefits Education) for this important virtual meeting as they discuss topics, including the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and any moving assistance that's available.
Preregistration by Sept. 25 is required in order to receive all materials ahead of the meeting. Once registration closes, you will receive a link to access the virtual seminar.
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UMC of the Resurrection's Leadership Institute 2020
Whether you are clergy, church staff, or a lay leader in your church, join them ONLINE for 2 days of inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership.
Keynote speakers include Adam Hamilton and Bishop Michael Curry. There are several "break-out" speakers as well.
Your online ticket gives you access to the live-streamed General Sessions and special Breakout Sessions with Live Q&A. You also receive one full year of access to replay the recordings of those General Sessions and Breakouts, plus a library of 20+ additional ministry workshops.
Cost is $69.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION and Calendar
The Upper New York Conference Center in Liverpool, including the Episcopal office and Crossroads District office, will remain closed to the public until Tuesday September 8, the day after Labor Day at the earliest.
General Conference
The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN. Click here to read more.
Jurisdictional Conferences
The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference. Click here to read more.
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Reopening resources
Be sure to check the Conference's FAQ resource page about reopening guidelines.
On this page, you will find a safety plan template required by the state and statewide guidelines for resuming services. You will also find resourceful signage you can use about face masks, handwashing, and deep cleaning. And this page also provides answers to many questions that have been asked about reopening churches.
On Tuesday June 2, the UNY Reopening Taskforce held a FAQ session on Zoom, with over 350 people across UNY in attendance. Click here to view the PowerPoint shared during June 2 webinar
If you have questions that have yet to be answered, send them along to covid-19response@unyumc.org and your question will be answered soon.
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Webinars offered on several topics
Several webinars are scheduled by clergyeducation.com, which is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Upcoming webinars include:
Growing a church by becoming part of the community
10 ways to turn first-time guests into returning guests
Leading your congregation to think in new directions
Click here to view information and to sign up for webinars.
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. To read more, click here
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.
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.
Tips on using Zoom for Bible Studies and small groups
Zoom is a video conferencing as well as webinar resource that Conference staff as well as Conference and District leaders often use to communicate with one another. We are suggesting all committees and teams that usually meet at the United Methodist Center to meet using Zoom while the office is closed, which is currently now through May 15.
Zoom is also a great platform for you to use with members of your congregation and to host Bible studies or small groups. Click here to learn how to get started with Zoom, to watch Zoom tutorials, to access Zoom technical support and to see Zoom-related FAQs.
Click here for a webinar about how to use Zoom created by our friends in the Arkansas Conference.
UNY to offer matching grants for purchase of Zoom
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn more about how to use Zoom, click here to watch a video tutorial.
To participate in the matching grant, simply click here to purchase a one year Zoom Pro Plan. Then, send a copy of the receipt to Alma Malikow in the Conference Treasurer's office digitally at almamalikow@unyumc.org or by U.S. mail at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. The Conference will reimburse participating churches $75, which covers half the cost of the annual subscription. If you have any questions, contact the Conference Director of Communications, Steve Hustedt, at stevehustedt@unyumc.org.
Download church leader guide
Explore local church tools and resources specially designed to help you communicate all the good you can! The recently updated Church Leader Guide from United Methodist Communications includes:
- Marketing and outreach tools
- Online training courses
- Digital ministry ideas
- Giving resources
Resources available from the UMC
A new video and online resource collection is reminding people that The United Methodist Church connection continues to be there for them. Share the video and resource webpage with those who need to feel the encouraging presence of the church.
Free resources from Cokesbury
Cokesbury has free resources to use to stay connected, and they are adding more resources every day.
Amplify, Cokesbury's new media platform, is helping churches all over study and support one another from the comfort of their own homes, or wherever they are in life! It gives them direct access to a vast video library of bible studies led by your favorite authors for teaching, inspiration, and faith connections! Amplify provides believers of all ages access to fresh, trustworthy content - all from a Wesleyan perspective. Amplify has made several resources FREE and accessible for churches to participate in a church-wide study and children's content to keep them engaged in the Bible. Help your communities stay connected beyond the church walls. No sign up is required to access: click here
Free children's resources on the new CokesburyKids website: click here
Online worship and music resources for live-streaming
Producing your own virtual choir: How to!
Many virtual choirs debuted out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring and comforting people during a difficult time. As I write, many of us are still practicing distance worship. Even after this crisis ends and potential weather-related closings begin, churches will benefit from having learned the steps to produce a virtual choir.
GCFA offers information on live-streaming and giving
Nashville, TN - The Communications, Connectional Relations, and IT teams of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will offer several resources to local churches and church leadership on both live-streaming and giving at the local church level during these times of quarantine and confinement.
While churches across the connection are canceling weekly services to protect the people of the church and help slow the spread of COVID-19, churches still find themselves needing financial resources for the ministries they can conduct and for general operational expenses. To read more, click here
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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UNY Conference Center remaining closed to the public
Please note that the Upper New York Conference Center in Liverpool, including the Episcopal office and Crossroads District office will remain closed to the public until Tuesday Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day at the earliest.
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Office is closed at this time!
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
Fax - 607-353-1034
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Please note the Mailing Address for the Oneonta District Office is as follows:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
The physical address of the office remains the same:
64 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820
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