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Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.
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Acts 16:26 (New International Version)
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
April 14, 2018
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Is your newsletter "cutting off" at the margin?
Try clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter that says,
"Having trouble viewing this email?"
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Miss something? Not all information is repeated each week
To view Local Church Events sent on April 11,
Click here
To view the District Newsletter sent on April 7,
Click here
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Let Us Pray
Innovative ways to encourage people to pray
Just because the practice of prayer is ancient doesn't mean the application has to be. How can churches encourage and enhance the experience of prayer?
For some people, praying comes as naturally as eating. For others, not so much. For "seasoned" Christians, it's easy to forget that some people simply don't know how to pray. How can the church help? To read more, Click here
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Prayer Labyrinth Available From Resource Center
A 24-foot canvas labyrinth is available for the use of congregations, district-led and conference-led events. It is housed in the Media Resource Center and can be reserved by laity and clergy, individuals and groups, by contacting Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant at (315) 898-2027.
To read more,
Click here
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Save the date!
Farewell to Bill Mudge
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Bill Mudge
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Please join us from 3 to 5 PM on
Sunday, May 20 at the First UMC in Warrensburg to bid a fond farewell to our District Superintendent Rev. Bill Mudge.
Bill has served us for nearly seven years. It will be tough to say good-bye, but we wish him well as he begins the next step in his journey as lead pastor of the Baldwinsville UMC on July 1. Come and celebrate with Bill and his family in worship, song and fellowship! Details will follow.
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Fall Walks to Emmaus to be held at Hudson Falls UMC
Women's Walk #135: September 27 through September 30
Men's Walk #136: October 11 through October 14.
To read "On the Road," the Newsletter of the Living Water Emmaus/Chrysalis Community, Inc. of the Adirondack and Green Mountains,
Click here
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Studies Offered at Queensbury UMC
Join Rev. Phil Phaneuf for his next Bible study based on Rob Bell's NY Times bestseller,
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Rob Bell |
"What Is the Bible? How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel about Everything" at the Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Rd., Queensbury 12804.
Sessions begin Monday, April 23 at 6:30 PM or Wednesday, April 25 at 9 AM and continue for eight weeks. Please RSVP to the Church Office by Monday, April 16 (518) 793-9728. Books are $16. For more information, Click here
"Hand to Mouth" Book Study on Poverty
- 6:30-8 PM
Wednesdays in May (2nd,
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Linda Tirado |
9th, 16th and 23rd)
, Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Rd., Queensbury 12804. Rev. Phil Phaneuf will facilitate a study based on "Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America," by Linda Tirado.
The 4-session class will delve into questions middle- and upper-income people have about those on the lower socioeconomic ladder. Please RSVP to the Church Office by April 23 (518) 793-9728. The books are $12 each. For more information, Click here
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Monday Night Videos at Plattsburgh UMC
Pastor Phil Richards is leading a Video Study/Conversation of contemporary scholars and
change agents in the Plattsburgh UMC's Chapel from 7 PM to 9 PM Mondays, from April 16 to May 14.
Featured are: Brene Brown, "Creating a Community of Belonging,"
April 16; Nadia Bolz Weber, "If You Want to be More Forgiving,
April 23; Karen Armstrong, "Charter of Compassion,"
April 30; Rachel Held Evans, "Keeping the Church Weird,"
May 7; Shane Claiborne, "Another Way of Doing Life,"
May 14. For more information, contact the church office at (518) 563-2992. The church is located at 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh (12901). If you'd like a copy of the flyer, contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 480-4866.
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Safe Sanctuaries Trainings Coming Up!
Saturday, April 28, 8:45 AM sign-in; training is 9 AM to Noon, at the Hudson Falls UMC, 227 Main St., Hudson Falls (12839). If you plan to attend,
please RSVP to Carrie
Boyer by April 20 at
[email protected] or (518) 480-4866. She will then send you the training handout via email.
A reminder that all clergy, certified lay ministers serving churches and supply pastors are required to take this training (one-time only).
For updated information on background checks
Click here
(New) Save the date:
A training will be held at the Newcomb UMC on Saturday, May 12. Details to come. Call Carrie for more information, (518) 480-4866.
If your church would like to host a Safe Sanctuaries training, please call Carrie.
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Lay Servant Classes to be Offered
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all called to a life of servanthood. For many
laypersons, Lay Servant Ministries of The United Methodist Church is a part of their faith journey as they seek a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The courses offered in this program can help an individual on their personal faith journey or help prepare them as servants of leadership through the ministries of leading, caring, and communicating.
Basic Lay Servant Course:
Sundays, April 22 & April 29: 2 to 7:30 PM; Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta 12020.
Facilitator: Arlene Schmidt
To register and for information on how to obtain the book, please contact Arlene via email @
[email protected] There will be a half-hour break for dinner; dinner provided at the first gathering.
Advanced Course: "Let the Whole Church Say Amen:"
Saturdays, May 12 & May 19: 9 AM to 3 PM; South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls 12803.
Facilitator: Nellie Hintz
If you haven't completed the Basic Course you can audit this class. For more information, please call Nellie at (518) 223-0461 or send an email to
[email protected]
Advanced Course: "Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:"
Sunday, June 10: 2 to 7:30 PM & Saturday, June 16: 9 AM to 2:30 PM
Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave., Ext., Malta 12020.
Facilitator:
Arlene Schmidt.
To register and for information on how to obtain the book, please contact
Arlene via email @
[email protected]
or call her @ (518) 496-4010
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, Click here
For a listing of courses throughout the Conference Click here
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Check out Historical Society's Newsletter
The UNY Historical Society has created a newsletter that shares fascinating and useful information. The
UNY Historical Society News & Views Issue 1 of 2018 reveals some interesting historical stories from places throughout the Conference, dating back to the mid-1800s. This issue also provides guidance on what to keep and what to toss at local churches. To read more, and to view the newsletter,
Click here
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Revised Social Principles Open for Comment
The revised Social Principles,
released in draft form April 12, comes after years of listening sessions with more than 200 United Methodists from around the world and is only about 50 percent finished, said Randall Miller, vice president of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and chair of the Social Principles Task Force. To read more,
Click here
Read draft, and comment
Click here
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How to Write Right to Attract Readers
English is a tricky language - even for native speakers. Many of us forget the rules of grammar and composition once we step away from the classroom. Despite grumpy grammarians who troll social media, most wordsmiths are a benign bunch who love language. Whether you're outlining a sermon, working on your church newsletter or
crafting a press release, here are some
essential ingredients to copywriting:
Click here
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MyCom Podcast Ep. 019: Bridging the Generation Gap
How do we reach emerging generations without leaving behind previous generations when communicating as the Church? Jeanette Yates, Director of Communications at Southside United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida shares her thoughts. To view the Podcast:
Click here
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Artwork courtesy of Creative Commons
Take the United Methodist Numbers Quiz
The number 50 is big for The United Methodist Church in 2018 as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our founding. This number, and the numbers you find in this quiz, reflect the growth of our church during the past five decades. To take the quiz,
Click here
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Photo by Joe Iovino, United Methodist Communications
Friday the 13th: Faith vs. Myth
In some cultures, Friday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck. As Christians, we know we are always under God's love and care. To read more,
Click here
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(New)
Discipleship Ministries Offers Webinars
What's Up With Crowdfunding? Seeking support from the community that surrounds a
church is not a new idea: church dinners and bazaars are often community traditions. However, community support has a new look in many places: it's called Crowdfunding. Join the webinar to explore this new phenomenon and how some churches are using it to meet some of their project funding goals. To register for the webinar that will be held on Thursday, April 19, Click here
Several webinars are scheduled through November 2018. Discipleship Ministries also maintain an extensive archive of past webinars - check it out:
Click here
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New
'The Bridge' Available for Download
The April Issue II copy 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. This issue features education on Mission of Peace (MOP), an annual journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries. Included in this issue are reflections from two Upper New York youth who went on the MOP trip to Cuba earlier this year.
If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]
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Health Newsletter from the UNY Conference Benefits Office
The Benefits Office of the Upper New York Conference is happy to provide a new resource promoting personal wellness. This newsletter is produced quarterly by the Center for Health, which is a division of Wespath, dedicated to health and wellness products and resources addressing the five dimensions of well-being: physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial. To read the current newsletter,
Click here
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Apply for Peace With Justice Grant
Peace with Justice Grant applications are being accepted
through April 30.
The Peace with Justice Grants are provided by funds collected on Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six Special Sunday offerings required by the Book of Discipline. Half of all money collected in our conference stays right here to support new ministries that address justice issues.
For more information, and to apply:
Click here
For information and resources for Peace With Justice Sunday (May 27),
Click here
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Updated
Order Resources from Media Resource Center
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
To learn more about the center and to look through the online catalog
Click here
You will find a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use!
It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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Apply for Franklin J. Sherman Seminary Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the Franklin J. Sherman Seminary Scholarship.
The scholarship is to be awarded annually to one or more persons enrolled in a seminary accredited by the United Methodist Church, who is preparing for service as an ordained minister, a Minister of Christian Education, or Director of Christian Education. The award will be given in addition to scholarships awarded by the Upper New York Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. A person may receive the scholarship more than once. This scholarship is made possible by the Jordan UMC in the Crossroads District. Priority is given to members of that church and members of churches in the Crossroads District, and then to any church member in the UNY Conference. Deadline to apply: May 18. For more information, Click here For the application, Click here
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UPDATE
Imagine No Racism Launch Day: Saturday, April 21:
Required for pastors; recommended for all!
April 21 is the launch date for Imagine No Racism, a ministry of the Upper New York Conference with the goal to increase conversations on, and awareness of, racism and white privilege at the District and local church levels and to increase the number of ministries which impact racial justice within local churches and their surrounding communities.
This event will take place from
12:30 to 4 PM simultaneously at every District Communication Hub across the Conference. The Adirondack District's event will be held at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs (12866). It will include worship, a welcoming message from Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb live-streamed from the United Methodist Center; educational videos featuring members of the Bishop's Taskforce for eliminating racism; the formation of small groups; and more.
The small groups created on launch date will meet at least monthly using a curriculum designed in partnership with the General Commission on Religion and Race.
Click here
Click here to learn more about what to expect at the Imagine No Racism launch event.
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Jason Moore to present
Guest Readiness Seminar in South Glens Falls
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Jason Moore |
Please join us for a hands-on learning experience designed to help participants better connect and build lasting relationships with visitors, exploring the theme, "Five Things your Visitors are Thinking But Won't Ask." Presenter is nationally-known Jason Moore, author, speaker and worship coach.
Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM
Monday, April 30 at the South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803) to explore this topic with Jason Moore. Local church group participation is encouraged!
Sign-in and gathering time: 9:30 AM. The event starts at 10 AM sharp.
Admission is $5, which includes a catered lunch. If cost is a hardship, scholarships are available; we do not want to turn anyone away.
Please contact Carrie Boyer in the District Office for more information, [email protected] or (518) 480-4866.
To Register,
Click here
For the flyer: Click here (please disregard the registration form on the brochure). Register online from the link above, or call Carrie Boyer for assistance.
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Annual Conference Updates
Register for 2018 Annual Conference
Pastors, Lay Members, Equalization Members and Visitors to Conference: Register now for the Upper New York Annual Conference session, held May 30-June 2 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Registration closes at 11 PM April 29. The next opportunity to register is onsite.
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb describes what to look forward to at this year's Annual Conference. In addition to Conference "business," this event will offer the opportunity to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, others in the Conference, and the world around us through worship, fellowship, and exciting study sessions. To view the video:
Click here
(New)
Getting Ready for Annual Conference: Laying it Out: To help attendees feel prepared for spending a few days at a new facility at the 2018 Annual Conference, held May 30-June2 at the SRC Arena on Onondaga County Community College (OCC)'s campus, this article will share some general information about the layout of the space we are occupying at OCC. To read more,
Click here
Excused requests for the 2018 Annual Conference:
If you are clergy, your church's Lay Member, or an Equalization Member to Annual Conference and find that you are unable to attend all or part of the 2018 session, you must request to be excused. An
online form has been created which will direct your request to Bishop Webb:
Click here
Social Holiness Concerns: Conscience of the Conference: Click here
Getting Ready for Five Special Offerings at the Conference:
Click here
Seeking Nominations for 2018 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards:
Click here
The 26th Annual Palestinian Dinner: 5:15 PM Friday, June 1
at St. George Macedonian Orthodox Church, 5083 Onondaga Rd. (Rte. 173), Syracuse. There will be a brief program centering on the plight of Palestinian children plus hearing from Rev. Leanne Zeck who traveled to Palestine/Israel with Bishop Webb.
Reservations: Linda Bergh (315) 492-8507, 116 Edna Rd., Syracuse, NY 13205, or Karen Peterson, (607) 739-3141, 116 Greenridge Dr., Horseheads, NY 14845. Checks for $20 made out to "UNY Conference", with Palestinian Dinner" on the memo line/ an additional amount may be designated for the Gary Bergh Scholarship Fund, which enables young adults/ adults to travel to Palestine/ Israel to learn first-hand about peace and justice issues there.)
To register and for information on housing, meals and childcare,
Click here
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Previ
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From the Conference Office
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Job Opportunities at the Conference Office
For these job opportunities at the Conference,
Click here
-- Conference Treasurer
-- Payroll Specialist
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UNY Conference 2019 Narrative Budget booklet available
The first draft of the UNY Conference 2019 Narrative Budget booklet has been released.
As changes are needed, these digital copies of the budget booklets will be updated. When all updates are completed in the coming months, printed copies of the budget booklet will be available in the District Offices and at the UNY Conference Center. The final budget booklet will also be added to the 2018 Conference Journal, Vol. I.
To view the booklet from the Conference website,
Click here
To view from "Issuu"
Click here
To
gain an overview of how Ministry Shares support the Upper New York Budget in a new, dynamic video, starring many youth and adults across the Conference,
Click here
Printed copies of the Narrative Budget booklets will be made available at all District offices and are currently available at the United Methodist Center. Contact your District office to request your copy.
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Sign up for the Weekly Digest
The Weekly Digest is a wrap-up of news and information, along with feature articles, direct links to several "hot spots" on the Conference website, photos and more.
If you don't already subscribe but would like to look at this week's issue, be in touch with Carrie. To sign up to receive the Weekly Digest beginning next week, click here:
Weekly Digest
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Previously Run/Ongoing Interest
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2018 Camp Registration Open!
Registration for 2018 Summer Programs is now open!
Click here to browse all of our 2018 summer programs and to register. Don't forget to take advantage of our Early Bird Discounts before May : Individual $10 before May 1), Sibling ($20 per camper), and Refer-A-Friend ($40 for the referring friend) discounts! We've got big things planned this summer and we want YOU to be part of it! Register today! If there are any questions, please contact us at (toll free) 855-414-6400 or [email protected]
Day Camp/Open Houses make for a great church, family, youth group, or Sunday school outing and gives families a chance to meet staff and experience some fun camp activities. We hope to see you and a group from your church at one of our Open House/Day Camp Events.
Skye Farm's Open House is May 26, from 10 AM-3 PM Visit Open House
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United Methodist Men to Host Retreat, Open to All
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Bishop Swanson |
You are invited to attend this dynamic retreat hosted by United Methodist Men, "Transformation Through Christ," at Sky Lake in Windsor, NY, September 7-8. The retreat is open to all w
omen, children and men.
The Keynote Speaker is Bishop James E. Swanson Sr.
For the full article,
Click here
To read more about Bishop Swanson,
Click here
To view a video invitation from Bishop Mark J. Webb
Click here
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District Contact Information
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. William (Bill) Mudge, District Superintendent
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Rev. Bill Mudge |
Carrie Boyer, Administrative Assistant
Physical Location: 15 Maplewood Parkway (South Glens Falls UMC)
South Glens Falls 12803 (GPS)
Mailing Address: PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 480-4866
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