November 5, 2019 e-Newsletter

Finger Lakes District E-Newsletter November 5, 2019

Rev. McDowell

Welcome to the Finger Lakes District e -Newsletter! Please share this with church members and staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this a useful resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Finger Lakes District. If you have something you would like to see included in a future issue of this e-newsletter, send to [email protected]

May you have a blessed week!

Your friends at the Finger Lakes District Office,

Rev. Jeffrey McDowell, District Superintendent

Pam Deckard, Administrative Assistant

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Please contact the office via email (above) or phone (315-781-0188) and your messages will be responded to.

The next edition of this eNewsletter comes out on November 19, 2019. To submit an item for the newsletter, please have it to the district office by November 12. Thank you.

CLUSTER CHARGE CONFERENCES 2019:

NOV. 16 PENN YAN FIRST UMC ( 9:00 am - 12:30 pm )

NOV. 23 AUBURN UMC (9:00 am - 12:30 pm)

CLICK HERE

TO SEE WHERE YOUR CHURCH IS ASSIGNED **REVISED**

It's that Time of Year again

In preparation for the upcoming Church/Charge Conferences, the following information is now available:

Charge Conference forms are all located on the following page click here: 2019-2020 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 Church/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. Questions can be directed to your District Office or as noted on the forms page.

The 2020 Clergy Compensation Package information has been e-mailed 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 on an annual basis.

Information and forms, including the Salary Report Form and benefit cost information for 2020, can be on the following page:

2020 Pastor's Compensation. Questions about completing the compensation form can be directed either to your District Office or to the Benefits Office.

Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!

DS Calendar (always changing)

11/7 District Committee on Ministry

11/8 Lay Servant Retreat begins

11/11 Office

11/12-14 Cabinet meetings

11/16 Cluster Charge Conferences @ Penn Yan

11/17 Preach at Dryden @ 10:30

11/18 Office or Off

11/19 Mentor Training

11/20,21 Office

11/22 Off

11/23 Cluster Charge Conferences @ Wolcott

DS Available to Preach or Lead Worship at your church:

Jan. 12

Jan. 19

Jan. 26 Ovid Federated Church: Annual Meeting

Feb. 2

Feb. 9

Mar. 15

Mar. 22

Apr. 19

Apr. 26

How often do I need SS Training?

The Minimum Standard states that workers have a standard/basic training (such as what the UNY SS team provides) and an annual orientation/update. So if folks have had a basic/standard training, they are all set . An annual orientation is needed . The SS Team does not have a refresher or annual orientation available but suggest reviewing church's policy/procedures, inviting someone from the community to share info on a topic that is relevant to ministries/programs.

For instance - review procedures at VBS planning meetings. Local churches may have standards that exceed the minimum.

New issue of the Advocate available

The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.

The 2019 Issue 2 of the Advocate focuses on Discipleship Systems beyond Sunday services. You will find stories on ways that local churches throughout our Conference are making disciples of Jesus Christ both in their churches and in their communities. You will also find a plethora of resources on making disciples.

Click here for the latest issue of the Advocate on the Conference website; the printed version of this newsletter will be available in your local church.

From our Team Leader for Lay Servant Ministries:

I'm so excited to share with you all the details of the Finger Lakes District Lay Servant Ministries Fall Retreat at Casowasco! Please share this information with your friends and church families. All are welcome! First timers and youth have the opportunity to request a scholarship for the weekend registration. You can register online using the link in the brochure or by sending the brochure to Paula Aiken, registrar. See you there!

Lay Servant Retreat * Leading Public Prayer
What: Advanced Lay Servant Retreat - Leading Public Prayer
Where : Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, 158 Casowasco Drive, Moravia, NY 13118

When: Friday, November 8 at 5pm - Sunday, November 10 at 2pm

Who: Youth & Adults, Laity & Clergy
Cost: $210 with linens, 6 meals;

$200 no linens, 6 meals;

$100 commuter, 6 meals

Leading Public Prayer

led by Lucina Hallagan and Pastor Della Ludwig

We look forward to this prayer journey with you.

Please register by October 24. You are asked to purchase and read the entire book before the retreat.

Shaping the Prayers of the People, the art of intercession , by Samuel Wells & Abigail Kocher. ISBN 9780802870971

Online registration link http://bit.ly/19LSretreat
Payment is due at registration. Send check written to UNYAC to:
Paula Aiken
515 W. Dryden Rd.
Freeville, NY 13068

Youth and 1st time retreat participants are eligible to apply for a partial scholarship. Contact Jennie Young-Walczyk for scholarship information. PHONE: 603-667-8273 EMAIL: [email protected]
Registration and Scholarship Application Deadline: October 24.

Finger Lakes Lay Servant Ministries Team

Jennie Young-Walczyk, Team Leader

603.667.8273

CLICK HERE for Flyer/Brochure

Download the latest issue of the Bridge

The latest issue II 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 focuses on ways to celebrate Pentecost at home and also informs readers about the meaning of Peace with Justice Sunday.

The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church. The newest volume will be listed at the top of the web page, with older volumes below. The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected] .

The Bridge is a bi-monthly publication from September-May and for the months of June-August, the Bridge is published during the week prior to the third Sunday of the month.

Red Bird Mission - Shoeboxes

Aloquin Church at 2760 State Rte 5 & 20, Stanley, NY 14561 is a drop off location for the shoeboxes. Last day to drop off at Aloquin is Nov. 20 (FIRM DATE!) Please contact Dave Mott at 585-526-6713.

Another Drop off location is Christ UMC Church in Moravia, 36 Church St, Moravia, NY 13118. Contact Jerry Hall, (315) 515-9866.

shoe box items for adults and children, CLICK HERE

school supplies list, CLICK HERE

The Upper NY Local Pastors Licensing School for 2020 is as follows:

Date: April 19-25, 2020

Location: Camp Casowasco, Moravia, NY

Arrival time: Welcoming will begin at 4:15 on the 19th, dinner will be served at 5:30

On-line registration availability will be set up at the appropriate time.

If interpreter is required please inform me as soon as possible.

Caroline Simmons

[email protected]

Note for Local Pastors:

All Local Pastors must take COS-121 and COS-122 BEFORE they will be allowed to take any other classes in the COS system. Each seminary will determine how they are acquiring the information on whether the LP has taken these classes. Some will ask a question on the registration form others while others will be requesting transcripts to accompany any registration for classes.

If an LP needs to obtain a copy of their transcript they can email [email protected]. I receive a copy of the transcripts for this conference in February of each year. If they contact me at [email protected] I can email them a copy of this. However if they prefer to get the most updated transcripts they would need to contact GBHEM at the email listed above.

The Book of Discipline states part-time local pastors must complete 2 COS courses per year to make satisfactory progress. You may take as many as your Conference approves.

Any questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for your help in spreading the word.

Betsy O'Flynn

Candidacy, BOM

1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (mailing)

585-340-9558

Please Note:

If there are changes in the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for you, and/or any of your committee chairs, please contact the district office with the changes. Thank you

Safe Sanctuaries Minimum Standards

The Minimum Standards have been established by the Upper New York Annual Conference for all ministries. They are not inspirational, but set minimum standards to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Without exception, these standards apply to all local churches/charges, district and annual conference ministries, and those who serve within. Click here for more information.

Click here to go to UNYAC safe sanctuary information.

Background Checks - will be conducted every two years.

Click here to learn more about background checks and for information on the Trusted Employees services, a corporate partner of Church Mutual.

Disaster Relief Information

When your home has been flooded and black mold is growing in your walls, the last word you want to hear is "wait."

Yet, that's exactly what our neighbors in North Carolina had to do in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in 2018. The need was so great that, nine months after the storm, many homes had not even been touched. Some of the same families were still waiting for help to recover from Hurricane Matthew in 2017.

When others said, "Wait," UMCOR supporters like you said, "We're here."

Because of dedicated donors, recovery work is moving forward in North Carolina. UMCOR grants are covering repair costs and case-management support for families.

Of course, that's just one of many places around the world where your UMCOR support has provided relief. When Cyclone Idai devastated parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi early this year, your generosity allowed UMCOR to extend relief in the form of temporary shelter, food and hygiene items. In the two years since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, UMCOR has offered aid for long-term recovery efforts.

In both the immediate and lingering aftermath of storms and disasters, your UMCOR support is there, helping communities recover. CLICK HERE to read more.

Suicide Prevention Event

What : A Documentary and Movement spreading hope and preventing suicide

When : Saturday, November 16, 2019 @ 4:00pm.

Where : Manchester UMC, 12 State St., Manchester NY

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suicide-the-ripple-effect-screening-tickets-73681500351 OR search eventbrite.com for Suicide The Ripple Effect with our location and date information.

On average, there are 129 suicides per day. (asfp.org)
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24 years. (save.org)
1 in 100,000 children ages 10 to 14 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)
7 in 100,000 youth ages 15 to 19 die by suicide each year. (NIMH)

Minimum Wage to Increase

Effective December 31, 2019, New York State minimum wage will increase to $11.80/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. The minimum wage will continue to increase annually until it meets $12.50/hour on December 31, 2020. Future increases after 2020, will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year.

An updated NYS Minimum Wage poster must be posted at your work site for your employees to see by December 31, 2019. Once it is available, the Conference office will post it on our Church Employer webpage under Employment Law Compliance and Posters

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at 315-898-2017 or

[email protected]

Group Ruling on Tax Status

United Methodist Churches are classified as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Your church may need to prove this status to various organizations. They will be looking for your tax ID and a copy of the Group Ruling Letter. General Conference on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has automated the process for obtaining this letter.

Click here to request a copy for your church from the legal department of GCFA. You will need to provide your church's name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and approximate charger date.

Contact GCFA Legal Services Department at [email protected] with additional questions.

New structure in UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries

Camp & Retreat Ministries is one of the most effective ways to introduce young people to God, especially in current times with the decline in the number of youth members throughout the Methodist Church. Upper New York (UNY) wants to maintain thriving Camp

& Retreat ministries and has made a decision that will help make this possible. Michael Huber, the current Director of UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries, as well as the Director of the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, will be leaving his position at Casowasco to focus his efforts full-time on his role as UNY's Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries.

Click here to read the full story and learn about Huber's many accomplishments during his time at Casowasco.

CCRM Retreat Opportunities

As we transition here at Casowasco into our retreat season, we are looking for new opportunities and new ways to partner with local churches. We are looking to offer the Mt. Tabor Cabins at a very affordable rate for youth groups which desire an outdoor, rustic retreat experience. Click below for a flyer detailing pricing, facility information, and program offerings. Mt. Tabor Rental Flyer

Wayne County Sudden Loss Resource Network

What is a sudden and/or traumatic loss? death by suicide, drug overdose resulting in death, fatal car/ATV/snowmobile accident, drowning, homicide, medical related death.

Resources can include but are not limited to: 1:1 conversations, telephone conversations, information and referral, problem solving and practical assistance.

For more information, contact: Suzanne Catholdi, Coordinator

Office: 315-946-5754

Operated by Wayne County, Department of Mental Health

Syracuse Crunch UMC Night

Tickets are now available for the UMC Nights at the Syracuse Crunch. Tickets are $17 each (savings of up to $10 off Box Office rate). There is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase. Tickets are available at www.syracusecrunch.com/unyumc . You may also contact Mark Hayes at the Crunch office at 315-937-9501 or email him at [email protected] . Please be sure to use PROMO CODE unyumc to receive the discounted price.

Saturday, November 16, at 7 pm vs. Cleveland Monsters

Saturday, January 11, at 7 pm vs. Rochester Americans