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WELCOME FRIENDS !
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 an invaluable 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
Office Hours: Pam will be working from home Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and in the Seneca Falls Office
Tuesdays and
Thursdays 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. You can call the office at any time (315-781-0188). Or email. Thank you.
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The next edition of this eNewsletter comes out on July 24, 2018. To submit an item for the newsletter, please have it to the district office by July 19. Thank you.
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DS NOTES
: July 11, 2018
"You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
- Jesus speaking, Matthew 5:48
We Christians are a people motivated by the perfect love of God. We live in this love as imperfect human beings, meaning we make mistakes all the time and hurt each other, sometimes knowing it and sometimes not knowing the effect our words and actions have. One question asked of candidates for ordination comes from John Wesley: "Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life?" It is a question that brings us up short. It is difficult to answer with a straight face. But the word translated "perfect" in some translations of the bible more closely means "mature" or "fully developed." Be gentle with yourself but do not stop striving for maturity in love toward God and one another. Everyone can improve in this area. In fact, it is what will help us in the church and in the world God loves so much.
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Join us for the 2018 Bishop's Retreat
Bishop's Retreat
October 23-25, 2018!
Genesee Grande Hotel, Syracuse, NY
"Living, Leading and Equipping for Biblical Stewardship"
Our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clif Christopher, M. Div., CFRE Dr. Clif Christopher founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 following a challenging career in pastoral ministry. He serves as the company's CEO to this day. In his twenty years as a pastor, he led numerous major building and capital campaigns. Since founding Horizons, he and his strategists have led consultations in over 2,000 churches, conferences, synods and diocese in all phases of building, finance, and church growth.
Dr. Christopher is a certified church growth consultant and has earned the coveted title CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive). In 1995, he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by the United Methodist Church for outstanding leadership in developing vital congregations
Click Here
for information and to register
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Sky Lake Campbassador E-mail Sign-up Link
Click here to sign up.
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SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION!
The Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry Area is excited to share our 2018 summer camp and retreat programs with you! Discover five awesome s
ites with over 200 programs. Summer Camp provides endless laughter, meaningful worship, and important friendships.
Retreats provide a unique experience in a beautiful setting. Click here to discover the best program for you or your child based on age, interests, and sites.
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Our Summer Camps
"THERE ARE SPACES for campers, families, and retreat-goers in almost all
of our programming for this summer/fall, so it's not to late to inquire about
or register for camps and retreats!"
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Aldersgate:
July 8-11: Summer Camp: Beginnings (Ages 6-9)
July 8-13: Summer Camp: Campolodeon & You Can't Do That At Aldersgate (Ages 7-18)
July 13-15: Family: Family Life Weekend (All Ages)
July 14: Summer Camp: One Day Adventure (Ages 4-8)
October 13: 9am-4pm: Volunteer Work Day (All Ages)
Asbury:
July 1: 2pm-5pm: Open House (All Ages)
July 15-19: Reach Out: Community Mission Experience (Youth & Adults)
July 22-25: Retreat: Asbury Express I (Ages 7-9)
July 22-25: Retreat: Asbury Express II (Ages 10-12)
July 29-August 1: Retreat: Asbury Express III (Ages 13-18)
August 5-7: Family: Together Time: A Family Retreat (All Ages)
August 19-21: Retreat: Welcome to the Table: A Women's Retreat (Adults)
September 28-30: Retreat: Craft & Quilt Retreat (Adults)
Casowasco:
June 24-August 3: Summer Camp: Various Programming (Ages 6-18)
August 5-8: Special Needs: Summershine (Ages 16+ with Special Needs)
August 5-8: Family: Father-Son Adventure (Ages 4+);
Mother-Daughter Adventure (Ages 4+); Family Camp (All Ages)
August 5-9: Leadership: Director's Invitational (Ages 14-18)
September 1: Leadership: Youth Worker's Training Day (Adults)
September 20-23: Retreat: Quilt By Faith (Adults)
December 5-7: Retreat: Be Still {a silent retreat} (Adults)
December 30-January 1, 2019: Retreat: Camp Echo (Ages 7-18)
Sky Lake:
June 24-August 3: Summer Camp: Various Programming (Ages 5-18)
June 24-August 10: Special Needs: Various Programming
(Ages 15-70 with Special Needs)
August 12-15: Family: Intergenerational Camp (All Ages)
August 31: September 3: Family: Labor Day Family Weekend (All Ages)
October 5-7: Retreat: Ladies of the Lake (Adults/Women)
October 21: Retreat: S'MORE Time (Grades 6-12)
November 8-10: Leadership: L.E.A.D.
(Leadership Enrichment & Development) (Adults)
Skye Farm:
June 24-August 3: Summer Camp: Various Programming (Ages 6-18)
August 5-8: Family: Family Adventure Camp (All Ages)
August 10-13: Family: Alumni Reunion (All Ages)
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2018 Camp and Retreat Ministries spring newsletter available
The most recent Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM) Xenia News newsletter is now available on the Conference website and Issuu.com.
Click here
to read this issue, which includes: a letter from CRM executive assistant Joan Newlon (who shares exciting news), updates from CRM staff, exciting programs taking place this summer, and news from each of the CRM sites.
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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
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Students: Apply now for 2018
UNY Conference Scholarships
United Methodist high school seniors and college students are invited to apply for two scholarships offered by the Upper New York Conference: Conference Merit Awards and Lottie Brown Grants. Application forms and guidelines are available now. Click here for more information and to apply.
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Word from Charles Wesley:
Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine
Words: Charles Wesley, 1762 (Jer. 50:5)
Music: English melody; arr. by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
1. Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord,
in a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord;
Give up ourselves, thru Jesus' power, his name to glorify;
and promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die.
2. The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind;
we will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind.
We never will throw off the fear of God who hears our vow;
and if thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now.
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Laity Banquet
Su
nday, October 21, 2018 at Club 86 in Geneva.
3:30 - 6:30 pm.
86 Avenue East, Geneva, NY 14456 $22 per person. Reservations to the District Office.
More information to come in later issues of this newsletter.
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Each year, more than 3,500 Church Mutual Insurance Company customers are affected by water damage. Unchecked, water can wreak havoc on unmonitored facilities, causing thousands of dollars in clean up and repairs.
To help prevent future losses, Church Mutual has developed the CM Sensor Program to help protect your organization against water damage. This innovative program is offered at no cost to you as a Church Mutual customer. The program alerts you to temperature fluctuations and the presence of water in your facility. To date, more than 5,000 houses of worship have already enrolled in this innovative program!
Enroll at https://www.churchmutual.com/sensors/registration.cfm or call 1 (800) 554-2642, option 1 to receive your no-cost CM Sensor kit. For a limited time, enrollment in the sensor program comes with FREE professional installation! *
Find more information on the CM Sensor Program click here.
*Professional installation is not required. Sensors are designed to be self-installed. Editor's Note: The following email is a follow-up about the Water Sensor Program from Church Mutual that was discussed during the Trustee's Report at the Upper New York Annual Conference.
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How to use VitalSigns
We introduced you to VitalSigns, a platform that can help your church to track key
indicators and uncover important insights. Click here to watch a video that shows you just how easy this program is to use.
Track data, gain insight, and help your church with VitalSigns
The VitalSigns dashboard is a tool that allows churches to track church growth indicators, such as weekly worship attendance, professions of faith, small group participation, missional participation, and financial giving. It is a deeper level of insight, support, and accountability that tracks and trends vital information in an easy-to-understand dashboard.
The General Council on Finance and Administration pays for this software through
General Church apportionment's - which the Upper New York Conference paid in full in 2016. The UNY Conference began using VitalSigns about 18 months ago, and so far, 38 UNY churches have signed up. Click here to learn how VitalSigns can help your church.
For more information about the VitalSigns tool, free to all United Methodist churches, contact Aaron Bouwens, Upper New York Conference Director of Vital Congregations at
[email protected]
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Cayuga United Methodist Church Building Sesquicentennial Celebration
Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Harris Park,
12:00 to 4:00 pm
Vendors, Entertainment, Games, Raffle
Chicken Dinner - Tickets $10.00
Please Pickup Dinners by 1:30 pm
For Tickets call Tara 315-702-8057
Cayuga UMC
is celebrating 186 years of ministry to the community
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The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society was organized by the Upper New York Commission on Archives and History to promote and preserve Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren history within the bounds of Upper New York Conference. Its mission is to Preserve the PAST; Inform the FUTURE.
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ESI's (Employee Assistance Group) TotalCare EAP can help
with virtually every area of life. See flyer (
click here) for more information. Or go to:
www.theEAP.com or call: 800-252-4555
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Important information about attendance at Annual Conference:
All pastors are required to attend and participate in all days, hours, and sessions of Annual Conference Session. All lay churches are required to have a lay member from their church attend all days, hours, and sessions. Vacations, trips, weddings, funerals, worship services, etc. take second priority to this "holy conferencing." Last month I noticed some of each category not present at part or all of our session due to other interests or commitments which could have been changed. The dates are now set for next year's session. Please put this in your calendar as if you were going out of the country. It is that important, including attending the ordination service. Jeff McDowell
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The latest 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.
As a bi-monthly publication, the Bridge can be used this Sunday or next, whichever is most useful to the local church. 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 webpage, 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]
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Subject: Academic Year 2018-2019 Course of Study, Buffalo, NY Extension School
The Buffalo Course of Study Extension is a program of the United Methodist Church designed to help equip local pastors for the ministry of Jesus!
The summer session of Course of Study, Buffalo, NY Extension School is being held August 10-11 and September 13-14, 2018. If you are planning to appoint any new local pastors and they wish to attend, they should have their registration for courses in our hands by June 11 and their tuition paid by June 26.
If anyone has any questions or needs clarification, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 716-875-5091 ext 206 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am-3 pm.
Barb Sercu
COS Staff Support
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Volume 10, Issue 2, of the Upper New York Advocate focuses on vital congregations and leadership. The theme is "Spiritually planning our way forward." You will learn about the five markers of vitality and churches that are succeeding in those areas. You will find testimonials of pastors who are learning that VitalSigns is an incredible resource. Looking for courses or programs to strengthen your leadership? You will learn about many opportunities in this issue of the Advocate. This issue also points to dozens of resources that can help you on your path to becoming a vital congregation.
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. The Advocate is the Conference's ministry magazine.
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Mission u (formerly known as School of Christian Mission) was created by Methodist women in the early-20th century in order 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. In our Upper New York Conference, Mission u is a "cooperative school", sponsored by both Conference United Methodist Women and the churches of our Upper New York Conference. We welcome women & men and, in the case of the Cazenovia venue, children and youth.
We offer opportunities for study and fellowship in three different venues, each held on a different weekend in the summer. Each venue has its own special flavor. At Mission u, we grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context as we "learn together for the transformation of the world". The three studies offered each year cover three aspects: spiritual growth, geographical and social issues. CLICK HERE for more information.
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39th Annual United Methodist Night at the Ballpark Tuesday July 17!
It's time again for the United Methodist Night at the Ballpark! Tuesday, July 17th at NBT Bank Stadium, near DestiNY USA and the Regional Transportation Center on the north side of Syracuse. Our opponent is defending Triple A National Champion Durham Bulls, top farm team of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The UNY Conference-wide tailgate party begins at 4:45 pm. Bring a dish to pass and your own drinks and table service. The district United Methodist Men will be grilling hot dogs and coneys for all. Bring with you some non-perishable foods or canned goods to donate to the Food Bank of CNY.
Join the Conference as we sing the National Anthem at home plate at 6:15. At 6:35 District Admin Anne Hutchins will lead with the first pitch! (Editor's note: I will need a lot of grace with that pitch!)
Click here
for flyer with more information and an order form. Please contact Steve Ranous at
[email protected]
or 315-427-3515 with any questions.
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UMM Retreat
We are very excited to be hosting this dynamic retreat at Skylake in Windsor, NY on September 7-8, 2018.
This retreat is open to everyone, of all denominations as well as to women, children, families etc.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
Thank you so much and may the Lord bless you as you continue to do the Lord's work. FLYER
In Christ,
Sanjay Solomon,
(937) 626-5247
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Is your church offering a VBS Program this Summer ?
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If your church is offering a VBS program this summer and you would like it in the District Newsletter. Please send the following information.
Title of VBS Program
WHEN: Month & date(s), 2018
WHERE:
Name of church or facility it is being held at
Location address of facility (Street, City, State, Zip)
TIME:
Time period that event is being held
REGISTRATION/CONTACT NUMBER-
Phone number for registration or questions.
OTHER:
Any details that you would like to share
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Join
Port Byron UMC to experience the production of
JESUS
We are taking a bus to Lancaster Pa. on
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
For a one day trip (8am to 11pm)
We have reserved 50 fifty seats and a comfy tour bus.
on the ride down two rest stops and a lunch break.
Total cost for trip $116 for adults and $86 children under 12
Non-refundable deposit of $60 due by May 1st
2nd payment $30 due by June 1st
3rd final payment $26 due by September 1st. ALL CHECKS MADE OUT TO 'PBUMC"
please send checks to: Port Byron 1st Methodist
PO Box 344
Port Byron, NY 13140
Phone: April Kurtz 315/776-4051 Ron Mills 315/253-4016
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North Rose UMC Vacation Bible School
NRUMC's VBS will be
Sunday July 29 - Thursday August 2, 2018 from
6 - 8 pm, ages preschool through those who have just completed fifth grade. The theme of our VBS will be: "Rolling River Ride - Catch The Current Of Christ' Power."
To celebrate and launch our Summer VBS Program, North Rose UMC will be hosting a:"Splash into VBS,' Community Party,
Saturday July 28, 2018 from
12 noon - 5 pm. Hot Dogs/Ice Cream/Soft Drinks for refreshments, with games for all ages, A Bounce House, Water Slide, Featured Favorites for kids. Basket Door Prizes, will be given for those who attend. Pre-registration for VBS will also be available on Saturday, for parents/guardians who would like their children to attend VBS, the next evening.
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Workshop and Conference Sponsored by the Voyagers
For Leaders and Coaches: Clergy, Educators, Therapists
Location: Buffalo, New York Area
The Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen family systems theory and its application to congregations and leadership by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. We believe that the factual approach of Murray Bowen that underlies his theory and the creative and imaginative use of theory by Edwin Friedman provide a unique understanding of human functioning for life, leadership, coaching, and ministry.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - Bowen Theory Introduction and Application
Location: Westin Hotel, Buffalo
Time and Cost: TBA
Thursday, November 15, 2018 - Conference with Dr. Michael Kerr
Theme - Bowen Theory's Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families
Location: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cost: TBA
For information and early bird registration,
phone: 716-479-7933
363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226
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Puerto Rico Mission Trip
Is God calling you to be part of the solution in working with the people of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria? The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico is ready to host teams as they serve rebuilding in their country.
Join the Finger Lakes District Mission Team:
January 19-26, 2019
Accommodations-Retreat Center or local church--bunks, meals, water, transportation to worksites.
Cost: $1200 includes airfare
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Red Bird Mission 2018
CLICK HERE for shoebox information for Red Bird 2018. Please consider being part of this vital mission. If you have any questions, please let us know, you can contact the Endwell UMC at 607-754-5735 or Dave Alexander at 607-743-8955.
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Kick off your multigenerational fall program with an easy-to-do mission trip. We do the groundwork, you participate with youth and adults! What a way to experience the joy of fellowship through mission trips at a low cost, close to home! You'll also be able to experience summer camp on Seneca Lake - It's all in there!
Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake is practically in your backyard. Check out the flyer (
attached). It isn't too late to give us a call or shoot us an email to get your trip underway.
For more information or to register, contact Lea Kone at
(315) 536-7753 extension 4
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If you would like to subscribe to this e-newsletter, please send your email address to:
[email protected]
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Finger Lakes District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Jeffrey McDowell
,
District Superintendent
Pam Deckard,
Administrative Assistant
12 North Park St., Suite 11
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Office: 315-781-0188 efax: +1-315-282-2367
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