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"
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
"
Psalm 19:1
New International Version
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
October 26, 2019
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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 the October 23 Local Church Events, Click here
To view the Oct. 5 District Newsletter,
Click here
The newsletter is usually sent out every other Saturday,
with updates sent weekly in the Wednesday Local Church News and Events.
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Churches can be a "New Places for New People" partner
These excerpts from an article by Shannon Hodson, Communications staff member of the Upper New York Conference, highlight an opportunity for us to really live out our connectionalism and intentional discipleship at the same time!
"New Places for New People" is an Upper New York Conference campaign to raise funds for existing and new New Faith Communities. This campaign began last spring and gained a lot of momentum at the Upper New York Annual Conference in June. It's not too late to become a "New Places for New People" Partner. The target deadline has been extended to December 31, 2019.
This fall, the Rev. Dave Masland, Director of New Faith Communities, is focusing on churches who would like to become "New Places for New People" Partners.
While churches who donate $500 or more will receive a New Places for New People certificate of recognition, any church that participates in this campaign, even with a small donation, will be considered "New Places for New People" Partner Churches.
Mentioning a few very small congregations that made donations less than $100, Rev. Masland said, "I consider any church who makes any donation, no matter how small, to be a 'New Places for New People' Partner. It impresses me that small congregations are participating in this campaign."
What a wonderful challenge for us in the Adirondack District! Let's see if we can join together so that EVERY church in the district is a partner church. ANY donation of ANY amount will make you a partner church. Donations can be sent in with your ministry shares, and marked for "New Places for New People." We already have some New Faith Communities in the Adirondack District, and more are being developed right now! Let's all be part of this movement to disciple people for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
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All Saints Day, also called the Feast of All Saints or All Souls Day is observed every year on the first day of November. United Methodist Churches honor the memory of deceased loved ones. This slideshow includes some of the ways churches remember those who have passed. To view the slideshow,
Click here.
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Resources available for mental health ministries
Christians are called to offer healing and compassion to all those who suffer whether their pain is physical, emotional or mental in nature. The United Methodist Church is committed to helping persons experiencing mental illness while promoting good mental health for all people. The Church's witness takes many forms of advocacy, education, healing, prayer and self-care. To view a number of resources to help churches along in their mental health ministries,
click here.
To read a story about how to be present for those who suffer from depression,
click here.
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Global Mission Fellows program accepting applications
The Global Mission Fellows program is accepting applications between now and Jan. 7,
2020. This two-year program is a great way for young adults between the ages of 20-30 to engage with local communities outside of their home context, connect with the church in mission, and grow in social holiness. All who fall within this age range and have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent life experience) who are passionate about putting their faith into action while addressing the root causes of injustice are encouraged to apply
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Resources available for United Methodist Student Day
United Methodist Student Day is on November 24. Our generosity will provide scholarships to students who need financial assistance to further their education and become strong Christian leaders.
United Methodist Communications has assembled resources to encourage and jumpstart your celebration. We've put together sermon starters, talking points, bulletin inserts, videos and other resource that will help educate your congregation on the importance of supporting this church-wide special Sunday with offering.
Click here to find resources to support your preparations for this Special Sunday.
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Get information about United Methodist schools, colleges, etc.
Choosing the right school can be an overwhelming part of a student's educational journey. The UMC.org School Showcase provides a place for students and families to find information about United Methodist schools, seminaries, colleges, universities and other institutions that serve United Methodist students
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Wespath Using Financial Clout for Climate Change
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) - Officials with the agency that administers United Methodist pension funds and benefits programs are touting its efforts to be environmentally friendly. But some say the progress is happening too slowly. Jim Patterson reports. Click here to read more.
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Webinar series helps you 'sift through the facts'
What do the opioid crisis, supporting your pastor and
Social Security have in common?
All are among the topics for "Sifting through the Facts," a webinar series for United Methodists from Wespath. The denomination's pension and health benefits agency began the series in May. Each segment is archived for on-demand viewing.
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Photo courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History
Admittance to a Society Meeting required a ticket from a Class Meeting. Around the edges of this ticket from 1814 are several reminders of acts of piety.
How did John Wesley empower lay people?
Nearly all the leaders of the early Methodist societies were lay people. John Wesley established a system to develop and empower them by organizing them in small groups for accountability and support for living the Christian life. The intent was to help people become disciples who live out their love of God and neighbor.
Each week, the small groups - or "classes" - of 12-15 members of a Methodist society met weekly with their leader to give an account of how they were living their faith as they answered the question: "
How is it with your soul?" guided by the Methodist rule of life, the
General Rules.
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What's New from the Conference Office?
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Does your church help the homeless?
How does your church help the homeless? The Conference is currently planning the next issue of the Advocate, which focuses on the theme, "Reaching New People." One section of this issue will focus on ministry with the homeless. Does your church have a homeless ministry? If so, we want to hear from you! Tell us about your ministry by emailing [email protected] by Friday, Nov. 1.
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Join United Methodist Men for "Work Day"
Join the Upper New York United Methodist Men (UNYUMM) on Saturday, Nov. 9 for a "Sharing the Blessings" work day from 9 AM to 4 PM. at the UNY Mission Central HUB at the Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool (13088). The main project for this work day will be constructing wooden blessing boxes. Pizza will be served for lunch. Men, women, and children welcomed as are those with all levels of experience. Please register for this event by Monday, October 28 by contacting Mike Block at (315) 898-2066 or [email protected] OR Mark Jones at (315) 749-3700 or [email protected]. Click here to learn more about this work day and the importance of blessing box ministries.
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Minimum Wage to Increase
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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].
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Youth Fall Event East!
7 PM Friday, November 8 to 3 PM Saturday, November 9 at the Albany- McKownville, UMC.
Click here to download a registration form.
Please register by November 1!
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Church Finance Training
Calling all Treasurers, Financial secretaries,
Finance Committee Chairs, Pastors, and anyone contemplating filling one of these roles!!!
Saturday, November 9
9AM - Noon at Adirondack Community Church, Lake Placid OR
3PM - 6PM at Saratoga Springs UMC
Rev. Sue Ranous, Ordained Deacon, CPA, and chair of our Conference Committee on Finance and Administration, is coming to our district to offer church finance training.
Topics to be addressed include:
- Financial standards for local churches
- How to prepare a financial statement
- Bookkeeping simplified
- Payroll for non-clergy employees
- 1099 vs. W-2
- Clergy taxes
- EZRA preparation
- Audits
- Restricted vs. non-restricted funds
This is a great opportunity to get up-to-date on current IRS and UMC requirements, and to find some more efficient ways to be good stewards of the finances of our churches.
Please register with Carrie Boyer. Call (518) 480-4866 or send an email to [email protected]
To view the flyer
click here.
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Order Potatoes for Nov. 16 Pickup at Conference Center
On Saturday, Nov. 16, 50-pound bags of potatoes will be available to pick up at no cost for local food pantries, individuals, families, and community organizations that feed the hungry. Tom Pelkey from the Society of St. Andrew and a group of volunteers will be at UNY United Methodist Center, located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool, distributing potatoes to all that registered from 8-11 a.m. The Society of St. Andrew is an organization that collects excess food from farmers to provide to the hungry. Deadline to register is Nov. 1. To order up to 100 of the 50- pound bags for pick-up, contact Tom Pelkey at 315-559-3832 or email at [email protected]
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Early Response Team Disaster training and Team Leader Training to be held in Clifton Park on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3
A basic Early Response Team (ERT) disaster training course will be offered Saturday,
Nov. 2 at the Shenendehowa UMC, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park (12065). The class will start at 8:30 AM with registration and coffee and will conclude at 5 PM. The course will be facilitated by Rev. Carl Shepard and Marybeth (Beth) Ingalls. Both are experienced in disaster relief and are approved United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ERT Trainers. We guarantee you will be blessed by these two people and well prepared for the field by the end of the day. If you are able to attend, please register at www.bit.ly/2019CliftonPark The website provides additional information prior to the registration submission.
In addition, Mike Block and Marybeth, both from the conference center Mission HUB, will hold a Team Leader Training (TLT) on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1 PM to 5 PM at the same location. This class will help you become not only qualified but also competent to lead an UMVIM team for disaster response, medical missions, youth trips, and even international mission trips. This course also includes fund-raising ideas and a suggested time line for team preparations, especially for large groups taking trips within a year.
Take a look at Mission Hub videos:
Click here
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Updated or Previously Announced
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 13 ad interim appointments.
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Join together in Mission to Uganda and Kenya
Rev. Bill Mudge, our former District Superintendent, has embarked on a mission
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Bill Mudge |
trip to Kenya and Uganda. He is inviting us to be a part of that mission by supporting it with prayers and donations.
God will, no doubt, do powerful things in and through his team as they preach and pray and learn from the Body of Christ in Kenya and Uganda, and he will bring these lessons and blessing back to our family.
From District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl:
Some of you may recall that we received an offering at Bill's farewell service that went toward a publishing fund for this ministry. How awesome to know that the funds have already been used, and have been helpful! Let's continue that powerful witness through our dear friend and pastor who continues to also offer ministry and support to our district
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If you would like to be part of this ministry by offering financial support, you may send funds to our Adirondack District Office, P.O. Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Checks may be made payable either to Rev. Bill Mudge or Baldwinsville UMC, with "Uganda mission" in the memo line
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Thank you so much! What a great opportunity to be part of the Methodist movement in another part of the world! Then, we'll try to schedule an opportunity for Bill, and maybe others on the mission team, to come to the district to share their learnings with us.
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(Update)
Redbird Mission Collection Begins
As you begin your fall planning, please consider a collection for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Items and shoe boxes are needed for Christmastime.
If your church is willing to be a collection site, please contact the District Office
The Adirondack District has two collection sites.
The Adirondack District Office at South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803). Contact Carrie (518) 480-4866 to arrange a drop-off by Nov. 5.
The Whiteface Community UMC's parsonage (in Wilmiington). Contact the Rev. Chrys Beck at [email protected] to arrange a drop-off by Nov. 5.
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District Confirmation Retreat: Are you interested?
The Rev. Phil Richards of the Plattsburgh UMC is interested in putting together a District
Confirmation Retreat in the Spring of 2020, location yet to be determined. This would be a District ministry for youth to explore their faith and find their place in the local church. This retreat would include: History of the UMC, Mission and Service, Worship and Sacrament, Spiritual Journey components and Discipleship Training. This would all be geared to youth Grades 6 through 12.
He would like to recruit leaders who have a passion and gift for connecting with youth. He is looking to see if there is an interest on the District to offer this opportunity. Please contact Phil if your church has an interest in participating, along with approximately how many youth in your church might come to this event. This would be a great supplement for Confirmation Classes. Please contact Phil at
[email protected] or (518) 563-2992.
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Church Conference forms available online
The 2019-2020 Church Conference forms are available online. Many of these forms were due two weeks prior to your Church Conference. Please do your best to get the outstanding forms in to us as soon as possible.
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Check out the Media Resource Center:
Advent and Christmas resources available!
Programming for Advent and Christmas? Take advantage of the Upper NY Media Resource Center! Are you a new Pastor or Christian Ed Director? Are you in a new appointment? Would you like to try something different in your church? Remember to check with the Media Resource Center for what is available to borrow before you purchase something. Your Shared Ministry dollars have already paid for the resources we have in the library, so why pay twice! Give Karen Campolieto, coordinator of the Media Resource Center, a call (315-898-2027), email her ([email protected]), or check out the online catalog.
The easy online ordering is just a click away. Your order will be sent through the USPS and you'll get a mail back envelope and label with instructions on mailing. Your only cost is the postage to return it.
To learn more about the center, to look through the online catalog and view the October newsletter,
Click here
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(Updated)
Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
Please watch the Adirondack Newsletter for the new schedule for all the classes leading to Certified Lay Servant and Speaker which will begin in March of 2020.
Albany District Lay Servant Classes
The Advanced Lay Servant Course "Called to Preach" will be facilitated by Glenn Harrison, Certified Lay Minister. The two-session course will be held from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM on
Saturdays, March 7 and 21,
2020 at Newtonville UMC, 568 Loudon Rd, Latham (12110). The cost is $10; make checks payable to UNYAC (Upper NY Annual Conference). Please purchase the book From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton F. Guthrie, available through Cokesbury, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. To register contact Glenn Harrison at
The Advanced Lay Servant Course "Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition" will be facilitated by Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh. The two-session course will be held from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM on
Saturdays, April 25 and May 2, 2020 at Living Hope UMC, 126 Middletown Rd, Waterford (12188). The cost is $10; make checks payable to UNYAC (Upper NY Annual Conference). Please purchase the book Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper, available through Cokesbury,
Bookstore.UpperRoom.org, or Amazon. To register contact Pastor Danyal at
[email protected]
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, Click here
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High-Five Relay Campaign for HUB
With recent natural disasters, UMCOR warehouses across the country are becoming
empty. Here in UNY, our Mission Central HUB has started a high-five relay campaign to help raise funds and supplies for items needed in the cleaning kits and hygiene kits we assemble for UMCOR.
How does this work? Get your church or group members together and have a high-five relay. Each person contributes $5 or as much as they can, and the total amount can be written in a check to Upper New York Mission Central HUB or donated through our website or Facebook page.
Click here to watch a video of the Upper New York Conference staff and volunteers enjoying their high-five relay. Feel free to share your cell phone video of the relay by emailing it to [email protected] or posting in the comments section of our Facebook high-five relay post.
UMCOR has assigned the relief fund # 982450 to directly support Dorian Relief.
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We invite you to explore resources below that can connect yourself, your church and your community to UMCOR's (United Methodist Committee on Relief) work in disaster preparedness and response.
UMCOR has assigned the relief fund # 982450 to directly support Dorian Relief.
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Hygiene Kits Needed
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is focusing
on the desperate need for hygiene kits around the world in places such as the transition shelters along the U.S. Mexico border.
To learn how to assemble a kit, Click here
Click here
to make a donation.
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Cleaning Buckets are needed
Is your congregation interested in assembling UMCOR cleaning kits? Do it the right way by avoiding some of the common mistakes people make when putting the kits together. For example, air fresheners and insect repellents cannot be aerosol.
Click here to watch a video of Mike Block, Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, presented in David Letterman-fashion, the Top 10 mistakes made in assembling cleaning kits.
For instructions on how to assemble a cleaning kit, hygiene kit or school kit: Click here
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Council on Finance and Administration offers handbooks on website
Your Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) has been working on developing the CF&A section of our Conference website. Some new arrivals on that section of the web-page include handbooks. The topics covered by these various handbooks is:
- Clergy Tax
- Finance and Standards
- Payroll
- Clergy Compensation
- Internal Church Audits
- Ministry Shares
- Two-part Handbook with multiple resources
You can locate these handbooks on the Conference website (unyumc.org), selecting "Finance" under "Resources" and then select Conference Council on Finance and Administration (on right-hand sidebar). To read more,
click here.
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Explore United Methodist resources
Wondering where to find resources from the United Methodist Church?
Click here
Find information on how to order for Special Sundays, apply for grants and loans, and more.
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UNY Methodist Historical Society Publication available
The Upper New York United Methodist
Historical Society (UNY
-
UMHS) has a new publication,
UNY
Historical News & Views. This email newsletter includes Methodist historical vignettes,
Methodist/Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) materials from the Upper New York archives and news. To view the first issue,
click here.
Submission guidelines for articles are available
here.
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Reaching New Disciples: Resources at your fingertips
The Lewis Center is committed to helping congregations reach more people, younger
people, and more diverse people. There was a day when congregations could simply open their doors and wait for people to find their way in. But that era is rapidly fading. Growing congregations today are embracing a new paradigm of evangelism, finding innovative ways to connect with their neighbors, extend hospitality, and take church to the community!
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ResourceUMC.org is a new, comprehensive websie that empowers you to search for and quickly find resources and tool from across our connection. To visit the website,
Click here
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Learn More About Your Community through Mission Insite
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.
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Discipleship Ministries offers tips on Christian Education
With intentional learning and Christian formation, we become the people God calls us to be, and we develop gifts and strengths for encouraging and leading others to the same strong faith.
On these pages that appear on the Discipleship Ministries website, you will find articles and resources for becoming a mature leader in the educational ministry of your church or area. You may be a teacher, church school superintendent, education committee chairperson, a paid or volunteer staff person, or an age-level coordinator.To read more,
Click here
To view more about Older Adult Ministry,
Click here
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Click here to apply for a tax exempt letter for your church.
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Free Resources
focus on
Intentional Discipleship
The intentional discipleship movement is already happening across the connection. More and more churches and leaders are recognizing that we must have a relentless focus on making and growing disciples, and move away from fixing churches.
Engagement involves initiating and building relationships. Engagement seeks to ensure that outreach and evangelism efforts become a vital part of an intentional system of discipleship.
New resources from Discipleship Ministries,
including books,
and study guides and films, are available to help lay leaders, clergy and conference leaders reach out to new people with intentional discipleship.
For more information:
Click here
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Previ
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News From the Conference Office
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Trip to the Holy Land planned for 2020
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries
(Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a trip to the Holy Land, February 11 - February 21, 2020. This trip will expand your knowledge of the Bible and the sacred land. A journey following in the footsteps of Jesus will change the way you read the Bible.
We will explore, learn, and fellowship together as we visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, Masada (Judean Desert), the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,248, leaving from JFK, New York. It includes basic tour and guided sightseeing, round-trip international airfare, fuel surcharges, government taxes, administrative fees, entrance fees, hotel gratuities and program fees, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, deluxe motor coaches, first-class hotels, and more.
You may register immediately with only $100 and receive a discount of $150. Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: [email protected], 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: [email protected], 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: [email protected], 315-450-1632 (cell); Jee Hae: [email protected], 404-825-8025 (cell); for a brochure, if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you, and looking forward to you joining us.
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Wesley Heritage Tour scheduled for February 2020
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.
The earlier you register, the bigger the discount.
Click here to learn more and to obtain a registration brochure with all the details about this exciting opportunity.
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District Contact Information
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
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Debbie Earthrowl
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse, District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer, Minister of Administration
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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