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And it will be said, 'Build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.' "
Isaiah 57: 14
New International Version
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
November 16, 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 November 13 Local Church Events, click here
To view the Oct. 26 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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Apply for Annual High School Youth Leadership Forum
The Leadership Forum is sponsored by NYS Council of Churches, Feb. 18-Feb. 21, 2020.
Deadline to register is Dec. 1, 2019. Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, followed by a seminar tailored to reflect our experience involving the museum specifically and discrimination in general. An evening bus tour of Washington DC and other activities are included. Click here to view the flyer. Click here for the application. Click here for FAQS.
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Reminder to pastors and P/SPRC chairs
Church profiles and pastor profiles are due to be updated by Dec. 1. Please use the online system to update:
Click here You don't need to submit hard copies of the profiles; just update online. Please remember to save often, as some people have lost their work. If you have questions, or need your sign-in information, contact Carrie in the District Office. (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected]
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Bishop Webb's letter
following the Council of Bishops meeting
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Bishop Webb
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After recently returning from the Council of Bishops meeting in Lake Junaluska, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent a letter to the UNY Conference, expressing how he will continue to invite and participate in conversations that seek to engage deeply with the current reality of The United Methodist Church. He also expressed how he believes that God can use our current brokenness as a springboard to multiply our Wesleyan DNA through different expressions of Methodism that will allow our diversity of theological thought and contextual practice to flourish untethered from conflict.
In this letter, Bishop Webb also refers to a letter drafted by all the Bishops.
Click here
to read Bishop Webb's letter.
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Nicaragua medical mission trip is in need of help
We have an urgent need for a second pharmacist. We have 6 medical providers and 2 pharmacists make filling prescriptions significantly easier.
We also have room for about 5 or 6 additional support staff.
Total cost is $1700.
The trip is scheduled to depart Feb 14, 2020 and will return Feb 23, 2020.
We have a deadline of Nov. 20 to submit names to the airline. Therefore anyone interested should contact our team leader, Sue LaBarre at [email protected] as soon as possible.
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Help needed following Halloween Floods
This year's Halloween night was one for the books-the entire day consisted of heavy rain. Sadly, the rain resulted in flooding in 11 UNY counties: Cayuga, Chautauqua, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Saratoga, and Warren. The impact of these floods on 800+ homes has been severe:
- An estimated 230 homes have major damage.
- An estimated 70 homes were destroyed or condemned.
- An estimated 20 homes are inaccessible.
- An estimated 160 homes need muck-out and debris removal service.
- An estimated 300 homes have had gas and/or electricity turned off and need utilities service.
- 19 families need temporary housing.
The UNY Conference's Volunteers in Mission (UNY VIM) is currently focusing on the Rome/Utica area and has established a semi-command post with the Red Cross and other agencies to center their planning/dispatch and overnight accommodations. Not only do they have a place to sleep, but also, the Red Cross is providing food and showers as well.
The UNY VIM are looking for ERTs and others to help in the disaster relief efforts.
Click here to register
to help so that the on-site team can create a plan and contact you.
To learn more about Mission HUB and to contact Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, click here.
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Start a small group in your congregation
Small groups are where participants can gather to experience acceptance, belonging and nurture, as well as challenge and encouragement for the journey of faith. They are strategic arenas where formation of discipleship happens. Be part of a four-session online course from Discipleship Ministries to enhance your small group ministry.
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United Methodist Church ad campaign targets the lonely
Nashville, Tennessee - The United Methodist Church has launched the "Not the Only One" advertising campaign to help offer encouragement through community.
Research continues to emphasize people are experiencing a growing sense of loneliness. In fact,
nearly half of Americans feel alone or left out, and it's taking a mental and physical
toll on them.
"The advertisements target those who identify themselves as spiritual, socially conscious and seeking meaning in their lives, but who are not affiliated with a church. Our
surveys show that they are craving meaningful relationships," shares Poonam Patodia-chief marketing officer for United Methodist Communications, the church agency responsible for marketing of the denomination. "We invite them to find love, joy and peace by joining a welcoming community."
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Easy Ways to Share Gratitude this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day elicits a bounty of wonderful memories for many people in the U.S. The crisp air. The smell of a turkey roasting and a pumpkin pie baking. The sound of a cheering crowd at a football game. All these can create warm feelings during this special time of year.
While the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the U.S., thanking God for our blessings is a spiritual discipline that should not be limited to a single day.
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Mr. Rogers helps us appreciate others
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Fred Rogers
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"I believe that appreciation is a holy thing,"
Fred Rogers said as he opened his 2001 commencement speech at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, "that when we
look for what's best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we're
doing what God does. So, in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we're participating in something truly sacred." When we look for what's best in others, "We're doing what God does."
United Methodists can learn from the man in the cardigan who hosted a children's show. To read more,
click here
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Image by Sara Schork, United Methodist Communications
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Gratitude starts in the home
Get Them Talking is a
series of monthly resources to help families lead conversations about issues of faith during dinner, devotions, a drive or anytime.
Parents often teach their children to say thank you at an early age. When the child receives something from a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend, mom or dad will ask, "What do you say?"
As we grow, we learn that gratitude is more than a polite response. It is a way of life. When we live with an attitude of gratitude, we remind ourselves that all that we have - time, faith, family, and more - is a gift from God to be cherished and cared for in the ways God would.
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Preparing for a joyful Advent
The Advent season is a time of joy, color, light and anticipation, and always a highlight of every congregation's life. The worship series Are We There Yet? from Discipleship Ministries includes resources for the four Sundays of Advent - Peace, Hope, Joy and Trust - and Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas and New Year's Eve.
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Help struggling people this Christmas
Not all Christmases are white - some are blue, especially for those who are grieving or experiencing other struggles. Prepare to offer hope and healing through a "Blue Christmas" or "Longest Night" worship service this holiday season. Lift up any darkness to the God of Light by sharing an online Blue Christmas video prayer service from The Upper Room with members of your congregation.
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What's New from the Conference Center?
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Advocate looks at Discipleship Systems
The Upper New York United Methodist Advocate is a monthly publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, whose mission is to be God's love to our neighbors in all places.
To view the most recent Advocate online,
click here. The cover story is "Discipleship Systems: Beyond Sunday Services."
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The November 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 provides a unique look at the season of Advent through the eyes of the Rev. Grace Imathiu who was the speaker at this year's Upper New York Bishop's Retreat last month. In this issue, you will also find out why UMC Student's Day is important and will also learn details about this year's Christmas in the HUB.
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Change to Insurance Carrier as of January 1, 2020
Please
click here
to review a letter from the Upper NY Annual Conference Board of Trustees regarding a change to Insurance carrier as of January 1, 2020.
The new carrier is Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company.
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Local church Information
regarding minimum wage and minimum salary increases
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On Behalf of the UNYAC Benefits office
Please click on the document links below. These are also being sent out to the local churches via monthly billings and the Communications Dept.
Click here to view or download the NY State Minimum Wage Increase for Non-Exempt Employees flyer for local churches.
Click here to read Administrative Employee Overtime Exemption Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here to read Executive Employee Overtime Exemption Frequently Asked Questions.
Tracy Rickett, PHR, SHRM-CP, CCWS
Human Resources Generalist
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: (315) 898-2017
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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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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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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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(Update)
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.
(New) To learn more about the center, to look through the online catalog and view the November newsletter,
Click here
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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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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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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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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.
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Save the Date for the Second Annual Albany District Day of Celebration of Lay Servant Ministries Luncheon!
Inviting all who have completed Basic, or are Certified Lay Servants, Certified Lay Speakers, Certified Lay Ministers, Pastors, and EVERYONE interested in learning more about Lay Servant Ministries!
Please save Saturday, March 28, 2020 for the Second Annual Albany District Day of Celebration of Lay Servant Ministries Luncheon! We will to come together to get acquainted, to renew acquaintances, to fellowship, to worship, to eat, and to hear Rev. Ray Stees speak to us about "Building Collaboration -- Sometimes we're at our worst while wearing our Sunday best! Approaching adversity with eyes wide open and a heart 'strangely' warmed."
Place: Faith UMC, 811 N Brandywine Ave., Schenectady from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Please mark your calendar and join us!
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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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Click here to apply for a tax exempt letter for your church.
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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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Previ
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News From the Conference Office
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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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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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