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"
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
John 12:24
New International Version
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
June 1, 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 May 29 Local Church Events, Click here
To view the May 18 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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Bishop Webb proclaims hope after special session
Hundreds of people throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference spent an April or
May evening gathered at a church in their region to listen to UNY Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb explain how the United Methodist Book of Discipline will change effective Jan. 1, 2020 based on the Judicial Council's decisions regarding the constitutionality of the petitions that made up the Traditional Plan affirmed by the delegates of the 2019 Special Session of The General Conference.
Beyond understanding of the Judicial Council's decisions, Bishop Webb held these gatherings as a reminder of the power of the spirit of God. And to proclaim hope despite the mixed feelings and hurt felt by many throughout the UNY Conference.
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Media Resource Center releases June Newsletter
Click here to view the Newsletter in word document form. Some of the resources highlighted in this month's newsletter include a 6-session DVD curriculum kit on "Christianity, Cults and Religions," and two books: "Youth Ministry: What's Gone Wrong and How to Get it Right," and "Leading Small Groups."
The newsletter will soon be posted on the Media Resource Center's web page on the Conference website. See link further down in this newsletter.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
On May 29, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb announced new appointments pending approval of clergy session.
Here are appointments and assignments that have been announced within the Adirondack District. All are effective July 1, 2019 unless otherwise indicated.
Announced May 29
Pastor Ted Trevail to Mooers UMC (in addition to his appointment at Lyon Mountain Memorial UMC
Announced May 22 by Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
Caspar Green, to Lake Luzerne and South Corinth UMCs.
Bruce Hazard, to Reber and Willsboro UMCs.
Melissa Weatherwax, to Easton, North Cambridge, Eagle Bridge and South Cambridge, serving alongside Rev. Virginia Cornell.
Announced April 17:
Pastor Amy Winnie (Fonda-Fultonville UMC and First UMC Northville in the Albany District) to Malta Ridge and Round Lake UMCs.
Announced April 3:
Pastor Natalie Bowerman (Avon UMC in the Genesee Valley District) to Salem UMC and Centenary UMC: Greenwich.
Rev. Patricia Molik (Hudson Falls UMC) to medical leave, effective April 1, 2019.
Rev. Brooke Newell (Potsdam UMC and Colton UMC in the Northern Flow District) to Queensbury UMC.
Rev. Kim Reed (Christ Church Glens Falls) to Hudson Falls UMC.
Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf (Queensbury UMC) to North Chili UMC in Rochester (Genesee Valley District).
Rev. Penny Brink (Malta Ridge and Round Lake UMCs) to South Glens Falls UMC.
Rev. Harold Wheat (Centenary UMC: Greenwich and Salem UMC) to Tabernacle UMC, Binghamton (Binghamton District).
Announced February 20:
Rev. Andrew (Drew) Sperry (Saratoga Springs UMC) to Calvary UMC in Latham (Albany District).
Rev. Bill Puckey (South Glens Falls UMC) to McKendree and Germany Hill UMCs (Binghamton District).
Pastor Casey Bradley (Lake Luzerne and South Corinth UMCs) to Richfield Springs Christ Uniting Federated Church (Mohawk District).
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Peace with Justice Sunday is June 16
Always the first Sunday after Pentecost, Peace with Justice Sunday is a day for United Methodists to recognize efforts across the connection that are building peace. This year, Heather Smith, the Upper New York Conference's Peace with Justice Coordinator, has great hope that our Conference-wide participation will increase - hopefully meeting the 30% goal that was set at the 2017 Annual Conference session. It only takes $1 per church to count as a participant in this Special Sunday.
Click here to learn how the Peace with Justice collection has helped some amazing ministries in our Conference.
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Get connected with young adults
Maya Smith has created a Facebook page for the young adults (ages 18-35) of our conference. This is a great way for churches and young adults in all districts to keep up on what they are doing in our conference and beyond. The goal is to get more young adults involved in gatherings, bible studies, etc. that the young adults committee will be hosting. These events/gatherings will be posted on this Facebook page so more people can get involved! If there are any questions regarding the social media or the young adults in general, you can contact Maya at
[email protected]
New events planned!
-- At Annual Conference:
-- Thursday, June 6: Young adults dinner gathering. Meet in the OnCenter lobby at 5:30 PM
-- Saturday, June 8: Young People's Worship service at 8:15 AM
-- Young Adults Gathering to make flood buckets at the Mission Central Hub at the Conference Center in Liverpool on
Saturday, July 13. Meet at noon for lunch and then bucket-making at 1 PM.
All young adults, ages 18 to 35 are invited!
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UNY Historical Society to Meet Saturday, June 15
The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society will meet on Saturday, June 15
at the UNY Conference Center (7481 Henry Clay Blvd.) in Liverpool (13088). Early birds can do volunteer work in the conference archives starting at 9:30 a.m. The meeting is open to all those interested.
Bring your own lunch if eating at the Center.
The Society meeting will start about 12:40 p.m. with a business meeting, followed by a PowerPoint presentation by Nancy Rutenber on UMC Historic Sites connected to Upper New York Conference. Then there will be a ceremony for retiring old Bibles led by the Rev. Jim Barnes II. Bring your worn-out Bibles for recycling or burning. Hard covers and any metal may need to be removed before any recycling.
Driving directions and a guide to the UNY Conference Center in Liverpool are available
by clicking here
.
Seeking ideas
for Saturday, September 21 UNY Historical Society meeting.
Contact
[email protected]
. This meeting will not be at the UNY Conference Center but is planned to be elsewhere in the Conference.
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All about Annual Conference ...
If you plan to attend Annual Conference and still haven't registered, you'll have to do that onsite, and there is a $50 late fee.
Click here to learn all about Annual Conference with a document being shared with us from the Mountain View District. Thank you, Pattii Gridley!
If you need to be excused ...
If you are clergy, a lay member or an equalization member and you need to be excused for all or part of Annual Conference, you must submit a formal request to Bishop Webb.
Click here for the form.
If you are clergy, please also send an email to the District Office to inform DS Debbie Earthrowl that you have asked to be excused from all or part of the Conference.
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Notes on voting devices at Annual Conference
This year at Annual Conference, held June 5-8 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, clergy, and lay delegates for the 2020 General Conference and Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will be elected.
The first clergy ballot will be held at the Clergy Session on Wed. June 5 from 1 PM to 3:15 PM. Following that vote, lay and clergy members of the Annual Conference will vote for their respective candidates simultaneously during plenary. Click here to watch this brief video that showcases how to use your voting device-this video will be shown again at Annual Conference just before you vote.
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Why your church needs to learn about Annual Conference
Reading secondhand reports from a business session of annual conference may be the ideal sleep aid. The endless stream of motions, petitions and amendments are far from the hymns and sermons associated with the experience of church.
Because of the (sometimes) dry and political nature, leaders may avoid talking with members about Annual Conference. Yet, it's important in the life of the church and needs to be reported. These tips will help you do that in a way that conveys importance without prompting yawns. To read more,
Click here
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Ways to welcome your new pastor
Explore ways a congregation can prepare spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally for the arrival of a new pastor to make the most of a new beginning.
To read more from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership,
Click here and
here.
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Serving others in times of tragedy
In the midst of tragic loss by
violence or
disaster, United Methodists long to participate in God's work in the world. We pray, worship, and offer well wishes. We also serve, lend a hand, and meet a need. Through our service, we often find
healing for ourselves as the Holy Spirit moves in and through us. To read more from Joe Iovino from umc.org,
Click here
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Celebrate all men on Father's Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - While some men may never have children of their own, they provide guidance to children and youth as scoutmasters, sponsors of youth organizations, big brothers in Big Brothers Big Sisters, school mentors and a score of other ways. United Methodist Men urges churches to celebrate a "Men's Ministry Sunday" on Fathers' Day, June 16.
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Ideas for summertime ministry
The mission of the church doesn't take a summer vacation. Browse the Leading Ideas archives for ideas and strategies to help you improve summer worship, serve your neighbors, and do good well through mission. To read more from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership,
Click here
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Brush up on your welcoming ministry
How does your church welcome people? Is the welcome little more than the initial encounter, or does the lifestyle of your church bring new people into Christian community, disciple them and send them out? To read more, and to view several PDFs including "Comfort Checklist;" Friendliness Audit;" and "Mystery Guest Audit,"
Click here
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Stained glass by Francois Denis, photo by Crochet.david, via Wikimedia Commons
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Why Ascension Day matters to United Methodists
Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter (this year on May 30). Ascension Sunday is the following Sunday (tomorrow, June 2).
For many, Ascension Day will go relatively unnoticed. Forty days after Easter is just another Thursday with many of us in our ordinary weekday routines. The event it celebrates, however, is an important episode in the life of Jesus that the church has regarded highly through the years. To read more from Joe Iovino from umc.org,
Click here
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Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels
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Reflecting on our faith at the movies: Summer 2019
Sitting in a movie theater can be a great escape from the routine (and heat) of summer. The stories told on the big screen are sometimes rich with imagery and themes that can help United Methodists reflect on our faith.
When you go to the movies this summer, here are themes popular movies may help us consider. To read more from Joe Iovino from umc.org
Click here
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Additional Camp Events:
Open Houses:
Click here
(Skye Farm's is
1 PM to 6 PM today, Saturday, June 1.)
Retreats: Click here (Skye Farm has four retreats planned.)
(Updated) Health Director needed for Camping Season
We are still looking for a Health Director for the summer from June 30 through Aug. 9.
The wage would be $400-$550/ week and we provide food and housing.
To apply for additional summer staff positions at Skye Farm:
Click here
Still needed are male counselors and lifeguards.
For more information on Camp and Retreat ministries throughout the Conference, Click here
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Camp and Retreat Ministries Spring Newsletter available
What's new with Upper New York's Camp & Retreat Ministries (UNYCRM)? A lot! There are many new updates to each of the Camp & Retreat Centers. There are opportunities to give back through various volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn all the latest news related to UNYCRM in their Xenia newsletter. This newsletter can be viewed electronically or downloaded.
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Summer Camp registration is open!
Registration is now open for Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries summer programs, including your classic favorites and some new adventures!
Click here to explore the offerings.
There is still space for YOU at one of our fall, winter, or spring gatherings - explore the opportunities available at our Camp & Retreat Centers.
Click here
f
or more information on all of our camp and retreat centers, or contact the CRM Central Office at (315) 898-2026 with any questions
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Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications
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The secret to faith after high school: Parents!
Many youth in the U.S. who regularly attend worship, go on
summer mission trips, sing in the
youth choir, and actively participate in the
youth ministry of their United Methodist congregations, drop out of church after high school graduation.
According to the Barna Group, "Overall, about three out of ten young people who grow up with a Christian background stay faithful to church and to faith throughout their transitions from the teen years through their twenties." That means about seven out of ten do not. To read more from Joe Iovino from umc.org,
Click here
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Mission u has something for everyone
2019 Mission u - Silver Bay
Friday - Sunday, September 6 - 8
A special time for worship, learning, friendships, and fun in the Adirondacks
Mission u Studies for 2019
United for Change: UMW Mission 150 Years & Beyond
The Gospel of Mark & Radical Discipleship
What About our Money?
Scholarships Available
Mission u - Silver Bay is a program of the Upper New York Conference United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church
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As you can see, we have several Lay Servant Course offerings coming up. To view the flyer, with course descriptions and cost, etc. Click here
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
July 8 and July 10: 9 AM to 5 PM
Malta Ridge UMC
729 Malta Ave Ext.
Malta, NY 12020
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
July 13, 9 AM to 5 PM and July 14, 2 PM to 7 PM
Willsboro UMC
3734 Main St.
Willsboro (12996)
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
Aug. 3 and Aug. 17, 9 AM to 5 PM
Willsboro UMC
3734 Main St.
Willsboro (12996)
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Sept. 7 and Sept. 21, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Round Lake UMC
34 George Ave.
Round Lake, NY 12151
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Nov. 2, 10 AM to 5 PM and Nov. 3, 10 AM to 3 PM
Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center
1884 E. Schroon River Rd.
Warrensburg, NY 12885
Certified Lay Ministry Course to Be Offered by Adirondack District.
Albany The Rev. Sally White will be the CLM Coordinator and the course begins on September 7. The deadline to register is August 7. Certified Lay Ministry training consists of four modules totaling 78 hours. ¶268 of The Book of Discipline defines a certified lay minister as "...a certified lay servant...who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergyperson. A certified lay minister is assigned by a district superintendent in accordance with ¶419.2."
Do you feel God's call upon your heart to become a certified lay minister? If so, please contact Bruce Hazard, Adirondack District Lay Servant Director at [email protected] or (518) 792-4555 for an information packet.
Albany District Lay Servant Classes:
Please notify the Adirondack District Lay Servant Director Bruce Hazard after completion of your course in the Albany District to ensure that you receive credit:[email protected]
Click here for a list of Albany Lay Servant Courses.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, Click here
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(New) Financial Glossary Interactive Resource from GCFA
As the finance agency of The United Methodist Church, GCFA has produced several resources to help local churches manage the financial aspects of church administration. This glossary of financial terms is for those who have no formal training in finances but are committed volunteers learning about and working on church budgets. To view the glossary Click here
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(New) Resource helps you stay on top of things
It is just as important to conduct an annual check-up of your church building and facilities as it is to get your annual wellness check-up. What you do not know about your building could be costly. Download the checklist today to be proactive in taking care of your building and facilities: Click 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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Check out the Media Resource Center
Why buy it if you can borrow it?
If you've never used the Media Resource Center before, give us a try. Funded by your Shared Ministry dollars, we can supply you with small group discussion materials, Bible studies, children and youth curriculum, adult curriculum, and a myriad of subjects such as stewardship, evangelism and social issues. 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. If you need assistance, contact the Media Resource Center coordinator Karen Campolieto at 315-898-2027
[email protected]
To learn more about the center, to look through the online catalog and view the newsletters,
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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Cleaning Buckets are needed
Is your congregation interested in assembling UMCOR cleaning kits for flood season? 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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Upper New York makes New Places for New People a priority
New Faith Communities (NFCs), are one of the best ways to introduce people to God in
fresh new ways-sometimes in public settings like cafes, outdoor settings, and even laundromats; other times in peoples' homes. New Faith Communities welcome people who may not initially be comfortable in the "church" setting. Additionally, NFCs help ethnic-minorities connect to God through building groups of people from a similar cultural background to gather together for prayer, fellowship, and worship.
There are currently close to 100 NFCs in Upper New York (UNY). A lot of the funding comes from the New Beginnings Fund (a fund that was set up at the time of the formation of the UNY Conference and has been fed by the income of the sales of closed church properties). For a variety of reasons, in recent years, the income of sold churches has not kept up with need. Because of this the Conference Leadership Team has approved a plan to create a new campaign fundraiser called "New Places for New People" Partners.
Click here to read how NFCs in UNY introducing people to God and having an amazing impact on their lives. By becoming a "New Places for New People" Partner, you will help current NFCs continue to grow and new NFCs to be planted.
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New York State employers required to provide
sexual harassment prevention training
New York State employers must provide employees with sexual harassment prevention
training upon hire and on an annual basis. For this year, the training must be completed by all current employees and new hires by Oct. 9. Once the initial training is complete, the employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date). Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets or some other manner for audit purposes.
In addition to the sexual harassment prevention training requirement, each employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. This policy should be shared with employees prior to the training. If you have yet to create a sexual harassment prevention policy,
click here
to learn more.
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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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Pastor to lead a tour in Scotland
In October, the Rev. Jeff Matthews will be leading a tour on the theme of "Scotland: Knox and More" through "Educational Opportunities."
This is an opportunity to explore a beautiful country, people and culture as you also learn about their place in the history of Christianity and the reformation. For full details: Click here. Jeff can also send you a printed brochure and can answer any questions you may have about the trip.
You can reach him at Trinity UMC in Albany by phone at 518-463-1293, ext. 11 or by email at [email protected]
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Oberammergau Passion Play tour planned for 2020
Since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place in Oberammergau. Back in the 1600's, the people of Germany suffered through a terrible plague in which many died. The people prayed and God released them from this plague. The people promised in thanks to God to perform the Passion Play every 10 years on the zero years. This tradition has been maintained for over 380 years and will continue for the 42nd time in 2020. The village of Oberammergau of 5,000 people performs this passion play with more than 2,000 villagers participating. Roughly 500,000 visitors will come to see this play in 2020. Educational Opportunities, which conducts tours to the Holy Land, is offering tours that include this passion play. Rev. David Schlansker is planning to serve as a host on one of these tours. If you or your church is interested in learning more., contact Rev. David Schlansker at 518-227-5535 or [email protected]
He has printed brochures that can be sent to anyone interested. David is willing to visit churches and share more information on this experience of a lifetime.
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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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