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Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
May 6, 2020
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'We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.'
-- Helen Keller
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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District Office is closed for now
The office is physically closed, but we will be checking email and phone messages daily. You can leave a message on the office phone (518) 480-4866, or if you need immediate assistance, please call Carrie at (518) 383-4873 or our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl at (518) 391-3215.
Because of these uncertain times, news will go out as we receive it, or when Debbie has a message for all. We will continue to send out a Local newsletter on Wednesdays. The Saturday newsletter is on hold for now.
Pastors: Please continue to send us your ideas and links to your live-streams. We will send out emails on Fridays so people can "tune in" on Sundays.
Thank you for your patience as we all navigate these uncharted waters together!
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected] or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or
[email protected]
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Please keep the family and friends of the Rev. Dr. Ray (Raoul) Waters in your prayers.
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Rev. Dr. Ray Waters
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Rev. Waters, 89, passed away on Saturday evening at his daughter Laurie's home in New Hampshire.
Ray served several churches in the Northern New York Conference: DeKalb Junction & DeKalb, Delta, Remsen & Prospect. Then, in the New York Conference: Croton-on-Hudson, Bristol, CT, and Newburgh: Grace. Then, he served Christ Church: Glens Falls in Troy Conference before he retired in 1992. After retirement, he served Eagle Bridge & South Cambridge for 12 years and Newman UMC in Shushan for another 10 years.
When we see the description "beloved pastor" in an obituary, it would certainly apply to Ray. Following retirement, he continued with the Shushan congregation, dearly loved by the congregations and by the present pastor, Carol Finke. Since his wife died, and his daughters lived away, the congregation was his family in this area. He took care of them for years, and then they had the honor of taking care of him.
Cards of condolence can be sent to Ray's daughter Laurie Waters at 4 Helen Circle, Goffstown, New Hampshire 03045.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Ray's memory be made to Eagle Bridge UMC (c/o Dick Ogilve, 24 Crescent Rd., Eagle Bridge, NY 12051) the South Cambridge UMC (c/o Heather Greenawalt, 24 Welling Ln, Buskirk, NY 12028) or the Newman UMC (c/o Gayle Shaw, 696 County Rte. 64, Shushan, NY 12873).
To read Ray's obituary, click here. |
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Please keep the family and friends of Van Dykeman in your prayers. Van, who served as long-time treasurer of the former Troy Conference, died on May 2. Cards of condolence can be sent to Van's wife, Mildred Dykeman, 71 Surrey Field Drive, Queensbury, NY 12804.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Van's name to the South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.
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If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected] Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Apply ASAP
Churches encouraged to apply for newly-funded
PPP (Paycheck Protection Program)
Churches are strongly encouraged to apply ASAP, as funding may run out soon. For more information, including how to apply, Click here
The forgiveness available under these plans is not automatic and will require some work to prove to the bank and to the Small Business Administration that the funds received were used for allowed forgivable expenses; therefore, good record-keeping is beyond important once these funds have been received. Any questions about this can be directed to Bob Flask, Conference Treasurer @ [email protected] or Rev. Susan Ranous, Chair of Conference Council on Finance and Administration @
You can also contact Adirondack District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl at [email protected] or (518) 391-3215
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Please take note
A person who uses the name Arthur DiLorenzo has in the past solicited funding from numerous churches in the Albany and Adirondack Districts.
He has recently contacted another church, asking for financial assistance.
Please be aware that he is a person who seemingly has made a long career of imposing on the generosity of churches.
If he contacts your church, or if you have questions, please be in touch with Carrie at the District Office,
[email protected].
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Upper New York Conference Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce five appointments pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes:
click here.
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Note to pastors from Bishop Webb
regarding worship
(This was excerpted from a letter that Bishop Webb sent to pastors on April 29) To view the entire letter,
click here
As our state, counties and other municipalities begin to develop and release steps to "re-open" we will do our best to provide guidance and resources. Currently, we are developing principles for re-opening that will be shared at the appropriate time to serve as a guide for you and your local congregation. For now, as the stay at home order for New York continues through May 15th, we are urging you to not hold in-person worship and continue online worship through Sunday, May 17th. As guidance from governmental and medical authorities is updated, we will update our suggestions and guidance as well.
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UNY Cabinet to offer recorded worship service
The Upper New York (UNY) Communications team is preparing a worship video featuring the UNY Cabinet and other UNY leaders.
The video also includes worship songs with singer Nairobi Smith. This video can be used any Sunday in May in order to offer pastors and worship teams some well-deserved time off.
The video will be available this Friday May 8 and will be posted on the Upper New York website and the link will also be sent in a note.
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Coming up
Join Bishop Webb in prayer on May 13
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, held his first times of prayer to offer encouragement on Zoom with UNY clergy on April 7 and with laity on April 8.
As we continue social distancing and online worshiping through the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Webb will be offering another time of prayer for both clergy and laity. Bishop Webb offers all clergy to join him on Zoom on Wednesday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. and he offers all laity to join him on Zoom on May 13 at 7 p.m.
Zoom invitations for both clergy and laity will be sent on Tuesday, May 12.
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Drive-thru pantry tomorrow
at Washington County fairgrounds
There will be a drive-thru food pantry at Washington County Fairgrounds from 11 AM until supplies last on Thursday (May 7). There is no eligibility check. They will just take your name, how many adults, children, seniors. You pop your trunk and they put a box of food.
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Part 2 of the Examine spiritual practice
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director
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Rev. Nancy Dibelius |
of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people's relationship to God during this difficult time.
Last week, Rev. Dibelius guided us through the first portion of the spiritual practice known as The Examine, which is the Examine of Consciousness. This helps you to recognize the God-moments you have had in your life, which will in turn, will help you to acknowledge them as they continue to happen.
This week Rev. Dibelius guides us through the second part of the Examine spiritual practice, known as the Examine of Conscience and is a time or prayerfulness where you place the God moments you recognized in Part I before God.
If you haven't done so already, Part I of this spiritual practice provides a good starting point for Part II.
Click here
to learn how to engage in Part I of this eye-opening spiritual discipline.
Click here
to learn how to practice Part II of the Examine.
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View new issue of the Advocate
The 2020 Issue 2 of the
Advocate focuses on "Being the hands and feet of Jesus." In this issue, you will find inspiring stories of local, national, and international mission work. From medical mission work to disaster relief, this issue will familiarize you of the wide array of opportunities available to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This issue also points to several inspiring videos created by the UNY Communications Team and provides information on how you can become involved in different types of mission work.
This issue is one of our e-issues, meaning that it is only available digitally.
Click here
to read or download this issue of the
Advocate on the Conference website
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Media Resource Center releases May Newsletter
The Media Resource Center is closed through at least May 15. Updates will be sent if needed. Please hold on to borrowed materials until the Center opens again.
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Blueprint for Wellness (BFW)
and Health Quotient (HQ) Deadlines Extended
Due to COVID-19, the end dates for Blueprint for Wellness (BFW) and Health Quotient (HQ) participation have been extended to September 30, 2020.
The BFW screenings typically held at Annual Conference (AC) will not be held at AC this year. Just is the case every year, there are other ways that you can complete your BFW screening either by scheduling an appointment at a Quest Diagnostics facility or by visiting your healthcare provider.
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People of God campaign
Now through May 15, the People of God campaign is focusing on the digital connections that continue to bring our faith communities together. Be a part of the campaign by downloading graphics for your church's website and social media pages! Learn more in a new asset usage guide: click here.
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New resources available from the UMC
A new video and online resource collection is reminding people that The United Methodist Church connection continues to be there for them. Share the video and resource webpage with those who need to feel the encouraging presence of the church.
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Many churches are turning to a new app to assist with online worship and small group meetings. Amplify offers streaming services, a resource library and media, such as videos and podcasts. Since the app comes from the United Methodist Publishing House and Abingdon Press, all content is consistently Wesleyan.
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Keep donations flowing
Your congregation may have curtailed in-person services and activities, but there's no stopping your congregation's financial obligations. Establish a strong framework for sustainable ministry with these seven ideas that will ensure generosity thrives during social distancing.
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday, and worship at 10 AM on Sundays. The devotions and worship are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. We are also posting daily gospel readings from Rev. Bill Mudge. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Forms' deadlines moved
Deadlines for the Local Church Audit, Trustees Report, Finance Report, year-end financial report and the church budget have been moved to July 1. Thank you to all who have already submitted these forms and reports!
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New
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News/Resources
From the Conference Office
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list,
click here.
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Share your thoughts with graduates
Graduation is a major milestone and a time of celebrating accomplishments, but due to the current situation with the coronavirus, the Class of 2020 will only experience graduation ceremonies and the recognition they deserve through social media and digital technology.
During this time of great uncertainty, the Upper New York Conference encourages all local churches to show support to their Class of 2020 through video.
We are looking to create a video that compiles many messages and then a channel composed of all your individual messages and prayers to show your graduating class how much you care as they complete their schoolwork and venture into new journeys of life.
The Rev. Bill Mudge of
Baldwinsville UMC
submitted his video, inviting you to share your prayers and personal messages for the students who are taking the next step into their future.
Submit your videos (can be taken on cellphones in landscape view) to
[email protected]
by May 8 in order to be included in the full video. All submissions past the deadline will be posted to the channel only.
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| Attention churches and pastors:
New I-9 form now available
A new version of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form is available and is mandatory for use effective May 1.
The form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete the Form I-9 for each person they hire for employment in the U.S., including both citizens and noncitizens.
To read more, and to download the form,
click here.
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Relief efforts for churches:
Amendment to Arrearage Policy Enforcement Delay
The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) amended its former decision to delay the enforcement of the new arrerage policy until June 15.
The only change is the date - the delay of the enforcement of the new arrearage policy is in effect until July 1.
In an effort to support annual conferences who would like to provide assistance to local churches that may be struggling to meet their monthly obligations, Wespath Benefits and Investments is providing two relief efforts to the UNY Conference - one in the form of a deferral (to be repaid at a later date) and the other is a premium waiver that will not require repayment. The CBOPHB has met and voted for this relief to be passed on to the local churches. To read more,
click here.
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Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
To subscribe to the Weekly Digest, published by the UNY Conference,
click here.
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UNY Annual Conference postponed until October
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Visit Conference website for updates
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist
Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here
for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected] and someone will contact you.
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DisAbility Ministries Committee Resources and Tips
The DisAbility Ministries Committee of the UMC has developed the resources to help congregations be inclusive of people with disabilities as they switch to meeting online and doing things differently during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNY Conference has add these resources to its COVID-19 news and resources page.
Click here
to access the DisABility Ministries Committee resources (scroll down to the Resources section), which include Access to Worship Actions, Accessible COVID-19 information, Advocacy Action with References, Outreach Resource Sheet, and Resources for Praying without Words.
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Horizon Stewardship COVID-19 resources
The Upper New York Conference Center has been posting resources on
our website's
resource page
to help your church effectively continue to minister to your congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to our resource page, we feel that you will find Horizons Stewardship's resource page tremendously useful as well. On carefully curated resource page, you will find "Resilient Leadership Email Series," webinars, public health information, and links to several resources on all topics ranging from prayers for COVID-19 to staying emotionally healthy during this difficult time.
Click here
for dozens of helpful and inspiring resources in Horizon Stewardship's library.
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Resilient Leadership Update -
A Special Series from Horizons Stewardship
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving:
Click here
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click here
to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here
for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Tips on using Zoom
for Bible Studies and small groups
Zoom is a video conferencing as well as webinar resource that Conference staff as well as Conference and District leaders often use to communicate with one another. We are suggesting all committees and teams that usually meet at the United Methodist Center to meet using Zoom while the office is closed, which is currently now through May 15.
Zoom is also a great platform for you to use with members of your congregation and to host Bible studies or small groups.
Click here to learn how to get started with Zoom, to watch Zoom tutorials, to access Zoom technical support and to see Zoom-related FAQs.
Click here for a webinar about how to use Zoom created by our friends in the Arkansas Conference.
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UNY to offer matching grants for purchase of Zoom
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn more about how to use Zoom,
click here
to watch a video tutorial.
To participate in the matching grant, simply
click here
to purchase a one year Zoom Pro Plan. Then, send a copy of the receipt to Alma Malikow in the Conference Treasurer's office digitally at
[email protected]
or by U.S. mail at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. The Conference will reimburse participating churches $75, which covers half the cost of the annual subscription. If you have any questions, contact the Conference Director of Communications, Steve Hustedt, at
[email protected]
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Other Resources and Information
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Free resources from Cokesbury
Cokesbury has
free
resources to use to stay connected
, and they are
adding more resources every day.
Amplify, Cokesbury's new media platform, is helping churches all over study and support one another from the comfort of their own homes, or wherever they are in life! It gives them direct access to a vast video library of bible studies led by your favorite authors for teaching, inspiration, and faith connections! Amplify provides believers of all ages access to fresh, trustworthy content - all from a Wesleyan perspective.
Amplify has made several resources FREE and accessible for churches to participate in a church-wide study and children's content to keep them engaged in the Bible. Help your communities stay connected beyond the church walls. No sign up is required to access: click here
Free children's resources on the new CokesburyKids website: click here
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Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings
The rapid response to COVID-19 continues to evolve and influence ministry, sometimes forcing a church to quickly expand its online presence and outreach through worship, small groups, fellowship opportunities and more.
Along with providing meaningful connections, inspiration, and support for discipleship, ministries with youth, children, and vulnerable adults have the added challenge of adapting Safe Sanctuaries® guidelines and applying them online. This is a constantly changing challenge, especially with new platforms, devices, and technology being introduced regularly.
This information was posted on the Young People's Ministry page by Chris Wilterdink of Discipleship Ministries relating to Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings.
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Online worship and music resources
for live-streaming
From Discipleship Resources: Click here
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GCFA offers information
on live-streaming and giving
Nashville, TN - The Communications, Connectional Relations, and IT teams of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will offer several resources to local churches and church leadership on both live-streaming and giving at the local church level during these times of quarantine and confinement.
While churches across the connection are canceling weekly services to protect the people of the church and help slow the spread of COVID-19, churches still find themselves needing financial resources for the ministries they can conduct and for general operational expenses. To read more,
click here.
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The Regional Plan with District appointments
and church assignments
On Jan. 18, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet announced a Regional Superintendency Plan that will take effect on July 1, 2020. This plan will allow us to focus on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, experimenting with new ways of living faithfully and fruitfully amid the uncertainty of our current reality.
Bishop Webb has determined the Districts that the nine District Superintendents will be appointed to as well as the churches that each DS will be assigned to. Click here to read the full article.
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Mission U events cancelled
The face-to-face Mission U events for 2020 have been cancelled. Mission U planners are sad that the current COVID-19 situation has affected so many. Since months of planning go into the Mission U events, the National Office of United Methodist Women has canceled the preparation, training, and future gatherings for 2020. For Upper New York Conference, this cancels the two Mission U events - one in July in Genesee Valley and one in September at Silver Bay.
United Methodist Women are hopeful that there may be a video component or online study made available in the future.
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Local Church & Community Events
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Most events previously listed here have been postponed or canceled.
We will post information as events are rescheduled.
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Emmaus/Chrysalis news
Click here to view the Newsletter of the Living Waters Emmaus / Chrysalis Community, Inc. of the Adirondack and Green Mountains
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The Albany District Lay Servant Ministries Team is postponing the Celebration of Lay Servant Ministries that was scheduled for Saturday, March 28. We hope you will be able to join us on our new date of Saturday, October 24 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at a place to be determined. We are blessed that Rev. Ray Stees will be with us to speak 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."
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ONGOING:
Most of the listings that have appeared here are suspended until further notice. Those listed below are still in place.
Bottle and Can Drive, Porter Corners UMC, 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corners (12859). You can leave your bags or boxes at the back door of the church, or if you have a large quantity, pickup is available. Call Jane Decouteau (518) 893-2289 or Carrie Howe (518) 893-6214.
Please consider posting this flyer in your church when we are able to gather again: Click here
'Connect', 6:30 PM Fridays.
Connect is a small group through the
United Methodist Church, made up of young adults (18 to 35) who gather every Friday to play board games, watch movies and talk about important issues and topics. These topics range from financial planning and resume writing to the differences between hemp and marijuana.
For now, Connect is going to "connect" through WhatsApp while watching something together to discuss.
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Lay Servant Classes - Updated
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
PLEASE NOTE: Adirondack District Lay Servant courses for May, June, July and August will continue via ZOOM or at the location listed. This depends on where the country is at the time. Please contact
[email protected] for updated information.
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries Team has scheduled classes for 2020. The schedule of classes are those needed for Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker or classes that laity might be interested in with no certification. Class size is a minimum of 5 with a maximum of 12. Classes may be cancelled if the minimum is not met. All texts must be purchased by the participant prior to the start of class so course work can be started when the syllabus is sent.
Please let us know at least one week before the class if you cannot attend, so that those on a waiting list can be notified and spots can be filled. Registration forms and fees must be received prior to class in order to secure your space in the class.
Advanced Course: Lay Speakers Tell Stories: Dancing with Words
May 12, 19, 26: 6 PM to 9 PM and Saturday morning May 23 from 9 AM to 1 PM
ZOOM
Course fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Living Our Methodist Beliefs
United Methodist Heritage
Tuesdays June 9, 16, 23, 30 (5:30-8:30 pm) and
Saturday June 13, 9 am-Noon
ZOOM
Course Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
To register, contact Arlene Schmidt at
[email protected]
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
July 9: 6-9 pm: July 16: 6-9 pm: July 18: 9-4 pm
Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave Ext, Malta, NY 12020 or ZOOM
Course Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and To Be Determined
Advanced Course: United Methodist Polity
July 11 and 25: 9 am- 3:30 pm
South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Pkwy, South Glens Falls, NY 12803 or ZOOM
Course Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
August 6: 6-9 pm: August 13: 6-9 pm: August 15: 9 am-3:30 pm
Fortsville UMC, 402 Fortsville Rd, Fortsville, NY 12831 or ZOOM
Course Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Worship (Retreat)
September 19: 10 am- 8 pm: September 20: 9 am-2 pm
Willsboro UMC, 3731 Main St., Willsboro, NY 12996
Course Fee TBD
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Course
Start date August 28th Meet and Greet
First class August 29th.
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Prerequisites
for this course are Basic and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.
For more
information and to request clergy and participants packets email
[email protected]
Clergy: if you have identified persons who are interested in the CLM Course, it is highly recommended that the candidate(s) take the Lay Servant courses scheduled before the fall. Prerequisite courses for CLM are Spiritual Gifts and Basic Lay Servant. There is another Spiritual Gifts course scheduled for July.
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Albany District Lay Servant Course
Advanced Lay Servant Course: "Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders"
November 13-15
from
5 PM Friday through noon on Sunday
at a location to be determined. Will be facilitated by co-author the Rev. Marc Brown.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries,
click here
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl |
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse
Adirondack District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the South Glens Falls UMC
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
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