.Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
Oct. 29, 2020
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"Praise and thanks will always open doors to a better mood and a more accurate view of the circumstances."
-- Unknown
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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The District Office is open
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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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 adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please continue to hold George Holzhauer, and his wife, retired pastor Rev. Phyllis Holzhauer, in prayer. George has been residing at Wesley Health Care Center, so he and Phyllis have been unable to see one another in person since March. They continue to have "window" visits. Cards of care and concern can be sent to George at 647 Riverview Rd., Rexford, NY 12148.
Please continue to hold the Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith in prayer. They are dealing with serious health concerns. Cards of care and concern can be sent to the Smiths at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
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 adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Share your story
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in the way we do church, but it has also offered opportunities for growth. Please share your story on how you or your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality.
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Invitations to worship
Invite your community to worship online, and to Advent and Christmas services. For resources, click here.
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Helping hands needed for Nov. 7 project in Rensselaer
The former Rensselaer UMC is being renovated, with dreams of opening for worship and community outreach once cleaned out and repaired. There is a lot of debris to be removed. We have a dumpster scheduled for 8:30 AM Saturday, Nov. 7 and need willing hands to help us load it! Where: 16 Washington St. Rensselaer, NY. (Exit 3E from 787 toward Rte. 20. 2nd left at light; Church is on the right past corner)
Equipment: Face mask, work gloves, hand truck/dolly if you have one Please contact Sharyl Backus at sharyl.backus@gmail.com if you are willing to help!
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Local Church Classifieds and Events |
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Click here to view Local Church Classifieds and Events.
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Upcoming workshop/program |
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Workshops offered in lieu of District Days
In lieu of our biannual District Days, and due to the restrictions related to COVID-19, we will be offering workshops at various times and dates via ZOOM.
Still time to enroll! Basic Prayer Class - Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Geared toward laity
Facilitator: Nancy Dibelius
Are you uncomfortable when someone asks you to pray out loud? Join us to explore how to design a basic prayer that will offer a framework that can be used in almost any setting. It can be used for many different types of prayer and will offer you the confidence to lead groups in your local congregation. Class size limited to 12 participants. Register with Carrie Boyer, (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org.
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Clergy Day Apart: November 4 from 10 AM to 3 PM with Nancy Dibelius
Join me for a second day of Soul Care for Clergy, a day of rest, reflection, contemplation, renewal; we will gather at Skye Farm at 9:30 on Wednesday, November 4th. You are invited into a time of worship, a time of exploring and renewing your relationship with God focusing on time honored spiritual practices. We will begin with some large group time followed by personal reflection and soul care, there will be time and space for some creative expression and some small group sharing as you feel led. We will end the day by 3 pm. Lunch will be ordered from local sub shop or subway. Coffee and tea will be available when you arrive. Feel free to contact me if you have questions: Nancy Dibelius, nancyd@unyumc.org, 518-369-9147.
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Bishop Webb to hold ZOOM gatherings with laity
The past month, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, has hosted rejuvenating District gatherings with UNY clergy. In Dec., Bishop Webb is inviting all laity to join him for regional gatherings on Zoom. These gatherings will be a time of prayer and conversation around our ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church in these unprecedented days.
Bishop Webb said, “I look forward to gathering with the laity of each region to join together in prayer, celebrate the ongoing ministry within each congregation, and keep our focus upon the common task we share in ‘making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.’”
The Zoom meetings for each region will be as follows, from 6:30 p.m-8:30 p.m.:
· Dec. 2 – Northeast Region (Northern Flow, Adirondack, Mohawk and Albany Districts)
· Dec. 8 – Southern Tier Region (Oneonta, Binghamton, Mountain View and Cornerstone Districts)
· Dec. 9 – Lakes Region (Crossroads, Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, and Niagara Frontier Districts)
Zoom links will be released soon.
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File your Boy Scouts of America claim by Nov. 16
Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to protect itself against a growing number of sexual abuse claims made against it. This bankruptcy process is intended to allow the BSA to deal with these claims – through the creation of and payment from a victim’s compensation trust fund – and continue its operations. As is typical in bankruptcy proceedings, the court has established a “Bar Date,” which is the deadline for potential creditors to file claims against the BSA (the debtor). The Bar Date in this case is Nov. 16, 2020, at 5 p.m. EST.
On Wednesday Oct. 28, Upper New York Conference Treasurer, Bob Flask, sent a note to the UNY Conference that includes a statement by Conference Chancellor, Peter H. Abdella, that all churches who have ever chartered or sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, Cub Scout Pack, or venturing crew must read.
The letter also includes instructions on how to file claims and includes information about Zoom meetings that will take place on Wednesday Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to answer any questions filers may have.
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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 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Spiritual practice: Visio Divina
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director 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.
Since September, Rev. Dibelius has been revisiting practices she taught to provide more insight and help further deepen your relationship with God.
This week, Rev. Dibelius introduces you to Visio Divina, which combines two practices that she taught earlier in this series, Lectio Divina and praying with icons. Click here to watch the video.
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New 'Bridge' issue available
The Nov. Issue I 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. The stories that are featured in the Bridge can also be accessed from the news section of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference website for easy copying and pasting for those who wish to electronically distribute news featured in the Bridge. Click here to access the UNY Conference news items.
This issue covers the Cry for Palestine and ways you can help. It also provides prayers you can use on Nov. 29, not only the first day of Advent, but also, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
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Preach Palestine on Nov. 29
Friends of Sabeel North America is inviting congregations to "Preach Palestine" on Nov. 29 by incorporating Palestine into their worship service on the first week of Advent. Your UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, deeply committed to human rights for the Palestinian people is encouraging UNY pastors to unite in this effort to Preach Palestine.
Sunday, Nov. 29 is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Friends of Sabeel North America has prepared some excellent resources that congregations might use. There are prayers, litanies, children's stories, music, and even sermon possibilities to choose from.
This is also a great way to respond to the most recent "Cry of Hope" from our Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine.
Click here to review and choose from an amazing library of resources.
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United Methodist Student Day celebrated on Nov. 29
“United Methodist Student Day is just around the corner. We will celebrate United Methodist Student Day on November 29, 2020. Last year our church, along with other United Methodist congregations, gave $370,123 to the offering. This year, the world has experienced some unprecedented times, but we hope that you will give as much as you can to help our United Methodist students. When you give to the United Methodist Student Day offering, your gifts support the Gift of Hope Scholarship program that is awarded to United Methodist students annually. Thank you. For resources, click here.
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Books and resources to prepare for Advent
The United Methodist Publishing House has produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented year of uncertainty and anxiety. As we continue to social distance and wait for things to get better, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The new resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms. To read more, click here.
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More than a viewer: 10 tips for engaging with online worship
For many United Methodists throughout the world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, weekly worship services are happening around a computer screen instead of inside a church building. But how do you become more than simply a viewer watching a screen? Check out these tips for engaging with your online church community: Click here.
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Find daily, weekly devotions online
Devotional resources to share with members and other congregants is one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications. For a list of resources, click here.
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Four Ways to Multiply Disciples the Way Jesus Did
Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird explain that for our ministries to have a truly exponential impact, we need to be mentoring, developing, and multiplying disciples. They share four key learnings about how Jesus nurtured his followers by investing time in them. To read more, click here.
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Learning from women leaders in the Bible
What can we learn from the example of women leaders in the Bible? In this episode of Leadership Talks, Carla Works, associate professor in New Testament at Wesley Theological Seminary, talks about leadership lessons from biblical women. To listen, click here.
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12 Practices to Cultivate Humble Leadership
The best leaders understand the importance of humble servanthood. But what practical measures can a leader take to demonstrate genuine humility? Here are 12 practical suggestions to cultivate a humble spirit: Click here.
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God’s grace: Presented/re-presented through the sacraments
They are rituals as old as Christianity itself. A pastor takes bread and cup, recounts God's saving activities, gives thanks and serves the people. A person, often an infant, is immersed or doused with water and becomes part of God's family.
Communion and baptism are the two sacraments in The United Methodist Church; they happen thousands of times every year. In these moments, United Methodists claim that God's grace is present. But how? What is that grace doing, and what is it doing in/for/to us? To read more, click here.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 2020-2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Tuesdays November 10, 17, Tuesday December 1: 6-9 pm:
Saturday December 5: 9 am – 1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
Thursday January 7, 14, 28: 6-9pm
Saturday January 23: 9am-1pm
Advanced Course: Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
Course 1: Mondays February 22, March 1st and 8: 6-9: Saturday March 13: 9-1
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Course 2: Thursday February 25, March 4 & 11: 6-9pm Saturday March 20: 9-1pm
ZOOM: Course Fee $15
Deadline for registration form and fee is February 8
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9pm
Saturday May 1: 9-1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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2020 Charge Conference schedule
As is the case for many things during this pandemic, our charge conferences will be different this year. Typically, we hold church conferences in the fall. All members of the church are eligible to vote on various matters. This year, we will hold charge conferences, which means that the only persons eligible to vote are those on the administrative board, or similar body. From the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016, paragraph 246.2 "The membership of the charge conference shall be all members of the church council or other appropriate body, together with retired ordained ministers and retired diaconal ministers who elect to hold their membership in such charge conference...]
A reminder that anyone can attend the charge conference; it's just that the voting is limited as stated above.
District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl will preside at all of the conferences. All conferences will be held in-person unless the pastor or CLM leading the congregation requests an all-ZOOM gathering. Even though the conferences will be in-person, every attempt will be made to offer a ZOOM link to all of the conferences. Ask your pastor or CLM to share the link with you (should be available 2 weeks prior to your conference).
Here is the link to the Conference schedule: click here
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Shoebox collection for Red Bird Mission
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person (spiritual, physical, social, and economic).
There are two drop-off points in the Albany and Adirondack Districts - Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham 12110 and South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls 12803. Both are by appointment only. For Calvary, call Rita Pickett at (518) 786-1858 and for South Glens Falls, call Carrie Boyer (518) 480-4866.
Deadline to drop off is Nov. 2
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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NYS Re-opening guidelines
New York state guidelines for religious and funeral services were updated on June 26:
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Reopening resources
Be sure to check the Conference's FAQ resource page about reopening guidelines.
On this page, you will find a safety plan template required by the state and statewide guidelines for resuming services. You will also find resourceful signage you can use about face masks, handwashing, and deep cleaning. And this page also provides answers to many questions that have been asked about reopening churches.
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On Tuesday June 2, the UNY Reopening Taskforce held a FAQ session on Zoom, with over 350 people across UNY in attendance. Click here to view the PowerPoint shared during June 2 webinar and click here for a recording of the session.
If you have questions that have yet to be answered, send them along to covid-19response@unyumc.org and your question will be answered soon.
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Peace with Justice grant application deadline is Oct. 30
The Oct. 30 deadline to submit a Peace with Justice grant is quickly approaching. The Social Holiness Team administers the Peace with Justice Grant Program. This program is supported by one half the money collected by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering taken by each congregation. The other half of the collection is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to support their global grant program. To download the Peace with Justice Grant Application, click here.
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Digital discipleship Zoom webinars
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, churches across our Conference have been learning how to use digital platforms to increase discipleship. While digital discipleship has been effective for many years, it is currently becoming necessary to keep everyone’s safety in mind.
The Rev. B.J. Norrix, lead pastor for the Syracuse United Methodist ministries recently led a webinar on how he was able to increase giving at Erwin United Methodist Church, using Tithe.ly. If you missed that webinar, click here to check it out.
We have one more digital discipleship webinar on the calendar.
On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., the Rev. Rachel Barnhart, pastor at Broad Street UMC, will be teaching about increasing discipleship through using Zoom as a platform for House Churches.
Click here to hear testimonials from the pastors and to obtain a Zoom link for the upcoming webinar.
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Charge Conference forms due two weeks after conference
Charge Conference forms are all located on the following page: 2020-2021 Charge Conference forms. There is a downloadable/printable forms check list to help ensure that each church is on track to completing the forms necessary for their Church/Charge Conference on time. Many of the forms need to be submitted to the District Office two weeks after your Charge Conference. Other forms, such as the annual audit, have later deadlines. Questions can be directed to the District Office.
If you get an error message while trying to access the Charge Conference forms, click here for help.
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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. The devotions 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 bible 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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News/Resources
From the Conference
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays.
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
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Check out Media Resource Center's October newsletter
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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2021 Budget information released
Your Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CF&A) has been working since last fall on the 2021 Conference budget. Of course, at that time, things were the "old normal," and, while our collections from ministry shares were down, CF&A was anticipating the continued generosity from our local churches and prepared the budget accordingly.
Prior to releasing the budget (which would have occurred in the spring, prior to the May 2020 Annual Conference), everything changed! If you look at the budget, you will see that the numbers don't look terribly different from prior years. That is not because CF&A doesn't know what's going on or doesn't understand the difficulties that local churches are facing. They believe that we are all in this together. They believe that you, the local churches, will do all you can to continue to pay your shared ministry dollars, the amounts that are allocated and apportioned to each of you that allow us to do ministry in the Upper New York area and around the world!
Click here to read more and review the 2021 UNY budget.
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Imagine No Racism: Train as a facilitator
Are you moved to help dismantle racism? Have you already experienced the "Imagine No Racism" curriculum? The Conference Commission on Religion & Race (CCORR) is planning more opportunities to train people as INR Facilitators to lead new small groups. This one-day training will be on ZOOM. If interested, please let Carrie know and we will coordinate times that work for people. (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 480-4866.
If you have not experienced the six sessions of INR but are interested, please let Carrie know and we will find a small Zoom group for you.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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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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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
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 COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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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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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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UNY offers 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 almamalikow@unyumc.org 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 stevehustedt@unyumc.org.
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Other Resources and Information
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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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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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
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
(518) 480-4866
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