.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
Nov. 12, 2020
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"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
--- Mark Twain
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246.
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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) 608-1246.
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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) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please hold the Rev. Peter Kelly in prayer. Peter suffered a stroke last Friday, and is now at home, recovering. Peter served Galway UMC, Pawling Ave. UMC (Troy), Good Shepherd (Green Island) and St. James (Cohoes) in the Troy Conference.
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 are able to have "window" visits, for which they are grateful. Cards of care and concern can be sent to George at 647 Riverview Rd., Rexford, NY 12148.
Prayers for the District, Conference and the World as we move through this difficult and very uncertain times dealing with COVID-19.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers:
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
- Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from a stroke and surgery
- Rev. David Smith and his parents who reside in Assisted Living.
- Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith, both dealing with serious health issues.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@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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All churches urged to file claim against Boy Scouts of America
Our UNY Conference Chancellor, Peter Abdella, was recently advised that ALL churches should file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy case against the Boy Scouts of America by November 16, 2020
This will preserve your rights of indemnity and insurance coverage under the Charter Agreement and your rights of contribution in any Child Victims Act case in the future.
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Spiritual practice: Praying the Psalms
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 to help further deepen your relationship with God.
This week, Rev. Dibelius revisits the practice of Praying the Psalms.
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Media Resource Center's November newsletter available
Visit the Resource Center's page on the Conference website to explore the vast library of resources: Click here. For the newsletter, click here.
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New 'Bridge' available
The Nov. Issue II 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 United Methodist Student Sunday, which is held on Sunday Nov. 29 and also covers ways to keep kids engaged during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Local church learning sessions: Technology for worship,
small groups and giving
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued and more churches shifted to or increased their digital ministry, United Methodist Communications began developing a series of Local Church Learning Sessions. All have been developed specifically to support local United Methodist churches during this extraordinary time. New sessions will be added here as they are produced.
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Digital Discipleship training
On Nov. 5, the Rev. Rachel Barnhart, pastor at Broad Street UMC, led a Zoom training on using Zoom to host House Churches. This is part of the Upper New York Conference’s Digital Discipleship trainings.
Click here to hear Rev. Barnhart’s testimonial. Click here to watch the recording of Rev. Barnhart’s webinar.
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Email marketing effective way to reach folks
An estimated 3 billion individuals — almost half of the world’s population — will be using email by 2020! Email continues to be the most effective way to reach people. It is the perfect tool for communicating prayer requests, newsletters, announcements and other information.
How can local churches harness the power of email to better connect with the congregation? By incorporating email marketing into your church’s overall communication plan.
Whether you are new to email marketing, or if you think your church is ready to take email communications to the next level, this learning opportunity is for you. To read more, click here.
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Foster spiritual disciplines in the church
If you asked most of the people in your congregation, it is very likely that they would say that they desire to grow closer to Christ. But, if you asked them to outline how they plan on doing that, you would most likely be met with silence. If you want to help your congregants become more Christ-like, help them begin by taking spiritual disciplines more seriously. To read more, click here.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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Why inter-generational ministry?
In conditions of such social isolation that we are now experiencing, the church can be the catalyst for welcoming (and including) people of all ages — if we do so intentionally and safely. Now is not the time to scurry into our age-segregated corners but to come together in new and creative ways. To read more, click here. |
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What does strong leadership look like?
A strong leader is often defined as one who uses authority to gain influence and advantage. John Matthews, Kristina Gutiérrez, and Ross Peterson point to a different paradigm of strength in church leadership that is neither defensive nor aggressive but loving and respectful of one’s adversaries. To read more, click here.
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How do we love our enemies?
Many Christians struggle with this question. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our enemies. We are to care for, pray for, provide for and hope the best for everyone, and not wish ill upon anyone, including our enemies.
This radical love, agape love, is hard! It requires action, not just a general sense of goodwill or affection. How can you do it? You might try starting with this blessing exercise, including a blessing of enemies. And you might begin cultivating habits of hospitality that intentionally seek to include enemies, not just friends and associates, where you can do so safely.
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(New) Advanced Lay Servant Course Open to All Laity
DISCIPLE 1 Fast Track: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study New Testament is designed to help busy people encounter the Bible in order to grow in faith. Daily readings for private devotion and reflection, as well as materials to help understand the Bible, its content and its development, are provided. The course provides participants with structure, a sense of accountability, and the encouragement of fellow sojourners. It begins Saturday, January 9, 2021, meeting every Saturday for twelve weeks, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., via Zoom. The cost is $10 with checks payable to UNYAC (Upper New York Annual Conference). Participants must purchase Disciple Fast Track: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study New Testament Study Manual from Cokesbury. Contact Nancy Goddard at bngoddard@davespc.net for a registration form.
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(Updated)
Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 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.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant (daytime course)
See May for other dates.
Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 21: 9 am-noon
Monday, Jan. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 27: 9 am-noon
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
Thursdays: Jan. 7, 14, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 23: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
Course 1: Mondays: Feb. 22, March 1 and 8, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday March 13: 9 am-1 p.m.
OR
Course 2: Thursdays, Feb. 25, March 4 & 11: 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, March 20: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee $15
Each course is limited to 6 participants.
Deadline for registration form and fee is Feb. 8
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays: April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 1: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
Thursdays, May 13 and 27: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 29: 9 am-1 p.m.
Monday, June 7: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Mondays June 14 and 21: 6-9 pm
Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 1: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Wednesdays: July 14, 21, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday: August 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Polity
Tuesdays August 17, 24, 31: 6-9 pm
Saturday, August 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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Zoom links available for
Bishop Webb’s laity gatherings
In December, 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.’”
Wednesday, Dec. 2 – 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Northeast Region (Northern Flow, Adirondack, Mohawk, and Albany Districts)
Click here on Dec. 2 to join the Zoom meeting or call 646-558-8656.
The meeting ID is 933 6043 0915 and the passcode is 068009.
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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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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here
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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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A message from the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team to trainers
In this time of Covid-19 and social distancing, the Safe Sanctuaries Conference Team is not recommending any in-person Safe Sanctuaries trainings. This is to keep safe those who would be together for a long period of time. We ask that people be patient. Recertification letters have gone out to the trainers. There is a test training for trainers only set for December 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM. We will test the curriculum that has been redone for a virtual training via zoom. Please watch your emails for the link and the updated materials. Please refer to the recent letter for the co-chair contact in your District and for more information. If you have questions you can send an email to: Safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
Co-Chair Arlene Schmidt, CLM and Pastor Christine Mitchell, Pastor, Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church
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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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2020 Charge Conferences in November
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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November is
Native American Heritage Month
During the month of November, United Methodists are called to learn more about the history of Native/indigenous people. Click here for several resources you can share with your congregation to raise awareness about Native American and indigenous culture in the United States.
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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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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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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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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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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 about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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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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Other Resources and Information
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Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “Virtual Advent”
How can Advent be special in a year when so much is different? Professor of Worship Anna Petrin shares ideas for bringing Advent from the sanctuary to the home and allowing its themes of longing and hope to speak to our current reality. To listen to the podcast, 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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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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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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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC, 568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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