Hi Friends,
As I write this, it is Maundy Thursday, the night when Jesus had his last supper with the disciples in the upper room. The term “maundy” is derived through the Old French “mande” from the Latin “mandatum novum,” a “new commandment.” (John 13:34) In John 13, we see that after supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. A year ago January when I was in the Holy Land, I bought the piece in Bethlehem which you see above, that was carved by a Palestinian Christian. It brought me to tears. In fact, I was crying right in the middle of the store. A man who was waiting on me at the store said, “Don’t be sad.” I said, “I’m not sad. I’m moved.” I knew I wasn’t leaving the store without this carving. It was WAY MORE than I was expecting to spend, but it was worth it. I was so drawn to it – I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Look at the details in the faces of Jesus and Peter. Of course, the picture doesn’t do it justice, but the intensity in Jesus’ eyes, and Peter putting his hand up to say, “No, Jesus. Don’t wash my feet,” are just striking to me.
I am grateful for the skill of the master carver and also for his Christian witness. I am grateful that I was able to purchase this piece. Mostly, I am grateful for Jesus, and this reminder that we are to be servant leaders.
May we carefully consider all that Jesus went through for us during that first Holy Week. He calls us to be in community with each other and servants to those we know and those we don’t know. This night, as we commemorate the last supper, may we also remember from the Gospel of John the command of Jesus to us given the night in which he was betrayed: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
May this world be attracted to Jesus through us and through our love for them and for each other. Yes…
With You in the Journey with Jesus towards the cross,
Nancy
4/18/19
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CLERGY APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
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Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced new appointments pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes
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ishop Webb announces April-May regional gatherings
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Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced regional gatherings that he will be hosting throughout the Upper New York Conference in April and May. These regional gatherings will primarily focus on unpacking the Judicial Council's decision 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. It will also be a time to help attendees to understand what becomes part of The Book of Discipline on January 1, 2020 and what does not. These times will include an opportunity for questions and conversation about what God might be doing in and through The United Methodist Church in the future. There will be a brief time of worship at each gathering as well.
The dates, times, and locations of these gatherings are as follows:
4/9/19
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April Issue II of the Bridge
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The April Issue II copy of the
Bridge
is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats.
Click here
to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary. This issue explains how worship is a spiritual discipline and explores how one can fully feel God's presence through worship. This issue also reminds your congregation that May 5 is Native American Ministries Sunday.
4/18/19
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Wesley Heritage tour scheduled for February 2020
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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. Take advantage of this time to enrichen your knowledge of John Wesley, and you will also have a day to explore London on your own.
Bishop Webb said, "Jodi and I look forward to sharing this journey that will visit many of the places that shaped John Wesley. His formation led to the vision and birth of a movement that we continue as United Methodists. This is certain to be a spiritual pilgrimage that will impact your life for years to come. We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us. "
The cost of this trip is $3,298 if you fly from New York City or $3,498 if you fly from Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse. This cost covers:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Basic tour and guided sightseeing
- Deluxe motorcoaches
- Admission and entrance fees to the sites
- First-class hotels including gratuities and program fees
- Daily breakfast and dinners (dinners not included in London)
Click here
for brochure- If you sign up please let Rev. Nancy Adams know and use her Tour Host #19972
4/18/19
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Wesley Course of Study Extension School to have satellite location in Liverpool
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The Wesley Course of Study Extension School, Buffalo will be permanently closing on May 6, 2019. A satellite school will now be offered at the Upper New York Conference United Methodist Center in Liverpool.
Click here
for more information, including admission requirements and local pastor responsibilities.
4/9/19
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Cady Grant applications accepted through May 3
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Applications for the Ercil Cady Grant are
available now through May 3, 2019
. Grant(s) of up to $5,000 may be awarded to individual United Methodists, local UM churches, or Upper New York District and Conference ministry teams. As directed by the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant, priority shall be given to educational proposals that benefit minority groups or individuals, preferably black and American Indians.
Click here
to read about last year's grant winners and to access the application for this year.
4/9/19
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Peace with Justice Grant application deadline approaching
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The
deadline
to apply for the next round of Peace with Justice grants
is April
30, 2019
.
Click here
to check out the $2,00 grants that were awarded last year and to access the current Peace with Justice Grant application. The Social Holiness Team looks forward to hearing what ministries may be emerging throughout the Upper New York Conference.
4/9/19
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Plan ahead for Native American Ministries Sunday, May 5
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Native American Ministries Sunday celebrates and supports the 157 Native American United Methodist churches that are part of the denomination. On
May
5,
our special offering helps directly support Native American congregations to authentically minister with their communities and provides scholarships for Native American seminary students.
If you don't already have offering envelopes for Native American Ministries Sunday,
Clicking here
.
Through our connection, we live out our commitment to repentance, healing forgiveness and love. Thank you for reminding your congregation to give generously on May 5.
4/9/19
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United Methodists Embrace plight of migrants & refugees
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Photo courtesy of Rubén Velarde de la Congregación Nuevo Pacto de Playas de Tijuana.
A view of the border fence in El Faro Park, Tijuana, Mexico of the first members of the migrant caravan.
The United Methodist Church recognizes, embraces, and affirms all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We urge society to "recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all."
To read more from United Methodist Communications and to find resources along with historical context, information, and headlines related to the topic of global migration,
Click here
To watch a video on refugees and displaced persons throughout the world:
Click here
There is a resource available at the Conference's Media and Resource Center, "Dialogue on the Refugee Crisis." For details, see the April Newsletter:
4/9/19
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(2) Safe Sanctuaries Training Opportunities
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1.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Geneva First UMC
340 Main St
Geneva, NY 14456
Trainers: Diane Withiam and Lisa Barrett
Please contact: Rev. Emily Huyge
or the church office at: 315-789-6550
2.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Lansing UMC
32 Brickyard Rd
Lansing, NY 14882
Open to all, of course. Anyone wishing to register should contact Max in the church office at
lumcoffice@twcny.rr.com
4/9/19
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Camps & Retreats Open House Dates
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WHO?
ALL are welcome - new and returning campers and families, retreat participants, alumni staff and
campers, friends, and neighbors, too!
WHAT ?
OPEN HOUSE! One of the best ways to feel at home is to visit ahead of time to run, play, create, participate in activities, tour our facilities, meet the staff, and learn more about us. Come, visit! The events are FREE! If you cannot join us, we are ALWAYS happy to schedule a private tour - just give us a call!
WHEN & WHERE?
SKY LAKE:
May 19, 1:30 - 5pm with 5K at 3:30pm
H 501 William Law Rd, Windsor, NY 13865
SKYE FARM:
June 1, 1 - 6pm
1844 E. Schroon River Rd, Warrensburg, NY 12885
ALDERSGATE
:
June 15, 2 - 7pm
7955 Brantingham Rd, Greig, NY 13345H
CASOWASCO:
June 16, 2 - 7pm
158 Casowasco Dr, Moravia, NY 13118
ASBURY:
June 30, 1 - 4pm
16 Lakeside Ave, Silver Lake, NY 14549
4/9/19
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Right Start Workshops Dates are Set for Moving Clergy
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WHO ATTENDS:
this is
mandatory
for all
full-time clergy
who are
moving to
a
new
appointment, retirement or extension ministry
.
Less than full time
clergy
who are
moving to a new appointment or retirement are
welcome
and
encouraged
to attend.
Northern Flow & Crossroads:
May 16, 2019
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sandy Creek UMC, 2031 Harwood Dr, Sandy Creek, NY
Albany & Adirondack:
May 20, 2019
10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave, Saratoga Springs
Oneonta & Mohawk:
May 21, 2019
9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
New Hartford First UMC, 105 Genesee St. New Hartford, NY
Genesee Valley & Finger Lakes:
May 21, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Farmington UMC, 5925 County Road 41, Farmington
Mountain View & Binghamton
May 22, 2019
9:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
Waverly UMC, 158 Chemung St., Waverly, NY
Niagara Frontier & Cornerstone
May 23, 2019
9:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.
First UMC, Springville, 474 E. Main Street, Springville, NY
Please register for one of these six dates on line.
Click here
to register.
Please feel free to choose the location and day that best fit your schedule. Lunch will be provided. If you have special dietary or other needs, please share this information when you register. Questions may be directed to your current district superintendent.
3/21/19
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RESOURCES & HELPFUL LINKS
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Learn More About Your Community through Mission Insite
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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.
4/9/19
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Mountain View District Office
District Superintendent
Rev. Nancy Adams
District Administrative Assistant
Patti Gridley
Phone: 607-962-8047
Mailing Address:
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
Physical Address:
35 Wilkes Ave. , Suite 101
Bath, NY 14810
(located in the back of Five Star Bank)
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The United Methodist Center of Upper New York
Address:
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone:
(315) 898-2000
Toll-Free:
(855) 424-7878
Fax:
(315) 898-2150
Camps & Retreats Center
Toll Free: (855) 414-6400
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