 |
Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
Aug. 6, 2020
|
|
'You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone - any person or any force - dampen, dim or diminish your light ... Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.'
-- Rep. John Lewis
|
|
Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246.
|
|
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.
|
|
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 [email protected] or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or [email protected] |
Please keep the family and friends of the Rev. George F. Miller Jr. in your thoughts and prayers. Rev. Miller Jr., 84, died on July 27. A retired pastor, Rev. Miller served several churches in the former Troy Conference, including: Eagle Bridge, North Hoosick, Granville, and Green Island UMCs. Due to N.Y.S. COVID-19 travel restrictions, and for safety concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to his son Robert Miller at 1010 Spring Ave., Troy, NY, 12180.Click here to read the full obituary.
Prayers for Rev. Erik Smith, Retired and his wife Jane Smith. They are both experiencing serious health issues. Cards of care and concern can be sent to the Smiths at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
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. Charlie Yang and his wife Euni.
- 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.
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 [email protected] Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
|
|
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 your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality. Send an email to Carrie Boyer at [email protected] or call her at (518) 608-1246. |
|
Churches weigh options to reach seniors
Technology has provided many answers for pastors trying to stay connected with their members during the coronavirus pandemic. But in some rural or smaller churches, landline telephones and newsletters sent via snail mail continue to play a role.
|
This week's spiritual practice: Pilgrimages
|
| |
Rev. Nancy Dibelius
|
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 with God during this difficult time.
This week, Rev. Dibelius describes how pilgrimage routes have become popular, specifying such routes as the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She emphasizes that the intent of pilgrimages is more about drawing closer to God than it is about reaching the destination. She explained that connecting physical movement with prayer and seeking God is a form of pilgrimage.
Click here to watch Rev. Dibelius's video and learn how you can practice pilgrimages without traveling away from home.
|
|
Media Resource Center's August newsletter available
|
The August issue of Upper New York's Media Resource Center newsletter is now available. The Media Resource Center - a free lending library supported through your shared ministry dollars - publishes the monthly newsletter, which features new resources that are currently available or coming soon, along with assorted informational articles about the resource center and other available resources. Click here to view and/or print the current newsletter.
|
|
|
Three-session Trauma-Informed Approach
to Pastoral Care course offered on Zoom
| |
As pastors, how can we help members of our congregation who are survivors of trauma? A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people who have experienced trauma, avoid re-traumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This four-hour Zoom course will be taught in three sessions by Samantha Koury of the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) at the University at Buffalo. Attend all three sessions and you will receive a Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
The dates for the three classes are as follows:
Session 1: Monday Aug. 31, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. OR Saturday Sept. 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 2: Monday Sept. 7, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. OR Saturday Sept. 19, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Session 3: Monday Sept. 14, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. OR Sat. Sept. 26,10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Click here to register for this free course offering and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
|
|
|
2020 Bishop's Retreat postponed to Oct. 2021
| |
As is the case with many events planned with large gatherings, the UNY Conference had to make the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Bishop's Retreat, originally scheduled for Oct. 20-22 at the Radisson Hotel in Corning.
The Bishop's Retreat will keep the same theme of "Sharing our Faith Boldly" and will now be held Oct. 26-28, 2021 at the same venue, the Radisson Hotel in Corning. Keynote speaker, Debi Nixon, one of the Managing Executive Directors at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (with direct oversight of the Regional Campuses and Catalyst Ministry), has agreed to remain the speaker for 2021. Registration for the 2021 Bishop's Retreat will open after the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference.
|
|
|
Connect with people in the digital realm
The digital revolution has been transforming our lives for the past 30 years - at home, at work, and, yes, at church. But in the face of COVID-19, congregations have come to rely on digital connections in ways we couldn't have imagined just a year ago.
To fully engage the world today, we must continue to develop digital practices and relationships. It makes no sense to try and go back to the world as it was before the digital revolution or before COVID-19. But how can we forge digital relationships that are as strong as our face-to-face ones? For those wanting to expand and strengthen their digital outreach, here are six important things to keep in mind.
|
|
Asking millennials to give ...
John Wimberly dispels the myth that millennials aren't willing to contribute to church. The problem is the church has not adapted to the 21st-century ways of soliciting and receiving donations that would encourage their generosity.
|
|
Ask the UMC:
What does it mean to resist evil, injustice and oppression?
In our baptismal vows, United Methodists commit to "renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world" and "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." Since the earliest times, the vows of Christian baptism have begun with the renunciation of evil and then the profession of faith and loyalty to Christ.
|
|
Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
|
Background Check reminder
Remember Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries minimum standards require background checks every two years for those working with children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Our insurance company, Brotherhood Insurance, partners with three companies to provide background screenings for their policyholders. They are:
- Safe Hiring Solutions
- C 4 Operations
- Protect My Ministry
Please visit the Brotherhood web site to review the detailed information: click here. Each offers many choices for the type of information for which you are looking.
You are still able to use Trusted Employees that was a partner with our former insurance company, Church Mutual, but you will not be receiving the Church Mutual discount so your rates will be higher.
|
|
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
Please see an important video announcement from Bishop Mark J. Webb about the form that Upper New York's Oct. 3, 2020 session of Annual Conference will look like as the world continues to try to keep people safe from COVID-19.
|
|
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference release the final appointment list for 2020-2021. Click here to view the full list of changes.
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program extended
On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as long as they have paid staff that are issued a W-2 at the end of the year. A church can request up to 2.5 times their average monthly salary in a PPP. A church would then have up to 24 weeks to spend the funds on qualifying expenses that would then get forgiven and converted to a grant after completing the appropriate forgiveness forms with your financial institution that issued the PPP loan. The PPP is a blessing to local churches to help bridge the financial hardship caused from COVID-19. If your local church has seen a decrease in your monthly giving, do not have a large reserve to draw from and are struggling to meet your monthly obligations then, a PPP could help. Click here for additional information on the PPP program. If you need further assistance on applying for the PPP, please contact Bob Flask, the Conference Treasurer at [email protected] |
|
NYS Re-opening guidelines updated
New York state guidelines for religious and funeral services were updated on June 26:
|
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.
|
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
If you have questions that have yet to be answered, send them along to [email protected] and your question will be answered soon.
|
|
Take a Daycation at one of
UNY's Camp & Retreat Centers
|
Now that stay-at-home mandates are behind us for the foreseeable
|
| | Skye Farm |
future, we are happy to announce that the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Centers are welcoming families to enjoy the beauty and splendor of their sites with Daycations.
Come explore each site-the daycations include games, activities, sports, and craft stations. Call or email to register to attend the site(s) you are interested in.
Aldersgate's daycation will be Aug. 9.
Skye Farm's daycation will be Aug. 15.
Sky Lake's daycation will be Aug. 30.
Each Daycation is $15 per person and no more than $60 per family.
Also, don't forget that Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center is offering "Play for the Day" on Aug. 1, 8, 22, and 29. Call 315-364-8756 or email [email protected].
|
|
|
UMC of the Resurrection's Leadership Institute 2020
Whether you are clergy, church staff, or a lay leader in your church, join
|
| | Adam Hamilton
|
them ONLINE for 2 days of inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership.
Keynote speakers include Adam Hamilton and Bishop Michael Curry. There are several "break-out" speakers as well.
Your online ticket gives you access to the live-streamed General Sessions and special Breakout Sessions with Live Q&A. You also receive one full year of access to replay the recordings of those General Sessions and Breakouts, plus a library of 20+ additional ministry workshops.
Early Bird cost is $49; $69 after Sept. 1
|
|
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:
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
|
New
|
News/Resources
From the Conference Office
|
|
|
Volunteer opportunities at camp and retreat centers
Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) welcomes volunteers to support the conference camp and retreat centers through the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The Conference volunteer management team is looking for individuals and teams local to Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake. Each camp is ready with a list of projects suitable for volunteers. Local volunteers are encouraged as the camps curtailed overnight accommodations for the summer. State and Conference safety protocols are in place to help keep volunteers and staff safe. The goal for volunteers: partner with camp staff to assist with tasks suited to your skills. Food and beverage for all the workers is provided by the camp. If you are ready to volunteer at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake. Click here to register. Thoughts, questions or concerns please contact Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, at [email protected] or (315) 491-0497. |
|
2021 Conference Budget Information published
A hard copy of the Upper New York (UNY) Narrative Budget Booklet has
taken on a new format that will allow for multi-year use.
Click here for the proposed Ministry Shares budget numbers for 2021.
Click here to review the Narrative Budget Booklet electronically and to read some reports that some ministry areas submitted to support their 2021 UNY Conference Budget.
For hard copies of the Narrative Budget Booklet, contact the District Office.
|
|
|
|
For eligible clergy
Register now for HealthFlex workshops this fall
The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange workshops this fall via Zoom, at various churches around the Conference. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants, under the age of 65, must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. Click here to learn more about the HealthFlex Exchange and to register to one of the seven dates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julie Valeski at (315) 898-2001 or [email protected]. |
|
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. |
|
Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
To subscribe to the Weekly Digest, published by the UNY Conference, click here. |
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here |
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------
More tips on online giving
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
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]. |
O
|
Other Resources and Information
|
|
Cokesbury offers virtual vacation Bible school option during COVID-19
To help churches unable to hold their vacation Bible school programs in person this summer, Cokesbury has developed a complete digital version of one of its 2020 curriculum. |
|
Local Church Historian School
to be offered in September
Are you, or someone you know, interested in caring for or improving your church's program of history?
The General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church will be offering a Local Church Historian School in 2020 for church historians---or anyone interested in the story of their church.
This is the same school developed and offered by the Indiana Conference in the past---now updated---and being offered by the General Commission on Archives and History to any United Methodist church globally.*
The Local Church Historian School curriculum will cover a wide range of skills necessary to become a "complete" church historian. Participating congregations will benefit from a new consciousness of their heritage and legacy and be motivated to study their unique stories and proclaim it to those around them.
The Book of Discipline says our Conference is "to encourage and assist the local churches in preserving their records, compiling their histories and celebrating their heritage...." This school provides United Methodists the opportunity to do just that.
The school will begin on September, 14, 2020. Plan now to use this opportunity to ensure that the heritage of each of our churches will be celebrated and that each church can receive the full benefit of its own amazing story.
*The only prerequisite for the Local Church Historian School is access to dependable email service. (Minimal computer skills are required.)
To visit the website, click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
During the Covid19 quarantine period, we have made a nice variety of resources for all ages available for FREE on the platform. You can have a look at what's available on this link:
We have continued to develop free materials that will help churches in this unique time. Over the past 8 weeks, we have released a series of 9 FREE webinars called Now & Next that target issues the church is facing during quarantine as well as beginning to gather together again. They are now available "on demand" at the above link as well as below:
Finally, we have added a selection of resources that deal with racism and reconciliation. There are several short studies, but also some stand-alone videos that would be helpful. These are also available at the first link as well as below:
|
|
Living Waters Emmaus/Chrysalis Community newsletter
Click here for "On the Road" newsletter. It contains information about canceled events.
|
From the Albany District Lay Servant Ministry Team
Special weekend planned:
Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders
What is a vital church, and what is a Christian transformational leader? Co-author Rev. Marc Brown will facilitate the Advanced Lay Servant Course, Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders to help us understand, learn, and define the three disciplines of Christian transformational leadership and the four qualities of Christian transformational leaders. This weekend class begins on Friday November 13 and concludes on Sunday, November 15, at Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Rd, Latham 12110. All laity are invited to attend. You do not need to be a lay servant to share in this weekend!
|
|
From the Albany District Lay Ministry Team:
Celebration of Laity Sunday
Although we are in the midst of the CoVID-19 pandemic, and we don't know when churches will be able to reopen fully, please give consideration to talking with your pastor about observing Laity Sunday at a point in time that is convenient for your church, your pastor, and your laity.
Laity Sunday is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of October, but it can be celebrated any time. Methodism, in all its roots, has a long history of celebrating and recognizing the work, ministry, and mission of all laity - not only within the walls of our church but in our everyday lives, as well. It is a day set aside to recognize and affirm the ministry of laity, whether as lay leaders, lay servants, lay speakers, lay ministers, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Walks to Emmaus, Chrysalis, missionary service as well as ministries in our homes, our places of work, our positions in the community.
THANK YOU - for all the ways you have been, are, and will be God's hands and feet in the world.
|
Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
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: Leading Worship
Wednesdays, September 9, 16, and 30; 5:30-8:30 PM and
Saturday September 26; 9 AM to 1 PM
ZOOM
Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Course open to 12 participants
(Update) Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Course
To be held via ZOOM
Start date August 28th Meet and Greet
First class Sept. 11th and 12th
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, please send an email to Bruce Hazard at [email protected] and Arlene Schmidt at [email protected]. Prerequisite courses for CLM are Spiritual Gifts and Basic Lay Servant.
|
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
|
|
Imagine No Racism approved as an
advanced course in Upper New York Conference
Imagine No Racism (INR) has been approved as an advanced course for Upper New York. The curriculum,
which has a deeply spiritual foundation, has been formatted as a 10-hour course including videos, conversations, and experiential learning. An INR facilitator will lead each course.
Each District has at least three trained facilitators who will guide the conversation as the participants experience vital concepts dealing with racism in today's world. The goal of this experience is to develop each lay servant's ability to be an ally who walks with people of color to build relationships and take action for justice.
Look for details to come.
|
Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
|
| | Rev. Debbie Earthrowl |
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
|
|
|
|
|
|
