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Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
April 22, 2020
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'Prayer is where the action is.'
-- John Wesley
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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Paycheck Protection Program to get more funding
The Senate on Tuesday passed a $484 billion package to bolster small businesses and hospitals ravaged by the
coronavirus pandemic and expand testing for Covid-19.
After the unanimous Senate vote, the bill heads to the House, which aims to approve it by Thursday.
The measure injects another $310 billion into a key loan program designed to keep employees on small company payrolls. The initial $350 billion in the so-called Paycheck Protection Program, created as part of the $2 trillion rescue package passed last month, dried up last week.
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Related article
The following statement was sent on behalf of UNY Treasurer, Bob Flask, and Chair of the UNY CF&A, the Rev. Susan Ranous.
As I am sure most of you have seen, the funding for the Paychex Protection Plan (PPP) and the EIDL Loan under the CARES Act has been fully exhausted. However, there is another stimulus package that is being looked at in the Congress, which may result in additional monies to fund a second round or PPP loans; therefore, it is important, that any local church feeling a financial need to apply for these funds that have not already applied and received funding under these plans, that you continue aggressively pulling together the information needed to make the necessary application AS SOON AS those funds are released. The information needed is contained in the
CARES Act information
The forgiveness available under these plans is not automatic and will require some work to prove to the bank and to the Small Business Administration that the funds received were used for allowed forgivable expenses; therefore, good record-keeping is beyond important once these funds have been received. Any questions about this can be directed to Bob Flask, Treasurer @ [email protected] or Rev. Susan Ranous, Chair of CF&A @ [email protected]
You can also contact Adirondack District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl at [email protected] or (518) 391-3215
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District Office is closed for now
The office is physically closed, but we will be checking email and phone messages daily. You can leave a message on the office phone (518) 480-4866, or if you need immediate assistance, please call Carrie at (518) 383-4873 or our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl at (518) 391-3215.
Because of these uncertain times, news will go out as we receive it, or when Debbie has a message for all. We will continue to send out a Local newsletter on Wednesdays. The Saturday newsletter is on hold for now.
Pastors: Please continue to send us your ideas and links to your live-streams. We will send out emails on Fridays so people can "tune in" on Sundays.
Thank you for your patience as we all navigate these uncharted waters together!
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected] or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or
[email protected]
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Please hold Rev. Ray Waters in prayer. He is ill, and staying with his daughter Laurie. Also, Ray's brother Bill passed away on Saturday. Cards of care and concern can be sent to Ray at 4 Helen Circle, Goffstown, NH 03045. Rev. Waters served Christ Church in Glens Falls (1985-1992), Eagle Bridge UMC and South Cambridge UMC (1992-2004) and Newman UMC in Shushan (2004-2014).
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If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected] Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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(New)
Upper New York Conference Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce four appointments and one retirement pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes:
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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Visit the Adirondack District Facebook Page!
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Faith communities reaching out to those facing
domestic abuse
Those facing domestic and sexual violence and elder abuse are experiencing additional trauma during this time of increased isolation. While social distancing will slow the virus, isolation is both a risk factor and a weapon of abuse. "Sheltering in place" with someone who is abusive is at best dangerous and at worst a death sentence.
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Guidance through Breath Prayer
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Rev. Nancy Dibelius
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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.
This week, Rev. Dibelius guides us through the practice of Breath Prayer.
Click here
to learn this revitalizing spiritual discipline.
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DisAbility Ministries Committee Resources and Tips
The DisAbility Ministries Committee of the UMC has developed the resources to help congregations be inclusive of people with disabilities as they switch to meeting online and doing things differently during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNY Conference has add these resources to its COVID-19 news and resources page.
Click here
to access the DisABility Ministries Committee resources (scroll down to the Resources section), which include Access to Worship Actions, Accessible COVID-19 information, Advocacy Action with References, Outreach Resource Sheet, and Resources for Praying without Words.
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Conference Leadership Team Prayer Initiative
Prayer #3 during the coronavirus pandemic
Pray,
Pray now,
Pray for the Others.
Love one another. The command echoes through Scripture and awakens us to life. Jesus intended for the world to verify the truth of his message by observing us in our love for one another and all God sends into our lives (John 13:35, 17:22-23). Because praying is an expression of loving that is accessible to all, our Conference Leadership Team (CLT), calls all who are able, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, to pray with them.
The CLT invites you to continue to pray with them in the coming weeks as they share prayers designed to be used however the Spirit calls you to use them. If the Spirit places it on your heart to include these prayers in your daily devotions, publish them on your social media page, or jump off from their movement into your own inspiration, go with God and with their blessing.
Click here
to read the most recent prayer is provided by CLT member, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, in which she asks God to help us to be courageously faithful and to acknowledge that he is walking with us through this difficult time.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Courses
Greetings from the Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries team.
We want you all to know we are thinking of you and pray that you are all doing well as we stay at home during this time of shelter-in-place.
If you have ever considered taking a Lay Servant course, now might be the time.
Our Lay Ministries courses will go on. We cannot let the word of God stop.
We will continue to schedule courses except for Preaching and Basic at this time.
The CLM course scheduled for the Fall will also be held. Clergy: if you have identified persons who are interested, it is highly recommended that the candidate(s) take the Lay Servant courses scheduled before the fall. Prerequisite courses for CLM are Spiritual Gifts and Basic Lay Servant. There is another Spiritual Gifts course scheduled for July.
The courses scheduled for June, July and August will be held either in person or by Zoom. (Possible time changes if held via Zoom.) Details on those courses are in the article at the bottom of this newsletter.
The Leading Worship Course scheduled as a retreat will be reconsidered as September approaches and we know more about the virus situation.
(New) Advanced Lay Servant Course
: Lay Speakers Tell Stories: Dancing with Words:
Telling stories can be an effective part of anyone's ministry.
Participants will learn what constitutes a good story, discover storytelling styles, learn the techniques of effective storytelling, and practice creating stories from their experiences. In his book Ray Buckley outlines where stories come from; preparing and creating stories; how to tell Bible stories; how to deal with those "butterflies, and bats" of stage fright and much more.
Registration: $10
Location: Zoom
Dates: Tuesdays: May 12, 19, 26 from 6 PM to 9 PM and Saturday morning May 23 from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard and Arlene Schmidt
All participants must order the text: "Dancing with Words:" Storytelling as Legacy, Culture and Faith, by Ray Buckley
Please email Lay Ministries Team registrar: [email protected] or call (518) 496-4010 for the form or more information.
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Native American Ministries Sunday coming up
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be easy to forget Special Sundays, but they continue to be important ministries.
The 2020 Native American Ministries Sunday celebration is almost here. The year's celebration date is April 26, 2020, but you can observe this Special Sunday on a date that is convenient for your congregation. Please make plans to celebrate this important special day that highlights the gifts and contributions of Native Americans.
Many United Methodist churches are using online technology to increase their visibility and to provide a convenient way to minister to their congregation.
Let your congregation know that giving to Native American Ministries Sunday online is secure and easy. Please encourage your congregation to give online at umcgiving.org/giveNAMS
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What are You Doing to Continue Worship, Bible Study and what other ways are you sharing the word of God?
We are going to share with you what churches are doing. Feel free to reach out to one another with questions and success.
Please send us your story of how you are reaching out to your congregations:
[email protected]
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Forms' deadlines moved
Deadlines for the Local Church Audit, Trustees Report, Finance Report, year-end financial report and the church budget have been moved to July 1. Thank you to all who have already submitted these forms and reports!
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New
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News From the Conference Office
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UNY Cabinet and Bishop Mark Webb urge congregations to avoid gatherings of any kind: To read more
click here.
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Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
To subscribe to the Weekly Digest, published by the UNY Conference,
click here.
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UNY Annual Conference postponed to October
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Visit Conference website for updates
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist
Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here
for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected] and someone will contact you.
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Horizon Stewardship COVID-19 resources
The Upper New York Conference Center has been posting resources on
our website's
resource page
to help your church effectively continue to minister to your congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to our resource page, we feel that you will find Horizons Stewardship's resource page tremendously useful as well. On carefully curated resource page, you will find "Resilient Leadership Email Series," webinars, public health information, and links to several resources on all topics ranging from prayers for COVID-19 to staying emotionally healthy during this difficult time.
Click here
for dozens of helpful and inspiring resources in Horizon Stewardship's library.
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Resilient Leadership Update -
A Special Series from Horizons Stewardship
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Jason Moore/Midnight Oil:
Tell the Old Story in a New Time: 30-day link
Almost overnight, we find ourselves in a new and unfamiliar world. The COVID-19 virus has changed everything about our lives, including how we worship. What is the Church to do in such a time as this?
With the social distancing practices preventing our physical gatherings, how do we connect and make our message resonate with a world in chaos? Now more than ever, the Church can lead the charge in a world looking for spiritual answers. In order to lead effectively, we must tell the story in a new way, for a new time, and with a new medium.
Join author, creative worship, and guest readiness coach Jason Moore for a 90-minute webinar for how to face these unique challenges to worship. Jason will lead your church into a deep dive through the questions and answers that must be asked and addressed as we worship today.
Click here for link to webinar. The link will be accessible for 30 days.
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving:
Click here
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click here
to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here
for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Tips on using Zoom
for Bible Studies and small groups
Zoom is a video conferencing as well as webinar resource that Conference staff as well as Conference and District leaders often use to communicate with one another. We are suggesting all committees and teams that usually meet at the United Methodist Center to meet using Zoom while the office is closed, which is currently now through April 13.
Zoom is also a great platform for you to use with members of your congregation and to host Bible studies or small groups.
Click here to learn how to get started with Zoom, to watch Zoom tutorials, to access Zoom technical support and to see Zoom-related FAQs.
Click here for a webinar about how to use Zoom created by our friends in the Arkansas Conference.
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UNY to offer matching grants for purchase of Zoom
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn more about how to use Zoom,
click here
to watch a video tutorial.
To participate in the matching grant, simply
click here
to purchase a one year Zoom Pro Plan. Then, send a copy of the receipt to Alma Malikow in the Conference Treasurer's office digitally at
[email protected]
or by U.S. mail at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. The Conference will reimburse participating churches $75, which covers half the cost of the annual subscription. If you have any questions, contact the Conference Director of Communications, Steve Hustedt, at
[email protected]
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Resources and Information
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Free resources from Cokesbury
Cokesbury has
free
resources to use to stay connected
, and they are
adding more resources every day.
Amplify, Cokesbury's new media platform, is helping churches all over study and support one another from the comfort of their own homes, or wherever they are in life! It gives them direct access to a vast video library of bible studies led by your favorite authors for teaching, inspiration, and faith connections! Amplify provides believers of all ages access to fresh, trustworthy content - all from a Wesleyan perspective.
Amplify has made several resources FREE and accessible for churches to participate in a church-wide study and children's content to keep them engaged in the Bible. Help your communities stay connected beyond the church walls. No sign up is required to access: click here
Free children's resources on the new CokesburyKids website: click here
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Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings
The rapid response to COVID-19 continues to evolve and influence ministry, sometimes forcing a church to quickly expand its online presence and outreach through worship, small groups, fellowship opportunities and more.
Along with providing meaningful connections, inspiration, and support for discipleship, ministries with youth, children, and vulnerable adults have the added challenge of adapting Safe Sanctuaries® guidelines and applying them online. This is a constantly changing challenge, especially with new platforms, devices, and technology being introduced regularly.
This information was posted on the Young People's Ministry page by Chris Wilterdink of Discipleship Ministries relating to Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings.
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Online worship and music resources
for live-streaming
From Discipleship Resources: Click here
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GCFA offers information
on live-streaming and giving
Nashville, TN - The Communications, Connectional Relations, and IT teams of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will offer several resources to local churches and church leadership on both live-streaming and giving at the local church level during these times of quarantine and confinement.
While churches across the connection are canceling weekly services to protect the people of the church and help slow the spread of COVID-19, churches still find themselves needing financial resources for the ministries they can conduct and for general operational expenses. To read more,
click here.
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From Discipleship Ministries:
Grace and peace to you.
Take a moment to breathe in the Holy Spirit. You are not alone! We are praying with you through it all.
"Through prayer the Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. The Holy Spirit enables our prayers. 'Likewise, the Spirit helps us with our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.' (Romans 8:26)" United Methodist Book of Worship:
Click here
We are thinking of you as we journey together to share resources that are building beloved online faith communities connecting us with God in new ways. In your leadership position, lay and clergy leaders are asking you for tools to bring people together and serve critical needs. Discipleship Ministries is here to help you with worship planning, equipping webinars and more to support creative online options.
DM Resources for COVID19-Outbreak can be found here
Blessings, Jacqui
Rev. Dr. Jacqui T. King
Director, US Connectional Relationships
Discipleship Ministries
The United Methodist Church
(877) 899-2780 EXT. 7295
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The Regional Plan with District appointments
and church assignments
On Jan. 18, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet announced a Regional Superintendency Plan that will take effect on July 1, 2020. This plan will allow us to focus on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, experimenting with new ways of living faithfully and fruitfully amid the uncertainty of our current reality.
Bishop Webb has determined the Districts that the nine District Superintendents will be appointed to as well as the churches that each DS will be assigned to. Click here to read the full article.
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Mission U events cancelled
The face-to-face Mission U events for 2020 have been cancelled. Mission U planners are sad that the current COVID-19 situation has affected so many. Since months of planning go into the Mission U events, the National Office of United Methodist Women has canceled the preparation, training, and future gatherings for 2020. For Upper New York Conference, this cancels the two Mission U events - one in July in Genesee Valley and one in September at Silver Bay.
United Methodist Women are hopeful that there may be a video component or online study made available in the future.
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Hymnal on CD
A church in the Northern Flow District is in search of the United Methodist Hymnal on CD. If you have one that you can spare, please be in touch with Tammy McAdam, administrative assistant for the Northern Flow District at [email protected] or (315) 535-5149.
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Plattsburgh United Methodist Church is seeking a Pianist/Organist/Accompanist
For Sunday mornings, year-round. Person must be able to read music and be proficient on the piano and/or organ. Able to play the organ a benefit, or be willing to practice and learn. Must also serve as the accompanist for the choir. Accompanies worship service hymns and special music on piano and/or organ Sunday mornings. Complete
job description can be found on our web site,
www.plattsburghumc.org
This is a competitive salaried position. Please send your
resume to Rev. Phil Richards,
[email protected],
or 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
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Baldwin piano offered
Rev. Clayton and Alice Burgess have a Baldwin Piano, one owner, in excellent condition, that they would give to any pastor or church in need of one. Call (518) 409-4291 in
South Glen Falls.
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Room Dividers Needed
A New Faith Communities ministry is looking for room dividers. If you have any that you can donate, please be in touch with Gracie Lynn Besse. She can pick them up:
[email protected]
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Local Church & Community Events
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Most events previously listed here have been postponed or canceled.
We will post information as events are rescheduled.
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Ham Dinner, take-out or delivery only,
4 to 6 PM Saturday, April 25, First UMC of Warrensburg, 3890 Main St., Warrensburg (12845). Ham, boiled potatoes and carrots, applesauce, brownie or sugar cookie. Call (518) 623-9334 or (518) 744-8719 for delivery or pickup. To view flyer,
click here.
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Emmaus/Chrysalis news
Click here to view the Newsletter of the Living Waters Emmaus / Chrysalis Community, Inc. of the Adirondack and Green Mountains
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The Albany District Lay Servant Ministries Team is postponing the Celebration of Lay Servant Ministries that was scheduled for Saturday, March 28. We hope you will be able to join us on our new date of Saturday, October 24 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at a place to be determined. We are blessed that Rev. Ray Stees will be with us to speak about "Building Collaboration - Sometimes we're at our worst while wearing our Sunday best! Approaching adversity with eyes wide open and a heart 'strangely' warmed."
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ONGOING:
Most of the listings that have appeared here are suspended until further notice. Those listed below are still in place.
Bottle and Can Drive, Porter Corners UMC, 512 Allen Rd., Porter Corners (12859). You can leave your bags or boxes at the back door of the church, or if you have a large quantity, pickup is available. Call Jane Decouteau (518) 893-2289 or Carrie Howe (518) 893-6214.
Please consider posting this flyer in your church when we are able to gather again: Click here
'Connect', 6:30 PM Fridays.
Connect is a small group through the
United Methodist Church, made up of young adults (18 to 35) who gather every Friday to play board games, watch movies and talk about important issues and topics. These topics range from financial planning and resume writing to the differences between hemp and marijuana.
For now, Connect is going to "connect" through WhatsApp while watching something together to discuss.
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Lay Servant Classes - Updated
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
Note that all Lay Servant classes scheduled before June 1 have been suspended. New dates will be posted as they become available. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Arlene Schmidt,
[email protected]
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: Living Our Methodist Beliefs
United Methodist Heritage
June 11: 6-9pm: June 24: 6-9pm: June 28: 2-8pm
Course Fee $10
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
To register, contact Arlene Schmidt at
[email protected]
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
July 9: 6-9pm: July 16: 6-9pm: July 18: 9-4pm
Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave Ext, Malta, NY 12020
Course Fee $10
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and To Be Determined
Advanced Course: United Methodist Polity
July 11 and 25: 9am- 3:30pm
South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Pkwy, South Glens Falls, NY 12803
Course Fee $10
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
August 6: 6-9pm: August 13: 6-9pm: August 15: 9-3:30pm
Fortsville UMC, 402 Fortsville Rd, Fortsvile, NY 12831
Course Fee $10
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Worship (Retreat)
September 19: 10- 8pm: September 20: 9-2pm
Willsboro UMC, 3731 Main St., Willsboro, NY 12996
Course Fee TBD
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Course
Start date August 28th Meet and Greet
First class August 29th.
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Prerequisites
for this course are Basic and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.
For more
information and to request clergy and participants packets email
[email protected]
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Albany District Lay Servant Classes
During this time of physical distancing, may we use this opportunity to draw closer to God through Advanced Lay Servant Courses. The following Advanced Lay Servant course is being offered in Albany District through Zoom. Zoom is not difficult to use for the participants.
You can connect by computer (with a camera and microphone), tablet, or smartphone for both video and audio. Or, you can connect by telephone for audio-only.
Advanced Lay Servant Course: "Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition"
Facilitated by Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh. The two-session course will be held from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM on
Saturdays, April 25 and May 2. The cost is $10, make checks payable to UNYAC (Upper NY Annual Conference). Please purchase the book "Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition," by Steve Harper, available through Cokesbury,
Bookstore.UpperRoom.org, or Amazon. Cokesbury is currently offering free shipping during the Covid-19 crisis. To register contact Pastor Danyal at
[email protected].
This course will be held via Zoom. Please contact Pastor Danyal for more information.
Advanced Lay Servant Course: "Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders"
November 13-15
from
5 PM Friday through noon on Sunday
at a location to be determined. Will be facilitated by co-author the Rev. Marc Brown.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries,
click here
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl |
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse
Adirondack District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the South Glens Falls UMC
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803)
Mailing Address:
PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
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