AROUND THE CORNER
October 7, 2021
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Around the Corner will be published/distributed
every other week. Next Issue Oct. 21st
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Isaiah 43:18-20 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 3:3-11 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (NIV)
We are journeying in the season of autumn! The leaves are changing colors, they crunch beneath our feet. We experience sunny days, rainy days, cloudy days, windy days. The temperatures range from the upper 40s to the upper 70s! Fall is my favorite time of year!
The church calendar is filled with scheduling Pastor’s One-on-One Conversations, preparation of Church/Charge Conference forms, scheduling Church/Charge Conferences, planning ahead for the Advent season. How will there be time enough for everything?
I am reminded once again of the passages from Isaiah as well as Ecclesiastes 3. “God is doing new things and we cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
As I listen to the stories from the Cornerstone churches this season, God reminds me again and again that the Good News of Jesus Christ is being shared and demonstrated throughout this district and beyond. New ministries are happening, baptisms of infants, children and adults are continuing to increase, through technology churches are reaching a wider range with the Good News, the Holy Spirit is lifting up Christ centered laity with gifts needed for ministries where God has placed them! There is a renewed sense of excitement for Kingdom work! The Holy Spirit is moving! Are you and I, are we ready to join God where God is already at work?
Last month was focused on the characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This month the focus is on the characteristics of a Vital Congregation. From the Upper New York Annual Conference here are the characteristics of a Vital Congregation:
· “Is inwardly transformed and outwardly focused.
· Is Spirit-filled, forward leaning communities of disciples.
· Is growing both numerically and spiritually over time.
· Welcomes all people. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
· Serves the world radically like Christ, through life-changing ministry and mission that builds up the community of faith and transform lives and social conditions in the community and world.
Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Luke 4:17-21
“and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (NIV)
· Joins God in the work that God is already doing.
· Have powerful stories, measurable fruitfulness, and life changing ministries.”
Over this next month prayerfully discern where your congregations are vital. Have the challenging and respectful conversations around your current churches ministries about what is working, what no longer is fruitful and what is something new God is leading you toward and/or where will you join God in the work God is already doing? How is your church serving the world radically: locally, regionally, and globally? What powerful stories have you heard about how Jesus is changing lives?
This is not easy, but this is where the good stuff is!
Thank-you church for reaching out to the least, the last, the lost and the lonely, sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Thank-you church for journeying and continuing to journey through this pandemic (there is a season for everything), moving out of your comfort zones and doing new things that bring the hope, love, healing, and peace of Jesus to hurting people, families, communities and the world.
Thank-you church, the Body of Christ, for saying yes to following Jesus on purpose.
Thank-you church for your prayerfulness and encouragement in a time when the world so needs the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.
Grace, Peace and Love,
Suzanne
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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms Are Now Available |
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FYI: If you are having a problem accessing the Charge Conference Forms
Some of you may find that if you use Google Chrome as your browser, you may have a problem getting the forms. Please try to use Firefox as your browser and you will not (should not) have any problems getting to the forms.
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Pastors & Their Churches to in Prayer for Month of Oct. |
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow'r, send us grace. -- Ken Medema
October 3- Forestville & Dunkirk UMCs. Darlene Meeder and her family.
October 10- Gerry UMC. Tom Holland, his wife Jessica and their children Amelia, Eli & Josiah
October 17- Napoli & Limestone UMCs. Carlisle “Shorty” Gross, his wife Renee and their family
October 24- Pleasant Valley UMC. Tony Gray, his wife Erin and their family.
October 31-Ashville & Magnolia UMCs. Pastor John Bowen, his wife Cordie and their family.
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Clergy Webinars
Educational Opportunities to meet your CEU Requirements
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Date: October 14, 2021
Subject: Understanding the Simplified, Accountable Structure
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $25.00
Instructors:Kay Kotan & Blake Bradford
Date: October 19, 2021
Subject: Preaching During Advent
Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Cost: $25.00
Instructors: Olu Brown
Date: October 21, 2021
Subject: Planning Activities for Advent & Christmas
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $25.00
Instructors: Anne Bosarge
Date: November 11, 2021
Subject: Teaching, Meeting, Preaching & Me: Time Management for the Church Leader
Time: 2:00-3:00pm EST
Cost: $25.00
Instructors: Ken Willard
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UNY Conference Job Opportunities |
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church has exciting opportunities for several positions. For additional information or to apply for any of these positions, please visit the UNY Conference website.
Finance Services Specialist - The Finance Services Specialist will manage all activities related to Conference real estate properties including working with Conf. Trustees, approve invoices, manage receivables, maintain accurate spreadsheet data, and manage relationships with Conference attorneys.
Camp and Retreat Director at Skye Farm - This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of a wide range of program services for Camp and Retreat Ministries. It offers excellent benefits, including onsite housing. Relocation benefits are provided.
Director of Missional Engagement - This position oversees the planning, management, and evaluation of the mission and operations of the Upper New York Conference Missional Engagement ministry to include Mission Central HUB (MCH), UNY Volunteers in Mission, and UNY Disaster Response.
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Engaging Young Adults- FREE VIDEO
From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
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Engaging young adults in church, historically a challenge, is even more difficult today. So what should your congregation do? And not do? Learn ideas and strategies to improve ministry with younger people in your congregation and community in this brief video. |
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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How to Fight Racism
A webinar with Jemar Tisby & Tex Sample
Thursday, October 14, 2021
7pm CST.
Digital Church Planting Training
We invite you and laity from your congregation to join this amazing conversation on How to Cultivate New Online Communities!
Join us for the opening webinar Thursday, October 21, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. CDT.
Crash Courses in Youth Ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you.
The Church's Ministry with Dementia
Check out our new hybrid-model teaching series designed to help churches see and engage with those living with dementia and other vulnerable adults.
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Overview of US Copyright Laws |
Has your ministry received a copyright claim on your worship streams? While you may have no malicious intent, copyright laws aren’t governed by intent. To help you avoid these issues, our Legal Services
team has developed a comprehensive five-part article series to help your ministry understand copyright laws and licensing
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New Faith Communities Team offers Zoom webinar series on “What now?” |
Tired. Frustrated. Wondering…What Now?
If you have found yourself in any of these categories over the past 18 months or so, then the New Faith Communities Team of Upper New York has an opportunity for you!
They are offering a series of FREE Zoom webinars to help us all dream of ways to reconnect in a church changed by pandemic. The series is an opportunity to breath fresh air into current ministries and to dream of ministry opportunities yet to come! Each session will feature a topic presentation followed by time for conversation to spur creativity. Even better, if you attend all three sessions, you can receive 1 CEU for your participation.
These three innovative sessions led by ministry experts will be based on the following questions:
Session #1: Where Are They? An Epidemic of Loneliness and How the Church can Help
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
Session #2: How Are They Doing? Reimagining Relationships during an Epidemic of Loneliness
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
Session #3: What Will Bring Us Together? Gathering Together When Everything Has Changed
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m. via Zoom
Click here to complete the registration form. Zoom links will be sent once you submit the form.
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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 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NYS Minimum wage increase |
Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour.
Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before Oct. 1 each year.
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NY Hero Act extended to Oct. 31 and additional details about COVID-19 in NY State |
On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Commissioner of Health designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease.
The NY HERO Act plan (a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Initially, the NYS Hero Act was effective through the end of September 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Oct. 31, 2021 because COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health in New York State.
Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
Click here to learn why asking for vaccination status is not a violation of HIPAA.
Click here to learn paid-leave requirements related to COVID-19 in New York State.
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Boy Scouts of America charter agreement recommendations |
Since early this year, the UMC Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of eight Conference chancellors, four general agency staff, and two Bishops, has been working on behalf of all Annual Conferences to negotiate a release for congregations from future lawsuits pertaining to any Boy Scout-related abuse injury from 1940 through 2020. These negotiations are ongoing and involve mediation with other groups involved in the BSA bankruptcy.
The Boy Scouts of America and United Methodist leadership continue to work together to resolve matters related to BSA's financial restructuring and have agreed, in the best interest of the young people who participate in Scouting, to strongly recommend to United Methodist chartering organizations and Boy Scout Councils to extend existing charter agreements and facility use agreements in force at this time through March 31, 2022.
For UNY congregations, this means whatever arrangement currently in place between the congregation and local scout troop, including charter agreements or facilities use agreements, is acceptable and can continue until March 31, 2022. Any work on initiating a new charter or renewing an old charter should be put off until after that date. It is hoped this extension will provide all parties sufficient time to resolve all the issues before us.
Click here to read the full letter from Pam Klotzbach (Chair of UNY Board of Trustees) and Peter Abdella (UNY Chancellor).
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Course of Study- REMINDER FOR WESLEY SEMINARY |
Licensed local Pastors....are you are planning to take COS for the Winter or Spring Weekends? If you are, please consider filling out your registration form and get it to the District office to have the DS sign it and then I will get it to the registrar. The deadline for registrations are Winter- Dec. 1st, 2021 and Spring-Feb.1st of 2022. (Reminder that the District office is CLOSED on Fridays)
Please, DO NOT WAIT to the last minute to register. When a class is filled, Wesley closes the registration for that class and there is no wiggle room.
I am putting this out now as one of the busiest times of the year is coming soon. There is no need for you to miss out on getting your course requirements met. There is NO MONEY due at the time of registration. You can register NOW for both Winter and Spring and if something comes up....you can cancel.
IF you need a specific class...sign up now ...you need to remember that these courses are not just UNY Conference....these are open to other Conferences as well. SO, sign up now
The steps to get registered:
- Get registration form-click here
- Fill out the form, print it, YOU sign it.
- Scan & email to your District Office
- District AA will get the DS to sign it and will send it to COS Registrar
- Registrar will fill out her part and get it to Sara Shephard.
- Sara Shephard will send the Registrar a confirmation of your registration.
- Registrar will send confirmation to the District AA
There is no reason to wait to the last minute because there is no money that needs to be sent with your registration. So, please sign up now!!
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NY Hero Act Now in Effect |
On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York Department of Health designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.” This designation means that the NY HERO Act plan
(a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), which all employers were required to adopt and distribute to employees by September 4, 2021, is now effective through the end of September 2021. Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
9/23/21
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Pastor Appreciation Sunday October 10th |
The very first time the mention of appreciating pastors for their contribution was mentioned in Timothy 1 (5:17) where it is stated that church elders deserve double the honor by Paul. This is further reiterated by him in Thessalonians 1 in which he mentions that those who are hardworking among us have to be treated with a lot of honor. This evolved into a month-long celebration known to be the Clergy Appreciation month, started in the year 1992. Religious workers and pastors established this month-long appreciation for clergymen and the Pastor Appreciation Day was established later in the same month, October. Now we celebrate the Pastor Appreciation Day or the Clergy Appreciation Day every year on the second Sunday of October.
Everyone needs an appreciation for the work they do as it serves as the motivation to try harder. And it includes the elders of the Church, the pastors, and the priests, as well. Encourage them for their contribution and appreciate them for what they do whenever you can.
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Dismantling racism: Recognize Oct. 11, as Indigenous People’s Day, not Columbus Day |
At the 2015 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, eligible voting members approved Resolution UNYAC2015.10: Fruits of Repentance: An End to the Celebration of Columbus Day. Among other items, the resolution called for Conference members to no longer recognize Columbus Day, by which the Conference offices and local churches “will either not observe this holiday or will initiate organizational conversations designed to rename and re-purpose this holiday in accordance with our United Methodist Social Principles (The Book of Discipline ¶162 and ¶162a).”
UNY Conference Lay Leader, at the time, Dr. Scott Johnson, penned a letter about the resolution and the end to the celebration of Columbus Day. Now referred to as Indigenous People’s Day, In the letter, he references resources developed by the UNY Conference Leadership Team and UNY Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM). These resources include a liturgy for a Sunday near Indigenous People’s Day, an Indigenous People’s Day bulletin insert, a press release, and the full resolution presented at AC’15.
Click here to view the letter as well as to view and/or download the Indigenous People’s Day resources.
Also, keep in mind, that CONAM is calling all churches to recognize the Day of Truth and Repentance for Native American Children on Sunday Oct. 10, the Day before Indigenous People’s Day. Click here for an informative article about this day and for service ideas.
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Laity Sunday October 17th |
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and all people. On Laity Sunday, we lift up the vocation of all (lay and clergy) to follow Jesus Christ and lead others to him. As we welcome and offer the good news of Jesus’ love for all, we know that the most engaging opportunities to grow deep and wide in our faith come from relationships with those beyond the comfort and security of our church walls. The stories and situations of those struggling with fear, loss, trauma, and injustice – as well as freedom, joy, and delight – become altar calls for the wholeness and holiness work of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. This is the ministry of the “all called,” the laity. This is relational discipleship and participation in the mission of God. Therefore, we will go (with hope) through engagement! |
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Research on how the pandemic has impacted churches across the Connection |
We are at the year-and-a-half mark since COVID has changed the way churches connect with their parishioners and community. Throughout the pandemic, ResourceUMC conducted research on how the pandemic impacted churches across the connection. Click here to read about what the data portrayed.
A recent study was conducted specifically on how the pandemic affected Black United Methodist congregations. Click here to read about these interesting study results.
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Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries® Training of Trainers
WHO: Individuals interested in facilitating Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries Training as part of their District training team and/or for their local church.
WHEN: Saturday, October 9th
from 9am-12pm.
PREREQUISITE: Upper NY’s 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is a prerequisite for Training of Trainers. This needs to be completed sometime since June 2016 and must be the standard learning station format facilitated by a certified UNY Safe Sanctuaries trainer. This is non-negotiable.
Members of the District training team should be affirmed by their District Superintendent.
PRE-REGISTRATION is a must for the TOT by October 6th at Eventbrite
There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.
QUESTIONS: Questions should be directed to Co-Chairs Christine Mitchell, Pastor and Arlene Schmidt at email safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
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Register Now For Conference UMW Annual Meeting Oct. 16
All are invited to join the UNY Conference UMW for an all-virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9:00a – 12:00p. We will worship together, conduct formal business, hear from National Office CEO Harriett J. Olson, and grow in our understand of our sisters through our program on “Push Out” with UMW Director Valerie Clark.
Once registered, an agenda and Zoom link will be sent to you. If you wish to make a nomination to the Leadership Team “from the floor,” the form is available on the website and must be returned by Oct. 1.
We look forward to being with you on Oct. 16 as we make plans for 2022 and the mission and justice work we will continue to do for God.
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Tuesdays at the Table- Should I Stay or Should I Go? |
The world has changed and is changing. The global coronavirus pandemic and disagreements within our denomination are just two of many events that continue to affect United Methodists around the world.
As the church confronts these new realities, it is important for the people called United Methodists to explore and understand who we are, what we believe, and how we live as people of God today and into the future.
To help us think through these issues, the Connectional Table, in cooperation with our general agencies, is hosting a series of discussions with United Methodist theologians and leaders that will help us better understand our faith, our church, ourselves.
Live on Facebook
Beginning October 5, join us every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Central Time (3:00 p.m. GMT) on our Facebook page, for a conversation about who we are as the people of The United Methodist Church.
9/9/21
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Equitable Compensation Application for Jan. - June 2022 available |
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period Jan. to June 2022. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the Oct. 15, 2021 deadline.
Click here for more information and the application.
9/9/21
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Oct. 10: Pastor Appreciation Day
Oct. 11: Indigenous People's Day
Oct. 15: Equitable Compensation Application Deadline - DETAILS
Oct. 17: Laity Sunday
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Fun Opportunity at Mission Central HUB |
Not sure many know we are a 24/7 operations at the Mission Central HUB located at the Upper NY conference. There are so many behind the scenes operations in a constant movement to make this ministry achieve its goals. “To help folks in need when a Natural Disaster strikes” We also enable volunteers of all ages to come into the HUB and be part of the ripple of things to keep this ministry going. Not only are we in need of donations towards UMCOR kits, disaster response and general operations we are in need of small groups to help verify kits and small jobs at the HUB.
Did you know we are taking small groups of all ages to help with UMCOR kit donations here at Mission Central HUB?
Its a fun very helpful way to help people in need when a natural disaster strikes.
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LSM Classes Open to All
Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
They are all by ZOOM
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Thursdays October 14, 21, 28 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday: November 6: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
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2021 Campaign for Red Bird
It's not too early to begin planning for your congregation's response to the annual Upper New York Conference collection drive for Red Bird Mission. Please share the
attached letter from David Alexander, Coordinator and member of Endwell UMC.
Ripley UMC has graciously agreed to serve as a collection point for our District again this year. If your church is willing to serve as an additional collection point please email David, Dalexander4@stny.rr.com
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Cornerstone District Office, PO Box 687, Bath, NY 14810
716-665-2423
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