November 12th, 2021 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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Important -2021 Fall Church Conference Schedule-
Oneonta District
See below for our 2021 Church Conference Schedule.
Please email or Fax all forms to the Oneonta District office:[email protected] by no later than 10 days prior to your scheduled Church Conference.
Fax to: (607) 353-1034
Snail Mail to:
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
NOTE: If you plan to snail mail forms please take into account delivery time to insure the forms are received 10 days prior to you CC Date.
November 14, 2021 Region: Schoharie (Paperwork is now past due.)
Schoharie Region - Includes the following Churches: Barnersville, Central Bridge/Ames Sprout-brook, Cobleskill, Delanson, Esperance-Sloansville & Gallupville, Grosvenors Corners, Sharon Springs, Richmondville, Worcester,
Note* Huntersland, Middleburgh and Warnerville CC will be reschedule - Time & date TBA.
Location: Cobleskill UMC
Time 3:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Rev. Anna Blinn Cole
Presiding Elder: Rev. Dana Horrell
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2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download. All information can be found at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Lay Servants/**Certified Lay Ministers and
Lay Speakers Report
Each year, lay servants, Certified Lay Ministers and lay speakers are asked to report to the annual church conference. Please use the reports below. Make sure your Pastor has a copy of this to submit with Church Conference reports.
Certified Lay Servant Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and an additional Advanced Lay Servant Course every three years. Click here.
Certified Lay Minister Report - for those who have become Certified Lay Servants, taken the four module Certified Lay Minister curriculum and continue with Advanced Courses every two years. Click here.
Lay Speaker Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and all six of the core Advanced Courses, including:
· Leading Prayer
· Leading Worship
· Preaching
· United Methodist Heritage
· Discovering Spiritual Gifts
· United Methodist Polity
as well as additional Advanced Lay Servant Courses every three years. Click here.
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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms
Due Dates
November 1st: - Now Past Due
Complete online and print and mail signed copy to District Office
*Pastor's Appointment Advisory Form
*S/PPRC Appointment Advisory Form
*Pastor-S/PPRC Covenant Form
December 1st:
*Church Profile
*Pastor's Profile
February 15th 2022
mail completed & signed copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
March 15th 2022
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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Mobilize Vaccine Turnout! webinar on Nov. 17
Are you looking for ways to reach the unvaccinated in your community and gently encourage them to get the COVID vaccine? You will not want to miss Cooperstown UMC pastor, Dr. Dana Horrell’s webinar based on his handbook, Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!
Sponsored by the UNY Social Holiness team, this webinar will be held on Zoom, on Nov. 17 from 2-3 p.m. EST.
This webinar offers tips for overcoming barriers to access and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Learn to work with those who are “socially vulnerable” due to low pay, job loss, family responsibilities, and racial disparities in health care. Learn to talk with the vaccine hesitant with compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to listen.
Click here to register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Click here to download a free copy of the “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” handbook.
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Job Opening
Elm Park United Methodist Church is seeking a
PART-TIME SEXTON
Responsible for building and grounds custodial maintenance and equipment. Maximum of 17.5 hours per week or 35 hours for every 2 week pay period. Click here for the full job posting and qualifications.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three (3) references to [email protected]
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COOPERSTOWN JUNCTION UMC
6367 State Highway 7
Maryland, NY 12116
Soup, Stew & Chili Drive-Thru Takeout Fundraiser (assorted menu choices)
Cost by donation
Saturday, November 20th
12:00 Noon until gone
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4-Week Class - Taught By Pastor Paul W. – (ZOOM/In-Person)
1. Week # 1 – Sunday – November 28th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – November 30th – 4:30 pm
2. Week # 2 – Sunday – December 5th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 7th – 4:30 pm
3. Week # 3 – Sunday – December 12th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 14th – 4:30 pm
4. Week # 4 – Sunday – December 19th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 21st – 4:30 pm
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Breathing Room: An Advent Day Apart
Space to breathe, explore, and prepare for the season
For Laity: Saturday, December 4, 10am-3pm
Advent is a season of high expectations - our own, our family's, our congregation's. In reality, it can be a time of both joy and sorrow, peace and stress. Take time out at the beginning of this season to step away, be with what is, and clarify your intentions for the season.
Come as you are, take a breath and let God meet you where you are. Gather at Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center in Windsor, New York for a time of worship, individual and group reflection and conversation, and sharing of a hot meal.
For Clergy: The retreat will also include a take-home packet of a complete Advent worship series called Grace Upon Grace based on John 1:16. It will have scriptures, hymns, sermon starters, prayers/liturgy and Advent wreath liturgies for each Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. (If you cannot attend but would like the Advent series, contact us at [email protected] .
Cost is $30 (hot meal included)
Covid Safety - Sky Lake requires everyone must show proof of vaccination or negative results from a professional COVID test within 36 hours of their arrival to the retreat. Masking will also be required at all times (aside from eating) while in shared indoor spaces.
For questions and accessibility requests -OR- to reserve a room to stay at Sky Lake the night before or after the retreat! contact the Sky Lake office at 607-467-2750.
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United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 28
There are some UMC students who might not have the resources to attend a college of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—help send them into the world God loves by giving on United Methodist (UM) Student Day. This year, UM Student Day is Nov. 28.
Click here for a UM Student Day video as well as a story about Ricky, whose parents were addicts. Ricky didn’t have much hope to be able to go to college, but the UM Students Day fund made it possible.
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NEW- Blue Christmas - Elm Park UMC will be having a Blue Christmas Service of Healing and Hope on Monday, December 13th at 7pm.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Lay Servant Ministry
Note* - Because of COVID, the Conference Team of Lay Servant Ministries is extending a year of grace to everyone who needed to take an Advanced Lay Servant Course in 2020 so you now have through 2021 to take a course to keep your certification up-to-date
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The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant Course: (Open to All)
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life. If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
Monday January 10th 6-9
Thursday January 13th 6-9
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.”
If interested please email the Registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected] for a registration form.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Course Of Study - Important Information for Local Pastors
Dear Local Pastors
I encourage all recently licensed local pastors to take COS 121 and 122 in 2022 (or other local pastors. who have not yet completed COS 121 and 122.
The ALPS-Memphis/TN/Holston Course of Study School will offer COS 121 Bible I and COS 122 Theology I --online-- in the spring of 2022. I highly encourage you to register by December 15, 2021. The registration website is www.alpsumc.org Click on the 2022 Schedule tab for the course dates and syllabus and the Registration tab on the website to obtain registration forms. Please email your DS your registration forms by December 15, 2021.
COS 121 and COS 122 are prerequisite courses to all other COS courses (GBHEM Policy 2019) and are foundational courses for serving in the UMC. You may receive priority registration for these courses by registering by December 15, 2021. These courses will fill up quickly. Completing COS courses is required by the Book of Discipline. If you have any questions about the courses,, please contact Dr. Barbara Nye, COS Director [email protected] or 615-289-4332 See course dates below this email
Grace and Peace,
name of LPR or DS
CC: Dr. Barbara Nye
Below are the zoom class session dates - The courses begin 30 days prior to these dates with prework, etc. "Registered students" will be sent a welcome letter from the course instructor with any course video links and zoom class meeting links with specific zoom times--approximately 3 weeks prior to the first zoom class sessions.
March 18-19 and April 8-9, 2022 -required zoom class sessions
COS 121 (formerly 111) Bible I: Introduction
Rev. Dr. Pat Whittemore Instructor
May 13-14 and May 27-28, 2022-required zoom class sessions
COS 122 (formerly 112) Theology I Rev. Dr. Phil Jamieson Instructor
2022 Spring Classes
Dear Local Pastors
The COS 2022 schedule is posted at www.alpsumc.org and attached. Please register by December 15, if possible, - especially for online courses offered in the 3 spring terms February, March/April and May. You may take one course per term. However, be sure you can complete the pre-work on time. The course syllabi are already posted. Courses will fill up quickly.
If you need to take COS 222 or COS 324 Preaching, the course limit is 12 - register early
All 20 COS will be offered in 2022
click on the Tab 2022 Schedule at the top of the web page and scroll down to see the list of courses and dates
click on the Tab Registration at the top of the web page to print the 2022 registration form and email this to your DS.
You will not receive further notice of registration. Order your textbooks and begin pre-work as soon as your DS approves your registration Contact [email protected] for registration questions. Contact [email protected] for course advisement.
I hope your ministry is going well. Blessings for Thanksgiving.
Barbara and Pam
An Important note from our COS Registrar
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar. That information is as follows:
Betsy O’Flynn
We have had several lately list [email protected] – this delays or causes the student to miss the class entirely.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Nov. 11th, -2-3 pm -Teaching, Meeting, Preaching and Me. Time Management for the Church Leader, Ken Willard, cost $25. Click here to Registration.
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Information Technology Support Specialist
2) Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist
3) Director of Missional Engagement
4) Skye Farm Site Director
5) District Administrative Assistant - For Niagara Frontier district
6) Accounts Payable Specialist
If you have any referrals for this position, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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NEW- Dismantling racism resource: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
This week, we are sharing a reflection on the importance of observing Native American Heritage Month this month. Click here to read the reflection written by Bishop La Trelle Easterling of the Baltimore Washington Conference.
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Preparing for Advent
Advent is right around the corner—are you ready? We have some resources that may help you out!
Click here for a Worship Matters podcast, dedicated to Advent, brought to you by Discipleship Ministries. Bring your calendar and note pads as Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong, and Dr. Derek Weber talk worship planning, lectionary series, music, and liturgy for the rest of the year and the beginning of next year. They also cast a vision for worship beyond the confines of culture and traditional practice. Worship reflects what is and casts a vision for what might be.
Click here for candle-lighting liturgies for each Sunday of Advent, also provided by Discipleship Ministries.
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Get Them Talking: Generosity
Get Them Talking is a series of resources to help families start conversations about faith during dinner, devotions or anytime.
Each month, umc.org highlights a relevant topic and offers a Bible passage, a short reflection, some starter questions, a prayer, and an activity to help live into the topic.
This month the topic is generosity. Click here to share a scripture, reflection, discussion questions, a prayer, and an activity to help your children understand the importance of generosity.
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Technology tips for churches on a budget
The Rev. David Johnson, associate pastor from Beaumont, Texas, says that many resources, such as apps and software products, are available to help clergy. He also says that there are ways to use technology without breaking the bank.
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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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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UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
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Volunteer at the UNY Mission Central HUB
The Mission Central HUB at the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool, NY has been hustling and bustling with volunteers putting together UMCOR hygiene and school kits. If your family, group, or organization would like to help with these important disaster relief kits (following COVID protocols), call the HUB at (315) 372-0285.
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NYS Minimum Wage and Salary increase
Both are 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 Dec. 15
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 mid October 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Dec. 15, 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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2021 UNY Journal vol. II now ready
The 2021 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($17.64 plus tax and shipping).
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Annual Election for 2022 HealthFlex Exchange plans begins Nov. 3
The Annual Election for 2022 HealthFlex Exchange plans began on Wed. Nov. 3 and runs through Nov. 18, 2021. You are electing your medical/Rx, dental, and vision plans for next year (2022) during annual election. Click here for all documents, information, and forms can be found on our Conference Health and Wellness page.
ALEX Benefits Counselor is live and updated for 2022. You can now use ALEX to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for your 2022 HealthFlex Elections. Remember, ALEX does not make or save elections. Participants will still need to go to Benefits Access and make their elections. Click here to access ALEX. ALEX is also available through your Benefits Access portal as well.
If you have any questions about your HealthFlex Elections, contact UNY Benefits Administrator, Julie Valeski at 315-898-2001 or [email protected].
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If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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UNY United Methodist Center is now open
Upper New York (UNY) Conference staff members have been working at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY, throughout the pandemic following CDC guidelines. Now that the CDC and New York State have issued guidelines allowing indoor gatherings for vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals (so long as they wear masks and social distance), the UNY Conference executive staff team made the decision to open the UNY United Methodist Center to the public following the attached protocols,
The protocols are in place to ensure that everyone will be safe when using the UNY Methodist Center.
The office will be equipped for hybrid meetings via Zoom for those unable to attend in-person.
Click here to register for a meeting with your team at the UNY United Methodist Center.
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Phishing scheme alert
Please note that there is a new type of phishing-scheme email that has been received in multiple inboxes throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. The email will look as though it is from someone you know in the UNY Conference and will show their actual email address. The text will ask you to link to a DocuSign document. DO NOT OPEN THIS DOCUMENT! It contains a virus. It is not truly from the person in the “From” address.
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at [email protected].
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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Oct. 15: Equitable Compensation Application Deadline - DETAILS
Oct. 17: Laity Sunday
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District & Conference Office Closed
Thanksgiving Nov. 25th and 26th
Christmas Eve Dec. 24th
Christmas Day (Observed) Dec. 27th
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
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How to Contact the Oneonta District Office
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: (607) 353-1034
(physical address)
Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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News from the past
(Then scroll to bottom of page.)
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in.
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UNY Conference Quick Links
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