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Adirondack District,
Local Church
and Conference News
Resources and Information
June 10, 2020
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'If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.'
-- Corrie Ten Boom
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-480-4866.
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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) 480-4866.
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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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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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Reopening resources
In the coming months, following Governor Andrew Cuomo's guidelines, Upper New York churches will be able to reopen. As of June 9, 2020, Governor Cuomo has stated that churches can operate at 25-percent seating capacity as long as masks are worn and social distancing is maintained. 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.
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This week's spiritual practice: Revisiting discernment
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 revisits the spiritual practice of discernment, which she introduced in an
earlier video:
click here
. This week, she dives deeper into this practice.
Click here
to watch the latest video.
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UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race Statement on recent racial violence and subsequent demonstrations
The UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) has released a statement about the recent acts of racial violence and the subsequent demonstrations. CCORR explains that these recent killings represent more than a few bad apples among us - they are the result of a white supremacist system that dehumanizes people of color.
Click here
to read the full statement, which includes suggestions on deliberate steps to take to help address the challenges before us.
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From the Desk of Bishop Webb:
Pastoral Letter from the NEJ College of Bishops
On Monday June 8, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the UNY Conference a letter written by the College of Bishops (COB) of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The letter explains how the COB prayerfully stands with pastors, members, and churches during the aftermath of the recent deaths of unarmed African American people at the hands of law enforcement officers and citizens across our nation.
The letter includes pledges made by white Bishops of the NEJ, in consultation with the Bishops of color to confess white privilege, challenge theologies and practices that promote or accommodate structural and systemic racism and replace them with systems of justice and equality, repent personal racism, be accountable to their sisters and brothers of color, and to continue to educate themselves and United Methodist leaders and members in order to dismantle racist systems for the sake of all God's children.
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A message from your Lay Ministries Team
Do you feel you are being called to continue your faith journey?
Have you thought about taking courses to begin the process for Certified Lay Servant, Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister?
Are you wondering where to start?
The Adirondack Lay Ministries Team can help answer these questions.
See a schedule of classes at the end of this newsletter.
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Download church leader guide
Explore local church tools and resources specially designed to help you communicate all the good you can! The recently updated Church Leader Guide from United Methodist Communications includes:
- Marketing and outreach tools
- Online training courses
- Digital ministry ideas
- Giving resources
To learn more,
click here.
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Digital tools can help increase productivity
COVID-19 has forced pastors and church leaders to learn how to minister remotely. While technology offers a wide range of options for meeting congregational needs, virtual care can be just as overwhelming as in-person care. That's why it's more important than ever to take advantage of tools to help increase your productivity. To learn more,
click here.
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Online Mission E-Academy courses
offered this month
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is offering its annual
Northeastern Jurisdiction Mission Academy in an online webinar format through June.
Click here
for the full calendar of courses. All courses are free. Donations are welcomed to UMVIM and its partners offering these courses.
UMVIM connected with Global Ministries, UMCOR, Church & Society and community partners like New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) to offer several of the courses. The others are being offered by leaders within the Northeastern Jurisdiction.
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Re-opening questions and answers
Many clergy and laity across Upper New York (UNY) have several questions about church reopening guidelines as each region moves through Governor Cuomo's phases of reopening. Last week, the UNY Conference Communications Team began building an FAQ page based on questions that have been asked so far. Click here to see the questions answered thus far.
On Tuesday June 2, the UNY Reopening Taskforce held an 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.
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Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference on June 3 announced five appointments, effective July 1, 2020. View the full list of changes:
click here.
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UNY Cabinet offers recorded worship service
The Upper New York (UNY) Communications team has prepared a worship video titled
"No matter what, No matter when... God is!" featuring the UNY Cabinet and other UNY leaders.
This worship service offers messages of hope and assurance during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes uplifting worship songs with singer Nairobi Smith, in just under an hour.
This video can be used any Sunday in order to offer pastors and worship teams some well-deserved time off.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday, and worship at 10 AM on Sundays. The devotions and worship 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 gospel 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:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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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/Resources
From the Conference Office
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Media Resource Center's
June/July newsletter available
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The June/July 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.
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Update on PPP (Paycheck Protection Program)
loan forgiveness
An important update regarding
the PPP loan forgiveness application form was recently posted on the UNY website. To read more,
click here.
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Notice regarding UNY Camp Ministries
The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a very challenging decision for the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (UNY CRM) lead team.
After consultation with the Upper New York Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries and after several meetings with experts in the medical and camping fields, the UNY CRM lead team has decided to suspend all UNY-hosted summer programs at each of the CRM sites: Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake, and Skye Farm.
While this is disappointing news for campers, parents, volunteers, and staff (including the lead team), safety is not something the sites can confidently provide during this pandemic.
The Upper New York (UNY) Communications Team has prepared a video featuring the UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) Lead Team.
Click here
to hear the heart-felt message in this video.
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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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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 until 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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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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More tips on online giving
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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 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.
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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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Other Resources and Information
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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.
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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.
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New resources available from the UMC
A new video and online resource collection is reminding people that The United Methodist Church connection continues to be there for them. Share the video and resource webpage with those who need to feel the encouraging presence of the church.
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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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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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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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Red Cross Blood Drive, Noon to 5 PM Friday, May 29, dining hall, First UMC of Warrensburg, 3890 Main St., Warrensburg. No walk-ins will be permitted due to the pandemic. To view or download the flyer,
click here. To schedule an appointment, call Pastor Steve Andrews (518) 260-0876 or
[email protected].
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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
PLEASE NOTE: Adirondack District Lay Servant courses for June, July and August will continue via ZOOM.
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: Spiritual Gifts
Thursday July 9: 5:30 to 8:30 PM; Tuesday, July 14: 5:30 to 8:30 PM; Saturday, July 18: 9 AM to 1 PM; Thursday, July 23: 5:30 to 8:30 PM
ZOOM
Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and To Be Determined
Advanced Course: United Methodist Polity
Saturdays July 11 and 25: 9 AM to 1 PM; Wednesday, July 29: 5:30 to 8:30 PM
ZOOM
Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Thursdays, Aug. 6: 5:30 to 8:30 PM and Aug. 13: 5:30 to 8:30 PM; Saturday, Aug. 15: 9 AM to 3:30 PM
ZOOM
Dates and times may change
Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Worship (Retreat)
Saturday, Sept. 19: 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, Sept. 20: 8:30 AM to 2 PM
ZOOM or at the 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]
Clergy: if you have identified persons who are interested in the CLM Course, 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.
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Albany District Lay Servant Course
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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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.
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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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