.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
Oct. 15, 2020
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"Keep us little and unknown, prized and loved by God alone."
Charles Wesley
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246.
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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) 608-1246.
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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) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please continue to hold the Rev. Charlie Yang (Salem UMC in West Sand Lake UMC) in prayer. Charlie's mother, Jung-Joon Kim, died on Sept. 27 at the age of 95. Cards of care and concern can be sent to Charlie at PO Box 475, West Sand Lake, NY 12196. To read the story of her life, please visit Charlie's facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/charlie.yang.528
Please continue to hold George Holzhauer, and his wife, retired pastor Rev. Phyllis Holzhauer, in prayer. George has been residing at Wesley Health Care Center, so he and Phyllis have been unable to see one another in person since March. They are able to have "window" visits, for which they are grateful. Cards of care and concern can be sent to George at 647 Riverview Rd., Rexford, NY 12148.
Continued prayers for Rev. Erik Smith, retired pastor and his wife Jane Smith. They are both experiencing serious health issues. Cards of care and concern can be sent to the Smiths at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
Prayers for the District, Conference and the World as we move through this difficult and very uncertain times dealing with COVID-19.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers:
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
- Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from a stroke and surgery
- Rev. David Smith and his parents who reside in Assisted Living.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org. Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Share your story
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in the way we do church, but it has also offered opportunities for growth. Please share your story on how you or your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality.
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Workshops offered in lieu of District Days
In lieu of our biannual District Days, and due to the restrictions related to COVID-19, we will be offering workshops at various times and dates via ZOOM. We have three in the works right now. Nancy Dibelius is offering two workshops; Susan Ranous is offering one (at two separate times)
Basic Prayer Class - Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Geared toward laity
Facilitator: Nancy Dibelius
Are you uncomfortable when someone asks you to pray out loud? Join us to explore how to design a basic prayer that will offer a framework that can be used in almost any setting. It can be used for many different types of prayer and will offer you the confidence to lead groups in your local congregation. Class size limited to 12 participants. Register with Carrie Boyer, (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org.
Using Spiritual Gifts- Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Geared toward clergy and church leaders
Facilitator: Nancy Dibelius
How do you understand spiritual gifts? Explore how to use spiritual gifts in your congregation as part of discipling them, a way to help them grow and live more fully into their own unique giftedness while doing so in a way that helps your local church grow and develop. Class size limited to 12 participants. Register with Carrie Boyer, (518) 480-4866 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
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Clergy Day Apart: November 4 from 10 AM to 3 PM with Nancy Dibelius
Join me for a second day of Soul Care for Clergy, a day of rest, reflection, contemplation, renewal; we will gather at Skye Farm at 9:30 on Wednesday, November 4th. You are invited into a time of worship, a time of exploring and renewing your relationship with God focusing on time honored spiritual practices. We will begin with some large group time followed by personal reflection and soul care, there will be time and space for some creative expression and some small group sharing as you feel led. We will end the day by 3 pm. Lunch will be ordered from local sub shop or subway. Coffee and tea will be available when you arrive. Feel free to contact me if you have questions: Nancy Dibelius, nancyd@unyumc.org, 518-369-9147.
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Telling Your Stories Stewardship Workshop: How and When - Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 1:30 PM to 3 PM or Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM
There are many ways to telling your story. The worst kind of story is an untold one. We all have stories of faith, of generosity, of mission, of ministry, of history.
This workshop will talk about how you can share your stories. One way is using a narrative budget that tells the story of your congregation’s mission and service and how each part of your story and your budget ties your community of faith into its God-given vision. Narrative budgets, when done well, tell a story that inspires, interprets, encourages, challenges and informs.
Stories must speak to the listeners
· What lives have been changed?
· Where has God been involved in your congregation?
· What is it that God has called your congregation to do and to be?
Our stories must be told throughout the year. We will learn about ways to share our stories throughout the year!
Please join Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Stewardship for the Upper New York Conference. She is an Ordained Deacon and a Certified Public Accountant. This workshop will discuss ways to tell the stewardship story of your congregation, including various styles of narrative budgets
Register here for the 1:30 to 3 PM session.
Register here for the 7 to 8:30 PM session.
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Digital discipleship Zoom webinars
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, churches across our Conference have been learning how to use digital platforms to increase discipleship. While digital discipleship has been effective for many years, it is currently becoming necessary to keep everyone’s safety in mind.
On Tuesday night, the Rev. B.J. Norrix, lead pastor for the Syracuse United Methodist ministries led a webinar on how he was able to increase giving at Erwin United Methodist Church, using Tithe.ly. If you missed that webinar, click here to check it out.
We have two more digital discipleship webinars on the calendar.
On Tuesday Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., Lori Jagow, Online Minister for Pendelton Center UMC, will be teaching folks how to use Facebook to increase digital discipleship.
On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., the Rev. Rachel Barnhart, pastor at Broad Street UMC, will be teaching about increasing discipleship through using Zoom as a platform for House Churches.
Click here to hear testimonials from all three pastors and to obtain Zoom links for the upcoming webinars.
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Watch all or some of Annual Conference
Did you miss some or all of the 5½ hour virtual Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference that took place on Oct. 3? The UNY Communications team pulled together videos of each report and recommendations. Click here to watch all of the Annual Conference or to select the specific report and recommendations video you are looking for. You can also find a video of the Oct. 2 UNY Service of Commissioning and Ordination.
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Notes from Annual Conference available
Would you like to report to your District or local church the results from the 2020 virtual Upper New York Annual Conference? We have made that task easy for you. Click here for notes referencing all that occurred at the 2020 UNY Service of Commissioning and Ordination held on Oct. 2, 2020 and Annual Conference Session held on Oct. 3, 2020.
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Spiritual practice: Stations of the Cross
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.
During Sept. and Oct., Rev. Dibelius has been revisiting practices she taught to provide more insight to help further deepen your relationship with God.
Although Stations of the Cross is a practice usually done during Holy Week, Rev. Dibelius explains that this practice can be done anytime. This week, Rev. Dibelius encourages you to take a prayer walk and use hand-crafted crosses that can be done with any material to mark your stations. Click here to watch this segment.
In addition to this week’s video, we are also sharing a retreat guide that comes highly recommended by Rev. Dibelius. It was created by her colleague Cheryl Lyon. Click here to download the Peace Like a River retreat guide. This can be used as a guide for a contemplative retreat at home that Rev. Dibelius recommended in this video.
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Peace with Justice grant application deadline is Oct. 30
The Oct. 30 deadline to submit a Peace with Justice grant is quickly approaching. The Social Holiness Team administers the Peace with Justice Grant Program. This program is supported by one half the money collected by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering taken by each congregation. The other half of the collection is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to support their global grant program. To download the Peace with Justice Grant Application, click here.
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Youth Ministry podcast
How can youth ministry be more than fun and games? In this episode we speak with Andy Root about how youth can find identity and deep joy in shared narratives and intergenerational connections. Click here for the podcast.
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The church and Election Day
Although congregations are prohibited from endorsing candidates or parties, Doug Powe and Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff say there is much a church can do to encourage people to vote, ensure that voting occurs in a safe and secure manner, and encourage hope and civility in this polarized time. To read more, click here.
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UMC Fact Report: How politically active
are United Methodist Congregations?
Generally, few United Methodist churches participate in activities associated with politics.
Larger churches, those 250 and above in average attendance, are more likely to have meetings or classes to discuss politics. Churches with more than 500 in attendance are more likely to report recent conflict over political issues. To view the report, click here.
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5 Addictions the Church Must Overcome to Grow in the Future
Carey Nieuwhof explains that churches must respond to a culture that has become even more digital, mobile, and home-centered during the COVID-19 crisis. He predicts growing churches will focus less on place-based ministry and packed rooms and will adjust budgets and attitudes to fit a new reality. To read more, click here.
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Attract your community using content marketing
Just as it takes care and patience to build a lasting fire, the same is true of creating a content strategy that will build a center of warmth and instant community for your church and those you are trying to reach. It requires thoughtful planning and preparation to attract people from your community to you and then to engage them in conversation to create relationships.
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6 questions every church social media policy should answer
You've probably already implemented a safe sanctuaries policy to ensure your church is a safe place for children, youth and elders to experience fellowship and the abiding love of God. Consider developing a complementary social media policy.
This article will help you get started by guiding you through the process of discerning exactly which boundaries are most appropriate in your context. To read more, click here.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 2020-2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
This course is full. Another will be offered in May 2021.
Mondays October 19, 22 5:30-8:30
Thursdays October 26, 29 5:30-8:30
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Tuesdays November 10, 17, Tuesday December 1: 6-9 pm:
Saturday December 5: 9 am – 1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
Thursday January 7, 14, 28: 6-9pm
Saturday January 23: 9am-1pm
Advanced Course: Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
Course 1: Mondays February 22, March 1st and 8: 6-9: Saturday March 13: 9-1
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Course 2: Thursday February 25, March 4 & 11: 6-9pm Saturday March 20: 9-1pm
ZOOM: Course Fee $15
Deadline for registration form and fee is February 8
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9pm
Saturday May 1: 9-1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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2020 Charge Conference schedule
As is the case for many things during this pandemic, our charge conferences will be different this year. Typically, we hold church conferences in the fall. All members of the church are eligible to vote on various matters. This year, we will hold charge conferences, which means that the only persons eligible to vote are those on the administrative board, or similar body. From the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016, paragraph 246.2 "The membership of the charge conference shall be all members of the church council or other appropriate body, together with retired ordained ministers and retired diaconal ministers who elect to hold their membership in such charge conference...]
A reminder that anyone can attend the charge conference; it's just that the voting is limited as stated above.
District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl will preside at all of the conferences. All conferences will be held in-person unless the pastor or CLM leading the congregation requests an all-ZOOM gathering. Even though the conferences will be in-person, every attempt will be made to offer a ZOOM link to all of the conferences. Ask your pastor or CLM to share the link with you (should be available 2 weeks prior to your conference).
Here is the link to the Conference schedule: click here
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Shoebox collection for Red Bird Mission
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person (spiritual, physical, social, and economic).
There are two drop-off points in the Albany and Adirondack Districts - Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham 12110 and South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls 12803. Both are by appointment only. For Calvary, call Rita Pickett at (518) 786-1858 and for South Glens Falls, call Carrie Boyer (518) 480-4866.
Deadline to drop off is Nov. 2
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.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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Clergy Appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference have released the final appointment list for 2020-2021. Click here to view the full list of changes.
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NYS Re-opening guidelines
New York state guidelines for religious and funeral services were updated on June 26:
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Reopening resources
Be sure to check the Conference's FAQ resource page about reopening guidelines.
On this page, you will find a safety plan template required by the state and statewide guidelines for resuming services. You will also find resourceful signage you can use about face masks, handwashing, and deep cleaning. And this page also provides answers to many questions that have been asked about reopening churches.
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On Tuesday June 2, the UNY Reopening Taskforce held a FAQ session on Zoom, with over 350 people across UNY in attendance. Click here to view the PowerPoint shared during June 2 webinar and click here for a recording of the session.
If you have questions that have yet to be answered, send them along to covid-19response@unyumc.org and your question will be answered soon.
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2021 Clergy Compensation and
Charge Conference form information
In preparation for the upcoming Church/Charge Conferences, the following information is now available:
Charge Conference forms are all located on the following page: 2020-2021 Charge Conference forms. There is a downloadable/printable forms check list to help ensure that each church is on track to completing the forms necessary for their Church/Charge Conference on time. Many of the forms need to be submitted to the District Office two weeks prior to your scheduled Charge Conference. Other forms, such as the annual audit, have later deadlines. Questions can be directed to your District Office or as noted on the forms page.
If you get an error message while trying to access the Charge Conference forms, click here for help.
The 2021 Clergy Compensation Package information has been emailed to the Staff Parish Pastor Relations Committee (SPPRC) chairs for those churches which have provided contact information. Pastors have been emailed the materials and local church treasurers have been advised where to obtain the basic information contained in the packet. The United Methodist Discipline directs the SPPRC to consult with pastor and staff regarding all aspects of compensation and to then recommend appropriate proposals to the Church Council prior to the Charge Conference; and/or on an annual basis.
Information and forms, including the Salary Report Form and benefit cost information for 2021 can be on the following page: 2021 Pastor's Compensation.
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Upper New York United Methodist Women 2020 Annual Meeting
Where are we now?
Upper New York United Methodist Women will hold their 2020 Annual Meeting on Saturday morning, October 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. online via Zoom.
Sandra Soroka, Director of the Neighborhood Center in Utica, NY, will speak on the important work of the Neighborhood Center and how it continues in the face of the pandemic. The meeting will also include the annual business agenda, budget proposal, and election of officers.
The Neighborhood Center is the only UMW National Mission Institution in our conference and has been a leader in mission for over a century. First established in 1905 as a settlement house, today the Neighborhood Center provides a full range of outreach, preventative, developmental and therapeutic human services for over 20,000 individuals in the local and surrounding communities - a majority are children and their families.
The 2020 UNYUMW Annual Meeting Registration Form, proposed budget, slate of officers, and minutes from the 2019 UNYUMW annual meeting are attached: click here. To register, please complete the registration form and send it to Sharon Clairmont, 3937 Route 67, Eagle Bridge, NY 12057. Be sure to include your email address to receive the link to this online meeting.
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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. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. We are also posting daily bible readings from Rev. Bill Mudge. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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News/Resources
From the Conference
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays.
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
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Check out Media Resource Center's October newsletter
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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2021 Budget information released
Your Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CF&A) has been working since last fall on the 2021 Conference budget. Of course, at that time, things were the "old normal," and, while our collections from ministry shares were down, CF&A was anticipating the continued generosity from our local churches and prepared the budget accordingly.
Prior to releasing the budget (which would have occurred in the spring, prior to the May 2020 Annual Conference), everything changed! If you look at the budget, you will see that the numbers don't look terribly different from prior years. That is not because CF&A doesn't know what's going on or doesn't understand the difficulties that local churches are facing. They believe that we are all in this together. They believe that you, the local churches, will do all you can to continue to pay your shared ministry dollars, the amounts that are allocated and apportioned to each of you that allow us to do ministry in the Upper New York area and around the world!
Click here to read more and review the 2021 UNY budget.
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Imagine No Racism: Train as a facilitator
Are you moved to help dismantle racism? Have you already experienced the "Imagine No Racism" curriculum? The Conference Commission on Religion & Race (CCORR) is planning more opportunities to train people as INR Facilitators to lead new small groups. This one-day training will be on ZOOM. If interested, please let Carrie know and we will coordinate times that work for people. (albanydistrict@unyumc.org) or (518) 608-1246,
If you have not experienced the six sessions of INR but are interested, please let Carrie know and we will find a small Zoom group for you.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: 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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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
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 COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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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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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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UNY offers 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 almamalikow@unyumc.org 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 stevehustedt@unyumc.org.
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Other Resources and Information
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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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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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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