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"
And you said, 'The Lord our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them.' "
Deuteronomy 5:24
New International Version
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
October 5, 2019
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Is your newsletter "cutting off" at the margin?
Try clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter that says,
"Having trouble viewing this email?"
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Miss something? Not all information is repeated each week
To view the October 2 Local Church Events, click here
To view the Sept. 21 District Newsletter,
click here
The newsletter is usually sent out every other Saturday,
with updates sent weekly in the Wednesday Local Church News and Events.
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New York State employers (including churches)
must provide sexual harassment prevention training
The deadline is quickly approaching for New York State employers to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training upon hire and on an annual basis.
This is a law and all UNY church employees must complete this training. This is not optional. Everyone must comply. Please make sure your church SPRC and employees are aware of this.
For this year, the training must be completed by all current employees and new hires by
October 9, 2019. Once the initial training is complete, the employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date). Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets or some other manner for audit purposes.
In addition to the sexual harassment prevention training requirement, each employer is required to have a
sexual harassment prevention policy in place. This policy should be shared with employees prior to the training.
To learn more about programs that qualify for the sexual harassment training,
click here.
If you have any questions regarding the New York State sexual harassment prevention requirements, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at 315-898-2017 or
[email protected]
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Click here for FAQs about the new law and trainings.
There are two sites you can visit for online trainings:
Most pastors are eligible for free training through the "EAP" program. See the link to EAP in this article:
Click here If you need guidance, please contact Carrie (518) 480-4866.
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District Workshop Day: Oct. 19 in Plattsburgh
The Adirondack District Leadership Team is pleased to announce that we will be holding a second District Workshop Day, "Informed to Transform," on
Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh (12901).
Registration deadline is Oct. 10, but we have very few sign-ups so far. We need to ensure that we can offer our many workshops, so please call Carrie to register over the phone. You can pay at the door.
We will be following the same format as the day we held in March at the Saratoga Springs UMC. We will begin with registration at 8:30 AM and a time of worship at 9 AM. There will be three 75-minute blocks of workshops, and lunch will be served. The day will conclude with worship and Holy Communion at 2:30 PM. The cost is $10, which includes lunch.
Free childcare is available; please register by Oct. 7.
The cost is $10 or $5 if you don't stay for lunch.
To view the workshop descriptions,
Click here
If you have questions, please be in touch with Carrie Boyer at the District Office,
[email protected] or (518) 480-4866.
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(Update)
Youth Fall Event East!
7 PM Friday, November 8 to 3 PM Saturday, November 9 at the Albany- McKownville, UMC.
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Women in Ministry Conference: Oct. 23-25
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Emilie M. Townes
Keynote speaker
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The Women in Ministry Initiative of Princeton Theological Seminary is pleased to offer a conference
(October 23-25) for women leaders of the church, both clergy and lay, who work within the church and beyond. The theme of the conference is "Leadership in a time of division and fear."
We will gather to worship, to study, and to encourage one another. Keynote presentations, sermons, informal discussions, and workshops will provide an opportunity to develop and strengthen talents and skills for leadership in the church and world to which we are called. Click here and here for more information.
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Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month resources available
Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month began on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. Celebrate the contributions of Hispanic-Latino individuals in Upper New York and across the nation. To read about the history of Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month and to learn some suggested activities that can be used to observe this month, as well as some related liturgies, scriptures, and more Click here
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Calling all Treasurers, Financial secretaries,
Finance Committee Chairs, Pastors, and anyone contemplating filling one of these roles!!!
Saturday, November 9
9AM - Noon at Adirondack Community Church, Lake Placid OR
3PM - 6PM at Saratoga Springs UMC
Rev. Sue Ranous, Ordained Deacon, CPA, and chair of our Conference Committee on Finance and Administration, is coming to our district to offer church finance training.
Topics to be addressed include:
- Financial standards for local churches
- How to prepare a financial statement
- Bookkeeping simplified
- Payroll for non-clergy employees
- 1099 vs. W-2
- Clergy taxes
- EZRA preparation
- Audits
- Restricted vs. non-restricted funds
This is a great opportunity to get up-to-date on current IRS and UMC requirements, and to find some more efficient ways to be good stewards of the finances of our churches.
Please register with Carrie Boyer. Call (518) 480-4866 or send an email to [email protected]
To view the flyer
click here.
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Order Potatoes for Nov. 16 Pickup at Conference Center
On Saturday, Nov. 16, 50-pound bags of potatoes will be available to pick up at no cost for local food pantries, individuals, families, and community organizations that feed the hungry. Tom Pelkey from the Society of St. Andrew and a group of volunteers will be at UNY United Methodist Center, located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool, distributing potatoes to all that registered from 8-11 a.m. The Society of St. Andrew is an organization that collects excess food from farmers to provide to the hungry. To order up to 100 of the 50- pound bags for pick-up, contact Tom Pelkey at 315-559-3832 or email at [email protected]
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Early Response Team Disaster training and Team Leader Training to be held in Clifton Park on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3
A basic Early Response Team (ERT) disaster training course will be offered Saturday,
Nov. 2 at the Shenendehowa UMC, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park (12065). The class will start at 8:30 AM with registration and coffee and will conclude at 5 PM. The course will be facilitated by Rev. Carl Shepard and Marybeth (Beth) Ingalls. Both are experienced in disaster relief and are approved United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ERT Trainers. We guarantee you will be blessed by these two people and well prepared for the field by the end of the day. If you are able to attend, please register at www.bit.ly/2019CliftonPark The website provides additional information prior to the registration submission.
In addition, Mike Block and Marybeth, both from the conference center Mission HUB, will hold a Team Leader Training (TLT) on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1 PM to 5 PM at the same location. This class will help you become not only qualified but also competent to lead an UMVIM team for disaster response, medical missions, youth trips, and even international mission trips. This course also includes fund-raising ideas and a suggested time line for team preparations, especially for large groups taking trips within a year.
Take a look at Mission Hub videos:
Click here
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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 13 ad interim appointments.
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New issue of 'The Bridge' available
The October Issue I of the Bridge is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.
This issue introduces you to the UNY 2020 delegation for the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Learn about their most recent meeting and a fun fact about each delegate.
The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church.
The newest volume will be listed at the top of the webpage, with older volumes below. The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]
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Image by Sara Schork, United Methodist Communications
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Monthly feature explores holiness
Get Them Talking is a
series of monthly resources to help families lead conversations about issues of faith during dinner, devotions, a drive or anytime.
The Bible says we are supposed to be holy because God is holy. And it doesn't just say it once, but at least twice. But what does it mean to be holy? Explore this topic with your family by
clicking here.
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15 ways to pray for your pastor
The life of a United Methodist pastor is filled with a variety of responsibilities. They preach, teach, visit, counsel, lead, consult, communicate, budget, clean, and so much more.
Pastoring a church is not a job that can be done well under the pastor's power alone. Every pastor relies heavily on God's guidance, strength and peace as they live into their call.
One of the best ways we can support our pastors and
show them our appreciation is to regularly pray for them. But it can be difficult to know exactly what we should pray for. To help get started, we've assembled fifteen areas of pastors' lives and ministries where they would value your prayers.
To read more from United Methodist Communications,
click here.
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What is World Communion Sunday?
The first Sunday in October is
World Communion Sunday. United Methodist congregations join many Christian churches across the globe for this celebration of unity among churches across denominations.
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Photo illustration by Kathryn Price, United Methodist Communications
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Keeping the faith when the world gets you down ...
The news can bring us down. There is so much wickedness, we struggle to find things that are uplifting. As Christians, we know God created the world to be good, yet we sometimes struggle to find the positive.
In times like these we need to remind one another of the
hope we know in Jesus Christ. If you find yourself caught in a swirl of negativity, here are several suggestions of ways to keep it from becoming all consuming.
To read more from United Methodist Communications,
click here.
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Exploring theological guidelines
Theology is thinking together about our faith and discipleship. It's reflecting with others in the Christian community about the good news of God's love in Christ.
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"The Wesleys Take the Web" series explores the history of the church with John and Charles Wesley as modern-day animated characters. The series is produced by United Methodist Communications.
Animated Wesleys make Methodist history fun!
How do you take the founders of Methodism, the original
Bible Moths, out of mothballs and make learning about them fun, engaging and relevant for both young and old, digital natives and digital newbies? One need only look at the popularity of primetime cartoons and animated blockbuster movies for an answer: make them animated!
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Updated or Previously Announced
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Join together in Mission to Uganda and Kenya
Rev. Bill Mudge, our former District Superintendent, will soon be embarking on a mission
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Bill Mudge |
trip to Kenya and Uganda. He is inviting us to be a part of that mission by supporting it with prayers and donations.
God will, no doubt, do powerful things in and through his team as they preach and pray and learn from the Body of Christ in Kenya and Uganda, and he will bring these lessons and blessing back to our family.
From District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl:
Some of you may recall that we received an offering at Bill's farewell service that went toward a publishing fund for this ministry. How awesome to know that the funds have already been used, and have been helpful! Let's continue that powerful witness through our dear friend and pastor who continues to also offer ministry and support to our district
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If you would like to be part of this ministry by offering financial support, you may send funds to our Adirondack District Office, P.O. Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Checks may be made payable either to Rev. Bill Mudge or Baldwinsville UMC, with "Uganda mission" in the memo line
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Thank you so much! What a great opportunity to be part of the Methodist movement in another part of the world! Then, we'll try to schedule an opportunity for Bill, and maybe others on the mission team, to come to the district to share their learnings with us.
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(Update)
Redbird Mission Collection Begins
As you begin your fall planning, please consider a collection for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Items and shoe boxes are needed for Christmastime.
If your church is willing to be a collection site, please contact the District Office
(New) The Adirondack District has two collection sites. Please contact Carrie to make arrangements for drop-off to:
Jermain UMC, 2 Niles Rd., White Creek (12057) or
The Adirondack District Office at South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803).
If your church is willing to be a collection site in the Northern end of the District, please contact Carrie: [email protected] or (518) 480-4866. |
District Confirmation Retreat: Are you interested?
The Rev. Phil Richards of the Plattsburgh UMC is interested in putting together a District
Confirmation Retreat in the Spring of 2020, location yet to be determined. This would be a District ministry for youth to explore their faith and find their place in the local church. This retreat would include: History of the UMC, Mission and Service, Worship and Sacrament, Spiritual Journey components and Discipleship Training. This would all be geared to youth Grades 6 through 12.
He would like to recruit leaders who have a passion and gift for connecting with youth. He is looking to see if there is an interest on the District to offer this opportunity. Please contact Phil if your church has an interest in participating, along with approximately how many youth in your church might come to this event. This would be a great supplement for Confirmation Classes. Please contact Phil at
[email protected] or (518) 563-2992.
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2019 Church Conference schedule updated
Click here for the updated 2019 Church Conference schedule.
Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, will be presiding at all of the conferences again this year. She is looking forward to spending time with you.
In most cases, Debbie will also be meeting with the SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee) immediately following the church conference.
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Church Conference forms available online
The 2019-2020 Church Conference forms are now available online. Many of these forms are due two weeks prior to your Church Conference. Many of our conferences are early this year, but please do your best to get the forms in to us as soon as possible. Especially important are the pastor's compensation reports, the Leadership form, trustee ballots and Do you have a Discipleship Plan.
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(Updated)
Check out the Media Resource Center:
Advent and Christmas resources available!
Programming for Advent and Christmas? Take advantage of the Upper NY Media Resource Center! Are you a new Pastor or Christian Ed Director? Are you in a new appointment? Would you like to try something different in your church? Remember to check with the Media Resource Center for what is available to borrow before you purchase something. Your Shared Ministry dollars have already paid for the resources we have in the library, so why pay twice! Give Karen Campolieto, coordinator of the Media Resource Center, a call (315-898-2027), email her ([email protected]), or check out the online catalog.
The easy online ordering is just a click away. Your order will be sent through the USPS and you'll get a mail back envelope and label with instructions on mailing. Your only cost is the postage to return it.
(New) To learn more about the center, to look through the online catalog and view the October newsletter,
Click here
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Safe Sanctuaries training to be held Oct. 20
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held from 2 PM to 5 PM Sunday, Oct. 20 at the South Glens Falls UMC,
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803)
Please arrive by 1:45 AM to sign in.
The training will follow the curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt
and Stephanie Strom.
Please register with Carrie Boyer in the District Office [email protected] or (518) 480-4866. She will send you the handout.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Class
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Oct. 26, 9 AM to 4 PM and
Nov. 2, 9 AM to 4 PM
South Glens Falls UMC
15 Maplewood Parkway
South Glens Falls, NY 12803
To register, contact Arlene Schmidt at
[email protected]
"Leading Worship" focuses on the ministry of the lay servant who either regularly or occasionally leads a group or congregation in worship. The course will help participants understand the history of Christian worship, paying particular attention to the development of current United Methodist ritual and ritual resources, the basic pattern of worship, the Christian year, and the Revised Common Lectionary. This is one of the courses needed for Certified Lay Speaker. Please bring a bag lunch.
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard and Arlene Schmidt
$15 Registration - Does not include the book. "Worshipping with United Methodist" by Hoyt L. Hickman (revised edition), available through Cokesbury or Amazon.
Please watch the Adirondack Newsletter for the new schedule for all the classes leading to Certified Lay Servant and Speaker which will start with a Basic in March.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, Click here
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(New)
High-Five Relay Campaign for HUB
With recent natural disasters, UMCOR warehouses across the country are becoming
empty. Here in UNY, our Mission Central HUB has started a high-five relay campaign to help raise funds and supplies for items needed in the cleaning kits and hygiene kits we assemble for UMCOR.
How does this work? Get your church or group members together and have a high-five relay. Each person contributes $5 or as much as they can, and the total amount can be written in a check to Upper New York Mission Central HUB or donated through our website or Facebook page.
Click here to watch a video of the Upper New York Conference staff and volunteers enjoying their high-five relay. Feel free to share your cell phone video of the relay by emailing it to [email protected] or posting in the comments section of our Facebook high-five relay post.
UMCOR has assigned the relief fund # 982450 to directly support Dorian Relief.
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We invite you to explore resources below that can connect yourself, your church and your community to UMCOR's (United Methodist Committee on Relief) work in disaster preparedness and response.
UMCOR has assigned the relief fund # 982450 to directly support Dorian Relief.
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Hygiene Kits Needed
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is focusing
on the desperate need for hygiene kits around the world in places such as the transition shelters along the U.S. Mexico border.
To learn how to assemble a kit, Click here
Click here
to make a donation.
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Cleaning Buckets are needed
Is your congregation interested in assembling UMCOR cleaning kits? Do it the right way by avoiding some of the common mistakes people make when putting the kits together. For example, air fresheners and insect repellents cannot be aerosol.
Click here to watch a video of Mike Block, Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, presented in David Letterman-fashion, the Top 10 mistakes made in assembling cleaning kits.
For instructions on how to assemble a cleaning kit, hygiene kit or school kit: Click here
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Explore United Methodist resources
Wondering where to find resources from the United Methodist Church?
Click here
Find information on how to order for Special Sundays, apply for grants and loans, and more.
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UNY Methodist Historical Society Publication available
The Upper New York United Methodist
Historical Society (UNY
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UMHS) has a new publication,
UNY
Historical News & Views. This email newsletter includes Methodist historical vignettes,
Methodist/Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) materials from the Upper New York archives and news. To view the first issue,
click here.
Submission guidelines for articles are available
here.
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Reaching New Disciples: Resources at your fingertips
The Lewis Center is committed to helping congregations reach more people, younger
people, and more diverse people. There was a day when congregations could simply open their doors and wait for people to find their way in. But that era is rapidly fading. Growing congregations today are embracing a new paradigm of evangelism, finding innovative ways to connect with their neighbors, extend hospitality, and take church to the community!
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ResourceUMC.org is a new, comprehensive websie that empowers you to search for and quickly find resources and tool from across our connection. To visit the website,
Click here
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Learn More About Your Community through Mission Insite
Church leaders and pastors across our district recently have updated their online Church Profile. Did you know that the Upper New York Conference also offers all churches access to a free tool that provides important information about the communities where they are located?
Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context. Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis. The reports are user-friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
In order to access the website you will need to register your local church. The links below provide instruction for you to register and establish user name and password for your local church.
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Discipleship Ministries offers tips on Christian Education
With intentional learning and Christian formation, we become the people God calls us to be, and we develop gifts and strengths for encouraging and leading others to the same strong faith.
On these pages that appear on the Discipleship Ministries website, you will find articles and resources for becoming a mature leader in the educational ministry of your church or area. You may be a teacher, church school superintendent, education committee chairperson, a paid or volunteer staff person, or an age-level coordinator.To read more,
Click here
To view more about Older Adult Ministry,
Click here
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Click here to apply for a tax exempt letter for your church.
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Free Resources
focus on
Intentional Discipleship
The intentional discipleship movement is already happening across the connection. More and more churches and leaders are recognizing that we must have a relentless focus on making and growing disciples, and move away from fixing churches.
Engagement involves initiating and building relationships. Engagement seeks to ensure that outreach and evangelism efforts become a vital part of an intentional system of discipleship.
New resources from Discipleship Ministries,
including books,
and study guides and films, are available to help lay leaders, clergy and conference leaders reach out to new people with intentional discipleship.
For more information:
Click here
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Previ
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News From the Conference Office
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2019-2020 clergy appointment list
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference release the final appointment list for 2019-2020.
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Trip to the Holy Land planned for 2020
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries
(Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a trip to the Holy Land, February 11 - February 21, 2020. This trip will expand your knowledge of the Bible and the sacred land. A journey following in the footsteps of Jesus will change the way you read the Bible.
We will explore, learn, and fellowship together as we visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, Masada (Judean Desert), the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,248, leaving from JFK, New York. It includes basic tour and guided sightseeing, round-trip international airfare, fuel surcharges, government taxes, administrative fees, entrance fees, hotel gratuities and program fees, daily buffet breakfast and dinner, deluxe motor coaches, first-class hotels, and more.
You may register immediately with only $100 and receive a discount of $150. Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: [email protected], 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: [email protected], 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: [email protected], 315-450-1632 (cell); Jee Hae: [email protected], 404-825-8025 (cell); for a brochure, if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you, and looking forward to you joining us.
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Wesley Heritage Tour scheduled for February 2020
Join Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and his wife Jodi on a Wesley Heritage tour in England Feb. 11-19, 2020.
This journey will take you through England where you will learn about the roots of the early Church and the ministry of John Wesley. Visit London, Oxford, Epworth, the Old Rectory where John Wesley grew up, and much more.
The earlier you register, the bigger the discount.
Click here to learn more and to obtain a registration brochure with all the details about this exciting opportunity.
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Oberammergau Passion Play tour planned for 2020
Since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place in Oberammergau. Back in the 1600's, the people of Germany suffered through a terrible plague in which many died. The people prayed and God released them from this plague. The people promised in thanks to God to perform the Passion Play every 10 years on the zero years. This tradition has been maintained for over 380 years and will continue for the 42nd time in 2020. The village of Oberammergau of 5,000 people performs this passion play with more than 2,000 villagers participating. Roughly 500,000 visitors will come to see this play in 2020. Educational Opportunities, which conducts tours to the Holy Land, is offering tours that include this passion play. Rev. David Schlansker is planning to serve as a host on one of these tours. If you or your church is interested in learning more., contact Rev. David Schlansker at 518-227-5535 or [email protected]
He has printed brochures that can be sent to anyone interested. David is willing to visit churches and share more information on this experience of a lifetime.
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District Contact Information
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
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Debbie Earthrowl
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse, District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer, Minister of Administration
Physical Location: 15 Maplewood Parkway
(South Glens Falls UMC)
South Glens Falls 12803 (GPS)
Mailing Address: PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 480-4866
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