In the coming days and weeks ahead, I fear that we will be tested and taxed with the outcome of the election. We live in a very divided time. A time that I have never before, in my life seen. A time such as this where I believe we will be called upon to stand up and accept the role that has been outlined in Matthew 5:9, which states: ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹¹ The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit. To see the changes Click here

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.

Click here to learn more.

If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.

1. The Upper New York Annual Conference has asked every local church on the district, whether it has decided to offer in-person worship at this time or not, to complete a survey indicating its compliance with the New York State requirements. This was due by June 26th. The District will contact churches who don't respond. Click here to complete this form and indicate your congregation's compliance.

Find an overview of UNY Conference reopening guidelines here and some frequently asked questions on reopening here.

The New York State Guidelines are available online here.

for All Churches to Reopen Church

Nov. 1-30, 2020

Nov. 26, 2020

Nov. 29, 2020

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. 

Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to protect itself against a growing number of sexual abuse claims made against it. This bankruptcy process is intended to allow the BSA to deal with these claims – through the creation of and payment from a victim’s compensation trust fund – and continue its operations. As is typical in bankruptcy proceedings, the court has established a “Bar Date,” which is the deadline for potential creditors to file claims against the BSA (the debtor). The Bar Date in this case is November 16, 2020, at 5 pm EST.

On Wednesday October 28, Upper New York Conference Treasurer, Bob Flask, sent a note to the UNY Conference that includes a statement by Conference Chancellor, Peter H. Abdella, that all churches who have ever chartered or sponsored a Boy Scout Troop, Cub Scout Pack, or venturing crew must read.

Click here to read more. 

In this time of covid-19 and social distancing the Safe Sanctuaries Conference Team is not recommending any in-person Safe Sanctuaries trainings. This is to keep safe those who would be together for a long period of time. We ask that people be patient. Recertification letters have gone out to the trainers.

There is a test training for trainers only set for December 12^th from 9-1. We will test the curriculum that has been redone for a virtual training via zoom. Please watch your emails for the link and the updated materials.

Today, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m., the Rev. Rachel Barnhart, pastor at Broad Street UMC, will be leading a Zoom training on using Zoom to host House Churches. This is part of the Upper New York Conference’s

Digital Discipleship trainings.

Click here to hear Rev. Barnhart’s testimonial. Click here tomorrow at 6 p.m. to attend the training.

During the month of November, United Methodists are called to learn more about the history of Native/indigenous people. Click here for several resources you can share with your congregation to raise awareness about Native American and indigenous culture in the United States. 

The day before yesterday was election day, and people woke up yesterday morning with varied emotions depending on their political stance. Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters from their founding in 18th century England. When it comes to the intersection of The United Methodist Church and politics, United Methodists have a variety of viewpoints. In a special video series titled "Ask The UMC: Church and Politics," you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

Click here to watch the first 1-minute video of the series which answers the question, “Should the UMC be involved in politics?”

To view the brochure, click here.

To register or for more information on the following please contact the Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com

ZOOM:  Course Fee: $15   

Saturday January 23: 9am-1pm

ZOOM:      Course Fee: $15  

Course 1: Mondays February 22, March 1^st and 8th : 6-9pm

Course 2: Thursday February 25, March 4 & 11: 6-9pm 

ZOOM: Course Fee $15    

ZOOM: Course Fee: $15  

Since the members of the Council who attend will be spread apart, it will be helpful if each individual has copies of the reports in front of them during the Charge Conference, either electronically or on paper. Consider printing/distributing or emailing packets of the reports to each person.

Remember: Charge Conference Must Be Announced

AT LEAST 10 days in advance. Announce the time and date during worship, in the newsletter, in meetings, person-to-person.

As of October 6th this order applied to anyone traveling from: