Northern Flow Weekly Newsletter April 21, 2022

The Current

April 21, 2022

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

April 2022/By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist

This is a reminder that every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date) as long as it is completed annually. Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets, certificates of completion, or some other manner for audit purposes.

During the annual training, employers must also provide employees a notice that contains the employer’s sexual harassment policy. Click here for more information on creating a sexual harassment policy.

The training must:

be interactive
include an explanation of sexual harassment consistent with guidance issued by the Department of Labor in consultation with the Division of Human Rights
include examples of conduct that would constitute unlawful sexual harassment
include information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment and remedies available to victims of sexual harassment
include information concerning employees’ rights of redress and all available forums for adjudicating complaints
include information addressing conduct by supervisors and any additional responsibilities for such supervisors

Click here for more information on the sexual harassment prevention training requirements.

Free Training Available

The New York City Commission on Human Rights has developed a free online training that will satisfy both the New York State and New York City anti-sexual harassment training requirements. New York City's free online training is available here.

Please note that Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.

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

Grants Available for Projects

It is the desire of the UNY Conference United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) to offer grants to non-profit community and faith-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference.

Click here to read more.

Registration Open for Annual Conference 2022

Registration is now open for the Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held June 2-4 at the SRC Arena in Syracuse, NY. Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, click here and complete the form. For COVID specific safety protocols, click here.

Questions about registration can be addressed to Erica Wentworth at ericawentworth@unyumc.org.

Attention Conference Attendees!

Carolyn Stow and Jenni Piatt are looking for volunteers to help make our conference experience a success. We need help in the following categories. Please note that everything is different than in the past - Thank You COVID!

Ushers: We are looking for friendly and observant people. Duties include: Greeting people, handing out bulletins, setting out and collecting offering bags, distributing materials as needed, directing people during worship experiences, and cleaning up before the memorial and ordination services. Ushers will also aid Tellers as needed.

Tellers: These folks should be good with numbers and calm under pressure

Duties include: Help with written amendments, collect and count ballots, count and record hand or standing votes. Tellers will also aid Ushers as needed.

Recorders: People who pay good attention to detail and have a strong attention span would be good in this position. These persons need to be comfortable with electronic documents or legible handwriting. Duties include: Taking notes during the proceedings.

Volunteers will need to be available for the entire conference, follow all COVID protocols as published by the UNYAC, and sit in assigned seats.

If you are interested, please contact Jenni Piatt @ jennipiatt1@gmail.com or

716-560-4400.

Thank you!

Carolyn Stow, Conference Secretary

Jenni Piatt, Assistant Secretary

Trip to Holy Land 2023

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 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.

You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.

You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Register by April 14 ($125 off), May 14 ($100 off), June 14 ($75 off), July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact:

Pastors B.J.: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815 (cell);

Andy: andmcand@hotmail.com, 917-723-0901 (cell);

Alicia: pastoraliciawood@gmail.com, 315-450-1632 (cell); or

Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.

There will also be an informational session on May 3 at Erwin First United Methodist Church that you can attend in-person or via Zoom.

Click here for more information.

Training to Help You Deal with Everyday Struggles you Will Find in Any Ministry Setting

Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training (TIIMS) is designed to help pastors and congregations deal with the stresses of our culture in this time of uncertainty. While this training is specifically designed for those entering an interim situation (death of pastor, long pastorate, pastor leaving ministry, etc.), the training will help you deal with the everyday struggles you will find in any ministry setting.

This training is a three-phase experience spanning six months of time. Phase I is a three-day introduction to the concepts and principles of Interim Ministry. Phase II is a time in one’s ministry setting using some of the tools and principles learned in Phase I. Phase III is a re-gathering of the group.

This seminar is being offered at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Phase I will be from May 3 - 5, 2022 and Phase III will be Nov. 1 – 3, 2022.

Click here for more information.

Contact Jane Sautter with questions or register with the form here. She can be reached at 315-225-6170 or pastorjfs@gmail.com.

Moving Forward With an In Person Annual Conference

The Conference Sessions Committee continues to plan for an in-person Annual Conference to be held later this spring on June 2-4. This will be the first time in three years Conference clergy and lay members have been able to meet in this way. As part of these preparations, the Sessions Committee is exploring safety and hygiene practices to ensure the health and comfort of participants. Comments and suggestions offered by Conference members in a recent survey have provided the sessions committee with insight and inspiration.

Safety and Comfort Practices

The majority of people surveyed indicated they would feel safer and more comfortable participating in-person if everyone present followed a few simple practices:

Taking an at-home antigen test 48 hours before arriving on site for the first day of Conference.
Excusing yourself from any event whenever you begin to feel symptomatic. If symptoms persist, the next step might be getting tested and/or returning home to recover.
Wearing a face mask at all times while inside a facility except when eating, sitting at your table, speaking at a microphone, or participating on stage.
Sitting in the same seat, at the same table, and with the same people throughout the course of Annual Conference. People will choose their seat at the beginning of the conference. Tables will be set up at least six-feet apart.
Completing a written “symptoms check” at the beginning of each day at your table.

To keep us all safe and comfortable, the sessions committee asks all Conference participants, staff, Conference members, vendors, and visitors, to follow these practices. The Sessions Committee is monitoring the public health situation week by week and is prepared to take other necessary actions to ensure the health and well-being of all participants.

Hybrid Conference Prohibitions

In addition to health questions, several people in the survey asked, “why can’t we meet in a hybrid fashion, with some voting members onsite at Onondaga Community College and others joining via Zoom?” It’s a good question. Many local church and Conference gatherings during the pandemic have been hybrid events, with some folks sitting together in the same room while others joined via Zoom, GoogleMeets, or FaceTime.

The problem with a hybrid Annual Conference is not the technology, but the law, specifically New York State law. The Upper New York Conference is a “religious corporation” in the eyes of the state government and, as such, is required to follow the state’s Religious Corporations Law Section 28 of this law allows a religious organization to hold its annual meeting in-person or “solely by means of electronic communication,” but there is no provision allowing a mixture of the two.

Our Conference chancellor, Peter Abdella, has reviewed the law and advised that a hybrid meeting would not be proper given the significant legal matters which come before Conference. At this year’s Annual Conference, members will take official action to elect corporate trustees, convey church properties, adopt pension provisions, and approve Conference budgets. Because a hybrid meeting is not supported from a legal perspective, these important decisions could be subject to challenge.

Every Annual Conference session is unique and this year’s session is certainly no exception. Despite the challenges, it will be good to be together to worship, discuss, deliberate, and decide together.

2022 AC Offerings

At the 2022 Annual Conference, which will be held June 2-4, the offerings that will be collected have been planned as follows.

The Clergy Care Fund offering will be collected at the Clergy session will be used to assist clergy who need financial support.

The Helping Hands Fund offering will be collected at the Laity session—it will be used by the Cabinet to assist congregants in need of financial support.

An offering to support the Mission Central HUB will be taken during Opening Worship.

An offering to support Mission of Peace (MOP) will be collected during the Blessing and Anointing service—this collection helps support the annual youth “journey of discovery and shalom” in nations in our global community.

An offering to support development of New Faith Communities will be collected during the Service of Commissioning and Ordination.

Keep following the UNY Conference Communications Channels as more details about Annual Conference and the schedule are determined.

Aldersgate Men's Retreat

20th Anniversary April 29th - 30th!!

Pastor Leon Jicha - Keynote Speaker

"Iron Sharpens > Iron"

Music provided by The "Gate" House band

"Live Skit" Dude No One Wears Armor Anymore

Circle one of the following payment options:

(A) - (1) Night Plus (3) Meals $135.00

(B) - Friday - Saturday Commuter Plus (3) Meals $100.00

(D) - Saturday Plus (2) Meals $75.00

Name: ____________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

Phone: ______________________ Cell: __________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________

Church: _____________________________________________

Emergency Contact: _______________________________________________________

Registration is Friday, April 29th between 4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Retreat will end Saturday at 3:00 pm

Please bring - Camping gear, sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight, Bible and a Mask

(masks may be required per UNYAC and CDC)

Completed event registration/checks payable to UNYUMM

Mail to UNYUMM Conference Treasurer:

Dave Greer

2432 Bigelow Lane

Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Hosted by the UNYUMM/NGMM

Job Opportunities for Upper New York Conference

The Upper New York Conference has job openings, please click here for more information.

Upper NY LPLS 2022

The Upper New York LPLS (Local Pastors Licensing School) Will be held May 9th to May 15th 2022 at

Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center

UNY Local Pastor Licensing School | The Upper NY Conference (unyumc.org)

Connect with Us 2022

Attached is the Connect with Us Academy 2022 announcement with the continuing education course schedule and descriptions --along with the registration form. These are high-quality courses. The full cost per course is just $75. The courses include videos and printed resources as well as 1-2 short zoom sessions. These courses are available to all clergy and CLMs. The pastor may invite one lay leader to attend the course with them without cost. A team of pastors from the same district may wish to register for these courses. The only written assignment is a short implementation plan at the end of the course for one CEU credit. Textbooks are not required. Videos and resources are provided for each course.

Your continuing theological education is important. Please consider registering for these courses.

2022 Connect Schedule

2022 Connect Registration Form

Tending the Soul Training

Tending the Soul, a training program in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation, will be starting a new cohort in November 2022. The program is designed for lay and clergy. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent past, the ability to listen deeply for God, to remain centered and non-anxious, and to hold sacred space for others is an essential tool in ministry (both within your local congregation and the greater community).

Click here for more information and a brochure with all details on the program and how to apply.

Any questions can be directed to the Rev. Nancy Dibelius (nancyd@unyumc.org).

Conference Office Looking for your Stories!!

We’re looking for stories of a church vitality! Stories that inspire! Stories that motivate! Stories that can encourage churches throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference to try something new to live out the mission of the United Methodist Church, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

April: Mission and outreach
May: Accountability groups
June: Supporting marginalized or oppressed individuals and communities
July: Church membership growth

Throughout the first half of 2022, we are asking for narratives of church success stories. Click here to read more about this initiative.

Stewardship with

Rev. Susan Ranous

April 11, 2022

GIVING WHEN THERE’S NO OFFERING PLATE #2

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve offered a blog, but I wanted to continue our discussion on giving when there’s no offering plate.

When we used to pass the plate, there was a little bit of peer pressure, and people knew (usually) what they were supposed to do: drop a little something in the plate. Some people didn’t like it. But there was something to be said for a connection with each person in the pew. When the person sitting right next to you is passing you the plate or basket, it can’t be ignored, can it?

Now, the plate or basket may be placed at the door or somewhere else. For those of us familiar with that particular church, we know where to look. But what about others. My husband and I visited a church recently. We’d been there before, but that was back “before.” I had pulled the money out of my wallet and placed it just inside my purse so I could easily drop it in the plate when it came by. And then…I watched the usher stride up the aisle right to the altar table and place the offering plate there to be prayed over.

I’d missed my chance! Steve looked at me and muttered “I didn’t even see where to put the money when we came in.” It probably was easily found, but, even now, stewardship or not, two years hence or not, I seldom think to look for the plate on the way in.

Then there are those persons worshipping virtually. While we may give them QR codes or links to go to make an offering, there doesn’t seem to be much of a connection between the offering and the worshipper, does there?

We have to make the offering, whether it’s in person or virtual; whether a plate’s being passed or stashed somewhere else; connected to everyone. The offering time isn’t just a throw away moment; it is a vital part of worship.

It’s important and it should be joyful! I encourage you to go to Youtube and type in "church offering dance" and see what pops up! Wouldn’t it be exciting if offerings were done that way?

Safe Sanctuaries Training Schedule for 2022

Attached is a flyer for all upcoming Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training session for the year, along with registration links and dates.

We will continue to send reminders prior to registration by an individual bases but we wanted to make sure all dates were available to the conference, districts and churches.

You will notice that the dates are strategic as we want to make it available prior to summer VBS programs, Fall Sunday school start up and a couple others in between. We have also set two Training of Trainer dates which we will ask those who wish to become a trainer in their local church and/or their districts to join.

If you or anyone has any questions please direct them to the Safe Sanctuaries team via our email safesanctuaries@unyumc.org .