February 18th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
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Note: The District Office is open by appointment only.
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Nancy’s Notes - #18
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come.
Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord, your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep. Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, NRSV
Dear Friends,
Many of you may know that I am navigationally impaired. Several years ago, as a loving act, my brother and sister-in-law gave me a GPS for Christmas. It was a very useful gift, and became even more important when I became Superintendent in a region I was not familiar with at all. Then, a few years ago, my GPS didn’t work anymore. That’s not good news to someone who is navigationally impaired! My brother then told me about the “Waze” app, which I quickly put on my phone. I am grateful!
Perhaps you’ve had the experience of a GPS telling you “When it is safe and legal, make a U-turn.” So what’s the point of all of this? The passage above is one of the lectionary lessons for Ash Wednesday. In vss. 1-2, we see the call for the trumpet to sound the warning of judgment. In vss. 12-13, we hear God’s loving invitation to return to Him – to make a U-Turn and come back and to be obedient to God.
None of us is exempt from the need for repentance and transformation. Let me be clear. We can refuse or pretend we don’t hear the call to repentance. However, the season of Lent calls our attention to and invites us to accept the offer to free our lives of obstacles in our way and pave the way to see what God is up to in our lives.
Some may be thinking, “I’m too far gone to turn around now.” Hear the good news: God allows U-turns, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s gracious hand. You have not gone too far to turn back! No one has.
As we journey with Jesus towards the cross in this Lenten season, may we hear the invitation of God: “Return to me with all your heart…” God allows U-turns, and He’s calling us back to Himself. Will you come?
With You in the Journey,
Nancy
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Announcement: AC2021 to be held remotely June 17-19
The 12th Annual Session will take place virtually June 17-19, 2021. The Upper New York Conference is working with Good News TV Media Ministry to provide a positive virtual experience.
Who will attend: All clergy and laity representatives to the Annual Conference Session
When is Annual Conference: June 17-19, 2021
Where will Annual Conference Take Place: Virtually
2021 Petitions/Resolutions/Reports
The Committee on Petitions and Resolutions is charged with overseeing the submission, review, and presentation of petitions and resolutions to the Annual Conference.
All resolutions and petitions for the 2021 session (which will be held online June 17-19, 2021) that will be printed in Journal Vol. I must be submitted to the Committee no later than March 15, 2021. Anything received after this date will be posted on the Conference website.
Click here for more information, including guidelines and a petition and resolutions template.
Continue to follow all UNY communication platforms for more details.
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Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month — a time to reflect on the history of Black Americans and to honor the individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly toward racial justice.
As outlined in the Racial Justice Charter, United Methodist Women works to eliminate all forms of institutional racism; to study, understand and appreciate the historical and cultural contributions of each race to the Church and community; to support and participate in the worldwide struggle for liberation in the church and community, and much more.
Click here for great resources that United Methodist Women have put together to celebrate Black History Month.
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
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ALL Local Churches are required to Complete End-of-Year Reporting
Each year there are reports due to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning.
The following reports are now PAST DUE- deadline was February 15, 2021. If you have not already turned in these reports, please send them to the Oneonta District Office at your earliest convenience.
Mail: C/O Teresa Wood - 28 Orchard St. Oneonta NY 13820, or
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The Statistical reports were due February 15, 2021 and are completed on the Ezra website. You do not need to send a copy to the District. Feel free to print out a paper copy for your own churches' records. You will need your user name and password to complete this task. If you have forgotten your Login information please contact Teresa at the district Office: email: Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org or call (607) 441-5102.
If you have not already completed your church EZRA reporting, please do so ASAP. See below for more information on EZRA.
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Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!
* Note* When sending Charge Conference Forms to the office:
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A big Thank you to the following Oneonta district churches for completing and submitting their 2020 Statistical Reports on time! Thanks for all your hard work. We appreciate you!
As of Today Feb.18th, 2021
BAINBRIDGE
BARNERVILLE
CENTRAL BRIDGE
COBLESKILL
COOPERSTOWN
COOPERSTOWN JUNCTION
DAVENPORT
DELANSON
EAST WORCESTER
EDMESTON
EMMONS
ESPERANCE-SLOANSVILLE
FLY CREEK
FRANKLIN
GALLUPVILLE
GROSVENORS CORNERS
GUILFORD
HUNTERSLAND
MIDDLEBURGH
MIDDLEFIELD
MILFORD
MORRIS
MOUNT UPTON
MOUNT VISION
NEW BERLIN
NORTH AFTON
NORTH NORWICH
NORWICH-BROAD STREET
ONEONTA-ELM PARK
ONEONTA FIRST
OTEGO
PORTLANDVILLE
PRESTON
RICHMONDVILLE
ROSEBOOM
SCHENEVUS
SCHUYLER LAKE
SHERBURNE
SIDNEY
SMYRNA
TREADWELL
UNADILLA
UNADILLA CENTER
WARNERVILLE
WEST DAVENPORT
WEST EXETER
WESTFORD
WESTVILLE
WORCESTER
If you believe your church has submitted the Statistical Reports but aren't on the list of those completed, please log in to EZRA and make sure you clicked, "submit" on all the tables. If you did that, contact the Teresa at the District Office.
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All Clergy, Retired Clergy performing ministerial functions and Supply pastors are required to complete Boundaries Awareness Training.
Deadline Extended to March 1
All clergy and those leading congregations are reminded that the required Boundaries Training for 2020 needs to be completed by March 1, 2021. This deadline was extended from the original Feb. 15th deadline. This Boundaries Training is through the Lewis Center for Pastoral Excellence and is entitled “Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics.” It is entirely online.
Click here for the information letter from the Lewis Center to register. Thank you for your faithfulness in completing this training!
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CCORR (Conference Commission on Religion and Race) currently has three Imagine No Racism 2.0 courses happening. CCORR hopes to continue to offer INR courses as they are requested. Typically, people have chosen to do six weekly sessions but planning the sessions is flexible. People looking for an INR group can email: bsmith@binghamton.edu. Clergy may receive 1 CEU and Lay Servant Ministries laity may receive advanced course credit.
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Lay Servant Courses - Open to All
Lay Servant Courses Being Offered by the Mountain View District Lay Ministry Team -This is Open to ALL
WHAT: Advance Course-Polity
(you must have taken the Basic Course before taking this course)
WHEN: Monday Evenings beginning
Feb.22nd, Mar. 1st, 8th,15th & 22nd
WHERE: Via Zoom
TIME: 6-8pm
Registration ends Feb. 16th
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Leading Worship
February 22, March 1, 8, 15 & 22, 7-9 pm
Course fee $15
Registration ends February 15.
Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
February 22, March 1, 8 from 6-9 pm; March 13, 9 am - 1 pm
Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
February 25, March 4 & 11, 6-9 pm; March 20: 9 am - 1 pm
Basic Course
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 7-9 pm
Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
Leading Prayer
April 14, 21, May 5, 6-9 pm; May 1, 9 am - 1 pm
Imagine No Racism
April 22, 29, May 6, 13 & 20, 2-5 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
Lay Pastoral Care
April 28, May 5, 12 & 19, 7-9 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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NEW- Join Pastor John Buddle of the Edmeston & Morris UMC’s in completing the 8 trail requirements for the Otsego Winter Octet Challenge!
Sunday, March 7th at 1pm: Texas Schoolhouse State Forest Blue Trail (1.75 miles) - Jones Rd, Mt. Vision.
Tuesday, March 9th at 1pm: Forest of the Dozen Dads Beaver Pond Trail Loop (.75 miles) – 325 Black Rd, Cooperstown, NY AND Glimmerglass State Park Sleeping Lion Trail (2 miles) - 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY.
Sunday, March 14th, at 1:30pm: Gilbert Lake State Park (1.3 miles) - 18 CCC Road, Laurens, NY.
Tuesday March 16th at 1pm: Goodyear Lake Waterway Access Main Trail (.5 miles) – Silliman Cove Rd, Maryland, NY. AND Robert Riddell State Park (1.44 miles) – 1894 Charlotte Creek Rd, Oneonta, NY .
Sunday, March 21st, at 1:30p: Fortin Park (2.5 miles) – 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY.
Tuesday, March 23rd, at 1p: Arnold Lake State Forest (3.4 miles) – Joe Cornell Road, Milford, NY.
All hikes are scheduled to change due to weather conditions. Updates will be provided by email 2 hours before a scheduled hike with any changes.
Social distancing guidelines must still be adhered to.
Pastor John Buddle contact info: 607-386-2449 or buddlej81@gmail.com
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The Spiritual Discipline of Study
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.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s latest spiritual discipline exploration, which delves into the discipline of study.
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Clergy Mentor Training slotted for Feb. 23
Please join the Rev. Sue Russell, former co-chair of the UNY Board of Ordained Ministry, for a Zoom mentor training. Rev. Russell offers 20 years of mentoring experience. She will be explaining many different aspects of mentoring.
For: All clergy in full connection, associate members, and local pastors who have completed the Course of Study who have a desire to be in a mentor role for those on the journey in ministry.
Topic: Training for mentoring candidates into ministry, provisional members, local pastors, pastors from other denominations and certified lay ministers.
This training is offered at the following two times:
Feb. 23, 2021 – 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Feb. 23, 2021 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
This training is required for those who would consider being a mentor for the first time as well as those who have been mentoring awhile and need a refresher.
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Dismantling racism: White privilege
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, 2021, to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
Last week, we published an eloquent article by UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race member Georgia Whitney that describes white privilege in a way that may help you to better understand the difficult-to-grasp concept. Click here to read Part I of her article.
This week, we published Part II of her article; in this article, Georgia describes actions white people can take once they realize their privilege, to help dismantle racism. Click here to read this article, filled with helpful suggestions on how you can best respond to your white privilege.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries |
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Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
As you may know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family and group retreats and gatherings. In addition to the loss of these life-changing ministry opportunities, these cancellations have resulted in over a million dollars in lost revenue. Though each site has begun to reopen, the pandemic will continue to limit what is possible for many months to come.
These precious ministries have entered a “wilderness time” of uncertainty and scarcity. In response to this challenge, our conference is making an emergency financial appeal, what we are calling the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign, to support our camp and retreat ministries in these unprecedented times.
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The Media Resource Center began lending and accepting back overdue resources on Aug. 1. Please check to see if you have any items taken out prior to March 2020. These items should be returned to us as soon as possible. With Pastors moving to other churches and Bible studies put on hold, we need to try to locate all resources and have them returned before they are forgotten.
If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are closed to the public.
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Please be Aware of Phishing Attempts
Please be aware of scammers attempting to get personal information from you via your email account. This is referred to as phishing.
We have been made aware of the fact that many pastors in the UNY Conference have received such emails. A lot of these emails ask for money, gift cards, credit card numbers, etc. Many of these emails show the sender as Bishop Webb; however, these emails are not in fact from Bishop Webb! If you look closely at the email address, it is not his actual address, but rather a Gmail or yahoo address. Bishop Webb’s email ends with @unyumc.org not @gmail.com or @yahoo.com. If you get an email like this, simply delete it.
Click here for a good five-minute video clip on what to look for in phishing emails.
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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 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NEW- The 2021 UNY LPLS to be held in-person April 18 - 24
The 2021 Upper New York Local Pastors Licensing School (LPLS) will be held April 18 - 24 at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Because this training will be held in-person, trainers and participants will be following all safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If anything changes, you will be updated.
Click here to learn about the certifications and requirements that need to be met to participate in the LPLS and to register.
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Applications for the Lottie Brown grant are now available
Applications for the Lottie Brown grant are now available through March 15, 2021. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and limited staff working at the Conference office each day, it is highly recommended that all completed materials be sent electronically to scholarships@unyumc.org.
Preference is given to those entering some form of Christian service. A statement of your faith journey and philosophy of life is given high consideration. All application materials for this scholarship must be postmarked by March 15, 2021.
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Cady Grants 2021
COVID -19 has challenged all of us. This is all the more reason to support creative ministries in Upper New York!
Applications for the Ercil Cady Grant are available now. Grant(s) of up to $5,000 may be awarded to individual United Methodists, local UM churches, or UNY District and Conference ministry teams. As directed by the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant, “priority shall be given to educational proposals that benefit minority groups or individuals, preferably black and American Indians.”
Please consider creative ways to use this grant. Click here for the procedures and application. The deadline to apply for this grant is March 15, 2021.
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Announcement- New York State Paid Sick Leave Law
All private sector workers in New York State are covered under New York State’s paid sick leave law. If a person is issued a W-2 year-end tax form, they are eligible for the New York State paid sick leave. Non-profit and religious organizations are not exempt from this law. Click here for information on the New York State paid sick leave law.
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Certificates of Insurance in the UNY Conference
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the Upper New York Conference’s Human Resources Generalist, Tracy Rickett, has compiled some helpful information for you. Click here for more information.
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UPDATED WEDDING GUIDELINES
Guidelines for worship in Upper New York haven’t changed (50% capacity, masks, social distancing), but there are new guidelines for receptions.
The updated guidance for wedding receptions will go into place March 15 and will require the following:
· Testing for all that attend the event.
· 50% capacity - up to 150 attendees.
· Must be approved by local health department.
Click here to see all FAQs related to the coronavirus and your church.
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COVID-19 Guidelines & Best Practices
With the health and safety of all members and communities of the Upper New York Conference in mind, the Conference Reopening Task Force have revised the COVID-19 guidelines. While underlying public health science and regulations have changed little since March, this revision seeks to increase clarity and ease of use.
The guidelines cover facility, worship, small group, food, and program hosting minimum standards and best-practices. Click here for a chart that outlines the minimum standards that churches should follow (the NYS guidelines) and the additional UNY recommend best practices. This chart also provides helpful resources.
Future updates and revisions will be noted in red in subsequent versions. If you have any questions involving these guidelines, feel free to contact the COVID-19 response team of the UNY Conference via phone at 315-898-2012 and email at covid-19response@unyumc.org
Click here to print full announcement.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION and Calendar
General Conference
The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN. Click here to read more.
Jurisdictional Conferences
The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference. Click here to read more.
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Oberammergau Passion Play trip scheduled for June 14-22, 2022
The Rev. Jane Sautter will be hosting an Educational Opportunities Tour of European Capitals which includes the Oberammergau Passion play. This is the same tour company that Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, used for the UNY trips to the Holy Land and England.
The Passion Play was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UNY members will be joining the Susquehanna Annual Conference for this tour. The trip will include Innsbruck, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; and Berlin, Germany in addition to the Passion Play.
The Passion Play has been performed in Oberammergau every 10 years since 1634 and will not be performed again until 2030. It is regarded as the most important Passion Play in the world. 2022 marks the 42nd time the play will be performed.
If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Jane at 315-225-6170 or pastorjfs@gmail.com for a brochure and more information.
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Job Posting
Kenmore United Methodist Church has an opening for a full time Director of Spiritual Development and Christian Education.
Click here for the job description overview and instructions for application.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Rev. Beckie Sweet, senior pastor
Kenmore United Methodist Church
32 Landers Rd. Kenmore, NY 14217
church phone (716) 875-5091
cell phone (570) 647-8267
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WORSHIP RESOURCE
Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, and members of the UNY Cabinet have put together and released a worship service that may be used on a Sunday of your choice. It is hoped that by using this service, your pastor can have some much-needed rest and renewal.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Online services are here to stay
If there’s a positive side to the coronavirus for churches, it’s that many of them have dramatically upped their game online. Click here to read more.
Click here to view the UNY churches who are streaming services online. Click here to learn more about how your church can “go digital.”
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Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
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Intentional Discipleship Systems in a pandemic
Article by Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations,What it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate.
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Great resources on UNY’s NFC Facebook page
The New Faith Communities team has issued a 30-Day Kick-off Calendar for anyone who is discerning a call to create new places for new people. This January calendar offers small ideas that can help you discern and follow your call.
Click here and “like” the Upper New York New Faith Communities Facebook page to follow along with the campaign and find other planting resources and a great community of support.
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Self-care resources - Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
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Jason Moore webinar for the UNY Conference clergy that offered tips, strategies, and equipping to help the local church create a worship ministry where both in-person and online worshiping communities feel equally included and cared for. This webinar will be available for your church leadership to view and review through March 10, 2021 -90 days. Click here to watch the webinar.
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Office is closed at this time!
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
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Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
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Rev. George Gallandorm,- District Associate
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Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
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Please note the Mailing Address for the Oneonta District Office is as follows during COVID:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
The physical address of the office remains the same:
64 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820
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