Mohawk District E-newsletter for Churches and Pastors
August 25, 2021
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How much better to get wisdom than gold,
and good judgement than silver!
Proverbs 16:16 (NLT)
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What is your church doing for Back-to-School this year
We would love to hear your stories and share your photos from the back-to-school ministries taking place at your churches. Send a short write up, along with any photos, to the District at: mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org by September 15th, and we will share some of them in this newsletter. Find a blessing for back to school from the United Methodist Church below. The video was created prior to COVID-19.
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District Prayer Focus
Week of August 29
Gloversville Foothills UMC
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Pastor Brad Chesebro
Gloversville N. Main St. UMC
Prayers are needed for Adam Barnes, son of Pastor Jim and Marge Barnes. Adam is dealing with health concerns.
Rev. Becky Guthrie requests prayers for her entire family after the tragic death of her 32-year-old nephew, Brandon Blades, following a motorcycle accident on July 20.
the 2021-22 Prayer Calendar
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District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the E-newsletter, send us your email address. To submit news
for this publication, send it a minimum of eight days in advance to:
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In-person and livestreamed Memorial service for Bishop Yeakel October 2
Bishop Joseph Yeakel died July 4, 2021, at 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which included Western New York and North Central New York Conferences, from 1972-1984.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Oct. 2, at University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY. The service will also be livestreamed. More details will follow. There will be no viewing as Bishop Yeakel requested his remains be donated to the Cleveland Clinic for medical education and research.
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United Methodist Men Fall Meeting |
The United Methodist Men will focus on mission at their fall meeting, Oct. 1 and 2, at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia. The men will assemble UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement, will speak.
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If you wish to support htis effort, the men are asking generous infdividual or churches to ontribute to thie $800 project. They will assemble 20 cleaning kits at a cost of $40 per bucket.
Send supporting gifts to:
Mr. David Greer, Treasurer, UNY United Methodist Men
2432 BIGELOW LANE
BALDWINSVILLE NY 13027
(Please mark your payment “Flood Buckets”)
Men of all ages are invited to register for the two-day event around the theme, "Faith in Action". Rev. Steve McNight of Wesley United Methodist Church will be the Keynote Speaker. The Subject of the Gathering is “Faith In Action”, and there are several levels of attendance to meet your schedule. They are:
A- (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS $125.00
B- FRIDAY -SATURDAY COMMUTER PLUS (3) MEALS $90.00
C- FRIDAY PROGRAM PLUS DINNER $65.00
D- SATURDAY PLUS (2) MEALS $65.00
Send your payments to David Greer at the above address. Register online at:
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The UNY Conference urgently needs individuals and teams who can help in times of emergency in Mohawk District. Please sign up to help with Marybeth Ingalls, UNY Mission Volunteer Coordinator, 315-898-2064, 315-372-0285, marybethingalls@unyumc.org. . |
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The Academy of Artful Leadership
Small Group Learning with Regional Associate Rich Weihing
We have all been working for several years to become more vital congregations and to have intentional disciple-making plans. This fall, we will work to identify and grow the number of Christ-following transformational leaders in our churches. To help you in this work, Regional Associate Rev. Rich Weihing, partnering with The Academy of Artful Leadership, is offering small-group learning/coaching opportunities for pastors and laity of Adirondack and Albany Districts beginning in late September.
Rich will lead two groups of up to 12 members each in monthly Zoom gatherings from late September 2021 through April 2022: Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Each session will be a 90-minute Zoom call. Each participant will also have six 50-minute coaching sessions with Rich over the eight months.
Through individual study and preparation, facilitated group discussion, and one-on-one coaching sessions, participants will learn and grow in leadership for intentional disciple-making, church vitality, and as transformational leaders. We will use a “coach-approach” process, working from the understanding that each participant is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole.
Please register through the Academy website.
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United Methodist Communications recently conducted a study on the results of COVID-19 on churches. Find the results of that study here. |
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General Conference 2022
We are receiving questions lately, “What is happening with General Conference?” Remember back in February the Commission on General Conference postponed General Conference further to Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022.
Another question we are receiving is, “Why was General Conference postponed again?” The answer is due to Coronavirus concerns.
Pastors: Please make sure your churches are aware of this change earlier in the year and help them to understand the details. Many churches weren’t meeting in person at this time and some folks at the local church level may be unaware or have forgotten.
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This Fall what if instead of getting back to normal, we get back to Whole. “Get Back” explores finding authentic connection, LIFE, meaning and a happier mindset. |
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The free “Get Back” Digital Toolkit includes
- Complete Series Outline
- Tailored Worship Slides
- Targeted Social Media Posts
Also, the daily practice of Everyday Sanctuary’s app will reflect the scriptures and themes from your worship!
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Reminder: Churches must provide a copy of their adopted plan for an infectious disease outbreak to pastors and other employees by Sept. 4, according to the NY HERO Act
On May 5, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) into law. The law mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for ALL New York State employers. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Under this new law, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), in consultation with the NYS Department of Health, has developed a new Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, and various industry-specific model plans for the prevention of airborne infectious disease. Employers can choose to adopt the applicable policy template/plan provided by NYS DOL or establish an alternative plan that meets or exceeds the standard’s minimum requirements.
By Aug. 5, 2021, employers are required adopt a model prevention plan and conduct a “verbal review” of the policy, employee rights and the overall prevention plan.
By Sept. 4, 2021, employers must provide copy of the adopted plan to all employees in their primary language within 30 days of adoption, or by Sept. 4, 2021.
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2022 Clergy Compensation Report Form |
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Each year churches are asked to complete the UNY Clergy Compensation Report for their Pastor/lay pastor. This report is:
- Completed by the local church's Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee and then sent to;
- The Finance Team for approval;
- Then the Church Council approves Pastor's Compensation;
- Finally the Annual Church Conference will give the approval for Pastor's Compensation, which begins on 1-1-2022.
Even if there is no change in the amount from 2021, a 2022 Report must be completed. The Superintendent is asking SPRCs to schedule a meeting no later than the end of August for this work to begin. The Finance Team and Church Council should plan to act on this Compensation no later than September or beginning of October. The Annual Church Conference is not the place for continued discussion and questions on the Pastor's Compensation. Please contact the Superintendent well in advance of the Church Conference if SPRC, finance team or church council have difficulty completing this work.
The information below was emailed to S/PPRC chairpersons and church treasurers for whom churches have provided email contacts. There are no paper packets mailed for some time now. Pastors, please ensure this work is taking place. If the SPRC chair didn't get the email, they should contact the District Office to verify their email address on file and restore communication.
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Annual Church Conference Reports
You may need to click the "Advance" button and "proceed" to access this page.
Read additional help information from UNY Conference about accessing this website. Click here.
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**Trustees are elected AT the church conference NOT in advance of the conference.
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August 16, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Do you like family picnics? I sure do!
This is an invitation to a family picnic, a Methodist Family Picnic!
The date that I have set aside for us to gather is September 19th, at
The Grove at Pleasant Firehouse located on Easterly Street in Gloversville around 1:00pm. So let’s all get together for a good old family picnic.
In keeping with safe food handling I’m forgoing the traditional Potluck Picnic. I’m asking everyone to pack their own picnic lunch. The sharing of our fellowship is what’s important. There are plenty of picnic tables under a covered pavilion. There also is a kitchen area with a freezer and large refrigerator. The kitchen also has a stove and a grill if you wish to do hot dogs and hamburgers.
The Grove offers a fire pit area, horseshoes, volley ball and plenty of room to play Corn Hole and Bocce Ball. If you have a favorite folding chair please bring it as the picnic benches are not always comfortable.
Stewart’s ice cream will be served with all the toppings!!!
I sure hope to meet many of you at the picnic.
In unity we will be stronger and will make the Mohawk District greater than ever.
Please RSVP me with a “ballpark” number of attendees by September 15th so I can plan on our ice cream sundaes.
This is a rain or shine picnic.
In loving service,
Sandy Harrington
518-725-8913 home, 518-775-6705
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Mohawk District 2021 Summer-Fall Lay Servant Courses
Lowell UMC, Advanced Class ‘Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition”, in classroom starting 9-4-21 for five weeks, 10 am -12 pm. Registration cut-off Date 8-27-21. Instructor Wendy Grosjean,
CLSpeaker
Camden UMC, Advanced Class ‘Discover Your Spiritual Gifts’, in classroom starting 9-15-21 for five weeks, 6 – 8 pm Registration cut-off date 9-7-21. Instructor Jeff Johnson, CLS
ZOOM ‘Basic’ Class, begins 9-21-21 for five weeks, 6 -8 pm Registration cut-off date 9-21-21. Instructor Jacqueline Kim, CLS
Lairdsville UMC, Advanced Class ‘Called To Preach’, in classroom starting 9-22-21 for five weeks, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-15-21. Instructor Mark Adsit, CLM
ZOOM Advanced Class ‘Accountable Discipleship’, starting 10-6-21 for five weeks, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-28-21. Instructor Pastor Robbin Harris
Delta UMC, Advanced Class ‘Living Our Methodist Beliefs”, in classroom starting 10-9-21 for two Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-30-21. Instructor Paul Phister, CLS
Registration:
Interested participants should contact Ken Guilfoyle,315 254 6673, or kguilf2855@aol.com for information, course registration requirements and how to obtain your textbook prior to the class.
Lay Servants/**Certified Lay Ministers and
Lay Speakers Report
Each year, lay servants, Certified Lay Ministers and lay speakers are asked to report to the annual church conference. Please use the reports below. Make sure your Pastor has a copy of this to submit with Church Conference reports.
Certified Lay Servant Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and an additional Advanced Lay Servant Course every three years. Click here.
**CORRECTION Certified Lay Minister Report - for those who have become Certified Lay Servants, taken the four module Certified Lay Minister curriculum and continue with Advanced Courses every **two years. Click here. (**Note: this number was incorrectly listed previously and is now corrected.)
Lay Speaker Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and all six of the core Advanced Courses, including:
- Leading Prayer
- Leading Worship
- Preaching
- United Methodist Heritage
- Discovering Spiritual Gifts
- United Methodist Polity
as well as additional Advanced Lay Servant Courses every three years. Click here.
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Transforming Church Conflict & Creating Space
for Authentic Community
A 2-Retreat Series on Transforming Conflict for United Methodist Clergy and Servant Leaders of the Upper New York Conference to be held at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center.
Session One – October 6&7, 2021 (W/Th)
Session Two – October 27 & 28, 2021 (W/Th)
Both sessions begin w/ lunch at 12:15 (W) & end at 5pm (Th).
This retreat series explores the theory and practice of effective conflict engagement, including the skills and strategies that work to create space for conflict's transformation in three different contexts:
1. Self-Managed Conflict - When we are the ones in conflict.
2. The Mediator - When we serve as a neutral third party.
3. The Facilitator - When we convene a heated church meeting.
Tuition: $375. Casowasco Meals & Lodging: $224. Total Cost: $599. Maximum # of participants is 20. Registration deadline is September 24. To Register CLICK HERE. For more information visit: www.mcneillmediation.com.
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Clergy Education
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Teaching, Meeting, Preaching and Me. Time Management for the Church Leader, Nov. 11, Ken Willard, cost $25. Registration information coming soon.
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Mohawk District Day with Bishop Webb is set for Sept. 25th. All Pastors, Deacons, Lay Pastors and Laity (non-pastors) are asked to attend this ministry event at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship, 8021 State Route 12, Barneveld, NY, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 25th. Lunch is served so be sure to RSVP so there is plenty of food for everyone. mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org, 315-797-1777. Will you please announce this event in worship and in church publications, as well as personally inviting others to take part?
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training:
Two Opportunities to attend
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The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will host standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Sept. 25.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries or background checks, click here.
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Attention Mohawk District Churches and Pastors--Rev. Abel Roy has purchased a subscription for Digital Discipleship resources for you!
Hello and Welcome!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
When you decided to go into ministry, you probably didn't realize you would need to make the shift to online or what it would take to reach new people in your community. Pastors are among the group that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress of not knowing what to do is too much for most—this stress is common. Every church leader is facing similar frustrations.
This comprehensive program has SOLUTIONS for you! The lockdowns will change, but the future will never be the same as the pre-pandemic past. Digital connections are even more critical for delivering the Gospel.
Member Benefits
· Video Courses on Digital Discipleship
· Ongoing Support
· Discounted Individual Consultation (First Session only $25)
· Free E-Book
· Free Resources
· Peer Support
· Clergy Networking
· Monthly Live Q&A
Each month, you will have the opportunity to engage in a Live video with Q&A that will cover everything you need to reach and keep more guests, both in-person and online.
You'll discover principles and systems that will work for any church, not just for the megachurch, but any size church!
PLUS... each presentation will be available to you after the classes are over. This on-demand access is included with your exclusive group membership!
TO ACTIVATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION
GO TO THE FACEBOOK Digital Discipleship Education You will need to request to join the group. Don't forget to invite your team members by sharing this link with them!
Attached to this email, you will find everything you need to get started in digital ministry! A Free Ebook on Making Digital Disciples, Digitial Discipleship brochure, and a QuickStart to Digital Discipleship Facebook Group.
TRAINING TOPICS
• Simple Online Worship
• Growing Your Online Ministry
• Build an Easy Website
• Livestreaming
• Photography
• Assimilation
• Holiday Campaigns
• Online Engagement
and more
LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP
With a greater need for technology and billions of people searching online for answers to life's problems, the times are challenging us to have the faith to launch out into new uncharted and deep waters.
Learn to use social media the way it was intended, and discover that when we step out in faith, like the apostle Peter, our nets will nearly break
once we cast into the deep.
Sincerely,
Lori Jagow,
(716) 909-8329
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Guidelines for Visiting Mohawk District Office In Person
The office is generally open Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays. Ensure we will be ready and waiting to assist you by making an appointment 315-797-1777, mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org, before just dropping in.
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If you aren't feeling well we ask that you visit the office another day.
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Please wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth
during your visit while Oneida County is in an area of substantial or high
COVID-19 transmission, as defined by the CDC.
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Mohawk District Office
105 Genesee Street
New Hartford, NY 13413
315-797-1777
**Regular Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Please review Guidelines above before in person visit)
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