Albany District and Conference News
September 2, 2021
|
|
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
|
|
|
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
|
|
Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
|
|
|
|
The Rev. Erik Smith is now residing at Kingsway Manor, Room 139, 323 Kings Rd., Schenectady, NY 12304. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Please pray for Kathy Maker and family, as her husband Archie died on Aug. 28. To view the obituary, click here. A service was held at the Newtonville UMC earlier today.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer. Cards can be sent to 148 S. Second Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
|
|
(Update) The Academy of Artful Leadership Small Group Learning with Regional Associate
Rich Weihing
To help you grow as a disciple and to help your congregation into greater vitality, Rich is partnering with The Academy of Artful Leadership to share two learning/coaching opportunities for pastors and laity, beginning in late September: Tuesdays from 1 PM to 2:30 PM and Wednesdays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.
Updates from Rich: The Tuesday afternoon group is filling up, but there are still several openings; the Wednesday evening group has plenty of openings. Laity are strongly encouraged to attend – it may be especially helpful for a pastor and church member to attend together. Limited financial aid may be available to laity. Registration is open to all districts.
|
|
|
|
|
Church conference schedule |
The church conference schedule is now available. The scheduling is for all in-person Church Conferences this year. Of course, COVID spread could change some of those plans, and we will be mindful of that. Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl is looking forward to being with all of you, and to sharing and dreaming about ministry with our communities near and far! |
|
|
|
|
|
Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that 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. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
|
|
Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
|
|
|
|
UMCOR supports Afghans in need
Thousands of Afghans are seeking to flee violence and a fear of persecution. Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR, expressed his sympathy for the Afghan people, stating: “The situation in Afghanistan is uncertain and unfolding. It is a tragedy of epic proportions. We pray especially for all of those left behind who now live with fear and for the many communities across Afghanistan also facing extended drought and hunger.”
In addition to prayer, UMCOR has outlined different ways you can help support their efforts in Afghanistan. Click here to read more.
|
|
Engaging in small group ministry on Facebook
Upper New York Conference’s very own Lori Jagow (Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister) shared with Resource UMC many ways that you can engage your parishioners in small groups using Facebook.
In her article, Lori mentions some of the following ways to engage with your Facebook community:
- Comment on posts made by followers.
- Host weekly Facebook Live sessions with Q&A. Avoid one-way communication. Remember, people are on social media to be social.
- Put out a weekly schedule of programming.
- Share photos, blogs and pose questions to the group in a post.
- Ask for prayer requests.
Lori also discusses how to set up a Facebook group and livestreaming of small group meetings.
Click here to read Lori’s helpful digital ministries article.
|
|
|
Webinar: More than Allies |
There is a free webinar at 7 PM Central time (8 PM Eastern time) on September 16 focusing on the question, “How are we called to participate in God’s freedom work in the world?” See a description here: .
The Rev. Dr. Tex Sample invites Bob Zellner, a white civil rights pioneer and layperson from Montgomery, Alabama – a son and grandson of Methodist pastors – to share stories and insights from his work during the Civil Rights movement. Bob’s life inspired the new Barry Alexander Brown motion picture, Son of the South.
This may help you to better understand this forgotten part of lay history and how laity might work as allies and spiritual accomplices in the struggle for God’s good life for all.
Brought to you by Discipleship Ministries.
|
|
|
Ask the UMC:
Does the UMC support workers' rights?
|
From the beginning, the Methodist movement has focused particular attention on the concerns of workers. Justice, dignity and equality for workers are an integral part of our social teachings and heritage. To read more, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Download or access news items from the Sept. Issue I of the Bridge
The Sept. 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 features unique services that are happening across Upper New York, highlighting Baldwinsville UMC’s Friday night services and Harris Hill UMC’s Tuesday and Thursday services.
|
|
|
|
Not sure many know we are a 24/7 operation at the Mission Central HUB located at the Upper NY conference. There are so many behind the scenes operations in a constant movement to make this ministry achieve its goal: “To help folks in need when a Natural Disaster strikes.” We also enable volunteers of all ages to come into the HUB and be part of the ripple of things to keep this ministry going. Not only are we in need of donations toward UMCOR kits, disaster response and general operations we are in need of small groups to help verify kits and small jobs at the HUB.
To learn more about Mission Central HUB, click here.
Its a fun very helpful way to help people in need when a natural disaster strikes.
|
|
Dismantling Racism resource: Worship Matters: Episode 48 – Overcoming Racism through Developing Leaders
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort 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.
This week, we share a Discipleship Ministries’ Worship Matters podcast.
In this episode, Worship Team Executive Director, Dr. Cynthia Wilson invites Pastor and Musician the Rev. Marilyn Thornton to share about her wide-ranging ministry in the local church, as editor of African American Resources through the United Methodist Publishing House, and as Director/Campus Ministry at the Wesley Foundation at Fisk University.
|
|
|
What's New from the Lewis Center |
|
 |
5 ways to preach about money
more effectively
Alex Joyner says tending to our attitudes about money is a way of tending our souls. He shares tips for preaching in ways that can help people see their finances through the lens of faith.
|
|
|
|
6 traits people value in online faith communities
In the rush to offer online worship, many churches have focused primarily on technical and programmatic concerns. Heidi Campbell says it’s more important to consider what people need from church now and how digital technology can meet those needs.
|
|
|
|
Men's Retreat: No More Excuses - Time to be Men of God |
A day of ministry for men snared in slavery to pornography. 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, Sept. 25 at 250 Lake Hill Rd., Burnt Hills. Cost: $20 (lunch included). Bring your bible. Questions? Contact Rev. David Martin @ hopeumctroy@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
(Update) Weekend men's retreat
|
"Faith in Action," a UMM weekend retreat takes place Oct. 1-2 at Camp Casowasco. To register, click here. Keynote speaker: Pastor Steve McKnight of the Wesley UMC in Rochester.
|
|
|
|
Transforming Church Conflict & Creating Space for Authentic Community
What Is This?: A two-retreat series on Transforming Conflict for United Methodist Clergy and Servant Leaders of the Upper New York Conference
Session One – October 6 & 7 (W/Th)
Session Two – October 27 & 28 (W/Th)
All at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
|
|
Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will host a standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, September 25.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
Red Bird Mission collection |
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bid Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky.
If your church is willing to be a collection point, please contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 608-1246. Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place,Latham is a collection point. Read their letter here.
South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, is also a collection point. Deliver shoeboxes any time between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Call (518) 793-1152 for more information.
Please deliver your boxes by Nov. 1, as that is the day that pick-up is scheduled to begin.
|
|
Pre-retirement seminar
scheduled for Oct. 1
There will be an in-person pre-retirement seminar held in October to highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. This seminar is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available.
Online registration is required, as we will provide clergy-specific retirement projections, and also schedule personal consultations.
The seminar will be held at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool on Friday, Oct. 1 from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. The deadline to register is Sept. 17.
|
|
|
|
|
2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
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.
|
|
From the Conference Center |
|
How are new appointments going?
Starting July 1, many pastors throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference received new annual appointments. We are starting a blog series about the new appointments.
Whether you are a pastor who has received a new appointment, or you are laity with a new pastor, we want to hear how it’s going! Send your stories to news@unyumc.org by Friday Sept. 3.
|
|
|
|
2021 UNY directory available
The 2021 Upper New York Conference directory is now available to view or download or view online and a hard copy is available to purchase. Click here to view/download. Click here to purchase a hard copy for $6.28.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revised CDC guidelines
affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
|
|
(Update) Media Resource Center
|
|
|
Response to Haiti after earthquake |
United Methodists are reaching out with their prayers and pocketbooks after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
|
|
|
News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
|
|
Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
|
|
|
|
|
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
|
Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John racie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
