Next Issue: May 19th, 2022 |
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
Sunday, May 8th
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Words From the
District Superintendent
& District Associate
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District Superintendent News |
Change. I love it when change is exciting, and I embrace it when it involves work on my part IF I can see the goal at the end of the change. But when the way is unclear or the reason is confusing, sometimes live in fear. Change is the moment something is different, such as mail delivery at my house changing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transition is the emotional work in how I relate to the change: how I feel about it. When my feelings are negative, I must work to change the situation or my relationship to the change. I will know I have made the shift when I stop waiting by my mailbox! This reality is reflected in the famous “Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. . ..” Serenity, Acceptance, Courage are all needed in this world of change!
My term as superintendent is ending and I will serve July 1 as pastor at the excellent Horseheads UMC: a change for me and for them. Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood is replacing me in the district and will lead us with excellent vision and gifts, leading positive change across the region. I commend to you Sherri, whom I have worked closely with on the cabinet. She is an excellent “shepherd” and leader, committed to the mission of making disciples of Christ, engaged in strategic work across the larger church and a friend. She is in transition, her church at Penfield is in transition. You are too, and all of us can lean on Christ’s presence and care during change. Faith in Jesus makes all the difference because He walks with us in every change.
Sherri, do not worry about the district mail. Our excellent Administrator Patti Gridley collects it and sorts it for you!
In Christ,
Jeff McDowell
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly: MV District Associate |
Good morning, friends,
Change, Webster’s dictionary defines change as make (someone or something) different; alter or modify. Certainly, we have gone through significant changes in our lives, none though, bigger than that provided to us on Easter. When Jesus Christ, who died to offer us forgiveness for our sins, and was resurrected. We continue to grow in our relationship with Him because of that day.
Over the last two years we have experienced many changes, much due to the pandemic. We have a new normal and as we continue to battle with its’ affects our lives have changed. Many of us went through times when our churches were closed, and out that many now offer some sort of virtual Sunday service and some even more. Yet the cry continues to return to normal, to resist the changes that have occurred. And I am all for it as long as we can do that safely with COVID still very present. I want us to think for a moment about the Scripture from Matthew 28, “Go and make disciples.” Far too often we take that Scripture to mean, “Go and bring people to church and fill the pews.” Although I believe that worship is essential and certainly is a community event, I have met some of the most discipled people that seldom grace us with their presence in church. So please try to look as some of the changes that have taken place because of the pandemic and realize that some of things we are doing differently are working for the good.
And there are certainly more changes within our lives as the people of the United Methodist Church. The unresolved issues around the subject of human sexuality have caused division within our churches and our denomination. And nothing will be settled officially at least until the General Conference of 2024. But here’s what I am urging you all to do. It is very clear what our task is as assigned and appointed by Jesus Christ. You are the church, the whole body of Christ, united. We must continue to seek out that work and those duties, first and foremost.
On a district level it’s that time of year when changes occur. This year we see a change in Superintendency. Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell’s eight year tenure comes to a close. Please join me in offering our gratitude to him for his skillful navigation through some of the most difficult times. And we welcome Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, who comes to us with extensive experience as a former D.S. and Dean of the Cabinet. We also see pastors that will be leaving their churches to accept new appointments or new adventures, let us hold them and their new and old congregations in prayer.
Change! Change! Change! It is difficult to say the least, but let us all find comfort Jeremiah 29:11 - 11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope and peace in Psalm 46:10- ‘Be still, and know that I am God!
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Mike Kelly
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE POSTPONED
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Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel
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Mountain View District Office Open By Appointment Only |
Office visits are still by appointment ONLY. We also ask that you social distance while in the office. Please do not come to the office if you are not feeling well. We ask that you come another time.
Office is open: Mon.-Thurs.
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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 appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made? Click here to read about the process.
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Laity Gatherings with Bishop Webb |
Next month, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, will be hosting regional gatherings with laity for a time of worship, conversation, and celebration of mission and ministry. This will be a time to converse about the current realities within the UMC and the opportunities found in our call to live out the mission of Jesus Christ for today and into the future.
The following are the dates and times for the gatherings with Bishop Webb:
June 12, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. at LeRoy UMC
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At this stage of the pandemic, the impact of COVID across the Conference varies by county. To determine how your church can continue to keep participants safe, please consult the CDC website for recommendations.
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UNY Pastoral Wellness Initiative Launches |
Over the past year, the Upper New York (UNY) Conference has formed a Wellness Team, comprised of Conference leaders and wellness experts. The Wellness Team was derived from conversations among the UNY Conference Leadership Team and the UNY Operational Team and formed to gain a deeper understanding of the stresses those in pastoral leadership are facing, and to form some holistic solutions.
The Wellness Team is now working on collecting data specific to the UNY Conference.
They recently sent a survey to UNY church leaders to determine such factors as
- What spiritual practices do they engage in regularly?
- What would help them in their spiritual growth?
- What helps them to take a Sabbath?
In addition to the Wellness Team issuing a survey, in the coming months, the UNY Cabinet and Wellness Team will partner with the UNY Communications Team to publish stories of how pastors are successfully supporting their personal wellbeing. Resources will also be shared on ways in which church leaders can replenish their souls.
Click here to learn more about the UNY Pastoral Wellness initiative.
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The Rev. John R. Tyson, Ph.D. will be retiring from CRCDS at the end of this academic year. From 2010–12, Dr. Tyson served as Visiting Professor of Methodist Studies. From 2012 to present he served as Professor of Church History and Director of United Methodist Studies. He has authored multiple books and articles, including School of Prophets: A Bicentennial History of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Dr. Tyson is a dedicated member of the faculty and ecclesial leader whose service has been a blessing to many. We are sad to see Dr. Tyson go, we wish him the best in his retirement. Please join in thanking Dr. Tyson for his 12 years of service to our community.
We look forward to celebrating Dr. Tyson’s myriad contributions to CRCDS, academia and the church at 5 p.m., Eastern, Monday, May 16. All are welcome to join us for this virtual event. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others in our community and beyond who would like to attend. There will be time during this event where you can offer your congratulations to Dr. Tyson in this virtual space.
David Riddell
Director of Advancement & Communications
COLGATE ROCHESTER CROZER DIVINITY SCHOOL (CRCDS)
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Previous Information and Events |
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Trauma Evident in Ukrainian Refugees |
Many Methodist women and men in various countries prove to be wide-hearted and helpful. However, the longer people in Ukraine have to live with the war, the more psychological support will be required.
Click here to read a summary of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe’s efforts to support Ukrainian refugees.
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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.
Exp. 6.15.22
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Giving Opportunity in Response to the War in Ukraineservices
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can either be placed in an offering plate or sent directly to the Conference office at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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Check out the courses being offered by ALL the Districts in the UNYAC. Click here to see what courses are being offered.
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Lay Servant Courses Offered Around the Conference
Click here to find out when, where and how you can sign up for a lay servant course that you need or are interested in taking. This link connects you to all the Districts in UNY Conference that are offering courses. Just click and start exploring your options!
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment Training Is 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.
PLEASE NOTE:
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the NYS sexual harassment prevention training requirement.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024 A Two-year Training Program for Lay and Clergy
Exp. 11.14.22
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The “Connect with Us” Academy for Continuing Education 2022 Course Schedule including
A Course Series: Refreshing My Preaching Ministry
Exp.6.30.22
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For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks
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Media Resource Center
Media Resource Center
315-898-2027
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
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Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
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https://www.unyumc.org/resources/mission-insite |
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE
35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Office Is Open
Mon.-Thurs.
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell
District Associate: Pastor Mike Kelly
District Lay Leader: Ann Welch Wood
District Administrative Assistant: Patti Gridley
If the office is closed and you have an emergency please call 315-898-2077 and leave a message or email the DS at jeffmcdowell@unyumc.org
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