Next Issue: June 2nd, 2022 |
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Words From the
District Superintendent
& District Associate
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District Superintendent News |
Dear United Methodists:
I met with a group of churches in Hornell last evening to share more about the state of the United Methodist church and the May 1 launch of the Global Methodist church. I emphasized using the “fruit of the Spirit,” from Galatians chapter 5, and living together in the “body of Christ” (the church) from I Corinthians chapter 12. Although the presenting issue around the UMC and the GMC seems to be the nature and practice of human sexuality and marriage, there is a deeper divide within the UMC which has grown more intense over the years, reflected in the debates, protests and votes at our quadrennial General Conference. What we often witness in our debates, protests and votes is an “us-versus-them” attitude which divides us. Instead of reflecting the church at its best, it reveals the church at its worst, using desires of the flesh rather than fruits of the Spirit. People shout over others instead of giving time to speak. A few lie about their intentions to get to the microphone first so they may accuse others.
Discussing an issue with another person is risky, especially within the church. Emotions run high. Normally accepted behavior seems to have deteriorated into this partial list of fleshly works: hostility, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissentions, and factions! St. Paul tells the church at Corinth that 14 “‘…You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 15 However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.” I do not know about you, but I do not want to be a part of a church which bites and devours one another! People think verbal attacks and personal threats are justified because a person disagrees. Instead of holy conferencing, our meetings can feel like political brawls. Have we in the church, have taken our cues from society which is allowing more violent speech, belief, and action?
I am looking for a broken church which is seeking wholeness. I am looking for a church which follows Christ as the head of the body, and a body which respects all its members. I am looking for a church which always leads with grace and love rather than anger and hate, willing to debate serious issues without attacks. I am looking at my own interactions and words, asking the Holy Spirit to check them and correct them. I am looking for siblings to join me in this search. Will you join me?
Jeff McDowell
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly:
MV District Associate
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Good morning friends,
We have all been quite taken back by the events of last weekend. Our prayers go out to our sisters and brothers in the Buffalo community. When tragedy hit them, it also effects our own communities. And I believe that we as the church have an obligation to provide healing and hope for our communities. People are hurting and have been for some time, yet more things continue to pile on. We have the senseless violence, not just in Buffalo but across the nation and the world. Our COVID numbers continue to grow and most of you simply don’t want to hear from me as we talk about that subject, but the risk continues to increase again. Our economy has tanked, inflation has hit astronomical heights, with gas prices jumping 10 cents at a time, and food prices going through the roof, not to mention utility costs and virtually everything else.
But one thing must remain constant and that is the hope that is provided to us from the Lord. 1 Peter 1:13 New Revised Standard Version accordingly named, A Call to Holy Living, says this, “13 Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.” But unfortunately, friends for many this is a time of fear and foreboding, uncertainty, and hopelessness. It is a time that we as a church, as the body of Christ need to provide a pathway to heal and a conduit for hope that we enjoy through Jesus Christ.
I encourage you to develop for your community a service of healing and of hope. There are so many people that are hurting, deep hurts that need an opportunity to heal and you can help facilitate the beginning of that process. Incidents like those that occurred last weekend open wounds that have never been addressed. You and your church can be part of that healing, community wide. You can find several good templates in our United Methodist Book of Worship beginning on page 613. Develop a plan from them, alert your community leaders of your intentions, if you need help call me, I will be glad to help you through this vital opportunity. In your relationship with Jesus Christ share the hope that He provides, we need to do this right now, people really need it.
Be the church when you are needed the most.
With blessings, be a blessing to others,
Mike Kelly
5.18.22
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Words From Our Incoming District Superintendent |
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!
I’m looking forward to serving you, the pastors and churches of the Mountain View District. Christianity is about relationship – our relationship with God and our relationship with one another. My objective is to help us all grow closer to Jesus as we build God’s beloved community. I want to be a resource for you and for the churches of the district as we seek God’s leading for our next faithful step.
There is no doubt we are living in challenging times; however we have good news to share! As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest (Matthew 9:37-38).” Jesus said this in observation of the people. Verse 36 says Jesus had compassion for the people because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Some people around us are harassed, some are helpless, and some are seeking. All need leadership rooted and grounded in Jesus. I believe following Jesus is the answer to the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis. I look forward to collaborating with you to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in the Mountain View District.
I also look forward to getting to know you. Please watch for dates and opportunities for us to gather together, as well as the usual one-on-one and church conference schedule. Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I may serve you. My email is sherrirood@unyumc.org.
A little bit about me: I grew up in the greater Rochester area and have served churches in Wyoming County, Monroe County, and the Cornerstone District. This July I begin my 30th year in pastoral ministry. I’m married to Robert Rood, who is the Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer at Daemen University. We have a blended family of four children, 2 of whom are married, and three grandchildren. We enjoy kayaking, traveling, reading, and spending time with our family. I also aspire to be a quilter. Right now I just buy fabric!
Please know you are in my prayers, and I ask you to pray for me as we transition into working together. Remember, God loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it!
Grace and peace,
Sherri Rood
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District & Conference Offices Will Be Closed on Monday, May 30th For Memorial Day |
If there is an emergency and a need for the District Superintendent please call 315-898-2077 leave a message your message goes to the DS's email. Or you can email him at jeffmcdowell@unyumc.org
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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?
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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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Churches Condemn Hate, Urge Action After Shootings |
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. has seen 202 mass shootings so far this year. The racially motivated attack in Buffalo on May 14 was the deadliest shooting this year.
Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church is just a few blocks away from the Tops market where the Buffalo shooting took place. The pastor of Lincoln Memorial, the Rev. George Nicolas, emphasized that this attack is just one example of racism that Black people, like himself, are all too familiar with.
Also, this past weekend, there was a mass shooting in a Southern California Presbyterian church.
United Methodists across the Connection are responding to both acts of violence.
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Is Your Church Looking for a Mission to
Help Their Neighbors?
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Does your church have a heart for Missions? Are they wanting to help a neighbor in need? If you say YES....then you will want to take part in this opportunity.
As a District, we have a wonderful opportunity to help our brothers, sisters and neighbors in need in the Buffalo area. We are looking for a church or churches to gather donations of foods to deliver to the Buffalo area where the mass shooting happened this past weekend.
If your church would like to help in this effort, we are looking for a church or churches that would be willing to be the drop-off point(s) for food. We also would need a person(s) that would be willing and able to transport and deliver the food to Buffalo.
As you probably know, that Top's Grocery Store is the only grocery store in that area and is shut down until further notice. So, these folks can use YOUR help, OUR help!
Please let the District Office know if your church could help us help our neighbors in Buffalo.
Please contact the District Office at 607-962-8047 or email at
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Lincoln Memorial UMC in Buffalo has three families that are directly affected by the tragic incident in Buffalo that happened last weekend:
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Lincoln Memorial UMC in Buffalo has three families that are directly affected by the tragic incident in Buffalo that happened last weekend: a youth's teacher was killed, a member's uncle, and a member's neighbor. Many others in the congregation knew others who were murdered. Any cards received are read to the congregation.
Contact information for Lincoln Memorial UMC
Deacon Vivian Ruth Waltz
Church Mailing Address
Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church
641 Masten Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
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Who Helps Your Pastor Prioritize Wellness? |
Pastors have a lot of responsibilities that go far beyond preparing for worship. They are on call to congregants who need support; they perform weddings and funerals; they have meetings throughout the week with different ministry teams at their church.
The COVID-19 pandemic placed more demands on these pastors—for many, they had to recreate the way they did worship to digital platforms.
We want to know how congregants are helping their pastors renew and replenish their souls and we’d like to share these stories with the entire Upper New York Conference.
By sharing these stories, our hope is that others throughout the Conference will be inspired to help their pastors prioritize wellness during these difficult times.
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Trustee & SPRC Webinars Available |
Do you have someone new who is now a trustee or a member of your SPRC? Here are some resources to help them learn. New materials and webinar recordings room April 26 and 28, 2022 were developed for churches in the Southern Tier Region, which consists of the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts. District Superintendents the Rev. Suzanne Block, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, and the Rev. Nancy Adams led the sessions.
One webinar was related to church trustees with included resources and the other webinar was related to staff-parish-relations committees with included resources.
Click here to watch these helpful recordings and access the useful resources.
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Hand Bells Wanted – If your church is no longer using your hand bells - the United Methodist Church of Webster may be interested in purchasing your bells.
Please contact the church office at office@umcwebster.org, or call weekdays between 9:30 to 4:30 PM ( 585-265-9720).
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Previous Information and Events |
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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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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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