.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
April 1, 2021
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"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
— John Quincy Adams
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246.
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The District Office is open
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246.
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please hold the family of Pastor John Bizimana in prayer. John's son-in-law, Edmund Hatungimana, a pastor with the Ministry of Reconciliation, was killed in a car accident Sunday morning in Bujumbura/Barundi. He was married to John’s daughter, Divine, and they have three children, ages 3, 7, and 12. This is especially difficult for John because he is so far away. Pastor John serves Emmaus UMC and Pawling Ave. UMC in the Albany District.
Please also pray for:
Pastor Joel Holcomb, as he recovers from COVID-19
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as he enters a new regime of cancer treatment.
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
- Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from another stroke
- Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith, both dealing with serious health issues.
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. Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Share your story
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in the way we do church, but it has also offered opportunities for growth. Please share your story on how you or your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality.
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Bishop Webb’s Perspective Blog March 25, 2021
In his most recent blog, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, acknowledges how this past year and even recent days continue to provide challenge, as well as rich opportunities to carry out the mission of the Church and boldly proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Click here to read Bishop Webb’s blog, expressing gratitude for all Church leaders in the UNY Conference.
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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 four ad interim appointments and eight appointments. View the full list of changes here.
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Media Resource Center - April Newsletter available
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry share dollars.
A multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to order resources through the online catalog, by email at karencampolieto@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church. Order for preview or for the length of your study. It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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New "Bridge' available
The April 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. The stories that are featured in the Bridge can also be accessed from the news section of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference website for easy copying and pasting for those who wish to electronically distribute news featured in the Bridge. Click here to access the UNY Conference news items.
This issue explains the importance of the Easter season. Additionally, this issue highlights Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb’s prayers for the victims of the recent occurrences of violence that have taken place across the United States. This issue also includes the Upper New York Conference Commission on Religion & Race’s statement about the recent acts of violence.
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Native American Sunday: April 18
When you give generously on Native American Ministries Sunday, you equip seminary students who honor and celebrate Native American culture in their ministries. You empower congregations to find fresh and culturally appropriate ways to minister to their communities with Christ’s love.
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The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner
April 8 Virtual Discernment event
If you are laity in the United Methodist Church and feel called by God to a full-time vocation in service for those who are marginalized and in need, you are invited by the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner to attend a Virtual Discernment event on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 8 p.m.
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Updated COVID-19 guidelines
As of Feb. 2, 2021, New York State (NYS) allows any church not in a restricted cluster to worship at 50% capacity. Click here for details. All other COVID protocols remain in place:
· Social distancing of 6 ft/12 ft for singer
· Masks required
· Disinfecting required
Based on current guidance from the NYS and CDC, vaccination status does not change the requirements.
Effective April 1, 2021, NYS will no longer require domestic travelers without symptoms to quarantine on arrival in NY for 14 days. Click here for details.
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6 Ways Leaders Can Renew Their Hope and Strength
Today’s challenges require courage. A reminder to us that hope is the wellspring of courage for Christians. Here are six practices that can rekindle our hope and refortify our strength to persist in our Christian callings.
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Why is Good Friday called 'good?'
Does it seem ironic that one of the most tragic days in Christian history is called Good Friday? The New Testament describes a day of suffering that ends in Jesus’ crucifixion, events that sound like anything but good.
In this short video from The United Methodist Church, learn the 3rd century history behind the phrase, as well as how remembering this day moves us to the hope of Easter.
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Virtual choirs sing
Easter hymns
Hundreds of United Methodists from across the globe join together to sing "Thine Be The Glory." To watch and listen, click here.
And another group sings "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today:" click here.
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Find an online Easter service
With the COVID pandemic still affecting people across the Upper New York (UNY) Conference, many families are choosing to celebrate Easter at home. Technology makes this possible. You can find online Easter services throughout the UNY Conference by clicking here.
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Easter: A kid-friendly explanation
Explaining the multi-layered, complex Easter story to children can be as simple as taking a cue from children’s movies.
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Annual Conference 2021 to be held June 17-19, remotely
After consultation with the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Sessions, Conference Leadership Team, Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Committee, and the Upper New York Board of Trustees, Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet are announcing that the UNY 2021 Annual Conference (AC2021) session will be held remotely.
The dates for this year’s Annual Conference will be June 17-19.
Registration should open some time today, April 1.
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Clergy who need to be excused from Annual Conference 2021
If you are a clergy member seeking to be excused from the Annual Conference session, please click here and submit this form.
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United Methodist Men's Spring retreat
The UNY Conference United Methodist Men invite men to their annual Spring Retreat, which will be held at the Aldersgate UMC camp (https://aldersgateny.org/) 4 PM Friday, April 30 through 3 PM Saturday, May 1.
To help us promote this annual event, there is a descriptive flier available on our www.unyumm.org website - Click here for the flyer.
Any questions, contact Conference President Mark Jones at (315) 749-3700.
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Mission u 2021 Survey
United Methodist Women in the Upper New York Conference are planning this summer’s “Mission u 2021” event, to be held virtually in July. Mission u is a transformative education program that offers study on several different curricula, including plenary and worship sessions open to everyone—not just women.
Please help us in preparing this event by completing a two-minute survey by April 26. If you have attended Mission u events in the past or would just like to consider attending in the future, you are encouraged to complete this survey. Thank you in advance for helping guide the development of this important program.
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2020 Audits due
The 2020 audits were due Monday, March 15. Please send them to Carrie via email or snail mail (albanydistrict@unyumc.org or PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128)
These reports were due Feb. 15:
2021 Budget (your format)
2020 Year-end financial report (your format)
If you have questions, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866.
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Nominations sought for the Denman Award
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, the Upper New York Conference works with the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize and honor one lay and clergy member for their commitment to consistently introducing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Nominations are now being accepted through April 15 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to dcmoffice@unyumc.org.
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Mission Opportunity in Memory of Rev. Art Hagy
The Rev. Art Hagy had a mission near and dear to his heart: The United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, ME. Click here to read more about an undertaking that will benefit UMEM and honor Rev. Hagy at the same time.
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Virtual Launchpad 2021
Launchpad is boot camp for anyone who is in the first year of planting a new faith community, or who is feeling called to plant a new faith community in the next couple of years. It provides the BEST practical, hands-on training for planters available now in the UM Church. In these virtual sessions you will learn an amazing array of best practices that will enable you to build a solid foundation on which to build your new faith community. Click here for the flyer.
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Toolkit supports efforts to engage your community
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Add your Bible study to Conference listing
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, one year ago, the UNY Communications team has been connecting folks across the Conference to digital discipleship resources. As part of that, we have created a directory of online worship services.
We are expanding this effort and would like to create a directory of online Bible studies that are taking place across the Conference. If your church has Bible studies that are taking place online and you would like it added to our new directory, please contact Shelby Winchell at shelbywinchell@unyumc.org and include your church name, Bible study meeting time and day, and a link where it can be found online.
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General Conference postponed until 2022
General Conference organizers announced that the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly — long postponed by pandemic — must wait to meet another year. The global gathering is now scheduled Aug. 29-Sept. 6, 2022, in Minneapolis.
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Intentional discipleship systems in a pandemic
In 2019, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations, wrote an article on 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. She offers excellent ways to develop disciples at this difficult time through weekly worship/biblical engagement, accountable relationships, and a missional life. Her advice can prove helpful now and even beyond the pandemic.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, 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.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
The following courses are the 2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
Basic Lay Servant
(Adirondack and Binghamton District have teamed up for this)
Mondays, April 12, 19, 26 and Thursday April 29: all classes will be from 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Jacqueline Kim and Timothy Bard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays: April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 1: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
Thursdays, May 13 and 27: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 29: 9 am-1 p.m.
Monday, June 7: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt and Jamiee Ross
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Mondays June 14 and 21: 6-9 pm
Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 1: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Wednesdays: July 14, 21, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday: August 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Polity
Tuesdays August 17, 24, 31: 6-9 pm
Saturday, August 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Bruce Hazard, Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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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
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News/Resources
From the Conference
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Ministry Share credit opportunity
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Share credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement.
To qualify for this credit, CHURCHES MUST PAY 100% OF THEIR CURRENT MONTH APRIL CHARGES (BOTH MINISTRY SHARES AND DIRECT BILLS). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward Ministry Shares in prior months. A church will also receive the credit if they have already paid their Ministry Shares in full prior to the April statement. The credit will be equal to 50% of May Ministry Share charges. (This credit will be reflected on your May statement as an increase to your YTD paid column.)
** PAYMENT FOR APRIL CHARGES MUST BE RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) BY THE CONFERENCE NO LATER THAN ARPIL 30, 2021 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CREDIT.**
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact Bob Flask (Conference Treasurer) at (315)898-2008 or bobflask@unyumc.org.
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Direct bill arrearage policy delayed enforcement extended
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Benefits office (Susan Latessa) to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
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2020 UNY Journal Vol. II available for download or purchase
The 2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com. This comprehensive book provides all the details of Annual Conference for the year of 2020.
Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $16.96 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
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Conference Commission on Religion and Race offering courses
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer Imagine No Racism courses on ZOOM as the need arises. People interested and looking for an INR group may contact Blenda Smith at bsmith@binghamton.edu Clergy may receive 1 CEU, and Lay Servants may receive advance course credit. If you have formed a group on your own, please let Carrie know (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org).
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Real Property Tax Exemption reminder
All churches must renew their real property tax exemption every year. Renewal forms must reach your assessor’s office by the deadline date, which for most towns is March 1. Check with your local assessor’s office to confirm the date for your location. This deadline is critical.
Missing the deadline date may result in the denial or revocation of your church’s real property tax exemption. This filing includes all church buildings, parsonages, and all other parcels used for religious purposes. For more information, contact Pat Toukatly, UNY Conference Property Specialist, at (315) 898-2000 Ext. 2010 or at pattoukatly@unyumc.org.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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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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Tap into Mission Insite
Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer. The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite. But in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Digital discipleship
The Upper New York Conference is launching the Digital Discipleship Ministry to provide churches, large and small, with the proper resources to keep people connected.
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list, click here.
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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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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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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Web site for COVID "hot spot" zones
Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
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Other Resources and Information
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Online courses offered through Resource UMC
Courses include Worship Planning for a New Time, Caring for Yourself: The Caregiver, Rediscovering our Spiritual Gifts and many more. For links to online courses through Feb. 1, click here.
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Webinars on Mental Health
This year, because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. According to the CDC, “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.”
From sadness and anger to depression and suicidal thoughts, this series will help pastors and individuals understand and better cope with the heightened stress this year has brought.
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Find daily, weekly devotions online
Devotional resources to share with members and other congregants is one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications. For a list of resources, click here.
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC,
568 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 6t08-1246
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