January 14th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
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Nancy's Notes #16
Dear Friends,
I’ve heard over and over that people were SO GLAD to say goodbye to 2020. It’s no secret that 2021 is off to an extremely tumultuous start. We are hearing that more and more arrests have been made of those who participated in storming the Capitol last week. Yesterday, the House of Representatives impeached President Trump for the 2nd time. Washington, D.C. is filled with National Guard troops, and I heard that for the inauguration of Joe Biden on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, that there will be more troops in Washington than in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. I’m sure none of us would have ever dreamed up any of this, and I’m sure it breaks your heart as well as mine.
Two days before the inauguration, on Monday, January 18th, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr – not only a proponent of non-violence, he was a Christian – and a pastor. One of his famous quotes is the following:
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Friends, we know that Jesus is the true source of light that drives out darkness and the true source of love that drives out hate, and He is counting on us to be the reflections of His light and channels of His love to our country where we have recently seen the unthinkable.
While not all Christians agree politically, we can agree that this country and this world needs the light and love of Jesus. Let us remember that we are His hands and feet in the world.
Go shine His light!
Go share His love!
With You in the Journey,
Nancy
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United Methodists responding to the assault on Capitol Hill
Throughout the evening of Jan. 6 and into the early morning, the Rev. Alisa Lasater Wailoo was texting with members of Capitol Hill United Methodist Church who were under siege at the U.S. Capitol.
The Capitol Hill church, at Fifth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, is about five blocks away. Many members also live in the neighborhood and know someone who works at the building, the pastor said.
United Methodists both near and far were disturbed by the actions of a mob that forced its way into the U.S. Capitol as Congress was starting to fulfill its constitutional role by certifying the election of the next U.S. president.
On Jan. 6, Upper New York resident, Bishop Mark J. Webb, released the following statement:
"On this day of Epiphany when we celebrate the journey of the magi led by the light of a star and the revelation of God incarnate in Jesus Christ, our world needs the truth of this gift more than ever. As we witness the continued division, chaos and violence that surrounds us today and has surrounded us too many other times, for too long; we must cry out to God for healing and peace. May we not only pray for peace but be the peacemakers who point people to the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ!
It is in these times of greatest need that the light of Jesus promises to penetrate the darkness. Let us claim and proclaim this truth for the sake of our nation, our world and every single person."
Click here to learn how United Methodists across the connection were responding to the disturbing events that took place at the U.S. Capitol last week.
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Prepare for Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is January 17. On this Special Sunday, our gifts will extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles. Inspire giving with worship resources, devotional podcasts, videos, social media images and more. Download the resources: Click here
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Ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Day under COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic continues even as we reach the end of 2020. While the new vaccine offers new hope, it will take time to administer it to enough people before it is safe to stop following protective guidelines. We can safely assume that Americans will need to continue to wear masks, wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing well into 2021, which means congregations need to plan their events for the coming year with these guidelines in mind.
Martin Luther King Day is on Monday Jan. 18, 2021. Americans have set aside this day to honor the memory of this great civil rights icon and social prophet. For many congregations the weekend before MLK Day is a time of celebration, community outreach and continued advocacy for justice. Many churches may not be able to observe the holiday in all the same ways they might have pre-COVID. There are, however, still many ways they can honor Dr. King’s memory and witness in 2021 while still keeping their community members safe.
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ALL Local Churches are required to Complete End-of-Year Reporting
Each year there are reports due to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning.
The following reports are due by February 15, 2021, to the Oneonta District Office: C/O Teresa Wood - 28 Orchard St. Oneonta NT 13820, or OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org
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2020 Year End Financial Report (your format)
2021 Church Budget (your format)
The Statistical reports are due February 15, 2021 and are completed on the Ezra website. You do not need to send a copy to the District. Feel free to print out a paper copy for your own churches' records. You will need your user name and password to complete this task. See below for more information on EZRA.
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Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!
* Note* When sending Charge Conference Forms to the office:
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EZRA IS OPEN!!!! for Statistical Reporting
There are TWO new lines this year.
The first is in Table 2 – Line 46b. This line is for churches who had received a PPPLoan. The line is specifically for the amount that was used/allocated for payroll expenses.
The second line is on Table 3 – Line 54d. This line for churches who had applied and received a PPPLoan. This line IS NOT USED towards the calculation on Ministry Shares for 2022.
Please email or call Erica Wentworth-(UNYAC Finance Support Specialist)
and phone number (315) 898-2004
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Counting Online Attendance for Ezra
Note: Erica Wentworth, Finance Support Specialist for Upper New York and our "go to" for questions about entering local church information in Ezra has provided this document to help with counting online church attendees.
From the Rev. Dr. Aaron W. Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations for the Upper New York Conference:
We do not have a policy around online attendance. What I have been communicating with people is the importance of consistency. Each congregation should determine how they are going to count online attendance and remain consistent with that. The comparison work I do does not compare church A with church B, rather with church A to itself over time. For the analysis to mean anything there has to be consistent counting.
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Engage Your Congregation Through Biblical Storytelling and Worship Planning
Are you interested in learning unique and paramount elements to biblical storytelling? If so, you will want to register for a three-night online biblical storytelling webinar series held January 20-22, 2021 and hosted by the Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd as well as guests Theresa Eggleston and the Rev. Beckie Sweet.
Worship is the single most impactful practice a pastor or worship leader engages in each week, simply because of the number of people present. As worship leaders we want to offer our best to God during that time, whether that’s live and in person, virtual and pre-recorded, or a mixture of both.
Over the course of three evenings workshop participants will experience Biblical Storytelling and learn tips and techniques for polishing their own presentations in worship from Theresa Eggleston and will explore creative ways to shape and design meaningful worship for the Lenten season with Rev. Sweet.
Worship time will include instruction for the whole group and breakout sessions for smaller group work.
Click here for more information and/or to register for this series, which will qualify you for .5 CEU.
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Lay Servant Courses - Open to All
The following courses are available to keep certification current or become certified as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. To register or for more info., contact Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com. To view the brochure, click here.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant (daytime course)
Each date is 9 a.m.- Noon. Tues., Jan. 19, Thurs., Jan. 21, Mon., Jan. 25,
and Wed., Jan. 27.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
Course 1: Mondays, 6-9 pm: February 22, March 1st & 8; & Saturday March 13: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
OR
Course 2: Thursdays, 6-9 pm, February 25, March 4 & 11; & Saturday, March 20: 9-1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee $15
Deadline for registration form and fee is February 8
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9pm
Saturday May 1: 9-1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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The Genesee Valley District Lay Servant Committee is offering the
Advanced Lay Servant Course
“Leading Worship”
Thursdays, February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 7-9 pm via Zoom. This class is open to all UNY Lay Servants/Speakers.
The course focuses on the ministry of the lay servant who either regularly or occasionally leads a group or congregation in worship. Attendees are responsible for obtaining the text, "Worshiping with United Methodists” (REVISED), by Hoyt Hickman.
Pastor Meg Morin will lead the class. Her history with Lay Servant Ministry goes back close to two decades. Lay Speaking provided her with the motivation to step into Course of Study to become a Licensed Local Pastor. Her passion is speaking and teaching, and recently, ministry to the homeless in Rochester. She is currently the Pastor at Kendall UMC.
Cost is $15 - make check payable to UNYAC with GVD LSM Course in the subject line.
Deadline to register is February 15, 2021. Mail the registration and check to:
Deb Clyde
11 Bowen Road
Churchville, NY 14428
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An update from the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team
FOR TRAINERS ONLY:
2 training opportunities:
Zoom Curriculum Review - 9 AM to 1 PM Saturday, Jan. 16
In this time of Covid-19 and social distancing, the Safe Sanctuaries Conference Team is not recommending any in-person Safe Sanctuaries trainings. This is to keep safe those who would be together for a long period of time. We ask that people be patient. Recertification letters have gone out to the trainers. In this second test training, we will test the curriculum that has been reformatted for a virtual training via zoom. Please watch your email for the link and the updated materials. If you have questions, send an email to: Safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
How to deliver SS Curriculum via Zoom - 9 AM to 11 AM Saturday, Jan. 30
There are breakout rooms, icons, and a chat feature on Zoom that will help with the training. The curriculum has been reformatted to accommodate virtual training using no props. These zoom tools will be covered. Please watch your email for the link. We will also answer questions or concerns. If you have questions, send an email to: Safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
Open to All:
Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, Feb. 13. This will be held via ZOOM.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Committee co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Jan./Feb. 2021
Jan. 14 - It Takes More Than a Sermon: Tips to Become a More Effective Preacher
Quincy Brown. Click here to register or for information.
Jan. 20 - Inspiring your congregation to take leaps of faith during these uncertain times
Rebekah Simon-Peter, Click here to register or for information.
Jan. 26 - Powerful Preaching During Lent and Easter
Bishop Sharma Lewis. Click here to register or for information.
Feb. 4 - The Difference the Cross Makes: Ideas and Tips for Preaching During Lent
Wil Cantrell. Click here to register or for information.
Feb. 9 - Developing Effective Communication to Grow Your Church
Kevin Slimp. Click here to register or for information.
Feb. 16 - Leadership Development in the Local Church
Ken Willard and Kelly Brown. Click here to register or for information.
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Dismantling Racism Resource: Discussion on “I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist” next Tuesday
The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race and Abingdon Press will host an online panel discussion at 3 p.m. EST time Jan. 19 with the 10 Black United Methodist leaders who contributed to the new book "I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist." Garlinda Burton, Religion and Race's interim top executive, will moderate.
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Dismantling Racism Resource: Systemic vs Institutional Racism
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, 2021, 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.
Our latest issue of the Advocate is filled with eye-opening articles which focuses on dismantling racism. In this issue you will find dozens of resources and information on understanding institutional racism and the work it takes to become anti-racist.
One article in this issue looks at the differences between systemic and institutional racism. When pondering racism, many people look at individual acts, such as racist jokes an acquaintance may tell or using offensive term when referring to People of Color, but racism is so much deeper and is evident in banking, real estate, hiring policies, and so much more. Click here to learn more.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries |
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Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
As you may know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family and group retreats and gatherings. In addition to the loss of these life-changing ministry opportunities, these cancellations have resulted in over a million dollars in lost revenue. Though each site has begun to reopen, the pandemic will continue to limit what is possible for many months to come.
These precious ministries have entered a “wilderness time” of uncertainty and scarcity. In response to this challenge, our conference is making an emergency financial appeal, what we are calling the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign, to support our camp and retreat ministries in these unprecedented times.
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Media Resource Center is now partially reopened
The Media Resource Center has begun lending and accepting back overdue resources. Please send back any items that you currently have as soon as possible. If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are still officially closed to the public at this time.
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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 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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COVID-19 Guidelines & Best Practices
With the health and safety of all members and communities of the Upper New York Conference in mind, the Conference Reopening Task Force have revised the COVID-19 guidelines. While underlying public health science and regulations have changed little since March, this revision seeks to increase clarity and ease of use.
The guidelines cover facility, worship, small group, food, and program hosting minimum standards and best-practices. Click here for a chart that outlines the minimum standards that churches should follow (the NYS guidelines) and the additional UNY recommend best practices. This chart also provides helpful resources.
Future updates and revisions will be noted in red in subsequent versions. If you have any questions involving these guidelines, feel free to contact the COVID-19 response team of the UNY Conference via phone at 315-898-2012 and email at covid-19response@unyumc.org
Click here to print full announcement.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION and Calendar
General Conference
The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN. Click here to read more.
Jurisdictional Conferences
The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference. Click here to read more.
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2020 UNY Journal Vol. 1 is now ready
The 2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. I (formerly known as the Pre-Conference Booklet) is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com.
Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($5.29 plus tax and shipping.
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Rev. Nancy Dibelius, Assistant Director of Virtual Congregations, will be hosting a webinar Preparing the Soul for Lent.
The webinar will be held on February 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Dibelius will be talking about how to prepare space and prepare yourself to help others moving through this meaningful spiritual season.
More information will be coming as it is available.
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Why delve into spiritual disciplines
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship with God during this difficult time.
Rev. Dibelius will now be zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s inspiring words about how spiritual disciplines are different than spiritual practices and how spiritual disciplines can transform you and help you stay connected with Jesus.
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Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
Last night, Jan. 12, the UNY Conference hosted a webinar on Zoom as part of our Digital Discipleship series. Lynne Kimpland of Endwell UMC was the featured speaker; she discussed how she was able to put together an effective children and youth ministry online at Endwell without having had much experience with technology beforehand.
Did you miss it? No worries. Click here to watch the recording.
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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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Great resources on UNY’s NFC Facebook page
The New Faith Communities team has issued a 30-Day Kick-off Calendar for anyone who is discerning a call to create new places for new people. This January calendar offers small ideas that can help you discern and follow your call.
Click here and “like” the Upper New York New Faith Communities Facebook page to follow along with the campaign and find other planting resources and a great community of support.
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Self-care resources
How have you been doing throughout the coronavirus pandemic? Take some time to give yourself much-needed self-care. Evaluate how you are doing physically, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually throughout these difficult times with a self-care assessment. Learn dozens of self-care recommendations.
Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
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On December 10 Jason Moore hosted a webinar for the UNY Conference clergy that offered tips, strategies, and equipping to help the local church create a worship ministry where both in-person and online worshiping communities feel equally included and cared for. This webinar will be available for your church leadership to view and review for 90 days. Click here to watch the webinar.
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Office is closed at this time!
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
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Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
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Rev. George Gallandorm,- District Associate
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Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
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Please note the Mailing Address for the Oneonta District Office is as follows during COVID:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
The physical address of the office remains the same:
64 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820
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