Next Issue: October 14th, 2021 |
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Notes From District Associate Mike Kelly |
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From the Desk of Rev. Michael Kelly;
Mountain View District Associate
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As COVID continues to wear on us, many have become very lax in how they are dealing with it. I, like many others are just tired of all of the restrictions and the mandates that have been placed on us. The great debate continues to go on about immunization or not, but let’s move beyond that and look at just the facts. These facts are from the counties that our district encompasses:
This morning from the respective Health Departments:
Chemung County: 77 new cases, 563 active cases, 27 hospitalizations
Steuben County: 139 new cases, 420 active cases, 35 hospitalizations
Tioga County: 121 new cases, 167 active cases, 6 hospitalizations
Schuyler County: 22 new cases, 57 active cases, 1 hospitalization
Allegany County: Limited information but 21 new cases this morning.
So, as you can see there is still a real risk involved, and many of these cases involved children and break throughs, those already immunized.
Currently our conference suggests the following guidelines:
AS OF AUGUST OF 2021-THIS NEW GUIDANCE MODIFIES THE GUIDANCE OFFERED BELOW IN THAT ALL PERSONS, INCLUDING VACCINATED AND UNVACCINATED, ARE NOW RECOMMENDED TO WEAR MASKS WHEN GATHERING INDOORS. THE CDC AND NYS HAVE NOT OFFERED NEW GUIDANCE REGARDING SOCIAL DISTANCING OR SURFACE DISINFECTION AT THIS TIME.
Click here for the guidelines on the Conference website
As a Pastor that has visited and witnessed people taken from us with COVID, and had it affect my own churches I urge you all to proceed with the utmost of care and caution. Do not be sidetracked by the talk, but instead just observe the facts that I have offered today. Be safe and be blessed in your ministries.
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Local Churches Take Note: NY Hero Act now in effect |
On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York Department of Health designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.” This designation means that the NY HERO Act plan
(a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), which all employers were required to adopt and distribute to employees by Sept. 4, 2021, is now effective through the end of September 2021. Employers (In this case, this refers to each local church) now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff. Even if your pastor is the only staff member, churches must provide training on the plan for them.
Click here for the NY Hero ACT "General Model Standard" template
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Mountain View District Office Open By Appointment Only |
Office visits are still by appointment ONLY. We ask that you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. 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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Charge Conference Information |
CHARGE CONFERENCE FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
Cluster Charge Conference Dates:
1. Sunday afternoon, October 24 at the New Beginnings UMC in Elmira
2. Sunday afternoon, November 7 at the Waverly UMC in Waverly.
3. Sunday afternoon November 21 at the Centenary UMC in Bath.
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Prayer Request: Rev's Matt & Cathy Stengel
Please keep the Revs. Matt and Cathy Stengel and their family in your prayers. The Stengel’s granddaughter, Sadie Lynn Robertson, died at just four-days-old. Condolences can be sent to The Stengel Family at 6905 Bear Ridge Rd., North Tonowanda NY 14120.
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A new job opening is posted on the website for a Director of Missional Engagement. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask candidates to apply online through our website.
Please contact me with any questions.
Skye Farm Site Director job opening
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church has an exciting opportunity for a Camp & Retreat Site Director at our
Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center located in Warrensburg, NY near beautiful Lake George, NY. Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center sits just off the NYS Northway (I-87) on over 400 acres within the Southeastern edge of the Adirondack Park and on Sherman Lake. This position offers excellent benefits, including onsite housing. Relocation benefits are provided.
Finance Services Specialist job opening
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church has a great opportunity for a Finance Services Specialist. The Finance Services Specialist will manage all activities related to Conference real estate properties including working with Conference Trustees, approve invoices, manage receivables, maintain accurate spreadsheet data, and manage relationship with Conference attorneys. Additional responsibilities include manage the overall reporting of church statistics to the General Church and provide general support to Finance Team staff as needed. This position reports to the Finance Manager and/or Treasurer and receives work assignments from multiple persons in a team atmosphere. Click here to apply.
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Equitable Compensation Application: January - June 2022 |
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to Upper New York local churches for the period January to June 2022. Click here for more information and for the application forms. Application Deadline is October 15th, 2021
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World Communion Sunday October 3rd |
Thank You...!
for your generosity in 2020. You gave $400,254 towards the ministries funded by the World Communion Sunday offering. This offering supports diverse mix of national and international ethnic young adults to make a global impact for Christ. Half of the offering benefits World Communion Scholarships for graduate students from the U.S. and other countries; the remainder assists Ethnic Scholarships for U.S. and international undergraduates studying in the U.S. and Ethnic In-Service Training. These funds are administred by the General Boards' of
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NEW
Remembering the Act of Repentance
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By Shannon Hodson
Earlier this year the Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Native American Ministries wrote a letter to the Council of BIshops endorsing the Native American International Caucus’ (NAIC) call for the United Methodist Church to observe Oct. 6, 2021, as a day of Truth and Repentance for Our Children to begin a process of healing, justice, and reconciliation for families and communities. On that day in 1879, General Richard Pratt took children from First Nations and opened the boarding school in Carlisle, PA. The United Methodist Church went on to support at least 12 Indian Boarding Schools and never accepted responsibility for its role in supporting these schools, which severed these children’s connections to families and cruelly punished them.
We encourage all churches in UNY to consider observing Oct. 6 on the Sunday after, Sunday, Oct. 10.
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Pastor Appreciation Sunday October 10th |
Religious workers and pastors established this month-long appreciation for clergymen and the Pastor Appreciation Day was established later in the same month, October. Now we celebrate the Pastor Appreciation Day or the Clergy Appreciation Day every year on the second Sunday of October.
Everyone needs an appreciation for the work they do as it serves as the motivation to try harder. And it includes the elders of the Church, the pastors, and the priests, as well. Encourage them for their contribution and appreciate them for what they do whenever you can.
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Laity Sunday October 17th |
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and all people. On Laity Sunday, we lift up the vocation of all (lay and clergy) to follow Jesus Christ and lead others to him. As we welcome and offer the good news of Jesus’ love for all, we know that the most engaging opportunities to grow deep and wide in our faith come from relationships with those beyond the comfort and security of our church walls. |
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LOCAL CHURCH EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT
Click here
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Tips for Cultivating Fruitfulness in Ministry
WHEN: Oct. 5, 2021
LEADER: Blake Bradford
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Leading Your Church Through Advent
WHEN: Oct. 7, 2021
LEADER: Kay Kotan
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Understanding the Simplified, Accountable Structure
WHEN: Oct. 14, 2021
LEADER: Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford
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NEW
Course of Study Through Wesley Seminary
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Licensed local Pastors....are you are planning to take COS for the Winter or Spring Weekends? If you are, please consider filling out your registration form and get it to the District office to have the DS sign it and then I will get it to the registrar. The deadline for registrations are Winter- Dec. 1st, 2021 and Spring-Feb.1st of 2022. (Reminder that the District office is CLOSED on Fridays)
Please, DO NOT WAIT to the last minute to register. When a class is filled, Wesley closes the registration for that class and there is no wiggle room.
I am putting this out now as one of the busiest times of the year is coming soon. There is no need for you to miss out on getting your course requirements met. There is NO MONEY due at the time of registration. You can register NOW for both Winter and Spring and if something comes up....you can cancel.
IF you need a specific class.....sign up now ....you need to remember that these courses are not just for UNY Conference....these are open to other Conferences as well. SO, sign up now
The steps to get registered:
· Get registration form-click here
· Fill out the form, print it, YOU sign it.
· Scan & email to your District Office
· District AA will get the DS to sign it and will send it to COS Registrar
· Registrar will fill out her part and get it to Sara Shephard.
· Sara Shephard will send the Registrar a confirmation of your registration.
· Registrar will send confirmation to the District AA
There is no reason to wait to the last minute because there is no money that needs to be sent with your registration. So, please sign up now!!
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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Leading Amid Controversy Over Masks & Vaccines
Navigating the complicated and divisive issues of vaccines and mask-wearing has made ministry during this pandemic even more fraught for many pastors and congregations. Doug Powe and Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center say the key question is about how we can be God’s ambassadors in the midst of this tension. They outline four strategies to reframe the debate.
To help you reach new disciples, this free Lewis Center video by Lovett H. Weems Jr. provides an overview of why worship attendance is important and ways you can improve it.
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ATTENTION:
LAY SERVANTS, LAY SPEAKERS & CLM's
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Every year lay servants, lay speakers, and CLM's are required to fill out an annual report that is due at your church charge conference.
Please make sure you fill out the correct form and it be completely filled out. Also, please make sure you have your Pastor sign it and that you have signed it before you hand it in.
LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
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Tuesdays at The Table:
Discussions about our faith, our church and ourselves
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The global coronavirus pandemic and disagreements within our denomination are just two of many events that continue to affect United Methodists around the world. Tuesdays at the Table, a new discussion series, will help us think through these issues and enter into a time of exploration and broadened understanding.
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Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries® Training of Trainers
WHO: Individuals interested in facilitating Upper NY’s Safe Sanctuaries Training as part of their District training team and/or for their local church.
WHEN: Saturday, October 9th from 9am-12pm.
PREREQUISITE: Upper NY’s 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is a prerequisite for Training of Trainers. This needs to be completed sometime since June 2016 and must be the standard learning station format facilitated by a certified UNY Safe Sanctuaries trainer. This is non-negotiable.
Members of the District training team should be affirmed by their District Superintendent.
PRE-REGISTRATION is a must for the TOT by October 6th at Eventbrite
There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.
QUESTIONS: Questions should be directed to Co-Chairs Christine Mitchell, Pastor and Arlene Schmidt at email safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
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Register Now For Conference UMW Annual Meeting Oct. 16
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All are invited to join the UNY Conference UMW for an all-virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9:00a – 12:00p. We will worship together, conduct formal business, hear from National Office CEO Harriett J. Olson, and grow in our understand of our sisters through our program on “Push Out” with UMW Director Valerie Clark.
Once registered, an agenda and Zoom link will be sent to you. If you wish to make a nomination to the Leadership Team “from the floor,” the form is available on the website and must be returned by Oct. 1.
We look forward to being with you on Oct. 16 as we make plans for 2022 and the mission and justice work we will continue to do for God.
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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
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