Words From DS Sherri Rood |
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23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10
This past week the pastors of the district gathered for worship and information sharing. It was great to be together, to sit around tables talking and laughing and to gather at the Communion table in worship. One of the gifts of COVID is our new-found appreciation of gathering in person in the same room. Sure, you can talk on the phone or zoom or text, but there’s something special about being in the same space.
How can we encourage one another – provoke one another as the text says - not only in love and good deeds, but also encourage others to gather in worship, Bible study, mission, and ministry? One article I read recently suggested simply letting people know they are missed and sincerely, without judgment, invite them back may be all it takes to encourage folks to return to worship and other church activities. Let’s commit to praying for a person or family who have been absent from church and reaching out to them, letting them know they have been missed. May we do so with sincerity and a heart of love and concern. Let’s also pray for persons who are not yet a part of our church. May we find ways to invite and welcome all of God’s people in. May we also model faithful living by making worship and church activities a priority in our own lives.
I’m praying for you, please pray for me!
Grace and peace,
Sherri
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From the Desk of Reverend Michael J Kelly,
Mountain View District Associate
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Blessings All,
How often do you use the term, “I am so busy?” I fall in to that trap far too often myself. Frequently I find myself going in many different directions, conceivably at the same time. As I have met with DS Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, one thing that I value is her ability to try to center me. As she has put it, “To make your ministry most effective.” What I heard was, “To make your ministry more effective.” At first, I thought, “Hey I think I am doing OK.” And that was probably true. What a difference one word makes. She wasn’t saying that my ministry wasn’t effective as your District Associate. But instead, was seeking ways to make it most effective for the district and all of you, me and most importantly, Jesus Christ.
Friends a lot times we get stuck in tradition and we work very hard to ensure that programs continue even when they are no longer effective. The term so often heard in churches, “We’ve always done it that way!” And while we want to honor and value our traditions and those legacy members, we must always be willing to evaluate our ministries for effectiveness and just maybe you will find that the programs that have lived in your church for the last forty years are no longer effective. More than likely you do not have the same congregation, the demographics of the congregation and even your neighborhoods have probably changed, as Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season for everything.
The conference provides us with some great tools to help us evaluate our communities and I can come and help you perhaps refresh with some new ideas. Our absolute goal is simple, living the Great Commission, that hasn’t changed, society and the way we do business has. I’m here to help, it is time for all of us to move forward, as the hymn puts it, “Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me.”
Mike
9/2222
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INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONTACT US |
District Office contact Patti at:
607-962-8047
District Superintendent contact Rev. Sherri Rood
315-898-2077
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UPDATED: IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
The Conference Website is now up and running again!!! The Charge Conference forms are all available NOW. click here for access to them.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you have downloaded a 2022-2023 Comp Sheet prior to receiving this note....DO NOT USE THAT FORM!!!! The correct compensation forms are NOW available.
9.22.2022
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Prayer Request: Norbert Sylor |
Please keep family and friends of Norbert Sylor in your prayers. Norbert served as Director of Asbury Camp & Retreat Ministry for nearly two decades. Condolences can be sent to Norbert’s daughter, Carolyn Wrinn at 5015 Clarice Drive, Hamburg, NY 14075. Click here to read Norbert’s full obituary.
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Do You Have An Events For The Newsletter?
If your church is hosting events, dinners, VBS and you would like it put in the Newsletter. Please send me the particulars of the event. Please include the Date, Time, Name of your Church or Place it is being held, Address where event is happening, Contact info if needed, a Small Blurb on the event. Please do make sure I receive the information by the Tuesday of the week that the Newsletter will be sent. The Newsletter is sent every other week (the next newsletter date is always found at the top the newsletter) Send your information to:
9.22.2022
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Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood's Installation Service |
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RUMMAGE SALE + FOOD & BAKED GOODS |
WHEN: Sat. October 1st, 2022
WHERE: Big Flats UMC
109 Hillview Drive
Big Flats, NY
TIME: 11:00 am til gone
COST: $13 per dinner
MENU: 1/2 Chicken, Salt Potatoes Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll, Brownie
9/12/22
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LEARNING AND GROWING OPPORTUNITY
Starting in September
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We invite you to a book study and discussion group as we look at A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church, by James Harnish with Justin Larosa.
Feeling distracted, isolated, uncertain, or apathetic? Want to feel connected to a community of Christ followers and be inspired to a closer walk with Christ? Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are invited to consider the next faithful steps along the path of discipleship. As we examine this book, we hope you’ll develop your spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, deepen your relationship with Christ, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life and to the lives of others. Come join our discussions and sharing as we love God and one another. Starting Sept. 15th.
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RUMMAGE SALE + FOOD & BAKED GOODS |
WHEN: Sat. Sept. 24th, 2022
WHERE: Corning Grace UMC
191 Bridge St.
Corning, NY 14830
TIME: 8:30am-3:30pm
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Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood's Installation Service |
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2022 UNY Journal Vol. I available for download or purchase |
The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. I 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 2022.
Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $5.06 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
9/22/22
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Soul Escape-Weekend Retreat |
WHEN: Fri.- Sun., Oct. 14 & 16, 2022
WHERE: Sky Lake Center
Windsor, NY
COST: $185
Come away from all your obligations and embrace nature’s pace. We’ll offer a few optional activities with spaces for solitude and connection. Reserve your spot by Oct 6!
For Ages 21+
9/15/22
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A Chance to "Catch Your Breath"
A Two Night Zoom Retreat
ALL Lay & Clergy Women Welcome!
WHEN: Fri. & Sat., Oct. 21 & 22, 2022
WHERE: Zoom
TIME: 6:30pm-9pm Both Nights
COST: $12
VENUE: Keynote Speaker: Bishop Susan Hassinger
-Heather Williams-Carmen Vianese-Nancy Dibelius
HOSTED BY: UNY COSROW-Commission On the Status & Role of Women
9.22.22
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Pre-Retirement Workshop Scheduled |
There will be an in-person pre-retirement workshop to highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy.
Please be aware that this workshop may be moved to an online format if COVID positivity rates warrant such a change.
The workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 11th from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available. You can schedule a private consultation with a benefits educator on the registration page.
Online registration is required in order to attend by October 28, 2022.
9/22/22
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Equitable Compensation Applications Available Now |
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period January to June 2023. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the October 14, 2022 deadline.
Please read through the application thoroughly and provide all required documentation. Lack of required information could result in the denial of your application.
Click here for more information.
9/22/22
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Opportunities to disaffiliate
from the Upper New York Conference
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During the upcoming session of the Upper New York Annual Conference (October 6-8), the Conference will receive its first requests from local churches to disaffiliate from the Conference under ¶2553 of the Book of Discipline. To be eligible to disaffiliate, a church must deposit with the Conference treasurer, all fees stipulated in the disaffiliation agreement at least one week prior to the start of Annual Conference. A complete listing of churches who have met this requirement will be posted on the Conference website on Oct 3.
During Annual Conference, members will be asked to ratify each disaffiliation request by a simple majority of members present and voting. This will be a simple up or down vote with no provision for amendment (see Judicial Council Decision 1379 and ¶ 2529.1_b_ (3)).
In addition to this year’s Annual Conference, there will be three other opportunities for local churches to request disaffiliation. These include next year’s regularly scheduled Annual Conference session in June as well as two special sessions – March 25, 2023, and Oct. 14, 2023.
Click here to learn more and to find needed forms for disaffiliation.
9.22.22
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Upcoming communication schedule |
Please note that the Upper New York (UNY) Conference communication schedule for the month of October will have the following changes due to Annual Conference:
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There will be no Weekly Digest the week of Oct. 2-8 and the week of Oct. 9-15.
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There will only be one publication of the Bridge and that will be published the week prior to the third Sunday of October.
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There will be up-to-date news coverage of the Oct. 6-8 virtual UNY Annual Conference on the Conference website
9.22.22
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Laity Sunday is observed each year on the third Sunday in October — Oct. 16 this year. The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service. The Greater New Jersey Conference's Breakthrough Worship ministry is offering a Laity Sunday sermon series, complete with worship and preaching suggestions as well as graphics for social media. The theme is Rise up and Testify to God’s Grace.
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Previous Information Shared |
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Save the Date for Bishop Webb’s Farewell Gathering |
You Are Invited to Attend
WHEN: Sat., Nov. 19th, 2022
WHERE: UNY Conference Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY
TIME: 1-4pm
Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. More details will be released once they become available.
9.8.22
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Mountain View District Lay Servant Fall-Winter Classes
PLUS A 7 Session Book Study Is Being Offered
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Courses Being Offered Are:
- Ministry With the Forgotten
- Teaching Biblical Faith
- Basic Lay Servant
9.8.22
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Equitable Compensation Application for Jan.-June 2023 Available |
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period Jan. to June 2023. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the Oct. 14, 2022 deadline.
Click here for more information and the application.
9.8.22
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Register Now for Pre-Retirement Workshop This Fall
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All clergy looking to retire in the next year are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement workshop. The next workshop is scheduled to be held in-person on Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY. It may be moved to a virtual format if there is a rise in COVID positivity rates.
Join Upper New York Benefits Administrator Julie Valeski and Wespath representatives Robert Christophel and Todd Creviston for this workshop that highlights and explains the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. They’ll discuss the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and any moving assistance available.
Registration is open through Oct. 28, 2022. If you are seeking to have a private consultation with a benefits educator, you can indicate that on the registration page.
9.8.22
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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at your church |
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month—and throughout the year—The United Methodist Church is called to incorporate and listen to Hispanic voices and speak out in support of them to be heard. The church must structure itself in such a way that it is able to include Hispanics/Latinos at the table, dialogue with them and include them in the mainstream of church life. United Methodists also must be in solidarity with them as they struggle to have a voice in the public forum.
Click here for resources to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month in your church.
9.8.22
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Rev. John R Tyson, Ph.D. Offering a Teaching Event |
Rev. John R Tyson will be hosting "Teaching Event" on Methodist history and theology over at Webster UMC, Oct. 21-23, 2022. The focus will be upon a socio-economic analysis of the beginnings of Methodism as a lens for making sense of the relevance of it today. These lectures will reflect (to some degree) the course of interpretation he has taken in his recent book Born in Crisis (the relevant history of Methodism). Tickets can be purchased at www.umcwebster.org, click on the Resources tab. Click here for brochure
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Fluorescent Tubes and Ballasts Available |
The Avoca United Methodist Church has numerous four-foot fluorescent tubes and two-tube ballasts available to whoever can use them.
If you are interested, please email AvocaUMChurch@gmail.com or phone (607) 566-4045 and leave a message. We will get back to you ASAP. 8.11.22
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We are in the planning stages for this years collection of shoeboxes and other items for the Red Bird Mission. We are looking for drop off sites in the various districts where various Churches could drop off their shoeboxes and or other items that are going to the Red Bird Mission. We are looking for sites from October 16 thru November 16. The trip is planned for November 28 with the packing of the trucks on Saturday, November 26.
The need for shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies, backpacks, new blankets and sheet sets and diapers are in great need this year. The need for used clothing is not a critical need at this time as their warehouse is full. We will still take new cloths as they can be used at the Community Outreach Center for distribution. If there are Churches that can be drop off sites, please send an email to Dalexander4@stny.rr.com , so a list can be made available in our future emails.
Your help in this project is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, I can be reached by email or you can call 607-743-8955. Thank you for helping us start the process of getting things ready to take to the Red Bird Mission.
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United Methodist Hymnals Available
They Are The Red Cover Ones
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If you are in need of UMC Hymnals (these are the red 1989 edition hymnals- we have 36) please contact the Cornerstone District office at cornerstonedistrict@unyumc.org or you can call 607-962-8047 Please note that these are located in Jamestown.
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Disaffiliation Information-From Wespath
Understanding Pension Liabilities-For Local Churches Considering Disaffiliation
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Watch this video for easy-to-understand answers to complex questions related to pension plan funding and the withdrawal liability payment required for local churches that disaffiliate from the UMC.
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Download the #BeUMC Discussion Guide |
Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a free, downloadable 45-page discussion guide tied to the #BeUMC campaign? This is a great resource for your Sunday School class, Bible study, or small group to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE |
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35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Mon.-Thurs.
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood
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 Sherri at sherrirood@unyumc.org
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