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Adirondack District and Conference News
October 13, 2022
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“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants."
-- Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Please hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann was recently admitted to the Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush.
Please keep family and friends of Bonnie Totten Adkins in your prayers. Bonnie, 95, died on Sept. 9. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Leon Adkins Jr. in 2018. Rev. Adkins served as District Superintendent in the Albany District, pastor at Schenectady: First UMC, Scotia UMC, Newtonville UMC, and Delmar UMC. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on October 22 at Middlebury UMC in Vermont. Click here to read Bonnie’s full obituary.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
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 adirondackdistrict@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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Watch videos from Annual Conference
If you weren't able to join the Upper New York Annual Conference last week, or if you'd like to revisit it, you can view videos and read about the Business of Annual Conference by clicking here
Some highlights include Opening worship, Young Adult Worship, the Ordination service with a sermon by Bishop Mark Webb, and much more!
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It's not too late to register!!
District Day
to be held Oct. 22 at
Saratoga Springs UMC
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The Adirondack and Albany District Day, "Informed to Transform,"
will be held from 8:45 AM to 3 PM Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Registration opens at 8:15 AM.
A variety of workshops will be offered. Clergy and laity are invited to attend.
Please register by this Saturday, Oct. 15. Some workshops are almost at capacity. First come, first served!
Call Carrie Boyer at (518) 608-1246, Monday through Saturday. Feel free to leave a message with your choice of workshops.
To view the updated schedule and the registration form, click here.
To view the updated workshop descriptions, click here.
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Tending the Soul:
Watch the video to learn more
The Rev. Nancy Dibelius explains what the program "Tending the Soul" is all about. To view the video, click here.
The start of the next session of Tending the Soul has been delayed and will begin in February 2023, which means that applications are still being accepted. Click here for a brochure and application. For more information, contact the Rev. Nancy Dibelius at nancyd@unyumc.org.
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Great resources available from
United Methodist Communications
United Methodist Communications has a menu of services and tools as extensive as the menu of dishes at The Cheesecake Factory. Greg Petree has assembled a list of the top-10 services United Methodist Communications offers for free to help local congregations reach out to their communities.
UMCOM measured what’s viewed and downloaded to identify what services/resources are most used by churches. To read more, click here.
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Special NEJ session to decide on election of bishops on Saturday, Oct. 15
The UMC’s Northeastern Jurisdiction will have a virtual Special Called Session this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 AM to 1 PM, to receive a special report from the Committee on Episcopacy and College of Bishops and to decide on the number of bishops to elect when the regularly scheduled Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference meets Nov. 2-4.
Voting delegates and delegates with voice will be allowed to participate in the session via Zoom video. Reserve delegates and visitors are invited to participate by watching the sessions live on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jogZp5SmuFw.
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Dakotas Conference
Boarding school children remembered
RAPID CITY, S.D. — United Methodists and others joined in mourning and reading the names of Native American children who perished while living at Rapid City Indian Boarding School in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Participants also held a memorial walk as part of the Oct. 10 event. The 50 children, some of their names now unknown, died of disease, malnutrition or exposure to freezing temperatures while attempting to escape. The boarding schools were opened to take Native Americans away from their families to make them more "American." Their Native American culture was forbidden. This year's ceremony was the fifth remembering the Rapid City school's victims. Doreen Gosmire and Dave Stucke have the story.
Read story
UM News: Pastor reflects on abuses at Indian boarding schools
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The role and design of church websites
Your homepage doesn’t need to link to the minutes from the latest committee meeting. Instead, it should have clear paths that provide a sample of what attending your church is like. Gather and present the most important information a person needs to make a decision about visiting your community in person.
To read more, click here.
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Ways to remember the lives and work
of church saints
Historically, the Church has confessed a belief in the "communion of the saints," which includes not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. When we celebrate Holy Communion, we experience the communion of saints, feasting with believers past, present and future. The author of Hebrews 12 reminds us that these saints, a “great cloud of witnesses,” surrounds us and cheers us on.
On All Saints Day, generally celebrated on the first Sunday in November, United Methodists publicly remember and honor those who have passed away. Celebrated on the first Sunday in November, many congregations light candles, ring bells of remembrance, and call the names of those lost in the previous year as a way of honoring the impact their lives have had on us.
Click here for ideas and worship resources to help you honor the saints of your congregation.
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GCSRW celebrates 50 years of ministry with launch of new resource
Chicago, Ill. – The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women is marking its 50th anniversary with the release of the Welcoming a Woman Pastor learning module. The self-paced, online resource guides local churches through the onboarding, orientation and set-up process when introducing a female pastor appointed to serve their congregation.
“Despite women being ordained in our denomination for more than 50 years, many continue to find the orientation to a new church difficult and often lacking in hospitality,” stated the Rev. Pamela Pirtle, GCSRW’s senior director of leadership development in the resource’s introductory video. “We created this resource that outlines the steps needed to ensure everyone involved in the appointment process from bishops, district superintendents, staff-parish relations committee and clergy members [to ensure they] are fully aware of best practices for a successful transition of clergy.” Each role’s steps in the process are addressed in individual sessions.
To read more, click here.
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Coming up/Deadlines approaching | |
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Safe Sanctuaries Trainings coming up
October 22, 9 AM-Noon ZOOM Safe Sanctuaries Train the Trainer (TOT) Registration is open at https://uny-ss-tot-oct22.eventbrite.com This training is specifically designed for those who would like to train in their local church, district or conference levels. Prerequisite is the 3-hr basic training must have been completed before attending this training. Deadline to sign up is 5 PM October 19.
October. 29, 8:45 AM to Noon in Queensbury UMC
Queensbury UMC is hosting a Safe Sanctuaries Training Session on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8:45 AM to Noon at the church, 460 Aviation Road Queensbury. Facilitator Arlene Schmidt and other qualified SS facilitators will take us through the curriculum necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion. Those who have taken the Conference 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training need not take the class again if you have already have a Certificate of Completion. If you would like to retake the class or your church policy states that you must have the training again than please join us. Cut-off date for registrations: Oct. 22.
If you have questions, contact the office at (518) 793-9728. Attached is the registration form and guidelines: Click here
November 5, 9 AM to 12:30 PM Safe Sanctuaries 3-hr Basic ZOOM Training. Register at https://uny-ss-basic-nov5.eventbrite.com This training is for individuals who have direct contact with children, youth or vulnerable adults within our churches. To participate in the Zoom training we ask that you have a stable internet connection, and that each person in your church, or household must be on their own device as we break into small discussion groups for the majority of the training.
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(Updated) Dates for Adirondack Church Conferences:
We hope to see you there!
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We are in the season when we gather for Church Conferences. Each year as we gather for these required meetings, we try to bring a focus that will move ministry forward in a meaningful way. This year, our focus will be on increasing discipleship through collaboration, so most of our Church Conferences will be held jointly with other congregations.
Much of the required business we will do will have been considered by the appropriate teams in the congregation before we gather for formal approval at the Church Conference, leaving time to have some meaningful time to vision together and/or to move forward with collaboration that is already taking place. I look forward to seeing how God might be at work among us in this way.
There have been some changes.
There are two formats of the schedule:
Click here for the revised schedule by church name.
Click here for the revised schedule by date and venue.
The schedule has already been shared with your pastor or other leader of your congregation. I hope as many as possible will be able to attend.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Blessings!
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl,
District Superintendent
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Skye Farm Fall Family Weekends
Skye Farm Camp in Warrensburg will host Fall Family Weekends in September and October. Stay in one of their lodges or cabins. Available weekends are: Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23. Contact site director Robyn Vernon to make reservations or for more information. Her email is robynvernon@unyumc.org or call (518) 494-7170. Visit their Facebook Page by clicking here.
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
October is observed as National Clergy Appreciation Month (also known as Pastor Appreciation Month), and Pastor Appreciation Day — a day set aside within the month to celebrate pastors — is October 9 this year. The month recognizes the contributions and services of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergymen. Devotees, on Pastor Appreciation Day, come together to express their gratitude to pastors and other staff of the church. Many congregations observe the day by taking up a special offering to bless their pastors. Others may show their gratitude through different means such as honoring their pastors with meals, gifts, and even paid vacations.
To read more, click here.
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Workshop on Adaptive Leadership
Oct. 19 in Scotia
Samaritan Counseling is offering a workshop to clergy and congregational (lay) leaders from 10 AM to Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the First Reformed Church of Scotia, 224 N. Ballston Ave., Scotia. This workshop will focus on the principles of “Adaptive Leadership” and understanding the psychology behind how to effect and motivate change in congregations that are fatigued and burned-out. The workshop is FREE to all clergy and congregational leaders and only $25 for all others. CEUs are available for clergy who need evidence of continuing education and for mental health workers in need of credit hours.
To sign up, click here: https://tinyurl.com/SamaritanClergyWorkshop
Attached is a flyer with sign-up information: Click here.
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Virtual Wisdom-Seeking Women retreat slotted for Oct. 21-22
The Upper New York Conference Commission on the Role and Status of Women (COSROW) has spent the last year planning a wonderful retreat.
It's for any woman, clergy, or lay. It’s open to all women regardless of Conference or District. The retreat is called “Wisdom-Seeking Women,” which is a title they came up with based on conversations had with the keynote speaker, Bishop Susan Hassinger, about the two messages she will deliver. Nancy Dibelius will be leading spiritual/creative activities. And of course, it's all over Zoom. It's two nights, Oct. 21, and Oct. 22. from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. each night. The goal is to give women a chance to "Catch Your Breath.”
People can get .5 CPU for attending the whole event. It’s important for people to attend both nights because the activities and lessons on Oct. 22 follow what was discussed and learned on Oct. 21. It’s not conducive to “dropping in.”
COSROW will be mailing out boxes of materials to participants if they register by Oct. 14. It's $25 and a portion of the cost will go to End the Backlog, which is an organization that advocates for transparency and reform in the backlog of rape kits nationwide. If the cost is unaffordable to you, COSROW will take care of it.
Click here to register.
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Register now for pre-retirement workshop by Oct. 28
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. If you are seeking to have a private consultation with a benefits educator, you can indicate that on the registration page.
Click here to register and click here for more information.
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Holy Land Trip 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Deadline to register: Nov. 1. Please contact Pastors B.J.: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: andmcand@hotmail.com, 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: pastoraliciawood@gmail.com, 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
Click here for more information.
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Webinar: What has the church learned from the pandemic?
There was no warning, we never saw it coming. There was no time to debate or study or form a committee. COVID-19 came, and church leaders had to virtually (pun intended) live out the adage, “adapt or die.” Many of us are still in awe of how well congregations found ways to still be the church in a strange new world.
Even some of the most “change-resistant” in the church became Zoom pros, video editors, or online study conveners. And in the process, we found ways to reach out and touched some folks who thought the church wasn’t interested in them. As we slowly find our way beyond the pandemic into whatever will be the new normal, join Rev. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, and explore what we might want to take with us.
Webinar offered through Discipleship Ministries at 7:30 PM (6:30 PM Central) Tuesday, Nov. 15.
To register, click here.
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Apply by Nov. 15 for GCORR grants
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is proud to announce a new cycle of the CORR Action Fund (CAF) grant program that will support creative initiatives that will transform the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the world.
The 2022-2023 grant program will provide up to $10,000 to fund projects that increase intercultural competency and support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity, and systemic equity leading to action.
UMC churches and other UMC entities are invited to apply for funding by submitting a proposal that:
· demonstrates bold and innovative thinking,
· reaches more people, younger people, and more diverse people,
· results in long-term change that could be replicated in other local churches, Districts, Conferences, or other entities within the UMC, and
· utilizes existing GCORR resources.
Applications are now open. This grant application cycle closes Nov. 15, 2022.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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Saturday, Nov. 19
Bishop Webb’s farewell gathering
You are invited to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s farewell/retirement gathering on Saturday Nov. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at the Upper New York Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. 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.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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A biblical model of leadership transition
\How does the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua provide insights for leaders today? Lee Kricher offers insights on this seamless leadership transition.
To learn more, click here.
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Genuine change involves continuity
Doug Powe and Lovett Weems of the Lewis Center staff say that successful and lasting change is likely to come through evolution rather than revolution. Therefore, successful change leaders are both innovators and sustainers who give adequate attention to the traditions, people, programs, and assets that make innovation possible.
To learn more, click here.
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Lay Servant Ministries Notice: Report forms are available
The Upper New York Conference website now has the Annual Report forms for Lay Servant Ministries posted. Please remember to fill out your Annual Report and have it ready for your Church/Charge Conference. The form needs to be signed by your pastor and the District Superintendent or presiding elder. A copy will be kept at your church, a copy goes to the District Office and a copy goes to your Lay Servant Director.
Click here to visit forms page. The forms are #11, #12 and #13. Please choose the appropriate form. Contact Carrie in the District Office if you have a question about which form to use.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant courses
Information on new courses that will be offered beginning in January will be posted as soon as it is available.
Here are upcoming courses:
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays, Nov. 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
If you are interested in taking this course, contact registrar Arlene Schmidt at arlenedschmidt@gmail.com
Advanced Course “Leading Worship”
Offered at Plattsburgh UMC, Veterans’ Day Weekend
Friday, November 11, 4-8 pm, Pot Luck Supper
Saturday, November 12, 9-4; Lunch Provided. Free Will Offering
To be led by Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Marty Connor (retired) (ret)
Please RSVP by Nov. 7 to office@plattsburghumc.org
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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.
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Amsterdam Restoration Ministry seeks assistance for children
The Amsterdam Restoration Ministry has a group of 20 children between the ages of 2 - 7 years, many of whose parents work on farms. They are seeking donations to help get supplies to children who are in school. They would like to supply each child with this list of items, but any donations are appreciated.
1- Backpack
2- Tablet
3- Notebooks
4- Pencils
5- Crayons
6- Didactic games that help with learning
If you'd like to make a monetary donation, make checks out to Amsterdam UMC with Restoration Ministry in the memo and mail to Amsterdam UMC, 347 Golf Course Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Donations can be dropped at the church. The office is generally open 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, but please call ahead (518) 843-2611. You can also contact Pastor Osmar Guerra at (786) 805-2932.
If you can't travel to Amsterdam, but you could travel to South Glens Falls UMC or to the District Office at the Newtonville UMC in Latham, we can deliver your donations to the church. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246 to find out when you can arrange for dropping off donations.
To view the flyer that outlines their program, click here.
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How you can help those
affected by Hurricane Ian
United Methodists plan to lead the way to recovery after Hurricane Ian unleashed substantial damage in Florida and South Carolina. At this time, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has asked for prayers, monetary donations to UMCOR, and for congregations to continue assembling supply kits.
There are so many ways to help!
Click here for monetary donations to go directly to UMCOR.
Click here to access kit supply lists and instructions.
You can also bring the kits and/or appropriate supplies directly to the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB in Liverpool—contact the UNY Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark (kristinaclark@unyumc.org), to coordinate a drop-off date and time.
Congregations can also buy supplies for the kits off the UNY Mission Central HUB Amazon wish lists and have them shipped directly to the HUB. If purchasing from another website, congregations or groups can ship the supplies directly to the HUB by setting the mailing address to Mission Central HUB 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool NY 13088.
Click here for the UNY HUB hygiene kit Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB menstrual hygiene Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB cleaning bucket Amazon wish list.
Monetary donations to the UNY Mission Central HUB can be given by clicking here.
Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ian.
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To All UNY Conference Churches:
The Commission of Archives and History's responsibility is to keep the history of the Conference.
As churches close, their records come to the Conference Archives for safe keeping and reference. With churches closing each year and disaffiliations looming, we are running out of space.
Our existing rooms at the Conference Center are almost full already. Just since January we have received records from about 20 churches. They are filling the aisles as we go through them to discard the items we will not keep. For example, one church sent us 30 boxes of materials. After sorting through we kept 3 regular archival boxes and one small box. Most of the rest was recycled, trashed, or kindly taken to the local historical society by a CAH member who lived nearby.
To read more, click here.
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Religion and Race:
Resource available to avoid accent bias
When people born and reared in the United States refer to difficulty with another person’s “accent,” they could be showing implicit bias toward a person whose first language is not U.S. English. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has crafted a list of helpful ways to avoid accidental bias toward how others speak.
View resource
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UNY Menstrual Hygiene Kit drive
The Upper New York’s Mission Central HUB is partnering with Pastor Theresa Eggleston to advocate and care for women’s health needs. Theresa is a commissioned Deacon and as part of her ordination process, she will be collecting Menstrual Hygiene Kits to distribute to local organizations working with refugees. Menstrual Hygiene Kits were recently introduced by UMCOR as part of the kit ministries. Read more about the kits here and review the supply list here.
According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, over one-third of low-income women report missing work, school, or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. A quarter of all minority women strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford period products in the past year. Our prayer is this supply drive will not only help local women, but also raise awareness of this public health crisis.
The kit drive will take place from Sept. 25 – Oct. 16 and we invite individuals and congregations across the Conference to participate by either collecting supplies in person or purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist that will then be delivered directly to the HUB. You can review and purchase from the wish list: Click here.
Click here for more information about Menstrual Kits.
If you or your church is interested in participating in the drive or have questions, please contact Theresa Eggleston at thereslouise@gmail.com or Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.
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Learn about Youth Service Fund
Youth Service Fund (YSF) is the national United Methodist mission fund supported by youth. Through YSF, United Methodist teens raise money for other teens doing ministry in their churches and communities impacting poverty, illiteracy, absenteeism and social justice.
The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is run completely by, with and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money, and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and youth benefited. Youth from everywhere may apply for funding. Applications are due by June 1 for funding to begin the following calendar year for successful projects. Project categories are: Faith Sharing and Outreach, Leadership Development, Scholarship, Ministry with At-Risk Youth, and Agricultural/Vocational.
You can learn more by attending a workshop led by Laura Clark and Terry Goodemote, District Youth Coordinators, at District Day on Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC. There will be games and lots of valuable information about youth groups. See workshop description by clicking here. To register, click here. The workshop is in Session 3.
To read more about YSF, click here
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Gary Bergh scholarship and justice awareness trips
to the Holy Land
nce 2009, the Gary Bergh Scholarship has been offered by the Conference Task Force on Peace w/Justice in Palestine/Israel to enable persons interested in justice and human rights to travel to Palestine/Israel on “justice awareness” trips.
Here is a list of recently announced trips this fall:
EYEWITNESS PALESTINE - October Olive Harvest - mid-August registration deadline
CMEP (Churches for Middle East Peace) - October delegation
CPT - (Community Peacemaker Teams) - Nov. 3-14
FOSNA - (Friends of Sabeel, North America) - Nov. 26-Dec. 6, 2022
The deadlines for some of these trips have already happened. But you can check these groups on their websites or contact them directly to learn about upcoming delegations, especially Eyewitness Palestine.
For Gary Bergh Scholarship applications, contact Karen Peterson (607-739-3143). You are requested to be available for UNY presentations or reports upon return. Clergy may be eligible for clergy credit.
Contact any of the following members of the UNY Taskforce on Palestine/Israel leadership team for more information.
Linda Bergh, 315-492-8507
Karen Peterson, 607-739-3141
Gary Doupe, 607-743-5062
Merle Showers, 716-862-4235
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Society of St. Andrew
Advent devotions available for order
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew, a feeding ministry and United Methodist partner, is offering free devotionals for the season of Advent. This year's theme is "Prepare the Way of the Lord." The deadline to order print materials is Nov. 1. The daily devotions start Nov. 27 and run through Dec. 24.
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Chart compares Advent studies
Looking for a new study for your small group, congregation or family this Advent? Cokesbury, the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House, has put together an interactive comparison chart of its Advent studies so Christians can find the study that best fits their need.
Learn more
See chart
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Church conference forms available
The 2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, and more.
Update: Please note: 2023 Pastor's Compensation form and information is now available. Information can be found by clicking here. On this page, you can read a letter from Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, view the Pastor’s Compensation Guide, and mor
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Visit 'Spiritual Life" page on
Conference website
The intent of the spiritual life ministry is to support/nurture/companion individuals in their faith journey; to help individuals grow their relationship with God so they can be more faithful, obedient disciples of Christ. Developing our spiritual lives is about each of us living more fully into the person God created us to be and the life that God desires for us. This requires intentionality and attentiveness to God and God’s presence in all of our lives and joining together in community to support and nurture one another.
We invite you to explore the spiritual disciplines and practices that will draw you closer to God and deeper into a relationship with God. Explore with us workshops, retreats, training opportunities that will deepen your relationship as a disciple of Christ.
Click here to view the page on the Conference website.You will find links to many resources.
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Church's part of BSA bankruptcy approved
United Methodist leaders greeted with cautious optimism a judge’s partial approval of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan. The denomination’s $30 million commitment to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse gained the judge’s OK in a lengthy ruling issued July 29. Sam Hodges reports.
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Red Bird Mission
Christmas Shoe Box Drive 2022
Even a devastating flood cannot stop God! Churches in the Upper New York Conference are coordinating to bring Christmas Love to the people in the communities surrounding Red Bird Mission!
Christmas shoe boxes and supplies are being collected for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Red Bird Mission is the most comprehensive mission in the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services including health care, education, spiritual, social, and economic assistance. Last year, the drive coordinators from Endwell United Methodist Church drove two 26-foot trucks to the mission delivering over 2,700 shoeboxes, 120 new sheet sets and bedspreads, as well as numerous books, school supplies and cleaning supplies. These items were rapidly depleted in Red Bird Mission's response to the flooding serving as Christ's hands and feet to their neighbors.
Because the need has only been magnified by the devastating flooding, our goal this year is to collect 3,500 shoe boxes.
Shoe Boxes are being collected for people of all ages. See lists of suggested items in box in the box to the right.
All shoeboxes should be placed in plastic storage containers with a locking lid or a sturdy cardboard shoe box rubber banded. Please label your box for gender and age (see label forms in box to the right) and include the age range for children. The boxes should not be decorated on the outside and should include $1.50 per box for shipping in an envelope affixed to the outside of the box.
The mission also requests new pillows, sheet sets, and blankets for full or twin beds, as well as new bath towels. Used items cannot be sent.
Other acceptable donations include new backpacks, school supplies, cleaning supplies, books and cleaning supplies. Or you may make a donation to offset the cost of truck rental, gas, food and lodging for the round-trip journey from Endwell to Red Bird Mission. All donations will be placed in a dedicated account for this mission. Please make all checks payable to Endwell United Methodist Church, with a notation for the Red Bird Mission Collection. Checks can be sent to the church at 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway from 9 AM to Noon Monday through Thursday. Deadline to drop off is Nov. 3. Please call Ronna Woodhams if you can't make it during those hours (518) 793-1152.
If your church can serve as a collection point, please contact Carrie n the District Office, (518) 608-1246.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC |
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
The Global Methodist Church launched on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry | Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! | |
From the Conference Center | | |
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time year-round Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
Check out any of these jobs and get an application at: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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New presentation resource: We are the church. Together
Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.
To view the presentation,click here.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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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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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that 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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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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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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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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