Next Issue: March 24th, 2022 |
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Don't Forget To Change Your Clocks On Saturday Night Before Bed |
You don't want
to miss church
on Sunday!!!!
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Words From the
District Superintendent & District Associate
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District Superintendent News |
Grace to you and Peace, through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Our denomination just made a decision to postpone our General Conference two more years. The looming potential split over human sexuality and other issues is delayed until 2024. This means our church bylaws have no chance of being revised and we are still under the 2016 version of the Book of Discipline. To some it seems good, and to others it seems we are stuck living in yesterday’s world. Right after that announcement, a different denomination announced it was going to launch beginning May 1, 2022: The Global Methodist Church. The Global Methodist Church (GMC) “is committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures, and the work of the Holy Spirit in conveying God’s truth and grace to all people,” according to their website as of 3-10-22.
Previously, a breakaway denomination formed in 2020: The Liberation Methodist Connexion. “The new church aims to center on the voices of people of color as well as queer and transgender individuals — those the LMX organizers see as marginalized in The United Methodist Church,” according to a UMNEWS article dated 12-2-20.
There are already four options to local churches and pastors. Option 1: leave the UMC and become independent. Option 2: Join with the LMX. Option 3: Join with the GMC. Option 4: Stay in the stalled but ever-changing UMC. None of these options are simple, and most of them will take a long time, concerted effort and money, including staying UMC. But God.
God gives specific calls at various times, and they all begin with a call to follow Jesus Christ. Will you follow in an INDY, LMX, GMC OR A UMC? Each vehicle will affect your ride, but never leave your first love and never forget how many times and what powerful ways God has led you. Know that in following, you are a child of God, and in serving you are a servant of Christ, now cleverly disguised in your fellow humans. Revisit your call to follow each morning and the vehicle you will travel in will be provided. Read up on these but focus less on the vehicle and more on the journey. God is leading, God is with us, and God will never let us down.
Join me (Laity and Clergy) Wednesday March 16th at 2:00 or at 7:00 for a zoom conversation about the above General Church decisions. I will convene a conversation, provide space for questions and offer the very few answers I happen to have gleaned about what the implications are for us.
Jeff McDowell
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Meeting ID: 861 5073 2299 Passcode: 812544
Meeting ID: 811 6724 3518 Passcode: 979761
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly: MV District Associate |
Friends,
We celebrated recently with a visit with Bishop Webb, Reverend Bill Gottschalk Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministry, DS Reverend Jeff McDowell and DS Sherry Rood and we talked about how we may have grown weary over the last two years. Wow, who could disagree with that right? But Bishop Webb emphasized that despite our weariness we could find our strength and lean on the Lord. And it is so true, He is always there without fail.
But friends I want us to think about this also, and I believe it is true. We continue to see more and more troubles. An economy in the tank with inflation soaring, gas prices surging, war, covid, homelessness, hunger, crime, discriminations, should I go on? I sure that I could name a few more. I know that we are weary. I know that we are all working so hard. But I also believe that we, you and I, all of us, the church, must provide that hope that is missing in so many people’s lives.
It is time for us as a church to intensify our ministries. It is time to try new things. It is time to break the mold. It is time to meet people where they are at, just as Jesus did. It is time to move from surviving to thriving for yourselves and others as you walk with Him.
Maybe you need help, maybe you don’t know what to do or how to get started, we can help and we will.
This is the time when the Jesus needs your help and He’s calling you by name.
Mike Kelly
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From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb:
2020 General Conference postponed
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On Friday March 4, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent a note to the UNY Conference about the Commission on the General Conference announcement that the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church rescheduled for Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022, will not be held. Instead, the next General Conference will take place in 2024.
Bishop Webb acknowledged that this decision, along with the subsequent announcement that the Global Methodist Church has decided to launch on May 1, 2022, raises many questions. He explained that it his commitment to offer accurate information in a spirit of transparency to address those questions appropriately and as quickly as possible.
Click here to read Bishop Webb’s full letter, which also links to the Commission on the General Conference announcement.
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NYS Hero Act extended through March 17th |
The NY HERO Act designation with respect to COVID-19 has been extended again and will be in effect through March 17, 2022, at which time it will be reviewed and subject to further extension.
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What the end of the NY state mask mandate
means for local churches
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New York State Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship and other gatherings.
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ALL Forms That Have NOT Been Received in the District Office Are NOW PAST DUE!!!! |
Due Date WAS: February 15th, 2022-
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
Due Date WAS: February 28th, 2022
Due Date is: March 15th, 2022
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
2021 Local Annual Audit
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office at:
Mountain View District Office
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
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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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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments |
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made? Click here to read about the process.
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March 27 is UMCOR Sunday, a day in which churches throughout the denomination are encouraged to collect donations to support the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. For more than 80 years, UMCOR has ensured that 100% of its gifts to specific projects help those who need it most. Core resources are available in multiple languages.
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United Methodists stand with Ukraine |
United Methodists across the globe condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with those experiencing violence, displacement and suffering in the midst of war. Learn more about the ways United Methodist prayers, aid and witness are being directed to Ukraine.
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Pop Up Basic Lay Servant Class- In Person ONLY
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When: April 6th-May 4th
Where: New Beginnings UMC
300 E. Miller St.
Elmira, NY 14904
Time: 7-9pm
Biblical Storytelling Lay Servant Class-Hybrid, Live/Zoom
When: Saturdays-April 9th-May 21st (taking off April 16th)
Where: Horseheads UMC
1034 W. Broad St.
Horseheads, NY 14845
Time: 10-12:30am
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Two Trainings Being Offered for all churches in the Southern Tier Region: Mountain View, Cornerstone, Binghamton, and Oneonta
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SPRC Training for all SPRC members Tuesday April 26th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to be presented by Superintendents Nancy Adams, Jeff McDowell, and Suzanne Block. raining to be held Via ZOOM.
2.Trustee Training for all trustees Thursday April 28th from 6:30-8:00
p.m. to be presented by Superintendents Nancy Adams, Jeff
McDowell, and Suzanne Block. Training to be held Via ZOOM.
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Lay Servant Courses Offered by Other Districts |
Adirondack District Offering Courses by Zoom
Albany District Offering Courses by Zoom
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Mountain View District UMW's Day Apart Scheduled |
Day Apart
The Call
Living Sacramentally
March 19th, 2022
Big Flats UMC
109 Hillview Dr.
Big Flats, NY 14814
1-3pm
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First Aid for Mental Health |
Have you noticed that a colleague, friend or family member might be going through a difficult time? What do you do? What do you say?
Unfortunately, for many of us this is not a hypothetical scenario, but a lived experience.
To help create a more empathetic community and environment within The United Methodist Church (UMC) for those struggling with their mental and emotional health, Wespath is offering first aid training for mental health to all its participants—at no cost. Church staff and congregation members, UMC clergy and their spouses, and Church leaders also are invited to attend.
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Over the course of two sessions, First Aid for Mental Health participants will learn advanced listening skills that will enable them to build empathy, trust and rapport with someone who might be going through a difficult time. Until you establish a foundation of empathy, trust and rapport it is difficult to help others make positives changes.
h facilitator
First Aid for Mental Health is for everyone. The skills acquired can be applied to many situations, including home, social and professional environments. The training also teaches attendees how to accept their own mental health struggles without embarrassment or shame.
You also can watch the First Aid for Mental Health video to learn more: Click here to watch video
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Safe Sanctuary Training Flyer |
Attached is a flyer for all upcoming Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training session for the year, along with registration links
and dates.
Click Here for a Flyer for all the churches in your district to post in their churches. We will continue to send reminders prior to registration by an individual bases but we wanted to make sure all dates were available to the conference, districts and churches.
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PRESENTATION ABOUT METHODIST CIRCUIT RIDERS
BY REV DR GREG VANDUSSEN
FROM HIS BOOK CIRCUIT RIDERS ON THE ROAD TO GLORY
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On Monday, April 25th at Asbury Retreat Center, Rev. Dr. Greg VanDussen will offer a presentation about the early American Circuit Riders based on his book entitled Circuit Riders on the Road to Glory. The presentation will be at 11 am. The presentation will be part of the spring meeting of Faith Fellowship, a group of retired United Methodist clergy and spouses generally from western New York. All clergy are welcome to attend Greg’s presentation and the entire morning beginning at 9:30 am with light refreshments.
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Looking for Lenten Resources?? |
The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. Join with other churches by downloading this series.
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Upper NY United Methodist Men |
"DID YOU KNOW...
We are EMBARKING ON our Aldersgate Men’s Retreat 20th Anniversary APRIL 29-30
Register today ASAP & bring someone in need of Jesus in their lives!!
Click here for the flyer and registration information
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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Opening to Grace Winter Retreat- Deaconess Sue Silhan |
Session Date
Mar. 19th 12noon-9pm- Dreamwork
Both sessions are offered via Zoom and a time of shared discussion during our dinner if desired.
Fee of $100 per person with financial assistance available if needed.
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ANNOUNCING: The “Connect with Us” Academy for Continuing Education 2022 Course Schedule including
A Course Series: Refreshing My Preaching Ministry
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The “Connect with Us” Academy is funded by a Magee Christian Education Foundation grant, Academy partners, and through clergy participation. The Academy develops, offers, and sustains high-quality continuing education courses and fellowship opportunities.
The Academy was designed by the ALPS-MTH Alumni Advisory Committee, Union College, Annual Conferences, local pastors, who completed Course of Study and ordained clergy. All clergy, need access to high-quality, practical, and affordable continuing education.
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Mountain View District Winter Lay Servant Classes |
Upcoming Class Session
To be held at:
Via Zoom
Exploring Healing Prayer - Lent Study Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
beginning March 10th - April 6th 2022
Tuition: $15.00 per person plus purchase price of the books
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LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
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Check out the courses being offered by ALL the Districts in the UNYAC. Click here to see what courses are being offered.
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Upper NY LPLS (local pastors licensing school)
click the link below to read more and to register:
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Stewardship Academy with Rev. Susan Ranous |
April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
May 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
June 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
July 16th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (May be via Zoom or possibly in person)
Who Should Attend?
Clergy (approved for CEU)
Laity (approved by lay servant credit)
All those passionate about stewardship
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. There will be a final project due after the conclusion of the academy.
The topic would be one we have covered that you may want to get more detail on. It will be an opportunity to focus on an aspect of stewardship that you could use and help others utilize.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program for Lay and Clergy
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Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
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For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Media Resource Center
Media Resource Center
315-898-2027
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
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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. Just click and start exploring your options!
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https://www.unyumc.org/resources/mission-insite |
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Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
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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
If the office is closed and you have an emergency please call 315-898-2077 and leave a message or email the DS at jeffmcdowell@unyumc.org
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