|
Adirondack District and Conference News
October 29, 2022
| |
|
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."
-- Arthur Ashe
Isaac Newton
| | |
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
| |
(New) Would appreciate your input
We are wondering if your church has shown any movies, or if you've used specific study guides, that could be helpful in our conversation concerning racism. Some churches have indicated that they have shown or encouraged folks to view movies such as "Hidden Figures" and "42." Others have plans to view "Till," which is now in theaters. Please share with Carrie, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
| |
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!
| | |
|
|
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 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.
| |
|
Feedback on District Day
will help us plan future events
| |
The Adirondack and Albany District Day, "Informed to Transform,"
was held last Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC.
78 people participated in 16 workshops. Also in the building were several facilitators and hospitality assistants - 90 people in all! It was a wonderful day of learning and fellowship!
We plan to have another in-person event in the Spring, and we may be offering some ZOOM workshops before then, based on interest shown. Some of the facilitators are willing to come to your church to offer in-person workshops. Contact Carrie if you're interested.
If you attended, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. Please consider taking the attached survey: Click here, or just send Carrie an email with your comments, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
| |
|
|
Register now!
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. Deadline to register: Nov. 2.
| |
|
|
Become a trained Spiritual Director through Tending the Soul
Are you feeling called to become a spiritual director? If so, Tending the Soul is the prefect opportunity for you to become trained in spiritual direction. This program consists of weekend retreats throughout the course of two years where you will learn everything you need to know to become a spiritual director. The next program starts on Feb. 24, 2023. The registration deadline is Dec. 2, 2022.
Click here for a brochure about Tending the Soul, as well as the application.
Click here to watch a video where the Rev. Nancy Dibelius describes the program.
For more information and to register, contact Rev. Dibelius at nancyd@unyumc.org.
| |
|
Northeast Jurisdictional Conference to be livestreamed
The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will be held November 2-4 in College Park, Maryland. The theme will be “One In Ministry To All The World” as taken from Philippians 2.
During the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference, UNYUMC-2022.6 – Endorsement of Candidates for Episcopacy was supported. After four rounds of voting, the Rev. Wendy Deichmann received the Upper New York Annual Conference’s endorsement as an episcopal candidate. To view a complete list of 2022 Endorsed NEJ Episcopal candidates and to read their bios, click here.
Click here to watch a livestream of the event.
| |
|
|
John Wesley loved All Saints Day
Nov. 1 is All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations. It is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows' (Saints') Eve, better known as Halloween, but is far more important in the life of the Church.
On All Saints Day, let us give thanks for both the saints in glory and those on earth, who have led us to Jesus. As they have shared the gospel with us, may we add our voices so someone else may hear about the grace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. Click here to learn why.
| |
| |
|
|
Wesley Tour 2024
Join the Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor at Canton UMC, on the trip of a lifetime to visit John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England.
You will enjoy visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the
Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.
You will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William
Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024.
Click here to register and use group code 24002.
Contact Rev. Johnson at pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com with any questions.
| | |
|
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
(American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month)
Next month is Native American Heritage Month. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people face, and share the ways in which tribal citizens conquer those challenges.
Click here to learn more.
Click here for Native American Heritage Month worship resources.
| |
| |
|
|
Take time to celebrate Thanksgiving
While a traditional communal Thanksgiving meal or other large in-person gathering may not be possible, there are many ways to mark this special time with sincere gratitude. Giving thanks can easily be expressed in more ways than just passing the pecan pie.
To read more, click here.
| | |
|
Voices heard and not heard at the AC2022
Monitoring reports are presented at Annual Conference to understand whose voices are heard and whose voices are not heard on the floor of Annual Conference. To conduct these reports, when speakers come to the floor, they are asked to identify their gender, race, whether they are clergy or laity, their District, and their church.
This year, Annual Conference was held virtually from Oct. 6-8—as opposed to appearing at a microphone on the floor, these speakers waited in a virtual que and when called upon, they were able to speak via Zoom.
The speakers on both Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 were predominantly white clergy. Lay members and People of Color were underrepresented.
Click here to read more.
| |
|
|
CCORR outlines three goals
in their upcoming work
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) report was presented during the Oct. 6 afternoon plenary at the 2022 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, held virtually.
The CCORR team discussed the success of the Imagine No Racism 2.0 curriculum in educating clergy and laity across the Conference about dismantling racism. Then, the team discussed three goals for the future: to express the harms experienced by all People of Color in the UNY Conference, to create a plan for educating younger adults on dismantling racism, and to increase the number of churches that are active in anti-racism work.
Click here to read more.
| |
|
|
Loans help women in Sierra Leone
Interest-free loans from United Women in Faith are helping women in Sierra Leone start businesses and become financially independent. The African nation is one of four regions where United Women in Faith has empowered working teams to strategize on and implement plans for their community's needs. Mary Esther Sovula says the program gave her the ability to start a soap-making business. Keziah Kargbo reports.
To read more, click here.
| |
|
Books and studies for Advent
The United Methodist Publishing House and the Upper Room have produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented year of uncertainty and anxiety. As we continue to social distance and wait for things to get better, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms.
| |
|
|
Constructing homes for
AIDS orphans in Kenya
After her parents died from AIDS five years ago, Jackeline, then 12, had no choice but to live with her impoverished, elderly grandmother, Martha. Together they struggled to survive, living in a crumbling, 8-feet-square, dirt-floor shack in the rural outskirts of Maua, Kenya. With only the food supplied by neighbors and no opportunity for education, life looked bleak and the future hopeless.
“Then a miracle happened,” Jackeline, now 17, said. The staff of Maua Methodist Hospital informed her grandmother that someone would build them a small home, provide fees for schooling and ensure both had health insurance. To read more, click here.
| |
|
|
Ukraine a top priority for Global Ministries
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has processed more than $17 million so far to help the people of Ukraine cope with the invasion by Russia, said its top executive during the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ fall board meeting.
At the meeting, held virtually Oct. 18-21, the agency announced plans for additional assistance for partners working in Ukraine and a $3.9 million increase in funding for U.S. conference disaster ministry programs in 2023. The last day’s agenda was devoted to reports to the board from various committees.
| |
|
Coming up/Deadlines approaching | |
|
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. 10. 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.
| |
| |
|
Dates for remaining Adirondack Church Conferences | |
We are in the season when we gather for Church Conferences. Most of our conferences have already taken place. It was wonderful to share time together! 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 is 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.
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.
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
| |
|
Holy Land Trip 2023 - Deadline to register: Tuesday, Nov. 1!
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.
| |
| |
|
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
What's New from the Lewis Center | |
|
Leadership lessons from Jackie Robinson
Lovett H. Weems Jr. shares inspiring leadership lessons from the life of Jackie Robinson. Robinson faced challenges and adversity with courage and faith, while striving to make life better for others.
\
To learn more, click here.
| |  |
|
7 practical strategies for nurturing a culture of generosity
Ann A. Michel and Lovett H. Weems Jr., authors of Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance, say creating a culture of generosity requires creativity and consistency. They outline seven strategies that any church can deploy to deepen the link between faith and giving.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
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
| |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| |
| |
|
|
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
| | |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
|
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
| | |
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.
Some forms were due tgwo weeks prior to church conferences; the remaining forms are either due two weeks after conferences or later in the year
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, and more.
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
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.
| | |
|
Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
|
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
| | | |
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 | | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| |
'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.
| |
|
|
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
| |
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| | | | |
|
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.
| |
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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
| |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
| |
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.
| |
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
| |
|
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
| | | | | |
