December 16th 2021 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
NOTE* This will be the last District Newsletter for this year! Our next Newsletter will be sent out on Thurs. Jan. 6th, 2022
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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The Office Will Be Closed-
Teresa Will Be Out Of The Office
I will be out of the office on vacation beginning Tues. December 21st and back in the office on January 4th. (I will not be checking emails or phone messages)
The office will be closed December 21st-January 3rd.
If you have an emergency please call 607-372-5407 and leave a message or email the D.S. Rev. Nancy Adams at: [email protected]
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The Oneonta District Office of the UNYAC UMC
would like to wish you all
a very Blessed Christmas
and Happy New Year!
Thank you for your work for the LORD!
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Christmas message from Bishop Mark J. Webb
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, offers a message of hope in this year’s Christmas message. He reminds us that the promise of a Savior delivered to shepherds in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, is a promise that is available to anyone who has or will ever live.
Click here to watch this inspiring Christmas message.
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Nancy’s Notes - #38
Dear Friends,
When my older niece was 3, she saw a picture of Jesus in my mom’s house. She said, “Who is that?” I said, “That’s Jesus.” She said, “All grown up!” She knew of baby Jesus and even picked Jesus out of the manger in my mom’s creche, held him in her hand, and started singing “Away in a Manger.” That was a precious experience, and I cried with delight. She knew of the baby Jesus at Christmas but didn’t yet know that He grew up to show us how to love, how to live, and to die for our sins on the cross so that we can know we are forgiven, no matter what we’ve done. She hadn’t yet realized that Jesus rose from the grave in victory over death. Do we?
Friends, every year we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – and we should! The greatest gift, though, is that He grew up and fulfilled His purpose. He has transformed my life, and I trust He has transformed yours. If you have not yet received the most precious gift of Himself in your life, please receive Him this Christmas. It is the best birthday present you could ever give Him! I guarantee that if you do, you will NEVER be sorry! In the words of the Christmas carol “Joy to the World,” may all our hearts prepare Him room – this Christmas and always. May it be so!
“O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”
Merry Christmas!
With You in the Advent Journey,
Nancy
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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms
Due Dates
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
March 15th 2022
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download. All information can be found at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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On the longest night, a Blue Christmas Service December 21, at 7pm
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," the song tells us. But if you're dealing with grief, the holiday season can become a painful reminder of what has been lost. Join Cobleskill UMC in a service on the longest night as we give ourselves permission to grieve while recognizing that God offers hope even in the darkest of seasons.
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Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service
at Sidney United Methodist Church
TUES., DECEMBER 21, 2021 AT 6 PM
Come join us for a service of healing, hope, lighting candles, Holy Communion, and seeking Christ in the middle of an Advent and soon to be Christmas Season: overshadowed by COVID-19, political divisions, and social upheavals.
We are planning on having In-Person worship, with masks.
So, you can attend on Facebook Live or In-Person !
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Human Relations Day is Jan. 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. You gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by The General Board of Global Ministries and The General Board of Church and Society.
Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing. Find free resources here.
Click here to order your Special Sundays printed envelope.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Lay Servant Ministry
Note* - Because of COVID, the Conference Team of Lay Servant Ministries is extending a year of grace to everyone who needed to take an Advanced Lay Servant Course in 2020 so you now have through 2021 to take a course to keep your certification up-to-date
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The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant Course: (Open to All)
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life. If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
Monday January 10th 6-9
Thursday January 13th 6-9
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.”
If interested please email the Registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected] for a registration form.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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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.
Jan. 27, 2022 - 2 pm -Olu Brown: Preaching and Leading During Lent 2022. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2217957265253727243
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) District Administrative Assistant - For Finger Lakes district
2) Director of Missional Engagement
If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Advent calendar available
View this year's Advent Calendar created by Rev. Thomas Mousin, Rev. Merry Watters and Susan Kochinskas: click here.
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Churches can apply for grant
Stewart’s Shops supports local youth in your communities by giving out grant money to “Local 501c3 organizations benefiting children under 18, preferably groups which help kids all year long” and that includes YOU (churches). Last year they gave out $1.8 million for local children’s organizations!
For the 2020-21 Grant Season, 17 United Methodist churches received grants! Last year Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center was among those who received grants as well.
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Simple guidance for preachers on Christmas Eve
As pastors and congregations prepare to receive guests on Christmas Eve, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter offers simple, heartfelt advice. Keep the sermon brief but grace filled. Appeal to people’s generosity. And make sure those inspired to begin their faith journeys are invited to take the next step.
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Top Lewis Center
resources of 2021
Lewis Center resources guide you in strengthening your personal leadership and renewing your congregation. Included are our most popular free and purchased resources of the year, plus a free PDF e-book.
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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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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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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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UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
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NEW- UMCOR is collecting for tornado relief through its domestic disaster fund. Click on the link below.
Note: Churches please send directly to UMCOR using the Advance # 901670.
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Volunteer at the UNY Mission Central HUB
The Mission Central HUB at the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool, NY has been hustling and bustling with volunteers putting together UMCOR hygiene and school kits. If your family, group, or organization would like to help with these important disaster relief kits (following COVID protocols), call the HUB at (315) 372-0285.
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Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
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UNY Media Resource Center needs your support
Since the Upper New York Conference Media Resource Center does not have a budget for 2022 to purchase new resources, we are asking churches who have benefited from this ministry to support it with a financial contribution.
The committee for the Media Resource Center is asking if you could donate at least $100 toward purchasing new resources next year. If your church can contribute more than this, we would be grateful for your additional generosity. Your help is vital to keep this mission active and current.
You can make your check payable to the “Upper New York Conference,” and note it is for the “Media Resource Center” on the memo line. A gift by the end of the year would help us purchase Lenten resources for next year. Checks should be sent to The UNY Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088.
Please direct any questions to our committee members:
Click here to learn more about this fundraising campaign.
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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New York State Requiring Masks Indoors
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This is an action to address the winter surge comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.
This determination is based on the State's weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. The new business and venue requirements extend to both patrons and staff. This measure is effective Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions. Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%.
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UNY Young Adult Ministries wants to hear from young adults
Do you have young adults in your congregation who would like to connect with other young adults across the UNY Conference Connection? The Young Adult Council would like to hear from them! Please share this 10 minutes survey with your young adults as an opportunity for them to express their spiritual and connectional needs.
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New- From isolation ministry to collaboration in UNY
Moving from isolation to generative ministry is best done through an intentional process whereby a team supports each other through the guidance of a coach.
In the latest issue of the Advocate, focused on mentorship, The Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, wrote an interesting article about pastoral leaders throughout the Conference who have joined incubator groups. These leaders have loved, learned, and led together, inspiring an environment of transformation in their local congregations.
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United Methodist Conference Center seeking
Archives Volunteers
The UNY UM Conference maintains the Archives of all four of the Upstate New York Conferences which merged a few years ago.
Conference Archives and History has organized and arranged the rooms in such a way that with a little training, a volunteer can put items away and, most importantly, conduct a search. This happens regularly, often with legal papers needed by a family.
Do you love history? Do you have an interest in preserving UMC documents for research? Do you love a treasure hunt? The Commission on Archives and History (CAH) is looking for Crossroads District people - because you live nearby – to help the CAH and the Archives Assistant out 1-2 half days or days a month. Preferably Wednesdays, but TBD. New boxes arrive constantly and need processing. Training is provided. Karen Campolieto, current Archives Assistant is retiring in January. We are looking for someone to begin before then. The Conference Center is open following COVID masking rules. If interested or you have questions, email Karen Campolieto at [email protected] or Susan Slenker, at 315-516-5289.
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BSA ballot date extended
The deadline for filing the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) ballot has been extended until Dec. 28. If a church hasn’t filed yet, please do so before this revised date. Click here if you need access to the ballot, watch the recorded webinars from last month, or to read guidance and instructions for local churches.
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NYS Minimum Wage and Salary increase
Both are Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour.
Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before Oct. 1 each year.
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Revised CDC guidelines affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
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If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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District & Conference Office Closed
Dec. 24th - Christmas Eve
Dec. 27th - Christmas Day (Observed)
Jan. 3rd 2022 - New Years Day (Observed)
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
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How to Contact the Oneonta District Office
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: (607) 353-1034
(physical address)
Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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News from the past
(Then scroll to bottom of page.)
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in.
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