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Adirondack District and Conference News
January 14, 2023
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“The time is always right to do what is right."
-- Martin Luther King Jr.
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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An opportunity to reach out to the homeless
If you travel around the Capital District you will not have failed to notice there are people on the streets needing help. And if you think you are seeing more than ever, then you are correct: numbers have been increasing over recent years.
Joseph's House & Shelter is just one of the agencies that help homeless people, but the Outreach Vans which take food, water and blankets to people living outside in Albany and Rensselaer Counties are operated by Joseph's House staff and volunteers - and there is an inexpensive way to help us reach people. Food, water and blankets are how we build trust and start the process of getting people inside, and into a safe home.
If your congregation can help us get a nutritious snack into the hands of people living outside we would be so grateful. We need donations of sandwiches - and peanut butter and jelly on regular white bread works fantastically. It is simple protein that can be popped in a backpack and saved for a bedtime snack, and we give out 50 to 100 every day, along with other food, bottled water, winter gloves, lip balm, and much more and we do that every day of the year, holidays included.
There is a simple sign up calendar with all instructions, and Janet Douglass would love to send you the access to it. Please email Janet at jdouglass@josephshousetroy.org. Janet is also willing to come to speak to your United Methodist Men or United Women of Faith, church council, youth or social ministry team - however small - about what Joseph's House does, and how. "
Joseph's House & Shelter, 202 4th St., Troy, NY 12180
www.JosephsHouseTroy.org
or stay connected on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/JosephsHouseTroyNY/
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Movies and resources helpful in conversation about racism:
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.
Contact Carrie in the District Office, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
To read responses we've received thus far, 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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Please hold Roger Waldron in your prayers. Roger was recently hospitalized with pneumonia and other health issues. Roger is the husband of Pastor Debby Waldron (Whitehall and West Fort Ann UMCs).
Please continue to hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann now resides at 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.
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51 years celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Event tomorrow in Colonie
For over fifty years the Capital Area Council of Churches has celebrated Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. In recognition of this day, the Council sponsors an Interfaith Celebration that aims to remind us of Rev. King’s legacy as well as raise scholarship funds for deserving high school seniors.
The 2023 Celebration will be held on Sunday (Jan. 15) at 7 PM at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Ave., Colonie. Rev. Jamel Robinson of Mt. Zion Baptist Church will be the speaker. We appreciate everyone who attends in person to wear a mask. Click here to view more
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Bishop Héctor announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Nuñez and the Upper New York Conference announce 14 ad interim appointments and 12 retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Discipleship Ministries
Bishop Burgos Núñez elected as board president
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Newly elected Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez was unanimously voted in as the president of the board of directors for Discipleship Ministries. Burgos Núñez leads the Upper New York Conference. “The work of Discipleship Ministries is crucial as it supports conferences and local congregations in developing world-changing disciples in creative and innovative ways,” he said.
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United Methodist Committee on Relief:
How to help amid tornadoes and floods
ATLANTA — Storms swept through Alabama, Georgia and other southern states this week, spawning at least 35 tornadoes and claiming the lives of at least seven people, including a child. Floods that have killed at least 19 people continue to ravage California. United Methodists can help by assembling cleaning kits and donating to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Advance for U.S. disaster relief.
Help by providing cleaning kits: Click here.
Kits can be delivered to the UNYAC Mission Hub, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool or call Carrie in the District Office (518) 608-1246.We may be able to transport them for you.
To donate, click here
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Ask The UMC
What is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held Jan. 18-25, Christians everywhere are invited to remember one another in prayer and strengthen the bonds of love and mutual mission shared in Jesus Christ. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on the annual observance, which is sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity.
Read story
See World Council of Churches resources
Read more Ask The UMC
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The ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Zoom gathering Part I—The devastation and God sightings
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, expected 30-40 people to participate in his Jan. 6 Zoom gathering to address the impact of the Christmas 2022 weekend blizzard, identified as the “blizzard of the century.” What was expected to be a few dozen people turned into a virtual gathering of over 150 people. The hour spent together was filled with encouraging stories of God sightings, dozens of examples of where help was needed in the Buffalo community, and ideas as to what needs to be done to better prepare for winter storms.
Click here to read more.
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Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Part II—The work ahead
During Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s "blizzard of the century" Zoom meeting on Jan. 6, many participants mentioned the need for a taskforce to tackle the multiple issues that arise in the event of a storm. And there was also discussion about the social justice implications of the Dec. 2022 storm and natural disasters in general.
Click here to read more.
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Intentionally tending to the well-being of our clergy and clergy families
How can our churches thrive if their leaders feel depleted? Bekah Solar, a pastor at Point Peninsula UMC and Three Mile Bay UMC has a passion for clergy wellness and support. With the help of the Northern Flow District Superintendent, the Rev. Mike Weeden, there is a plan to intentionally focus on clergy wellness in their District—they will start by working with younger clergy and clergy families to offer mutual support.
Bekah Solar shared her passion and plans in an article in our latest issue of the Advocate, which focuses on spiritual wellness. Click here to read Bekah’s beautifully written article.
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New 'Bridge' available
The January Issue I of the Bridge is ready for download. It is available in color, black & white, and large print formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.
This issue of the Bridge shares our new bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s welcome letter; dates, times, and places he will be visiting across the Upper New York Conference in February and March; and the Conference’s response to the Dec. 2022 “blizzard of the century” that impacted many in the Niagara Frontier and Northern Flow Districts.
If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact news@unyumc.org.
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“Expanding the Table” Podcast
GCORR’s (General Commission on Religion and Race) Award-Winning Podcast on Practicing Anti-Racism
To learn more, click here.
To view the January newsletter, click here.
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Reminder for Churches:
Certificates of Insurance
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the following information will be helpful to you.
Requests for DB 120.1
Certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 102.1) are issued by the disability insurance carrier, Guardian. The following information will be needed from you to request the certificate of insurance. You can email either Tracy Rickett, HR Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or Suzannah Emerson at SEmerson@WalshDuffield.com with the following information. Please allow at least 5 business days for your request to be processed.
NAME OF INSURED CHURCH:
MAILING ADDRESS OF INSURED CHURCH:
EMAIL ADDRESS TO WHERE DB 120.1 CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE SENT:
NAME OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE (Typically the Dept of Health):
ADDRESS OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE:
Requests for C 105.2
Certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2) can be obtained by contacting American Church Group of NY. They will assist each church in obtaining the documentation needed. Contact them at 800-326-7200; 717-763-5517 (fax) or UMCservice.NY@AmericanChurchGroup.com.
If you have questions on certificates of insurance, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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United Women in Faith
Scholarship for lay women available
NEW YORK — The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith National Scholarship for lay women is April 18. The scholarships are designed to be used for undergraduate or graduate study or student internships in religion or a related field such as social work. Preference will be given to people affiliated with The United Methodist Church and women involved with UWF. The average scholarship is $1,000, and the maximum is $5,000.
Read press release
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United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
More than $2 million in scholarships available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Every year, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students attending the more than 100 United Methodist-related colleges, universities and seminaries. These awards are separate from those offered by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Applications are open through March 1.
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Celebrating Global Connectivity
The United Methodist Church is a truly global denomination, connecting thousands of people across numerous continents. The Global Technology team at United Methodist Communications has worked internationally to increase the capacity of churches and ministries to stay connected to their communities and continue sharing the Gospel. Through mass text messaging services to encourage good health, radio networks to increase evangelism and internet service expansion to rural areas, the team is making an impact on the world. To read more, click here
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United Methodist Communications
Get bookish in 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For many United Methodists, a new year is a good time to plan to read more, research a new area of interest or dig deeper in the Bible. Crystal Caviness has recommendations to help with those studious endeavors.
Read story
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At 96, hymnal editor shares his story
NASHVILLE. Tenn. (UM News) — The Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young, editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, shares the story of his long life and career as a church musician in the new book “I’ll Sing On: My First 96 Years.” C. Michael Hawn, himself a major contributor to church music, assesses Young’s autobiography.
To read more, click here.
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Lay Servant course
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has scheduled the following course.Additional opportunities will be announced soon.
Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.
No refunds or credit for courses will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the brochure.
*Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Registration and course fees due by Feb. 15
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All invited to SPRC training via ZOOM on Jan. 24 or Jan. 25
All Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee members are invited to a time of training, to be led by District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl. This training was offered in the Spring via ZOOM and in person. If you missed it, or if you're new to the committee, you may find this training beneficial. Whether you have been serving, or are new to the committee, you are encouraged to be a part of this training.
The 2020’s, as much as, or more than any other time in the past few decades, is a time when the ministry of this committee is vital to the health of the church.
The training will be offered from 1 to 2:30 PM and 6:30 to 8 PM Tuesday, Jan. 24 and from 1 to 2:30 PM and 6:30 to 8 PM Wednesday, Jan. 25. The ZOOM link can be used for any of the four sessions. All sessions will be the same; you need only attend one session.
Please RSVP to Carrie in the District Office if you're able to attend. (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Topic: SPRC Training
Time: This is a recurring meeting - Join anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86805488896?pwd=Z3NISUdFemNHMnpDbUwvcHNhdkNzdz09
Meeting ID: 868 0548 8896
Passcode: 850304
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
Meeting ID: 868 0548 8896
Passcode: 850304
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdq0angvH
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Program on Poverty, Tuesday, Jan. 24, Redeemer Church, Albany
Justice for Orphans, a local non-profit dealing with child-welfare is offering a Cost of Poverty Experience on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1 PM at Redeemer Church, 183 Schoolhouse Rd., Albany. This is a 2.5 hour role play and debrief that helps you to better understand the realities of living in poverty. This training is beneficial to both church leaders and members who actively serve the community. Click here to view the flyer. JFO would be honored for you to attend this experience. There is a nominal cost of $15 per person. You can register at JusticeforOrphansNY.org/events
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There are also two Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays Feb. 4, May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturdays March 4 and Oct. 7.
The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.
If you need training between these dates, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)
Registration for the February training is now open. Click here to register.
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster, click here.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
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Bishop Héctor welcomes you
Starting Jan. 1, Bishop Héctor Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Héctor, will be the new bishop of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. Bishop Héctor is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings. The meetings will be as follows:
The clergy meetings will be from 1-3 p.m.
The laity meeting (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time) will be from 7- 8:30 p.m.
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New Statistical Program is now live
Pastors and church leaders:
PLEASE share this information with the person(s) that care for your yearly Statistical reporting.
Here is the Default Churches login information:
LINK to new platform: https://stats.gcfa.org/
Username: Your six-digit GCFA Number
Password: ACStats2022!
Be in touch with Carrie if you need your GCFA number.
You'll need to change the password once you log in. Please store your password in a safe place!
ALSO: When you log back into the system, your login (user name) will be the email address that you entered when you initially signed in. It WILL NOT be your GCFA number.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot use the same email address twice for 2 different churches/Users.
(Example: A user cannot use the same email address for 2 different churches: The system will allow the second user to be created, but then It will delete the password for the previously made first user and won’t allow you to login under that first user. It would make sense to use the church's email address if you have one, because at this time, we're not sure if that login (email) can easily be changed from year to year.)
It appears that you will be unable to update your church details at this time. We will let you know how to do that when that function becomes available.
Click here to view more information on the Statistical Reports, including a user's guide.
The deadline to submit statistics is March 17.
If you have questions, please give me a call at the District Office at 518-608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org and I will do my best to assist you.
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Special session set to consider disaffiliations
The Upper New York Conference’s March 2023 Special Session of Annual Conference to consider disaffiliation requests will take place remotely on March 25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration will open on Feb. 1, 2023, and close on March 10, 2023.
For information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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10 things great preachers
do differently
What separates good preachers from great preachers? Charley Reeb, a Florida pastor known as a gifted preacher, says talent is less important than approaching the task with the right perspective and preparing effectively. He outlines ten things that you can do to become a great preacher.
To learn more, click here.
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What would
Martin Luther King Jr. say
to the church Today?
Anthony Hunt reflects on how Martin Luther King Jr. would address today’s social challenges by reimagining King’s 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Hunt posits a contemporary version of King’s letter that emphasizes the right and responsibility of voting and the need to continue to dream and hope for a better tomorrow.
To learn more, click here.
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Special Sundays: Six Mission Projects
any church can adopt in 2023
There are mission projects in which your church can participate without booking travel or having to get participants’ shots up to date.
There are six Special Sundays that are celebrated by congregations of The United Methodist Church. If your church is participating in these Sundays, then your church is affecting many lives. These are great stories of impact that your church can claim. If you haven’t been participating fully, there is no better time to get involved!
Click here to learn more
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#BeUMC resources
The #BeUMC Leader Toolkit includes new resources to help local churches embrace the #BeUMC campaign. New graphics and promotional videos were recently added to the toolkit.
Below you'll find featured downloads from our collection of promotional graphics and videos. These resources will help you promote awareness of the #BeUMC campaign to your congregation or group. Use these graphics on your social media channels and church website, in worship and other events, or on any electronic or print communication. Or create your own custom graphics using imagery from your community with the help of design assets.
To read more, click here.
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Boy Scouts of America Affiliation
and Building Use Agreements
Troops and local congregations seeking to continue or start a relationship will need to complete a new “BSA Affiliation Agreement” and “Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.” Click here to download the BSA Affiliation Agreement. Click here to download the Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.
All UNY local congregations seeking to be in relationship with a local troop should use these and only these forms.
In most areas, the affiliation agreements and facility use agreements are being implemented and the implementation is going well. There are BSA Councils that are not cooperating in a few Conferences and as the BSA learns of these, they reach out to those Councils to address issues.
If you are encountering such issues, please contact Jeffrey Hunt jeff.hunt@scouting.org of BSA, who oversees the BSA Councils across the United States.
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Updated New York State short-term disability forms
New York State recently updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now two separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability.
Click here to learn more and access the forms.
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No new elections needed for General Conference 2024
The United Methodist Church’s highest court ruled that new delegate elections “are not required” for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal General Conference, now set for 2024.
What this means is that the Upper New York (UNY) Conference delegates that were elected at the 2019 UNY Annual Conference for the originally slotted 2020 General Conference will be able to serve at the 2024 General Conference. There is no need for new elections.
The location and dates for the 2024 General Conference have also been announced—the event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23 to May 3, 2024.
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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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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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From the Conference Center | |
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Job opportunities
UNY Conference announces job opportunities:
- Conference Director of Communications
-Maintenance Supervisor
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
-- Site Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center.
For more information and to apply, click here
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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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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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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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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:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Rev. Nancy Dibelius
District Associate
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
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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