Next Issue February 23,2023 | |
Notes From Our
District Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood
Dear Friends,
Years ago, there was an American Express commercial with the tagline, “Membership has its privileges.” It implied that if you had an Amex card you had special rights or advantages that others did not. In The United Methodist Church, membership means something quite different. Our understanding of membership is deeply rooted in our understanding of the sacrament of baptism. Membership is a covenant between God and the persons who constitute the Body of Christ in a particular location, the local church.
When we become members, we profess our faith in God, our desire to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, and commit to join with our church community to keep the vows made at baptism. The covenant we make include promises to faithfully participate in the life and ministries of our local congregation through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Rev. Mark W. Stamm explains, "What are the benefits of such a commitment? The primary benefit is the presence of the living Christ. Indeed, he promises that we will greet him in the midst of the faithful — '... where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them' (Matthew 18:20). The church continues to insist that our hearts are warmed as we hear the Scriptures read and proclaimed (Luke 24: 32), that the Risen Christ is known in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24: 35). Indeed, the mystery of the Risen Christ is present in the midst of my sisters and brothers. They hear my confession and proclaim God's forgiveness. They embrace me, they laugh and cry with me, and God heals me in and through all of that. My brothers and sisters know my shortcomings, and so they keep me honest, but they also know my potential, and so they call forth my gifts. They share their heritage and their wisdom and give me people to teach. I need their commitment to me, and they need me as well." (Our Membership Vows)
Following Jesus is not a solo endeavor. We need one another: to both encourage and be encouraged! The first followers of Jesus came together for teaching, meals, prayers, and more (Acts 2:42). Membership in The United Methodist Church is open to all. More than a privilege, membership is a gift that helps us live into our baptism and deepens our relationship with Jesus. If you have questions about membership, please talk with your pastor – they would be delighted to have a conversation with you!
I’m praying for you, please pray for me.
Grace and peace,
Sherri
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From the Desk of Pastor Michael J. Kelly, Mountain View District Associate
Blessings Friends and Families of the Mountain View District,
Yesterday we had a great opportunity to meet as spiritual leaders in the Mountain View District. I felt very blessed as I believe others did, realizing that we were together, united in Christ. Sherri’s message was succinct, “Keep the main thing, the main thing!” This is the message that all us that attended carried out of there, that message that we all need to convey and to continue to convey to you and others. As one participant put it, “We are better together!” What a wonderful, simple but true statement. Why do we so often get stuck in our own churches, refusing to build ministries together? Seemingly we create rivalries church against church, denomination versus denomination, people against people, our missions and ministries are directed from the same source, and hopefully you all agree, that source is Jesus Christ. For those of you that missed this opportunity there are going to be more of these events. They are, and it was obvious, important, not only to each other, but for the mission of Jesus Christ, that mission that He has not only laid upon us but expects us to deploy into.
On another matter I wanted to review COVID guidelines that some people may have forgotten about, by the way COVID is far from gone, even though we try to put it out of our minds. In our district last week there were about 150 cases of COVID, two of those would be my wife and I. Now of course those and say, “that’s very low.” But you must remember now COVID is self-reported, so for the most part, according to my friends at Public Health, most are going unreported, unless they are hospitalized. So here’s is some important safety tips to keep others safe. If you are feeling sick, stay home, including you pastors. If you test positive, the protocol states that you will self-quarantine for 5 days, if others are around your house, where a mask but avoid others as much as possible, there are many questions about retesting, here is the answer from my doctor and public health, if you retest you may continue to show a positive test on home testing for up to three months, that does not mean that you still have COVID. After your time of isolation, if you are feeling better you may venture out, but the recommended policy is to wear a surgical style mask for five more days. Again, always use prevention, even though that may not always work, wash your hands often, avoid large crowds especially if you are susceptible for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to mask, it still shows that it works.
May your ministry be His ministries and a blessing to others,
Mike
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Note From Mountain View District Lay Leader
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! As a retired teacher, I can tell you that it was a highly charged holiday for children… exchanging cards, sharing treats, and showing kindness in various ways. As Christ-followers, it should also be highly charged. After all, God is love!
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16
it seems only right that we should take hold of this love holiday, Valentine’s Day, as a tool to express the love of God to a hurting world. How can we send the message that “We see you!”, “You matter!”, “God loves You!” to those who fall through the cracks?
This Valentine’s Day, let’s remember to set our sights not just on earthly relationships, but on the God above who loves far more fully and abundantly than we could ever imagine. Let’s find ways to share that amazing love!
Makarios,
Ann Welch Wood
District Lay Leader
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UPDATED
March Special Session
of Annual Conference Via Zoom
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 is now open and close on March 10, 2023. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to pre-register. Click here to register.
There is a $10.00 fee for this conference for all eligible voters, except for equalization members.
Those who are not eligible to vote, do not need to register and can watch the Special Session via livestream by clicking here on March 25.
Click here to see a list of who is eligible to vote.
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Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s
installation service to be held March 11
The Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Episcopacy invites all United Methodists in UNY to join us Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. to celebrate the assignment of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez as our new episcopal leader. At this installation service, we will thank God for the life, ministry, and leadership of Bishop Héctor, offer him and his family our gracious hospitality, and hear our new bishop share his vision for how God intends to lead us into the future together.
This service of installation and celebration is intended for the whole Conference. You may participate in one of two ways:
1. In-person at theLiverpool First United Methodist Church in Liverpool, NY. A limited number of seats are available. Please RSVP for in-person participation no later than March 4 by registering here. An onsite reception will follow this service.
2. Via Livestream from anywhere in the Conference and beyond. To connect, please click here on the Conference website on the day of the service. For Livestream participation, no RSVP is necessary.
We look forward to joining together Saturday, March 11, 2023, to welcome our new resident bishop and celebrate all God seeks to do in and through us in the days ahead.
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Regional Meeting with Bishop Hector
Starting January 1, 2023, Bishop Hector Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Hector, will be the new bishop of the Upper New York Conference (UNY) Conference. Bishop Hector is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings.
The meetings will be as follows:
Feb. 9, 2023-Lakes Region-Leroy UMC
Feb. 16, 2023-Northeast Region-New Hartford
Mar. 1, 2023-Lakes Region-Auburn UMC
Mar. 15, 2023-Southern Tier Region-Olean: Christ
Mar. 16, 2023-Southern Tier Region-Central Endicott
The clergy meetings will be from 1-3 pm.
The laity meetings (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time) will be from 7-8:30 pm
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2023 appointment season news from Bishop Héctor
On Jan. 23, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, sent a letter to the Upper New York Conference regarding the upcoming appointment season. This letter featured the processes for appointment discernment, retirement announcements, expressing interest in open churches, and transitioning churches.
Click here to read the full letter, which includes important dates.
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NEW
Avoca UMC Pancake Breakfast
WHEN: Sunday, February 12, 2023
WHERE: Avoca UMC
8593 Jacob's Ladder Rd.
Avoca, NY 14809
TIME: 8:00-10:00 am
MENU: Buffet serving: Buttermilk Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Applesauce, Juice, Coffee, Tea
COST: Free Will Offering
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Mountain View District Offering
Learning & Growing Opportunity
A Disciple's Heart:
Growing In Love & Grace
A Book Study & Discussion Group
AND
NEW
Winter/Spring Classes
click here for brochure
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses Via Zoom
(These classes are open to ALL)
Click here for brochure
AND
NEW
More classes added click here for list
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NEW
Bless This Mess-Zoom Forum
Sponsored by Plattsburgh United Methodist Church. This is open to ALL
Parent ZOOM Video Forum: Bless This Mess Bless This Mess: A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World (by Re. Molly Baskette and Ellen O'Donnell. PhD.)
A book study / parent support group. We will discuss: a brief overview of the book topics of raising children in a Christian faith; navigating developmental challenges from preschool through adolescence to adulthood; developing positive parenting and discipline skills; coping with life emotional challenges including anxiety, depression, fear, anger; developmental challenges; and other medical and mental health issues.
There are 10 Chapters and we will discuss 2 Chapters each time we meet. The meeting dates and times are as follows: Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Feb 26, March 19, April 16, May 7, and finish May 21.
Here is a link to the book, if you do not have a copy.
https://www.amazon.com/Bless-This-Mess-Parenting-Chaotic/dp/1984824120
Here is a link to the reading guide as well:
https://www.blessthismessparenting.com/reading-group-guide
In order to offer this opportunity we need at least 3 families to sign up. If you know of others that are interested in a group like this, please forward this information. This is an open group to Members and Non-Members of the congregations.
Please send an email to Rev. Phil Richards by February 12th, if you are interested in participating. pastorphils@gmail.com
We will send out a link to those registered by February 23rd.
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NEW
Cleaning Buckets for Buffalo Blizzard
UMCOR Cleaning Buckets for Buffalo
In the aftermath of the Christmas Blizzard, many have asked “What else can we do?”.
Buy items from the Upper New York Mission Central Hub’s “Cleaning Kit" Amazon Wishlist now through March 1st and have your items shipped to Harris Hill United Methodist Church, located in the Buffalo area.
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3U03Y63G93KQA?ref_=wl_share
Harris Hill United Methodist Church’s “Go! Ministry” was prepared to respond to their community's cleaning needs after the blizzard with UMCOR Cleaning Buckets. They graciously provided these buckets to their neighbors and helped many make sense of the mess that was in front of them. Let's help replenish their buckets!
If you are dropping off in person, please call Harris Hill UMC to schedule a drop off at (716) 632-4688
Buying from somewhere else? Ship to: 8495 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
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NEW
Are You Connected To UNY?
Do you receive the latest news and updates from UNY Conference? All pastors should be connected and as many people from your congregation that would like to be. This is open to everyone – pass the word!
If you are not connected please follow the instructions below.
To sign up either click the following link: https://bit.ly/UNYnotes.
Or follow the steps below:
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Go to the conference website
- Click on News in the toolbar
- Select Connect with UNY
Sign up for all six categories or just select the UNY Notes.
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2023 EQ Members to Annual Conference are Being Sought
Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ!
We travel into 2023 with new hope, joy, and peace that comes from our Savior, Jesus. As the district Lay Leader, I’d like to remind you that we depend on our laity to pursue and accomplish the work of making disciples for Christ. Each Christ follower has received gifts for ministry and is called by God to step into those gifts. I would bring to your attention an opportunity for the voice of laity to be heard. Would you like to serve as an Equalization Member to the 2023 Annual Conference? We are looking for Disciples of Jesus that are willing to commit to attending ALL Sessions of Annual Conference this year. There will be 3 sessions that you will need to attend (2 of these are virtual and 1 in person).
The Virtual Sessions are:
Saturday, March 25th, 2023
Saturday, October 14th, 2023
In Person Session
June 1st-3rd, 2023
Applications are being accepted in the district office through February 1st. Be bold and courageous! Give it a go! Click the button below for the application.
Let your light shine!
Ann Welch Wood
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Opening to Grace
2023 Retreats
Co-director of the Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry and Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister, Deaconess Susan Sihan, RN.
These retreats will be Hybrid In Person and Online.
- Feb. 24-26
- May 19-21
- Sept. 14-16
- Oct. 26-28
Click here for flyer and more information
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Scholarships Available
for United Methodist Students!
Applications are now open for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Every year, UMHEF awards $2+ million to students planning to attend one of the 100+ UM-related colleges, universities, and seminaries across the country. Don’t let finances get in the way of achieving your dreams of a quality education! Apply by March 1 at https://umhef.org/apply
1/12/2023
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Mountain View District
United Women in Faith
(UWF)Gatherings
Look for details in upcoming UWF newsletter to be sent to your church or unit in late January
Enrichment Day-Saturday, February 11, 9:30 to 2 at Horseheads UMC
Day Apart-Saturday, March 11, 9:30 to 2 at Avoca UMC
Communion Brunch-Saturday, April 1, 10 AM at Hammondsport UMC. RSVP by March 27 to (607) 569-3594
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Scholarships Available
for United Methodist Lay Women
The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith (UWF) 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.
Click here for more information.
1/12/23
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Report Your Church Statistics on AC Stats: This Replaces the Ezra System
Annual Church Statistics (ACStats) is the one-stop location for United Methodist data that tracks membership, expenses, and income. It's designed to help churches submit year-end statistics to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference digitally in a way that's cost-effective.
This user-friendly platform replaces Ezra as the method of reporting your church statistics.
March 17, 2023, is the deadline to complete the 2022 statistical report for your church.
Please, familiarize yourselves with the new ACStats platform by reviewing the user's guide for local churches. Translated reports are available in Spanish and Korean.
PLEASE take the time to read the user's guide before entering your data. Please make sure you write down your login and password somewhere. If you have issues logging in you will need to contact Autumn Wells at the conference office. You may contact Autumn at 315-898-2004 or email her at autumnwells@unyumc.org
Click here to learn more.
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2023 Safe Sanctuary Training Schedule
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four, 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There will also be Training of Trainers sessions.
The Basic trainings take place 9 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturdays: May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be 9 AM to Noon, Saturdays, Mar. 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 will open Jan. 4. Look for the link in upcoming announcements.
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here. To view the poster, click here.
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Conference Job Openings
Director of Communications–Conference Office
Maintenance Supervisor–Sky Lake
Site Director–Casowasco
https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
1/12/23
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Certificates of Insurance for your Church
Please click the link below for instructions on how to obtain a certificate of insurance for your church - they are only good for one year.
If you have any questions please contact Tracy Rickett at the conference office 315-898-2017
Click here for instructions
1/12/23
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Visiting the District Office
The office is generally open Monday-Thursday.
We ask that you PLEASE CALL FIRST before coming to the office. We occasionally work remotely and would not want you to make a trip to the office to find that we are not in.
Please call 607-962-8047 or email the office at
mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org
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