Adirondack District and Conference News
Feb. 2, 2022
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"To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else."
-- Emily Dickinson
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Burnt Hills Social Justice/Action group hosting 3 events open to all |
The Burnt Hills UMC Social Justice/Action Group is holding three events in February:
Hosting Pastor Holly Nye as a speaker tonight, Feb. 2 at 7 PM, as she discusses “The History of Social Justice within the United Methodist Church.” The event will be in the Sanctuary, and the plan is to make it available as a live stream as well that you can watch from home. Contact the church for details and the live stream address;
Hosting Paul Fisk of the Climate Reality Project at 7 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 9 as he looks at the issue of Climate Change and presents fact based information.This event is also planned for the Sanctuary with a live stream opportunity; and
Connecting via Zoom to the event “Climate Peril: A Weatherman’s Perspective” presented by CRICC at 7 PM on Feb. 28. The presenter, Hugh Johnson, is a retired National Weather Service Meteorologist. The presentation will physically be at the Albany Unitarian Universalist Society, but we will connect via Zoom and have a group participation here at BHUMC.
The church is located at 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills (12027). Phone: (518) 399-5144.
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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 the family of Grace Trombley in your prayers. Grace died Monday at the age of 98. Grace began her life of service as a church musician at the age of 14 and retired as the music director and organist of the Ticonderoga First United Methodist Church at the age of 94. She was the musician for the Troy Annual Conference UMW for many decades as well as serving as President. Grace taught multiple generations of piano students. She learned to play the organ at age 51. Grace was a wonderful counselor and role model, full of wisdom and love for many. The funeral will be held at 11 AM Saturday, Feb. 5 at First UMC of Ticonderoga, 1045 Wicker St., Ticonderoga. To read the obituary, click here.
The Rev. Erik Smith's new address is Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
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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The Feb. 2022 Issue I of the Bridge is ready for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.
This issue of the Bridge celebrates Black History Month with a Black history quiz as well as a thought-provoking article by the Bishop of the East Ohio Conference, the Rev. Dr. Tracy S. Malone.
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February is Black History Month, a time to spotlight the history and contributions of the African American community to the nation and world.
Join Faith Talks February 3, at 2 pm when we commemorate the month with a look at the African Diaspora and the contributions of Caribbean and recent African immigrants to the African American story. I will interview several Caribbean and African women about their stories and the contributions of their respective communities to African American History, which is American history.
Faith Talks is now recorded live on Riverside.fm.
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Upper New York pays 100 percent of General Church apportionments
In 2021, Upper New York (UNY) churches still faced financial struggles and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many churches still found ways to support full payment of their local Ministry Share apportionments. All church Ministry Share support payments, Conference spending reductions, and receipt of a paycheck protection program grant has allowed UNY Conference to, once again, pay our general apportionments to the General Council on Finance and Administration at 100 percent for the sixth year in a row.
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Annual Conference Sessions Team continues to plan for in-person gathering |
The Annual Conference Sessions team gathered by Zoom on Jan. 27. They continued their planning for Annual Conference to take place in-person on June 2-4 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College. They also discussed contingencies in case an in-person gathering will not be possible. There was an acknowledgement of the challenges in planning Annual Conference with so many unknown variables and an appreciation for the grace being offered by the Conference while they continue to work through the many challenges. Click here to learn more about the 2022 session of the Upper New York Conference.
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How are your developing the leaders in your church?
From January through July of 2022, the UNY Communications team is collecting narratives that showcase vitality in our local churches. Last month, we focused on members becoming followers of Christ.
For the month of February, we are looking for stories describing ways that you are developing current leaders in your church.
Your story may just provide the inspiration that other churches in the Connection need!
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Did you know that the African American Methodist Heritage Center preserves the history of Black Methodists? The center does not have a physical office but catalogs documents and artifacts at Drew University, using the expertise of United Methodist Archives and History.
This center places United Methodist African Americans at the foreground and ensures that their histories, faiths, and contributions are collected, preserved, and promoted.
Click here to learn more about the African American Heritage Center and the financial predicament they are facing due in part to the coronavirus pandemic.
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In 1968, General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) was established to hold the newly formed United Methodist Church accountable in its commitment to reject the sin of racism in every aspect of the life of the church.
GCORR will not rest in its work of challenging and equipping the church to complete its unfinished agenda of dismantling racial discrimination. We continue to do this by championing diversity, equity and inclusion; developing interculturally competent leaders; and catalyzing authentic community.
While racism remains our primary focus, our perspective and partnerships reflect a broader context, which includes poverty, nationalism, tribal conflicts, gender discrimination, homophobia, disability and generational bias—because we know all forms of oppression are connected, and they cannot be dismantled in isolation.
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2022 Cady Grant applications now available
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to fund ministries, education, programs, or experiences that provide benefit or education to preferably, but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Priority will be given to proposals that have not recently been funded by the Cady Grant. Salaries and stipends will not be awarded from this grant. Awards may be up to $8,000.
Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, District, or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York.
Application deadline is March 15. Awardees will be notified by April 30.
Click here to learn more, review the procedures, and to apply.
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Retiree 2021 tax, benefit
and grant information
Upper New York Conference retirees, their spouses, surviving spouses, and clergy on medical leave of the Upper New York Conference can learn about tax information, benefits, and grants that may pertain to them. The Human Resources and Benefits Ministry Area has prepared a helpful packet with this information.
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New job openings have been posted to the Conference website for a Maintenance Manager and a Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Please apply online:
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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9 indicators that reveal a church’s innovative potential
Meghan Hatcher says particular characteristics within a church’s organizational culture foster an environment in which innovation thrives. She outlines nine key indicators strongly associated with an organization’s ability to innovate revealed through research by the Innovation Laboratory at the Center for Youth Ministry.
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7 strategies to engage
new givers
How can congregations invite new givers to begin their journey of generosity? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff outlines seven strategies more likely to connect with newer, younger givers.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant news
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has begun work on courses we will be offering in 2022. We plan to continue offering the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey.
Here are three new courses. Look for information on more courses soon to be announced:
Advanced Course: For The Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Times: all 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $ 15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Monday: April 18 & April 25: 10 am-2:30 pm
Thursday: April 21 & April 28: 10 am-2:30 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard & Arlene Schmidt
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Albany District Lay Servant news
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Basic Course Offered via ZOOM only!
Is God calling you to become involved in Lay Servant Ministries? It is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within our United Methodist connection (2021 Lay Servant Ministries Catalog). Through these ministries, we are equipped, empowered, and enabled:
· To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ;
· To deepen our knowledge of who God is and who God is calling us to be as God's people;
· To embody God's love;
· To be God's love in the world.
Lay Servants have felt God's call upon their lives to share their faith and God's love by leading, caring, and communicating to:
All God's people in
All places,
And in
All times.
This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses as you:
· Are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts;
· Consider the importance of exercising servant leadership;
· Develop future leaders;
· Remain rooted in consistent spiritual practices;
· Grow as a leader in mission and ministry in the community as well as in daily life.
Dates: Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 2022
Time: 10 AM to Noon
Via ZOOM. This course was originally going to be offered in person, but now only through ZOOM.
Facilitator: Darlene Suto, Certified Lay Speaker dviall51@aol.com | 518. 279.3567(home) |518.495.2248 (cell)
Please contact Darlene for a Registration Form and the address to mail the form and check
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
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Advanced Lay Servant Course: Public Prayer (Certified Lay Speaker Required Course)
This course is full. If you'd like to be put on a wait list, contact Nancy Goddard bngoddard@davespc.net or 607.242.2653 (cell)
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Dismantling racism resource: Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on issues of race and religion and celebrate the important roles African Americans have played in the development of the United States. Recognition of those roles from a historical perspective is an important step in celebrating the contributions of individuals and the collective changes the African American community has accomplished.
Click here for worship resources to celebrate Black History Month in your local congregation.
We also need to reflect on the racism that is still part of our society today. Click here to read the Upper New York Conference’s 2020: Issue 4 of the Advocate, filled with stories and resources on dismantling racism.
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Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Disciple Bible Study is enriching, informational, transformational, faith deepening and offers time to develop deep lasting friendships as you study, reflect and pray together as a group.
Disciple I provides a foundational overview of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, group members will read approximately 80% of the Bible in this 34-week study. Disciple I is great for those at any place in their faith journey.
Disciple I begins on February 17, meeting Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through ZOOM. The study runs for 34-weeks.
If you are interested in taking this class as an advanced lay servant course, please print and complete the application form, have it signed by your pastor and return it to Manlius UMC, P.O. Box 177, Manlius NY 13104 with a check payable to “UNYAC” in the sum of $20.00 by February 9.
Each participant is required to purchase in advance, Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, through Cokesbury or any other bookstore. We also recommend the New Interpreters Study Bible.
For more information, please contact Pastor Joseph Kim at jkim1107@gmail.com or (315) 530-8568
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Boy Scouts of America settlement announced |
Pending court approval of a settlement agreement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) bankruptcy case, United Methodists have agreed to contribute $30 million to a $3 billion Survivor Trust Fund that will receive contributions from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), insurance companies, and charter organizations. To read more, click here.
Click here to read a full press release to learn more about the Survivors Trust fund, the goals Upper New York United Methodists had through the mediation process, and the commitments they have made to help prevent abuse against children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
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From Discipleship Ministries:
Clergy Tax Webinar Coming Soon!
Join us February 7 at Noon
Your corner tax preparer may not understand the unique situation of clergy, and finding a preparer who does can save you substantially in money and aggravation.
Join us as the Rev. Don Joiner, a certified financial planner, helps us navigate the preparation of taxes and planning for a sound financial future.
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Local church audit due March 15
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held in February
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday February 26 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2022 AT NOON
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
At this time there are no other trainings scheduled, so we recommend getting registered as soon as possible.
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell, UNY Conference Safe Sanctuaries Co-Chairs.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
Please remember that all persons being trained MUST be on their own personal device (i.e. Computer, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Upcoming Stewardship Academy |
Upper New York ordained deacon and Director of Christian Stewardship, the Rev. Susan Ranous, is offering a Stewardship Academy via Zoom over four sessions (April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16). Rev. Ranous will share all concepts of stewardship including self, time, talents, money, and more.
Who Should Attend?
Clergy (approved for CEU)
Laity (approved by lay servant credit)
All those passionate about stewardship
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. There will be a final project due after the conclusion of the academy.
The topic would be one we have covered that you may want to get more detail on. It will be an opportunity to focus on an aspect of stewardship that you could use and help others utilize.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program
for Lay and Clergy
What is it? Tending the Soul is a program designed to train individuals in Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation.
The two-year training program offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings. The training includes home-based reading and reflection, experiential learning, and attention to the practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants will receive guidance in discerning their sense of giftedness and call to one-on-one spiritual direction and congregational direction and formation.
Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
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Statistics for 2021- The Ezra site will be opened Saturday January 1, 2022 to enter the church statistical data. This year Ezra will still be on the same Ezra site as previous years. Nothing has changed other than the submission date. The new submission date is February 28, 2022.
The 2021 stat reports will be used for the 2023 Ministry Share calculations.
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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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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! |
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
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Forms due
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
Most
Most forms were due two weeks following your church conference.
Coming due on Feb. 15 are Trustees Report, Finance Report, 2022 Budget and End-of-the year expenses. Please submit them as soon as possible.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
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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From the Conference Center |
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NY Paid Family leave
changes for 2022
New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. This time can be taken all at once, or in increments of full days.
Paid Family Leave may also be available in some situations when an employee or their minor, dependent child is under an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Click here for all the details you need to know about 2022 Paid Family Leave in UNY.
If you have additional questions on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.
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NYS Hero Act extended through Feb. 15
On Jan. 15, 2022, the Acting NYS Commissioner of Health announced the fourth extension of the NYS HERO Act through Feb. 15, 2022, classifying COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health." Click here to read more about the latest extension of the NYS HERO Act.
As a reminder, the NYS Hero Act required employers to adopt a model prevention plan and conduct a “verbal review” of the policy related to infectious airborne diseases.
Also, employers were required to provide a copy of the adopted plan to all employees in their primary language.
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Expansion of NYS Whistleblower Protection Law includes posting requirement
Beginning Jan. 26, 2022, New York State’s “whistleblower” protection law significantly expands the scope of New York Labor Law Section 740 (NYLL 740). Employees and independent contractors will be protected for reporting employer activity that they reasonably believe violates any law.
Starting today, employers are required to post notice of employees’ rights under the law in conspicuous places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. As of the issuance of this news article, NYS has not issued a model poster. In the meantime, you should post the notice of the expanded whistleblower protection law.
If you have questions on the Whistleblower Protection Law, please contact either Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, at (315) 898-2000 or susanlatessa@unyumc.org or Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org.
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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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Conference seeking District Administrative Assistant |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for a District Administrative Assistant for the Finger Lakes District.
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Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
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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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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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The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. Join with other churches by downloading this series.
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Celebrate our
United Methodist values
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The #BeUMC campaign spotlights the core values that connect all United Methodists and celebrates the Wesleyan theology of grace that is built upon Scripture and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This vital campaign reminds us of who we are and all that we can do to be world-changing people of God.
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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:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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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
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