Adirondack District and Conference News
March 2, 2022
|
|
"There is no charm equal to the tenderness of the heart."
-- Jane Austen
|
|
|
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
|
|
The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated its website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section are listed six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
|
|
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!
|
|
Building a ministry for the addiction and recovery community and their families
There are 20 million people in the United States struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. There are another 20 million people living in recovery. Close to half of the U.S. population has a family member who is addicted to drugs and alcohol.
For many years, churches have opened their doors to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as well as Al-Anon meetings for family members of individuals struggling with addiction.
Jonesville UMC in the Albany District is taking it a step further with its Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life (STAHL) ministry and its Alcoholism and Addiction Family Recovery Resource Center.
Jonesville’s pastor, the Rev. Youngjae Jee, also dedicated 12 Sundays to deliver sermons on each of the 12 steps used by people in their recovery journeys.
The church membership is growing as the congregation warmly welcomes those struggling with alcoholism or substance abuse disorder, those in recovery, and their families.
Click here to hear what STAHL committee members have to say about this powerful ministry.
|
|
|
|
|
Please keep the Rev. Jeffrey Stratton (Trinity, Wilton) and his family in your prayers. Jeff's mother, Doris Stratton, died on Feb. 14. Click here to read Doris’ full obituary. Condolences can be sent to Jeff at 28 Riley Cove, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
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.
The Rev. Erik Smith's 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.
|
|
Presentation on General Conference recorded |
The Rev. Bill Mudge Senior Pastor of the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church, former Adirondack District Superintendent, and clergy General Conference delegation leader, was present on the Adirondack and Albany districts this week to answer questions and offer information and thoughts about the upcoming General Conference. There are things we know, things we don’t know, speculation, information, and misinformation. This was an opportunity to sort some of this out so that we may stay focused on our mission, and keep looking for what God is doing among and through us. Many people expressed appreciation for Bill's efforts to offer clarity and insight.
We recorded one of those gatherings. The link to the ZOOM presentation is below.
Topic: #3 Conversations about General Conference
Start Time: Feb 28, 2022 06:11 PM
Meeting Recording:
|
|
|
|
|
In-person annual conference is being considered |
The 2022 Annual Conference (AC) Sessions team met on Wednesday, Feb. 23, via Zoom. The main topic of conversation was the potential of an in-person AC and how it can be done safely.
The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Upper New York Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, said, “We‘re moving toward an in-person conference based on the way the pandemic is shifting. We are a large body of people (potentially 1,400), some are immuno-compromised, and we want to make sure that we have practices in place that will keep us all safe.”
If an in-person Annual Conference takes place, as planned, from June 2-4, at the SRC Arena in Syracuse, NY, safety and hygiene practices will be in place to reduce the risk of people getting sick.
Click here to fill out this brief form so that we can take into consideration the minimum practices that need to take place for you to feel comfortable attending an in-person Annual Conference. Please complete the form by March 7.
Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding said, “There is value in being together in-person. We need to balance keeping people safe and having a good meeting so that it is effective and comfortable.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
From the desk of
Bishop Mark J. Webb
|
With Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten Season, today, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent a letter to the Upper New York Conference, calling on all United Methodist believers and congregations in Upper New York to fervently pray for peace in Ukraine.
In this letter, Bishop Webb offers some specific and helpful areas of payer focus related to the war in Ukraine.
|
|
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with either Advance #982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line.
Send checks to UNYAC, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
Click here to read more about this response from Roland Fernandes, the General Secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.
|
|
|
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can either be placed in an offering plate or sent directly to the Conference office at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
- Hungary In Mission Together (Advance # 00175A)
- Poland In Mission Together (Advance # 00408A)
- Romania In Mission Together (Advance #00211A)
- Slovakia In Mission Together (Advance # 00236A)
Donations for Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia should be mailed directly to UMCOR Mission Together Advances at 458 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
|
|
|
|
Brag about the new leaders in your church
The Upper New York vitality focus for the month of March is “members stepping into leadership roles for the first time.” Do you have young people participating in services or events—taking on a leadership role? Do you have laity delivering sermons and leading worship services? When COVID-19 launched a new or updated digital ministry for your church, who stepped to the plate to do this? We want to hear your stories!
|
|
Adult Book Study "Faith After Doubt" begins in late March |
Adult Book Study, beginning March 28 or March 30, via ZOOM
"Faith After Doubt - Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It," by Brain McLaren. Please email Rev. Sally White (pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com) to register. Also, please purchase your own copy of the book. There are two separate studies - Mondays at 7 PM beginning March 29, ending May 16 and 1 PM beginning March 30, ending May 18. Click here for more details.
|
|
|
|
|
The March 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 shares ways of staying focused on the mission of the United Methodist Church in a distracted world.
|
|
|
|
They say the best way for women to commemorate Women’s History Month is to make history! That’s just what Faith Talks will do March 3, 2 pm in a special Women’s History Month celebration of United Methodist Women boldly turning a page to launch a new chapter of sisterhood, faith, and love in action!
Check out this video on The Future of United Methodist Women to get ready for our Women’s History Month celebration!
|
|
|
|
Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce one ad interim appointment, seven appointments, and two retirements pending approval of clergy session.
In the Adirondack District, Pastor Chris Jewell is appointed to the Queensbury UMC, effective July 1, 2022.
Bruce Hazard as a retired local pastor as Coordinating Pastor for Porter Corners UMC in addition to his current appointments at Fortsville and Lake Luzerne effective February 6, 2022.
View the full list of changes here.
|
|
|
|
|
#RethinkChurch-
a photo a day for Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. Do you generally give something up during Lent? Would you consider adding in a practice?
Lent, the season of the Christian Year that is typically observed as a time of simple living, prayer and fasting leading up to Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday (March 2, 2022). But what is Lent REALLY about?
Many spend the time in self-examination and reflection as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11 where he prayed and fasted for 40 days before beginning his ministry.
You are invited to take part in a time of introspection in #RethinkChurch’s photo-a-day lent edition via social media.
Join this challenge and share with the community how you perceive each word of the day with a photo. Some words in this challenge include living, full, repent, celebrate, pray, needs, and peace. No explanation needed. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Tag #rethinkchurch. on your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or on Twitter with #rethinkchurch.
Click here to learn more and access the calendar with the words for each day of Lent.
|
|
What's New from the Lewis Center |
|
 |
Leading through conflict
David Woolverton says there are two types of church conflict — conflict that destroys teams, ministries, and congregational vibrancy and conflict that cultivates growth by driving toward a transformative end. The key variable is a leader who sees their leadership role as not merely resolving the conflict but rather developing healthier ways for the congregation to carry out its mission.
|
|
|
|
6 touchstones of financial integrity for churches
Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Ann A. Michel of the Lewis Center explain the importance of systems that guard against financial impropriety. They outline six major touchstones that maintain sacred trust by creating an atmosphere of trust and transparency in stewarding a church’s financial resources.
|
|
|
|
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 four upcoming courses:
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
Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs
Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17: 6-9 pm
Sunday, May 15: 5-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, and 26: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Jamiee Ross
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27: 6-9 pm
Thursdays, June 16 and 23: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim and Arlene Schmidt
|
|
|
(New) Albany District Lay Servant courses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia Through a Spiritual Lens
Tuesdays, April 19,26, May 3,10, 17 via Zoom
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
Public Prayer (Required Lay Speaker Course)
Wednesdays, June 8, 15, 22, 29, and July 6, 2022 via ZOOM
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Rev. Nancy Dibelius
Course fee: $10
Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution
Saturdays, August 6, 13 via Zoom and in person
9:00 am-2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Pastor Danyal Mohammadzadeh
Course Fee: $10.00
Transforming Evangelism
Saturdays, September 10 and either September 24 or October 1 via Zoom
9:00 am-2:30 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage – Required Lay Speaker Course)
Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 via Zoom
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Course Fee: $10.00
|
|
Crossroads District ZOOM Lay Servant class open to all |
Living our Christian Beliefs (Wesleyan Heritage), ZOOM, Beginning March 11
We will discover the place of doctrine in relation to the missional movement known as Methodism. An understanding of Wesleyan theology will be developed and its influence on the practical structure and disciplines for the first Methodists will be determined. A knowledge of Methodist History and the formation of other Methodist denominations will be studied. The Wesleyan understanding of grace and how grace leads to the holiness of the heart and life will be explored.
Book: Living Our Beliefs, The United Methodist Way, 2nd Edition, Kenneth L Carder, 2009
Schedule: This is a 5-week Zoom Class beginning Friday, March 11, 2022, from 7 - 9 pm.
Instructor: George Ramseyer, 315-638-8177 (Home) 315-720-6184 (Cell)
|
|
Spiritual Gifts, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., April 9 and 16. Hybrid (In-person AND Zoom) Delta UMC, Rome, NY. For details or to register, Ken Guilfoyle, CLM, kguilf2855@aol.com or 315 254 6673.
Exploring Healing Prayer, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, March 10-April 6, via Zoom, courtesy of the Mountain View District. Click here for info and registration.
|
|
|
|
UMM Retreat in April at Camp Aldersgate |
Please join the Conference United Methodist Men for a Spring Retreat April 29-30 at Camp Aldersgate. Keynote speaker is Pastor Leon Jicha. The theme of the retreat is "Iron Sharpens Iron." Click here for more information and registration form. Camp Aldersgate is located at 7955 Brantingham Rd., Greig, NY. Click here to view the website.
|
|
Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries
classes announced
|
The Conference team has issued a new brochure announcing upcoming classes. Open the brochure by clicking on the link in the box above.
Classes will be held May 7, Aug. 6 and Nov. 5. See the brochure for registration information. There will also be Training of Trainer classes on April 2 and Oct. 22. This applies to those who wish to become a trainer in their local churches or Districts.
You will notice that the dates are strategic as the team wants to make training available prior to summer VBS programs, Fall Sunday school start up and a couple others in between.
Pastors and church office administrators: Please post the brochure in your churches!
|
|
|
Local church audit due March 15
|
|
|
|
|
Voices from the Field Zoom event |
You are invited to
Voices from the Field
“Love, Justice, Service: The Ministries of Deaconesses and Home Missioners”
Tuesday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m.
virtual via Zoom
Hear how three deaconesses are living out their lifetime calls to love, justice and service. An optional breakout session will follow the one-hour program.
The quarterly Voices from the Field events feature leaders sharing their work and life stories, daily challenges, hopes and dreams. This conversation series highlights United Methodist Women initiatives supported by Mission Giving—initiatives that significantly improve the lives of women, children and youth down the block and around the world.
|
|
Mental Health First Aid
Wespath is offering virtual seminars on mental health first aid March 10 or March 17 and March 23 or March 24. Learn how to reach out to others and get them help as well as accept and understand your own mental health needs. The free events are led by Chris White. Be sure to register for two sessions.
This training is offered to all United Methodist Church clergy and their spouses, Church leaders, staff and congregation members– at no cost. Spots are limited.
|
|
|
|
|
Women’s History Month
resource recommendations from UMW
|
March is Women’s History Month—a time to lift up all the women who have made an impact on our collective history.
For more than 150 years, since the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was first formed in 1869 in Boston, United Methodist Women (UMW) has been on the forefront of developing leaders, fostering spiritual growth, and advocating for justice.
During Women’s History Month, UMW honor not only the history of United Methodist Women, but of all women.
Click here to celebrate Women’s History Month with UMW-suggested resources—next month and every month.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Women in ministry: Then and now
Women who found movements are sometimes designated as “mothers.” In early Methodism, the women who earned this title bore it as a mark of distinction. They became revered as “Mothers in Israel,” an honorific which linked them and their piety, courage, and leadership with Deborah the Judge in the Old Testament.
In honor of Women’s History Month, click here to learn about the “Mothers of Israel” then and now.
The Church today benefits greatly from the unique leadership of women in ministry who stand on the shoulders of their spiritual foremothers.
|
|
Nominations are open for the 2022 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards
The Denman award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Annual Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one lay person in each Conference.
The deadline for submitting your 2022 nominations to the Conference is April 15.
|
|
|
General report by the
Protocol Commission
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. This commission is composed of the Conference Treasurer, Dean of the Cabinet, Conference Chancellor, Director of Connectional Ministries, Director of Vital Congregations and representatives of the Committee on Finance and Administration, Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Trustees, Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegations, and up to three persons named by Nominations and Leadership Development.
The Study Commission met via Zoom several times and created two surveys for both clergy and congregations. The surveys were transmitted to congregations and clergy via District offices and District Administrative Assistants.
The Study Commission has created a report with observations of the surveys and the survey results. Click here to access the report.
|
|
|
|
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022 |
Leaders in The United Methodist Church have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022. This is an extension from the March 31, 2022 extension as legal proceedings continue in the BSA's bankruptcy case. This new extension provides uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting.
Churches do not need to take any action to extend their current organizational relationship with the BSA until June 30, 2022.
Click here to read more about how organizational leaders are working to develop a long-term solution regarding the church’s relationship with Scouting for future generations of young people.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
HERO Act extended until March 17
On Feb. 15, 2022, the New York State (NYS) Commissioner of Health announced the continuation of the NYS HERO Act through March 17, 2022. This classifieds 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.
|
|
|
|
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.
Due yesterday was Trustees Report, Finance Report, 2022 Budget and End-of-the year expenses. Please submit them as soon as possible.
The Local Church audit is due March 15.
|
|
|
|
From the Conference Center |
|
CBOPHB delays enforcement of direct bill arrearage policy
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
'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.
|
|
|
Conference seeking maintenance manger and reservations specialist |
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:
|
|
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.
|
|
Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Join live session tomorrow on spreading hope for the Lenten Season
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.
|
|
Lenten study on anti-racism |
General Commission on Religion and Race is offering online Lenten resources for purchase. "Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-racism", is a small group resource to help make connections between the traditions of Lent and the work of anti-racism. This curriculum is available to buy and download. Click here.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
|
|
|
|
Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
|
|
Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
|
|
|
Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
|
|
|
|
|
Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
|
|
News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
|
|
Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
|
|
|
Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
