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Albany District and Conference News
May 27, 2023
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“Be kind to past versions of yourself that didn't know the things you know now.”
- Unknown
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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 pray for Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who continues to have a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
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 albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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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Interesting facts about Memorial Day
Memorial Day is perhaps the most somber day marked on Americans' calendars. Each year, Americans are called to pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in wars both at home and abroad.
Over the years, some less-somber traditions have developed, such as Memorial Day Weekend being labeled as the 'unofficial start of summer' and big events being held during Memorial Day Weekend like the Indianapolis 500. However, Memorial Day itself continues to be among the most important national observances in big cities and small towns across the country.
To read more, click here.
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Bishop Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York Cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announced a new appointment on May 24. All appointments, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023. Click here to view this year's appointments.
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2023 Annual Conference update
The 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference (UNYAC) will be held June 1-3 at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse.
(New) Registration information
Registration is from 9 AM to 10:30 AM; 12:30-1:30 PM and 3-3:30 PM Thursday. Laity registration is downstairs; clergy registration upstairs to avoid crowding. The 3-3:30 PM registration will be upstairs for everyone. If you are registering onsite, or if you haven't yet paid, please register upstairs.
Onsite Late Registration for Annual Conference is Reinstated
Previously there was a decision to discontinue late registration onsite at annual conference. Registration will now be available once again. There will be a late fee of $50 above the original registration fee for your "category." There are limited extra meals available for late registrants due to pre-ordering with the site. Click here to read the full story.
Bishop Héctor's pre-conference briefing
Earlier this month, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, hosted two Pre-Conference Briefings on Zoom. Each session included a welcoming message from Bishop Héctor; a preview of the agenda from Upper New York Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding; and panelists from Trustees, CF&A, Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and Equitable Compensation discussed their reports. There was also an opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered.Click here to watch the recording of the Pre-Conference Briefing from May 18.
(New) Bishop Héctor’s Pre-AC2023 video
In Bishop Héctor's pre–Annual Conference video, he shares the many things he's excited about and provides tips to be best prepared. He asks for specific prayers and requests people to fast on Tuesday, May 30 to surrender to God and fully open our hearts and minds through the lead of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our ministries.
Read more: Click here
Watch video: Click here
Watch the UNY 2023 Annual Conference live
The conference will be livestreamed for those not planning to attend in-person. Watch what happens during this important and inspiring event beginning at 10:30 AM. on Thursday June 1. Livestream will play here.
Pre-conference workbook available
The Pre-Conference Workbook, formerly called Issue I of the Journal, is now available on the Conference website. It can be purchased for $4.99 plus shipping and handling from lulu.com or it can be viewed or downloaded for free from issuu.com. Click here to purchase or download.
For "all things Annual Conference," click here. There is a wealth of information in this document (including the menus!), which is provided by Patti Gridley, administrative assistant for the Mountain View and Cornerstone Districts. Thank you, Patti!
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Bishop Héctor meets with clergy
discerning disaffiliation
On Thursday, May 11, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez met with over 50 clergy members via Zoom seeking clarification about disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. In this meeting, he provided information and support to clergy still discerning their next steps. He also answered viewers’ questions—these Q&As are available for review.
Read article: click here
Q & As: click here.
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National Gun Violence Awareness Day:
Wear orange on June 4
Not only is June 4 Peace with Justice Sunday, but it's also National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Wearing orange on this day and sharing it on social media will help show the United Methodist position on ending gun violence.
Learn more about this initiative here. The Council of Bishop’s recent statement on gun violence from 2022 can be found here. Resources related to advocacy and prayerful discernment on this issue can be found on the General Board of Church and Society website and under Action Alerts. Also, consider taking other actions to help end gun violence as described in the Book of Resolutions.
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What is Peace with Justice Sunday?
United Methodists relate to this special Sunday by seeking peaceful solutions, creating and supporting peace-related ministries in their conference and learning about peaceful, just efforts around the world. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them.
To read more, click here.
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Native American Family Camp coming to UNY
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Native American Ministries is (CONAM) is excited to announce Native American Family Camp is coming to Asbury Retreat Center July 20-23. This is the first time Family Camp is being held since the start of COVID-19 and it’s being held in the northeast. Click here for flier: Family Camp is all about sharing Native culture, engaging in worship, and sharing stories. Deadline to register is June 15. CONAM is offering scholarships for those who want to attend. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is June 15. For the application, click here.
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Spiritual Practices Episode 3: Breath Prayer
The Upper New York Communications team has published the latest Spiritual Practices podcast, by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, UNY Director of Spiritual Vitality. Listen as Rev. Dibelius guides us through the practice of Breath Prayer.
Listen here.
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Three ways to use tech in your kids' ministry
Statistics show that most children ages 8-12 have personal electronic devices.
As parents, schools and society introduce more electronic applications into the lives and activities of young people, the debate over whether to use technology in the church may be a moot point. While each church must monitor its own needs and concerns, there are ways to use technology safely in kids’ ministry.
To read more, click here.
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MyCom Podcast Ep. 085:
Using AI in Ministry
On this episode of the MyCom Church Marketing podcast, Dan explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way churches engage with their congregations. This episode features Kenny Jahng, who discusses the different ways AI is already being used in our lives and how churches can experiment with these tools to enhance outreach efforts and support their ministries.
To listen, click here.
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Inclusion isn’t a dirty word
In his most recent submission, with Pentecost in mind, Pastor Daniel Bradley discusses the importance of women in his life, the Church, and Jesus’ three-year public ministry campaign. Pastor Bradley uses the example of women as one way in which inclusion is imperative for The United Methodist Church to live out its mission.To read more, click here.
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Alb available
Pastor Meg Morin has a Back Zipper Alb with four shoulder drapes for seasons. She is offering this free to someone that would like it. Please reach out to her directly at pastormegmorin18@gmail.com
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When Nature Calls podcast series, Episode 5: Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
The latest series in Upper New York’s On the Mission podcast is called When Nature Calls—each episode focuses on a Camp & Retreat Center in UNY. Just published is the episode that zeroes in on Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Join Site Director, Matthew Williams, and Brookye Keeney as they discuss what makes Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center unique to them.
Listen here.
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Get weekly news from the Conference Office
You can subscribe to the Weekly Digest so that it's delivered to your email every Wednesday. You can sign up by clicking here
Several of the stories in this week's Digest are included above. Click click here to read the entire Weekly Digest published on Wednesday, May 24.
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2023 Lay Servant Course
Lay Servant courses
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.
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
Click here for the updated brochure.
NEW COURSE OFFERINGS:
Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs
Registration open
Mondays: June 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Basic Lay Servant Course
Registration open
Thursdays: June 15, 22, 29, July 6 & 13: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitators: Paula McMahon, CLM & Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens June 1
Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Registration opens June 19
Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Registration opens July 13
Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Polity
Registration opens July 25
Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens August 24
Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Registration opens September 26
Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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The importance
of holy friendships
Victoria Atkinson White says that pastors and Christian institutional leaders cannot do their holy work without the support of holy friendships. Mutual, sacred relationships deeply formed in God’s love combat loneliness and isolation, promote spiritual health and emotional wellbeing, and enable God’s servants to remain fruitful in ministry.
To learn more, click here
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How to keep preaching fresh
Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says biblical evangelism is characterized by four key practices — proclamation, community, service, and witness. Focusing on these practices can demystify the concept of evangelism and strengthen a congregation’s evangelistic efforts.
To read the story, click here
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Skye Farm camp registration open!
Summer is just around the corner and the folks at Skye Farm Camp cannot wait to see the ball field and dining hall filled with campers! Financial assistance is available! And families who send multiple campers are eligible for a $40 sibling discount. Many of our churches provide scholarships for kids who wouldn't be able to attend due to financial hardship. Perhaps your church would like to join in that effort! For more information about this year's programs and to view the brochure, click here. To visit the camp's website, click here. The camp is located at 1884 E. Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg. Contact site director Robyn Vernon if you have questions @ robynvernon@unyumc.com
Retreats at Skye Farm
Skye Farm hosts retreats during our non-summer camp season. We provide groups with spiritual renewal. We can host groups of a variety of sizes. Click here for more information.
(New) Importance of Summer Camp-From Bishop Héctor
Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,
Summer camp can offer a life-transforming experience for young people. The Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry has five sites that offer amazing activities year round. In this season, the focus is the opportunities of summer camps. Click here to read about the impact summer camp had on me while growing up in Puerto Rico. It's not too late to sign-up a young person in your life who wants to explore what it means to live like a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Gary Bergh scholarships available for young adult Conference in Jerusalem
Sabeel, the ecumenical Christian Institute in Palestine, invites young leaders ages 18-35 to join them in Jerusalem July 18 – July 27, 2023, for a fun and meaningful young adult conference titled “Time to Kumui – Time to Rise Up.” Gary Bergh Scholarships are available for this opportunity. Contact Karen Peterson at 607-739-3141 for scholarship information. Deadline to register for the Conference: June 1.To read more, click here.
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Sign up for archives workday on June 10
Do you have a love of history? Do you appreciate caring for records and artifacts? Are you versed in the ways of The United Methodist Church? Are you willing to sort through boxes and scan for important documents? Are you just plain willing to help? Then, the Conference Commission on Archives and History invites you to a workday June 10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool. Come for the whole day or just part. Click here to volunteer.
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Applications due July 11 for Hoover award
United Women in Faith is calling all young women wishing to travel and study to apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. The deadline to submit applications is July 11. Women ages 21 to 35 are eligible, and priority will be given to projects involving climate justice and addressing the criminalization of communities of color. Hoover, who died in 2013, was the first African American to lead the former Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
To learn more, click here.
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Next in the Clergy Zoom Workshop Series: July 12: "The effects of religious trauma"
Free for all clergy and congregational leaders (lay and ordained). CEU certificates available for clergy and mental health professionals. There are three remaining independent workshops addressing ways to cope with the chronic anxiety, stress, and pressures faced in the ministry setting with regards to specific, difficult scenarios. Certificate of completion for all participants, CEUs for mental health professionals if needed. Registration information will be shared as the date nears.
(All times 9 AM - Noon)
Wed. July 12 "...the effects of religious trauma."
Wed. Oct. 25 "...developing Adaptive Leadership practices."
Wed. Dec. 6 "...addressing mental health crises."
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Save the date! Coming in August
2023 Mission u: Transformative Biblical Curriculum for Adults, Youth and Children
Upper NY United Women in Faith announce details on 2023 Mission u. It will be held Thursday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Fayetteville UMC, 601 East Genesee St., Fayetteville. It promises to be a special time of learning, service, fellowship and fun. The intergenerational curriculum is designed to bring participants deeper into Jesus' teaching in the Gospels proclaiming the good news of the Kin-dom of God. Age-appropriate classes and study books are offered for adults (over 18), youth (ages 13-18) and children (ages 5-12). Children and youth must be accompanied by a registered adult. Adult Study Book: "Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord's Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma. Please email unymissionu@gmail.com with questions.
Click here for registration form. Deadline: July 15.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule -
Next training is Aug. 5; Training of Trainers is Oct. 7
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled two additional 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There is also a Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturday, 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)
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster with links to registration, click here.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
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Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet in April 2024
Save the date! Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet April 19-21, 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. Click here to go to the website.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Rev. Brett Johnson (Canton UMC in the Northern Flow District) on the trip of a lifetime to visit
John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England. We will be visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.
We will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024. Please use the following
link to register: https://portal.myfaithjourneys.com/ and use group code 24002.
Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com with any questions.
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Amid policy changes,
church keeps faith with migrants
DALLAS (UM News) — The end of the COVID-19-related U.S. immigration restriction known as Title 42 had many predicting a surge of asylum seekers entering the U.S. from Mexico. So far, that hasn’t happened, but United Methodists who assist migrants remain busy — and concerned. Sam Hodges reports.
To read more, click here.
Photo at right: St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City is seeing large crowds each Monday morning as it welcomes migrants bused into Manhattan. The church calls them Miracle Mondays, and with help from partner organizations a range of assistance is offered, including meals, hygiene products and legal counseling. Crowds have steadily grown. Photo courtesy of St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
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SPRC Training video available
Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl recently led a training for Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committees. If you were
unable to attend, she has recorded the training. Click here to find a link to the recording.
Click here for an accompanying document.
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Grow your church with
#SeeAllThePeople guides
See All the People is a movement of United Methodists who have decided to keep their focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. See All the People offers dozens of resources that can help you grow your church. A great place to start is with these four guides: Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations, Engaging Your Community: A Guide to Seeing All The People, Forming Disciples Through Worship, and Online Discipleship.
To access guides, click here.
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Boy Scout Bankruptcy update
The General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) recently issued an updated frequently asked questions webpage on the Boy Scout Bankruptcy following a recent ruling in the case. This webpage provides an overview and provides insight on what might happen next. Contact either Bryan Mills (bmills@gcfa.org) or Brandy Bivens (bbivens@gcfa.org) if you have any questions.
To view the webpage, click here.
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Disaffiliation policy updated
The Upper New York Conference disaffiliation policy has been updated, clarifying some procedures needed for local churches interested in disaffiliation. It also clarifies the Cabinet’s oversight of the discernment process and the role of the pastor in this process. The Terms of Disaffiliation established by the Conference Board of Trustees are unchanged from the previous version.
To learn more, click here.
For more information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
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Retreats at Skye Farm
Skye Farm hosts retreats during our non-summer camp season. We provide groups with spiritual renewal. We can host groups of a variety of sizes. Click here for more information.
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Share your podcast
Does your church or ministry have a podcast that lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shows God’s love with our neighbors in all places? If so, the Upper New York Communications ministry team wants to help share and grow your podcast. Email the name of the podcast, a short description, and a link. Send it to news@unyumc.org
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Wesley Fellowship
reaching out to students
The Geneseo United Methodist Church, under the appointment of Pastor Beth Malone, is beginning to revive the SUNY Wesley Fellowship which meets at the InterFaith Center near campus. We are reaching out to all of the churches in our conference who could have students attending SUNY Geneseo or nearby community colleges for contact information.If you're interested in learning more, please contact Gwyneth Jones-Wenninger, who serves as the Wesley Fellowship Interim Director at SUNY Geneseo. You can reach her at shadetreeauthor@gmail.com or via telephone (585) 969-0127.
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2022 UNY Journal Vol. II now available
The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. To view or order, click here.
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Are you connected to the UNY Conference?
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.
Open to everyone – pass the word!
If you are not connected, please follow the instructions below.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Click here to Subscribe to UNY-Notes
Weekly Digest- is sent every Wednesday. It contains 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.
Click here to Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
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NEW! Engage New People Grant
The Upper New York New Faith Communities Team is excited to announce the new “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry.
New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways.
Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and Ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.
Apply for the “Engage New People Grant” by completing the Engage New People Grant Application
Upon completing the application, we will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
The UNY New Faith Communities Team has requested this grant be continued into the 2024 budget, but this cannot be guaranteed.
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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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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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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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From the Conference Center | |
Mandatory workplace posters available electronically
New York employers are required to make all mandatory workplace posters – both federal and state – available to employees electronically, either on a website or by email. Employers are required to provide notice to employees that the documents required for physical posting are also available electronically. Each NYS employer is required to provide both the physical poster in the workplace and digital versions. They can be located at the 2 websites listed below – one for federal posters and one for state posters.
Federal posters
NYS posters
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New York State releases revised Sexual Harassment Prevention Model policy and training
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights, recently released a revised Sexual Harassment Prevention Model policy. At the same time, the NYSDOL released a revised Model Sexual Harassment Prevention training, which includes changes similar to those made to the policy.
Churches should review and update their sexual harassment policies and ensure that they meet the minimum standards outlined in the updated model policy or adopt the model policy provided by the NYSDOL. To learn more, click here.
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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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Employer legal updates for 2023
With the end of 2022 has come (and will come) significant legal changes. It’s hard to keep up-to-date on all the new workplace laws that are in effect. Tracy Rickett, the Upper New York Human Resources Generalist, has you covered!
Click here for laws related to posting requirements. Click here for three laws related to leave. Click here to learn the pay requirements for exempt employees and a new law requiring pay transparency. Click here to learn about the Human Rights Law update. Click here to learn about amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.
With these many new requirements, now is a good time to dust off your handbooks and update them if you have not done so recently. Tracy Rickett is happy to draft or review any handbooks or other policies for legal compliance. You can contact her at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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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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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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Incorporation of a Local Church: Why and How
Did you know the Book of Discipline has several paragraphs regarding the incorporation of a local church? There are several good reasons for incorporation, including protecting and exempting individual officers and members of local church from legal liability. GCFA’s legal team has written a handy guide to walk you through incorporating your local church, including a checklist and sample resolutions and articles.
To read more, click here.
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United Women in Faith
Leadership resources for women
United Women in Faith has a new collection of resources to help women grow their leadership abilities. The 2023 Leadership Toolkit is available on the digital platform Bridge. To access the information, women need to establish an account with Bridge.
Read press release
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Discounts & savings programs
for your ministry
GCFA has an extensive ministry partner program to find or create special discounts and savings for your ministry.
Whether you have an upcoming building improvement project, are thinking about travel to the Holy Land, are needing an online giving vendor, or something else - our guide has something for every ministry, big or small!
Our ministry partners have been vetted to align with our denomination's social principles.
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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:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
District Associate and District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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