|
Adirondack District and Conference News
February 25, 2023
| |
|
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”
-- Albert Einstein
| | |
|
Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
| |
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!
| |
|
Jonesville UMC hosts event
on addiction and recovery
The Jonesville UMC in Clifton Park (Albany District) is showcasing the miracle of recovery through their Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life ministry. Recently, they hosted an event where two people shared their experiences about addiction and recovery. To read more, click here.
| |
|
|
St. Joseph's House plans 2023 Winter Walk
Our annual Winter walk is back in person this year as we celebrate the month of our 40th anniversary, raising awareness of the people for whom the streets of Troy became home, at least for a while. Our mission has expanded a lot in 40 years. We are very excited to return to our traditional Winter Walk! The in-person event will be Saturday, March 25 from 2 PM to 4 PM starting at our Hill Street location (202 4th St. Troy). Please spread the word and ask people to sponsor you! This a great family/group activity that raises awareness about homelessness. Please call 518-874-1247 for more information. Visit us at josephshousetroy.org
Last year our outreach services to people living outside increased a full 50 percent over the year before, as we took food, water, blankets and supplies to nearly 3,000 people living outside in Rensselaer and Albany counties. Our goal is to get people housed - but that takes trust, and time. Join us on our symbolic one mile walk and show solidarity for those who walk those streets not from choice, but necessity.
| |
| |
|
|
Thomas Duers, a member of the First UMC of Lake George asks for continued prayer for his mother, Carole Duers. She has been actively trying to get a kidney transplant for three years and is having a lot of troubles with her dialysis.The transplant team made the decision last week that Carole is not a candidate for a transplant. Tom and Carole so appreciate your prayers. Carole is a lifelong member of the Lake George Church. If you'd like to send notes of care and encouragement, their address is 302 B, 25 Larose St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.
Please continue to hold Roger Waldron in your prayers. Roger and Debby thank everyone for their prayers and cards during his recent illness. He is gaining strength every day and is continuing his therapy sessions. Cards can be sent to Roger at Elderwood Nursing Home, 101 Adirondack Drive, Suite 3, Patriot Wing Room 105, Ticonderoga, NY 12883. Roger is the husband of Pastor Debby Waldron (West Fort Ann UMC).
Please continue to hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann now resides at the Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
| |
Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez will be in Plattsburgh March 2
Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Héctor, is the new bishop of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. Bishop Héctor is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has held two regional meetings thus far. Albany and Adirondack Districts are in the Northeast Region, together with the Mohawk and Northern Flow Districts. A regional meeting was held in the Mohawk District on Thursday, Feb. 16. The remaining Northeast Regional meeting will be held Thursday, March 2 in Plattsburgh. Here is the upcoming schedule:
March 1 – Lakes Region–Auburn UMC
March 2 – Northeast Region – Plattsburgh UMC
March 15 – Southern Tier Region — Olean: Christ UMC
March 16 – Southern Tier Region — Central UMC Endicott
There will be worship, Holy Communion, a Q & A session, and a reception for all with Bishop following the meeting.
The clergy meetings will be from 1-3 PM.
The laity meeting (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time) will be from 7- 8:30 PM.
Here are details on parking at the Plattsburgh church:
Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh: Please enter the building through the Chapel entrance from the parking lot off Beekman St.
| |
|
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez | | |
|
|
Bishop Héctor reflects on disaffiliation
Since last year, eight churches have disaffiliated from Upper New York Conference and more than than a dozen more requests are expected to come for consideration at the March 25 virtual Special Session. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez reflects on the process, offering clarification. Click here to read more.
| | |
Bishop Burgos Núñez
announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor Burgos Núñez announced the following appointments on Wednesday, Feb. 22. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023. To read more, click here.
| |
|
|
On the Conference Calendar
March 2: Regional Meeting with Bishop Héctor: Northeast Region– Plattsburgh UMC - DETAILS
March: 10: Registration closes for March Special Session of Annual Conference
March 11: Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez's Installation Service - DETAILS
March 15: Cady Grant application deadline - DETAILS
March 25: Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
| |
|
|
Coping with Chronic Anxiety and...Bullies in the Congregation
Please see the attached PDF flyer with more information on the Samaritan Counseling Center's first in a series of on “Coping with Chronic Anxiety.” This session addresses "Bullies in the Congregation."
It will be held Wednesday, March 15 from 9:30 AM to Noon on ZOOM. All clergy and congregational leaders are invited. Free CEUs are available for clergy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this workshop, participants will learn to:
-Identify sources of chronic anxiety in the congregational system
-Understand how chronic anxiety leads to bullying behaviors
-Develop practical strategies to reduce chronic anxiety and manage bullying behaviors.
PRESENTED BY:
Rev. David Olsen, PhD, LCSW - Samaritan Counseling Center Executive Director
Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, LCSW - Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
A direct link to sign up is here: https://tinyurl.com/ClergyWorkshop1
Here is information on the series:
Clergy Workshop Series
"Coping with Chronic Anxiety and..."
Free for all clergy and congregational leaders (lay and ordained). CEU certificates available for clergy and mental health professionals. There are five 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.
(All times 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Wed. Mar. 15 "...bullies in the congregation."
Wed. May 17 "...navigating LGBTQ issues in churches."
Wed. Jul. 12 "...the effects of religious trauma."
Wed. Oct. 25 "...developing Adaptive Leadership practices."
Wed. Dec. 6 "...addressing mental health crises."
Questions or concerns?
Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, LCSW - vanderbeck@samaritancounselingcenter.org
Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
| |
|
|
All welcome to join Bible Study via Zoom on
"Restored: Finding Redemption in our Mess"
Rev Dr. Nick Bufano of Newtonville UMC is inviting clergy and laity to join in a Wednesday evening Bible Study beginning March 1 at 7 PM. We will look at "Restored: Finding Redemption in our Mess," by Rev Tom Berlin (readily available online for a modest price). The book helps us connect deeply to God in our ordinary lives (like when our dog destroys a pillow). We meet from 7-8:30 PM on Zoom. The format is loose, but we generally follow this plan.
1. Opening Prayer and Song
2. 5 Minutes of silent prayer
3. Scripture Reading/Study
4. Book Conversation
5. Closing Prayer
If you have questions, contact Nick at pastornickbufano@gmail.com
Here is the ZOOM link:
Topic: NUMC Bible Study
Time: This is a recurring meeting. Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88042091421?pwd=UHQ0SURwRXcyaXdQN05CcFdyczBHUT09
Meeting ID: 880 4209 1421
Passcode: XHz0DB
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,88042091421#,,,,*273991# US
+16465588656,,88042091421#,,,,*273991# US (New York)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kete3CH7wW
| |
|
|
Praying for churches to offer sleeping space in the Adirondacks
Palermo UMC in the Crossroads District has formed a new Small Group with the intent of hiking the Fire Towers in the Adirondacks. They are looking to partner with churches in the area for a place to stay. They are looking to connect with churches in the area that would offer them a place to stay for the night so that they would not need to book hotel rooms and could keep it affordable for families to do this activity. Their group consists of families (kids and adults) and the average number of participants of 20. They would bring their own supplies and food.They are just looking for overnight space to set up sleeping bags. If your church would be willing to offer them space, please let them know. You can reach Pastor Tammie Nipper at tnippert@aol.com or (315) 591-0487.
| |
Upper New York Conference
launches podcast series for Lent
The On the Mission: Better Together podcast was created for the Lenten season and is hosted by the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens. This six-week series kicks off with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez talking about “The Call to Unity.” To listen, click here.
| |
|
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
| |
|
Ready, set, post! Get help with social media
Social media is fuel for effective ministry and outreach. If you need help getting started or are looking for strategies to reach new people more effectively through your church’s social media accounts, Resource UMC is here to help! Our social media expert can help you with new account creation, one-on-one coaching, social media audits, custom graphics creation and more. We’ll help empower you with the latest digital strategies so you can invite, encourage and transform your community! Click here to learn more.
| |
| |
|
Get ready! UMCOR Sunday is March 19
As war, humanitarian crises and natural disasters cause pain and devastation, followers of Jesus are called to be the hands and feet of Christ and bring hope and healing to a broken world. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is dedicated to ensuring this work happens, and you have the opportunity to support this mission! We have ready-to-use resources in multiple languages to help you prepare your congregation for UMCOR Sunday. Find resources for worship, promotion, age-level groups and more in the pastor and leader kit! Click here.
| | | |
|
|
United Methodist ministry with Ukraine
UZHHOROD, Ukraine (UM News) — In May 2022, a team from United Methodist News, the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries visited church refugee ministries in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and western Ukraine to share stories of the United Methodist presence in the wake of the tragedy and ongoing need following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On this first anniversary of the invasion, we revisit that collection of stories.
To read more, click here.
| | |
|
World Council of Churches
Nearly 500 Ukrainian religious sites
damaged, destroyed
WASHINGTON — The Institute for Religious Freedom, a non-governmental human rights organization founded in 2001 in Kyiv, Ukraine, reports that at least 494 religious buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed, damaged or looted as a result of the Russian invasion, and seizure of religious buildings for use as Russian military bases increases the scale of destruction of religious sites in Ukraine. The data on the impact of the war on Ukrainian religious communities was presented during the Summit on International Religious Freedom Feb. 1. The World Council of Churches has a staff report.
Read story
| |
| |
|
|
Methodist Federation for Social Action
Racial audit results to be discussed
WASHINGTON — The Methodist Federation for Social Action will share the results of a three-year "racial audit" conducted to find where the United Methodist-related organization has been complicit with white supremacy. A webinar is set for 7 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 27). MFSA is a social justice nonprofit that mobilizes people to take action on issues of peace, poverty and people's rights. While the audit is focused on MFSA, other United Methodist entities are invited to participate and possibly use the information as a springboard for evaluating white dominance and historic racism in their own culture.
Read press release
Read audit report
| | |
|
Religion and Race
A vital conversation on race relations
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is closing out Black History Month by hosting "Together We Dine," a vital conversation on race relations. The Project Unity event is designed for community and faith members to engage in courageous and safe conversations about the state of race relations. The conversation will be held via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Register for event
| |
|
Local church audits due March 15
Audits are due March 15. Please send them (via email to adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or snail mail to Adirondack District, PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128). Click here to download the form. Click here to view the Local Church Audit Guide, published by the GCFA (General Council on Finance and Administration.
| |
|
|
(Reminder) 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.
| |
|
First Special Session of Annual Conference:
March 25 via Zoom
There will be two virtual special sessions of the Upper New York Annual Conference in 2023. Both special sessions will address disaffiliation requests. They are scheduled for March 25 and October 14 from 9 AM to Noon. Click here for more information.
Registration has opened for the March 25 session. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to pre-register by March 10. Click here to see who is eligible to vote. There is a $10 fee for this conference for all eligible voters. There is no fee for equalization members. We will be reaching out to folks to serve as equalization members. Please do not register as an equalization member until we confirm your status. Click here to register for the Special Session.
For information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
Those who are not eligible to vote do not need to register and can watch the Special Session via livestream. Watch for the link in upcoming newsletters.
| |
Special session news all in one place
Patti Gridley, administrative assistant for the Cornerstone and Mountain View districts has compiled Conference news "all in one place". Click here to view.
| | |
|
|
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 not completed will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the updated brochure.
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Tuesdays April 11, 18, 25, May 2 & 9: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Team member
Registration and course fees due by March 28
Advanced Course: Polity
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard & Team member
Registration and course fees due by April 19
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays: May 4, 11, 18, 25, & June 1: 6-9pm
ZOOM: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim & Team member
Registration and course fees due by April 20
| | |
|
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s
installation service to be held March 11
The Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Episcopacy invites all United Methodists in UNY to join us Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. to celebrate the assignment of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez as our new episcopal leader. At this installation service, we will thank God for the life, ministry, and leadership of Bishop Héctor, offer him and his family our gracious hospitality, and hear our new bishop share his vision for how God intends to lead us into the future together.
This service of installation and celebration is intended for the whole Conference. You may participate in one of two ways:
1. In-person at the Liverpool First United Methodist Church in Liverpool, NY. A limited number of seats are available. Please RSVP for in-person participation no later than March 4 by registering here. An onsite reception will follow this service.
2. Via Livestream from anywhere in the Conference and beyond. To connect, please click here on the Conference website on the day of the service. For Livestream participation, no RSVP is necessary.
We look forward to joining together Saturday, March 11, to welcome our new resident bishop and celebrate all God seeks to do in and through us in the days ahead.
| |
|
2022 local church statistical reports
due March 17
This is a reminder that the deadline for your local church 2022 statistical report is due no later than March 17. This process is now done through the new GCF&A system called ACStats. Our Conference website has some helpful information for using the ACStats system. Click here for guidance.
| |
|
|
Unspoken - Documentary Study
Sundays from 3 PM to 4:30 PM in the Chapel at Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh.
An in-depth look into the Christian heritage of Africa and people of African descent, intended to dispel the notion of Christianity being an exclusively white man’s religion.
Unspoken takes an in-depth look at the Christian heritage in Africa and examines how historical events have shaped today’s vastly popular perspective of Christianity.
Feb. 26 – Christianity’s African Roots
March 5 - The Whitewashing of Christianity
March 12 – One Gospel with Two Faces
March 19 – The Rise of the Black Church
March 26 – A Way Forward
Free-will donation to help cover the cost of the Video and refreshments.
For more information, click here.
| |
|
|
Sabbath Life retreats offered by
Church in the Wild starting in March
Sabbath Life was developed in 2014 by the Rev. Grace Hackney and wellness advocate Kelli Sittser using a one-year grant from the Duke Endowment. Since then, hundreds of pastors and spiritual leaders have attended these series of monthly one-day retreats with a focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Church in the Wild is excited to bring Sabbath Life to Upper New York!
Sabbath Life retreats will be held the second Monday of each month from March through November 2023 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April will be the third Monday). The retreat center is in Windor, in the Binghamton District.
Click here for more information.
| |
|
|
Invite your community to worship this Easter
United Methodist Communications is offering beautiful postcards, banners, yard signs, and more to help invite your community to your Easter service(s). Customizable resources are available in a wide variety of designs, languages, and message types. Get up to $200 off these resources by using code UMCEA23 for a limited time.
Click here to check out the designs and/or to order.
| |
|
|
2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There are also two Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturdays March 4 and Oct. 7.
The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.
If you need training between these dates, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster with links to registration, click here.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
| |
| |
|
|
Special Sunday planning calendar
Planning weekly services takes a lot of intentional work. Finding ways to incorporate special moments outside the normal rhythm takes even more work. The 2023 Special Sunday planning calendar can help make your worship planning just a bit easier. It highlights all the Special Sundays, Awareness Sundays, and Annual Conference Sundays throughout the denomination. The calendar offers tips and tools to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities for your church to come together and make a worldwide impact.
Click here to download your calendar.
| | |
|
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
More than $2 million in scholarships available
Paying for college can be stressful. For many families, affording higher education is the number one factor when deciding which school a student will attend.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarships help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending United Methodist-related institutions. In rare cases, awards are also given to students attending other schools.
Click here to learn about the different types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, and to apply. Most deadlines are around March 1.
| |
|
|
United Women in Faith
Scholarship for lay women available
NEW YORK — The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith National Scholarship for lay women is April 18. The scholarships are designed to be used for undergraduate or graduate study or student internships in religion or a related field such as social work. Preference will be given to people affiliated with The United Methodist Church and women involved with UWF. The average scholarship is $1,000, and the maximum is $5,000.
Read press release
| |
|
What's New from the Lewis Center | |
|
7 policies every church needs for trust and transparency
Trust is fragile, says Bonnie Ives Marden. And finances, if not handled correctly, can be a source of worry rather than security. She outlines seven policies for institutional trust and financial integrity that reduce confusion and conflict while at the same time encouraging generosity to support your mission.
To learn more, click here.
| |  |
|
10 dos and don’ts for handling difficult conversations
No one looks forward to dealing with difficult issues, but confronting problems is an essential part of being an effective leader. Chris Sonksen outlines four wrong approaches and six more constructive ways to handle difficult conversations if division, dissention, mission drift, or other difficulties plague your leadership teams or staff.
To learn more, click here.
| | |
Join Skye Farm Summer Staff 2023
There are many summer staff openings at our Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center in Warrensburg. Openings include counselors, program assistant, kitchen assistant, assistant cook, food service manager, waterfront director and maintenance assistant. For more information and/or to apply click here.
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.
| |
| |
|
|
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.
| | |
|
What is your favorite Lent resource?
The Conference Office is collecting Lent resources to share with the Upper New York Conference on the website here.
Do you have a favorite spiritual practice, book, devotion, hymn, or litany you like during Lent?
The Conference would love to hear about it and add the resource to our page. Email your favorite Lent resource to news@unyumc.org.
| |
| |
|
|
New studies and devotionals for Lent
Embrace the spiritual journey of Lent with fresh perspectives and inspiration. Brand-new studies and devotionals from Abingdon Press, the Upper Room and the Society of St. Andrew offer a chance to discover meaning in this season of reflection and renewal. Most come with a leader guide or are available in bulk, so you can use them for congregational, small group or personal study. The perfect opportunity to discover a deeper sense of purpose and peace is here! To read more, click here.
More Lenten resources under "Revisiting" below, and here.
| | |
|
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.
To sign up either click the following link: https://bit.ly/UNYnotes.
Or follow the steps below:
go to the conference website: www.unyumc.org
Click on News in the toolbar
Select Connect with UNY
You can sign up for all six categories, or just select the UNY Notes
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
|
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
| |
|
|
#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.
| |
|
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
| |
|
Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
| |
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.
| |
|
|
|
New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at tracyrickett@unyumc.org
| | | |
From the Conference Center | |
|
Job opportunities
UNY Conference announces job opportunities:
-Maintenance Supervisor
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
-- Site Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center.
For more information and to apply, click here
| |
|
|
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.
| |
|
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
| | |
|
Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
| | |
|
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.
| |
'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.
| |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
|
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.
| | | | |
|
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.
| |
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.
| | |
|
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
Rev. Nancy Dibelius
District Associate
Gracie Lynn Besse
Adirondack 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 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
| | | | |
