March 23rd, 2023 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 4 PM for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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NEW- Oneonta District "Clergy Day Apart" planned for Tues. April 18th.
Location and Time TBA. Be watching for further details.
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Special Session, Saturday March 25th
via Zoom
Special Session details
Don’t forget the Upper New York Annual Conference Special Session is being held virtually on March 25, beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registered members will be sent a voter ID and a special link to access the Zoom platform during the week. Non-registered members are encouraged to watch the livestream. This virtual event will have an American Sign Language interpreter and will be closed-captioned.
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Those who are not eligible to vote, do not need to register and can watch the Special Session via livestream by clicking here on March 25.
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Are you subscribed to UNY Notes?
UNY Notes are targeted email blasts in nine categories. You can receive emails from all categories or just those that interest you. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to “From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez,” "Alerts," and “Announcements,” to be sure that you are getting the most important news right away.
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ACStats
(2022 Statistical reports)
Are now past due.
Thanks to all the churches that completed the 2022 Year End Statistics for the congregation(s) by the established due date. We appreciate your diligence.
Unfortunately, as of this morning, we still have 9 local churches in our Oneonta district that have not submitted their statistical information – this is unacceptable. As the executive administrative officer of a congregation (charge), appointed pastors are responsible for ensuring this report is completed and submitted to the Conference Office on time.
When submitted on time and accurately, statistical reports provide critical information that translates into mission-critical insights that allow our Conference's Cabinet and other administrative agencies to lead effectively and resource leaders and local churches. In addition, inaccurate or outdated statistical information can impact ministry share allocations for local churches.
We have asked our Finance and Benefits team to keep the portal to submit Year End Statistical reports open until this Friday, 03/24/2023, at 4:30 pm, to allow churches that have not submitted their statistical information to do so by then.
If you know your team has been working on this piece, please take a moment to double-check that the report was properly submitted (entering the data and saving it is not enough – you must also submit the report).
You can see more information on completing and submitting the Year End Statistical Report here.
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2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference Annual Forms Due Dates
Past Due- deadline was Dec. 1st:
UPDATE ONLINE - DO NOT PRINT A COPY
NOW Past Due deadline was February. 15, 2023 (Mail completed & signed copy of each to the District Office) *
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2022 Year End Financial Report
2023 Church Budget - Your church format
NOW Past Due by March 15, 2023 (Mail completed copy of each to District Office)
NOW Past Due by March 17, 2023
Click here to download the 2022-23 Annual Report Form Checklist.
If you need help getting forms please contact Teresa at the district office.
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The Rev. Bryant Clark featured on UNY podcast
In the latest episode of the Upper New York Conference’s “Better Together” series for the On the Mission podcast, the Rev. Bryant Clark, Secretary of the Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW), connects with host the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens to talk about the strength of unity in the Church.
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Laity inspired at Bishop Héctor’s final Regional Gathering this season
On March 16, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, held his final clergy and laity Regional Gathering of this winter at Central UMC in the Southern Tier Region. The sanctuary was packed with more than 100 lay members. It was a joy-filled celebration as though the division and concerns in the denomination faded a bit.
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Bishop Héctor’s Regional Gathering recording
If you missed Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s incredibly inspiring Regional Gatherings, don’t fret! Watch the recording from the laity gathering on March 15 at Christ United Methodist Church in Olean
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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 entitled “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.
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Nominations for the 2023 Harry Denman Evangelism Award are due May 1
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one layperson in each Conference.
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Apply for Lottie Brown Grant by May 1
Applications are now being accepted for the Lottie Brown Grant. The Upper New York Scholarship Committee seeks undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. A statement of your faith journey and philosophy of life is given high consideration. All application materials for this scholarship must be postmarked by May 1, 2023.
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Annual Oneonta/Binghamton
Lenten Communion
and Men’s Breakfast
Greetings,
After a three year period of not having a men’s communion and breakfast, we are preparing to hold the Annual Oneonta/Binghamton Lenten Communion and Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, April 1. Castle Creek United Methodist Church will be hosting us this year at their church on US Route 11 in Castle Creek, Exit 7 off I81.
Coffee hour will start around 7;15 am, followed by worship and communion service at 8:00 am, and then breakfast.
Please contact Kurt Nelson at the Church if you plan to attend. His email is [email protected] and his phone is 607-372-6330.
Looking forward to seeing you. Also spread the word to all the men and boys in our two districts.
Blessings,
David Barnes
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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2023 SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE
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NOTE- Safe Sanctuaries trainings and policy clarification
How often does the three-hour basic training for Safe Sanctuaries need to be taken?
This question has been coming up quite a bit lately for Chris Mitchell and Arlene Schmidt, Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries, Co-Chairs.
Chris and Arlene would like to clarify. Each person who works with children, youth, and vulnerable adults both hired and volunteer, as well as all clergy persons MUST attend the UNY Safe Sanctuaries Basic Training only ONCE. As the policy as it is currently written is unclear about that, the committee will be taking this time to review the policy and minimum standard to update and make it more clear.
Please keep in mind that is the minimum standard of the UNY Conference; however, the local church can state that each person needs to take the training more than one time. It is recommended that each church and their committee on Safe Sanctuaries review the policy of their local church.
And remember, any training taken prior to 2011 when the Minimum Standards of Safe Sanctuaries were created is not valid, it must be the three-hour basic training which is provided by the Upper New York Conference.
There are several Safe Sanctuaries trainings available this year via Zoom.Click here for the full list of trainings.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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NEW- 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. 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?
Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
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.
PRESENTED BY:
Rev. David Olsen, PhD, LCSW - Samaritan Counseling Center Executive Director
Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, LCSW - Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
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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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Equitable Comp grants available
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period of July to December 2023. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment.
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Cady Grant application extended to March 31
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Ercil Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to a fund ministry, program, or experience that benefits or provides education to, preferably but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans.
Applications must be submitted to Blenda Smith at [email protected] with Cady Grant in the subject line. If you previously submitted an application and did not receive a confirmation response that it was received, please resubmit it.
Click here for more information and the application.
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THE UNY UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
(formerly United Methodist Women)
Offers grants
It is the desire of the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith to offer grants to non-profit community and church-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Grants are not to be used for salaries or equipment. Applications must be filled out completely to be considered and will be evaluated by the committee. Grant period will be July 1 - June 30.
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Applications now open for UMHEF scholarships
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.
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‘Engage New People Grant’ available
The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “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.
Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”
Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
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National Fund for Sacred Places now accepting applications
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to more than $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. Click here to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your church would qualify for a grant. Click here to register for the webinar.
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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.
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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.
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Sabbath Life retreats in UNY
These monthly one-day retreats focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Sabbath Life retreats will be starting in Upper New York at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center next month.
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Blueprint for Wellness screenings
at UNY Annual Conference
Wespath Benefits and Investments have again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer the free health screening program "Blueprint for Wellness" for eligible participants at the Upper New York Annual Conference in June.
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Save the Date Mission u 2023 |
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Adult Study Book: Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma
Registration forms will be available May 1, 2023. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Pastor Brett Johnson 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.
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UMY Mission Central Hub News |
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NOTICE: Please direct all questions regarding the Mission Central HUB to:
Kristina Clark
Director of Missional Engagement
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: 315.898.2066
Cell: 570.267.5711
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NEW- UMCOR supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova
Ukrainian refugees who’ve fled across the border to Moldova are being assisted through a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service (CWS). At the CWS refugee hub in Balti, refugees can pick up food and hygiene supplies, get medical or mental health support, and connect to other services. Volunteers also are distributing warm clothes and blankets for the winter.
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UMCOR cleaning buckets for Buffalo
In the aftermath of the Christmas blizzard, many have asked “What else can we do?”
Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, recommends buying items from the Upper New York Mission Central HUB’s “Cleaning Kit" Amazon wishlist now through March 1 and have your items shipped to Harris Hill United Methodist Church, located in the Buffalo area at 8495 Main St., Williamsville, NY, 1422.
Harris Hill United Methodist Church’s “Go! Ministry” was prepared to respond to their community's cleaning needs after the blizzard with UMCOR Cleaning Buckets. They graciously provided these buckets to their neighbors and helped many make sense of the mess that was in front of them. Let's help replenish their buckets!
If you are dropping off in person, please call Harris Hill UMC to schedule a drop off at (716) 632-4688.
Feel free to buy items elsewhere and ship to Harris Hill UMC.
Click here to see what supplies are included in UMCOR cleaning buckets.
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Job Openings in the Upper New York Conference
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NEW- Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center job openings
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Missional Excellence AA job opening
The Upper New York Conference has a position open for an Administrative Assistant for Missional Excellence.
The Administrative Assistant for Missional Excellence leads by providing administrative and logistical support to the leadership development, congregational development, and missional engagement ministries of the Upper New York (UNY) Area of the United Methodist Church, resourcing the Director of Missional Excellence, and collaborating with other UNY departments.
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For questions: please contact Tracy Rickett,
Human Resources Generalist
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
Direct Line: 315.898.2017
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10 ways to engage people who worship online
How can congregations better engage people who worship online? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshipers.
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Focus on fresh content for spring
United Methodist Communications has a social media shareable library to help your church increase its online presence. Discover unique graphics for all your church’s spring and Easter celebrations, and graphics for all occasions!
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Eight children’s books for Easter
An Easter-themed book for children should leave room for children to wonder, deal gently with the crucifixion, and focus more on the resurrection, says children’s book author Glenys Nellist of Dearborn First United Methodist Church. "The books also should have inclusive illustrations," she says. Nellist suggests eight books that meet this criteria.
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The Media Resource Center is a free lending library funded by designated donations and run by a dedicated volunteer group. There are a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use. Resources are available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Click here for the online ordering catalog. Please allow for a timely response as the Resource Center is staffed on a part-time basis.
Each month, the Media Resource Center publishes a newsletter with updates and study suggestions. Click here to access the December newsletter.
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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 announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
View the full list of changes here.
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Bishop Héctor Announces Changes in District Superintendencies
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is blessed with the leadership of nine district superintendents. These women and men serve Christ and the United Methodist Church with passion, compassion, and great wisdom. In my short time as bishop, I have been impressed with their gifts and encouraged by their welcome. This is a great team of leaders.
At the end of June, three team members, the Rev. Nola Anderson, the Rev. Abel Roy, and the Rev. Ted Anderson, will complete their full eight-year terms of service. Please click here for Bishop Héctor's entire letter.
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New York State Pay Transparency Law
As communicated in a prior news article, the New York State (NYS) Pay Transparency law goes into effect on Sept. 17, 2023. A bill amending the NYS Pay Transparency law was signed into law on March 3, 2023.
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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 [email protected] or (315) 898-2017.
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This is a reminder that New York State updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now 2 separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability. To remain in compliance the updated disability forms should be used.
Form #1 – Employee and Health Care Provider form
Form #2 – Employer Form
There are several options to submit the completed disability claim forms to Guardian.
Mail to: Guardian State Disability Claims P.O. Box 14332, Lexington, KY 40512
Fax to: Guardian at 610-807-2953
Submit electronically: Go to www.GuardianAnytime.com. Click on “Secure Channel” on the Guardian Anytime home page. This is the quickest option to submit claim forms to Guardian.
Important: Please indicate the policy number and division number on the claim form. This information can be obtained from the Certificate of Insurance document mailed to each church by Guardian every January.
Additional information regarding short-term disability benefits can be located here.
If you have any questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at 315-898-2017 or [email protected]
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Certificates of Insurance for your Church
Please refer to the link below to obtain a certificate of insurance for your church - they are only good for one year.
Please refer any questions to Tracy Rickett at the
conference office 315-898-2017
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
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 [email protected]
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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On the Conference calendar
March 25: Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
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Oneonta District Office
66 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 - Physical Address (Second Floor)
Mailing Address
Oneonta District Office of the UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
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The Conference & District Office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
· Good Friday Friday, April 7th
· Memorial Day Monday, May 29th
· Independence Day Tuesday, July 4th
· Labor Day Monday, September 4th
· Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23rd
· Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 24th
· Christmas Day Monday, December 25th
Christmas Eve (Observed) Tuesday, December 26th
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Your Partners in Ministry at the
Oneonta District Office
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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