Next Issue: January 27, 2022 |
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1-13-22 Devotion from DS
We are living in the new year filled with hope and fear. What is it that your church needs to thrive? What is your church afraid of? How will your church be faithful to God’s call in this year? One way to increase our faith is to remember how much God has brought us through. Although the famous passage in Isaiah tells the people to “not remember the things of old; I am doing a new thing,” (Is. 43:18,19) there are many other passages where remembering God’s victories is a command. We too often gloss over what God has done in our own lives and allow fear of the future to take hold. Hear the words of Paul to the Philippian church: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6).
What would happen if your church chose a Sunday to tell of God’s blessings which have been given in the past and present? Sing one verse of “I Love to Tell the Story,” then pause and starting from the eldest to the youngest, tell stories of God’s faithfulness in this place and to this congregation. Sing a second verse and do it again and repeat until done. This may be the best “sermon” the folks have heard, coming from a place of thankfulness and faith. Once you get started you may be unable to stop the memories from rushing in like a stream and overflowing the banks.
Once you know where you have been with God, have your leaders say where you are now and where you believe God is leading you as a congregation. This may take a few other gatherings but the result will be that you have renewed sense of hope and less fear. In sum, God is in control and still cares about you and your work in the world. For God loved the world this much: that He gave his only begotten Son, and that everyone who believes in Him will not die, but will live forever. May it be so, as we build up our faith in Christ.
In Him with You,
Jeff McDowell
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News from DS
Soon it will be announced who your next Superintendent is, to begin July 1. I will be completing my eighth year in this role, which is the maximum allowed, and returning to serve in a local church. Please help us make this transition a blessing for all by continuing to keep all people safe, following all our guidelines and deadlines, and moving forward in ministry by faith and not fear. Contact us in this office whenever you need practical help, encouragement or support.
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly: MV District Associate |
“On the thirteenth day of Christmas, my True Love (God) gave to me.” Sure, I know that there was only twelve days of Christmas, but I continue to celebrate so I have added another day of gifts. Friends my True Love gave to me, an amazing district, with a Superintendent that works so hard for all of us, an incredible Admin Assistant that we just plain don’t thank enough, and all of you clergy and laity alike.
Friends, over the course of the last eighteen months I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with so many churches, pastors, and laity as your District Associate. We have experienced together some of the hardest times that many of us have ever faced in His ministry and even though we are not through this pandemic, we will persevere. And I know this because we have, and we will continue to be the church that Jesus asks us to be. Oh, certainly we have been mightily tested, our buildings have been closed, we have lost friends and even family to this horrible disease, but we are still here answering His call. We are still here serving Him and others and that is not going to change. And that’s not going to change because that is who you are. All of you are dedicated to Him and His ministry and His people and you are all blessed with gifts and talents to make it work.
I have enjoyed my position as your associate because I get to support all the pastors, all the laity and all the churches within the district and I continue to offer that to all of you. Please reach out and I will gladly come and help. I know that there are a lot of things coming up, as a reminder, Finance Report, Trustees Report and EZRA annual reports are all due on February 15, and your annual audit is due on March 15th. All while we continue to struggle with COVID and prepare for Easter, and the season of Lent. While many will continue their education through Course of Study, continuing education and Lay Servant ministries. Let me know how I can come aside you and ease your load. That’s why I am here.
I am proud to be the District Associate of the Mountain View District and I am honored to work with all of you.
With God’s Blessings, Mike
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Mountain View COVID Update 1/11/22
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Chemung County: Active Cases as of Monday – 2016, new cases 247, positivity rate 23.95%, hospitalizations 52, breakthroughs 104
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Steuben County: Active Cases – 473, new 292, positivity rate 19.74%, hospitalizations 26, breakthroughs 150
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Schuyler County: Active Cases – 242, new 153, positivity rate 14.2%
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Allegheny County: Active Cases – 398, new 44, positivity rate 21.86%, new hospitalizations 11
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Tioga County: Active Cases – 678, positivity rate 23.31%
Here are the latest updates and guidance
Quarantines:
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated and eligible for a booster but not yet boosted and have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are required to quarantine for 5 days after exposure and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
Asymptomatic individuals who have been fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 do not need to quarantine but should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after exposure to COVID-19.
Asymptomatic individuals who are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for a booster are also not required to quarantine. They should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after exposure to COVID-19.
• Fully vaccinated and boosted is defined as being 2 weeks or more after either receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks or more after receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine, and having received a booster shot at least 2 weeks before the first date of exposure
If symptoms appear within 10 days of exposure to a known case, if in quarantine or not, individuals should seek testing and isolate until testing is complete. If negative, return to previous quarantine status. If positive, see guidance on isolation. If testing is not possible, isolate for 5 days after symptom onset and wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after exposure to COVID-19.
Regardless of vaccination status, all individuals with exposure to a confirmed case should, if possible, be tested for COVID-19 on the 5th day after exposure with either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT, e.g. PCR) or antigen test.
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Announcement: Mask Mandate for all Church Gatherings (Dec. 13 - Jan. 15) |
Unless a church enforces a strict vaccination requirement, all persons entering church buildings must wear an appropriately fitting mask covering to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, effective Dec. 13 through Jan. 15.
As per the governor’s announcement, “any person, past their second birthday and medically able to tolerate a face covering, must wear an appropriate mask while in any indoor place, regardless of vaccination status. However, businesses and venues can choose to implement a vaccination requirement, requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of entry inside the business or venue. Whichever requirement is selected, it must apply to all within the business/venue’s capacity, including staff, patrons, visitors, and guests. A business and venue cannot do a “combination” requirement.”
To properly enforce a vaccination requirement, every person’s vaccination status must be confirmed prior to entering the church facilities. Any church unable to accomplish this should require all persons to wear a mask.
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UNY Conference Office COVID-19 Protocol Changes |
Given the spread of the omicron variant, significant increase of cases in Onondaga County and our need to keep everyone safe, we have updated our office protocols.
It is strongly encouraged that non-Conference staff in-person meetings be moved to Zoom, at least through the end of January, as infection rates are on the rise even amongst vaccinated individuals.
HUB activities through the end of January will be rescheduled for a future date.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits at susanlatessa@unyumc.org.
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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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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms That Are Due |
February 15th, 2022
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
February 28th, 2022
If you need assistance with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information for EZRA, please contact the District Office. 607-962-8047 or email mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org
March 15th, 2022
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
2021 Local Annual Audit
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EZRA Site Opened January 1st, 2022 |
Statistics for 2021- The Ezra site opened Saturday January 1, 2022 to enter the church statistical data. This year Ezra will still be on the same Ezra site as previous years. Nothing has changed other than the submission date. The new submission date is February 28, 2022.
The 2021 stat reports will be used for the 2023 Ministry Share calculations.
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NY Paid Family Leave Changes for 2022 |
New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. This time can be taken all at once, or in increments of full days.
Paid Family Leave may also be available in some situations when an employee or their minor, dependent child is under an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Click here for all the details you need to know about 2022 Paid Family Leave in UNY.
If you have additional questions on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.
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UMCOR is collecting for tornado relief through its domestic disaster fund:
Please send directly to UMCOR using Advance #901670
Not to the District of Conference Offices.
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Mountain View District Office Open By Appointment Only |
Office visits are still by appointment ONLY. We ask that you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. We also ask that you social distance while in the office. Please do not come to the office if you are not feeling well. We ask that you come another time.
Office is open: Mon.-Thurs.
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The District and Conference Offices Will Be Closed Monday January 17 For Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
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Clergy Educational Opportunities |
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Bishop Sharma Lewis: Tips for Preaching During Lent and Easter
WHEN: Jan. 11, 2022
LEADER: Bishop Sharma Lewis
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Kevin Slimp: Effective Communication to Grow Your Church
WHEN: Jan. 20, 2022
LEADER: Kevin Slimp
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Olu Brown: Focusing on the Lord's Prayer While Leading Your Congregation During Lent
WHEN: Jan. 27, 2022
LEADER: Olu Brown
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
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Course of Study Through Wesley Seminary |
Licensed local Pastors....are you are planning to take COS for the Winter or Spring Weekends? If you are, please consider filling out your registration form and get it to the District office to have the DS sign it and then I will get it to the registrar. The deadline for registration for the Spring is Feb.1st of 2022. (Reminder that the District office is CLOSED on Fridays)
Please, DO NOT WAIT to the last minute to register. When a class is filled, Wesley closes the registration for that class and there is no wiggle room.
I am putting this out now as one of the busiest times of the year is coming soon. There is no need for you to miss out on getting your course requirements met. There is NO MONEY due at the time of registration. You can register NOW for both Winter and Spring and if something comes up....you can cancel.
IF you need a specific class.....sign up now ....you need to remember that these courses are not just for UNY Conference....these are open to other Conferences as well. SO, sign up now
The steps to get registered:
· Get registration form-click here
· Fill out the form, print it, YOU sign it.
· Scan & email to your District Office
· District AA will get the DS to sign it and will send it to COS Registrar
· Registrar will fill out her part and get it to Sara Shephard.
· Sara Shephard will send the Registrar a confirmation of your registration.
· Registrar will send confirmation to the District AA
There is no reason to wait to the last minute because there is no money that needs to be sent with your registration. So, please sign up now!!
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Course of Study Participants
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU
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:
Betsy O’Flynn
We have had several lately list BOMregistrar@unyumc.org – this delays or causes you the student to miss the class entirely. |
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held in February |
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday February 26th from 9AM to 12:30PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2022 AT NOON
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
At this time there are no other trainings scheduled, so we recommend getting registered as soon as possible.
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell, UNY Conference Safe Sanctuaries Co-Chairs.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
Please remember that all persons being trained MUST be on their own personal device (i.e. Computer, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Mountain View District Winter Lay Servant Classes |
2022 Winter Class Session
To be held at:
Via Zoom
Basic Class - Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Beginning Jan. 26 -Feb. 23 2022
Soul Reset - Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 beginning Jan. 27th - Feb. 24th
Exploring Healing Prayer - Lent Study Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
beginning March 10th - April 6th 2022
Tuition: $15.00 per person plus purchase price of the books
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LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
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Public Prayer (Required Lay Speaker Course)
Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 2022 via Zoom
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Rev. Nancy Dibelius
Course Fee: $10.00
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If you're interested in raising your awareness, expanding your knowledge, and developing skills for addressing racism in all its forms, you'll want to enroll in the next Imagine No Racism class. The six-week curriculum, taught on Zoom, will empower you and your church to discern how God is calling you to apply this new knowledge and skills in your life and mission.
The next class starts Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 pm, and runs for six weeks. Each class lasts for about 1.5 hours.
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Barry Winders says the COVID-19 crisis is a hinge point for the church. This pivotal time demands mission-focused leaders lest the church slip back into the busyness and nonmissional activities of the pre-COVID-19 past.
Kay Kotan says many churches feel a natural desire to return to the familiar, comfortable patterns of the past. But churches that embrace this time of disruption as a catalyst for lasting change are most likely to be vital in the post-pandemic world.
Thom Rainer says it is a mistake for churches to give up their digital or streaming services after returning to in-person worship. He outlines seven reasons online worship can augment your place-based worship and reach the community.
50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth
How can your church help youth claim a vital faith? No question is more critical to the future of the church. Learn effective tips your congregation can use to improve ministry with teens and their families.
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Rev. Nancy Dibelius-Spiritual Disciplines
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Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
In her latest series, Rev. Dibelius discussed the spiritual discipline of celebration, click here to watch the first video in this series.
In her final video of 2021 and second video about celebration, Rev. Dibelius discusses how to create a celebration collage with images of objects that you are drawn to beyond the season’s tinsel and glitter. Click here to watch her latest video.
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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments |
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, the Media Resource Center will be operating on a limited basis for Resource orders. More details and specifics will be included in the February newsletter
Media Resource Center
315-898-2027
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
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Continue to Watch Out for Phising Emails |
Please note that phishing-scheme emails are still frequently arriving in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference inboxes. Do not open any links in these emails.
These emails may look like they are coming from someone you know with a unyumc.org email, but carefully look at the email address—a lot of time it’s NOT the person you know—it’s a phishing email (the email extension will be “yahoo.com,” “gmail.com,” or some other email extension and not unyumc.org).
These emails will often have a subject line that say “urgent” and the email will often involve a request for financial help.
There was an email like this that many of you may have received over the holidays appearing as though it was from Bishop Webb; some even included his photo. This was a phishing scheme.
Delete these emails. Mark them as junk. And do not respond to them!
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at dougthomas@unyumc.org.
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter! |
Did you know that, as a United Methodist ministry, it is easy to get a letter proving your tax-exempt status – without applying directly to the Internal Revenue Service? The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), and sister agency to (GBHEM), United Methodist Women, and others, have received a “group ruling” designation from the IRS.
Basically, an umbrella or central organization (GCFA) takes over some of the administrative functions that would normally fall to a backlogged IRS, so that subordinate organizations, like United Methodist camps, churches, and other ministries can apply to the central organization for inclusion in their group. What that means for you is that, rather than applying directly to the IRS, you can apply online easily and quickly through GCFA. GCFA, rather than the IRS, will check your documentation and issue a letter of inclusion – meaning that you are included in the overall United Methodist group ruling for tax exemption.
Don't wait. Recently the IRS issued notice that it may change the group ruling policy. While we don’t know when those changes may take place, it is quick and easy to get a letter of inclusion in the denominational group ruling currently, so act quickly, before any changes take place.
There are a couple of important things to note: The online form is very straightforward for local United Methodist churches and the local church can quickly get its letter at the below link. For ministries that are affiliated as United Methodist organizations, such as a church, child care program, or a summer camp, the organization must have its own EIN, board, and organizing documents. Also, this tax exemption verifies your federal status and does not affect any state tax ruling.
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Church Copyright License Options-
Copyrights Can Be Confusion
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There are essential licenses that fit most churches' use of copyrighted materials. However, several supplemental licenses exist that grant permission for more specific services such as rehearsals, live streaming, podcasts, videos, and video clips. It is essential to note that if your church obtains permission to use copyrighted material for one activity or exclusive right, it doesn't mean you have permission with that same license for another exclusive right. For example, for musical works, it is essential to remember that you will need a license to both the musical composition (the music notes on the page) and the lyrics. Not all licenses provide permission for both.
We've assembled this free guide to Church Copyright License Options to help you understand the basics of different types of copyrights. CCLI? Church Rehearsal License? Learn them all.
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE
35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Office Is Open
Mon.-Thurs.
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell
District Associate: Pastor Mike Kelly
District Lay Leader: Ann Welch Wood
District Administrative Assistant: Patti Gridley
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