April 28th, 2022 Oneonta District UMC News for you
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Nancy’s Notes - #44
Dear Friends,
I hope your Easter was glorious! During Holy Week, someone asked me, “Do you have to preach on Easter?” I said, “No. I get to!” I had the blessed privilege of being able to preach the most glorious news there is to share on the most glorious day of the year – that Christ is risen!
Then this past Sunday, I got to share about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus from Luke 24:13-35 who were in the presence of the Risen Christ and who didn’t know it at first. In my sermon, I asked, “Where is your road to Emmaus?” Where do you go when your whole world is caving in around you? Wherever that is, that’s where Jesus – the Risen Christ meets us! He is with us every step of our journeys! He wants to turn our mourning into dancing – and He is the only one who can – and does! Hallelujah! In the midst of our trials, our sorrows, our struggles, our confusion, our questions, our despair, etc., Jesus cares, won’t give up on us, and wants us to realize if we don’t already, that He walks with us every step of the way. Of course, He also wants us to know that He is with us every step of the way in times of joy as well. In the good times, the bad times, and the mundane times, the Risen Christ walks with us. I have found that to be true in my life, and I trust you have found it to be true in yours.
Christ is risen and is with us – always! Hallelujah!
With You in the Journey and Rejoicing in Presence of the Risen Christ,
Nancy
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2022 UNY Annual Conference News |
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IMPORTANT Announcement: Annual Conference 2022- Upper New York Annual Conference postponed due to COVID-19 Concerns
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States.
Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New York at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. In the end, while there was a great sense of loss about not being able to gather in-person for the third year in a row, the Committee overwhelmingly agreed that the top priority had to be the health and safety of the individuals that would be asked to attend. The decision was made to institute a backup plan that has been in place since the Committee started planning for an in-person Annual Conference gathering.
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Postponing Annual Conference creates a new set of logistical concerns to address and the decisions about those concerns will be shared once they are made. In the meantime, anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
“We know that there will be many different reactions to the news of Annual Conference being postponed and moved to a virtual event,” said the Rev. Joellyn Tuttle, Chair of the Sessions Committee. “Many will be disappointed; many will be relieved; and many more will be some combination of the two. Ultimately, this decision puts the health of the members of the Annual Conference first and that felt right to the Committee. Our first desire was to do no harm, and we are confident that we can pull together an excellent virtual event in October.”
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Local District News & Happenings |
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New- First United Methodist Church of Oneonta, NY (FUMC) has 2 part-time staff positions open immediately: Treasurer and Secretary. The 15-16 hour /week Treasurer position requires a business background with proficiency in Excel and Quickbooks.
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New- Elm Park United Methodist Church of Oneonta, NY **CUSTODIAN NEEDED**
Part-Time Hourly Employee, 5-day work week, maximum of 17.5 hours per week or 35 hours per pay period (average of 3.5 hours per day) $13.20/hr.
Requisites: *Experience with building and grounds custodial maintenance and equipment.
*Minimum Physical Abilities: adequate to complete required tasks.
*Background Clearance
*Positive References
*Review & Receipt of EPUMC Employee Handbook
If interested please call (607) 432-6552 and leave your name and phone number where we can contact you.
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Update 8-Week Class -
Taught by Pastor Paul
(At Sidney UMC/On Zoom)
or call: 315-329-4071
Week # 1 – Tues. May 3rd – 4:30 pm
Week # 2 – Tues. May 10th – 4:30 pm
Week # 3 – Tues. May 17th – 4:30 pm
Week # 4 – Tues. May 24th – 4:30 pm
Week # 5 – Tues. May 31st – 4:30 pm
Week # 6 – Tues. June 7th – 4:30 pm
Week # 7 – Tues. June 14th – 4:30 pm
Week # 8 – Tues. June 21st – 4:30 pm
This Study will be in person and on ZOOM (Hybrid Format). Click here for flyer advertising the study.
Books are available on the Sunday Morning Check-In Tables and in the Church Office. Suggested book donation is $12.
Both sections of this class will be in the Sidney UMC Church Library/ZOOM.
Below is the ZOOM link for Tuesdays at 4:30 PM. It's the same link for all 8-Weeks.
Paul Winkelman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: The Wesleyan Journey - 8-Week Study - (Tuesdays - 4:30 PM - In Person/Zoom
Time: May 3, 2022 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Tue, until Jun 21, 2022, 8 occurrence(s)
May 3, 2022 04:30 PM
May 10, 2022 04:30 PM
May 17, 2022 04:30 PM
May 24, 2022 04:30 PM
May 31, 2022 04:30 PM
Jun 7, 2022 04:30 PM
Jun 14, 2022 04:30 PM
Jun 21, 2022 04:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 810 8526 4027
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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Join The Mosaic for a mission trip this summer! |
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The Schoharie Mosaic Cooperative Ministry is gearing up for another fantastic mission trip this summer. We are heading to Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine for the week of August 15-20, 2022. Mechuwana has a well organized workcamp program where teams of volunteers come and get paired with work projects in the community. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, regardless of experience or skill. Scholarships will be available to cover the costs. Please prayerfully consider if this is an opportunity to put your faith into action helping those in need. To learn more about Camp Mechuwana visit their website at http://www.mechuwana.org.
We are enthusiastic about coming together for the purpose of ministry and mission in Christ!
Please sign up if you already know you are going AND share this trip with interested folks in your congregations and communities so we can continue with our planning strategy.
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Project Grants for Faith-Based Organizations
The Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) is offering Project Grants. Help spread the word to those who may benefit from this grant money. Grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our UNY conference.
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Help Social Holiness research homelessness
Homelessness is a complex societal issue caused by a wide array of factors. And homelessness is not limited to urban settings. The Upper New York Social Holiness Team wants to research homelessness and how the causes and influences may vary based on the setting. The team hopes that the results of their research can be used as a resource for local churches and Districts.
If you are interested in possibly joining this research effort, contact Alan Kinney ([email protected]) by May 1. He will be arranging a Zoom meeting for all of those who are interested.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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2022 Zoom TIIMSA Gathering to be held
MAY 10-11
Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Gathering
The Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists Association will have a virtual gathering May 10-11, 2022. The cost is $100 for entrance to the full online session schedule and also provides a year's membership to the Association. Keynote speaker is Rev. Susan Beaumont, author of, "How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going." For information and the schedule, go to: https://tiimsa.org/2022-gathering/
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Attention youth! May 14 event!
CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministries) is hosting a spring camp clean-up event on Saturday, May 14 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Youth and youth groups are all invited to attend! Youth will have opportunities to worship, play games and enjoy a meal together, as well as help Skye Farm get ready to open and welcome campers for the summer!
Cost is $20/Youth and includes lunch and a snack.
Please register no later then May 7.
For information or to register yourself and/or your youth group please contact Laura Clark, Albany District Youth Coordinator at [email protected] or (518) 396-7778.
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Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training at Casowasco
Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training (TIIMS) is designed to help pastors and congregations deal with the stresses of our culture in this time of uncertainty. While this training is specifically designed for those entering an interim situation (death of pastor, long pastorate, pastor leaving ministry, etc.), the training will help you deal with the everyday struggles you will find in any ministry setting.
This training is a three-phase experience spanning six months of time. Phase I is a three-day introduction to the concepts and principles of Interim Ministry. Phase II is a time in one’s ministry setting using some of the tools and principles learned in Phase I. Phase III is a re-gathering of the group.
Contact Jane Sautter with questions or registration information. She can be reached at 315-225-6170 or [email protected].
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Tending the Soul new cohort to begin Nov. 2022
Tending the Soul, a training program in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation will be starting a new cohort in November 2022. The program is designed for lay and clergy. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent past, the ability to listen deeply for God, to remain centered and non-anxious, and to hold sacred space for others is an essential tool in ministry (both within your local congregation and the greater community).
Click here for more information and a brochure with all details on the program and how to apply. Any questions can be directed to the Rev. Nancy Dibelius ([email protected]).
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Click here for a list of upcoming Safe Sanctuaries Courses.
Registration is open one month prior to each class.
Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training Reminder:
This is a great time to get your VBS Volunteers Safe Sanctuaries Trained before Summer.
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday May 7th from 9AM to 12:30PM.This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: FRIDAY MAY 6TH, 2022 AT 8:00pm
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
Our next training will be August 6, 2022 to prepare for the Fall Sunday School Season, 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.
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.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Crossroads District ZOOM Lay Servant classes open to all
Take a look at the exciting new slate of Lay Servant classes offered on the Crossroads District!
Register today! Classes start soon!
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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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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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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Director of Missional Engagement for the HUB
2) Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
3) Part-time year round Maintenance Assistant at Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center
4) Full-time seasonal Food Service Manager at Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center
5) Part-time District Administrative Assistant for Finger Lakes District
If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Native American Ministries Sunday coming up May 1st.
The official date set to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday is May 1. We encourage churches to celebrate on a date that is most convenient for your congregation. Resources to celebrate and promote this Special Sunday can be found here.
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NEW- MMIW Awareness Day is May 5
May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The Native American International Caucus encourages you to bring awareness through events and education.
Click here to find resources to help plan an awareness event and do your part to end the violence!
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NEW- Pastors facing stress and burnout
The life of a pastor is stressful under any circumstances, but the past few years have brought unprecedented challenges. Across the United States, a pandemic that emptied churches, hurricanes and tornadoes, denominational uncertainty, and racial issues have all made a mark.
Click here to read more about how stress is impacting Methodist pastors across the country.
Acknowledging the stress that is affecting pastors, the Upper New York Conference has created a wellness initiative to learn more about UNY pastors’ spiritual needs and to create resources to help them prioritize self-care. Continue following all UNY Conference news platforms for information about this initiative that will be released in the coming weeks.
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Focusing on discipleship
The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated our website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section we list six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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What is a Christ-following transformational leader?
To fulfill the mission and vision of the Upper New York Conference, one of our primary tasks is to “discover, develop, and deploy Christ-following transformational clergy and lay leadership.”
What s a Christ-following transformational leader?
The UNY Communications team has created a fun video with the definition!
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Recorded Webinar on Social Principles
Learn how the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church guide and inform the mission and ministry of the General Board of Church and Society to work toward social justice.
Click here to watch a recorded webinar of experts discussing how the document of Social Principles can help local churches to integrate social justice into their church life.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Are you struggling with mental health?
You are not alone!
The Neighborhood Center, an official NY Project Hope provider agency, is offering free, confidential and anonymous counseling for community members who need to talk to someone or learn about resources in their community regarding COVID-19.
NY Project Hope, a program of the NYS Office of Mental Health and funded by FEMA, provides emotional support through conversation, stress management techniques and helpful community resources.
To talk to someone who hears what you say and can help you understand what you're feeling about the challenges of life during COVID-19, call 1-844-863-9314 from 8 am-10 pm, any day to talk with a trained Crisis Counselor.
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Do you have questions? United Methodist Communications has answers.
Can I be confirmed online? Is it ever appropriate to place the Advent Wreath on the Lord’s Table? What's the United Methodist position on rebaptism? Can a lay servant wear a robe in the pulpit? What countries have United Methodist churches? Do apportionments help pay for church camps? How do you get to heaven?
These are only a handful of the thousands of questions received by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, the information service for all things United Methodist.
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Trauma evident in Ukrainian refugees
Many Methodist women and men in various countries prove to be wide-hearted and helpful. However, the longer people in Ukraine have to live with the war, the more psychological support will be required. Click here to read a summary of the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe’s efforts to support Ukrainian refugees.
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FAQs for helping Ukrainians
Methodists across the UNY Conference have been wondering how they can support Ukrainians in this time of crisis. The UNY Communications team has previously announced UMCOR advances that directly support Ukrainians.
To be reminded of those Advance numbers and to find out answers about volunteering, hosting Ukrainian refugees in your home, and prayer ideas, click here to read Global Ministries’ FAQs related to the crisis in Ukraine.
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Holy Land Trip 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Register by April 14 ($125 off), May 14 ($100 off), June 14 ($75 off), July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: [email protected], 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: [email protected], 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: [email protected], 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: [email protected], 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
There will also be an informational session on May 3 at Erwin First United Methodist Church that you can attend in-person or via Zoom.
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The UNYAC Media Resource Center is operating on a limited basis for Resource orders. We have a small committee who are dedicating their time and talents to help maintain this valuable resource. We need your help! Click here to read about our changes and how you can help us help you.
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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New- NEJCAH Conference to be held virtually May 10-11
The speakers for this year’s historical presentations for The Northeastern Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History will be delivered through a Zoom gathering on the evenings of May 10 and 11, 2022. This meeting, organized by the Upper New York Commission on Archives and History, was part of an originally planned onsite meeting in Auburn, NY.
This two-night virtual meeting, with a welcoming message from UNY Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, should have special interest to folks in Upper New York Conference as many of the presentations focus on sites in UNY.
Click here for descriptions of each presentation, the schedule, and registration details.
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Nominations for 2022 Denman recipients
being accepted through July 1, 2022
The Denman award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Annual Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one lay person in each Conference.
The 2021 recipients in the Upper New York Conference were Pastor Della Ludwig (clergy) and Pastor Sean Chanthasone (clergy). The 2020 recipients were Nolan Carner (youth), Rick Fisher, Jr. (laity), and Pastor Jose Rodriguez (clergy).
The deadline for submitting your 2022 nominations to the Conference has been extended to July 15, 2022.
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
Earlier this month, the Global Methodist Church announced that it will launch on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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NYS HERO Act
On March 18, 2022, the NYS Department of Labor updated its NY HERO Act website to confirm the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under the HERO Act ended. Private sector employers are no longer required to implement their workforce safety plans. No more health screens!
While this is great news, there are other obligations the NY HERO Act (NY Labor Law Section 218-b) that remain even when no designation is in effect. These obligations include creating an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, giving a copy of the plan to employees within 30 days after its creation, giving a copy of the plan to any new employees when they are hired, posting the plan in each work site so employees can view it, and updating the plan as necessary.
Any questions about the NYS HERO Act obligations can be addressed to Upper New York Conference Director of Human Resources/Benefits, Susan Latessa at [email protected] or 315-898-2002.
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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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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Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
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On the Calendar
May 1 - 31: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May 1: Native American Ministries Sunday - DETAILS
May 3 - 5: Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training (TIIMS)- Phase I - DETAILS
May 7: Safe Sanctuaries Basic Training - DETAILS
May 8: Mother's Day
May 9 - 15: Upper New York Local Pastors Licensing School - DETAILS
May 22: Heritage Sunday
May 24: Aldersgate Day
May 30: Memorial Day
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UNYAC Contact Information
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UNY Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference :United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd. Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you. Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings, live streaming worship, or online giving
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Oneonta District Contact Information
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Attention Please- Oneonta District Office UMC Mailing address - until further notice:
Please mail all (snail mail) correspondence to the following Address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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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."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
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(Physical address) Oneonta District Office 64 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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