Notes From Our
District Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood
Understanding Our United Methodist
Theology and Polity
Baptism
In The United Methodist Church we observe two Sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.
A Sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It’s a way we receive God’s grace in a profound and tangible way. Baptism is the beginning of our faith journey. When we are baptized, we join the Communion of all Believers, the church universal. Our Baptismal Liturgy says,
"We are initiated into Christ's holy church, … incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price."
Baptism is a special way we receive God’s unmerited grace. God is the one acting in the sacrament. That’s why in our tradition, we don’t rebaptize: God gets it right the first time! If a person does not remember their baptism, or would like to make a new commitment to following Jesus, the church may use the baptismal remembrance liturgy
In The United Methodist Church, baptism is celebrated in the context of the worshipping community. When someone is baptized, the baptized person or, if the person is an infant or young child, their parents, make promises to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ. The congregation also promises to nurture the newly baptized person in the Christian faith. A person may receive the waters of baptism by sprinkling, pouring or immersion.
All who receive the Sacrament of baptism in a United Methodist congregation are baptized members of the Church universal, the denomination of The United Methodist Church, and their local congregation, regardless of age.
By Water and the Spirit explains, "Just as infants are members of their human families, but are unable to participate in all aspects of family life, so baptized infants are members of the Church — the family of faith — but are not yet capable of sharing everything involved in membership."
While all those baptized in a United Methodist church are members of the denomination, when reporting membership statistics we count professing members, those who are baptized and have publicly professed the baptismal and membership vows for themselves. Professing membership – becoming a member of a local congregation by promising to serve the church with our “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” - grants a person the right to vote at church conferences and hold particular leadership positions in the local church, as well as serve as a Certified Lay Speaker or Servant or be certified as a candidate for ministry.
Want to know more? Ask your pastor or go to UMC.ORG and search for Baptism. You can also read the UMC’s official statement on baptism, “By Water and the Spirit.” This resource is downloadable from UMC.ORG or is available in book form.
Grace and peace,
Sherri
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From the Desk of Pastor Michael J. Kelly, Mountain View District Associate
Blessings Friends and Families of the Mountain View District,
Many of you know the issues that the denomination is going through. Of course, the talk of churches leaving the denomination and while I support churches and members to make their own well-informed decisions I still grieve over the divisive attitudes. I have been a Methodist all my life that has included many ups and downs, but I still believe in Methodism. That is my opinion for what it is worth. First and foremost, though I believe that we are brothers and sisters together and serve Jesus Christ together and I think that it is very important that it remains our emphasis. And that even when we have differences we do so with respect and love, as Jesus would expect out of us.
While some churches may be moving away from the United Methodist Church, recently I was so pleased to see that the connection still remains. As many of you are aware I have had a struggle with health, especially since the middle of December. And while I continue to work through this, my personal pick up has been the cards, letters and emails from others in the district offering prayers and other assistance. Friends this speaks of our relationships that we have built through the years while serving together and proves to me that the connection is not dead! I offer to all you many thanks.
May your ministry be His ministries and a blessing to others,
Mike
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Note From Mountain View District Lay Leader
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! As a retired teacher, I can tell you that it was a highly charged holiday for children… exchanging cards, sharing treats, and showing kindness in various ways. As Christ-followers, it should also be highly charged. After all, God is love!
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16
it seems only right that we should take hold of this love holiday, Valentine’s Day, as a tool to express the love of God to a hurting world. How can we send the message that “We see you!”, “You matter!”, “God loves You!” to those who fall through the cracks?
This Valentine’s Day, let’s remember to set our sights not just on earthly relationships, but on the God above who loves far more fully and abundantly than we could ever imagine. Let’s find ways to share that amazing love!
Makarios,
Ann Welch Wood
District Lay Leader
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March Special Session
of Annual Conference Via Zoom
The Upper New York Conference’s March 2023 Special Session of Annual Conference to consider disaffiliation requests will take place remotely on March 25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration is now open and close on March 10, 2023. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to pre-register. Click here to register.
There is a $10.00 fee for this conference for all eligible voters, except for equalization members.
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.
Click here to see a list of who is eligible to vote.
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Update was added to bottom
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 theLiverpool 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, 2023, to welcome our new resident bishop and celebrate all God seeks to do in and through us in the days ahead.
ADDED UPDATE
“Because of the size of the sanctuary at Liverpool First UMC, Clergy will not be processing and do not need to robe.”
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Regional Meeting with Bishop Hector
Starting January 1, 2023, Bishop Hector Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Hector, will be the new bishop of the Upper New York Conference (UNY) Conference. Bishop Hector is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings.
The meetings will be as follows:
Mar. 1, 2023-Lakes Region-Auburn UMC
Mar. 15, 2023-Southern Tier Region-Olean: Christ
Mar. 16, 2023-Southern Tier Region-Central Endicott
The clergy meetings will be from 1-3 pm.
The laity meetings (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time) will be from 7-8:30 pm
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2023 Appointment Season News From Bishop Héctor
On Jan. 23, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, sent a letter to the Upper New York Conference regarding the upcoming appointment season. This letter featured the processes for appointment discernment, retirement announcements, expressing interest in open churches, and transitioning churches.
Click here to read the full letter, which includes important dates.
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NEW
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Disaffiliation's
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“…the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
Dear United Methodists in Upper New York,
Since The United Methodist Church’s (UMC) inception in 1968, United Methodists have not been of one mind regarding ministry with and by LGBTQIA+ persons. A key characteristic of our denomination is our shared commitment to be united in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. United Methodists worldwide, including in Upper New York (UNY), remain committed to the mission, our confessions and articles of faith, our polity, and the Wesleyan Way.
Also crucial to our United Methodist identity as a global movement is our willingness to humbly hold in a healthy tension our rich theological diversity, which includes conservative, moderate, and progressive beliefs in various subjects, so that we can witness our unbreakable unity with and in Christ to reach as many people as possible with the good news of the gospel.
Click here to read entire letter
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NEW
Safe Sanctuary Training
All are invited to an IN-PERSON basic training in “safe sanctuary,”
WHEN:Saturday April 15, 2023
WHERE: Horseheads UMC
1034 W. Broad Street
Horseheads, NY 14845
TIME: 9:00 am-Noon
COST: FREE
More information will be coming on this. Rev. Steph Brown and one other trainer will lead this training. All who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults must be trained. The Horseheads UMC will provide a light lunch after the training.
This is open to the district area churches.
RSVP by April 10 to office@horseheadsumc.org with names, phone numbers and your home church information.
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NEW
Avoca UMC Pancake Breakfast
WHEN: Sunday, March 12, 2023
WHERE: Avoca UMC
8593 Jacob's Ladder Rd.
Avoca, NY 14809
TIME: 8:00-10:00 am
MENU: Buffet serving: Buttermilk Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Applesauce, Juice, Coffee, Tea
COST: Free Will Offering
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NEW
In Person Basic Safe Sanctuary Training
All are invited to an IN-PERSON basic training in “safe sanctuary,”
WHEN: Saturday April 15, 2023
WHERE: Horseheads First UMC
1030 W. Broad St.
Horseheads, NY 14845
TIME: 9am-Noon
COST: FREE
RSVP: By April 10th- office@horseheadsumc.org with names, phone numbers and your home church information.
More information will be coming on this. Rev. Steph Brown and one other trainer will lead this. There is no cost. All who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults must be trained. The Horseheads UMC will provide a light lunch after the training.
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NEW
Coffee House
Big Flats UMC Invites You
To Everybody Is Irish Night.
WHEN: March 17, 2023
WHERE: Big Flats UMC
109 Hillview Dr.
Big Flats, NY
TIME: 5:30-8:00pm
COST: FREE
RSVP: 607-738-6439
Click here for flyer
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Mountain View District Offering
Learning & Growing Opportunity
A Disciple's Heart:
Growing In Love & Grace
A Book Study & Discussion Group
AND
NEW
Winter/Spring Classes
click here for brochure
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses Via Zoom
(These classes are open to ALL)
Click here for brochure
AND
NEW
More classes added click here for list
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Bless This Mess-Zoom Forum
Sponsored by Plattsburgh United Methodist Church. This is open to ALL
Parent ZOOM Video Forum: Bless This Mess Bless This Mess: A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World (by Re. Molly Baskette and Ellen O'Donnell. PhD.)
A book study / parent support group. We will discuss: a brief overview of the book topics of raising children in a Christian faith; navigating developmental challenges from preschool through adolescence to adulthood; developing positive parenting and discipline skills; coping with life emotional challenges including anxiety, depression, fear, anger; developmental challenges; and other medical and mental health issues.
There are 10 Chapters and we will discuss 2 Chapters each time we meet. The meeting dates and times are as follows: Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Feb 26, March 19, April 16, May 7, and finish May 21.
Here is a link to the book, if you do not have a copy.
https://www.amazon.com/Bless-This-Mess-Parenting-Chaotic/dp/1984824120
Here is a link to the reading guide as well:
https://www.blessthismessparenting.com/reading-group-guide
In order to offer this opportunity we need at least 3 families to sign up. If you know of others that are interested in a group like this, please forward this information. This is an open group to Members and Non-Members of the congregations.
Please send an email to Rev. Phil Richards by February 12th, if you are interested in participating. pastorphils@gmail.com
We will send out a link to those registered by February 23rd.
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Cleaning Buckets for Buffalo Blizzard
UMCOR Cleaning Buckets for Buffalo
In the aftermath of the Christmas Blizzard, many have asked “What else can we do?”.
Buy items from the Upper New York Mission Central Hub’s “Cleaning Kit" Amazon Wishlist now through March 1st and have your items shipped to Harris Hill United Methodist Church, located in the Buffalo area.
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3U03Y63G93KQA?ref_=wl_share
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
Buying from somewhere else? Ship to: 8495 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
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Are You Connected To UNY?
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. This is 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:
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Go to the conference website
- Click on News in the toolbar
- Select Connect with UNY
Sign up for all six categories or just select the UNY Notes.
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2023 EQ Members to Annual Conference are Being Sought
Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ!
We travel into 2023 with new hope, joy, and peace that comes from our Savior, Jesus. As the district Lay Leader, I’d like to remind you that we depend on our laity to pursue and accomplish the work of making disciples for Christ. Each Christ follower has received gifts for ministry and is called by God to step into those gifts. I would bring to your attention an opportunity for the voice of laity to be heard. Would you like to serve as an Equalization Member to the 2023 Annual Conference? We are looking for Disciples of Jesus that are willing to commit to attending ALL Sessions of Annual Conference this year. There will be 3 sessions that you will need to attend (2 of these are virtual and 1 in person).
The Virtual Sessions are:
Saturday, March 25th, 2023
Saturday, October 14th, 2023
In Person Session
June 1st-3rd, 2023
Applications are being accepted in the district office through February 1st. Be bold and courageous! Give it a go! Click the button below for the application.
Let your light shine!
Ann Welch Wood
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Opening to Grace
2023 Retreats
Co-director of the Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry and Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister, Deaconess Susan Sihan, RN.
These retreats will be Hybrid In Person and Online.
- Feb. 24-26
- May 19-21
- Sept. 14-16
- Oct. 26-28
Click here for flyer and more information
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Scholarships Available
for United Methodist Students!
Applications are now open for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Every year, UMHEF awards $2+ million to students planning to attend one of the 100+ UM-related colleges, universities, and seminaries across the country. Don’t let finances get in the way of achieving your dreams of a quality education! Apply by March 1 at https://umhef.org/apply
1/12/2023
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Mountain View District
United Women in Faith
(UWF)Gatherings
Day Apart-Saturday, March 11, 9:30 to 2 at Avoca UMC
Communion Brunch-Saturday, April 1, 10 AM at Hammondsport UMC. RSVP by March 27 to (607) 569-3594
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Scholarships Available
for United Methodist Lay Women
The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith (UWF) 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.
Click here for more information.
1/12/23
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Report Your Church Statistics on AC Stats: This Replaces the Ezra System
Annual Church Statistics (ACStats) is the one-stop location for United Methodist data that tracks membership, expenses, and income. It's designed to help churches submit year-end statistics to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference digitally in a way that's cost-effective.
This user-friendly platform replaces Ezra as the method of reporting your church statistics.
March 17, 2023, is the deadline to complete the 2022 statistical report for your church.
Please, familiarize yourselves with the new ACStats platform by reviewing the user's guide for local churches. Translated reports are available in Spanish and Korean.
PLEASE take the time to read the user's guide before entering your data. Please make sure you write down your login and password somewhere. If you have issues logging in you will need to contact Autumn Wells at the conference office. You may contact Autumn at 315-898-2004 or email her at autumnwells@unyumc.org
Click here to learn more.
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2023 Safe Sanctuary Training Schedule
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four, 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There will also be Training of Trainers sessions.
The Basic trainings take place 9 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturdays: May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be 9 AM to Noon, Saturdays, Mar. 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.
Registration for the February training will open Jan. 4. Look for the link in upcoming announcements.
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here. To view the poster, click here.
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Visiting the District Office
The office is generally open Monday-Thursday.
We ask that you PLEASE CALL FIRST before coming to the office. We occasionally work remotely and would not want you to make a trip to the office to find that we are not in.
Please call 607-962-8047 or email the office at
mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org
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