February 3rd, 2022 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 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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Attention Please- IMPORTANT Notice Re: Oneonta District Office UMC Mailing Address
Our P.O. Box 668 has been discontinued.
This is temporary!
For now- 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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Kept those reports coming! 2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms- Due Dates
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
March 15th 2022
2021 Local Annual Financial Audit
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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EZRA Site is now opened!
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.
If you need your sign-in information, contact Teresa in the District Office, [email protected] or call (607) 441- 5102
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All 2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Upper NY LPLS (local pastors licensing school)
click the link below to read more and to register:
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Disciple 1 Bible Study
Disciple 1 provides a foundational overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, during a 34-week study. A new group begins Feb. 17 over Zoom. Registration deadline is Feb. 9th. See the full article (below). Let 2022 be your year to invest in the Word.
Disciple Bible Study is enriching, informational, transformational, faith deepening and offers time to develop deep lasting friendships as you study, reflect and pray together as a group.
Disciple I provides a foundational overview of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, group members will read approximately 80% of the Bible in this 34-week study. Disciple I is great for those at any place in their faith journey.
Disciple I begins Feb. 17, 2022, meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays through ZOOM. The study runs for 34 weeks.
If you are interested in taking this class as an advanced lay servant course, please print and complete the application form, have it signed by your pastor and return it to Manlius UMC, P.O. Box 177, Manlius NY 13104 with a check payable to “UNYAC” in the sum of $20.00 by February 9, 2022.
Each participant is required to purchase in advance, Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, through Cokesbury or any other bookstore. We also recommend the New Interpreters Study Bible.
For more information, please contact Pastor Joseph Kim at [email protected] or (315) 530-8568.
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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, click here.
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Stewardship Academy starts April 23 on Zoom
Upper New York ordained deacon and Director of Christian Stewardship, the Rev. Susan Ranous, is offering a Stewardship Academy via Zoom over four sessions (April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16). Rev. Ranous will share all concepts of stewardship including self, time, talents, money, and more.
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. The Academy qualifies clergy for CEU.
Click here for a brochure about the Stewardship Academy. For more information, contact Rev. Ranous at 315-427-3668 or [email protected].
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The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering Lay Servant Courses: (Open to All)
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has begun work on courses we will be offering in 2022. We plan to continue offering the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey.
Here are new courses. Look for information on more courses soon to be announced:
Advanced Course: For The Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Times: all 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $ 15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Monday: April 18 & April 25: 10 am-2:30 pm
Thursday: April 21 & April 28: 10 am-2:30 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard & Arlene Schmidt
If you are interested in taking any of these courses, contact registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected]
Albany District Advanced Lay Servant Course Offering
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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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.
Creating a Connection Between the Church and the Community, 11 a.m. to Noon, Mar. 2, Dan Pezet, cost $25. Registration, click here.
BRAND NEW! More Ways to Communicate Effectively with Your Church, 3 to 4 p.m., Mar. 22, Kevin Slimp, cost $25. Registration, click here.
Missional Accountability: Focusing on What God Desires, 11 a.m. to Noon, Mar. 31, Jaye Johnson, cost $25. Registration, click here.
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) District Administrative Assistant - For Finger Lakes district
2) Director of Missional Engagement
3) Maintenance Manager for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
4) Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
5) Seasonal Camp Staff -
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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Preserving Black history
Did you know that the African American Methodist Heritage Center preserves the history of Black Methodists? The center does not have a physical office but catalogs documents and artifacts at Drew University, using the expertise of United Methodist Archives and History.
This center places United Methodist African Americans at the foreground and ensures that their histories, faiths, and contributions are collected, preserved, and promoted.
Click here to learn more about the African American Heritage Center and the financial predicament they are facing due in part to the coronavirus pandemic.
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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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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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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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Clergy: Get Smarter about Your Taxes
Check out this new clergy tax webinar Noon, Feb. 7th, presented by Discipleship Ministries of The UMC.
Your corner tax preparer may not understand the unique situation of clergy, and finding a preparer who does can save you substantially in money and aggravation.
Rev. Don Joiner, a certified financial planner, helps us navigate the preparation of taxes and planning for a sound financial future.
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NEW- Retiree 2021 tax, benefit, and grant information
Upper New York Conference retirees, their spouses, surviving spouses, and clergy on medical leave of the Upper New York Conference can learn about tax information, benefits, and grants that may pertain to them. The Human Resources and Benefits Ministry Area has prepared a helpful packet with this information.
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UMCOR is collecting for tornado relief through its domestic disaster fund. Click on the link below.
Note: Churches please send directly to UMCOR using the Advance # 901670.
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Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
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NEW- 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- 2022 Cady Grant applications now available
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to fund ministries, education, programs, or experiences that provide benefit or education to preferably, but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Priority will be given to proposals that have not recently been funded by the Cady Grant. Salaries and stipends will not be awarded from this grant. Awards may be up to $8,000.
Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, District, or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York.
Application deadline is March 15. Awardees will be notified by April 30.
Click here to learn more, review the procedures, and to apply.
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NYS HERO Act Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plans should remain in place.
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Extended - New York State Requiring Masks Indoors
Governor Kathy Hochul announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. The decision was made based on the continued high numbers of COVID-19 infections. This measure is effective until at least Feb. 10th, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions.
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Expansion of NYS Whistleblower Protection Law includes posting requirement
On January 26, 2022, New York State’s “whistleblower” protection law significantly expands the scope of New York Labor Law Section 740 (NYLL 740). Employees and independent contractors will be protected for reporting employer activity that they reasonably believe violates any law.
Starting today, employers are required to post notice of employees’ rights under the law in conspicuous places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. As of the issuance of this news article, NYS has not issued a model poster. In the meantime, you should post the notice of the expanded whistleblower protection law.
If you have questions on the Whistleblower Protection Law, please contact either Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, at (315) 898-2000 or [email protected] or Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or [email protected].
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UMC settlement in BSA Bankruptcy Case update
Pending court approval of a settlement agreement in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) bankruptcy case, United Methodists have agreed to contribute $30 million to a $3 billion Survivor Trust Fund that will receive contributions from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), insurance companies, and charter organizations. In exchange for the contribution of United Methodists, the intent of the agreement is that all United Methodist entities will be released from any claims against them, and from existing state court litigation cases. Every Annual Conference is asked to contribute toward the $30 million. The Upper New York Conference’s portion of this total is $1,274,588, a figure based on the number of proofs of claim filed with the bankruptcy court associated with conference entities and churches.
Click here to read a full press release to learn more about the Survivors Trust fund, the goals Upper New York United Methodists had through the mediation process, and the commitments they have made to help prevent abuse against children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
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Child Victims Act - (CVA) Update
At last year’s Annual Conference, members of the Child Victims Act (CVA) Committee - comprised of leaders from the Board of Trustees, the Council on Finance and Administration, the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, and the Cabinet - reported to Conference members on the status of lawsuits filed against the Conference and several of its local churches under the Child Victims Act. In the eight months since that report, much has changed.
Click here to read a comprehensive Jan. 2022 report from the CVA Committee to understand where things stand in regard to the 63 lawsuits filed against the Upper New York Conference and local churches under the Child Victims Act.
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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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Revised CDC guidelines affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
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If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
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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 [email protected]. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.
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Continue to watch out for phishing 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 [email protected].
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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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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February: Black History Month
Feb. 21: Presidents' Day- District & Conference Office Closed
Feb. 28: Final date to update statistics in Ezra - DETAILS
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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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"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
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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