March 9th, 2023 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
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Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s
installation service to be held this Saturday, March 11th
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 the Liverpool 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.
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Save the Date for Regional meetings with Bishop Héctor
As of January 1, 2023, Bishop Héctor Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Héctor, is the new bishop of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. Bishop Héctor is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings.
The meetings will be as follows:
· Next Thursday-
Oneonta & Binghamton Districts
The clergy meetings will be from 1:00 - 3:00 pm
The laity meeting (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time)
will be from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
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Are you subscribed to UNY Notes?
UNY Notes are targeted email blasts in nine categories. You can receive emails from all categories or just those that interest you. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to “From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez,” "Alerts," and “Announcements,” to be sure that you are getting the most important news right away.
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Special Session, March 25th
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 has opened for the 2023 Special Session of Annual Conference to be held on March 25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to pre-register by March 10, 2023. There is a $10.00 fee for this conference for all eligible voters, except for equalization members. Click here to register for the Special Session.
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Those who are not eligible to vote, do not need to register and can watch the Special Session via livestream by clicking here on March 25.
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9 Days Remaining to complete ACStats
(2022 Statistical reports)
Report your church statistics on ACStats by March 17, 2023. Please share this news with those in each church who work on statistical reporting.
This new user-friendly platform replaces Ezra as the method of reporting your church statistics. There is a first-time login for the ACStats site. Then you will need to set a new password.
Here is the Default Church login information:
Username: Your church 6-digit GCFA number
Password: ACStats2022!
*Please remember to change your password once you log in.
After logging in with the Default, on the “Local Identification/Registry” Page, click the Button that says “I’M NOT LISTED” .
· That is where you can enter your new login info: email/password that you will use the next time you log in.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot use the same email address twice for 2 different churches/Users.(Example: A Pastor who uses the same email address for 2 different churches.) The system will allow this 2nd User to be created but then It will delete the password for the previously made 1st User and won’t allow you to login under that 1st User. ALSO: After you login for the first time, don't use the Default login info. You will use your email address and new password you created going forward. Find more information at: https://www.unyumc.org/about/statistics
**We have noted there are discrepancies with the Church Details. The stats database had to use past data to get up and rolling. But we are working on getting it updated as soon as possible, but this may take a month or so. You can still Submit your Stats Data in ACStats, Just verify your Church Name and GCFA #. Rest assured, our other Conference and District database is using the correct Church Details.
March 17, 2023, is the deadline to complete the 2022 statistical report for your church. To familiarize yourselves with the new ACStats platform review the user's guide for local churches. Translated reports are available in Spanish and Korean.
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2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference Annual Forms Due Dates
Past Due- deadline was Dec. 1st:
UPDATE ONLINE - DO NOT PRINT A COPY
NOW Past Due deadline was February. 15, 2023 (Mail completed & signed copy of each to the District Office) *
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2022 Year End Financial Report
2023 Church Budget - Your church format
Due by March 15, 2023 (Mail completed copy of each to District Office)
Click here to download the 2022-23 Annual Report Form Checklist.
If you need help getting forms please contact Teresa at the district office.
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On the Mission podcast:
Better Together with CCORR
This week's guests are Dr. Scott Johnson and Georgia Whitney, co-conveners of the UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR). They join host, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, to talk about unity in the church. The On the Mission: Better Together podcast is a six-week series that was created for the Lenten season.
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Clergy inspired at Auburn UMC Regional Gathering
During February and March, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, is traveling throughout the Conference to connect with clergy and laity at Regional Gatherings. The meetings are proving to be inspiring. One of his most recent visits was to Auburn UMC.
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Pastor Daniel Bradley’s reflection on connection
Revival in the church occurs when prayer meets action. Pastor Daniel Bradley from Faith Journey UMC shares his thoughts on how you can help people develop a relationship with Jesus, sometimes without even knowing it.
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Bishop Bickerton:
Time to move from rancor to revival
In a highly unusual churchwide address, the Council of Bishops president, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton urged fellow United Methodists to pivot away from the rancor around church disaffiliations to the work of church renewal.
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Prayer for Ukraine
On the anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) held a Facebook Live prayer for the innocent people who have been lost to the war and for those who remain displaced from their homes and are still in danger. UMCOR has recorded the prayer with images of the state of Ukraine.
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Annual Oneonta/Binghamton
Lenten Communion
and Men’s Breakfast
Greetings,
After a three year period of not having a men’s communion and breakfast, we are preparing to hold the Annual Oneonta/Binghamton Lenten Communion and Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, April 1. Castle Creek United Methodist Church will be hosting us this year at their church on US Route 11 in Castle Creek, Exit 7 off I81.
Coffee hour will start around 7;15 am, followed by worship and communion service at 8:00 am, and then breakfast.
Please contact Kurt Nelson at the Church if you plan to attend. His email is [email protected] and his phone is 607-372-6330.
Looking forward to seeing you. Also spread the word to all the men and boys in our two districts.
Blessings,
David Barnes
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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2023 SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE
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NOTE- Safe Sanctuaries trainings and policy clarification
How often does the three-hour basic training for Safe Sanctuaries need to be taken?
This question has been coming up quite a bit lately for Chris Mitchell and Arlene Schmidt, Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries, Co-Chairs.
Chris and Arlene would like to clarify. Each person who works with children, youth, and vulnerable adults both hired and volunteer, as well as all clergy persons MUST attend the UNY Safe Sanctuaries Basic Training only ONCE. As the policy as it is currently written is unclear about that, the committee will be taking this time to review the policy and minimum standard to update and make it more clear.
Please keep in mind that is the minimum standard of the UNY Conference; however, the local church can state that each person needs to take the training more than one time. It is recommended that each church and their committee on Safe Sanctuaries review the policy of their local church.
And remember, any training taken prior to 2011 when the Minimum Standards of Safe Sanctuaries were created is not valid, it must be the three-hour basic training which is provided by the Upper New York Conference.
There are several Safe Sanctuaries trainings available this year via Zoom.Click here for the full list of trainings.
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NEW- Webinar on the Local Church Audit
Rev. Ken Sloane of Discipleship Ministries offers at webinar, The Church Audit: It’s Easier Than You Think, 7:30 p.m. (EDT), March 14.
Course description:
Every congregation needs to do a church audit, but it doesn’t have to be a big expense or an insurmountable obstacle. There is a free Local Church Audit Guide that goes step-by-step. The audit process builds confidence among your financial leaders and projects transparency to your donors. Explore the tools that make this process easier than you thought.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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NEW- Clergy Workshop Series
"Coping with Chronic Anxiety and..."
Free for all clergy and congregational leaders (lay and ordained). CEU certificates available for clergy and mental health professionals. There are five independent workshops addressing ways to cope with the chronic anxiety, stress, and pressures faced in the ministry setting with regards to specific, difficult scenarios. Certificate of completion for all participants, CEUs for mental health professionals if needed.
(All times 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Wed. Mar. 15 "...bullies in the congregation."
Wed. May 17 "...navigating LGBTQ issues in churches."
Wed. Jul. 12 "...the effects of religious trauma."
Wed. Oct. 25 "...developing Adaptive Leadership practices."
Wed. Dec. 6 "...addressing mental health crises."
Questions or concerns?
Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
Coping with Chronic Anxiety and...Bullies in the Congregation
Please see the attached PDF flyer with more information on the Samaritan Counseling Center's first in a series of on “Coping with Chronic Anxiety.” This session addresses "Bullies in the Congregation."
It will be held Wednesday, March 15 from 9:30 AM to Noon on ZOOM. All clergy and congregational leaders are invited. Free CEUs are available for clergy.
PRESENTED BY:
Rev. David Olsen, PhD, LCSW - Samaritan Counseling Center Executive Director
Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, LCSW - Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Upper New York Scholarships and Grants
There are a handful of scholarships and grants available to individuals, programs, ministries, and local churches in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference throughout the year.
In addition, many are offered from one of the many agencies within The United Methodist Church. Click here to stay up-to-date with all the UNY funding opportunities as listed on the Conference website. There is also a helpful link that lists the different agencies that offer scholarships within The United Methodist Church.
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2023 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.
The application deadline is March 15th.
Click here for more information and the application.
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Applications now open for UMHEF scholarships
Paying for college can be stressful. For many families, affording higher education is the number one factor when deciding which school a student will attend.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarships help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending United Methodist-related institutions. In rare cases, awards are also given to students attending other schools.
Click here to learn about the different types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, and to apply. Most deadlines are around March 1.
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‘Engage New People Grant’ available
The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry. New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways.
Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.
Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”
Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
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National Fund for Sacred Places now accepting applications
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to more than $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. Click here to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your church would qualify for a grant. Click here to register for the webinar.
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Bishop Héctor reflects on disaffiliation
Since last year, eight churches have disaffiliated from Upper New York Conference and more than than a dozen more requests are expected to come for consideration at the March 25 virtual Special Session. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez reflects on the process, offering clarification.
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Two realignments in the UNY executive team
After much prayer and discernment, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, is realigning the positions for the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, effective March 1.
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Sabbath Life retreats in UNY
These monthly one-day retreats focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Sabbath Life retreats will be starting in Upper New York at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center next month.
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Blueprint for Wellness screenings
at UNY Annual Conference
Wespath Benefits and Investments have again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer the free health screening program "Blueprint for Wellness" for eligible participants at the Upper New York Annual Conference in June.
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Save the Date Mission u 2023 |
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Adult Study Book: Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma
Registration forms will be available May 1, 2023. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Pastor Brett Johnson on the trip of a lifetime to visit John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England. We will be visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.
We will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024. Please use the following link to register: https://portal.myfaithjourneys.com/ and use group code 24002.
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UMY Mission Central Hub News |
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NOTICE: Please direct all questions regarding the Mission Central HUB to:
Kristina Clark
Director of Missional Engagement
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: 315.898.2066
Cell: 570.267.5711
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UMCOR cleaning buckets for Buffalo
In the aftermath of the Christmas blizzard, many have asked “What else can we do?”
Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, recommends buying items from the Upper New York Mission Central HUB’s “Cleaning Kit" Amazon wishlist now through March 1 and have your items shipped to Harris Hill United Methodist Church, located in the Buffalo area at 8495 Main St., Williamsville, NY, 1422.
Harris Hill United Methodist Church’s “Go! Ministry” was prepared to respond to their community's cleaning needs after the blizzard with UMCOR Cleaning Buckets. They graciously provided these buckets to their neighbors and helped many make sense of the mess that was in front of them. Let's help replenish their buckets!
If you are dropping off in person, please call Harris Hill UMC to schedule a drop off at (716) 632-4688.
Feel free to buy items elsewhere and ship to Harris Hill UMC.
Click here to see what supplies are included in UMCOR cleaning buckets.
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Job Openings in the Upper New York Conference
For questions: please contact Tracy Rickett,
Human Resources Generalist
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
Direct Line: 315.898.2017
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UMCOR Sunday is March 19, 2023
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Celebrate Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month; it is a celebration of the role women play in our history, culture, and society. The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women celebrates the important role that women have played in the development of The Methodist Church.
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The Media Resource Center is a free lending library funded by designated donations and run by a dedicated volunteer group. There are a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use. Resources are available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Click here for the online ordering catalog. Please allow for a timely response as the Resource Center is staffed on a part-time basis.
Each month, the Media Resource Center publishes a newsletter with updates and study suggestions. Click here to access the December newsletter.
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Bishop Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
View the full list of changes here.
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Bishop Héctor Announces Changes in District Superintendencies
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is blessed with the leadership of nine district superintendents. These women and men serve Christ and the United Methodist Church with passion, compassion, and great wisdom. In my short time as bishop, I have been impressed with their gifts and encouraged by their welcome. This is a great team of leaders.
At the end of June, three team members, the Rev. Nola Anderson, the Rev. Abel Roy, and the Rev. Ted Anderson, will complete their full eight-year terms of service. Please click here for Bishop Héctor's entire letter.
Bishop's Letter About the 2023 Appointment Discernment Process
In The United Methodist Church, the responsibility for appointment-making is given to the resident bishop and district superintendents of the Annual Conference. All appointments are prayerfully made to continue moving forward The Church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. While appointment-making is a sacred task that happens year-round, most appointments are made from January through April 15 and then finalized at the regular session of the Annual Conference. Read more here.
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Employer legal updates for 2023
With the end of 2022 has come (and will come) significant legal changes. It’s hard to keep up-to-date on all the new workplace laws that are in effect. Tracy Rickett, the Upper New York Human Resources Generalist, has you covered!
Click here for laws related to posting requirements. Click here for three laws related to leave. Click here to learn the pay requirements for exempt employees and a new law requiring pay transparency. Click here to learn about the Human Rights Law update. Click here to learn about amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.
With these many new requirements, now is a good time to dust off your handbooks and update them if you have not done so recently. Tracy Rickett is happy to draft or review any handbooks or other policies for legal compliance. You can contact her at [email protected] or (315) 898-2017.
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This is a reminder that New York State updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now 2 separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability. To remain in compliance the updated disability forms should be used.
Form #1 – Employee and Health Care Provider form
Form #2 – Employer Form
There are several options to submit the completed disability claim forms to Guardian.
Mail to: Guardian State Disability Claims P.O. Box 14332, Lexington, KY 40512
Fax to: Guardian at 610-807-2953
Submit electronically: Go to www.GuardianAnytime.com. Click on “Secure Channel” on the Guardian Anytime home page. This is the quickest option to submit claim forms to Guardian.
Important: Please indicate the policy number and division number on the claim form. This information can be obtained from the Certificate of Insurance document mailed to each church by Guardian every January.
Additional information regarding short-term disability benefits can be located here.
If you have any questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at 315-898-2017 or [email protected]
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Certificates of Insurance for your Church
Please refer to the link below to obtain a certificate of insurance for your church - they are only good for one year.
Please refer any questions to Tracy Rickett at the
conference office 315-898-2017
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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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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at [email protected]
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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On the Conference calendar
March 10: Regional Meeting with Bishop Héctor: 10 a.m. Zoom with Extension Ministries
March 11: Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez's Installation Service - DETAILS
March: 15: Registration closes for March Special Session of Annual Conference
March 15: Cady Grant application deadline - DETAILS
March 25: Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
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Oneonta District Office
66 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 - Physical Address (Second Floor)
Mailing Address
Oneonta District Office of the UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
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The Conference & District Office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
· Good Friday Friday, April 7th
· Memorial Day Monday, May 29th
· Independence Day Tuesday, July 4th
· Labor Day Monday, September 4th
· Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23rd
· Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 24th
· Christmas Day Monday, December 25th
Christmas Eve (Observed) Tuesday, December 26th
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Your Partners in Ministry at the
Oneonta District Office
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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