May 11th, 2023 Oneonta District UMC Newsletter
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District E-newsletters
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June Annual Conference
Who: All clergy and laity representatives to the Annual Conference Session
What: Fourteenth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
When: June 1-3, 2023
Where: Syracuse, NY
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Pre-Annual Conference Briefing
If you have registered for the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, you will receive an email today (at the email you used to register for Annual Conference) with links to next week's Pre-Annual Conference Briefings to be held on Zoom. You have the option to attend on Tuesday evening (May 16) or Thursday evening (May 18). Both sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.
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Pre-Conference Workbook now available
The Pre-Conference Workbook, formerly called Issue I of the Journal, is now available on the Conference website. It can be purchased for $4.99 plus shipping and handling from lulu.com or it can be viewed or downloaded for free from issuu.com.
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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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Conference News & Information |
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UNY Conference online worship held yesterday morning
Wed. morning at 9 a.m., the Upper New York Conference Communications team launched the "Together in Worship" service livestream on Facebook Live. This service takes place once a month at the Conference office in Liverpool and is led by a different District Superintendent each month. This week, the Rev. Ted Anderson, Genesee Valley Interim District Superintendent, led the service in a unique format, singing the whole service, including the scripture and sermon, while strumming his acoustic guitar.
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Discipleship Ministries webinar tonight
The buzz about churches and leaders leaving The United Methodist Church through the process of disaffiliation is only going to grow as we move through 2023, and as we approach a General Conference in April of 2024. Join Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship and Generosity, tonight, May 11, at 7 p.m., as he discusses realities and myths around this time in the Church, and how to keep stewardship and generosity on-course as we navigate through some rough weather.
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It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent course returns
Discipleship Ministries is excited to announce the return of their popular online course for local church leaders: It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Helping the Church Community Empower Families. This course is taught through six self-paced sessions.
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Sign up for archives workday
Do you have a love of history? Do you appreciate caring for records and artifacts? Are you versed in the ways of The United Methodist Church? Are you willing to sort through boxes and scan for important documents? Are you just plain willing to help? Then, the Conference Commission on Archives and History invites you to a workday June 10, 2023 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., come for the whole day or just part.
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Findings on church spending
In working with more than 500 churches, The Unstuck Group identified certain expenditure areas where churches commonly invest too little and those where churches tend to invest too much. Their findings may offer clues to bringing a better balance to your church’s budget.
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Bishop Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York Cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
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Around the Connection
Council of Bishops complete Spring 2023 meeting
The bishops of The United Methodist Church (UMC) completed their Spring 2023 meeting on Friday in a gathering that was awash in the spirit of collegiality and search for the betterment of the worldwide denomination.
The meeting was held April 30 through May 5, and was filled with worship and many resolutions were presented, one of which requested having a General Conference in 2026.
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Emmaus Gathering Reunion
This Saturday, May 13, 1-4pm
at Milford United Methodist Church
Meet our Community Spiritual director, Dave Wilkins, he will be leading worship for us and the lovely Marcia McManus will be our emcee!
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Mosaic United Methodist Churches in the greater Schoharie Region are looking for Volunteers for Operation: Home Repair
Mosaic United Methodist Churches in the greater Schoharie Region are teaming up to help address critical home repair needs in our neighborhoods. We are planning a community-wide, week-long mission project this summer to come together and do the most necessary repairs. Our week of home repair will be July 24-29, 2023.
We are looking beyond our region to expand our volunteer base, especially anyone with construction experience.
A Volunteer Training day will be June 17th at 9am (Cobleskill UMC) when volunteers will be assigned to a specific project under the direction of an experienced team leader. During our planned work week, teams will meet at their assigned work site each morning of the work week with lunch provided onsite. Some examples of work projects are roof replacement, small room additions, painting, building porches or ramps, and yard work.
The deadline for Volunteer Applications is May 15. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
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May 2023 Art Class
Painting with Cold Wax – An Introduction to Working with Layers
Instructor: Kristin Stevenson
Time: Saturdays from 10 am –12 pm
Class Size: 8
Where: The Art Room, First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta
Cost: $60 ($40 plus materials fee of $20). Scholarships available.
Masks required
This workshop provides a space to play and experiment using oil paints and cold wax, a medium that encourages exploration. It will introduce you to the medium with information on tools, materials, techniques, and safety.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Training for laity offered
Four online courses to help laity understand God’s call in their lives and learn new leadership skills will be offered this year on April 29, July 29, Sept. 30, and Dec. 9. The courses are “Discover Your Spiritual Gifts,” “Soul Reset,” “Charter for Racial Justice” and “101 Leadership.” The 2023 Laity Leadership Institution is sponsored by Black Methodists for Church Renewal and the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary. The courses are free, but students are encouraged to make a donation if they are able.
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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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Oneonta district Lay Servant Classes being offered
Advanced Course:
May 13 and 20th 9:30am-3pm at Sidney UMC
In-person and Zoom
Led by Pastor Paul Winkelman
Required Textbook:
Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies
By Jack L. Seymour ISBN 13: 9781630884307
Teaching has concrete consequences affecting the very ways people of faith view the world and make decisions for living. It matters; it makes a difference in how people think and act.
This course provides a manageable way to inspire conversation about the many ways the Bible can be taught, the purposes and outcomes of each approach, and how biblical wisdom shapes personal and corporate decision-making. Useful strategies for leading group Bible study help congregations respond faithfully to the Biblical witness and cultivate a whole congregation approach to Bible study.
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Basic Course:
July 22, 9am-3pm, July 29 9am-1pm
In-person at Morris UMC
Led by Penny Harrington, Certified Lay Minister
Required Textbook:
Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book
By Sandy Jackson ISBN 13: 9780881776263
The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course discusses processes to help individuals discern and respond to God’s particular call on their lives. It encourages each person to recognize and employ his or her spiritual gifts for the church to become what God intended it to be. This course invites participants to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in discipleship. It offers guidelines for optimal communication in leadership and presents numerous types of ministries in which lay servants may assume roles. Throughout the study, thoughtful questions provide excellent opportunities for individual consideration and group discussion.
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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 UNY UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
(formerly United Methodist Women)
Offers grants to Assist Groups Ministering to Women, Children and Youth
It is the desire of the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith to offer grants to non-profit community and church-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Grants are not to be used for salaries or equipment. Applications must be filled out completely to be considered and will be evaluated by the committee. Grant period will be July 1 - June 30. Applications are due no later than May 23, 2023.
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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.
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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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New District Superintendent structure
As Upper New York (UNY) Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez previously announced, the UNY Conference will switch from nine to six District Superintendents effective July 1, 2023. On June 30, 2023, the current Crossroads and Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Nola Anderson; Mohawk District Superintendent, the Rev. Abel Roy; and the Rev. Ted Anderson, who has been serving as Interim District Superintendent for the Genesee Valley District, will complete their terms. The six remaining District Superintendents will generally be serving two districts.
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District Administrative Assistants, Offices Reconfigured
This information originally appeared in the March 29th issue of the UNY Conference Weekly Digest. Click here to read the full article.
The Upper New York Extended Cabinet shared today, March 29, its plan to reconfigure how administrative support is provided to its districts. Beginning July 1, 2023, the current structure of eight part-time and two full-time administrative assistants serving districts will be replaced by six full-time Superintendency Administrative Assistants, each serving two districts as well as working collaboratively on the superintendency support team.
The new configuration of district administrative staff aligns with the reconfiguration of the Cabinet announced in January by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Click here to read about the reconfiguration of the Cabinet.
By Jan. 1, 2024, it is anticipated all Superintendency Administrative Assistants and District Superintendents will work from home and all district offices will be closed. In this new arrangement, each district will still have a dedicated administrative assistant assigned to them.
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Disaffiliation policy updated
The Upper New York Conference disaffiliation policy has been updated, clarifying some procedures needed for local churches interested in disaffiliation. It also clarifies the Cabinet’s oversight of the discernment process and the role of the pastor in this process.
The Terms of Disaffiliation established by the Conference Board of Trustees are unchanged from the previous version.
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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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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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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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The Rev. Brett Johnson to host a Wesley tour in the UK
Follow the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley July 13-22, 2024 with Canton United Methodist Church pastor, the Rev. Brett Johnson, as your tour guide! Get your brochure and register now using group number 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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Job Openings in the Upper New York Conference
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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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NEW- Spiritual Practices Episode 2: The Examen
In the latest episode of Spiritual Practices, an Upper New York (UNY) podcast series, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, UNY Director of Spiritual Vitality, guides us through this highly structured practice that allows us to notice the ways in which God has been present in our lives.
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Listen to new Spiritual Practices podcast- Episode 1
The newest podcast series, Spiritual Practices with the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, is now available. Listen as Upper New York's Director of Spiritual Vitality leads us on a guided meditation based on John 21:1-19. In this first episode, find yourself immersed the story of Jesus as he meets the disciples in the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection.
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Free outreach tools for churches
Invite your neighbors to worship and celebrate with you using customizable outreach tools. For a limited time, United Methodist Communications is giving churches a $200 credit for promotional tools. You can create the design and customize items with your church's name, website, worship times, or anything else. There is no minimum amount you need to spend to receive the credit. Just use the promo code UMCFA23 at checkout. Act fast as this is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be used once per church.
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Grow your church with #SeeAllThePeople guides
See All the People is a movement of United Methodists who have decided to keep their focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. See All the People offers dozens of free resources that can help you grow your church. A great place to start is with these four guides: Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations, Engaging Your Community: A Guide to Seeing All The People, Forming Disciples Through Worship, and Online Discipleship.
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Focus on fresh content for spring
United Methodist Communications has a social media shareable library to help your church increase its online presence. Discover unique graphics for all your church’s spring and Easter celebrations, and graphics for all occasions!
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10 ways to engage people who worship online
How can congregations better engage people who worship online? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshipers.
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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 most current newsletter.
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New York State Pay Transparency Law
As communicated in a prior news article, the New York State (NYS) Pay Transparency law goes into effect on Sept. 17, 2023. A bill amending the NYS Pay Transparency law was signed into law on March 3, 2023.
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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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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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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
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Oneonta District Office
64 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:
· 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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