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Albany District and Conference News
April 22, 2023
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“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
- George Bernard Shaw
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Saratoga Springs UMC enables
Habitat for Humanity to break ground
for new Spa City home
When Pastor Heather Williams and Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church generously offered a financial gift left to their household of faith by Kay Runge to Habitat for Humanity, Will Chamberlin combined the gracious donation with a plot of land for the new build!
Habitat would not be able to do this build in downtown Saratoga Springs without the generosity and support of the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church and the members of its congregation!
To read the news story, click here
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Please pray for:Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who continues to have a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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SPRC Training video available
Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl recently led a training for Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committees. If you were
unable to attend, she has recorded the training. Click here to find a link to the recording.
Click here for an accompanying document.
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When Nature Calls podcast series, episode 1: Skye Farm
On the Mission, Season 2: When Nature Calls focuses on the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries. This six-week series features highlights from camp around the theme, "The Water of Life."
In episode 1, join Site Director of Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center, Robyn Vernon, as she talks with Hannah Lasher about their summer camp curriculum and daily theme, "At the Well, Enough for Everyone."
To listen, click here.
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2023 Annual Conference deadlines
The 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference (UNYAC) will be held June 1-3 at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse.
The April 27 registration deadline for the 2023 UNYAC is quickly approaching. Click here to register.
We will take walk-in registrations; however, we will not be able to guarantee any meals if you do not register by April 27. There is also a $50 late fee for late registration.
Please also note that if you need child care, you must request it by April 27 on the registration form.
*PLEASE NOTE: If you registered for the March session of Annual Conference....You are NOT registered for the June session! You need to register for this session and you will need to do it AGAIN in October for that session.
New Annual Conference agenda for 2023
The Upper New York Annual Conference is right around the corner. There are some changes from previous Annual Conferences.
For example, the Service of Ordination and Commissioning will be held on Friday evening as opposed to Saturday afternoon as it has been held in the past. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday morning as opposed to being held Friday evening as it has been in the past.
The agenda is posted on the Annual Conference page.
Click here.
For "all things Annual Conference," click here. There is a wealth of information in this document that isn't covered above.
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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.
See appointments.
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Mission Volunteers around the world
Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up) who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world and fund themselves. Mission Volunteer opportunities are diverse and range from working with refugees, children, and youth to serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director, or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years.
Explore volunteer opportunities around t.he world and see Global Ministries’ urgent volunteer requests.
To learn more, click here.
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Inviting a Child to be a Climate Hero
Yes, when it comes to climate change, the job belongs to all of us, but young people often have the insight to see that many adults have dodged the hard work of this job for way too long. With more years in front of them, our children and teens have often been the ones to lead the way, showing us how we should be good stewards of the planet God entrusted to us.
I discovered a wonderful new book titled Climate Hero Handbook: How Kids Can Defend, Protect, and Restore the Planet by Jennifer Manley Rogers and Jessica Gamaché. It is a wonderful book for kids, beautifully illustrated by Sophie Ann Elliot, and organized in a way that is fun, while equipping children and teens for the task of being a climate hero.
For more stories about how we as a church and individuals can address the climate crisis, click here.
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United Women in Faith
Leadership resources for women
United Women in Faith has a new collection of resources to help women grow their leadership abilities. The 2023 Leadership Toolkit is available on the digital platform Bridge. To access the information, women need to establish an account with Bridge.
Read press release
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United Methodists join march
for gun reform
Upward of a thousand protestors, including United Methodist clergy and laity, joined together on Monday in Nashville to protest gun violence and to keep pushing for more gun safety legislation in response to the deadly school shooting on March 27.
To read more, click here.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Rev. Brett Johnson (Canton UMC in the Northern Flow District) 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.
Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com with any questions.
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Discounts & savings programs
for your ministry
GCFA has an extensive ministry partner program to find or create special discounts and savings for your ministry.
Whether you have an upcoming building improvement project, are thinking about travel to the Holy Land, are needing an online giving vendor, or something else - our guide has something for every ministry, big or small!
Our ministry partners have been vetted to align with our denomination's social principles.
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University Senate approves policy change
to MDiv Degree
Effective immediately, United Methodist students can chose to engage fully in an online Master of Divinity degree in addition to in-person or hybrid programs. This change creates increased accessibility for programs at all 13 United Methodist seminaries as well as Asbury Theological Seminary.
Learn more
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7 ways churches
can address sexual assault
The Rev. Ruth Everhart, a pastor and sexual assault survivor, outlines steps that any church can take to respond to the sexual victimization of women. She writes that Scripture, doctrine, honest conversation and a commitment to creating safe spaces are important resources in ministering to survivors and preventing future abuse.
Read commentary
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Get weekly news from the Conference Office
You can subscribe to the Weekly Digest so that it's delivered to your email every Wednesday. You can sign up by clicking here
Several of the stories in this week's Digest are included above. Listed below are additional stories that we haven't included. Just click here to read them in the Weekly Digest published on Wednesday, April 19.
-- The UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel explains The Doctrine of Discovery
-- Additional information about Annual Conference
-- Nueva Cosecha offers hope for immigrants
-- 2023 Everyday Disaster grant recipients
--Older adult recognition
-- Photo Taken at Central UMC Atlanta Among Winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 20th Annual Photo Contest
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(Update!) 2023 Lay Servant Course
Lay Servant courses
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.
Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.
No refunds or credit for courses will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com
Click here for the updated brochure.
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED COURSE
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Tuesdays May 16, 23, 30, June 6, & 13: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Team member
Registration and course fees due by May 2
NEW COURSE OFFERINGS:
Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs
Registration opens May 2
Mondays: June 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Basic Lay Servant Course
Registration opens May 2
Thursdays: June 15, 22, 29, July 6 & 13: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitators: Paula McMahon, CLM & Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens June 1
Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Registration opens June 19
Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Registration opens July 13
Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Polity
Registration opens July 25
Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens August 24
Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Registration opens September 26
Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
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Faithful and Inclusive:
The Bible, Sexuality and the UMC
The Jonesville UMC, 963 Main St,. Clifton Park, is offering a 6-week course beginning Monday, April 17 at 7 PM in the church's Upper Room. This course allows you to gain an understanding of how United Methodists can be both obedient to God's Word and fully welcoming to LGBTQ persons in the church. Rev. Rob Fuquay relies on the biblical-interpretation approach of Methodism's founder, John Wesley. If you have questions, call the church office at (518) 877-7332. Click here to view or download the poster. Call to see if you can join this study at any time during the 6 weeks.
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Albany District United Women in Faith:
Spring Meeting April 29, Rotterdam UMC
Register by April 24!
The Albany District United Women in Faith Spring meeting will be held Saturday, April 29 at the Rotterdam UMC, 1915 Helderberg Ave., Schenectady. Nicole Consiglio, Safe Harbour Albany County Coordinator will be the speaker. Safe Harbour is a youth at-risk program. Registration begins at 8:45 AM. There will be fellowship time from 9 AM to 9:30 AM. The meeting will also include worship, music, a business meeting, a Memorial Service for lost members and communion. Lunch will be provided, or you can bring a bagged lunch. All women are invited; you do not need to be a United Women in Faith member. Click here to view the newsletter "The Burning Bush." You'll find more details about the Spring Meeting and a registration form. Deadline to register is April 24. Here is a link that explains membership with frequent questions: https://uwfaith.org/get-involved/become-a-member/. If you have questions, you can contact Diane Kendall at dandianek@gmail.com or Amanda Lucier, Sr. @ arsmithlucier@hotmail.com. If you'd like to be put on the mailing list for the newsletter, contact Diane.
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Bishop Karen P. Oliveto and musician Mark Miller to share their gifts at First UMC, Schenectady May 6-7: please register by April 28
First United Methodist Church, 603 State St., Schenectady (Albany District) hosts Bishop Karen Oliveto, who will give a Carl Lecture on Saturday, preaching on Sunday; Mark Miller: Music to sing by on Saturday, music to worship by on Sunday. Bishop Karen P. Oliveto serves as the leader of the Mountain Sky Area of The United Methodist Church. She is the first openly lesbian bishop in the church and brings to us a message of unity and hope. Mark Miller is a very talented and versatile musician and composer who is s member of the faculty at Drew Seminary and the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University and is Director of the Gospel and Youth Choirs at the Marble Collegiate Church. Click here to view the poster. You can register directly by clicking here.
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Peace with Justice Grant application available
Each year, the Social Holiness Team considers applications for financial support of new and emerging justice ministries taking into account the United Methodist Social Principles as guidance for their work.
The Upper New York Peace with Justice Grant is now available. The deadline for submission is April 30. Click here to read more and to apply.
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Nominations for the 2023 Harry Denman Evangelism Award are due May 1
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one layperson in each Conference. To read more, click here.
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Apply for Lottie Brown Grant by May 1
Applications are now being accepted for the Lottie Brown Grant. The Upper New York Scholarship Committee seeks undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. A statement of your faith journey and philosophy of life is given high consideration. All application materials for this scholarship must be postmarked by May 1. Click here to apply or for more information.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule -
Next training is May 6
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There is also a Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturday, 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)
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster with links to registration, click here.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
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Sabbath Life retreats offered by
Church in the Wild; Next retreat May 8
Sabbath Life was developed in 2014 by the Rev. Grace Hackney and wellness advocate Kelli Sittser using a one-year grant from the Duke Endowment. Since then, hundreds of pastors and spiritual leaders have attended these series of monthly one-day retreats with a focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Church in the Wild is excited to bring Sabbath Life to Upper New York!
Sabbath Life retreats will be held the second Monday of each month from March through November 2023 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The retreat center is in Windsor, in the Binghamton District.
Click here for more information.
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United Methodist Men's Retreat: May 12-13
All men are invited to the UMM's Retreat "Facing our Goliaths" to be held at the Letourneu Christian Center in Rushville, NY on May 12-May 13. Keynote speak is Matt Rowe. Click here for more information and the registration form.
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Next in the Clergy Workshop Series: May 17
"Coping with Chronic Anxiety and navigating LGBTQ issues in churches."
Free for all clergy and congregational leaders (lay and ordained). CEU certificates available for clergy and mental health professionals. There are four remaining 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. Click here for the flyer. Registration information will be forthcoming.
Regarding the May 17 workshop, its focus is NOT on “taking a side” on a certain issue, but rather how to understanding the impacts of chronic anxiety and the application of systems theory to navigating a whole host of potentially reactive conversations and dialogues, in a manner that can bring about systemic and transformative change. It is appropriate for all, regardless of whether or not a church is actively engaging in these conversations.
(All times 9 AM - Noon)
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?
Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck, LCSW - vanderbeck@samaritancounselingcenter.org
Coordinator of Clergy and Congregational Care
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UNY United Women in Faith
to offer grants for mission projects
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. Deadline to apply: May 23. To read more, click here.
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Gary Bergh scholarships available for young adult Conference in Jerusalem
Sabeel, the ecumenical Christian Institute in Palestine, invites young leaders ages 18-35 to join them in Jerusalem July 18 – July 27, 2023, for a fun and meaningful young adult conference titled “Time to Kumui – Time to Rise Up.” Gary Bergh Scholarships are available for this opportunity. Contact Karen Peterson at 607-739-3141 for scholarship information. Deadline to register for the Conference: June 1.To read more, click here.
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Save the date! Coming in August
2023 Mission u: Transformative Biblical Curriculum for Adults, Youth and Children
Upper NY United Women in Faith announce details on 2023 Mission u. It will be held Thursday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Fayetteville UMC, 601 East Genesee St., Fayetteville. It promises to be a special time of learning, service, fellowship and fun. The intergenerational curriculum is designed to bring participants deeper into Jesus' teaching in the Gospels proclaiming the good news of the Kin-dom of God. Age-appropriate classes and study books are offered for adults (over 18), youth (ages 13-18) and children (ages 5-12). Children and youth must be accompanied by a registered adult. 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. Please email unymissionu@gmail.com with questions.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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Covid taught us how to shift and pivot to sustain our mission
James Kim describes how new expressions of ministry initiated in the years of Covid helped his two-campus church in Lakewood, Washington, thrive and grow. He explains that the two most important leadership skills were keeping the mission clear and having a willingness to pivot and experiment in the face of a constantly changing context.
To learn more, click here
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7 suggestions for outsourcing your church’s staffing needs
How can outsourcing fill church staffing needs? Greg Rogers shares seven suggestions for outsourcing staff drawing from Oakmont Baptist Church’s response to unexpected yet urgent staffing needs.
To read the story, click here
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Older Adult Recognition Day
resource available
Each year, United Methodist congregations are invited to observe Older Adult Recognition Day in May — the same month the U.S. observes Older Americans Month. To help church leaders plan an Older Adult Recognition Day, ENCORE Ministry director Richard Gentzler compiled a free downloadable resource containing Scripture passages for sermon ideas, suggested hymns, prayers, Psalter readings and a litany.
View resource
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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 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.
To access guides, click here.
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Boy Scout Bankruptcy update
The General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) recently issued an updated frequently asked questions webpage on the Boy Scout Bankruptcy following a recent ruling in the case. This webpage provides an overview and provides insight on what might happen next. Contact either Bryan Mills (bmills@gcfa.org) or Brandy Bivens (bbivens@gcfa.org) if you have any questions.
To view the webpage, click here.
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Donate to UMCOR US disaster response
Recent storms and tornadoes throughout the Mississippi Delta region caused massive destruction. More than 25 people died with dozens more injured. Amid this devastation, The United Methodist Church is responding with love and compassion to help rebuild lives. Your gift to UMCOR ensures that communities have the resources they need to rebuild and restore. Give now: click here.
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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.
To learn more, click here.
For more information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
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Join Skye Farm Summer Staff 2023
There are many summer staff openings at our Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center in Warrensburg. Openings include counselors, program assistant, kitchen assistant, assistant cook, food service manager, waterfront director and maintenance assistant. For more information and/or to apply click here.
Retreats at Skye Farm
Skye Farm hosts retreats during our non-summer camp season. We provide groups with spiritual renewal. We can host groups of a variety of sizes. Click here for more information.
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Share your podcast
Does your church or ministry have a podcast that lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shows God’s love with our neighbors in all places? If so, the Upper New York Communications ministry team wants to help share and grow your podcast. Email the name of the podcast, a short description, and a link. Send it to news@unyumc.org
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Wesley Fellowship
reaching out to students
The Geneseo United Methodist Church, under the appointment of Pastor Beth Malone, is beginning to revive the SUNY Wesley Fellowship which meets at the InterFaith Center near campus. We are reaching out to all of the churches in our conference who could have students attending SUNY Geneseo or nearby community colleges for contact information.If you're interested in learning more, please contact Gwyneth Jones-Wenninger, who serves as the Wesley Fellowship Interim Director at SUNY Geneseo. You can reach her at shadetreeauthor@gmail.com or via telephone (585) 969-0127.
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2022 UNY Journal Vol. II now available
The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. To view or order, click here.
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Are you connected to the UNY Conference?
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.
Open to everyone – pass the word!
If you are not connected, please follow the instructions below.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Click here to Subscribe to UNY-Notes
Weekly Digest- is sent every Wednesday. It contains a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
Click here to Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
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NEW! Engage New People Grant
The Upper New York New Faith Communities Team is excited to announce the new “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.
Apply for the “Engage New People Grant” by completing the Engage New People Grant Application
Upon completing the application, we will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
The UNY New Faith Communities Team has requested this grant be continued into the 2024 budget, but this cannot be guaranteed.
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Special Sundays: Six Mission Projects
any church can adopt in 2023
There are mission projects in which your church can participate without booking travel or having to get participants’ shots up to date.
There are six Special Sundays that are celebrated by congregations of The United Methodist Church. If your church is participating in these Sundays, then your church is affecting many lives. These are great stories of impact that your church can claim. If you haven’t been participating fully, there is no better time to get involved!
Click here to learn more
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#BeUMC resources
The #BeUMC Leader Toolkit includes new resources to help local churches embrace the #BeUMC campaign. New graphics and promotional videos were recently added to the toolkit.
Below you'll find featured downloads from our collection of promotional graphics and videos. These resources will help you promote awareness of the #BeUMC campaign to your congregation or group. Use these graphics on your social media channels and church website, in worship and other events, or on any electronic or print communication. Or create your own custom graphics using imagery from your community with the help of design assets.
To read more, click here.
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No new elections needed for General Conference 2024
The United Methodist Church’s highest court ruled that new delegate elections “are not required” for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal General Conference, now set for 2024.
What this means is that the Upper New York (UNY) Conference delegates that were elected at the 2019 UNY Annual Conference for the originally slotted 2020 General Conference will be able to serve at the 2024 General Conference. There is no need for new elections.
The location and dates for the 2024 General Conference have also been announced—the event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23 to May 3, 2024.
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Visit 'Spiritual Life" page on
Conference website
The intent of the spiritual life ministry is to support/nurture/companion individuals in their faith journey; to help individuals grow their relationship with God so they can be more faithful, obedient disciples of Christ. Developing our spiritual lives is about each of us living more fully into the person God created us to be and the life that God desires for us. This requires intentionality and attentiveness to God and God’s presence in all of our lives and joining together in community to support and nurture one another.
We invite you to explore the spiritual disciplines and practices that will draw you closer to God and deeper into a relationship with God. Explore with us workshops, retreats, training opportunities that will deepen your relationship as a disciple of Christ.
Click here to view the page on the Conference website.You will find links to many resources.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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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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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 tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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From the Conference Center | |
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Updated New York State short-term disability forms
New York State recently updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now two separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability.
Click here to learn more and access the forms.
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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 tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Reminder for Churches: Certificates of Insurance
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the following information will be helpful to you.
Requests for DB 120.1
Certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 102.1) are issued by the disability insurance carrier, Guardian. The following information will be needed from you to request the certificate of insurance. You can email either Tracy Rickett, HR Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or Suzannah Emerson at SEmerson@WalshDuffield.com with the following information. Please allow at least 5 business days for your request to be processed.
NAME OF INSURED CHURCH:
MAILING ADDRESS OF INSURED CHURCH:
EMAIL ADDRESS TO WHERE DB 120.1 CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE SENT:
NAME OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE (Typically the Dept of Health):
ADDRESS OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE:
Requests for C 105.2
Certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2) can be obtained by contacting American Church Group of NY. They will assist each church in obtaining the documentation needed. Contact them at 800-326-7200; 717-763-5517 (fax) or UMCservice.NY@AmericanChurchGroup.com.
If you have questions on certificates of insurance, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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Great resources available from
United Methodist Communications
United Methodist Communications has a menu of services and tools as extensive as the menu of dishes at The Cheesecake Factory. Greg Petree has assembled a list of the top-10 services United Methodist Communications offers for free to help local congregations reach out to their communities.
UMCOM measured what’s viewed and downloaded to identify what services/resources are most used by churches. To read more, click here.
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New presentation resource: We are the church. Together
Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.
To view the presentation,click here.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a free, downloadable 45-page discussion guide tied to the #BeUMC campaign? This is a great resource for your Sunday School class, Bible study, or small group to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
District Associate and District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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