Northern Flow Weekly Newsletter

May 18, 2023

2023 Annual Conference to Offer Onsite Registration with a Late Fee

Registration for the 2023 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, to be held June 1-3, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse, closed on April 30. There is a lot of work that happens behind-the scenes among the UNY staff to make the registration process smooth and easy-to-understand. For those who registered (over 900 of you), we thank you!

Because the Book of Discipline ensures all voting members have the opportunity to vote, onsite registration will be provided. As in the past, a $50.00 late fee will be added to the $250.00 registration fee and the entire $300.00 fee must be paid in full at the time of registration onsite. Also, because the SRC Arena needed numbers in advance for meals, we can only guarantee meals for the first 50 people who register onsite.

Questions can be addressed by sending an e-mail to info@unyumc.org

Family Life Weekend at Camp Aldersgate

Each year Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, Greig, NY hosts Family Life Weekend. Moms, Dads, kids, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends are all welcome!

Together we enjoy swimming, boating, relaxing, square dancing, singing, fellowship, campfires and more. “Life-Giving Community” is the topic Pastor Matt Rowe (North Rose UMC) will help participants consider this summer, July 14 – 16, 2023.

Visit https://aldersgateny.org/upcoming-events/ for more information or email office@aldersgateny.org.

The weekend is a wonderful way to introduce your family to a Christian camping experience; Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.

When Nature Calls Podcast

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." Each week, site directors will introduce a different passage of scripture and how it relates to a different experience of water. You'll hear from site directors at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake, and Skye Farm.

Click here to listen to the series on Simplecast and click here to watch the video version of the podcast.

Peace with Justice Sunday

June 4, 2023

Peace with Justice Sunday is June 4, 2023.

Together, we spread the gospel of peace and encourage cooperation locally, in the United States and globally.

To learn more about Peace with Justice Sunday and for resources,

click here.

District Office Closed May 22nd to May 29th

I will be on vacation from May 22nd to May 29th and I will not be able to answer phone calls or email while I am gone.

If you need immediate assistance please contact Carrie in the Adirondack/Albany district office.

She can be reached at adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or at 518-608-1246. You can still reach DS Rev. Weeden at mikeweeden@unyumc.org

New District Superintendent Structure

for Upper New York

As Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez previously announced, the UNY Conference will switch from nine District Superintendents 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.

“This new configuration for the Cabinet is an excellent example of the collaborative leadership model that Upper New York is leaning into on all levels. All pastors and congregations will continue to be cared for and have the resources needed to effectively serve in the community and excel at continuing the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”, Bishop Héctor said.

The district coverage assignments for UNY’s 12 districts, effective July 1st, are as follows:

The Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer will serve the Niagara Frontier District and the Cornerstone District.
The Rev. Suzanne Block will serve the Genesee Valley District and the Mountain View District.
The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood will serve the Finger Lakes District and the Crossroads District.
The Rev. Mike Weeden will be the Mohawk and Northern Flow District's District Superintendent.
The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will be the District Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts.
The Rev. Bob Kolvik Campbell will serve the Binghamton and Oneonta Districts.

To ensure an equitable distribution of churches among district superintendents, The Mohawk District will be covered by Rev. Weeden, Rev. Earthrowl, and Rev. Campbell. Click here for a list indicating which DS will support specific churches in the Mohawk District.

New New York State Revisions to Sexual Harassment and Training Requirements

News Article: New York Releases Revised Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy & Training

May 2023/By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL), in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights, recently released a revised sexual harassment model policy. At the same time, the DOL released a revised model sexual harassment prevention training, which includes changes similar to those made to the policy.

The Model Policy

The updated model policy follows NYSDOL’s quadrennial obligation to evaluate the impact of the state’s model sexual harassment policy. Under a law that went into effect on October 9, 2018, employers in New York State are required to either implement written sexual harassment policies that meet or exceed the minimum standards set forth in Section 201-g of the New York Labor Law OR adopt the model policy published by the NYSDOL.

There are substantial differences between the new model policy and the policy released in 2018.

Emphasis on gender identity discrimination as a type of sexual harassment claim
New sections on bystander intervention and the way sexual harassment can impact the remote workplace. The bystander section encourages witnesses to report observed harassment and reminds supervisors that they are required to do so.
Includes that employees working remotely can be harassed over virtual platforms and messaging apps
Addresses New York’s broader definition of harassment
Includes more examples of retaliatory behavior
Includes stronger emphasis on external remedies for employees

As a reminder, New York State Labor Law requires all employers to adopt a sexual harassment policy that includes a complaint form for employees to report alleged incidents of sexual harassment.

The Training

The release of the new model policy was accompanied by new training materials designed to meet the state’s annual training requirement. The training materials include a 54-minute video containing eight case studies with answers, as well as the slide deck and script from the video. DOL also provides a form for employees to answer the true/false questions in the case studies, which can be completed by attendees and submitted to the employer to meet the requirement that the training be interactive. The content of the training mirrors the new model policy and includes case studies addressing topics such as the State’s broadened definition of harassment, gender identity and remote work.

As a reminder, New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any other date) as long as it is completed annually. Employers are encouraged to track completion of training through attendance sheets, certificates of completion, or some other manner for audit purposes.

The New York City Commission on Human Rights has developed a free online training that will satisfy both the New York State and New York City anti-sexual harassment training requirements.

During the annual training, employers must also provide employees a notice that contains the employer’s sexual harassment policy.

Important: Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.

Action Items

Churches should review and update their sexual harassment policies and ensure that they meet the minimum standards outlined in the updated model policy or adopt the model policy provided by the NYSDOL. NYS has not provided a specific date for employers to update their sexual harassment prevention policy but it is recommended it be updated within a reasonable amount of time.

Churches should conduct annual training for all employees using the updated training materials.

If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.

Please click here if you would like a printable PDF copy of the article.

Lake Ontario Parish Job Opening

Lake Ontario Parish is looking to hire a part time administrative assistant for the Parish. Interested persons can contact Dwight Greene chair of the Parish S/PPRC at 315-232-2607 or by email at lassie13605@yahoo.com.

SPRC Training On Demand

Recently Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent in the Northeast Region, led a training for Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committees. If you were unable to attend, please use this recording of the training with your own SPPR Committee at your earliest convenience.

Click here to find a link to the recording.

Please find attached a Grant application for the UNY UWF (UMW) Conference Project Grants.

*Please note the Application has changed since last year.*

These grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations which follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference.

Deadline for Application is May 23, 2023

Application

Are you connected to UNY?

Do you receive the latest news and updates from UNY Conference?

All pastors should be connected and as many people from your congregation that would like to be.

Open to everyone – pass the word!

If you are not connected please follow the instructions below.

To sign up either click the following link: https://bit.ly/UNYnotes.

Or follow the steps below:

Go to the conference website
Click on News in the toolbar
Select Connect with UNY
You can sign up for all six categories or just select the UNY Notes

Adirondack District Offering 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.

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 For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the updated brochure.

Advanced Course: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs

Mondays: June 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Basic Lay Servant Course

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

"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.

SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE

Schedule

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.

Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com, with any questions.