Bishop Webb's June 21st Webinar with the Laity
On June 21st, 2022, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, met virtually with UNY laity.
Bishop Webb addressed recent denominational developments and discussed the importance of keeping focused on the mission of the Church during the one-hour gathering. Bishop Webb also answered questions submitted through chat, many of which were related to the disaffiliation process.
Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to read the answers to some frequently asked questions from the webinar. To submit a question that hasn't been answered, email news@unyumc.org.
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Meet Kristina Clark, the New UNY Director of Missional Engagement
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is excited to announce the hiring of Kristina Clark as the new Director of Missional Engagement. She will start this role on July 5, 2022.
Kristina is not a stranger to many people throughout the UNY Conference. She is known for her strong commitment to mission work and launching the It Takes a Village Diaper Bank mission of the Waterville United Methodist Church. This diaper bank has successfully helped thousands of people in Oneida County with diaper, formula, baby clothing, and more needs.
Kristina is excited to start this position; she is passionate and eager to help local churches throughout the Conference with everything from bringing a ministry idea to life to fundraising.
Click here to read more about Kristina’s background and enthusiasm and to learn what her contact information will be once she begins her position.
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Applications are Now Open for 2022 Mustard Seed Migration Grants
Every day, thousands of people flee their homes in search of a better life for their families.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grants, inspired by the well-known parable, are available to provide up to 50 congregations in the United States with up to $2,000 in funding to support one-time, community-based projects that assist refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented persons and migrants of all types.
Applications will be accepted at any time prior to the Sept. 1, 2022 deadline, and will be reviewed and processed within a month of receipt. Churches receiving grants in 2021 are not eligible for the 2022 program (review 2021 list here).
For information on the application process, including selection criteria, click here.
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Upper New York
United Women in Faith
2022 Mission u - Luke 13
A Transformative Biblical Curriculum for Adults, Youth and Children
Thursday, August 18 – Saturday, August 20, 2022
Fayetteville United Methodist Church
601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Please join us for this special time of learning, service, fellowship, and fun!
The intergenerational curriculum is designed to bring participants deeper into the stories of Jesus and his teachings in Luke 13. Age-appropriate classes and study books are offered for Adults (over 18), Children (ages 5 – 12), and Youth (ages 13-18). Children and Youth must be accompanied by a registered Adult.
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Leah Mae Sheldon Carlisle Obituary
D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc.
135 Keyes Ave.
Watertown, N Y 13601
315-782-4910
Leah Mae Sheldon Carlisle, wife of Thomas Dwight Carlisle and a longtime resident of Watertown passed away peacefully June 21, 2022 at Laurelwood Assisted Living in Dayton, Ohio. Leah Mae led a loving, caring life as a wife, mother, educator and proponent of justice.
Leah Mae was born October 14, 1938, in Watertown, daughter of Lyle Ernest and Ethel (Finley) Sheldon. Copenhagen was her first home and then her family moved to Watertown when she was a young child. In 1956, she graduated from Watertown High School and in 1961 graduated from Syracuse University with her bachelor of science in Nursing. She went on to The University of Pittsburgh receiving her Masters in Nursing Education, then attended SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, where she received her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate.
On April 17, 1965 she married Thomas D. Carlisle at Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown, NY officiated by Rev. Thomas John Carlisle and Rev. W. Russell Clark.
Leah Mae served in the United States Navy from 1961-1963 in Portsmouth, Virginia. After being honorably discharged she taught practical nursing in the Man Power Program and was a clinical instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. Leah Mae was a night relief supervisor in Port Jefferson, Long Island and in the early 1970’s was a nurse in the maternity ward and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the House of the Good Samaritan.
Leah Mae chose to stay home to raise her three daughters, Maria, Maeleah and Naomi and instilled in them a passion for a strong faith, musical talents and creativity. As the children grew up, she returned to work as a nurse at the Samaritan Medical Center, then taught as an Assistant Professor and Associate Professor at Jefferson Community College before being promoted to Chair of the Nursing Department, retiring in 1997.
Leah Mae was an active volunteer, peacemaker and leader, volunteering as a certified La Leche League Leader, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, an instructor for GED classes through the Watertown Urban Mission, a Girl Scout and Brownie Leader, and a member of the board of directors for the Neighborhood Center of Utica, NY, and a Stephen Minister. As a long time member of Asbury United Methodist Church, she assisted with Christian Education in multiple roles including Superintendent of Sunday School, past president of Northern Flow District of the Upper New York Conference, Past President of United Methodist Women’s Conference of North Central New York for four years, North Central Episcopacy Conference Committee member, founding member of the United Methodists for Kairos Response and secretary emeritus, and co-chair of the Upper NY Conference Task Force for Peace with Justice for Palestine/Israel.
Surviving besides her husband Tom, are three daughters, Maria Lisa Castellucci, Pound Ridge, NY, Maeleah Kristin Carlisle, Newington, CT, Naomi Ruth (Michael) Louis, New Carlisle, OH, two grandchildren, Elliana and Chiara, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 22, 10:00 am at Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown, NY, with burial to follow on Saturday in Brookside Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Lyle E. and Ethel F. Sheldon Memorial Scholarship” through the Jefferson Community College Foundation, 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601 to support nursing students at www.sunyjefferson.edu/jccgiving or call 315-786-2326.
Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. and online condolences may be made at www.dlcalarco.com.
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United Methodist Night at the Ballpark, Thursday July 28th 2022
Now in it's 43rd year! Opponent is the Omaha (Nebraska) Storm Chasers, a farm team of the Kansas City Royals
At last year's game, due to not having a parking lot tailgate party with complimentary grilled hot dogs and coneys, we chose Dollar Thursday night, where several stadium stands have $1 dogs, coneys and Coke products, and so, because of the on-going Covid variants, we chose Dollar Thursday night AGAIN!
And we will lead the stadium in the singing of the National Anthem from Home Plate, and also have someone through out the ceremonial First Pitch!
Also like our 2021 game, we will hold a block of tickets on the 200 Level (so we have seats versus a bench, cup-holders, and no need to climb the extra stairs to the 300 Level! NEW this year though - THIRD BASE side tickets, so no bright setting sunshine in our faces!
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A Call from the Mission Central HUB
I hope this note helps you with a little push to help people in need. Since the covid outbreak The HUB has been struggling to receive donation and volunteers are few. I hope this note brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high.
Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. Not always easy, definitely can be scary. I have been seeing this phrase a lot lately.
“Trusting in GOD’s truth and not on the thoughts in your head”
So much going on with distractions pulling us in many different directions, it can sometimes be hard to focus on HIS voice in your head. Another saying I hold onto when in times of struggle
“ Be still and know I AM who I AM.” Again sometimes hard to do.
Taking time to just breath and take notice of ourselves focus on where we need to get calm, notice the little things are actually the big things. Some things we cant change, but we may be able to help relieve some stress for folks in need when life disrupts living.. We don’t need to be in the limelight to be a Blessing to someone. Sometimes we have forgotten that helping others helps ourselves. We can get overwhelmed thinking we have to do everything and their isn’t enough time or energy to help everyone. I have seen so many cry since covid that feel that haven’t done enough to help people. I am one of them.
One of the things I love about my job here at The HUB (that I do know GOD lead me to) is the way folks help others with no questions, no need of getting gratification, no expectations. Folks need help, every little or big thing that gets filtered through Mission Central HUB sends ripples to others in need. To us some of those ripples are small but could be a huge blessing to that person in need. GOD and the Holy Spirit placed it on our hearts to help people, all we need do is react to it. To me that is Faith in knowing GOD has his hand in it and listening to that HOLY SPIRIT saying, “ someone needs help, make that call.” Like I just felt tugged to write this letter. Severe weather season is upon us, this will never change. we are not fully prepared, can you help?
To schedule a volunteer group visit to the HUB please contact
MaryBeth Ingalls
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay Boulevard Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
God Bless 🙏👣💞
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Belleville UMC
Looking for a Keyboardist
Belleville UMC is looking for a part time - paid keyboardist. Interested persons please contact Dwight Greene at 315-232-2607
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Courses Via Zoom
Here is the updated Adirondack LSM courses. We have added two new ones below.
*Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Tuesdays: August 2, 9, 16, and 23: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Thursdays: August 4, 11, 18, and 25: 6-9
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard
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Webinars Available
Do you have someone new who is now a trustee or a member of your SPRC? Here are some resources to help them learn.
New materials and webinar recordings room April 26 and 28, 2022 were developed for churches in the Southern Tier Region, which consists of the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts. District Superintendents the Rev. Suzanne Block, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, and the Rev. Nancy Adams led the sessions.
One webinar was related to church trustees with included resources and the other webinar was related to staff-parish-relations committees with included resources.
Click here to watch these helpful recordings and access the useful resources.
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In Person Conference Postponed
to October 6-8 to be held Remotely
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States.
Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New York at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. In the end, while there was a great sense of loss about not being able to gather in-person for the third year in a row, the Committee overwhelmingly agreed that the top priority had to be the health and safety of the individuals that would be asked to attend. The decision was made to institute a backup plan that has been in place since the Committee started planning for an in-person Annual Conference gathering.
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Postponing Annual Conference creates a new set of logistical concerns to address and the decisions about those concerns will be shared once they are made. In the meantime, anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
“We know that there will be many different reactions to the news of Annual Conference being postponed and moved to a virtual event,” said the Rev. Joellyn Tuttle, Chair of the Sessions Committee. “Many will be disappointed; many will be relieved; and many more will be some combination of the two. Ultimately, this decision puts the health of the members of the Annual Conference first and that felt right to the Committee. Our first desire was to do no harm, and we are confident that we can pull together an excellent virtual event in October.”
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Trip to Holy Land 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Register by July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact:
Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
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Job Opportunities for Upper New York Conference
The Upper New York Conference has job openings, please click here for more information.
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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made?
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Tending the Soul Training
Tending the Soul, a training program in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation, will be starting a new cohort in November 2022. The program is designed for lay and clergy. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent past, the ability to listen deeply for God, to remain centered and non-anxious, and to hold sacred space for others is an essential tool in ministry (both within your local congregation and the greater community).
Click here for more information and a brochure with all details on the program and how to apply.
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Stewardship with
Rev. Susan Ranous
June 28, 2022
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO GIVE?
I was reading an article the other day and I was struck by the phrase: “if you want people to give, the last thing to do is to seek their giving.”[1]Instead, Matthew 6:33: seek first the kingdom.
[1] Giving, published by Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 2006, page 36.
When we “do” stewardship and ask for financial support, we always ask for people to prayerfully consider what they are able to give. Problem is this article goes on to say that people don’t give out of what they have but out of what they feel they have. It all hinges on the feeling of security or lack thereof.
So, when we start our discussions of giving with the words “we need”, then that upsets folks’ internal sense of security.
I have to admit, I’m not sure how good I am at this. I do try to discuss giving to God, instead of giving to the church, and that giving changes lives. Also, God has given us enough, but the article says we need to focus on:
§ · God’s provision for our lives is enough
§ · We must preach this with conviction
When we are happy, we are happy to give.
When we have enough, we are happy to share.
When we believe in God’s provision, we know that we have a loving provider.
Share your story of God’s provision in our life, and others will feel that in their own lives as well.
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held August 6th
(Perfect time to get your Sunday School, Youth Group, Nursery or any other Ministry Staff & Volunteers registered)
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday, August 6th from 9AM to 12:30PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: August 5, 2022 AT 5PM
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
Our next conference Zoom Safe Sanctuaries training is not scheduled until November 5, 2022!
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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2022 Holiday Schedule
The District Office Will Be closed on the Following Dates
September 5th Labor Day
November 24th and 25th Thanksgiving
December 23rd Christmas Eve (Observed)
December 26th Christmas (Observed)
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Northern Flow District
District Superintendent
Rev. Michael Weeden
Administrative Assistant
Tammy McAdam
Regional Associate
Rev. Rich Weihing
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Northern Flow District Office Hours |
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Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Northern Flow District
93 East Main Street, Second Floor
PO Box 208
Gouverneur, NY 13642
Phone: (315) 535-5149 FAX: (315) 535-5151
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
The Media Resource Center of UNYAC
Visit the website at
Our mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
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