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Adirondack and Albany District News
July 29, 2023
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“In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky."
-- Mungo Jerry
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District Youth and Youth Leaders meet at Youth 2023 event in Daytona
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez met with UNY attendees at Youth 2023 in Daytona, Florida this week and talked about bringing BOLD energy back, engaging other youth in living the Gospel and being God's love to all our neighbors, More than 240 volunteers (including folks from the Adirondack abd Alour Districts) helped pack, box and prepare 110,000 food packages for a Rise Against Hunger service project (Click here to learn more about the organization.) 2,500 people attended the conference. UNY had the fourth-largest attendance with 37 attendees, several from the Albany and Adirondack Districts!
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Two local justice issues
brought to light.
See this from Pastor Lori Buno-Taylor of the Church of the Covenant in Averill Park and Salem UMC in West Sand Lake:
There are times when the injustices of systemic decisions cry out to be seen and named.
Recent decisions in Troy and Rensselaer will negatively impact the residents of those cities in the areas of health and food security.
Especially in this country, my hope is that we would view these issues as basic human rights. It has become clear that this is a justice issue because of the area and underserved populations affected.
Burdett Birth Center is located in Troy. It is led by nurse midwives and has the lowest rate of c-sections in the region. The Center serves an underserved population- which translates to those who do not have or seek prenatal, birth, and post-natal care- yielding excellent health outcomes. Financial difficulties (due to the pandemic and hospital policies) are the stated reasons for the closure. Underserved in this area translates to those who live in poverty. In Troy, this indicates a high percentage of people of color. The Birth Center delivers close to 900 infants each year. Over 300 have been delivered as of May 2023. The volume of deliveries speaks to the need for this service. The "back up" plan of emergency room care of traveling to other hospitals is not reasonable or accessible for some of the women.
For more information on the Birth Center, and to sign a petition in support of saving the center, click here.
To view a news report on the issue, click here.
The other issue is with ALDI Corporate. With a new store opening, there will be one closing (in an underserved area in Rensselaer) creating a food desert.
To read a news article on the issue, and to view the TV news report, click here.
This is the link to the letter sent to legislators. Click here
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Adirondack District:
Tom Duers and Carole Duers (First UMC of Lake George) ask for continued prayer for Carole. Tom reports that he and Carole were encouraged after meeting with the kidney transplant team in Vermont. The hope is that she will be added to the donor list in September. Carole has been on dialysis for nine years. If you'd like to send notes of care and encouragement, their address is 302 B, 25 Larose St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
Albany District:
Please continue to 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 adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
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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Get your News from the Conference Office | |
In the interest of reducing the volume of news items, and to encourage you to subscribe to the UNY Conference Weekly Digest and UNY Notes, we will no longer be printing Conference News in the District Newsletter.This includes messages from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, including the appointment list. You can also click on the quick links, above.
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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Still time to register for Skye Farm camp's final week!
The final week of camp (Aug. 6-Aug. 11) is fast approaching! The two programs are Skye Faves for ages 9 to 11 and ages 12-15, and Skye Faves: Night Owls for ages 13-16. Financial assistance is available! And families who send multiple campers are eligible for a $40 sibling discount. For more information, and to view the brochure, click here. To visit the camp's website, click here. The camp is located at 1884 E. Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg. Contact site director Robyn Vernon if you have questions @ robynvernon@unyumc.com
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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Spiritual Practices episode 6 available
Looking for a great spiritual practice to bring you closer to God? In Upper New York’s Spiritual Practices podcast episode 6, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius guides us through meditation using Psalm 23. To listen, click here.
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Wespath
Survey fuels concern for clergy
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension continue to worsen for United Methodist clergy, according to a survey of 1,200 pastors in The United Methodist Church. However, the results showed some positive developments related to clergy’s spiritual vitality. The Clergy Well-Being Survey is conducted every two years by Wespath Benefits and Investments. The agency is planning listening sessions to help better understand the results.
Read press release
Read report
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UMCOR aids flood-ravaged Nigeria
JALINGO, Nigeria (UM News) — A $150,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief is providing food and other support to thousands of people displaced by devastating flooding last year. “Today, all of us are witnesses of God’s love,” said Nigeria Episcopal Area Bishop John Wesley Yohanna before the relief was distributed. Ezekiel Ibrahim has the story.
To read more, click here.
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Climate change conference urges action
DALLAS — Elevated summer temperatures should spur action on climate change issues, said speakers at the "Resilience for Congregations" conference held July 15-16. The conference included workshops on urban agriculture, environmental justice, water, climate migration and energy. Cynthia B. Astle has the story.
Read story
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Clergy Education For Church Leaders
Clergyeducation.com offers online courses for church leaders. Most conferences accept CEU credits for those attending. Upcoming courses include Reaching People Under 40 - the Do's, Don'ts and the Why's; Practices to Grow the Missin of the Church and more. Click here for details and to register.
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Ask The UMC
Our Living World: Air
The creation accounts in Genesis do not mention the creation of air. We often take it for granted until something about it discomforts us. This invisible gift supports nearly all creatures in our living world. In a six-part series, Ask The UMC explores how United Methodists seek to sustain and renew links to our living world.
Read story
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Discipleship Ministries
Resources on United Methodist identity
An “Identity Marker” collection of resources is being prepared to help members of the denomination better understand the basics of being a United Methodist. Authors include Bishops Ken Carter, Rueben Job and Will Willimon. Motoe Yamada Foor has the story.
Read story
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Lay Servant Course offered in the Albany District
All welcome to attend
Called to Preach
The Advanced Lay Ministries course "Called to Preach" will be offered at North Main St. UMC (316 N. Main Street, Gloversville) on Monday, Aug. 7, 1 PM to 4 PM; Friday, Aug. 11 from Noon to 4 PM and Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 AM to Noon. The course will be taught by Certified Lay Ministers Joyce Royal and Ron Talbott. To register or for information contact Joyce at jrroyalp@aol.com or (518) 774-5849.
(New) United Methodist Heritage
On Mondays at 6:30 p.m. - August 7, 14, 21 & 28 via Zoom and September 11 in person at a site to be determined. The course will be led by Bruce France. A minimum # of participants are needed; please contact Bruce with your interest and to register ASAP at bfrance@nycap.rr.com.
(New) Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
In person at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at First UMC Delmar (428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, NY) - October 4, 11 , 18, 25 & November 1. The course will be lead by Heather Smith. Please contact her with questions or to register no later than Sept. 22 at h.smith1026@gmail,com
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2023 Adirondack District Lay Servant Course:
All welcome to attend
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.
COURSE OFFERINGS:
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Registration open. Last day to register: Aug. 5.
Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Polity
Registration open. Last day to register: Aug. 17.
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. Last day to register: Sept. 16.
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. Last day to register: Oct. 19.
Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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How can the Church respond to the rise of the 'Nones'?
What is the church to do in the face of increasing rates of religious disaffiliation and the rise of the Nones? Researcher and pastor Ryan Burge says it’s important that the church not lose hope. We must continue to step out in faith and sow the seeds of love, grace, and hope.
To learn more, click here
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10 tips for building genuine connections with your neighbors
Kay Kotan says we can no longer wait for people to come to church. The church must go out into the community and meet its neighbors. She provides ten easy strategies for your church to build genuine connections with your neighbors.
To read the story, click here
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Church Conference Schedules begin in September
From Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl:
I am glad for another opportunity to gather with you for our fall Church Conferences! This year, nearly all will be held jointly with other area United Methodist congregations so that, in addition to caring for the ordering of ministry for the coming year as individual congregations, we may look at some possibilities for collaborative ministry that might strengthen and broaden our mission and ministry. Since most of the “business” of the Church Conference is prepared beforehand by various teams within the church to receive final vote at the Church Conference, the majority of our time together will be spent on collaboration.
Churches that are in the process of exploring disaffiliation, or who are disaffiliating, will have information on their charge conferences sent separately to their pastor or church leader.
Click on the links below to view the schedules.
Note these changes from the original schedule:
Albany District
Berlin UMC will meet at 6 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Berlin UMC
Alplaus UMC and Centre Glenville UMC will meet at 6 PM on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Centre Glenville UMC
Please be in touch if you have questions.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule -
Next training is Aug. 5; Training of Trainers is Oct. 7
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled two additional 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 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. Registration is open for the Aug. 5 training. Registration closes Aug. 2.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
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2023 District Day - Informed to Transform!
We are pleased to announce we will be hosting another District Day on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 75 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Each year, about 100 laity and clergy come together for a day of worship, fellowship and workshops. All are welcome to attend. Registration opens 8:15 AM. Worship at 8:45 AM. Three sets of 75-minute workshops will be offered throughout the day. $10 registration includes lunch. Scholarships available. Look for details in upcoming newsletters
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Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet in April 2024
Save the date! Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet April 19-21, 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. Click here to go to the website.
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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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Disciple Bible Study has gone digital!
Help your congregation learn the Bible and connect with each other in meaningful small groups. The new BeADisciple Study App offers everything you need to participate in a Bible study on a smartphone, tablet, or computer — with weekly meetings on Zoom or IN PERSON! The app is easy to navigate and offers powerful ways to connect through a 24/7 prayer thread, message board and built-in zoom access.
Registration is open now so study groups can start as early as August 1.
All assignments can be read and/or listened to. This new platform is launching now. For more
information and to signup go to:
For a related story, click here.
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Classes on Methodism are online
Classes about John Wesley and The United Methodist Church — some of them free — are being offered online by the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History on its U.M. History Hub. “Local Church Historians School” is free. “Splits, Separations and Reconciliations: Rooted in Wesleyan Grace” is $35. See the link below for a full list of classes and how much they cost. Read press release: click here
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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:
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.earthrowl
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany and Adirondack Districts
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Evergreen
Adirondack District Lay Leader
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Superintendency Administrative Assistant
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
Adirondack District: PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
Albany District: PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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