July 21st, 2022 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 4 PM for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs..
the office is CLOSED Friday Thru Sunday
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DS Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell's Installation Service plans are as follows:
Date - Sun. September 25th, 2022
Location - Founders Lodge at Sky Lake
Time - 3:00 pm
Mark your calendars and plan to be there.
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Rural Life Sunday- July 24th
On Rural Life Sunday, July 24, we honor the rural heritage of the Church, recognize the ongoing crisis occurring in rural areas of the United States and the world today and affirm the interdependence of rural and urban communities.
Many churches in Upper New York are in rural areas; click here for resources you can use for Rural Life Sunday provided by Resource UMC.
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Four Directions Humanitarian Award winners announced
Each year the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) recognizes one or more individuals who exemplify the qualities of service and advocacy in Native churches and communities. This year, CONAM is recognizing Marilyn Anderson and Dan Cook.
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“Because We Care” Gary Bergh Scholarships fundraiser in honor of Leah Mae Carlisle
The UNY Taskforce on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel has published their most recent article in their series, “Because We Care.”
This month’s article focuses on The Gary Bergh Scholarship Fundraiser as a tribute to Leah Mae Carlisle (10/14/38 - 6/21/22), Peace with Justice Taskforce Co-Chair, and the Palestinian Dinner (imagined) Fundraiser in her honor.
The scholarship fund was important to Leah Mae, as she knew the value of seeing first-hand the injustices Palestinians endure under Israel’s Occupation and control. In 2006, she had witnessed the effect of home demolitions and displacement, destruction of an olive tree orchard by Israeli settlers, and an apartheid travel system with separate permits, license plates, and roads for Israelis and Palestinians, as a dozen members from the NCNY Conference, with 50 United Methodists, traveled with the General Board of Global Missions in the Holy Land.
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Positions open at the Methodist missionary vacation home in Chautauqua, NY
Seeking host and hostess couple to open and close the home, process reservations, supervise a staff of four, and all operations of the house, including kitchen, laundry, maintenance, and care of the lawn. Host and Hostess should be on site from May 15 to Sept. 15 starting in 2023.
Salary, plus room and board, gate pass, parking.
Please send resumes to: Marie Follett, 331 West Academy Street, Albion, New York 14411 by Aug. 15, 2022. A more detailed list of duties will be available to interested parties.
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The spiritual practice of breath prayer, revisited
Throughout 2022, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius is offering opportunities to engage in spiritual practices each month with video discussion and instruction. These videos invite you into ways of exploring, engaging, and nurturing your relationship with God.
This week, Rev. Dibelius revisits breath prayer. The video references the original video on breath prayers. Click here for the original video
Click here to watch the revisitation of breath prayer.
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The United Methodist Church releases 2021 State of the Church Report
The United Methodist Church has released the 2021 State of the Church Report, which centers around the theme of claiming our identity. Beginning with Jesus' question to Peter in Matthew 16, "Who do you say that I am?" the question is posed to the UMC, "Who do we say that we are?" as the church seeks to affirm the basis of their identity in faith and service to Christ.
The report is built around the engaging #BeUMC campaign, which celebrates how the church sees itself as United Methodists. Celebrating the life-changing, diverse, and global nature of the UMC, the report includes related articles that illustrate the four themes reflected in the #BeUMC campaign:
· Disciple making
· Belonging and inclusion
· Influence, connection & impact
· Experience of God through the UMC
Click here to read more about the 2021 State of the Church Report.
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Will your church be a drop-off site for Red Bird Mission shoeboxes?
David Alexander is in the planning stages for this year’s collection of shoeboxes and other items for the Red Bird Mission. The planning team is looking for drop-off sites in the various Districts where churches can drop off their shoeboxes and or other items that are going to the Red Bird Mission.
The planning team is looking for drop-off sites from Oct. 16 through Nov. 16. The trip is planned for Nov. 28 with the packing of the trucks on Saturday, Nov. 26.
The need for shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies, backpacks, new blankets and sheet sets, and diapers are in great need this year. The need for used clothing is not a critical need at this time as their warehouse is full. The planning team will still take new clothes as they can be used at the Community Outreach Center for distribution. If there are churches that can be drop-off sites, please send an email to [email protected], so a list can be made available in future emails.
Your help in this project is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, David Alexander can be reached by email, or you can call 607-743-8955.
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Participate in the #BeUMC movement
The UMC has started a campaign, diving into what makes our denomination, the United Methodist Church, unique and special. Please feel free to share on social media, why you love the UMC, using the hashtag, #BeUMC. You can also search that hashtag and see all the ways people are sharing their love for this global denomination.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of the #BeUMC campaign and to see dozens of social media posts and stories United Methodists like you have shared.
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The UNY Mission Central HUB needs you
Did you know that the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool is open for groups to come in to assemble UMCOR kits? Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the number of donations and volunteers at the HUB have been drastically lower than previous years.
Do you have a group at your church who is interested in spending a morning or afternoon at the HUB assembling UMCOR kits?
If so, contact MaryBeth Ingalls, Upper New York Conference Mission Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].
Click here to read MaryBeth’s heartfelt article about her commitment to the HUB and how the need for donations and volunteers are high.
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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
Thurs., August 18 – Sat., 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!
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Leadership Institute 2022 at Church of the Resurrection or online this Sept.
Looking for leadership training this fall? The Church of the Resurrection (Rev. Adam Hamilton’s church) is hosting their in-person or online Leadership Institute, a conference designed to equip, encourage, and inspire ministry leaders like you from all over the country and around the globe.
This conference will take place Sept. 28-30, 2022.
You’ll experience:
· meaningful worship
· eight powerful keynote speakers
· time for prayer, reflection, networking, team building, and more
Add the Pre-Institute option to your in-person Leadership Institute experience and choose from over 40 breakout sessions focused on specific ministry topics with practical ideas you can take back and adapt to your context regardless of your church’s size.
Early bird pricing until August 17.
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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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Bishop Webb’s June 21 webinar with the laity
Tuesday evening June 21st , 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 [email protected].
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Bishop Webb’s laity webinar FAQs
Click here some of those FAQs. This list will be updated as more questions are answered. If you have a question that isn't featured on this page, please submit it to [email protected].
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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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Local District News & Happenings |
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6-Week Class - Taught by Pastor Paul –
(At Sidney UMC/On Zoom)
Week # 1 – Tuesday – July 12th – 4:30 pm
Week # 2 – Tuesday – July 19th – 4:30 pm
Week # 3 – Tuesday – July 26th – 4:30 pm
Week # 4 – Tuesday – August 2nd – 4:30 pm
NO STUDY (VBS) – Tuesday – August 9th – 4:30 pm
Week # 5 – Tuesday – August 16th – 4:30 pm
Week # 6 – Tuesday – August 23rd – 4:30 pm
(Books available in Sidney UMC Church Office)
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Join The Mosaic for a mission trip this summer! |
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The Schoharie Mosaic Cooperative Ministry is gearing up for another fantastic mission trip this summer. We are heading to Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine for the week of August 15-20, 2022. Mechuwana has a well organized workcamp program where teams of volunteers come and get paired with work projects in the community. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, regardless of experience or skill. Scholarships will be available to cover the costs. Please prayerfully consider if this is an opportunity to put your faith into action helping those in need. To learn more about Camp Mechuwana visit their website at http://www.mechuwana.org.
We are enthusiastic about coming together for the purpose of ministry and mission in Christ!
Please sign up if you already know you are going AND share this trip with interested folks in your congregations and communities so we can continue with our planning strategy.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Aug 6th Safe Sanctuaries Basic Training
Registration Now Open
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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Tending to your soul so you can tend to others’ souls
Are you feeling an inkling to become closer to God? Do you feel like your life is like a hamster wheel or are you riddled with anxiety and yearn to feel God’s love deep in your soul? Or do you feel a draw to help others feel God’s presence whether it be friends, family, your congregation, or people in your workplace or community?
If any of these questions apply to you, then you should highly consider attending the Tending the Soul program training in spiritual direction.
This powerful training is available to clergy and laity, whether you are Methodist or not—it takes place over two years, consisting of six four-day retreats. The next training begins Nov. 14, 2022.
Click here for a glimpse of the most recent training that was completed last week and the lives that were transformed.
If you have any questions or are ready to register for the next program, contact Rev. Nancy Dibelius at [email protected].
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Oneonta District Lay Servant Courses
Pastor Paul Winkelman will be teaching the Preaching course for our distict. He has proposed having the course in July or possibly wait until the fall. Let us know your thoughts, your interest, your availability! And please let others know about this opportunity. Email Cathy Honrath ( Oneonta District Lay Servant Ministry Chair at [email protected]
Stay tuned, other courses are being lined up.
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UPDATED - Updated lay servant brochure from Adirondack District
Click here to view an updated Lay Servant course brochure from Adirondack district. if you wish to share. Note all of the courses are offered through ZOOM and open to all.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM) |
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Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Summer Camp-
a place to unwind
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center is unique in that it offers programming for both the special needs community ages 18-65 as well as school-aged children. While sessions for both groups used to happen concurrently, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in three weeks of camp devoted to the special needs community (July 4-July 22) and three weeks of camp devoted to school-aged children and youth (July 24-Aug. 12). Sky Lake staff decided on this model to protect the immunocompromised individuals with special needs as many children under the age of 18 may not be vaccinated.
The camps for children and youth will be offered based on age group. Sky Lake used this model last year for the first time and it worked terrifically.
Click here to learn more about how summer camp at Sky Lake can be just the place your child needs.
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Leaders in Training launched June 26
On June 26, six 16-17 year-olds started the first-ever Leaders in Training (LIT) program at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. They will be residing at Casowasco through July 22.
LITs will become future staff at Casowasco and future leaders of the Church. They are learning how to become members of a healthy team, how to lead worship and Bible studies, and essential team-building skills. They are gaining skills on the high-ropes course, learning how to lead an arts-and-crafts course, and some are taking lifeguard certification. All LITs will become CPR and First-Aid certified.
Shannon Hodson, Upper New York writer and editor, visited the LITs and will two more times throughout their training. Look for an article about the training at the end of the month and blogs about each LIT throughout August.
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
2) Part-time year round Maintenance Assistant at Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center
3) Seasonal Camp Staff
If you are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Download the #BeUMC discussion guide
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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FAQs from “Ask The UMC”
Ask The UMC has been answering an increasing number of questions from congregations wondering about the future of The United Methodist Church and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it. Among these have been some recurrent questions that reflect misperceptions or misinformation that some congregations are receiving as they are discerning their next steps.
Click here to learn more from the first article that Ask the UMC has published in what will become part of a series.
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Dismantling Racism Resource: Daily prayers for anti-racism
Our country and our Church must remain focused on the work required to help dismantle racism. Did you know that Discipleship Ministries sends out prayers for anti-racism via email every day? Click here to learn more, read some of the payers, and subscribe.
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Start the day with Debbie
The Adirondack and Albany 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 the Adirondack District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start the day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.earthrowl
or
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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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United Methodist Communications Offering Free Resources for Fall Outreach
Fall is the perfect time to invite people back to church and celebrate back-to-school time with customized banners, yard signs, sandwich board signs, postcards, invitation cards and more. Click here to view the resources and order using coupon code UMCFA22 for $300 worth of free resources!
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New church trustees and SPRC resources
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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Scriptural reflections for mental health
How many of the following symptoms have you ever personally encountered?
Depression… anxiety… inability to concentrate… mood changes… trouble relating to people… low energy… feeling hostile towards others… excessive worry… feeling unable to cope with stress… excessive drug or alcohol consumption…
Scripturally speaking, we are never invited to hide our mental hurts from God or from sharing in community. In fact, the scriptures cited in this article encourage us to recognize that which ails us and to share our burdens with God and community.
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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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Focusing on discipleship
The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated our website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section we list six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
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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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Do you have questions? United Methodist Communications has answers.
Can I be confirmed online? Is it ever appropriate to place the Advent Wreath on the Lord’s Table? What's the United Methodist position on rebaptism? Can a lay servant wear a robe in the pulpit? What countries have United Methodist churches? Do apportionments help pay for church camps? How do you get to heaven?
These are only a handful of the thousands of questions received by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, the information service for all things United Methodist.
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UMPH extending permission to use resources for online worship
Nashville, TN – The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) is extending full permission to all churches for use of UMPH copyrighted worship materials. Due to the extraordinary challenges faced by churches and others, UMPH (Cokesbury and Abingdon Press) is assuring easy access to essential worship aids and use of the Common English Bible for online worship and studies. Read the full article: click here.
The copyright page in the 1992 United Methodist Book of Worship grants permission as follows:
“United Methodist congregations may reproduce for worship or educational purposes any item from The United Methodist Book of Worship for one-time use, as in a bulletin, special program, or lesson resource, provided that the copyright notice and acknowledgement is included in the reproduction.”
Each worship service is a one-time use. Therefore, churches are free to reproduce the liturgical text as needed (with the exception of the copyrighted service music on pages 173-223).
Further, during the COVID-19 crisis, UMPH is waiving the need to ask permission to livestream and/or record worship services which read, perform, or display liturgical text from the UM Book of Worship. UMPH encourages churches to utilize streaming licenses from OneLicense or CCLI to stream copyrighted service music from The United Methodist Hymnal. Many items appear in the UM Hymnal by permission of the copyright holders and UMPH cannot grant blanket permission to use their intellectual property.
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The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your Ministry Share dollars. There are a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use. Resources are available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Click here for the online ordering catalog. Please allow for a timely response as the Resource Center is staffed on a part-time basis.
Each month, the Media Resource Center publishes a newsletter with updates and study suggestions.
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United Methodists in Eastern Europe welcoming Ukrainian refugees: A photo-essay
United Methodists in Eastern Europe have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of their country. Many offer shelter and basic daily necessities, in many cases hosting the refugees in their own homes. Others arrange to transport food and medical supplies back into Ukraine for those who cannot leave, and help refugees acquire legal documents that they may have left behind or lost while fleeing their homes. As the conflict drags on and more long-term needs arise, churches help children with school and help their parents find more permanent housing and jobs. When asked, the response is always that they will help as long as necessary.
UM News staff photographer Mike DuBose was part of a team that traveled to Eastern Europe in late May to share stories of United Methodists’ humanitarian ministry.
Click here to read this essay, filled with beautiful photos.
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Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with either Advance #982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line.
Send checks to UNYAC, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
Click here to read more about this response from Roland Fernandes, the General Secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR.
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Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check to the Upper New York Conference with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can either be placed in an offering plate or sent directly to the Conference office at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088.
The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
· Hungary In Mission Together (Advance # 00175A)
· Poland In Mission Together (Advance # 00408A)
· Romania In Mission Together (Advance #00211A)
· Slovakia In Mission Together (Advance # 00236A)
Donations for Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia should be mailed directly to UMCOR Mission Together Advances at 458 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
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United Methodists stand with Ukraine
United Methodists across the globe condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with those experiencing violence, displacement and suffering in the midst of war. Learn more about the ways United Methodist prayers, aid and witness are being directed to Ukraine.
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Holy Land Trip 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 April 14 ($125 off), May 14 ($100 off), June 14 ($75 off), July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: [email protected], 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: [email protected], 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: [email protected], 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: [email protected], 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
There will also be an informational session on May 3 at Erwin First United Methodist Church that you can attend in-person or via Zoom.
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Mask mandate guidelines
At this stage of the pandemic, the impact of COVID across the Conference varies by county. To determine how your church can continue to keep participants safe, please consult the CDC website for recommendations.
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2022 Annual Conference has been postponed until Oct. 6-8 and will now be virtual
This news item was released April 21 by the Upper New York Conference office.
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.
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.
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.
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
Earlier this month, the Global Methodist Church announced that it will launch on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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NYS HERO Act
On March 18, 2022, the NYS Department of Labor updated its NY HERO Act website to confirm the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under the HERO Act ended. Private sector employers are no longer required to implement their workforce safety plans. No more health screens!
While this is great news, there are other obligations the NY HERO Act (NY Labor Law Section 218-b) that remain even when no designation is in effect. These obligations include creating an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, giving a copy of the plan to employees within 30 days after its creation, giving a copy of the plan to any new employees when they are hired, posting the plan in each work site so employees can view it, and updating the plan as necessary.
Any questions about the NYS HERO Act obligations can be addressed to Upper New York Conference Director of Human Resources/Benefits, Susan Latessa at [email protected] or 315-898-2002.
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at [email protected]
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Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
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On the Conference calendar
July 28: UMM Night at the Ballpark - DETAILS
Sept. 1: Mustard Seed Migration Grant application deadline - DETAILS
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UNYAC Contact Information
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UNY Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference :United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd. Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you. Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings, live streaming worship, or online giving
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Oneonta District Contact Information
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Attention Please- Oneonta District Office UMC Mailing address - until further notice:
Please mail all (snail mail) correspondence to the following Address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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(Physical address) Oneonta District Office 64 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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