Oneonta District 
 of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
August 18th, 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: Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org
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
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.
IMPORTANT Reminder:
Pastors / Churches - is your church information correct?
 
·    Is the service time correct?
·    Is the address and phone number correct?
·    Is the contact information correct?
·    Has the chair of your committees changed since CC?
 
Please let the district office know of any updates you would like made to this listing.
Click on the link below to see the information the conference has on your church.
Click here for the link
Dates for Oneonta district Annual Church Conferences announced:
We hope to see you there!
 
Churches are asked to meet with the Superintendent annually to celebrate and take stock of ministry, as well as conduct necessary business of the church--the Annual Church Conference. These in-person meetings will take place in Fall 2022 at central locations around the district.
 
All who have membership in the local church are welcome to vote.
The Theme this year is: “Keeping the Mission the Mission”.
 
 Much of the required business we will do will have been considered by the appropriate teams in the congregation before we gather for formal approval at the Church Conference.
 
The schedule has already been shared with your pastor or other leader of your congregation. I hope as many as possible will be able to attend.
 

Keep watching for updates on when the new 2022-23 Church Conference forms will be available on the UNY Conference website.
2022 UNY Annual Conference
Registration is now open for the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held virtually October 6-8.

Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, click here and complete the form.
 
All eligible voting members must preregister to be able to participate and vote. Registrations cannot be accepted after September 16th due to online voting.
 
This year, there is a small registration fee to help cover the cost of virtual meeting support and voting.
 
Several offerings will be collected this year, including the Clergy Care Fund,
Helping Hands Fund, UNY Mission Central HUB, Mission of Peace, and New Faith Communities. To learn more about these offerings and to make a donation, click here.
 
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000
Pictures Wanted
 
During the Laity Session at Annual Conference we are doing a slide show of churches being the church during the pandemic. We requested pics back in March and have only received pictures from about 10 churches and would love some more (just a few), please note what the pictures are of. If you would like to share, please email them to Brenda Shelmidine at shelmidinebrenda@gmail.com by Monday, August 22nd.  If you already sent them back in March you do not need to send them again. Thank you.
NEW NEWS
Bishop Webb to retire
After a season of prayer and discernment, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, has made the decision to retire from the active episcopacy on Dec. 31, 2022. He submitted his request for retirement to the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Council of Bishops on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022.
 
Click here to read Bishop Webb’s Aug. 15, 2022, letter to the UNY Conference, announcing his retirement.
Aug. 24 virtual prayer service hosted by GCORR

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) hosted a six-week racial justice prayer and action challenge that started on Juneteenth 2022. The prayers were written by siblings in Christ across the globe. Click here for the prayers, which are available not only in English, but also French, Korean, and Spanish.

On Wednesday Aug. 24 at 9 a.m., you can join GCORR on YouTube for a virtual prayer service featuring prayers from the six-week prayer challenge. Click here to see the Facebook event page, which will share the YouTube link soon.
The spiritual practice of prayer through photography
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 discusses the spiritual practice of prayer through photography.
Click here to watch the video.
Meet LIT Ashley Dillon

From June 27-July 22, Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center held a program called Leaders in Training (LIT) for 16–17-year-old high school students to learn how to become leaders in the camp setting and in ministry. Click here to learn more about the LIT program.
 
Ashley Dillon was one of the LITsClick here to learn about her experience as an LIT.
Meet LIT Ryan Caldwell
From June 24-July 22, Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center held a program called Leaders in Training (LIT) for 16-17 year old high school students to learn how to become leaders in the camp setting and in ministry. Click here to learn more about the LIT program.
 
Sixteen-year-old Ryan Caldwell was one of the six students who participated in this training. Click here to learn about Ryan’s experience as an LIT.
Distribute UMCOR School Kits locally this month
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a public school district, your efforts can have an immediate impact while also having the added benefit of connecting your church to the wider community.
 
Before you deliver the school supplies to your organization of choice, please send the UNY Mission Engagement team a picture of your collection. Please also include how much you collected so we can celebrate your ministry and keep track of the impact our churches are making across the Conference. You can email any pictures and information to Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.
 
UMCOR recently discontinued its School Kit program and replaced them with Menstrual Hygiene Kits. This means that the HUB will no longer be collecting school supplies and is excited to add the Menstrual Hygiene Kits to the other ongoing UMCOR ministries including Flood Buckets and Hygiene Kits. If your congregation is interested in assembling Menstrual Kits, we encourage you to address the local need in your community by donating the kits first to organizations like high schools, homeless shelters, and food pantries. After you have addressed your local need, we will gladly accept any extra.
 
Click here for more information about Menstrual Kits.
News Revisited
NOTE: Unadilla UMC will be a drop-off site in our Oneonta district. -

The Unadilla UMC is open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 -11 for drop-off.
Please contact Barb Rothenberg at
email:rothenbergba@gmail.com , (H) 607-988-0192 or (C) 607-267-3015 to make other arrangements to drop off items.


Will your church be a drop-off site for Red Bird Mission shoe-boxes?

David Alexander is in the planning stages for this year’s collection of shoe-boxes 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 shoe-boxes 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 shoe-boxes 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 Dalexander4@stny.rr.com, 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.
Church and Society grant applications being accepted

Applications are being accepted for three grant programs operated by United Methodist Church and Society. The deadline is Sept. 16 to apply for Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day, and Peace with Justice grants, which range from $2,000 to $5,000.
 
Applicants must be a United Methodist church, District, Conference or other affiliated organization, or an ecumenical group or organization with a formal partnership with The United Methodist Church.
 
Click here to read the full press release.
 
Click here to apply.
Mission Central HUB in need of donations and volunteers
 
Mission Central HUB at the Conference center is looking for donations you can collect in your community and also for volunteers to come into the HUB for various projects. The HUB has been struggling to receive donations, and volunteers are few.
 
What do we do here you ask? We help folks in need when a natural disaster strikes their community. The HUB helps train and coordinate ERT (early response teams) and collects UMCOR supplies and kits. Mission Central HUB donates the supplies to organizations (Red Cross, fire departments, churches) in communities affected by a natural disaster. These items are often used by ERT as well. We not only help locally, but nation wide. Many UMCOR kits we receive are delivered to the Mission Central HUB in Mechanicsburg, PA. then distributed to folks in need. Or sometimes to Sager Brown, LA. Our main warehouse...nothing goes to waste! All is needed. Items not UMCOR approved are donated to local non-profits. Without you the HUB would not exist.
 
Projects for volunteers are but not limited to:
·    Verification of UMCOR approved supplies
·    Preparing for shipment
·    Counting of supplies
·    General needs that might arise in the HUB.
 
Please consider volunteering at Mission Central HUB! The need is now and everyday. Large groups, small groups, folks of all ages welcome even if just a few people are a big help. Contact Marybeth Ingalls at the Upper NY Mission Central HUB. She will be happy to set up a time for you or your group to volunteer for a few hours.
 
Please follow us on Face book. For more information visit our website.
 
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
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.
 
Click here to learn more.
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.
 
To read more, click here.
Local District News & Happenings
NEW- First UMC Of Unadilla NY invites YOU, your FAMILY, your FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS to our THIRD Christian Coffeehouse:

“MUSIC ON MAIN STREET”
Featuring: “SONSHINE”
Friday, September 23rd
6:30 pm in our Church Dining Room
FREE Event will be catered with your favorite beverages & light dessert refreshments
SONSHINE started in December of 1975, as a worship band at Pierce Creek Gospel Chapel in Binghamton.  Playing at churches of many different denominations soon followed. While the band disbanded in 1985, they now, 35+ years later will re-unite from several areas of the US for our event and a one-time awesome concert 9/24 at 9:00AM for the Apple Fest in Greene, NY. DO NOT miss our incredible & historic event!
Drop Bible study weekly every Wednesday
 
Richmondville UMC at 10am
Worcester UMC at 6pm
Training & Education Opportunities
Safe Sanctuaries 3.5 hour basic training
(this training is for all Clergy, and anyone working with children, youth or vulnerable adults)
 
Saturday, November 5, 2022
9:00 am - 12:30pm
Registration Opens October 5, 2022 @ Midnight
 
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Safe Sanctuaries Training of Trainers -TOT
(this training is for anyone who would like to become a church or district Safe Sanctuaries trainer
in the Upper New York Conference. 
Must have completed 3.5 hour basic Training prior to taking the TOT Training.)
 
Saturday, October 22, 2022
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Registration Opens September 22, 2022 @ Midnight
 
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries please visit our website:
www.unyumc.org/resources/safe-sanctuaries or e-mail us at: safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
REMINDER:Tending the Soul deadline approaching
The deadline for applications for the next cohort of Tending the Soul is rapidly approaching; applications are due by Sept. 1. Contact Rev. Nancy Dibelius (nancyd@unyumc.org) for information.

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 nancyd@unyumc.org.
Lay Servant Ministry
NEW- Oneonta District Lay Servant Courses Planned

We have dates and courses scheduled for the Fall.

Save the dates: Sat. Oct. 15th & 22nd at Elm Park UMC in Oneonta.

The courses offered will be:
Preaching - Pastor Paul Winkelman
Heritage - Pastor John Buddle
Transformational Leaders - Pastor George Gallandorm
(These are abbreviated titles, we'll provide more details soon)
Join us for some fellowship and training. It's been a long time since we've been together and we look forward to seeing you all! And please let others know about Lay Servant training opportunities.

Stay tuned for more info!
 
Cathy Honrath (Oneonta District Lay Servant Ministry Chair)
Email: chonrath@gmail.com
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.
Clergy Education
Course of Study Through Wesley Seminary:
Fall 2022-Spring 2023
 
Licensed local Pastors....are you are planning to take COS for the Fall, Winter or Spring Weekends? If you are, please consider filling out your registration form and get it to the District office to have the DS sign it and
then I will get it to the registrar.
The deadline for registration for the Fall-Sept.1st of 2022.
(Reminder that the District office is CLOSED on Fridays)
Please, DO NOT WAIT to the last minute to register. When a class is filled, Wesley closes the registration for that class and there is no wiggle room.
 
I am putting this out now as one of the busiest times of the year is coming soon. There is no need for you to miss out on getting your course
requirements met. There is NO MONEY due at the time of registration.
You can register NOW for both Winter and Spring and if something
comes up....you can cancel.
 
IF you need a specific class.....sign up now ....you need to remember that these courses are not just for UNY Conference....these are open to other Conferences as well. SO, sign up now. Click here for all the information
you need for COS Satellite School.
You will find all the forms you need here as well.
 
The steps to get registered:
·    Get registration form-click here
·    Fill out the form, print it, YOU sign it.
·    Scan & email to your District Office
·    District AA will get the DS to sign it and will send it to COS Registrar
·    Registrar will fill out her part and get it to Sara Shephard.
·    Sara Shephard will send the Registrar a confirmation of your registration.
·    Registrar will send confirmation to the District AA
 
There is no reason to wait to the last minute because there is no money that needs to be sent with your registration. So, please sign up now!!
Click here for the registration form
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:
Betsy O’Flynn, candidacy@unyumc.org
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.

Click here for a list of all upcoming courses
Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM) NEWS
Fall Retreats at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center 
 
Autumn is the perfect time to retreat to the woods.
Reserve your spot today!

Space to Create: Sept 9th - 11th, 2022 

Time and space to focus on your hobby, art, or work projects with some optional activities to inspire creativity! More info & to register: https://churchinthewild.org/sept22/
Soul Escape: Oct. 14th-16th  

Come away from all your obligations and embrace nature’s pace. We’ll offer a few optional activities with spaces for solitude and connection. More info & to register: https://churchinthewild.org/oct22/
Friends Camp at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
Friends Camp is one of five special needs camps at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center.
 
It's designed for high-functioning individuals between the ages of 27 and 55 with developmental disabilities. Campers enjoy the lake and woods, as well as traditional camp activities.
 
Click here to watch an inspiring video of how some of the guests enjoyed the most recent Friends Camp, which was held last week.
Leaders in Training blog series
In a past Weekly Digest, we shared an article with you about the one-month Leaders in Training (LITs) program that took place at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Starting this week, we are publishing blog profiles of the five 16-year-olds and the 17-year-old who graduated from this transformational program.
 
Click here to read an introduction to the blog series.
UNY Job Postings
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
4) Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist

If you are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
 
Resources
Local Church Record Retention handbook

Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
Bishop Webb’s laity webinar FAQs
There were several frequently asked questions (FAQs) during the June 21, 2022 webinar with Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb. This webinar was with the UNY laity.
 
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 news@unyumc.org.
Handbook of spiritual practices

Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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.
 
Click here to access the guide.
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.
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.
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
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.
 
Click here for details.
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.
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!
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. 
NEW- GCFA Offers Clergy Housing Allowance Explained 

·    A housing allowance is designed to be a portion of clergy’s compensation package that is designated by their church to provide housing.
·    Pastors, are you maximizing the tax benefit of housing designations?
·    Churches, are you assisting clergy by designating an appropriate housing allowance?
The goal is to project your housing expenses as accurately as possible for the upcoming year or at the time of a new appointment before designating. Allowance
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.
 
To read more, click here
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
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.”
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!
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.
 
To read more, click here
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.
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.
 
To read more, click here.
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.
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.
 
FAQs about giving for Ukraine: click here
News To Know
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.
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.
UNY 2023 Ministry Share budget posted
 
The Upper New York Conference 2023 Ministry Share budget, is now available. The budget will be voted on at the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference, which is scheduled to be held Oct. 6-8 and will now be virtual.
 
Click here to view the budget
Disaffiliation Information-From Wespath
Understanding Pension Liabilities-For Local Churches Considering Disaffiliation
 
Watch this video for easy-to-understand answers to complex questions related to pension plan funding and the withdrawal liability payment required for local churches that disaffiliate from the UMC.
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.

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.
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 susanlatessa@unyumc.org or 315-898-2002.
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 tracyrickett@unyumc.org
Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter! 
 
You can visit www.umgroupruling.org to get started.

Churches: Resource Links
Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
On the Calendar !

On the Conference calendar




Aug. 15 - Sept. 16: Register for Annual Conference - DETAILS

Sept. 1: Tending the Soul deadline - DETAILS
 
Sept. 1: Mustard Seed Migration Grant application deadline - DETAILS
 
Sept. 16: Church and Society grant application deadline - DETAILS
 
Oct. 6-8: Virtual Annual Conference - DETAILS
UNYAC Contact Information
  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    
 
Denominational Website: The United Methodist Church
How to get help from UNY Conference for...
 Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org 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
Oneonta District Contact Information
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
"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

Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration- Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org
Rev. George Gallandorm- District Associate - GeorgeGallandorm@unyumc.org
Anna Buell,- District Lay Leader - abuell@hotmail.com
Cathy Honrath- District Lay Servant Director- chonrath@gmail.com
Phone: (607) 441-5102 Fax: (607) 353-1034 Email: OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org

(Physical address) Oneonta District Office 64 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820