Bishop Webb's June 21st Webinar with the Laity
On June 21st, 2022, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, met virtually with UNY laity.
Bishop Webb addressed recent denominational developments and discussed the importance of keeping focused on the mission of the Church during the one-hour gathering. Bishop Webb also answered questions submitted through chat, many of which were related to the disaffiliation process.
Click here to watch the webinar recording. Click here to read the answers to some frequently asked questions from the webinar. To submit a question that hasn't been answered, email news@unyumc.org.
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Meet Kristina Clark, the New UNY Director of Missional Engagement
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is excited to announce the hiring of Kristina Clark as the new Director of Missional Engagement. She will start this role on July 5, 2022.
Kristina is not a stranger to many people throughout the UNY Conference. She is known for her strong commitment to mission work and launching the It Takes a Village Diaper Bank mission of the Waterville United Methodist Church. This diaper bank has successfully helped thousands of people in Oneida County with diaper, formula, baby clothing, and more needs.
Kristina is excited to start this position; she is passionate and eager to help local churches throughout the Conference with everything from bringing a ministry idea to life to fundraising.
Click here to read more about Kristina’s background and enthusiasm and to learn what her contact information will be once she begins her position.
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Applications are Now Open for 2022 Mustard Seed Migration Grants
Every day, thousands of people flee their homes in search of a better life for their families.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grants, inspired by the well-known parable, are available to provide up to 50 congregations in the United States with up to $2,000 in funding to support one-time, community-based projects that assist refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented persons and migrants of all types.
Applications will be accepted at any time prior to the Sept. 1, 2022 deadline, and will be reviewed and processed within a month of receipt. Churches receiving grants in 2021 are not eligible for the 2022 program (review 2021 list here).
For information on the application process, including selection criteria, click here.
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Upper New York
United Women in Faith
2022 Mission u - Luke 13
A Transformative Biblical Curriculum for Adults, Youth and Children
Thursday, August 18 – Saturday, August 20, 2022
Fayetteville United Methodist Church
601 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Please join us for this special time of learning, service, fellowship, and fun!
The intergenerational curriculum is designed to bring participants deeper into the stories of Jesus and his teachings in Luke 13. Age-appropriate classes and study books are offered for Adults (over 18), Children (ages 5 – 12), and Youth (ages 13-18). Children and Youth must be accompanied by a registered Adult.
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United Methodist Night at the Ballpark, Thursday July 28th 2022
Now in it's 43rd year! Opponent is the Omaha (Nebraska) Storm Chasers, a farm team of the Kansas City Royals
At last year's game, due to not having a parking lot tailgate party with complimentary grilled hot dogs and coneys, we chose Dollar Thursday night, where several stadium stands have $1 dogs, coneys and Coke products, and so, because of the on-going Covid variants, we chose Dollar Thursday night AGAIN!
And we will lead the stadium in the singing of the National Anthem from Home Plate, and also have someone through out the ceremonial First Pitch!
Also like our 2021 game, we will hold a block of tickets on the 200 Level (so we have seats versus a bench, cup-holders, and no need to climb the extra stairs to the 300 Level! NEW this year though - THIRD BASE side tickets, so no bright setting sunshine in our faces!
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A Call from the Mission Central HUB
I hope this note helps you with a little push to help people in need. Since the covid outbreak The HUB has been struggling to receive donation and volunteers are few. I hope this note brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high.
Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. Not always easy, definitely can be scary. I have been seeing this phrase a lot lately.
“Trusting in GOD’s truth and not on the thoughts in your head”
So much going on with distractions pulling us in many different directions, it can sometimes be hard to focus on HIS voice in your head. Another saying I hold onto when in times of struggle
“ Be still and know I AM who I AM.” Again sometimes hard to do.
Taking time to just breath and take notice of ourselves focus on where we need to get calm, notice the little things are actually the big things. Some things we cant change, but we may be able to help relieve some stress for folks in need when life disrupts living.. We don’t need to be in the limelight to be a Blessing to someone. Sometimes we have forgotten that helping others helps ourselves. We can get overwhelmed thinking we have to do everything and their isn’t enough time or energy to help everyone. I have seen so many cry since covid that feel that haven’t done enough to help people. I am one of them.
One of the things I love about my job here at The HUB (that I do know GOD lead me to) is the way folks help others with no questions, no need of getting gratification, no expectations. Folks need help, every little or big thing that gets filtered through Mission Central HUB sends ripples to others in need. To us some of those ripples are small but could be a huge blessing to that person in need. GOD and the Holy Spirit placed it on our hearts to help people, all we need do is react to it. To me that is Faith in knowing GOD has his hand in it and listening to that HOLY SPIRIT saying, “ someone needs help, make that call.” Like I just felt tugged to write this letter. Severe weather season is upon us, this will never change. we are not fully prepared, can you help?
To schedule a volunteer group visit to the HUB please contact
MaryBeth Ingalls
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay Boulevard Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
God Bless 🙏👣💞
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UMC Hymnals
If you are in need of UMC Hymnals (these are the red hymnals) please contact the Cornerstone District office. You can call 607-962-8047 or email me at cornerstonedistrict@unyumc.org.
Please note that these are located in Jamestown. There are about 75 Red Hymnals available.
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Belleville UMC
Looking for a Keyboardist
Belleville UMC is looking for a part time - paid keyboardist. Interested persons please contact Dwight Greene at 315-232-2607
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Courses Via Zoom
Here is the updated Adirondack LSM courses. We have added two new ones below.
*Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Tuesdays: August 2, 9, 16, and 23: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Thursdays: August 4, 11, 18, and 25: 6-9
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard
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Webinars Available
Do you have someone new who is now a trustee or a member of your SPRC? Here are some resources to help them learn.
New materials and webinar recordings room April 26 and 28, 2022 were developed for churches in the Southern Tier Region, which consists of the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts. District Superintendents the Rev. Suzanne Block, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, and the Rev. Nancy Adams led the sessions.
One webinar was related to church trustees with included resources and the other webinar was related to staff-parish-relations committees with included resources.
Click here to watch these helpful recordings and access the useful resources.
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In Person Conference Postponed
to October 6-8 to be held Remotely
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States.
Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New York at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. In the end, while there was a great sense of loss about not being able to gather in-person for the third year in a row, the Committee overwhelmingly agreed that the top priority had to be the health and safety of the individuals that would be asked to attend. The decision was made to institute a backup plan that has been in place since the Committee started planning for an in-person Annual Conference gathering.
Annual Conference will be postponed to Oct. 6-8, and it will be a virtual gathering. The plan is to use the same technology that was used at the 2021 virtual Annual Conference gathering, which was relatively well received.
Postponing Annual Conference creates a new set of logistical concerns to address and the decisions about those concerns will be shared once they are made. In the meantime, anyone who has already registered for the planned in-person Annual Conference gathering will receive full refunds. The processing of refunds will start immediately but could take a couple of weeks to complete. If you made a hotel reservation, you should contact the hotel directly to cancel.
“We know that there will be many different reactions to the news of Annual Conference being postponed and moved to a virtual event,” said the Rev. Joellyn Tuttle, Chair of the Sessions Committee. “Many will be disappointed; many will be relieved; and many more will be some combination of the two. Ultimately, this decision puts the health of the members of the Annual Conference first and that felt right to the Committee. Our first desire was to do no harm, and we are confident that we can pull together an excellent virtual event in October.”
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Trip to Holy Land 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Register by July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact:
Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
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Job Opportunities for Upper New York Conference
The Upper New York Conference has job openings, please click here for more information.
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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made?
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Tending the Soul Training
Tending the Soul, a training program in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation, will be starting a new cohort in November 2022. The program is designed for lay and clergy. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent past, the ability to listen deeply for God, to remain centered and non-anxious, and to hold sacred space for others is an essential tool in ministry (both within your local congregation and the greater community).
Click here for more information and a brochure with all details on the program and how to apply.
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Stewardship with
Rev. Susan Ranous
June 22, 2022
WHO ARE YOUR GIVERS?
There’s talking about money, about fund-raising, about stewardship, about generosity. We talk about our folks and how we’re serving them best, our relationship with them as disciples and as stewards. Here’s another consideration. Who are they? In other words: (a) how do they give; (b) how have they given; and (c) how should they be asked?
First-time givers – Give them information, show the impact your ministry has had. They may be new, but giving definitely implies that they think you’re doing something important. Focus on their gift and its impact!
Inconsistent givers – Be welcoming; you may not be as welcoming as you think, both in person and virtually. A workshop I recently took talked about guests not visitors. The difference? Guests are invited and you are looking forward to being with them. Visitors are those who aren’t expecting and you may hide from. Don’t hide? Act as a good host would. Provide resources, but be welcoming to them.
Changed givers – I am convinced that pastors of churches need to know the giving levels of their folks; not to treat them differently or roll out the red carpet for the big givers, but because the first thing affected by a life change is money. Job loss, new job, death, illness, move, children, retirement, college, etc. Any or all of those, and many others affect how much money someone has, how much is available to spend, and how much is available to give. There may be a change in their budget or there may be a change in their priorities. Maybe they have a concern about the church itself. Of course, you’re not going to send them collection letters, but you should be inquiring if everything is okay; do they need prayers or assistance, and if they increase their gift, say thank you, and ask what led them to that decision.
Consistent givers – These are the folks that are self-motivated and most engaged. For them, generosity is an intrinsic part of their worship. Do not neglect them. Listen to them. Call them. Listen for their concerns and ideas, and offer them prayer and ministry.
Lapsed givers – Determine what you would consider lapsed. If someone has consistently given weekly, and they haven’t given for a month, they may be lapsed. But someone that only gives once or twice a year, lapsed would mean something different. Check around and see if people have seen them; have they been at worship, at an event? Connect with them personally, not to discuss their giving, but to explore their needs.
Top givers – Demonstrate the impact their funds have had. “Because of your gift of $10,000, we were able to ____.” Ask them about volunteering if they aren’t already. Their gift is already having a significant impact, they could personally as well.
Did you notice that you approach each type of giver differently? It isn’t a one size fits all. Giving is important; generosity is important, but relationship is even more important. Be in relationship and be aware!
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Safe Sanctuaries Training Schedule for 2022
Attached is a flyer for all upcoming Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training session for the year, along with registration links and dates.
We will continue to send reminders prior to registration by an individual bases but we wanted to make sure all dates were available to the conference, districts and churches.
You will notice that the dates are strategic as we want to make it available prior to summer VBS programs, Fall Sunday school start up and a couple others in between. We have also set two Training of Trainer dates which we will ask those who wish to become a trainer in their local church and/or their districts to join.
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2022 Holiday Schedule
The District Office Will Be closed on the Following Dates
July 4th Independence Day
September 5th Labor Day
November 24th and 25th Thanksgiving
December 23rd Christmas Eve (Observed)
December 26th Christmas (Observed)
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Northern Flow District
District Superintendent
Rev. Michael Weeden
Administrative Assistant
Tammy McAdam
Regional Associate
Rev. Rich Weihing
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Northern Flow District Office Hours |
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Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Northern Flow District
93 East Main Street, Second Floor
PO Box 208
Gouverneur, NY 13642
Phone: (315) 535-5149 FAX: (315) 535-5151
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
The Media Resource Center of UNYAC
Visit the website at
Our mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
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