A Message from
DS Rev. Mike Weeden
Sometimes the reflections of others say far more than I ever could. I share with you the devotion from the Upper Room from July 20, 2022:
A Good Day to Forgive, by Luz Angela Galeano M, (Valle del cauca, Columbia
“The One who claims to be in the light while hating a brother or sister is in the darkness even now. The persons loving a brother and sister stays in the light, and there us nothing in the light that causes a persons to stumble.” 1 John 2:9 – 10 (CEB
I was young when I met the person who would become my husband. Unfortunately, my husband’s mother and I did not get along, and the tension was evident through her words and actions. This situation affected our marriage, and my husband and I separated. The rift left a deep wound. But after some time, my husband and I reconciled.
Over time, prayer has deepened my faith, bringing me a greater understanding of God’s purpose in my life. Prayer has also been central to changes in my relationship with my mother-in-law. She is now in poor health and suffers from dementia. So during my devotional time, I offer prayers of mercy and forgiveness for her. When I do, I can sense the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Praying for my mother-in-law in this way has been liberating for me, and God has blessed me with a profound sense of peace in my heart because “darkness is passing away and the true light already shines” (1 John 2:8). Every day is a good day to forgive. And every day is an opportunity to live in the light of God’s immense love and mercy.
Who are we praying about today so we may continue to live in the light?
- Mike
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In Concert from Nashville
Ernie and Jason Couch Revival
First United Methodist Church of Watertown will be hosting this musical duo from Nashville on Wednesday August 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. There is no cost for the concert but a free will offering will be taken.
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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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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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We are in the planning stages for this years collection of shoeboxes and other items for the Red Bird Mission. We are looking for drop off sites in the various districts where various Churches could drop off their shoeboxes and or other items that are going to the Red Bird Mission.
We are looking for sites from October 16 thru November 16. The trip is planned for November 28 with the packing of the trucks on Saturday, November 26.
Redbird Mission
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. We will still take new cloths 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 our future emails.
Your help in this project is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, can be reached by email or you can call 607-743-8955. Thank you for helping us start the process of getting things ready to take to the Red Bird Mission.
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United Methodist Night at the Ballpark, Thursday July 28th 2022
Now in it's 43rd year! Opponent is the Omaha (Nebraska) Storm Chasers, a farm team of the Kansas City Royals
At last year's game, due to not having a parking lot tailgate party with complimentary grilled hot dogs and coneys, we chose Dollar Thursday night, where several stadium stands have $1 dogs, coneys and Coke products, and so, because of the on-going Covid variants, we chose Dollar Thursday night AGAIN!
And we will lead the stadium in the singing of the National Anthem from Home Plate, and also have someone through out the ceremonial First Pitch!
Also like our 2021 game, we will hold a block of tickets on the 200 Level (so we have seats versus a bench, cup-holders, and no need to climb the extra stairs to the 300 Level! NEW this year though - THIRD BASE side tickets, so no bright setting sunshine in our faces!
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A Call from the Mission Central HUB
I hope this note helps you with a little push to help people in need. Since the covid outbreak The HUB has been struggling to receive donation and volunteers are few. I hope this note brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high.
Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. Not always easy, definitely can be scary. I have been seeing this phrase a lot lately.
“Trusting in GOD’s truth and not on the thoughts in your head”
So much going on with distractions pulling us in many different directions, it can sometimes be hard to focus on HIS voice in your head. Another saying I hold onto when in times of struggle
“ Be still and know I AM who I AM.” Again sometimes hard to do.
Taking time to just breath and take notice of ourselves focus on where we need to get calm, notice the little things are actually the big things. Some things we cant change, but we may be able to help relieve some stress for folks in need when life disrupts living.. We don’t need to be in the limelight to be a Blessing to someone. Sometimes we have forgotten that helping others helps ourselves. We can get overwhelmed thinking we have to do everything and their isn’t enough time or energy to help everyone. I have seen so many cry since covid that feel that haven’t done enough to help people. I am one of them.
One of the things I love about my job here at The HUB (that I do know GOD lead me to) is the way folks help others with no questions, no need of getting gratification, no expectations. Folks need help, every little or big thing that gets filtered through Mission Central HUB sends ripples to others in need. To us some of those ripples are small but could be a huge blessing to that person in need. GOD and the Holy Spirit placed it on our hearts to help people, all we need do is react to it. To me that is Faith in knowing GOD has his hand in it and listening to that HOLY SPIRIT saying, “ someone needs help, make that call.” Like I just felt tugged to write this letter. Severe weather season is upon us, this will never change. we are not fully prepared, can you help?
To schedule a volunteer group visit to the HUB please contact
MaryBeth Ingalls
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay Boulevard Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
God Bless 🙏👣💞
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Belleville UMC
Looking for a Keyboardist
Belleville UMC is looking for a part time - paid keyboardist. Interested persons please contact Dwight Greene at 315-232-2607
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Courses Via Zoom
Here is the updated Adirondack LSM courses. We have added two new ones below.
*Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Tuesdays: August 2, 9, 16, and 23: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Thursdays: August 4, 11, 18, and 25: 6-9
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard
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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, 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
July 13, 2022
DO WE LIMIT OUR DISCIPLESHIP AND STEWARDSHIP?
I’ve blogged before about the relationship of discipleship with stewardship, but I wanted to talk about this again.
How often has your church come to the end of the year, and there’s a rush to raise a chunk of money to meet the payment of ministry shares and other year-end costs. You and the finance team and leadership spend a lot of time during Advent talking and planning for this, and then come January…you did it! Enough money came in through people’s generosity that everything was able to be paid. Big sigh of relief, right? But it’s a cycle that repeats year after year after year.
What if we did it differently, not waiting until the end of the year, but throughout the year?
I know, I know, I hear you.
- We can’t talk about money more than once or twice a year. People don’t like it.
- Stewardship campaigns have to happen in the fall.
- People are giving all they can.
- Etc., etc.
- What if we approached discipleship the same way?
- We aren’t going to create and follow a clear and compelling mission statement, because people don’t like it.
- The only thing that’s important is the number of people sitting in the pews.
- We can’t encourage people to join small groups or serve in the neighborhood because people don’t have any more time.
Of course, discipleship should be woven into everything that is done at the church. Jesus said to go and make disciples. If we are Christians and follow Jesus, that is what we must do. Our mission statement compels us to do that. We are disciples and we should be discipling others. That is done year-round.
Just as discipleship is year-round, stewardship must be as well. Stewardship should be woven into the fabric of everything the church does and is.
So…is discipleship a priority for you?
So…what is the answer to “We believe God has called our church to _____”?
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held August 6th
(Perfect time to get your Sunday School, Youth Group, Nursery or any other Ministry Staff & Volunteers registered)
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday, August 6th from 9AM to 12:30PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: August 5, 2022 AT 5PM
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
Our next conference Zoom Safe Sanctuaries training is not scheduled until November 5, 2022!
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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2022 Holiday Schedule
The District Office Will Be closed on the Following Dates
September 5th Labor Day
November 24th and 25th Thanksgiving
December 23rd Christmas Eve (Observed)
December 26th Christmas (Observed)
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Northern Flow District
District Superintendent
Rev. Michael Weeden
Administrative Assistant
Tammy McAdam
Regional Associate
Rev. Rich Weihing
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Northern Flow District Office Hours |
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Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Northern Flow District
93 East Main Street, Second Floor
PO Box 208
Gouverneur, NY 13642
Phone: (315) 535-5149 FAX: (315) 535-5151
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
The Media Resource Center of UNYAC
Visit the website at
Our mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
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