Amsterdam Restoration Ministry seeks assistance for children

The Amsterdam Restoration Ministry has a group of 20 children between the ages of 2 - 7 years, many of whose parents work on farms. They are seeking donations to help get supplies to children who are in school. They would like to supply each child with this list of items, but any donations are appreciated. 

1- Backpack 

2- Tablet

3- Notebooks 

4- Pencils 

5- Crayons 

6- Didactic games that help with learning

If you'd like to make a monetary donation, make checks out to Amsterdam UMC with Restoration Ministry in the memo and mail to Amsterdam UMC, 347 Golf Course Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Donations can be dropped at the church. The office is generally open 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, but please call ahead (518) 843-2611. You can also contact Pastor Osmar Guerra at (786) 805-2932.

If you can't travel to Amsterdam, but you could travel to South Glens Falls UMC or to the District Office at the Newtonville UMC  in Latham, we can deliver your donations to the church. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246 to find out when you can arrange for dropping off donations.

To view the flyer that outlines their program,  click here.

Religion and Race:

Resource available to avoid accent bias

When people born and reared in the United States refer to difficulty with another person’s “accent,” they could be showing implicit bias toward a person whose first language is not U.S. English. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has crafted a list of helpful ways to avoid accidental bias toward how others speak.

View resource

Webinar: What has the church learned from the pandemic?

There was no warning, we never saw it coming. There was no time to debate or study or form a committee. COVID-19 came, and church leaders had to virtually (pun intended) live out the adage, “adapt or die.” Many of us are still in awe of how well congregations found ways to still be the church in a strange new world.

Even some of the most “change-resistant” in the church became Zoom pros, video editors, or online study conveners. And in the process, we found ways to reach out and touched some folks who thought the church wasn’t interested in them. As we slowly find our way beyond the pandemic into whatever will be the new normal, join Rev. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, and explore what we might want to take with us.

Webinar offered through Discipleship Ministries  at 7:30 PM (6:30 PM Central) Tuesday, Nov. 15.

To register, click here.

Spotlight shines on Jovita Idár, Methodist reformer

DALLAS, Texas (UM News) — Jovita Idár, a Mexican American journalist, activist and faithful Methodist working in South Texas in the early 20th century, continues to gain recognition from historians and others. The United States Mint also is including her in its American Women Quarters series. Sam Hodges has the story.

Read story

The Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Reisman to be this year’s Annual Conference Study Leader

The Rev. Dr. Kimberly D. Reisman will be the study leader at this year’s Annual Conference next month. Dr. Reisman is the Executive Director of World Methodist Evangelism. She is an author, pastor, and teacher, focusing on the areas of evangelism, spiritual formation, leadership development, and the intersection between faith and culture. She is the author of several books; her most recent is Embrace: Showing and Sharing the Love of Jesus.

At the Upper New York Annual Conference, Dr. Reisman will be educating some of the key points of her latest book to help people share their faith with boldness, confidence, and grace.

Opportunities to disaffiliate

from the Upper New York Conference

During the upcoming session of the Upper New York Annual Conference (October 6-8), the Conference will receive its first requests from local churches to disaffiliate from the Conference under ¶2553 of the Book of Discipline. To be eligible to disaffiliate, a church must deposit with the Conference treasurer, all fees stipulated in the disaffiliation agreement at least one week prior to the start of Annual Conference. A complete listing of churches who have met this requirement will be posted on the Conference website on Oct 3.

During Annual Conference, members will be asked to ratify each disaffiliation request by a simple majority of members present and voting. This will be a simple up or down vote with no provision for amendment (see Judicial Council Decision 1379 and ¶ 2529.1_b_ (3)).

In addition to this year’s Annual Conference, there will be three other opportunities for local churches to request disaffiliation. These include next year’s regularly scheduled Annual Conference session in June as well as two special sessions – March 25, 2023, and Oct. 14, 2023.

Click here to learn more and to find needed forms for disaffiliation

2022 UNY Journal Vol. I available for download or purchase

The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. I is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com. This comprehensive book provides all the details of Annual Conference for the year of 2022.



Click here for options to either view an online version or download a copy from Issuu or to purchase it for $5.06 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.

The Conference  has started an addendum page to the journal part 1 for items that didn’t make it in the booklet. The link to the page is https://www.unyumc.org/events/updates-to-2022-journal where folks can download the additional information/documents.

Check this page frequently because they will continue to put up documents for virtual AC as they receive them. 

Skye Farm Fall Family Weekends

Skye Farm Camp in Warrensburg will host Fall Family Weekends in September and October. Stay in one of their lodges or cabins. Available weekends are: Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23. Contact site director Robyn Vernon to make reservations or for more information. Her email is robynvernon@unyumc.org or call (518) 494-7170. Visit their Facebook Page by clicking here.

Course available online

Discipleship Ministries is excited to announce the launch of a new online course for local church leaders: It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Helping the Church Community Empower Families.

This course opens October 10.

Click here to read more and to register.

Native American International Caucus, United Women in Faith

Justice, healing for Native children

NEW YORK — From Sept. 30 through Oct. 6, United Methodists are invited to observe a special time of prayer and action in remembrance of the atrocities against Native American children in boarding schools. "Justice for Our Children: Healing for Our Communities" is the theme of this year's observance. United Women in Faith is offering a two-hour virtual event on Oct. 6 that will include prayer, an educational program and reflection in small groups about the abuses suffered by Native American children in the schools.

Register for event

See resources

A Day of Truth and Repentance

of our Children

Long before and since the release of the Department of Interior’s initial report on boarding schools, there has been much focus on the devastating impacts of the Indian boarding school policies that tore away generations of Native American children from their families and communities. A National Day of Remembrance is celebrated on Sept. 30. 

The Upper New York Committee on Native American Ministries has chosen to support the Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church to recognize Oct. 6, or the nearest Sunday, as a day of “Truth and Repentance for Our Children.” This is the same day churches are asked to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day.



Click here to read more about A Day of Truth and Repentance of our Children and to find links to helpful resources.

Recognizing Indigenous People’s Day 

An Act of Repentance & Healing of Relationships with Indigenous Persons was held as part of the 2015 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference. In the words adopted by the delegates present “be it resolved that ‘Columbus Day’ will no longer be recognized by the people of The Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.” This change has occurred throughout the country as individuals, organizations, and governments move away from honoring Christopher Columbus, who treated Native Peoples cruelly and inhumanely, and move to a place of honoring Native Peoples.



Click here for more information as to why this recognition is important and for a liturgy to be used at your Oct. 9 service (the Sunday prior to Indigenous People’s Day).

October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

October is observed as National Clergy Appreciation Month (also known as Pastor Appreciation Month), and Pastor Appreciation Day — a day set aside within the month to celebrate pastors — is October 9 this year. The month recognizes the contributions and services of pastors, priests, reverends, ministers, and all other clergymen. Devotees, on Pastor Appreciation Day, come together to express their gratitude to pastors and other staff of the church. Many congregations observe the day by taking up a special offering to bless their pastors. Others may show their gratitude through different means such as honoring their pastors with meals, gifts, and even paid vacations.

To read more, click here.

Workshop on Adaptive Leadership

Oct. 19 in Scotia

Samaritan Counseling is offering a workshop to clergy and congregational (lay) leaders from 10 AM to Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the First Reformed Church of Scotia, 224 N. Ballston Ave., Scotia. This workshop will focus on the principles of “Adaptive Leadership” and understanding the psychology behind how to effect and motivate change in congregations that are fatigued and burned-out. The workshop is FREE to all clergy and congregational leaders and only $25 for all others. CEUs are available for clergy who need evidence of continuing education and for mental health workers in need of credit hours. 

To sign up, click here: https://tinyurl.com/SamaritanClergyWorkshop

Attached is a flyer with sign-up information: Click here.

Virtual Wisdom-Seeking Women retreat slotted for Oct. 21-22

The Upper New York Conference Commission on the Role and Status of Women (COSROW) has spent the last year planning a wonderful retreat.

It's for any woman, clergy, or lay. It’s open to all women regardless of Conference or District. The retreat is called “Wisdom-Seeking Women,” which is a title they came up with based on conversations had with the keynote speaker, Bishop Susan Hassinger, about the two messages she will deliver. Nancy Dibelius will be leading spiritual/creative activities. And of course, it's all over Zoom. It's two nights, Oct. 21, and Oct. 22. from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. each night. The goal is to give women a chance to "Catch Your Breath.”

People can get .5 CPU for attending the whole event. It’s important for people to attend both nights because the activities and lessons on Oct. 22 follow what was discussed and learned on Oct. 21. It’s not conducive to “dropping in.”

COSROW will be mailing out boxes of materials to participants if they register by Oct. 14. It's $25 and a portion of the cost will go to End the Backlog, which is an organization that advocates for transparency and reform in the backlog of rape kits nationwide. If the cost is unaffordable to you, COSROW will take care of it.

Click here to register. 

Register now for pre-retirement workshop by Oct. 28  

All clergy looking to retire in the next year are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement workshop. The next workshop is scheduled to be held in-person on Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY. It may be moved to a virtual format if there is a rise in COVID positivity rates.

Join Upper New York Benefits Administrator Julie Valeski and Wespath representatives Robert Christophel and Todd Creviston for this workshop that highlights and explains the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. They’ll discuss the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and any moving assistance available.

Registration is open through Oct. 28. If you are seeking to have a private consultation with a benefits educator, you can indicate that on the registration page. 

Click here to register and click here for more information.

Hispanic Heritage Month resources Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at your church

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month—and throughout the year—The United Methodist Church is called to incorporate and listen to Hispanic voices and speak out in support of them to be heard. The church must structure itself in such a way that it is able to include Hispanics/Latinos at the table, dialogue with them and include them in the mainstream of church life. United Methodists also must be in solidarity with them as they struggle to have a voice in the public forum.



Click here for resources to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month in your church.

For more ideas, click here.

UNY Menstrual Hygiene Kit drive

The Upper New York’s Mission Central HUB is partnering with Pastor Theresa Eggleston to advocate and care for women’s health needs. Theresa is a commissioned Deacon and as part of her ordination process, she will be collecting Menstrual Hygiene Kits to distribute to local organizations working with refugees. Menstrual Hygiene Kits were recently introduced by UMCOR as part of the kit ministries. Read more about the kits here and review the supply list here.

According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, over one-third of low-income women report missing work, school, or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. A quarter of all minority women strongly agree that they’ve struggled to afford period products in the past year. Our prayer is this supply drive will not only help local women, but also raise awareness of this public health crisis. 

The kit drive will take place from Sept. 25 – Oct. 16 and we invite individuals and congregations across the Conference to participate by either collecting supplies in person or purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist that will then be delivered directly to the HUB. You can review and purchase from the wish list: Click  here. 

Click here for more information about Menstrual Kits.

If you or your church is interested in participating in the drive or have questions, please contact Theresa Eggleston at thereslouise@gmail.com or Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.

Learn about Youth Service Fund

Youth Service Fund (YSF) is the national United Methodist mission fund supported by youth. Through YSF, United Methodist teens raise money for other teens doing ministry in their churches and communities impacting poverty, illiteracy, absenteeism and social justice.

The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is run completely by, with and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money, and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and youth benefited. Youth from everywhere may apply for funding. Applications are due by June 1 for funding to begin the following calendar year for successful projects. Project categories are: Faith Sharing and Outreach, Leadership Development, Scholarship, Ministry with At-Risk Youth, and Agricultural/Vocational.

You can learn more by attending a workshop led by Laura Clark and Terry Goodemote, District Youth Coordinators, at District Day on Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC. There will be games and lots of valuable information about youth groups. See workshop description by clicking here. To register, click here. The workshop is in Session 3.

To read more about YSF, click here

Gary Bergh scholarship and justice awareness trips

to the Holy Land 

nce 2009, the Gary Bergh Scholarship has been offered by the Conference Task Force on Peace w/Justice in Palestine/Israel to enable persons interested in justice and human rights to travel to Palestine/Israel on “justice awareness” trips. 

Here is a list of recently announced trips this fall:

EYEWITNESS PALESTINE - October Olive Harvest - mid-August registration deadline

CMEP (Churches for Middle East Peace) - October delegation

CPT - (Community Peacemaker Teams) - Nov. 3-14

FOSNA - (Friends of Sabeel, North America) - Nov. 26-Dec. 6, 2022

The deadlines for some of these trips have already happened. But you can check these groups on their websites or contact them directly to learn about upcoming delegations, especially Eyewitness Palestine.

For Gary Bergh Scholarship applications, contact Karen Peterson (607-739-3143). You are requested to be available for UNY presentations or reports upon return. Clergy may be eligible for clergy credit. 

Contact any of the following members of the UNY Taskforce on Palestine/Israel leadership team for more information.

Linda Bergh, 315-492-8507

Karen Peterson, 607-739-3141

Gary Doupe, 607-743-5062

Merle Showers, 716-862-4235

Chart compares Advent studies

Looking for a new study for your small group, congregation or family this Advent? Cokesbury, the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House, has put together an interactive comparison chart of its Advent studies so Christians can find the study that best fits their need. 

Learn more

See chart

New presentation resource: We are the church. Together

Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.

To view the presentation,click here.