|
AROUND THE CORNER
Next Issue Sept. 29th, 2022
| |
Thoughts from District Superintendent Suzanne | |
The summer months have flown by. There are still very warm days and flowers with brilliant blooms. I have been blessed at the parsonage when I look into the woods. There have been two doe’s, one with twins and the other with triplets! God’s creation is amazing!
And there is a change in the air. Leaves on the trees are already changing from green to gold or red.
Nights are becoming cooler giving us a more comfortable sleep. Crickets are chirping and the moon has been radiant. The season of fall is drawing near.
Change: with two newly appointed district superintendents: Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood appointed to the Mountain View District and Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell appointed to the Binghamton and Oneota Districts. Change: when we received in our emails the announcement of Bishop Webb’s retirement. Change: conversations with churches around disaffiliation. Change is happening and it seems to be occurring quicker and quicker in our daily lives.
Sometimes so much change can be overwhelming. How do we handle all this change? Prayer of course. I am thankful for my colleagues in the connection for calming conversations and encouragement. I am thankful when I hear about churches receiving new members and celebrating baptisms! I am thankful to know that the mission of the church continues – Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! And I am reminded of Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (ESV) and Matthew 28:20b Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Change may bring emotions of grief, tears, disbelief, and uncertainty. What can happen with change? New birth can be a result of change. Think of the changes a caterpillar has to progress through to become a butterfly. Now reflect on, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (NIV)
Each one of us has changed greatly when we made the decision to follow Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit our lives are changed, are transformed as we strive to become more faithful and obedient disciples of Jesus Christ.
Finally, on my way home last Friday I passed the State Police building on Route 60. It was hopping with cars and reporters. My first thought was, “Wow something must have happened. I wonder what news story will be forth coming.” I arrived home and turned on the news. I was in a state of shock and disbelief that an episode of violence occurred at the Chautauqua Institution.
Change has already happened at the Institution with your picture ID presented before you enter the grounds as well as changes in security.
The Scriptures I reflected on, Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (NIV) and John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (NIV)
As we journey through this season of change: let us be prayerful; let us be peacemakers; let us love one another; let us be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
With peace and love,
Suzanne
| | | |
Important Information to Share | |
If You Need To Contact The Cornerstone District Office PLEASE Use The Number Below | |
If you need to contact the District Office please call this number607-962-8047 (this is the Mountain View District number) This is the number that sends the voicemail to my email so that if I am working remotely I am still able to receive your phone calls (if you leave a message that is).
Thank you and again I apologize if you have left messages and have not gotten a response back.
Patti
| |
Charge Conference Forms Are Available
ALL 2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference & Annual Forms are now available to download.
Click here
9/1/22
| |
Pastors & Their Churches to Pray for Month | |
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord send your spirit in this place.
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow'r, send us grace.
-- Ken Medema--
Sept. 4 Caneadea UMC. Harrison Putnam, his wife Brigette and their family.
September 11 Centerville UMC. Bob Schooley, his wife Karen and their family.
September 18 Charlotte Center UMC. Daniel and Olivia Pavlock and their family.
September 25 Chautauqua:Hurlbut Memorial Community UMC. Rev. J. Paul Womack, his wife Natalie Hanson and their family
October 2 Cherry Creek, Conewango Valley & Ellington UMCs. Pastor John Dedloff and family
9/1/22
| |
Do You Have An Events For The Newsletter? |
If your church is hosting events, dinners, VBS and you would like it put in the Around The Corner Newsletter. Please send me the particulars of the event. Please include the Date, Time, Name of your Church or Place it is being held, Address where event is happening, Contact info if needed, a Small Blurb on the event. Please do make sure I receive the information by the Tuesday of the week that the Newsletter will be sent. The Newsletter is sent every other week (the next newsletter date is always found at the top the newsletter)
Send your information to:
| |
Registration Closes TOMORROW | |
The Thirteenth Session is scheduled to be held remotely Oct. 6-8.
Registration will close Sept. 16th for the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session,
Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, please click here and complete the form.
All eligible voting members must preregister to be able to participate and vote. Registrations cannot be accepted after Sept. 16 due to online voting.
This year, there is a small registration fee to help cover the cost of virtual meeting support and voting.
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000.
9.15.22
| |
Save the Date for Bishop Webb’s Farewell Gathering
You Are Invited to Attend
WHEN: Sat., Nov. 19th, 2022
WHERE: UNY Conference Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY
TIME: 1-4pm
Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. More details will be released once they become available.
| |
|
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.
9/15/22
| |
|
UPPER NY CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST
HISTORICAL SOCIETY and the COMMISSION ON
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY
ANNUAL MEETING
OPEN MEETING ON ZOOM
(This meeting is open to the public as well as members)
September 15, 2022
7 PM on ZOOM
Click here for flyer
9/15/22
| |
|
Caneadea UMC
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022
WHERE: Caneadea UMC
8392 Rt. 19,
Caneadea, NY
TIME: 5pm
COST: $12
MENU: Chicken & Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Coleslaw, Cranberry Sauce and Delicious Desserts
Dine In or Take-out
9.15.22
| |
|
Drive Thru Only at Church
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022
WHERE: Sheridan UMC
2679 Route 20,
Sheridan, NY
TIME: 12 noon-4:30pm (or until sold out)
COST: $12
MENU: 1/2 A Chicken, Baby Red Potatoes, Baked Beans and A Roll & Butter
CONTACT: Terry Niebel at 716-785-5531 or leave a message on the church's answering machine 716-672-2048 for tickets and information.
9.15.22
| |
Oct. 2nd is World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday is one of The United Methodist Church (UMC) Special Sundays. It is held every year on the first Sunday of October.
Your donations support racial and ethnic students in achieving their educational goals and transforming communities. In 2021, World Communion Sunday offerings awarded 242 scholarships and grants. Your generosity continues to provide scholarships, grants, mentoring and training for leadership development. The needs exceed what we can fund and your gifts can further growth and success. Learn more about the racial and ethnic scholarships and grants here.
Click here to read stories about the impact you are making with your gifts.
The UMC has great resources for World Communion Sunday.
Click here for everything you need to inspire and empower your congregation to give generously.
Do you need more information about World Communion Sunday? Click here for “Did you know?” videos about our rich and long history of generosity. Learn more about the work we accomplish together through the ministry we call connectional giving.
9/15/22
| |
Soul Escape-Weekend Retreat
WHEN: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 14 & 16, 2022
WHERE: Sky Lake Center
Windsor, NY
COST: $185
Come away from all your obligations and embrace nature’s pace. We’ll offer a few optional activities with spaces for solitude and connection. Reserve your spot by Oct 6!
For Ages 21+
9/15/22
| |
|
A Chance to "Catch Your Breath"
A Two Night Zoom Retreat
ALL Lay & Clergy Women Welcome!
WHEN: Fri. & Sat., Oct. 21 & 22, 2022
WHERE: Zoom
TIME: 6:30pm-9pm Both Nights
COST: $12
VENUE: Keynote Speaker: Bishop Susan Hassinger
-Heather Williams-Carmen Vianese-Nancy Dibelius
HOSTED BY: UNY COSROW-Commission On the Status & Role of Women
9.15.22
| |
Pre-Retirement Workshop Scheduled
There will be an in-person pre-retirement workshop to highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy.
Please be aware that this workshop may be moved to an online format if COVID positivity rates warrant such a change.
The workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 11th from
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available. You can schedule a private consultation with a benefits educator on the registration page.
Online registration is required in order to attend by October 28, 2022.
Click here to register and click here for more information.
9/15/22
| |
|
Equitable Compensation Applications Available Now
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period January to June 2023. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the October 14, 2022 deadline.
Please read through the application thoroughly and provide all required documentation. Lack of required information could result in the denial of your application.
Click here for more information.
9/15/22
| |
|
A small sampling of our donated hydrants.
The First United Methodist Church of Westfield did something a little different this year for Father’s Day. As a way of remembering and honoring or fathers (and others in the community), we offered “Fire Hydrant’s” for people to give in honor of or in memory of anyone they choose. We were able to raise $330 for the Westfield Fire Department. Many thanks to all that participated.
9/15/22
| |
|
|
LEARNING AND GROWING OPPORTUNITY
(Offered by Mountain View District)
Discipleship: A Lifestyle
A Book Study and Discussion Group
A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church
by James Harnish with Justin Larosa
Feeling distracted, isolated, uncertain, or apathetic? Want to feel connected to a community of Christ followers and be inspired to a closer walk with Christ? Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are invited to consider the next faithful steps along the path of discipleship. As we examine this book, we hope you’ll develop your spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, deepen your relationship with Christ, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life and to the lives of others. Come join our discussions and sharing as we love God and one another.
Group starts Thursday, Sept. 15th, 2022 @ 7-8:30pm
All Sessions will be held on Zoom. Please email one of the facilitators to register. There will be no registration fee, but participants (lay or clergy) need to purchase their own book.
A Disciple’s Path Daily Workbook: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church by James Harnish with Justin Larosa
To Register contact:
Wendy Zepp: wzepp@stny.rr.com
Ann Welch Wood: awelchwood@hotmail.com
Click here for flyer
9/1/22
| |
"Our Methodist History as a Lens...For looking at Contemporary Challenges"
Teaching Seminar
October 21 - 23, 2022
“Professor, Author & Pastor, John Tyson… is an internationally known expert in the field of Wesleyan Studies and has drawn upon a lifetime of research and practical experience in the Methodist tradition to examine the social, cultural, theological, and political forces that gave birth to Methodism, as well as the main historical controversies that shaped, shook, and forced the tradition to define and sometimes redefine itself and its mission to a troubled world.” He’s written over a dozen books.
Hosted by:
The United Methodist Church of Webster
169 E Main St. Webster, NY 14580
Friday: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (lunch included)
To Purchase Tickets: www.umcwebster.org
Click on ‘Resources’ tab
Tickets: $40
(Early Bird Price: $30 – by October 10, 2022)
Click here for flyer
9/1/22
| |
UMCOR School Kit and HUB Update | |
UMCOR recently discontinued the School Kits and replaced them with the Menstrual Hygiene Kits. This does mean that we will no longer be collecting the School Kits at the HUB. I understand there may have been churches in your district that have already collected the school kits with the intention to bring them to the HUB. I am encouraging congregations to use this as a prime opportunity to connect with their local school district or an organization in their community that supports children to donate the school items they have collected. I would love to receive emails with any pictures and/or information about how much was collected and where it was donated so we can celebrate the impact made by keeping the school kits local this year.
I have written a blurb about this on the website and it will be going out in the Weekly Digest today. If you could kindly share this in your district newsletters, I would appreciate it!
https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/support-children-by-distributing-umcor-school-kits-to-a-local-organization
If anyone does have any questions please contact Kristina Clark.
Kristina Clark
Director of Missional Engagement
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: 315.898.2066
Cell: 570.267.5711
9/1/22
| |
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.
| |
We STILL Have UMC Hymnals Available | If you are in need of UMC Hymnals...we still have 36 left (these are the red hymnals) please contact the Cornerstone District office. You can call the office at 607-962-8047 or email me at cornerstonedistrict@unyumc.org. Please note that these are located in Jamestown. We are willing to try to work a way to get them to you if you are not in Cornerstone District. | |
|
Our goal for 2022 is to transport at least 3,500 shoeboxes and other supplies to the Red Bird Mission the last week of November.
There are two different styles of shoeboxes-adult and children. Items needed for the adult shoeboxes include: a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, chapstick, a full size bar of soap, a washcloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, socks, a pair of work gloves or mittens, and a winter hat or scarf.
Items needed for children’s shoeboxes include: two or three small toys, two or three items needed for school, a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste, chap stick, a bar of soap, a washcloth, a small flashlight, socks, a pair of mittens, and a winter hat.
Christian bookmarks, wristbands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated.
The Red Bird Mission would like the items put in clear plastic shoebox- sized storage containers with locking lids. If you are unable to purchase plastic boxes, cardboard boxes will work. Please do not wrap the boxes.
The mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets and new blankets for full and twin beds, and new bath towels. Used sheets, blankets, and towels cannot be sent.
Books, school supplies, and new backpacks are also in need, as well as cleaning supplies.
Donations of money can be made payable to the Endwell United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of the truck rental, fuel, and lodging and meals for the volunteers who will deliver the shoeboxes and other donations to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky the last week of November. All funds will be deposited into a dedicated account for this mission. A suggested donation is $1.50 per shoebox. Please do not put money inside the shoeboxes. Place the money in an envelope and attach it to the shoebox.
We are in the process of compiling a list of drop-off sites if you are unable to bring items to either the Upper New York Conference Center in Liverpool, NY or to the Endwell United Methodist Church in Endwell, NY. This list will be sent out within the month Please consider being a part of this vital mission. You can learn more about the mission by going to EndwellUMC.org and clicking on Missions. If you have questions please contact Dave Alexander at 607-743-8955 or Endwell UMC at 607-754-5735
| |
Let Us Continue to Keep the Ukrainian People In Our Thoughts & Prayers | |
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.
| | | |
Upcoming Upper NY Safe Sanctuary Zoom Training Sessions.
Click here for flyer and more information on these upcoming trainings
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
| | |
Helpful Links & Resources for You | |
Media Resource Center
Click here for tips on ordering through our website.
Media Resource Center
315-898-2027
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
| |  |
Lay Servant Courses Offered Around the Conference
Click here to find out when, where and how you can sign up for a lay servant course that you need or are interested in taking. This link connects you to all the Districts in UNY Conference that are offering courses. Just click and start exploring your options!
| | |
|
Cornerstone District Office
PO Box 687
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
cornerstonedistrict@unyumc.org
UNY District Map: Click here
| | | | | |
