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Adirondack District and Conference News
November 26, 2022
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“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."
-- Abraham Lincoln
Isaac Newton
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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USCRI (United States Committee for Refuges and Immigrants)
Seeking furniture donations
The USCRI Albany Field Office has welcomed more than 4,500 newcomers to Albany, New York since 2005. Refugees resettled in Albany come primarily from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Syria. Newly arrived refugees receive a comprehensive set of services including housing placement, cultural orientation, school enrollment, coordination of initial health appointments, referrals to ESL classes and employment preparation and placement.
Newtonville UMC, 568 Loudon Rd. (Route 9) in Latham is a furniture donation site for USCRI. Items in great need are twin and double beds (not king or queen sized), tables and chairs, sofas, living room chairs, area carpets, lamps, end tables and coffee tables. You may contact the church office at (518) 785-6789 with questions.
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Movies helpful in conversation about racism:
Would appreciate your input! Update!
We are wondering if your church has shown any movies, or if you've used specific study guides, that could be helpful in our conversation concerning racism.
(New) The movie "Crash" (2004, Lions Gate Films; 122 minutes; R for sexual content and violence) is the story of 8 persons unknown to each other whose lives intersect over a period of 36 hours in Los Angeles. Couples are white, Asian, Black, Latino, and mixed. Not easy to watch but very realistic in how we talk about each other and treat each other.
"Freedom Writers" is another great movie. It's based on a true story, focusing on a high school teacher in California who manages to unite groups of students who were divided into gangs based on their race. She manages to bring them together so that they actually feel like a family in the end.
Some churches have indicated that they have shown or encouraged folks to view movies such as "Hidden Figures" and "42." Others have plans to view "Till," which is now in theaters.
Someone suggested a documentary they saw a few years back called, "Emmanuel" about the shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Zion church in Charleston. They also said they thought "The Blind Side" and "The Green Book" were also good examples.
Someone else shared this:
Last summer our church had an anti-racism study group, and among the films that we watched was a documentary called 13th, which is available on Netflix. It explores the history of racial inequality in our country, and focuses heavily on the prison system. It was very powerful.
And this:
"In the Heart of Texas" (Documentary 60 minutes) When tragedy pierces the heart of a small community on the quiet Texas plains, its townspeople witness what can happen when grace and forgiveness triumph over anguish and outrage.
We used it in an adult senior citizens Sunday school class of about 12 attendees. Click here for more information: www.heartoftexasthemovie.com
Please share your thoughts with Carrie, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
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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!
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Please keep Kathy Maker in your prayers. She fell and fractured her hip several weeks ago, and is still recovering. You can send cards of care and concern to Kathy at 19 Sunset Ct., Cohoes, NY 12047.
Please continue to hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann now resides at the Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Is Advent about preparing for baby Jesus?
The short answer is, "Not so much."
It is instead about preparing the Church--and especially those preparing for baptism during this season--for Christ's return to raise the dead, judge the living and the dead, and complete the new creation.
To read more, click here.
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New Lay servant classes announced
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has scheduled the following courses beginning in January 2023.
Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.
No refunds or credit for courses will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the brochure.
*Basic Lay Servant Course
Wednesdays, January 11, 18 and 25, February 1 and 8, 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Registration and course fees due by December 28
*Advanced Course: For the Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Thursdays, January 26, February 2, 9 and 16: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Registration and course fees due by January 12
*Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Registration and course fees due by February 15
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Give Tuesday, November 29!
United Methodist Communications embraces every opportunity to share the transformational story of God’s love and to equip local churches to do the same in communities around the world. We’ve accomplished great work in our first 80 years of ministry, but there is much more to be done.
Your generosity empowers us to innovate and lead in areas such as:
- Dynamic, inspirational storytelling and news that connects the church
- Local church communication services, training and resources
- Advertising outreach and dedicated evangelism messages
- Technology infrastructure and enhanced connectivity
If you believe in our mission, please consider making a tax-deductible donation that will provide these essential ministries. Click here.
To read more, click here.
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Amid church exits, work starts on record-low budget
As the number of church disaffiliations rises, United Methodist financial leaders have started preparing what will be the denomination’s lowest budget sent to General Conference in nearly 40 years.
The board of the denomination’s finance agency, the General Council on Financial and Administration, already was preparing to send the lawmaking assembly the lowest budget since the 1990s. On Nov. 18, by an 18-2 vote, the GCFA board approved shrinking the proposed four-year budget even further to a total of about $373.7 million for the years 2025-2028.
To read more, click here.
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Local Church Financial Training
to be offered Jan. 7 via Zoom
Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Christian Stewardship and Deacon specializing in Stewardship, Church Finances and Clergy Tax is offering a ZOOM training from 10 AM to Noon on Saturday, Jan. 7.
If you're interested in participating, please contact Carrie Boyer in the District Office, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 608-1246 and she'll send you the link.
Workshop description:
Are you new to the financial areas of the local church? Maybe you’ve been a treasurer or financial secretary or finance chair? Do you need some help to understand what you have to do and how to do it? This workshop will give you the basic knowledge needed to understand what is needed and how to do the various financial tasks.
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Also previously announced - an offering from from Rev. Susan Ranous:
Are you interested in a clergy tax workshop?
I am planning on offering a two-hour workshop during the afternoon OR evening on Thursday, Dec. 8.
If you are interested, please email me at susanranous@unyumc.org. It will be held via Zoom. Once I hear from you, I will send you a link!
· Clergy are treated differently under the tax code than virtually anybody else in the country.
· Are clergy employees or self-employed? Hint: the answer isn’t obvious or easy!
· Clergy have advantages and disadvantages that no one else has.
· Often, confusion exists concerning clergy compensation, deductions and expenses.
This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of the current tax laws that affect clergy today.
At the end of this workshop, you will have a better understanding of the unique issues faced by a United Methodist Clergy Person. Topics will include: Defining the Dual-Status Tax Classification of Clergy, Defining What a Clergy Person Is, What Responsibilities the Church Has, What Responsibilities Clergy Have, Describing the Housing Allowance and Exclusion, Discussing Exemptions and Deductions, and Completing Your Tax Filing Forms.
Rev. Susan Ranous, Ordained Deacon and
Director of Stewardship – Upper New York Conference
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Become a trained Spiritual Director through Tending the Soul
Are you feeling called to become a spiritual director? If so, Tending the Soul is the prefect opportunity for you to become trained in spiritual direction. This program consists of weekend retreats throughout the course of two years where you will learn everything you need to know to become a spiritual director. The next program starts on Feb. 24, 2023. The registration deadline is Dec. 2, 2022.
Click here for a brochure about Tending the Soul, as well as the application.
Click here to watch a video where the Rev. Nancy Dibelius describes the program.
For more information and to register, contact Rev. Dibelius at nancyd@unyumc.org.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule announced
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has schedule four 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There are also two Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays Feb. 4, May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturdays March 4 and Oct. 7.
The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.
If you need training between these dates, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)
Registration for the February training will open Jan. 4. Look for the link in upcoming announcements.
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster, click here.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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A way out of no way
How can Christian innovation address the needs of people who are under-resourced and undervalued? Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff interviews Kimberly Daniel about how Christian innovation can begin to break down barriers to wealth and flourishing.
To learn more, click here.
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Is your church spending too much or too little on personnel?
How does your church spending on personnel compare to other churches? Lovett Weems reports averages of the percentage of total expenditures that congregations spend on all personnel.
To learn more, click here.
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UMC Discipleship Ministries Newsletter
The November newsletter has three great articles:
-- Six mission projects any church can adopt in 2023.
-- Teaching series on the church's ministry with dementia.
-- Assessment tools for discerning a call to plant a ministry or church
To read more, click here.
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From the Conference office:
Tell us about your church’s holiday ministry
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference has amazing ministries happening this time of year in each of our Districts. We want to hear about them and share the news! This is your time to brag about the ministries that your church is engaged in between now and Christmas.
Email us your story at news@unyumc.org.
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"Everyday Disaster Grant" Announcement
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is excited to announce the “Everyday Disaster Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working in their community to fight everyday (socio-economic) disasters. These disasters might include, but are not limited to, food insecurity, addiction, racial injustice, violence, or lack of affordable housing.
This funding opportunity is intended to connect, build relationships, and celebrate the impactful outreaches that are happening throughout the Upper New York Conference and are playing a vital role in creating disciples that transform the world. We can't wait to hear the difference you are making in your community!
The grant application will be open through Dec. 31. Grant recipients will be announced in February 2023. Please send all questions to Kristina Clark, Director of Upper New York Mission Central HUB, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org
For more information and for a link to the grant application, click here: https://www.unyumc.org/mission/mission-funding-opportunities
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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.
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GCSRW celebrates 50 years of ministry
with launch of new resource
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women is marking its 50th anniversary with the release of the Welcoming a Woman Pastor learning module. The self-paced, online resource guides local churches through the onboarding, orientation, and set-up process when introducing a female pastor appointed to serve their congregation.
Click here to learn more.
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United Methodists to meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference
The Commission on the General Conference announced earlier this month that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Click here to read more.
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Visit 'Spiritual Life" page on
Conference website
The intent of the spiritual life ministry is to support/nurture/companion individuals in their faith journey; to help individuals grow their relationship with God so they can be more faithful, obedient disciples of Christ. Developing our spiritual lives is about each of us living more fully into the person God created us to be and the life that God desires for us. This requires intentionality and attentiveness to God and God’s presence in all of our lives and joining together in community to support and nurture one another.
We invite you to explore the spiritual disciplines and practices that will draw you closer to God and deeper into a relationship with God. Explore with us workshops, retreats, training opportunities that will deepen your relationship as a disciple of Christ.
Click here to view the page on the Conference website.You will find links to many resources.
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Church's part of BSA bankruptcy approved
United Methodist leaders greeted with cautious optimism a judge’s partial approval of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan. The denomination’s $30 million commitment to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse gained the judge’s OK in a lengthy ruling issued July 29. Sam Hodges reports.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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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.
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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.
The Global Methodist Church launched 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.
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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
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry | Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! | |
From the Conference Center | | |
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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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.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time year-round Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
Check out any of these jobs and get an application at: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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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.
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Great resources available from
United Methodist Communications
United Methodist Communications has a menu of services and tools as extensive as the menu of dishes at The Cheesecake Factory. Greg Petree has assembled a list of the top-10 services United Methodist Communications offers for free to help local congregations reach out to their communities.
UMCOM measured what’s viewed and downloaded to identify what services/resources are most used by churches. To read more, click here.
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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.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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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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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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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.
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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
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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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.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our 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 our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Rev. Nancy Dibelius
District Associate
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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