January 12th, 2023 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 4 PM for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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When mailing items to the office PLEASE use the information listed below.
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs..
the office is CLOSED Friday Thru Sunday
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NEW! Certificates of Insurance for your Church
Please refer to the link below to obtain a certificate of insurance for your church - they are only good for one year.
Please refer any questions to Tracy Rickett at the
conference office 315-898-2017
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2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference Annual Forms Due Dates
Past Due- deadline was Dec. 1st:
UPDATE ONLINE - DO NOT PRINT A COPY
Due by February. 15, 2023 (Mail completed & signed copy of each to the District Office) *
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2022 Year End Financial Report
2023 Church Budget - Your church format
Due by March 15, 2023 (Mail completed copy of each to District Office)
Click here to download the 2022-23 Annual Report Form Checklist.
If you need help getting forms please contact Teresa at the district office.
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IMPORTANT NEWS-
Ezra is replaced by ACStats
Report your church year/end statistics on ACStats beginning Jan. 3, 2023. Please share this news with those in each church who work on statistical reporting.
Report your Church Statistics on ACStats
Annual Church Statistics (ACStats) is the one-stop location for United Methodist data that tracks membership, expenses, and income. It's designed to help churches submit year-end statistics to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference digitally in a way that's cost-effective.
This user-friendly platform replaces Ezra as the method of reporting your church statistics.
March 17, 2023, is the deadline to complete the 2022 statistical report for your church.
You can familiarize yourselves with the new ACStats platform by reviewing the user's guide for local churches. Translated reports are available in Spanish and Korean.
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Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez Appointed President of Discipleship Ministries Board of Directors
Our new bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, was unanimously voted in by the Council of Bishops Leadership Discernment Committee as the new President of the Board of Directors for Discipleship Ministries, effective Jan 1, 2023.
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Special Session, March 25th
via Zoom
The Upper New York Conference’s March 2023 Special Session of Annual Conference to consider disaffiliation requests will take place remotely on March 25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration will open on Feb. 1, 2023, and close on March 10, 2023.
New! Notice to Equalization Members: Please know that if able, we hope you will continue to serve and participate in the Special Session. When registration opens please register as a district Equalization Member.
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Human Relations Day January 15
Global Ministries, the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church, with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), invites churches and individuals to celebrate Human Relations Day on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
One of the Special Sunday Offerings of The United Methodist Church, this collection benefits neighborhood ministries through community developers, supports community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and works with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. To read more, click here. For pastor and leader kit, click here.
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NEW! Scholarships Available for
United Methodist Students!
Applications are now open for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Every year, UMHEF awards $2+ million
to students planning to attend one of the 100+ UM-related colleges, universities, and seminaries across the country.
Don’t let finances get in the way of achieving your dreams of a
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You are enough
In 1994, Pastor Daniel Bradley was a senior at Niagara Falls High School and he failed his Chemistry Regents exam. This prevented him from getting a Regents diploma and he had to settle with a local diploma. This exam has been a sore spot for Pastor Daniel for years, but now, he is learning that he is enough, and that exam score is in no way related to his worth.
Click here to read Pastor Daniel's story, originally published in our latest issue of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness.
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Intentionally tending to the wellbeing of our clergy and clergy families
How can our churches thrive if their leaders feel depleted? Bekah Solar, a pastor at Point Peninsula UMC and Three Mile Bay UMC has a passion for clergy wellness and support. With the help of the Northern Flow District Superintendent, the Rev. Mike Weeden, there is a plan to intentionally focus on clergy wellness in their District—they will start by working with younger clergy and clergy families to offer mutual support.
Bekah Solar shared her passion and plans in an article in our latest issue of the Advocate, which focuses on spiritual wellness. Click here to read Bekah’s beautifully written article.
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The ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Zoom gathering Part I—The devastation and God sightings
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, expected 30-40 people to participate in his Jan. 6, 2023, Zoom gathering to address the impact of the Christmas 2022 weekend blizzard, identified as the “blizzard of the century.” What was expected to be a few dozen people turned into a virtual gathering of over 150 people. The hour spent together was filled with encouraging stories of God sightings, dozens of examples of where help was needed in the Buffalo community, and ideas as to what needs to be done to better prepare for winter storms.
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Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Part II—The work ahead
During Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s "blizzard of the century" Zoom meeting on Jan. 6, 2023, many participants mentioned the need for a taskforce to tackle the multiple issues that arise in the event of a storm. And there was also discussion about the social justice implications of the Dec. 2022 storm and natural disasters in general.
For those impacted by the disaster who need assistance with relief cleanup, replenishing a food pantry, or other needs, Kristina Clark, UNY Director of Missional Engagement, shared this form that can be filled out to request help.
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Bishop Héctor announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Nuñez and the Upper New York Conference announce 14 ad interim appointments and 12 retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Featured Church UMC: Warnerville UMC
Two weeks after Warnerville UMC opened its warming center to the public in Nov. 2022, the local code enforcer showed up and shut them down. This much-needed, warm haven for the homeless was no more.
Warnerville pastor, Maryellen (Mel) Moore would not accept that. With the help of the Rev. Anna Blinn Cole of the Mosaic Cooperative Parish, pastor at Cobleskill UMC, and a member of the Oneonta District Leadership Team, they began researching the legality of this action and investigating how they could reopen their warming center.
A miracle landed in their lap. Fred Mauhs, a lawyer on Long Island caught wind of this situation. He was a member of the Warnerville UMC as a youth member and offered to help them pro bono.
Earlier this month, the church was able to reopen its warming center.
Click here to see a video of the local news covering their story.
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12-Week Class - Taught by Pastor Paul
(At Sidney UMC/On Zoom)
Week # 1 – Tuesday – January 10th – 4:30 pm
Week # 2 – (No Class This Week)
Week # 3 – Tuesday – January 24th – 4:30 pm
Week # 4 – Tuesday – January 31st – 4:30 pm
Week # 5 – Tuesday – February 7th – 4:30 pm
Week # 6 – Tuesday – February 14th – 4:30 pm
Week # 7 – Tuesday – February 21st – 4:30 pm
Week # 8 – Tuesday – February 28th – 4:30 pm
Week # 9 – Tuesday – March 7th – 4:30 pm
Week # 10 – (No Class This Week)
Week # 11 – Tuesday – March 21st – 4:30 pm
Week # 12 – Tuesday – March 28th – 4:30 pm
(Books available in Sidney UMC Church Office)
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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SPRC Workshop Offered with DS Debbie Earthrowl- Open to All
All Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee members are invited to a time of training, to be led by District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl.
Whether you have been serving, or are new to the committee, you are encouraged to be a part of this training.
The 2020’s, as much as, or more than any other time in the past few decades, is a time when the ministry of this committee is vital to the health of the church.
This is so important that I am asking that each committee try to ensure that two or more committee members attend one of the sessions offered. (Committee members only need to attend one of these sessions, because they will be fairly identical, except for the different questions that might be asked at each.) All sessions will be offered in person and via zoom.
January 24th, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. at Potsdam UMC 26 Main Street Potsdam, NY or 6:30 p.m. @ Watertown Asbury 327 Franklin Street Watertown NY.
The link is below.
Please RSVP to Tammy in the District Office if you're able to attend. (315) 535-5149 or [email protected]
Topic: SPRC Training
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868 0548 8896
Passcode: 850304
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,86805488896#,,,,*850304# US (New York)
+16469313860,,86805488896#,,,,*850304# US
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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, send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team ([email protected])
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.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
for information regarding Safe Sanctuaries please visit our website:
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New: Advanced Lay Servant Course - Public Prayer
Facilitator – Rev. Brandi Craver
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2023
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: Newark Valley UMC
63 South Main Street, Newark Valley, NY 13811
Required book: Shaping the Prayers of the People – The Art of Intercession
By Samuel Wells & Abigail Kocher
Attendance is limited to 8 attendees
Course fee is $15.00 - Books are extra
Make checks payable to UNYAC
Participants are expected to read the book in its entirety prior to the first class
Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Church: ________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________ Cell Phone: _________________________
E-mail:______________________________________________
Books are available at the Binghamton District Office (call 607-748-0662) Cokesbury or Amazon
Resources for Books:
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses via Zoom
Open to All
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Jan. 14 Gestalt Pastoral Care webinar and in-person event
Co-director of the Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry and Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister, Deaconess Susan Sihan, RN, is offering a Zoom webinar on an Introduction to Gestalt Pastoral Care on Jan. 14 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. She is offering the same workshop in-person at Odessa UMC from 2- 4 p.m. on Jan. 14.
Gestalt Pastoral Care is a model of healing ministry that integrates our spiritual practices of prayer and meditation with awareness of our body to explore the root experiences causing physical and emotional dis-ease.
Click here to learn more about Gestalt Pastoral Care.
Call Susan at 607-703-0010 for registration and more information.
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Youth 2023 in Daytona Beach this July
COVID-19 has made it difficult for youth ministries to remain as strong as they would like, but here is a chance to change that. Youth 2023 is a special event to be held in Daytona Beach from July 25-28, 2023.
Youth 2023 will be jam-packed with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and fellowship time. Adults who bring youth to the event can expect inspiration and support. While you are at this event, you will grow closer to God and get many chances to authentically experience what it means to be part of the United Methodist Church.
The registration deadline is May 31, 2023.
If you register before December 30, each member of your attending group (including adults) is eligible for a special scholarship from CCYM. To be eligible, please send a copy of your registration to Tony Hipes at [email protected] or by mail to 50 Saint Helena Street, Perry, NY 14530.
Click here for more information and the registration link.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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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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BSA Affiliation Agreement
Troops and local congregations seeking to continue or start a relationship will need to complete a new “BSA Affiliation Agreement” and “Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.” Click here to download the BSA Affiliation Agreement. Click here to download the Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.
All UNY local congregations seeking to be in relationship with a local troop should use these and only these forms.
In most areas, the affiliation agreements and facility use agreements are being implemented and the implementation is going well. There are BSA Councils that are not cooperating in a few Conferences and as the BSA learns of these, they reach out to those Councils to address issues.
If you are encountering such issues, please contact Jeffrey Hunt [email protected] of BSA, who oversees the BSA Councils across the United States.
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Sabbath Life is a series of monthly one-day retreats with a focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Retreats will be held the second Monday of each month from March through November at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center from 10am to 4pm. (April will be the third Monday.) Click here for more information and to register: https://churchinthewild.org/sabbathlife/
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The Buffalo 10 Scholarship—just the beginning
Eighty-five percent of Black Buffalonians live on the East side of the city, where the racially motivated mass murder took place at the Tops grocery store on May 14, 2022.
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference has a team of Buffalo-area clergy who are working together to support these residents.
The first step is the Buffalo 10 Scholarship. Dr. Scott Johnson, Pastor Angela Stewart, the Rev. George Nicholas, the Rev. Raquel Alston, and the Rev. Tanya Spencer are all pastors at local churches in Buffalo. These pastors along with Buffalo area resident and Conference Commission on Religion and Race member, Charles Syms, submitted a petition at the 2022 UNY Annual Conference on Oct. 6, 2022, requesting the creation of a Buffalo 10 Scholarship to honor the 10 Black residents that were killed at the Tops local market on May 14, 2022.
This petition called for the UNY Conference to establish a scholarship in the name of the Buffalo 10 for students from the 14208 zip-code attending college. This petition was supported by 93.6 percent of the Annual Conference body.
Click here to read more about the initiative UNY clergy has initiated to help give a voice to residents on the East Side of Buffalo.
Click here to donate to the Buffalo 10 Scholarship fund.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Pastor Brett Johnson on the trip of a lifetime to visit John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England. We will be visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.
We will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024. Please use the following link to register: https://portal.myfaithjourneys.com/ and use group code 24002.
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UMY Mission Central Hub News |
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NOTICE: Please direct all questions regarding the Mission Central HUB to:
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
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Job Openings in the Upper New York Conference
NEW! Job Opening for a Director of Communications.
The Upper New York Conference has posted a job opening to the website. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask candidates to apply online through our website.
Director of Communications
For questions: please contact Tracy Rickett,
Human Resources Generalist
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
Direct Line: 315.898.2017
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ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS
Stewardship with Rev. Susan Ranous
CLERGY TAX
We are at the beginning of a new year. Of course, in the church world, the appointment year started July 1st. The church year started at the beginning of Advent, but the rest of the “world” looks at January as the beginning of a new year.
In the “world of taxes”, look at December 31st as the end of the year, and realize that what has happened before is going to affect what goes on in the new year. Taxes, tax forms, etc. all come into play.
Now that the 2022 year has finished, you will be receiving a W-2 form, reporting your taxable wages, any housing allowances and exclusions, and any federal or state income taxes that you had withheld. What has been and has been reported will be used to prepare your income tax returns. There’s really no chance to make any changes that will help you at this point.
However, now is the time to work your tax professional to do a projection for 2023, and see what you can do to minimize any payments you have to make.
· Should you have federal and state income taxes withheld from your paychecks?
· Should you pay quarterly estimated taxes?
· Have you claimed enough as housing allowance/housing exclusions?
· What is the amount of self-employment tax you’ll have to pay, and how can you spread out the payment of those taxes?
· Are you tracking your business expenses, submitting them to the church for reimbursement, and providing unreimbursed amounts to your tax preparer?
· Are you tracking your “business” mileage?
All of these questions are important to consider and answer and work on now while you can make changes and decisions that will help you for 2023!
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Please feel free to contact me at (315) 427-3668 or [email protected] if you’d like to talk about mission and money in your local church. I have some great ideas to help you understand where you are and were you’re going!
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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.
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The Church Wellness Checkup Information
We believe a Vital Congregation is the body of Christ making and
engaging grace-filled
Christ Followers, who put faith into action.
A Vital Congregation…
Worships with passion
Nurtures and grows disciples
Engages in mission and outreach to their community
Gives generously to the mission and ministries of the church
The Church Wellness Checkup is a tool to help your congregation
become more faithful in
partnering with God in bringing the Kingdom of God to fruition.
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The Media Resource Center is a free lending library funded by designated donations and run by a dedicated volunteer group. There are a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use. Resources are available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Click here for the online ordering catalog. Please allow for a timely response as the Resource Center is staffed on a part-time basis.
Each month, the Media Resource Center publishes a newsletter with updates and study suggestions. Click here to access the December newsletter.
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No new elections needed for GC2024
The United Methodist Church’s highest court ruled that new delegate elections “are not required” for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal General Conference, now set for 2024.
The location and dates for the 2024 General Conference have also been announced—the event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23, 2024 to May 3, 2024.
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Disaffiliation Information-From Wespath
Understanding Pension Liabilities-For Local Churches Considering Disaffiliation
Watch this video for easy-to-understand answers to complex questions related to pension plan funding and the withdrawal liability payment required for local churches that disaffiliate from the UMC.
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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.
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.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
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 [email protected]
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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On the Conference calendar
Jan. 14: Gestalt Pastoral Care webinar via Zoom and Odessa UMC - DETAILS
Jan. 15: Human Relations Sunday - DETAILS
Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Conference and District Offices Closed
Feb. 1: Registration opens for March Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
March: 15: Registration closes for March Special Session of Annual Conference
March 25: Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
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Oneonta District Office
66 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 - Physical Address (Second Floor)
Mailing Address
Oneonta District Office of the UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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
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Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office |
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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