News Article: Updated Form I-9 effective August 1, 2023

July 25, 2023/By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist

On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF, 899.28 KB).



Employers may continue to use the older Form I-9 (Rev. 10/21/19) through Oct. 31, 2023. After that date, employers will be subject to penalties if they use the older form. The new version will not be available for downloading until Aug. 1.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule that allows the agency to create a framework under which employers can implement alternative document examination procedures, such as remote document examination. The new form has a checkbox to indicate when an employee's Form I-9 documentation was examined using a DHS-authorized alternative procedure.

Only employers that use E-Verify who are in good standing may continue to conduct verifications electronically after Aug. 1, 2023. E-Verify employers performing remote verification must conduct a live video interview with the employee, retain copies of all documents presented in the I-9 verification process and create E-Verify cases for new employees.

Employers who were participating in E-Verify and created a case for employees whose documents were examined during COVID-19 flexibilities (March 20, 2020 to July 31, 2023), may choose to use the new alternative procedure starting on August 1, 2023 to satisfy the physical document examination requirement by Aug. 30, 2023. Employers who were not enrolled in E-Verify during the COVID-19 flexibilities must complete an in-person physical examination by Aug. 30, 2023.

Completing the New Form I-9

Completed at the time of hire, Section 1 of the new form collects identifying information about the employee and requires the employee to attest to whether they are a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, lawful permanent resident or noncitizen authorized to work in the United States.

Completed within three days of the employee's hire, Section 2 of the new form collects information about the employee's identity and employment authorization. The employee must present original documentation proving the employee's identity and employment authorization, which the employer must review.

When new hires have preparers and/or translators assist them in completing Section 1, they should complete Supplement A.

Employers should fill out Supplement B when rehire occurs or reverification is required. This should be completed prior to the date that the worker's employment authorization expires. Supplement B also may be used to record a name change. Employers do not need to complete a new Form I-9 for current employees who already have a properly completed Form I-9 on file.

Employers must maintain a person's Form I-9 for as long as the individual works for the employer and for the required retention period after the termination of an individual's employment (either three years after the date of hire or one year after the date employment ended, whichever is later).

Employers must make I-9 forms available for inspection upon request by officers of the DHS, the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers that don't complete and retain I-9 forms properly may face civil money penalties and, in some cases, criminal penalties.

The revised Form I-9 (edition date 08/01/23) will be published on uscis.gov on Aug. 1, 2023. Employers can use the current Form I-9 (edition date 10/21/19) through Oct. 31, 2023. Starting Nov. 1, 2023, all employers must use the new Form I-9.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org.

Apply Now for Fall 2023: Exclusive Online CPE Program

 “What I have learned in CPE has transformed my practice of ministry by giving me the confidence that I need to enter any situation with an open heart and open mind." Rev. Khalif A. Smith Sr.

We often receive feedback similar to Rev. Smith from other program participants, which is why we want you to be a part of this life changing program. Applications are now available for fall and winter CPE units and spots will fill up fast. 

Admission interviews are scheduled for the first week of August and will be reviewed until all open groups are filled. This year we are reviving the hybrid units with an in-person orientation retreat, however virtual CPE units will be still offered.  

Here are a few additions we've added to our CPE program:

• Multiple extended groups spanning five to sixth months with an in-person orientation retreat. Units are scheduled to end before Holy Week 2024. 
• Intensive virtual group meeting for 13 weeks, meeting every Thursday or every other Saturday for 8 hours. 
• Special group created for Korean speaking students, meeting on Saturdays (September 2023 through January 2024).
• 
  

If you have any questions or need more information on our Clinical Pastoral Education program, please contact Rev. Dr. Soomee Kim. 

Northern Flow District Offering

Lay Servant Courses

** Please note the classes have been moved back by one week **

An in-person Lay Servant Course will be offered at the Ogdensburg UMC in the month of September. The course is being lead by Pastor Donna Fitchette.

"The Lay Servant Basic Course"

The dates and times are as follows:

September 12th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

September 19th 9:00 a.m. yo 12:00 p.m.

September 26th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 3rd 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

You are responsible for purchasing your own book and it can be purchased here

Pastor Donna will also be leading an Advanced Class on-line only in the month of October:

"For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts"

The dates and times are as follows:

October 10th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 17th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 24th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 31st 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

You are responsible for purchasing your own book and it can be purchased here

You must attend all the classes to get credit for them. If you have any questions or to register please contact Pastor Donna @ missuaprilsue@hotmail.com

Stewardship with Rev. Susan Ranous

July 26, 2023

 STEWARDSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

            RELATIONSHIPS AND ORGANIC CONVERSATION

Continuing my discussion on stewardship and discipleship, I want to shift focus to the keys to effective discipleship.[1]

1.    Create a safe space for relationships to form.

2.    Conversation should be organic.

3.    Customize teaching style to individual’s:

• a.    Life stage
• b.    Spiritual Maturity
• c.    Financial Health/Season

I will spend more time next week on the customization of teaching style. This week I want to concentrate on the first two statements above:

We’ve been talking about stewardship during these summer months since most of our churches commence their stewardship programs in the fall. Too often I’ve found that the focus is completely on money, i.e. making the budget, paying the bills, slashing costs, etc. What if we focused on the people, or relationships, instead?

If the only relationship someone has with the church is when they’re being asked for money, what kind of relationship is that? Relationships need to come first. See All the People talks about relationships as part of discipleship. So stewardship and discipleship and relationship are all intertwined together! Losing any one of the three cripples the entire “process.”

The second statement above talks about conversation being organic. Have you sat in a room, maybe at a part, or at a meeting, or a class, and just talking to someone is a struggle? If you’re an introvert, this is easy to understand.

·         Questions asked get a very short answer.

·         Follow-up questions don’t happen.

·         Before you know it, silence reigns.

Conversations about money, politics and religion (you know, all the topics you were taught not to bring up in public) can result in arguments, or hurt feelings as a minimum. So, talking about money in church combines two of those topics together. That leads to an uncomfortable conversation, at best. But if you have a relationship with some, then those difficult conversations can still happen.

So forming relationships comes before anything else! How are you forming relationships in your church? Does your discipleship plan/program include relationships or just “doing.” Does your stewardship program just talk about money? Relationship needs to be cultivated first!

            Stay tuned for this ongoing stewardship conversation.

If you wish more information on this or would like to discuss stewardship and its relationship with discipleship, please feel free to contact me at (315) 427-3668 or sranousacctg@twcny.rr.com. I’d be happy to help.

[1] Stewardship Education that Builds Disciples, Furlong, Jessica and Dick, Don (Christian Stewardship Network), https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com.

Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses

Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.

Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.

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 updated brochure.

Advanced Course: Leading Prayer

Registration opens July 13. Last day to register: Aug. 5

Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Polity

Registration opens July 25. Last day to register: Aug. 17

Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration opens August 24. Last day to register: Sept. 16

Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Registration opens September 26. Last day to register: Oct. 19

Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

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.

Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com, with any questions.

The District Office will be closed in observance of the

following holidays:



• Labor Day Monday, September 4th
• Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23rd
• Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 24th
• Christmas Day Monday, December 25th
• Christmas Eve (Observed) Tuesday, December 26th

Northern Flow District

District Superintendent

Rev. Michael Weeden

mikeweeden@unyumc.org

Administrative Assistant

Tammy McAdam

northernflowdistrict@unyumc.org

District Lay Leader

Brenda Shelmidine

shelmidinebrenda@gmail.com

Northern Flow/Mohawk District

PO Box 208

Gouverneur, NY 13642

Phone: (315) 535-5149 FAX: (315) 535-5151

Upper New York Annual Conference

7481 Henry Clay Blvd,

Liverpool, NY 13088

Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027



Bishop's Office

7481 Henry Clay Blvd,

Liverpool, NY 13088

Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150 

The Media Resource Center of UNYAC

Visit the website at

 http://www.unyumc.org/resources/media-resource-center

Our mission is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."