Mohawk District E-newsletter for Churches and Pastors
February 10, 2021
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Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil. 4:8 (ESV)
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Bishop and Cabinet Provide Online Worship Experience for Churches
Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident, Bishop Mark J. Webb, and members of the UNY Cabinet have put together and released a worship service that you can share with your congregation. Their hope is that by using this service in place of one of your services, Pastors can have some much-needed rest and renewal. Your efforts in sustaining engagement with your congregation are very much appreciated! Thank you!
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District Prayer Focus
Week of February 14
Maynard UMC
and
West Schuyler UMC
Pastor Sue Holland
the 2020-21 Prayer Calendar
Please pray for the family of
Karl Warren, 77, who died
Jan. 29, 2021. Karl was the surviving spouse of Kathy Warren, CLM.
Services are postponed for now. Click here to read the obituary.
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Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
We continue to navigate one of the most challenging and unique seasons within our lives. COVID-19 continues to impact every area of daily life. We continue to pray for those who have been devastated by this disease physically, emotionally, and financially. We continue to give thanks to God for the front-line workers who have offered the best of who they are in our fight against this pandemic. I continue to give thanks to God for your faithfulness in ministry and mission throughout these days. The witness to your faith in the God who offers hope and your commitment to God’s call to offer the good news of Jesus Christ in all circumstances continues to be an inspiration.
I especially want to celebrate and thank you for your gift of stewardship and generosity during this unprecedented season. Despite the challenges that you have experienced in the past year, the leaders, members, and congregations of Upper New York trusted God and continued to reach beyond ourselves through our connectional giving known as Ministry Shares.
Because of your generosity and faithfulness, our Conference has been able to remain in ministry, equipping and linking churches for Christ. Your sacrificial giving helped our conference provide congregations with the guidance and encouragement needed to move worship from the sanctuary to the internet and, when conditions improved, safely return to the sanctuary for limited in-person services again. Your generosity enabled our five camp and retreat centers to remain open and find new ways to safely offer guests hospitality and spiritual refreshment. Your faithfulness helped us continue to mail out Sunday School resources from our Media Resource Center, offer licensing school for new local pastors, and host literally hundreds of remote gatherings for learning, planning and prayer.
Once again, Upper New York was a witness to our commitment and covenant together as the people of the United Methodist Church around the globe as your giving allowed us to pay 100% of our General Church apportionments. We join others in our connection in offering resources for ministry that we could never do alone. Through your generosity and sacrifice the lives of countless people have been changed because of an encounter with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the hands and feet of His Church. You continue to be a beacon of hope in the midst of a despairing world.
Thank you!
To God be the glory for all that God has done and is doing in each of our lives and the lives of those around us! To God be the glory for your continued willingness to say yes to God’s call to be passionate followers of Jesus Christ. I am blessed to share this journey of ministry and mission with you.
My prayers continue for each of you, as together we trust the power of the Holy Spirit to encourage, strengthen, equip, and lead us in the days ahead.
Grace and Peace,
Bishop Mark J. Webb
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Webinar/Livestream on General and Jursidictional Conference
On February 13 at 2 p.m. EST, the General and Jurisdictional Conference Information Webinar will deliver important updates to U.S. delegates and other designated participants. Anticipate presentations from GCFA, the Council of Bishops, the Episcopal Fund, the Jurisdictional Study Committee and a report on General Conference options. While delegates will attend via Zoom, others are invited to watch a YouTube livestream.
- Delegates will participate via Zoom and will receive their invitation from jurisdictional secretaries.
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Everyone else may view the live stream. Bookmark this page (www.ResourceUMC.org/USJurisdictionalWebinar) for viewing.
GCFA COVID-19 Legislation updates for churches, including PPP
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Feb. 11 Pastors and Worship Leaders Engage for Lent |
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The DLT will be hosting two Round Table discussions over Zoom. The first one will take place on Thursday, February 11th, 6:30-8 p.m. We will start with worship and then have a time to share ideas. Some are struggling to plan for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season still being under COVID restrictions. Some have planned some creative ways to worship and be in community during this Lenten season. Please join us to share your creative ideas or to gather some ideas that would do well in your community. This will be an open discussion for all those who attend. If you have any specific questions that you would like to see covered in this time, please email Pastor Wendy Morrison at: wendymorrison.church@yahoo.com
https://unyumc.zoom.us/j/99343647078?pwd=M1VQQlZIVTVxQjYzcDJ2VFVIdSsxQT09
Meeting ID: 993 4364 7078
Passcode: 444255
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Our second Round Table discussion will take place on Thursday, March 11th, 6:30-8pm. We will use the same format, this time we will specifically discuss Holy Week ideas.
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The *following churches feel great because they clicked "submit" & completed their 2020 Statistical Reports! Thanks to these churches for all their hard work. We appreciate you! |
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As of Feb. 9, 2021
United Church of Canastota
CenterPoint Christian Fellowship
Clockville
Constableville
Constantia - First in the District!
Georgetown
Glenfield
Hawkinsville
Jordanville Federated
Lee Center
Middleville
Morning Star
New London
Ohio
Oneida: First
Oneida: St. Paul's
Perryville
Point Rock
Poolville
Prospect: Park
Remsen
Salisbury Center
Sauquoit
Sherrill: Christ Church
Steuben
Stockbridge
Stratford
Taberg
Turin
Vernon
West Monroe
West Winfield Federated
*If you believe your church has submitted the Statistical Reports but aren't on the list of those completed, please log in to EZRA and make sure you clicked, "submit" on all the tables. If you did that, contact the District Office.
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Deadlines Approach for Local Churches to Complete End-of-Year Reporting
Each year there are reports due to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning.
The following reports are due by February 15, 2021, to the Mohawk District Office: 105 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY 13413, or mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org
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End-of-Year Financial Report Feb. 15th (your choice of format)
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2021 Church Budget Feb. 15th (your choice of format)
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The statistical reports are due February 15, 2021, but are completed on the Ezra website. You do not need to send a copy to the District. Feel free to print out a paper copy for your own churches' records. You will need your user name and password to complete this task. Please see additional information located below in this e-newsletter.
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Additionally, the annual audit is due March 15, 2021, to the Mohawk District Office: 105 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY 13413, mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org.
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Each year local United Methodist Churches are required by The Book of Discipline to provide statistical reporting for the previous calendar year. The Upper New York Conference uses a website, EZRA, to gather this data for the entire UMC. The site is now officially open. Churches need your user name and password to access EZRA. If you need help with these, contact the Mohawk District Office, 315-797-1777, or mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org.
Please note: there are TWO new lines this year. The first is in Table 2 – Line 46b. This line is for churches who had received a PPPLoan. The line is specifically for the amount that was used/allocated for payroll expenses. The second line is on Table 3 – Line 54d. This line for churches who had applied and received a PPPLoan. This line IS NOT USED towards the calculation on Ministry Shares for 2022.
The deadline to complete Statistical Reports is Feb. 15, 2021. For questions about the reporting, contact Erica Wentworth, ericawentworth@unyumc.org, or 315-898-2004.
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All Pastoral Leaders Gather |
All Pastoral Leaders and Deacon Leaders are invited to take part in Pastor Area Connect groups.
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The District Leadership Team and Superintendent would like to see every Pastor/Lay Pastor and Deacon taking part in a PAC group. If you're not sure how to connect with a PAC group, please contact the Mohawk District Office and we will help you.
Here are a couple of PAC opportunities for which we have upcoming meeting dates:
East PAC: Tentatively Mon., Mar. 1st, 7 p.m. via Zoom
West PAC: Typically First Thurs. (Mar. 4) 10 a.m. on Zoom
Call in #: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID #: 960 9287 5642
North PAC: First and third Thurs. (Feb. 18) each month, 10 a.m.,
via Zoom
Southeast PAC: First Tues. (Mar. 2) each month, 6:45 p.m.,
via Zoom
AND
Third Tues. (Mar.16) each month, 1 p.m., in person at Waterville UMC or via Zoom
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Annual Conference 2021
The 12th Session will take place virtually June 17-19, 2021. The Upper New York Conference is working with Good News TV Media Ministry to provide a positive virtual experience.
Who will attend: All clergy and laity representatives to the Annual Conference Session
When is Annual Conference: June 17-19, 2021
Where will Annual Conference Take Place: Virtually
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Certificates of Insurance
February 2021/By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the following information will be helpful to you.
Certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 102.1) are issued by the disability insurance carrier, Guardian. The following information will be needed from you to request the certificate of insurance. You can email either Tracy Rickett, HR Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or Blake Walsh at BlakeWalsh@WalshDuffield.com with the following information. Please allow at least 5 business days for your request to be processed.
NAME OF INSURED CHURCH:
MAILING ADDRESS OF INSURED CHURCH:
EMAIL ADDRESS TO WHERE DB 120.1 CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE SENT:
NAME OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE (Typically the Dept of Health):
ADDRESS OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE:
Requests for C 105.2
Certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2) can be obtained by contacting American Church Group of NY. They will assist each church in obtaining the documentation needed. Contact them at 800-326-7200; 717-763-5517 (fax) or UMCservice.NY@AmericanChurchGroup.com.
For questions on certificates of insurance, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org.
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Conference Commission on Religion and Race currently has three Imagine No Racism 2.0 courses happening. CCORR hopes to continue to offer INR courses as they are requested. Typically, people have chosen to do six weekly sessions but planning the sessions is flexible. People looking for an INR group can email: bsmith@binghamton.edu. Clergy may receive 1 Continuing Education Unit and Lay Servant Ministries laity may receive advanced course credit.
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GCORR Offers FREE Lenten Resource to Help Small Groups
Grow Closer to God
This Lenten Biblical reflection, Roll Down, Justice!, written by Faye Wilson and featuring the music and reflections of Mark A. Miller, poses the following questions to believers:
- What are you prepared to give in order to have a closer walk with God?
- What can you give in order to embrace anew the work of justice?
Mark Miller has written a collection of songs, lyrics, and music, which remind us of the work we have to do. We all learn in different ways and this study calls us to sing to ourselves and to each other the call that we each have to do to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” Carry the commitment to care – to bring about justice in God’s world – as a song in your heart. Roll Down, Justice!
Roll Down, Justice! is based on six songs that are included in the book/CD set Roll Down, Justice! – Sacred Songs and Social Justice. The songs in this Lenten series are offered as six videos, and each video includes a guide for study provided by General Commission of Religion and Race:
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Getting ready for Lent?
Mohawk District-based New Faith Community, Everyday Sanctuary, has a free and complete Digital Toolkit available to all churches for Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter. The Lent toolkit includes over 30 items including 7 sermon starters, powerpoint slide, digital media and a no-prep small group guide. This is a great way to connect to your people and beyond while it remains difficult to meet in person. The series also helps you introduce Everyday Sanctuary to your church and connect them to simple and accessible daily faith practice. To see these digital toolkits go to: https://everydaysanctuary.com/for-churches
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Training is Full - Safe Sanctuaries Training on Zoom
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The Safe Sanctuaries training Feb. 13 via ZOOM is full. Watch this newsletter for additional trainings coming soon.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Boundaries Training for All Those in a Pastoral Role
Deadline Extended to March 1
The Board of Ordained Ministries has extended the deadline for Boundaries Training that is required for all those serving in the Pastoral Role. This Training is mandatory. The training is provided by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesle Thoelogical Seminary and is available online. Upon completion, participants receive 0.5 Continuing Education Units. Click here to find a letter from BOM on this training or here for registration instructions.
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Help for Local Churches Struggling Financially - A Success Story
Check out this testimony from Pastor Cory Jones from Trinity UMC in Whitesboro about how your church can take the steps go from financial struggle to one filled with blessing. Pastor Jones says, "I can tell you from experience it is easier than you think. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have..."
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A message for Part-Time Local Pastors Taking Course of Study with Appalachian Local Pastors School
Dear Local Pastors,
Please sign up for the ALPS-MTH 2021 Course of Study courses as soon as possible. This helps us know how many students to expect in each course and allows instructors to send you the course welcome letter with important details and the required class meeting zoom links prior to the course.. Please order your textbooks early as there are shipping delays and begin your prework so it arrives to the instructor on time. The course syllabus provides the prework due dates and information on required mailing or emailing of your prework as specified on the syllabus.
Attached is the 2021 course schedule. We look forward to seeing you during the zoom classes in the New Year.
Blessings as we journey on a path in 2021 that reminds us of the ageless presence of Christ in our lives, so that others see the reason to rejoice in Him.
Barbara
Dr. Barbara Nye, Director
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Lay Servant Courses - Open to All
The following courses are available to keep certification current or become certified as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker.
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
6-9 p.m., Wednesdays April 14, 21, May 5:
Saturday May 1: 9-1 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: United Methodist Polity
6-8 p.m., Mondays, Feb. 22nd, Mar. 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd
Zoom: Course Fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends Feb. 16th.
Basic Course
7-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Mar. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
Zoom: Course Fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends Feb. 25th.
Advanced Course: Lay Pastoral Care
7-9 p.m., Wednesdays, Apr. 28th, May 5th, 12th, & 19th
Zoom: Course Fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends Feb. 25th.
Imagine No Racism
2-5 p.m., Thursdays, Apr. 22nd, 29th, May 6th, 13th, & 20th
Zoom: Course Fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends Feb. 25th.
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Remember Requirements for Reopening Your Church
If you have returned to in-person worship even if you continue to stream online you must go back to the UNY survey and update your previous answers. Please remember to save them.
Click below to complete the form and your congregations compliance.
· The Upper New York Annual Conference has asked every local church on the district, whether it has decided to offer in-person worship at this time or not, to complete a survey indicating its compliance with the New York State requirements. Click here to complete this form and indicate your congregation's compliance.
· Churches are required to make a plan and follow the guidelines as they begin to reopen. Your plan must be available when you are asked to provide it. Churches must also complete the REQUIRED Affirmation NYS needs before you reopen for in-person activities or worship.
Find an overview of UNY Conference reopening guidelines here and some frequently asked questions on reopening here.
The New York State Guidelines are available online here.
NYS Required Affirmation is Necessary for All Churches to
Reopen for In-Person Worship, activities or gatherings.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Feb. 2021
Feb. 16 - Leadership Development in the Local Church
Ken Willard and Kelly Brown. Click here to register or for information.
Mar. 9 - Nine Essential Practices of the Post-Pandemic Church
Kay Kotan. Click here to register or for information.
Mar. 23 - More Than a Sermon: Tips to Becoming a More Effective Pastor
Quincy Brown. Click here to register or for information.
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In-Person Service at Mohawk District Office On Pause
The Mohawk District Office is happy to assist you via phone/email.
The Mohawk District Office staff will be available
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
generally, via phone and email. Call the District 315-797-1777, or
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Mohawk District Office
105 Genesee Street
New Hartford, NY 13413
315-797-1777
Regular Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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