Mohawk District E-newsletter for Churches and Pastors
February 24, 2021
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Pastors, Worship Leaders, Gather for
Holy Week Roundtable
The DLT will host a Roundtable discussion over Zoom 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, March 11th, Worship together and then have a time to share ideas. Please join us and share your creative ideas surrounding Holy Week or to gather some ideas that would work well in your community. See the full article in this newsletter including zoom link.
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District Prayer Focus
Week of February 28
Whitesboro: Trinity
and
Pastor Cory Jones
New Hartford: First
and
Pastor Brad Chesebro
and
Deacon Becky Guthrie
the 2020-21 Prayer Calendar
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The Rev. Lorraine Zimmerman |
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Please keep family and friends of the Rev. Lorraine Zimmerman in your prayers. Rev. Zimmerman, 57, died on Jan. 12. Rev. Zimmerman served several Upper New York churches, including Butler UMC, Leonardsville UMC, and others in the former North Central New York Conference. Funeral services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in both Florida and Ohio.
Condolences can be sent to the Family of Rev. Lorraine Zimmerman at 1922 Quailey Court, The Villages, FL 32163.
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Last week’s winter storm--unofficially named Winter Storm Uri—led to winter weather alerts for 170 million people. The state of Texas has been hit particularly hard, resulting in power blackouts, loss of heat and broken pipes. As the snow and ice melts, flooding will be a significant problem.
UM Churches and other churches are serving as warming shelters and food banks. Meanwhile, the same storm system spawned tornados in the Carolinas, destroying homes.
UMCOR, working with Conference Disaster Relief Coordinators, is providing immediate funding to assist annual conferences and will provide long-term support once the damage is fully assessed. Your help is needed, today. Please make a gift, today, to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
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Diversity and Racism Workshop
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
with Rev. Nola Anderson, certified Diversity and Inclusion Trainer
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We know that being able to make space for people to understand and move towards a more diverse and inclusive environment can be tricky and is often riddled with landmines. This is why the Crossroads District Leadership Team (DLT) is inviting you inviting you to join us in a Racism and Diversity Workshop via Zoom on Wednesday, February 24th at 6:30pm.
In this 90-minute Workshop you’ll learn:
· Why we need a Racism and Diversity Workshop
· How to create awareness
· How to establish empathy
· The PCIHO (pioneer, champions, influencers, hesitators and obstructers) Model
· Unconscious (Implicit) Bias
· And much more...
Sign up now! Send an email to Anne at Crossroadsdistrict@unyumc.org to get the Zoom link. You will be learning from Rev. Susan Ranous trained with the UNY INR and D.S. Nola Anderson, certified Diversity and Inclusion Trainer.
This workshop is not about asking people to change their values or core beliefs. Instead, the conversation of racism and diversity is about holding space for difficult but necessary conversations and being open to ideas, perspectives, and experiences outside of your own.
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All Pastor and Deacon Leaders are invited by the Superintendent to take part in Pastor Area Connect groups.
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Here are a couple of PAC opportunities for which we have upcoming meeting dates:
North PAC: First (Mar. 4) and third Thurs. 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 ZoomEast 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
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Mar. 11 Pastors and Worship Leaders Invited for
Holy Week Roundtable on Zoom
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The DLT will be hosting another Roundtable discussion over Zoom Thursday, March 11th, 6:30-8 p.m. We will start with worship and then have a time to share ideas. Please join us and share your creative ideas surrounding Holy Week or to gather some ideas that would work 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)
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Be Vigilant for Online Scams |
Friends,
Recently, there has been a huge influx of phishing and spam emails. To protect us (Conference office staff,
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churches, clergy and laity) we need to be proactive. We have sent out several communications regarding what to look for and what to do when you receive these.
Things to keep in mind:
1. No one from the Conference office or District office will contact you regarding gift cards, sending money, or favors asking you to enter a password or email address.
2. No one from the Conference office or District office will use an email other than their unyumc.org email.
3. Any email received other than unyumc.org (gmail, yahoo, rr, tw, etc.) that appears to be from a Conference office or District office staff member is phishing and should be marked as spam and then deleted. This will prevent the email from getting through to you moving forward.
Please be aware of phishing attempts
Please be aware of scammers attempting to get personal information from you or requesting gift cards or money via your email account. This is referred to as phishing. We have been made aware of the fact that many pastors in the UNY Conference have received such emails. A lot of
these emails ask for money, gift cards, credit card numbers, etc. Many of these emails are from recognizable names, such as Bishop Webb, but if you look closely at the email address, it is not the person’s actual address. For a quick 4 minute video on how to identify phishing please visit this site how to identify spam or phishing.
Note: Additionally, when you receive these types of emails and you identify them as phishing, please mark them as spam by right mouse clicking on the malicious email and selecting “mark as spam” and then delete the email.
Please share this information with your District.
Doug Thomas
UNY Conference
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Deadline is Past for Church End-of-Year Reporting -
Keep them Coming ASAP
Each year there are reports due from local churches to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning. The following reports were due February 15, 2021, to the Mohawk District Office: 105 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY 13413, or mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org. Let us know if you need help accessing a blank copy of a report:
- Report of the Trustees
- Report of the Finance Committee
- End-of-Year Financial Report (any format)
- 2021 Church Budget (any format)
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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Reminder: Workers' Compensation Audits Due
Brotherhood insurance, who provides coverage to your church through UNY Conference, sent churches a Workers’ Compensation Audit back in December. It refers to the total wages for 2020.
This audit was due Feb. 15, 2021. If your church didn’t complete it yet, please still send it right away.
Please contact American Church customer service at 800-326-7200 if you need help or have questions.
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Thank you District Churches!
We are grateful to you for working so hard to complete statistical reporting. As of today, there are only two churches not yet submitted. And we are happy to be receiving your other year-end reports also. Many thanks for all this great effort!
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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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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, which is titled, "Understanding Clergy Sexual Ethics," is provided through the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological 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.
*Please note: this course is not the same as the New York State required annual sexual harassment training for all employees, including those who work for churches.
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Practice your faith
wherever you are.
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Hello friends,
I wanted to send you an update about the New Faith Community, Everyday Sanctuary, I've been developing. Everyday Sanctuary's purpose is to help busy people have a satisfying faith practice in 5 minutes.
To date we have over 370 unique downloads and over 100 churches across the country connected to our Resources for Churches.
When I served Oneida UMC I longed to connect people to God. When they left the church building I wanted them to continue to know how to deepen their spiritual formation without me. Everyday Sanctuary is a tool we can share that gives all our people a simple, accessible way to connect to God everyday.
I hope you'll download the app and try it out.
To learn more you can go to:
Many blessings,
Pastor Abigail Browka
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Director of Spiritual Development Opening |
Kenmore United Methodist Church in Kenmore, NY, has an opening for a full time Director of Spiritual Development and Christian Education. Find a job description and an application below. |
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Updated Wedding Guidelines |
Guidelines for worship in Upper New York haven’t changed (50% capacity, masks, social distancing), but there are new guidelines for receptions.
The updated guidance for wedding receptions will go into place March 15 and will require the following:
· Testing for all that attend the event.
· 50% capacity - up to 150 attendees.
· Must be approved by local health department.
Click here to see all FAQs related to the coronavirus and your church.
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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
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.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
6-9 p.m., Thursdays, May 13 and 27; and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, May 29; and 6 - 9 p.m., Monday, June 7
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
6 - 9 p.m., Mondays, June 14 and 21; and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, June 26; and 6 - 9 p.m., Thursday, July 1.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
6 - 9 p.m., Wednesdays, July 14, 21 and 28; and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, August 7.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Mar./Apr. 2021
Mar. 9 - Game Changers for the Post-Pandemic Church
Kay Kotan. Click here to register or for information.
Mar. 16 - Staying the Course Toward Racial Reconciliation
Patricia Sanders Hall. 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.
Apr. 20 - Easy Ways to Enhance Online Discipleship in Your Church
Rachel Gilmore. Click here to register or for information.
Apr. 22 - Great "out of the box" Ideas for Local Churches
Anne Bosarge. Registration info coming soon.
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Nominations and Applications Open for 2021 Session of Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (July 18-31, 2021)
Is there high schooler in your life who is ready to learn about how their faith in Jesus Christ calls them to live and be in the world in a way that seeks justice, all while earning college credit that they can carry with them wherever they go after high school? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (SUYTI). SUYTI is a two-week, credit-bearing program for any young person who is currently in high school (that is, any student who will be a rising sophomore through recent high school graduate this summer). Through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, and (of course) sabbath rest, students will learn to become stronger Christian leaders and return home equipped to be change-agents for the reign of God. The 2021 Institute will run from July 18-31, 2021 on Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester, VA. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, students will have all that SUYTI has to offer (room and board, program expenses, and three college credits) at a cost of only $200 per student. However, 2021 will be our final session, so now is the perfect time to apply! To nominate a student or to apply, visit www.su.edu/youththeology. For more information, contact Ian Urriola, Director of the SUYTI, by calling (540) 665-5453 or emailing iurriola@su.edu.
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Thank you from Cindy Muder
I thank the Pastors for the Valentine’s Day surprise--a gift card that Superintendent Roy gave me on your behalf. It was very kind of you. I covet your prayers and partnership in this ministry.
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The Mohawk District Office staff will be available
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
generally. 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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