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Welcome to the Finger Lakes District
e
-Newsletter! Please share this with church members and staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this a useful resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Finger Lakes District.
Rev. Jeffrey McDowell
,
District Superintendent
Pam Deckard
,
Administrative Assistant
Coverage for June: Rev. Nola Anderson
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Dear Friends in the Finger Lakes District:
God is not finished with us yet! Years ago, I watched as my friend Noel threw wet clay onto the spinning wheel. With the increasing pressure of his hands, the lump slowly rose up from the surface and took on various shapes. I did not know what he was making. Was it going to become a cup, a plate or a bowl? He worked that clay higher and pushed it down lower repeatedly, adding water to keep it pliable. Only when he was satisfied with its outer shape did Noel push down from the top to create the empty cavity which would define its usefulness. This lump was becoming a beautiful vase. Once the potter was satisfied with its shape, he smoothed and decorated it with finishing tools and finally set it aside to dry before firing, glazing and firing again. It seemed a lot of work for a vase, but then again, how did I think vases were made?
We are the clay and God is the potter. We are all the work of God's hands (Isaiah 64:8). We are vessels of the earth, created out of dust (Genesis 2:7) by the master potter to hold valuable treasure (II Corinthians 4:7). Feel the pressure God uses to make you useful: pain, suffering, joy and love. Feel the water added just when you are at a breaking point. Don't reject the ways of the Master who knows His intended purpose for you even when you do not. Watch God decorate you uniquely with patterns of grace, beauty and poise so you are one-of-a-kind, ready to carry the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. And when you go into the kiln, endure the heat for the sake of God's design for you.
The current pandemic is affecting everyone, especially in the church, but God is not finished with us yet! The pain in our denomination continues yet another year of waiting, but God is not finished with us yet! Hunger and homelessness and even death continues around the world, but God is not finished with us yet! John writes "Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope purify themselves, just as he is pure." (I John 3:2-3) I believe we will soon worship together in person and embrace one another in Christian love, giving and receiving grace through the body of Christ. Until then, let us endure the process God is using, a process of pressure and pain and creation. Let us endure it with hope in our hearts. God is not finished with us yet!
As I begin my renewal leave in June, I commend to you Superintendent the Rev. Nola Anderson of the Crossroads District. Her office number is 315-898-2029. I have enjoyed serving among you and will cherish you in my heart for the work God has done in our midst these past six years. I will return in September to serve the Moutainview District.
In Christ, Jeff McDowell
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Farewell Zoom Meeting with DS
Wed. May 27 for all Clergy and lay Leaders 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. (your choice)
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DS SPECIAL NEWS: I will be taking a 3-month Renewal Leave beginning June 1. Every Superintendent is expected to do this during their term, for the good of the church. I will be assigned to the Mountainview District and southern tier regional team after that.
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Retirement Notice regarding District Administrative Assistant, Pam Deckard
I will be retiring from the district office position effective June 30, 2020. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with the pastors, churches, and all the saints in this district and beyond. I will miss you all. Sincerely, Pam
PS: See job application notice below
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Administrative Assistant Position Available
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church is currently seeking a part-time District Administrative Assistant for our district office located in Seneca Falls, NY. This is a part-time position for up to 29 hours per week. The person in this position must maintain good working relationships with staff members, attend quarterly District Administrative Assistant meetings either in person or via ZOOM, and is encouraged to attend the Annual Conference. This person should also foster and maintain good relationships with clergy, retirees, local church members, and collaborate with other District Administrative Assistants in the Conference.
The successful candidate will have a High School Diploma with vocational training preferred, three years' experience in a clerical position or equivalent and customer service experience, and experience with Microsoft office products.
Refer to the job description online at unyumc.org for a complete list of responsibilities and qualifications. Candidates must apply online and provide reference information. We provide competitive pay with excellent benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
For more information, contact: Tracy Rickett
315-898-2017
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Please
CLICK HERE for a list of the District Superintendents' assignments for the Finger Lakes District effective July 1, 2020.
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020
Postponed until October 3, 2020.
The Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference has been postponed due to concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. On October 3, 2020, there will be a one-day session to allow the necessary business of the Annual Conference, as outlined in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, to be cared for. In addition, the 2020 Clergy session will be held in the afternoon of Friday, October 2, 2020, followed by the Service of Commissioning and Ordination that evening.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference have the following appointment and retirement announcements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes
here.
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The Right Start workshop registration is now open and able to accept registrations.
This workshop will be held as a virtual workshop so please register so that they know who will be participating. Once you register details will be sent directly to you.
Attendance at the workshop is mandatory
for all full-time clergy who are moving to a new appointment, retirement or extension ministry. Less than full time clergy are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Workshops will be on ZOOM this year:
FOR CLERGY ONLY: May 19, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
FOR RETIREES: May 20, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Please CLICK HERE to register. Registration closes May 15th.
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Relief efforts from Wespath and the CBOPHB during the COVID-19 Crisis-Amendment to
Arrearage Policy Enforcement Delay. CLICK HERE for more information.
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Extension of the Blueprint for Wellness (BFW) and Health Quotient (HQ)
deadline to September 30, 2020.
These wellness screenings are for eligible participants as noted in the news article. Link below to the news article.
Tracy Rickett, PHR, SHRM-CP, CCWS
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FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT poster and information
On March 25, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a required notice for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). All employers covered by the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the FFCRA (i.e., certain public sector employers and private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees) are required to post the notice. The notice applies to current employees and new hires. The attached notice is for your information. CLICK HERE for poster to be displayed.
The notice is required to be posted by covered employers in a conspicuous place on its premises. An employer may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. You are not required to post this notice in other languages, but the Department of Labor is working to translate it into other languages.
Click here
to check the Wage and Hour Division's website for updates to the notice in other languages.
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New version of I-9 for all new hires at church
A new version of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form is available and is mandatory for use effective May 1, 2020. The new form is available
here
.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publishes a paper I-9 Form and an electronic, fillable I-9 Form. The new version of the paper form has no changes from the prior version.
The form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must properly complete the Form I-9 for each person they hire for employment in the U.S., including both citizens and noncitizens. New hires and employers, or their authorized representatives, must complete the form. Employers must retain the completed forms for a designated period and make them available for inspection when called to do so.
Click here
to learn about I-9 changes on the electronic form and documents new hires must present to establish identity and employment authorization.
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The Bishop has strongly encouraged the UNY Conference's local churches to continue to refrain from opening church buildings for in-person worship services through the end of May. Please follow the New York State Governor's instructions regarding phase 1 thru 4 guidelines and work with your region and county officials' direction when it is safe for our church buildings to be reopened. Phase 1 of the state's guidelines for reopening begins on May 15
th
which includes drive-in theaters and thus allows our churches to have drive-in worship only in the regions where permission has been granted by state officials to reopen. At the same time the church building is not open for use of restrooms and kitchen facilities.
Phase 4 reopening comes into effect at the very earliest six weeks later and after specific criteria are met (moving to each new phase may take longer than just two weeks) which would put us at the very end of June at the earliest when churches MIGHT BE granted permission for in-person worship, but this is to be determined. This is not a competition who is first to reopen. The bottom line is SAFETY first for those who come into your building. By next week, detailed guidelines for church reopening procedures will be shared on the UNY conference website. Please continue watching Conference communications, State, County and local government guidelines and information. Please note, that going through those guidelines and procedures properly, must satisfy your local government officials to allow you to have in person worship inside your church buildings. When we reopen, social distancing while wearing a mask will be a common practice as we begin and then needs to be evaluated as we progress.
Here is a webinar titled, "Road to Re-opening the UMC". May 13, 2020 12:58 PM, Meeting Recording:
Click here
. Access Password: UMC123!!
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Worship Service Available from the Conference
The Upper New York (UNY) Communications team has prepared a timely worship service video featuring the UNY Cabinet and other UNY leaders.
This video, entitled "No matter what, no matter when...God is" offers messages of hope and assurance during the COVID-19 pandemic in just under one hour. The video also includes uplifting worship songs with Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center staff member and singer Nairobi O. Smith. It can be used in place of your church's ordinary Sunday service in May. This video was put together in order to offer pastors and worship teams some well-deserved time off.
Click here
to access the video.
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UPDATED
Peace with Justice Sunday is June 7
UMC Giving has assembled a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday to your congregation on Sunday, June 7, 2020. This kit has everything you need to empower your congregation to give generously. You can post some of these resources on all your social media outlets. There are also downloadable materials and videos you can use on your church website.
In 2019, you gave $433,437 towards the ministries funded by the Peace with Justice Sunday offering. This offering supports Peace with Justice ministries in your annual conference through annual grants and is administered by your Conference
Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing.
Click here
to see all the promotional resources available for you to use.
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Chuck Knows Church: Things We Can Do
Chuck Knows Church is back! He's teaming up with #SeeAllThePeople to share a few simple ideas that your church can do to help your community during this time of crisis.
During these uncertain times, we may feel isolated from one another and experiencing a sense of aloneness, but we can still provide community in Christ and fellowship in the spirit.
Click here
to see Chuck Knows Church
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Part-time District Admin Assistant: Albany District
The Upper New York Conference is seeking a part-time District Administrative Assistant for the district office located in the Newtonville UMC in Latham, NY. This is a part-time position for up to 29 hours per week.
Click here for Job description and to apply
.
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(New)
Fact sheet from the Small Business Association
Attached is a FAQ from the Small Business Association that specifically allows faith based entities eligible for the PPP. CLICK HERE
(New)
More resources from the
General Council on Finance and Administration
The GCFA website has resources for churches related to the Payroll Protection Program as offered by the Small Business Administration. April 3rd is the first day churches can apply and there is a process to follow. Resources that answer frequently asked questions found on the GCFA site, which are updated constantly, will be the first place to answer general question about the program:
CLICK HERE
In addition, this video from Moses Kumar shares other resources loaded to the website and how to proceed with applying:
CLICK HERE
.
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Changes to Paid Family Leave in 2020
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.
CLICK HERE
for full report.
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The CARES Act may save churches during COVID-19
(This sent from Discipleship Ministries)
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Church Leaders,
When Congress passed legislation to help ease the health and economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our country, they also included $349 billion dollars to assist small businesses, including non-profits and churches.
The "Phase Three" bill - the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") - included a $349 billion loan program available to small businesses, including churches and other 501(3)(c) non-profits, to help them keep their employees on their payroll. What's unique about this loan is that if a church receives the loan and meets the requirements stated the loan may be forgivable.
Discipleship Ministries wants to help United Methodist churches be better prepared for this unique opportunity and has launched a web page which will be updated frequently:
The aid that the CARES Act provides might be the lifeline to congregations in need, perhaps even yours! We will share information as we receive it, but your direction should come after advice from your accountant, attorney or banker.
Applications will soon be available, and the loan fund will be dispersed on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
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Clarification on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources for the Upper New York Conference, has
shared additional resources related to the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act.
February 15 - June 30, 2020 is the period in which employers can apply for the loan. If any employee status changes were made, the employer also has until June 30th to re-hire to
"restore FTE and salary levels for any changes made between February 15 and April 26, 2020..."
The eight weeks after the loan amount is received is the period the lender uses to determine
how much of the loan will be forgiven (by looking at the employers' documentation showing
what they spent the money on).
Applications will be accepted beginning April 3, 2020. The loan must be obtained before
June 30, 2020. Once you obtain the loan, you have eight weeks to incur and pay for expenses eligible for forgiveness.
Please
click here
to download a Paycheck Protection Program fact sheet from the U.S.
Department of Treasury. The fact sheet also is available by
clicking here.
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New issue of the Advocate available
The 2020 Issue 2 of the Advocate focuses on "Being the hands and feet of Jesus." In this issue, you will find inspiring stories of local, national, and international mission work. From medical mission work to disaster relief, this issue will familiarize you of the wide array of opportunities available to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
This issue also points to several inspiring videos created by the UNY Communications Team and provides information on how you can become involved in different types of mission work.
This issue is one of our e-issues, meaning that it is only available digitally.
Click here
to read or download this issue of the Advocate
on the Conference website
.
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On-Line Giving to Your Church!
Is your church worried about whether your members will continue giving during the COVID-19 pandemic? In addition to having checks sent to your church, you may want to consider implementing an online giving option for your church members.
The UNY Communications Ministry Area has researched different online giving platforms, designed for nonprofits and churches, for you. Click here to review different options for you to consider.
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NEW UNY Summer Camp 2020 has been suspended
The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a very challenging decision for the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (UNY CRM) lead team. After consultation with the Upper New York Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries and after several meetings with experts in the medical and camping fields, the UNY CRM lead team has decided to suspend all UNY-hosted summer programs at each of the CRM sites:
Aldersgate
,
Asbury
,
Casowasco
,
Sky Lake
, and
Skye Farm
While this is disappointing news for campers, parents, volunteers, and staff (including the lead team), safety is our top priority.
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Ministries Continue on Facebook for UNY Camp & Retreat Centers
It's amazing what can be done using Facebook as a tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upper New York Camp & Retreat ministry is reaching thousands through Facebook.
Check out
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center's Facebook page
for scenic virtual hikes on the camp property at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On their Facebook page, you can also attend virtual Fireside chats with Director Matt Williams on Sunday evenings as he shares uplifting prayers and songs.
Stay tuned for plans that will unfold on
Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center's Facebook page.
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Horizon Stewardship COVID-19 resources
The Upper New York Conference Center has been posting resources on our website's
resource page
to help your church effectively continue to minister to your congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to our resource page, we feel that you will find Horizons Stewardship's resource page tremendously useful as well. On carefully curated resource page, you will find "Resilient Leadership Email Series," webinars, public health information, and links to several resources on all topics ranging from prayers for COVID-19 to staying emotionally healthy during this difficult time.
Click here
for dozens of helpful and inspiring resources in Horizon Stewardship's library.
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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) information. (also new number for 2020)
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Safe Sanctuaries: Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings
As we are all experiencing new ways of doing ministry during this pandemic, our Worship has changed as has our engagement with our children, youth and vulnerable adults. Many of us are utilizing online tools like zoom to vary on with our ministries.
Attached is an article of ways we are able to keep our children, youth and vulnerable adults safe during thing this time. We hope you will find it useful.
Click here for the link.
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United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) is offering its annual Northeastern Jurisdiction Mission Academy in an online webinar format throughout May and June 2020.
Click here
for the full calendar of courses. All courses are free. Donations are welcomed to UMVIM and its partners offering these courses.
UMVIM connected with Global Ministries, UMCOR, Church & Society and community partners like New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) to offer several of the courses. The others are being offered by leaders within the Northeastern Jurisdiction.
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SAVE THE DATE
United Methodist Men at the Ballpark
We have contracted with the Syracuse Mets for 6:35PM,
Tuesday, June 16th to be our annual UMC fellowship night, where the home town team will face the Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins' affiliate). Last year we had nearly four hundred United Methodists attend, representing about thirty area churches. The greater Watertown, Utica, Binghamton and Cayuga County areas were well represented! The tailgate party in the parking lot will start at 4:30, and complimentary hot dogs and coneys provided by the Crossroads District United Methodist Men sponsor will be grilled.
As in past years, the Syracuse Mets will allow us to have the ceremonial First Pitch (chosen person still to be determined), and have our group then sing the National Anthem back to the crowd, while at Home Plate.
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NEW
- The 2021 UNY Budget information published
A hardcopy of the Upper New York (UNY) Narrative Budget Booklet has taken on a new format that will allow for multi-year use.
Click here
for the proposed Ministry Shares budget numbers for 2021.
Click here
to review the Narrative Budget Booklet electronically and to read some reports that some ministry areas submitted to support their 2021 UNY Conference Budget.
For hardcopies of the Narrative Budget Booklet, contact your District Office or email
[email protected]
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If you would like to subscribe to this e-newsletter, please send your email address to:
[email protected]
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Finger Lakes District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Jeffrey McDowell
,
District Superintendent
Pam Deckard,
Administrative Assistant
12 North Park St., Suite 11
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Office: 315-781-0188 efax: +1-315-282-2367
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