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Adirondack District and Conference News
August 24, 2022
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“It always seems impossible until it's done." -- Nelson Mandela | | |
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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West Fort Ann church reaches out
The West Fort Ann Youth Group held a school supply drive. They were able to assemble 24 back packs and extra supplies to be donated to those who are in need. Back packs were delivered to a local food pantry and to the Fort Ann School.
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The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated its website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section are listed six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Please hold the family of Shirley Drake Byers in your prayers. Shirley died Aug. 4 at her home. She was the wife of Rev. Carl J. Byers, who served several churches in the Troy Annual Conference, including Chestertown, Pottersville and Nassau, among others. He retired in 1992, and died in 2001. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Broadalbin UMC, 65 N. Main St., Broadalbin. To read her obituary, click here.Cards of condolence can be sent to Shirley's daughter Deb Byers at 2 Belle Ave., Troy, NY 12180.
Please keep family and friends of Rosemary Beavers in your prayers. Rosemary, 95, died on Aug. 19. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Thurman Beavers, who served several Upper New York churches, including Grace UMC in Nassau, Christ UMC in Johnsonville, Eagle Bridge, South Cambridge, Amsterdam and Glens Falls, and others in the former Troy Conference. A graveside service will be held on Aug. 28 beginning at 1 p.m. at Easton Rural Cemetery, located at 227 Meeting House Road in Valley Falls, NY. Condolences can be sent to Rosemary’s son, Mark Beavers at 32 Grove Road, Schaghticoke, NY 12154. Click here to read Rosemary’s full obituary.
A joy! Pastor Paul Sweet (Christ Church UMC, Troy) will be back in the pulpit on Sept. 4. Paul sustained serious injuries in an accident in May. He is still recuperating, but making good progress.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Please note!
The UNY Conference website has been down for a couple of days. The Weekly Digest is not being sent today due to the instability of the site. We take several articles from the Digest each week, so there won’t be as much “new” news this week. The site did come back up, but now it's down again. Many of the links in this newsletter won't work as long as the site is down. Thank you for your patience.
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Church conference forms available
The 2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, and more.
2023 Pastor's Compensation information is not yet available.
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Skye Farm Fall Family Weekends
Skye Farm Camp in Warrensburg will host Fall Family Weekends in September and October. Stay in one of their lodges or cabins. Available weekends are: Sept. 16-18; Sept. 23-25; Sept. 30-Oct. 2; Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23. Contact site director Robyn Vernon to make reservations or for more information. Her email is robynvernon@unyumc.org or call (518) 494-7170. Visit their Facebook Page by clicking here.
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Upcoming webinar:
Finishing Strong in the 4th Quarter
Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM
The last three months of the year are crucial in funding ministry and mission. Funding ministry concerns more than meeting the budget; it’s about whether your church will have the strength and confidence to meet the challenges of ministry in the coming year! In these days of COVID uneasiness and uncertain economy, an emphasis on the joy of generosity can be the key to helping your congregation step into the future with confidence. Join Rev. Ken Sloane, Director, Stewardship & Generosity, as we share ideas on how we might end strong!
To read more and for additional articles on stewardship and other subjects, click here.
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New presentation resource: We are the church. Together
Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.
To view the presentation,click here.
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Pray, bless, support: Ideas and aids for
back-to-school ministry
Students and teachers across the United States will soon be returning to the classroom. As preparations for the back-to-school procession begin, United Methodist congregations will be blessing backpacks, collecting and distributing school supplies, hosting seasonal events, offering support for teachers and other staff and beginning or continuing partnerships with schools.
Here’s a quick look at what some congregations are planning – and a list of some of the resources United Methodist general agencies and others are providing to support your ministry.
To read more, click here.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program
for Lay and Clergy
Registration deadline: Sept. 1
What is it? Tending the Soul is a program designed to train individuals in Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation.
The two-year training program offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings. The training includes home-based reading and reflection, experiential learning, and attention to the practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants will receive guidance in discerning their sense of giftedness and call to one-on-one spiritual direction and congregational direction and formation.
Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
Click here for more information.
Click here for a glimpse of the most recent training and the lives that were transformed.
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Applications are now open for
2022 Mustard Seed Migration Grants
Every day, thousands of people flee their homes in search of a better life for their families.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grants, inspired by the well-known parable, are available to provide up to 50 congregations in the United States with up to $2,000 in funding to support one-time, community-based projects that assist refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented persons and migrants of all types.
Applications will be accepted at any time prior to the Sept. 1, 2022 deadline, and will be reviewed and processed within a month of receipt. Churches receiving grants in 2021 are not eligible for the 2022 program (review 2021 list here).
For information on the application process, including selection criteria, click here.
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United Methodist Men's Retreat Sept. 9-10 @ Casowasco | |
Grants for Accessibility/Inclusion
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Grant applications being accepted
Applications are being accepted for three grant programs operated by United Methodist Church and Society. The deadline is Sept. 16 to apply for Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day and Peace with Justice grants, which range from $2,000 to $5,000. Applicants must be a United Methodist church, district, conference or other affiliated organization, or an ecumenical group or organization with a formal partnership with The United Methodist Church.
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Grants available to help strengthen the ethnic local church
Discipleship Ministries is pleased to offer the Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns (RELCC) Grant, which provides funding to support the ethnic local church through leadership training, small groups, worship, stewardship, and spiritual formation as it engages in developing disciple-making systems inside the church walls and in the community.
Applications are due September 10, 2022.
Two grants per jurisdiction, of up to $10,000 each, are available. Please click the link below to see eligibility criteria and apply.
Priority will be given to new programs/ministries that move churches to places where disciples are formed, grow, and make new disciples of Jesus Christ who will transform the world.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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5 ways to encourage people to increase their giving
Stewardship expert Rev. Charles Cloughen Jr. outlines five proven strategies to help people grow in giving and strive toward the tithe. Key factors include helping your givers see an increase as reasonable and doable by asking for a specific amount and leveraging the power of relationships through a personal ask and thank you.
To learn more, click here.
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Does your church truly embrace children or merely tolerate them?
Sam Rainer says that families visiting your church know instinctively whether you sincerely welcome the presence of their children or just tolerate them. He outlines six perspectives and practices that signal to families that their children are truly valued, welcomed, and included.
To learn more, click here.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant courses
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries continues to offer the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey.
Here are upcoming courses:
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Thursdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: For the Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Oct., 4, 11, 20, 24, 27: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays, Nov. 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
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New Director of Lay Servant Ministries - Albany District:
Leading, Caring, Communicating
After serving 5 1/2 years as Director of Lay Servant Ministries for the Albany District, Nancy Goddard, Certified Lay Minister, has stepped down. We thank Nancy for her caring, leadership and disciplined attention to the Lay Servant Ministries program. The new Director of Lay Servant Ministries is Darlene V. Suto, Certified Lay Speaker, and a member of the Lay Servant Ministries team. Darlene is a member of Hope UMC in Brunswick and serves as the Lay Leader and Lay Member to Conference. She has been involved in Lay Servant Ministries since 2000. We are so thankful that Darlene gave this prayerful consideration, and agreed to serve in this way. You can reach Darlene at DarleneAnne01@gmail.com or at (518) 495-2248.
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Albany District Lay Servant Ministries
Please note that all sessions of a course must be attended to receive a Certificate of Completion!
Please note: For more detailed descriptions, click here.
(New) Introduction to Lay Ministry: The Basic Course
Thursdays,Sept. 8, 15 and 22; Oct. 6, 13 and 20
6 PM to 8 PM
Mechanicville UMC parsonage (148 S. 2nd Ave., Mechanicville)
Contact facilitator Pastor Brenda Tompkins at bmtompkins6@hotmail.com
bmtompkins6@hotmail.com for a registration form.
Transforming Evangelism
Saturdays, September 10 and September 17 via Zoom
9 AM to 2:30 PM
Contact Facilitator: Rita Pickett vrlenprita@aol.com for a registration form.
Course Fee: $10
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage – Required Lay Speaker Course)
Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 via Zoom
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Contact Facilitator: Bruce France bfrance@nycap.rr.com for a registration form.
Course Fee: $10
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Lay Servant Courses Offered Around the Conference
Click here to find out when, where and how you can sign up for a lay servant course that you need or are interested in taking. This link connects you to all the Districts in UNY Conference that are offering courses.
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Dates for Adirondack Church Conferences announced:
We hope to see you there!
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We are entering the season when we gather for Church Conferences. Each year as we gather for these required meetings, we try to bring a focus that will move ministry forward in a meaningful way. This year, our focus will be on increasing discipleship through collaboration, so most of our Church Conferences will be held jointly with other congregations.
Much of the required business we will do will have been considered by the appropriate teams in the congregation before we gather for formal approval at the Church Conference, leaving time to have some meaningful time to vision together and/or to move forward with collaboration that is already taking place. I look forward to seeing how God might be at work among us in this way.
There are two formats of the schedule:
The schedule has already been shared with your pastor or other leader of your congregation. I hope as many as possible will be able to attend.
Blessings!
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl,
District Superintendent
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Register now for the
2022 UNY Annual Conference
Registration is now open for the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held virtually Oct. 6-8. Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, click here and complete the form.
All eligible voting members must preregister to be able to participate and vote. Registrations cannot be accepted after Sept. 16 due to online voting.
This year, there is a small registration fee to help cover the cost of virtual meeting support and voting.
Several offerings will be collected this year, including the Clergy Care Fund, Helping Hands Fund, UNY Mission Central HUB, Mission of Peace, and New Faith Communities. To learn more about these offerings and to make a donation visit the information page, click here.
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000.
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Distribute UMCOR School Kits locally this month
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a public school district, your efforts can have an immediate impact while also having the added benefit of connecting your church to the wider community.
Before you deliver the school supplies to your organization of choice, please send the UNY Mission Engagement team a picture of your collection. Please also include how much you collected so we can celebrate your ministry and keep track of the impact our churches are making across the Conference. You can email any pictures and information to Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.
UMCOR recently discontinued its School Kit program and replaced them with Menstrual Hygiene Kits. This means that the HUB will no longer be collecting school supplies and is excited to add the Menstrual Hygiene Kits to the other ongoing UMCOR ministries including Flood Buckets and Hygiene Kits. If your congregation is interested in assembling Menstrual Kits, we encourage you to address the local need in your community by donating the kits first to organizations like high schools, homeless shelters, and food pantries. After you have addressed your local need, we will gladly accept any extra.
Click here for more information about Menstrual Kits.
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Zoom book study
begins Sept. 12 OR Sept. 14
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Plattsburgh United Methodist Church will be offering a Fall Zoom Book Study: Brian McLaren's "Do I Stay Christian?" It will begin the week of Sept. 12 (Monday) OR Sept. 14 (Wednesday). If you plan to join us, please register with Rev. Sally White at Pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com, and let her know if you prefer the Monday 7 PM PM study or the Wednesday 1 PM study. You will need to purchase the book.
Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for.
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In-person book study begins
Sept. 15 at Plattsburgh UMC
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An in-person book study, "Saving Jesus Redux," begins @ 7 PM Thursday, Sept. 15 and runs Thursdays @ 7 PM through Dec. 15 at the at Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. To register, contact Rev. Phil Richards @ pastorphils@gmail.com
Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and discarded by the Secular Left? Saving Jesus Redux is a small group exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. New contributors including Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, and Robin Meyers join Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today.
“We’re having a culture war and Jesus happens to be one of the weapons tossed about by both sides.” — Amy-Jill Levine
The 12-session program includes a downloadable/printable participant reader guide and a facilitator guide with discussion questions. The basic format for each 90-minute session includes conversation around the readings, a 30-minute video segment and guided discussion.
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Save the date!
Fourth District Day
to be held Oct. 22 at
Saratoga Springs UMC
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The Adirondack and Albany District Day, "Informed to Transform,"
will be held from 8:30 AM to 3 PM Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs.
A variety of workshops and discussions will be offered.
More details will be shared later this summer.
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Church's part of BSA bankruptcy approved
United Methodist leaders greeted with cautious optimism a judge’s partial approval of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan. The denomination’s $30 million commitment to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse gained the judge’s OK in a lengthy ruling issued July 29. Sam Hodges reports.
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Looking ahead:
Red Bird Mission collection
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We are in the planning stages for this year's collection of shoeboxes and other items for the Red Bird Mission. We are looking for drop-off sites in the various districts where various churches could drop off their shoeboxes and/or other items that are going to the Red Bird Mission. We are looking for sites from Oct. 16 through Nov. 16. The trip is planned for Nov. 28 with the packing of the trucks on Saturday, Nov. 26.
The need for shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies, backpacks, new blankets and sheet sets and diapers are in great need this year. The need for used clothing is not a critical need at this time as their warehouse is full. We will still take new clothes as they can be used at the Community Outreach Center for distribution. If your church can serve as a drop off site, please send an email to Dalexander4@stny.rr.com with a cc: to adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org, so a list can be made available in our future emails.
One church has responded: Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway from 9 AM to Noon Monday through Thursday. Please call Ronna Woodhams if you can't make it during those hours (518) 793-1152.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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Leadership training at
Church of the Resurrection
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Looking for leadership training this fall? The Church of the Resurrection (Rev. Adam Hamilton’s church) is hosting their in-person or online Leadership Institute, a conference designed to equip, encourage, and inspire ministry leaders like you from all over the country and around the globe.
This conference will take place Sept. 28-30, 2022.
You’ll experience:
· meaningful worship
· eight powerful keynote speakers
· time for prayer, reflection, networking, team building, and more
Add the Pre-Institute option to your in-person Leadership Institute experience and choose from over 40 breakout sessions focused on specific ministry topics with practical ideas you can take back and adapt to your context regardless of your church’s size.
Click here to learn more.
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Justice in Israel–Palestine: Travel for Awareness through
the Gary Bergh Scholarship
The Gary Bergh Scholarship is offered especially to youth and young adults for travel to Palestine-Israel to witness the need and hear possible solutions toward justice, peace, and security for ALL in the Holy Land. This scholarship, a Conference Advance Special, (#932) is offered by the UNY Task Force on Peace w/ Justice in Palestine/ Israel (co-chaired by Linda Bergh: 315-492-8507 and Karen Peterson: 607-739-3141). It has enabled young adults and clergy to join “justice-seeking” delegations almost yearly since 2010.
This year, the UNY Task Force is offering two or three sizable scholarships to enable young adults to see for themselves the effects of Israel's military occupation of Palestinian lands (the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza,) the demolition of Palestinian homes and mistreatment of Palestinian children.
Click here to learn more about the scholarship and to read eye-witness accounts of UNY travelers to Palestine.
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UNY 2023 Ministry Share budget posted
The Upper New York Conference 2023 Ministry Share budget, is now available. The budget will be voted on at the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference, which is scheduled to be held June 2-4 at the SRC Arena in Syracuse. Click here to view the budget
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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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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.
The Global Methodist Church launched 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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Holy Land Trip 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: andmcand@hotmail.com, 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: pastoraliciawood@gmail.com, 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
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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 tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry | Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! | |
From the Conference Center | | |
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time year-round Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
· Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist.
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a free, downloadable 45-page discussion guide tied to the #BeUMC campaign? This is a great resource for your Sunday School class, Bible study, or small group to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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from United Methodist Communications
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Fall is the perfect time to invite people back to church and celebrate back-to-school time with customized banners, yard signs, sandwich board signs, postcards, invitation cards and more. Use coupon code UMCFA22 for $300 worth of free resources.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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