Mohawk District E-newsletter for Churches and Pastors
April 21, 2021
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Clergy are Expected
to Attend
Annual Conference
If you are a clergy person, you are expected to attend the entire virtual Annual Conference. If you have a significant emergency or health concern that prevents you from doing so, you are asked to fill out the Excused Form and send it to the Bishop. Please note, do not schedule weddings or vacations during the dates of Annual Conference, June 17-19. Registration deadline is June 1.
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District Prayer Focus
Week of April 25
Pratts Hollow UMC
and
Bob Taylor
Prospect: Park
and
David Hedeen
the 2020-21 Prayer Calendar
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District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the news-letter, send us your email address. To submit news
for this publication, send it a minimum of eight days in advance to:
To catch up on past e-newsletters visit the Conference website at:
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The District Office is closed April 26 - 30 for staff time off. |
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Becoming Informed to Transform |
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“….all were united in their devotion to prayer….
suddenly a sound from heaven …filled the entire house”
(Acts 1:14 & 2:2 CEB)
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WHAT: Transforming Church Leadership to Transform Lives
WHO: Church Leadership Teams covenanting to work together for 12 months
WHY: To prepare to lead the church into its revival
WHEN: 3 phases Orientation Meeting May 4th - 8 p.m. via Zoom
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May 11 - July 27, 2021, Zoom Bi-weekly, Tuesdays 6 - 8 p.m.
- September – December 2021
January - June 2022 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 attends: Clergy and lay representatives to the Annual Conference Session
When is Annual Conference: June 17-19, 2021
Where will Annual Conference Take Place: Virtually
Deadline: June 1, 2021
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If you are unable to register online for Annual Conference, contact Erica Wentworth,
Upper New York Conference, 315-898-2004, ericawentworth@unyumc.org .
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Pre-Conference Training Slated for May
There will be a technology presentation and tutorial for the technology platform, Good News TV, that will be utilized at Annual Conference. A preview of the agenda, as well as questions and answers, will round out the training. Please choose one session and plan to attend.
- May 8; 11 a.m.
- May 13; 6-8 p.m.
- May 20; 9-11 a.m.
Zoom links will be made available on the UNY Conference website and via email in advance of the session dates.
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UMM Annual Spring Retreat Overnight at Camp Aldersgate |
The Conference United Methodist Men wish to invite men from your district to our annual Spring Retreat, which takes place at Camp Aldersgate.
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This link provides information on how attendees will be protected to safely enjoy the retreat while at camp, and this link is from the Center for Disease Control and Protection. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival and again Saturday. Please plan to wear a mask throughout the retreat, except when eating and sleeping. Hand sanitizer is provided and its use is encouraged.
WHEN: Friday, April 30th- Saturday, May 1st
TIME: 4 p.m. Friday - 3 p.m. Saturday
To help us promote this annual event, there is a descriptive flier available on our www.unyumm.org website. Click here for information or to register. Any questions, contact our Conference President, Mark Jones, at 315-749-3700.
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Fraudulent Unemployment Claims |
This article was provided by the UNY Conference Human Resources Department to assist the local churches. |
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The Upper NY Conference office has seen an increase in fraudulent unemployment claims for conference staff. We have received a few calls from churches who participate in unemployment insurance that they have as well.
Please note: Churches are not required to participate in unemployment insurance but some voluntarily do for their lay staff.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A FRAUDULENT CLAIM?
- If the church, as the employer, receives documentation from the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) about a claim being filed, contact the employee and ask if they filed the claim.
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If the employee did not file a claim, advise the employee to contact the Department of Labor https://dol.ny.gov/report-fraud and tell them there was a fraudulent unemployment claim filed in their name.
- If you (the church employer) verbally spoke to your employee, it is prudent to follow up with the employee with the guidance you verbally provided.
- DO NOT IGNORE IT
- Filing a report is very important because the documentation we are receiving include the employee’s name, address, wage information, and social security number (potential identity theft).
- Filing a fraud report with the state will ensure nothing is paid out under the church’s account.
- Reporting it also includes clear steps on how to proactively protect the employee from identify theft, including getting set up for free credit monitoring.
- If you receive any documentation about a fraudulent unemployment claim, please report it to the DOL and your employer right away.
If you have questions on unemployment, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.og.
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Two-day Workshop:
Developing and Maintaining
An Outward Heartset & Mindset
Our Objective:
To help the people in our churches and communities to see themselves and every human being as a beloved child of God in order to be better prepared to be part of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We invite teams, individuals, lay & clergy leadership to participate in a workshop that brings us to a renewed awareness of ways to use deeper insight to strengthen relationships and ministry.
Many have commented that this workshop has reawakened their God-given longing to genuinely appreciate, support, and learn from all, so that we are better able to be in ministry together.
The workshop is 6 to 9 PM, Friday, May 7, and 9 AM to Noon, and 1 to 4 PM, Saturday, May 8. The cost is $130 for materials; some scholarship assistance is available.
or (518) 608-1246. She will send you the ZOOM links when you register.
Workshop Leaders: Rev. Bill Mudge and Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
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COVID Guidelines for Churches |
Some churches are wondering about changes in Guidelines for Churches. Here are the links. You may want to hang on to these links to review periodically.
and
New York State Forward:
(Summary)
and
(details and required affirmation)
New York State Wedding Guidelines
(updated 3-15-21):
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Virtual Fundraiser for
The Neighborhood Center--
Annual Gala DiMistero
"Once Upon a Night"
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A virtual event May 14 -21, with a live finale May 21. Tickets are $125 + shipping cost for non-local participants. Each participating household receives a mystery box with special gifts and
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magical clues. Local participants receive a second box on May 21 with appetizers and beverages for two. Those out-of-town participants are asked to include shipping cost for their mystery box. The deadline to sign up online is May 13.
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General Commission On Religion and Race of the UMC
Offers Online Course on Implicit Bias
Have you taken the Implicit Bias online course? A facilitator's guide will be available to serve as a supplement to the self-directed online course. Sign up to get notification of the launch here.
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The “Connect with Us” Academy for Continuing Education & 2021 Course Topics
(from ALPS-MTH Course of Study Extension School
in partnership with Union College and Annual Conferences)
The “Connect with Us” Academy is funded by a Magee Christian Education Foundation grant, Academy partners, and through clergy participation. The Academy will develop, offer, and sustain high-quality continuing education courses and fellowship opportunities. The Academy was designed by the ALPS-MTH Alumni Advisory Committee, Union College, Annual Conferences, local pastors, who completed Course of Study and ACOS, and ordained clergy.
Check out some of the upcoming courses:
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Rebuilding and Positioning the Church - led by Rev. Dr. Ken Ramsey Course is offered in June 2021.
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Top 5 Ways to Understand and Utilize Wesleyan Theology in the Practice of Ministry Today- led by Rev. Dr. Rex Kaney Course is offered in August, 2021
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Combating Ministry Burnout During the Pandemic and the Digital Age - led by Rev. Paul Walles Course is offered May and August 2021
See the flyer for complete course listings: Click here
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Would Your Church Like to Host a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic? |
The Oneida County Health Department is asking churches in Oneida County to host vaccine clinics at your facility. |
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Such clinics would be open to members of your local church, neighbors and family members. Possibly the clinic could be made into a public clinic. If your church is interested in this opportunity, please survey your church people and connections to see how many people would like to be vaccinated. Simply estimating a number you believe might want a shot is not what the health department is asking you to do. They would like a count.
Once you have a count, contact Megan Graziano, 315-798-5882, at the Oneida County Health Department to arrange a visit to your site and to let you know if the health department approves it and will do a clinic at your church.
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Faith Leaders Lunch and Learn Resumes in Utica Area
The Good News Center and our partners at Center for Family Life and Recovery, Samaritan Counseling and Herkimer County Catholic Charities are planning for a new season of Faith Leaders Lunch and Learns. We know that the past twelve months have been more than challenging. We have tentatively set the date of June 10 at 1 PM for our first Lunch and Learn of the season. The topic will be announced soon.
Thank you for all you do in your faith communities.
Judy Hauck
Executive Director
The Good News Center
10475 Cosby Manor Road
Utica, NY 13502
(315)735-6210 ext 231
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Help Mohawk District Reach 100% Complete
The Local Church Annual Audit was due in March. There are about 67% of churches who have completed this necessary process. Thank you very much to the churches for this work.
For the churches still working on their annual audit, please update us with your progress and when the audit might be expected. It is very important to the Bishop and Superintendent that these be done.
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Pastor Area Connect Groups |
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Southeast PAC: First Tues. (May 4) each month, 6:45 p.m., via Zoom:
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West PAC: NEW: Tues., April 27, 4 p.m., via Zoom
Call in #: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID #: 960 9287 5642
East PAC: Thurs., May 6th, 7 p.m., via Zoom
North PAC: First (May 6) and third Thurs. each month, 10 a.m.,
via Zoom and in person in the mudroom Cafe at Centerpoint Church in Barneveld. For those who would like the Zoom link to call in, please email Pastor Wayne Clemens, bclemens@twcny.rr.com
Please let the District Office know if you need help connected to a PAC group.
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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.
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Basic Lay Servant
6-9 p.m., Thursdays, May 13 and 27; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 29; and 6-9 p.m., Monday, June 7.
Zoom. Course Fee: $15. Students must purchase, “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.” To register, email adschmidt@nycap.rr.com.
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
6-9 p.m., Mondays. June 14 and 21; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 26; and 6-9 p.m., Thursday, July 1. ZOOM: Course Fee: $15. Students must purchase, “Each One a Minister” by William J. Carter. To register, email adschmidt@nycap.rr.com.
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. Students must purchase, “Worshiping with United Methodists” (revised) Hoyt Hickman. To register, email adschmidt@nycap.rr.com.
Advanced Course: Polity
6-9 p.m., Tuesdays, August 17, 24 and 31; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, August 28. ZOOM: Course Fee: $15. "The Method of Our Mission" By Laceye C. Warner. To register, email adschmidt@nycap.rr.com.
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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.
**The District Office is closed April 26 - 30 for staff time off.
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