May 6th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
|
|
Note: The District Office is open by appointment only.
|
|
Please note - Much of the information in our past newsletters has been repeated, as there are resources that you can continue to use. We will no longer be repeating already posted information that is not critical ( based on deadlines) ! If you want information from our past newsletter you can access them on our conference based website at : https://www.unyumc.org/district/oneonta or you may contact Teresa at the district office.
|
|
Nancy’s Notes - #25
Dear Friends,
There are a couple of important topics I want to share with you today. The first thing I wish to share is a communication from our Regional Operational Team (ROT), regarding plans for every congregation to have a “check-up” within the next couple of years. This is an effort to revitalize – not close churches. It is true that a congregation’s next faithful step may be to close, but this will be the exception – not the rule. PLEASE read the article below.
Secondly, I wanted to make sure you are aware of the updates about Covid pre-cautions, also elsewhere in this newsletter. Beginning on May 19th, the use of pew Bibles and hymnals can be restored, but sanitize your hands afterwards. Social distancing of 6 feet and mask-wearing is still required, and the indoor capacity is capped at 250. You can sing if you are 12 feet away from the next person near you. These are all positive signs! Again, please read the more detailed article in this newsletter. Remember that it is not proper to ask someone whether or not they have been vaccinated.
Covid has not yet been defeated, but there is much to be thankful and hope-filled for. The greatest source of our hope, of course, is Jesus. No matter our situation, Jesus is our hope, our strength, our life, our Savior, our Lord.
Blessings and peace!
Rejoicing in the Risen Christ and With You in the Journey,
Nancy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Southern Tier Regional Operational Team (ROT)
Many people go to the doctor every year to get a checkup. Many people also bring their cars or trucks to a mechanic periodically to get a checkup or a tune-up. Getting maintenance or getting things checked is a pretty standard reality for many things. What about our churches though? When is the last time that your church got a “checkup” or a “tune-up”?
The Regional Operational Team (ROT) was created last summer to discover, develop, and deploy Christ-Following Transformational Leaders (CFTL’s), and is made up of a small team of clergy and lay persons from the Southern Tier Region, which comprises the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts of the Upper New York Conference. The team has discerned the need for ministry audit “check-ups,” and our goal is that every congregation in the Southern Tier Region will engage in this process by June 30, 2023.
It is no secret that many of our churches do not have the numbers, the giving, or the strength that they once had. Some of our churches have also struggled to have professions of faith in Jesus Christ, or to grow new ministries. The ROT is here to help, and your church can have a ministry audit! Below is the is the why, the how, and the what of the ROT church audit process.
Why? The goal is for every church to be as vital as possible in carrying out its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
How? By bringing into each church a small district team, using a simple, objective process to assess strengths, weaknesses, and challenges, in light of our common mission.
What? In a ninety-day (or less) process, each congregation will receive an objective assessment with change recommendations, and the basis to develop a ministry action plan for its future as a church. This process is to enable vitality, and not a vehicle to close churches, although for some, closure may be the next faithful step.
You are welcomed to contact your district office or your district superintendent to begin a church audit for your congregation! It is time we all had a “checkup!”
In Christ,
Rev. Paul D. Winkelman and Rev. Sean Chanthasone (Southern Tier ROT)
|
|
NEW- Updated church COVID-19 protocols
Starting May 19, New York State Governor Cuomo has stated that sanctuary capacity restrictions (i.e., set occupancy percentage) will no longer be required. Instead, sanctuary seating limits will be based on space available to maintain six-feet of social distance between individuals and/or households. Total sanctuary occupancy cannot exceed 250. Mask wearing while moving when entering, moving about, and exiting buildings is still required.
Additionally, outdoor worship limits will increase to 500 on May 10.
In terms of hymnals, Bibles, communion ware, and collection plates, limiting the sharing of these items remains the best practice. However, the CDC guidance indicates surfaces are not the primary way COVID is spread so using these items can be done with less risk if worshippers clean their hands before and after use.
To remain up-to-date on COVID-19 guidelines, be sure to check the Conference website by clicking here.
|
|
Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
|
|
Please Join us in Welcoming and saying Farewell |
|
Welcome:
-
Mary Rublee as a full elder to Norwich: Broad Street UMC effective July 1, 2021.
Delanson UMC welcomes Jongdeok Park as a full elder in addition to his current appointment at Esperance-Sloansville and Gallupville UMC’s effective July 1, 2021.
|
|
Farewell:
· Daniel Martin – Leaving Worcester & East Worcester – Appointed as a full-time local pastor to Moravia: Christ UMC effective July 1, 2021
· Donna Taylor Martin – Leaving Elm Park UMC – Appointed as a part time local pastor to Auburn UMC effective July 1, 2021.
· Rachel Dupont – Leaving Norwich- Broad St. – Appointed as a full elder to Asbury First UMC as minister of Christian Formation and director of the Discipleship Project effective July 1, 2021.
· Sylvia Barrett (Kevlin)–Retired, No longer at Milford UMC- eff. April 30, 2021
· Dale Schneeberger- No longer at Delanson UMC – Effective March 1, 2021
· Thanna Howell- Leaving Preston/ North Norwich UMCs – Effective July 1, 2021
· Eda Dorosky – Leaving Bainbridge/ Guilford UMCs – Effective July 1, 2021
|
|
12th SESSION of the UNY ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2021
Registration is now OPEN
WHEN: June 17-19, 2021
WHERE: Virtually
Registration Closes June 1st
|
|
2021 Annual Conference Fee's
- Active Clergy & Laity Registration Fee- $25
- Lay Member to Annual Conference- $25
- ALL Equalization Member- $10
- Youth Equalization Member- $10
|
|
Clergy That Need to be Excused from Annual Conference
If you are a clergy member seeking to be excused from the Annual Conference session, please click here and submit this form.
|
|
Equalization Members Needed - Apply Today!
Lay people who are not the Lay Member to AC Delegate for their churches are invited to consider serving as Equalization Members to the 2021 Annual Conference (June 17-19 online). Youth (ages 12-17), Young Adults (ages 18-30) and Adults are welcome to apply. click here for application. Contact your pastor or the District office for more information. We are still accepting applications for Oneonta district Lay Equalization members.
|
|
Pre-Conference Training Dates
If you are a clergy or lay delegate or EQ Member to the 2021 Annual Conference, it would be a good idea to pencil in one of the days below to attend a Pre-Conference training—the UNY Cabinet and the executive staff have secured different days and times for this training in hopes of accommodating as many people as possible to attend.
Choose one of the following dates and times:
May 8 - 9 - 11 am
May 13 - 6 - 8 pm
May 20 - 9 - 11 am
At these trainings, first, Dave Wood from GNTV (this year’s technology support) will offer a presentation and tutorial on how the platform will work for this year’s virtual conference.
GNTV has offered their services to many Conferences throughout the country and along with accolades and high recommendations, GNTV also received awards at the United Methodist Association of Communicators Awards gala.
This training will then move on to the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, UNY Director of Connectional Ministries and Executive Assistant to the Bishop, and other Conference leaders previewing the agenda of the 2021 Annual Conference. There will also be a time for questions and answers.
Zoom links will be posted on the Conference website and sent via email as the training gets closer.
|
|
2021 UNY Annual Conference offerings
The following five offerings will be collected at this year's Annual Conference:
- Mission of Peace
- Mission Central HUB
- New Faith Communities
- The Clergy Care Fund
- The Helping Hands Fund
|
|
Funding Our Mission
At the 2020 Annual Conference, Upper New York Annual Conference members requested reports from four Conference ministries, including Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM), Hispanic and Latino Ministries (HLM), District Operations (DO), and New Faith Communities (NFC) on details regarding their individual budgets and how money is being spent. Click here to view the report.
|
|
Click here to Watch the following videos to learn more about Robert's Rules, which is used at Annual Conference.
|
|
Join other youth from our area of the Upper New York Conference for a Work Day at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center on Saturday, May 22. Click here for details and a registration form.
|
|
Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30
Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30, please don’t forget this important giving opportunity – half of all the money donated in our Conference stays right here to support the ministries we are starting! Click here for resources for worship.
Last May, the Social Holiness Team awarded Niagara Frontier City Ministries a grant to help them support their work to provide masks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products to the underserved in their area around Buffalo and Niagara Falls. This area and especially the homeless population was particularly hard hit in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last November, the New York State Poor People's Campaign was awarded a grant to help with their podcast entitled Getting into Step. The goal of the podcast is to connect activists and spiritual leaders and provide training and support for those doing the work of this national movement.
|
|
UMCOR Disaster Relief Kits Update
From MaryBeth Ingalls, UNY Mission HUB
First, thanks to all churches for the support of this much needed mission, for thinking of people in need when a natural disaster wreaks havoc in a community. Disaster Relief Kits are a blessing to
many.
I love how the districts are working together, collecting supplies and/or kits in their churches to drop off here at the HUB. Being connected is so important - working together is the key to being the hands and feet of Jesus.
UMCOR frequently updates their supply lists as needed. I noticed when verifying the cleaning bucket kits, a few items were not specific to the current UMCOR list. For example, aerosol cans can expand in heat and cold causing the seal to break and/or explode, contaminating everything in the bucket. Gel air fresheners and insect wipes are better suited for long-term storage.
N95 masks are specific for mold and micro debris in the air when cleaning, regular dust masks are not. N95 masks are hard to find; if an organization cannot find them (or any item on the supply list), we have them here. We ask for a $1 donation per item missing to cover costs.
Please help us get the word out about the updated/current UMCOR supply lists:
Based on the updated UMCOR supply lists, we donate the items we are not able to use to other local nonprofits: SPCA, Humane Society, blessing bags, men's & women's shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc. Nothing goes to waste, believe me!
|
|
CCORR (Conference Commission on Religion and Race) currently has three Imagine No Racism 2.0 courses happening. CCORR hopes to continue to offer INR courses as they are requested. Typically, people have chosen to do six weekly sessions but planning the sessions is flexible. People looking for an INR group can email: bsmith@binghamton.edu. Clergy may receive 1 CEU and Lay Servant Ministries laity may receive advanced course credit.
|
|
New - Dismantling racism resource: United Methodist Women racial justice resource guide
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The UNY Conference Communications team will regularly share worship, advocacy, and educational resources to help with this important campaign.
This week we feature a comprehensive, 120-page guide prepared by United Methodist Women that shares a charter for racial justices, bible studies, worship service ideas, workshops, programs, and so much more. Click here for this phenomenal resource.
|
|
|
Lay Servant Ministry
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
|
|
FOR CERTIFIED SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINERS ONLY:
Zoom Review of Revised Trainers Manual and Final Curriculum
2 training opportunities:
(both sessions will be the same, please only sign up for one)
Tuesday, May 18th, 7pm-9pm
Wednesday, May 26th, 7pm-9pm
Please only choose one training date as they will provide the same information.
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team would like to thank all of you for your patience during the transition in this time of covid. As many of you know, we have now hosted three conference-wide online trainings. We feel we are ready to roll it out to you trainers to begin training this new curriculum in your local churches and districts.
- The Trainers’ Manual has been reformatted to accommodate virtual training.
- The curriculum has been finalized, taking into account many of your suggestions.
- With the assistance of 20 trainers, the SS Team has presented this training in the last 3 months (3 times) to approximately 200 participants. It has received great feedback from participants.
Communities are beginning to open up. Our churches are opening up, but we still need to be safe. As the conference Safe Sanctuaries Chairs, we recommend this training to be done via an online platform such as Zoom. However, if you wish to do a small group gathering of vaccinated individuals in person, PLEASE use THE NEW training manual to avoid sharing and touching props as used in the past. And just like anything else we do, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.
We want to allow SS trainers to be together again and begin offering this training to your District and/or local church.
We look forward to seeing you all in May. Thank you for your time and passion for keeping the children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe in our churches and our communities.
Pastor Christine Mitchell and Arlene Schmidt, CLM.
Co-Chairs of the UNYAC Safe Sanctuaries Conference
|
|
UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
May 11 - Love Thy Neighbor: Let's Get Busy With sustainable Actions: Part 2 Patricia Sanders Hall. Click here to register and for more information.
May 13 - Kay Kotan: Game Changers of the Post-Pandemic Church. Click here to register and for more information.
May 19 - Kevin Slimp: Developing Effective Communication to Grow Your Congregation. Click here to register and for more information.
May 25 - Charles Maynard: A Storyteller Looks at the Parables. Click here to register and for more information.
|
|
Camp & Retreat Ministries |
|
The Upper New York Camp and Retreat Ministry Area is excited to welcome back campers and guests for summer programs at all five of our sites. Safety precautions (including limiting capacity) will be in place to ensure the safety of all, as life-long memories are made in our fun and supportive environments.
Click here for more information on the programs being offered this summer, which is also where you will find the link to register. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
|
|
Join us for a time of contemplation and connection at Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center in May! We’ll gather outside and enjoy the beauty of Sky Lake as we consider what is blossoming in our world and in our life.
Clergy day: Thursday, May 20th 10am-3pm
Laity day: Thursday, May 27th 10am-3pm
Cost is $30, includes a hot lunch
We'll spend the majority of the day outdoors following all Covid-19 safety protocols. This event is co-sponsored by Sky Lake and Church in the Wild, a New Faith Community based at Sky Lake.
|
|
Click here for the May issue of the Media Resource Center newsletter!
|
|
Save the Date for the next Bishop’s Retreat
Due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Bishop's Retreat, originally scheduled for Oct. 20-22, 2020, at the Radisson Hotel in Corning, NY is being postponed until Sept. 27-29, 2022. It will also be held at the Radisson Hotel in Corning. The theme is, “Sharing Our Faith Boldly” and the keynote speaker is Debi Nixon, Executive Director of Development and ShareChurch at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Registration will open following the completion of the 2022 Annual Conference session.
|
|
This is a reminder that New York State employers (including churches) must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer’s sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer’s sexual harassment prevention policy.
Click here for a prior news article on the sexual harassment prevention policy requirements.
Sexual Harassment Free Training Available
The New York City Commission on Human Rights has developed a free online training that will satisfy both the New York State and New York City anti-sexual harassment training requirements. New York City's free online training is available here.
Please note that Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here for a previous news article with a helpful FAQ on this topic.
Click here for a previous news article on additional training options.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
|
|
Current and previous HealthFlex participants may be eligible to share BCBS Settlement Proceeds
Wespath will send an e-mail and an identical follow-up letter to current HealthFlex primary participants in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) network this week to inform them that some participants are eligible to share in the settlement proceeds stemming from a class-action lawsuit against the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). The proposed settlement agreement includes a fund of approximately $1.9 billion after attorneys' fees, administration expenses and other costs.
This class action lawsuit may also pertain to retirees.
BCBSA is the national association of 35 independent, locally-operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. BCBSIL, one of HealthFlex's third-party administrators, is a member of the BCBSA. The lawsuit alleges that the BCBSA companies violated antitrust laws.
The e-mail and letter state that primary participants who were enrolled in HealthFlex's BCBSIL network between Sept. 1, 2015, and Oct. 16, 2020, are eligible to submit a claim to share in the settlement proceeds. Spouses and dependents covered through HealthFlex should not submit a claim related to their HealthFlex coverage.
To submit a claim, primary participants are instructed to either visit the settlement's official website (https://www.BCBSsettlement.com) or call JND Legal Administration (the settlement's court-appointed administrator) at 1-888-681-1142 to request a paper form. Those are also the best sources of information for participants who have questions.
|
|
2021 UNY Lottie Brown Scholarship recipients announced
Each year the Upper New York Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. This year’s recipients are Katie Allen, Nicole DelConte, Amethyst Gardner, Rachel John, Jonathon Smith, Samuel Smith, and Dakota Stott.
Click here to read about each of this year’s Lottie Brown Scholarship recipients.
|
|
Fraudulent Unemployment Claims
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. Click here for more information.
Please note: Churches are not required to participate in unemployment insurance but some voluntarily do for their lay staff.
|
|
Can churches require proof of vaccination for visitors at worship or a church event?
With vaccination eligibility available for so many now, a lot of New Yorker’s are starting to return to more regular participation in various activities as they are vaccinated. This includes going to church.
Accordingly, there are a lot of questions about if it is okay to require that visitors show proof of vaccination when attending church events, including weekly worship. Current legal guidance advises against requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination. Click here to learn why.
|
|
Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
|
|
Revised COVID Worship Guidelines
1. All other COVID protocols remain in place:
2. Social distancing of 6ft (12ft for singers are allowed).
3. Masks.
4. Disinfecting of hands, surfaces, and objects.
5. Based on current guidance from the NYS and CDC, vaccination status does not change the requirements stipulated in #1 and #2.
|
|
Free Discipleship Resources!
Download the latest free local church resources from Discipleship Ministries! Enjoy helpful how-to-booklets, webinars, and more all designed to support spiritual formation!
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts!
We all have a mixture of gifts that work together and give each of us a unique way to contribute to ministry.
Take the assessment to discover your primary and supporting gifts today!
|
|
Jason Moore’s follow-up workshop offered helpful tips to UNY clergy
This past Monday, Jason Moore offered an hour of follow-up on Zoom to recap the Zoom workshop he hosted in Dec. 2020, including what he has learned in the last four months on how to offer successful worship and engagement on digital platforms. There was also a time for questions from the 41 attendees. Click here to access this recording.
|
|
John Wesley’s health tips
United Methodists are indebted to John Wesley for his habits of study and discipline that enabled him to create the writings and teachings that became our denominational traditions. What may be less well known is that Wesley was also fascinated by the human body; he conducted many an experiment on himself, eventually leading to his development of over 800 remedies for 300 unique ailments, which he recorded in his volume, Primitive Physick.
One of Wesley’s remedies was for coughs; he suggested to, “make a hole through a lemon and fill it with honey. Roast it and catch the juice. Take a tea-spoonful of this frequently.”
Click here to discover a few more of John Wesley’s health tips.
|
|
For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
|
|
Lectio Divina revisited by Nancy Dibelius
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s latest spiritual discipline exploration.
|
|
Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
|
|
Intentional Discipleship Systems in a pandemic
Article by Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations,What it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate.
|
|
Self-care resources - Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
|
|
Reminder: Beware of Scam Emails with the Superintendent's name
Scammers are once again using the Superintendent's name and contact list to attempt to defraud others. The scammers set up a fake email account and made it appear that the sender of the email was Rev. Nancy Adams. If you receive emails like this and move your mouse over the name "Rev. Nancy Adams", you will see the false email address the scammers are using to try to fool you.
Rev. Adams doesn't use other email addresses or a gmail address to send you email. She will never ask you to send gift cards or money to her by clicking links in an email.
If you receive such emails in the future, you can hover over the supposed sender's name and the actual false email address will be visible. If it was sent from any other address than the ones above,
1.Block the sender
2.Delete the email.
3.Do not click on any links in the email or give them any of your information.
Be sure to look carefully in the future as scammers have targeted hers name and contacts. Don't let them fool you.
If you are unsure you should do something an email from the Superintendent is asking you to do, feel free to call the District Office and wait for a call back or send a separate, new email to Oneonta District, OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org . to make sure it is not legitimate.
But asking for money or gift cards is a clear sign of a scam.
Below is an additional article the UNY Conference shared to help you to avoid scam emails.
Please be aware of phishing attempts
Please be aware of scammers attempting to get personal information from you 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.
Click here for a good five-minute video clip on what to look for.
|
|
What Harm Can One Click Do...?
(Courtesy of UM Communications)
Email scams are an inevitable part of living in a digital age. The most deceptive appear as inquiries, warnings or attachments from a trusted friend, colleague or organization like your local church. In truth, imposters are tricking people to reveal contacts, confirm logins or reset personal information.
Has your information been harvested by a data breach? Use this tool to check. Prevent further data hijacking by minding these tips
|
|
How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
|
|
Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
|
|
Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
|
|
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
Rev. George Gallandorm- District Associate
|
|
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
All past District Newsletters can also be found at:
|
|
Mailing Address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
PO Box 668
64 Chestnut St. Oneonta NY 13820
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
