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Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
July 9, 2020
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'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.'
-- Mother Teresa
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246
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The District Office is open!
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246 to make an appointment.
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 608-1246 or
[email protected] or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or
[email protected]
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Prayers for Rev. Erik Smith, Retired and his wife Jane Smith. They are both experiencing serious health concerns. Cards of care and concern can be sent to the Smiths at 407 Stage Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
Joy: Pastor Carl Shepard is well and playing golf. GodSpeed.
Prayers for the District, Conference and the World as we move through this difficult and very uncertain times dealing with COVID-19.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers.
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob.
- Rev. Charlie Yang and his wife Euni.
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
- Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from a stroke and surgery
- Rev. David Smith and his parents who reside in Assisted Living.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 480-4866 or
[email protected] Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference release the final appointment list for 2020-2021. Click here to view the full list of changes.
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For eligible clergy
Register now for HealthFlex workshops this fall
The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange workshops this fall via Zoom, at various churches around the Conference. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants, under the age of 65, must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange.
Click here
to learn more about the HealthFlex Exchange and to register to one of the seven dates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Julie Valeski at (315) 898-2001 or
[email protected].
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This week's spiritual practice: Walking the labyrinth
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Rev. Nancy Dibelius
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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 with God during this difficult time.
This week, Rev. Dibelius guides us through the spiritual practice of Walking the Labyrinth. Click here to watch. In a labyrinth, the path leads to the center when you can be one with God, and then back to the outside where you can be in service with the world. In this video, Rev. Dibelius even shows you how to create a labyrinth. She illustrates the practice of walking a labyrinth using a labyrinth she created in her driveway.
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What delay means for General Conference
Until COVID-19, The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have never delayed the church's top lawmaking assembly by more than a year.
With General Conference now postponed
from May this year until Aug. 29-Sept. 7 in 2021
, organizers are navigating uncharted territory. The Commission on the General Conference answered questions related to this delay.
Click here
to learn how this delay will impact the session of General Conference.
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Volunteer opportunities at camp and retreat centers
Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) welcomes volunteers to support the conference camp and retreat centers through the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds. The Conference volunteer management team is looking for individuals and teams local to Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake. Each camp is ready with a list of projects suitable for volunteers. Local volunteers are encouraged as the camps curtailed overnight accommodations for the summer. State and Conference safety protocols are in place to help keep volunteers and staff safe.
The goal for volunteers: partner with camp staff to assist with tasks suited to your skills. Food and beverage for all the workers is provided by the camp. If you are ready to volunteer at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, or Sky Lake.
Click here
to register.
Thoughts, questions or concerns please contact Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, at
[email protected]
or (315) 491-0497.
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New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Offers Free Online Narcan Training
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) announces the availability of free virtual naloxone (Narcan®) training to prepare citizens to help save a life during a suspected opioid overdose. Replacing OASAS-sponsored in-person events across the state during the COVID-19 New York State PAUSE and the New York Forward reopening process, live two-hour online trainings allow participants to interact with an instructor while learning to recognize, respond to and reverse a suspected overdose using naloxone.
Citizens and first responders can find registration information at
https://oasas.ny.gov/keywords/naloxone Events are offered multiple times per week on a variety of schedules and are open to anyone. An internet-connected device with sound and video is required. This program is also available for private groups of 20 or more. Those interested in hosting an event can email the State Opioid Response Team at
[email protected] for additional information.
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Creation care
God declares all creation good and as Christians we are called to be its caretakers. United Methodists are committed keeping our planet green, clean and sustainable for all. To view stories on a variety of topics,
click here.
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Substance abuse training for faith leaders
The Essex County Heroin and Opioid (ECHO) Coalition is offering a training for pastors, clergy, ministers, and pastoral staff of all denominations. The focus is on identifying and treating substance use disorders in your congregation. The trainer, Dr. Frances Patterson, Ph.D, MAC, DAC, is a nationally recognized trainer in the field.
This training is FREE and OPEN REGIONALLY to all faith-based leaders, so please feel free to share with your colleagues.
When: July 21, 2020
1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Online: Zoom Link To Follow Upon Registration
Click here for the flyer.
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Paycheck Protection Program extended
On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as long as they have paid staff that are issued a W-2 at the end of the year. A church can request up to 2.5 times their average monthly salary in a PPP. A church would then have up to 24 weeks to spend the funds on qualifying expenses that would then get forgiven and converted to a grant after completing the appropriate forgiveness forms with your financial institution that issued the PPP loan.
The PPP is a blessing to local churches to help bridge the financial hardship caused from COVID-19. If your local church has seen a decrease in your monthly giving, do not have a large reserve to draw from and are struggling to meet your monthly obligations then, a PPP could help.
Click here for additional information on the PPP program. If you need further assistance on applying for the PPP, please contact Bob Flask, the Conference Treasurer at [email protected]
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New Regional Superintendency plan began July 1
July 1 marked the beginning of Upper New York's (UNY) new Regional Superintendency Plan. While UNY Conference will maintain the current 12 Districts, every District will be a part of one of three Regions. This will allow leadership and collaboration opportunities between Districts within each Region. As a reminder, here are the three Regions:
- Region 1 consists of the Albany, Adirondack, Northern Flow, and Mohawk Districts.
- Region 2 consists of the Crossroads, Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, and Niagara Frontier Districts.
- Region 3 consists of the Oneonta, Binghamton, Mountainview, and Cornerstone Districts.
With the new Regions, there will be some changes with District Superintendents (DSes). Every District will have a primary DS appointed to it with a team of three DSes working together in each Region.
Click here
to learn about these changes.
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Advanced Lay Servant Course
Open to All Laity
DISCIPLE FAST TRACK: Bible Study for Busy Lives
Beginning in August, this 12-week course will be held via ZOOM. See details at the bottom of this newsletter.
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From the Albany District Lay Servant Ministry Team
Special weekend planned:
Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders
What is a vital church, and what is a Christian transformational leader? Co-author Rev. Marc Brown will facilitate the Advanced Lay Servant Course, Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders
to help us understand, learn, and define the three disciplines of Christian transformational leadership and the four qualities of Christian transformational leaders
. This weekend class begins on Friday November 13 and concludes on Sunday, November 15, at Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Rd, Latham 12110. All laity are invited to attend. You do not need to be a lay servant to share in this weekend!
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NYS Re-opening guidelines updated
New York state guidelines for religious and funeral services were updated on June 26:
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Reopening resources
Be sure to check the Conference's FAQ resource page about reopening guidelines.
On this page, you will find a safety plan template required by the state and statewide guidelines for resuming services. You will also find resourceful signage you can use about face masks, handwashing, and deep cleaning. And this page also provides answers to many questions that have been asked about reopening churches.
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On Tuesday June 2, the UNY Reopening Taskforce held a FAQ session on Zoom, with over 350 people across UNY in attendance. Click here
to view the PowerPoint shared during June 2 webinar
If you have questions that have yet to be answered, send them along to [email protected] and your question will be answered soon.
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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, and worship at 10 AM on Sundays. The devotions and worship are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. We are also posting daily gospel readings from Rev. Bill Mudge. 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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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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New
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News/Resources
From the Conference Office
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Discover, Develop, Deploy Christ-Following
How can we assure that Upper New York is making more disciples? What does it take for more people to say "Yes!" to following Jesus? Over the last seven years, the Conference Leadership Team, the Bishop's Operational Team, and the UNY Cabinet have developed measurable goals for this work to be reached by June 30, 2025.
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Media Resource Center's
June/July newsletter available
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The June/July issue of Upper New York's Media Resource Center newsletter is now available. The Media Resource Center - a free lending library supported through your shared ministry dollars - publishes the monthly newsletter, which features new resources that are currently available or coming soon, along with assorted informational articles about the resource center and other available resources.
Click here
to view and/or print the current newsletter.
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list,
click here.
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Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
To subscribe to the Weekly Digest, published by the UNY Conference,
click here.
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UNY Annual Conference postponed until October
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Visit Conference website for updates
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist
Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here
for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected] and someone will contact you.
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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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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving:
Click here
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More tips on online giving
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click here
to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here
for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Tips on using Zoom
for Bible Studies and small groups
Zoom is a video conferencing as well as webinar resource that Conference staff as well as Conference and District leaders often use to communicate with one another. We are suggesting all committees and teams that usually meet at the United Methodist Center to meet using Zoom while the office is closed, which is currently now through May 15.
Zoom is also a great platform for you to use with members of your congregation and to host Bible studies or small groups.
Click here to learn how to get started with Zoom, to watch Zoom tutorials, to access Zoom technical support and to see Zoom-related FAQs.
Click here for a webinar about how to use Zoom created by our friends in the Arkansas Conference.
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UNY to offer matching grants for purchase of Zoom
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn more about how to use Zoom,
click here
to watch a video tutorial.
To participate in the matching grant, simply
click here
to purchase a one year Zoom Pro Plan. Then, send a copy of the receipt to Alma Malikow in the Conference Treasurer's office digitally at
[email protected]
or by U.S. mail at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. The Conference will reimburse participating churches $75, which covers half the cost of the annual subscription. If you have any questions, contact the Conference Director of Communications, Steve Hustedt, at
[email protected]
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Other Resources and Information
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Download church leader guide
Explore local church tools and resources specially designed to help you communicate all the good you can! The recently updated Church Leader Guide from United Methodist Communications includes:
- Marketing and outreach tools
- Online training courses
- Digital ministry ideas
- Giving resources
To learn more,
click here.
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Local Church Historian School
to be offered in September
Are you, or someone you know, interested in caring for or improving your church's program of history?
The General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church will be offering a Local Church Historian School in 2020 for church historians---or anyone interested in the story of their church.
This is the same school developed and offered by the Indiana Conference in the past---now updated---and being offered by the General Commission on Archives and History to any United Methodist church globally.*
The Local Church Historian School curriculum will cover a wide range of skills necessary to become a "complete" church historian. Participating congregations will benefit from a new consciousness of their heritage and legacy and be motivated to study their unique stories and proclaim it to those around them.
The Book of Discipline says our Conference is "to encourage and assist the local churches in preserving their records, compiling their histories and celebrating their heritage...." This school provides United Methodists the opportunity to do just that.
The school will begin on September, 14, 2020. Plan now to use this opportunity to ensure that the heritage of each of our churches will be celebrated and that each church can receive the full benefit of its own amazing story.
*The only prerequisite for the Local Church Historian School is access to dependable email service. (Minimal computer skills are required.)
To visit the website,
click here.
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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New resources available from the UMC
A new video and online resource collection is reminding people that The United Methodist Church connection continues to be there for them. Share the video and resource webpage with those who need to feel the encouraging presence of the church.
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Free resources from Cokesbury
Cokesbury has
free
resources to use to stay connected
, and they are
adding more resources every day.
Amplify, Cokesbury's new media platform, is helping churches all over study and support one another from the comfort of their own homes, or wherever they are in life! It gives them direct access to a vast video library of bible studies led by your favorite authors for teaching, inspiration, and faith connections! Amplify provides believers of all ages access to fresh, trustworthy content - all from a Wesleyan perspective.
Amplify has made several resources FREE and accessible for churches to participate in a church-wide study and children's content to keep them engaged in the Bible. Help your communities stay connected beyond the church walls. No sign up is required to access: click here
Free children's resources on the new CokesburyKids website: click here
During the Covid19 quarantine period, we have made a nice variety of resources for all ages available for FREE on the platform. You can have a look at what's available on this link:
We have continued to develop free materials that will help churches in this unique time. Over the past 8 weeks, we have released a series of 9 FREE webinars called Now & Next that target issues the church is facing during quarantine as well as beginning to gather together again. They are now available "on demand" at the above link as well as below:
Finally, we have added a selection of resources that deal with racism and reconciliation. There are several short studies, but also some stand-alone videos that would be helpful. These are also available at the first link as well as below:
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Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings
The rapid response to COVID-19 continues to evolve and influence ministry, sometimes forcing a church to quickly expand its online presence and outreach through worship, small groups, fellowship opportunities and more.
Along with providing meaningful connections, inspiration, and support for discipleship, ministries with youth, children, and vulnerable adults have the added challenge of adapting Safe Sanctuaries® guidelines and applying them online. This is a constantly changing challenge, especially with new platforms, devices, and technology being introduced regularly.
This information was posted on the Young People's Ministry page by Chris Wilterdink of Discipleship Ministries relating to Safe Sanctuaries:
Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings.
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Online worship and music resources
for live-streaming
From Discipleship Resources: Click here
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GCFA offers information
on live-streaming and giving
Nashville, TN - The Communications, Connectional Relations, and IT teams of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will offer several resources to local churches and church leadership on both live-streaming and giving at the local church level during these times of quarantine and confinement.
While churches across the connection are canceling weekly services to protect the people of the church and help slow the spread of COVID-19, churches still find themselves needing financial resources for the ministries they can conduct and for general operational expenses. To read more,
click here.
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Mission U events cancelled
The face-to-face Mission U events for 2020 have been cancelled. Mission U planners are sad that the current COVID-19 situation has affected so many. Since months of planning go into the Mission U events, the National Office of United Methodist Women has canceled the preparation, training, and future gatherings for 2020. For Upper New York Conference, this cancels the two Mission U events - one in July in Genesee Valley and one in September at Silver Bay.
United Methodist Women are hopeful that there may be a video component or online study made available in the future.
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Lay Servant Classes - Updated
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Advanced Lay Servant Course
Open to All Laity
DISCIPLE FAST TRACK: Bible Study for Busy Lives
Beginning in August, this 12-week course will be held via ZOOM. See details at the bottom of this newsletter.
The Bible remains the primary source for faith development for Christians. In the Bible we encounter God, God's story and God's vision for humanity. More importantly, it is through our experience of the Bible that we are encountered by God, our story is shaped by God, and God's vision for us is discerned. Some of us have the personal discipline to read the Bible daily. The rest of us, however, need structure, a sense of accountability and the encouragement of fellow sojourners. If you are one of "the rest of us," please consider Disciple Fast Track!
Disciple Fast Track
helps busy people encounter the Bible in order to grow in faith. Daily readings for private devotion and reflection, as well as materials to help understand the Bible, its content and its development, are provided.
The Conference Lay Servant Ministries Team has approved Disciple Fast Track as an Advanced Lay Servant Ministries Course. The Old Testament portion of the study begins Saturday, August 15 from 9 AM to 10:15 AM for twelve weeks (with the exception of October 3, October 24, and November 14) via Zoom. The cost is $10 with checks payable to UNYAC (Upper New York Annual Conference).
Please purchase Disciple Fast Track: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study Old Testament Study Manual from Cokesbury.
Facilitator: Contact Nancy Goddard at
[email protected]
for a registration form and questions.
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From the Albany District Lay Ministry Team:
Celebration of Laity Sunday
Although we are in the midst of the CoVID-19 pandemic, and we don't know when churches will be able to reopen fully, please give consideration to talking with your pastor about observing Laity Sunday at a point in time that is convenient for your church, your pastor, and your laity.
Laity Sunday is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of October, but it can be celebrated any time. Methodism, in all its roots, has a long history of celebrating and recognizing the work, ministry, and mission of all laity - not only within the walls of our church but in our everyday lives, as well. It is a day set aside to recognize and affirm the ministry of laity, whether as lay leaders, lay servants, lay speakers, lay ministers, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Walks to Emmaus, Chrysalis, missionary service as well as ministries in our homes, our places of work, our positions in the community.
THANK YOU - for all the ways you have been, are, and will be God's hands and feet in the world.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries Team has scheduled classes for 2020. The schedule of classes are those needed for Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker or classes that laity might be interested in with no certification. Class size is a minimum of 5 with a maximum of 12. Classes may be cancelled if the minimum is not met. All texts must be purchased by the participant prior to the start of class so course work can be started when the syllabus is sent.
Please let us know at least one week before the class if you cannot attend, so that those on a waiting list can be notified and spots can be filled. Registration forms and fees must be received prior to class in order to secure your space in the class.
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Thursdays, Aug. 6: 5:30 to 8:30 PM and Aug. 13: 5:30 to 8:30 PM; Saturday, Aug. 15: 9 AM to 3:30 PM
ZOOM
Dates and times may change
Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
(Update!) Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Because of the COVID-19, the Lay Ministries Team has decided to have the Leading Worship course thru ZOOM and not as a retreat. The details are being worked out and will be posted soon. Please check back later or email Arlene (see below) to be put on a list with your interest.
ZOOM
Course Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
To register, contact Arlene Schmidt at
[email protected]
Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Course
Start date August 28th Meet and Greet
First class August 29th.
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Bruce Hazard
Prerequisites
for this course are Basic and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts.
For more
information and to request clergy and participants packets email
[email protected]
Clergy: if you have identified persons who are interested in the CLM Course, it is highly recommended that the candidate(s) take the Lay Servant courses scheduled before the fall. Prerequisite courses for CLM are Spiritual Gifts and Basic Lay Servant. There is another Spiritual Gifts course scheduled for July.
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For more information about Lay Servant Ministries,
click here
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Imagine No Racism approved as an
advanced course in Upper New York Conference
Imagine No Racism (INR) has been approved as an advanced course for Upper New York. The curriculum,
which has a deeply spiritual foundation, has been formatted as a 10-hour course including videos, conversations, and experiential learning. An INR facilitator will lead each course.
Each District has at least three trained facilitators who will guide the conversation as the participants experience vital concepts dealing with racism in today's world. The goal of this experience is to develop each lay servant's ability to be an ally who walks with people of color to build relationships and take action for justice.
Look for details to come.
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
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Rev. Debbie Earthrowl |
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
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