August 26th, 2021 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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Oneonta District -Fall Clergy Gathering
Sept. 9th from 6-8 pm
We will have light snacks available from 5:30 to 6:00 pm if you'd like to arrive early
All Clergy, Supply Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers are asked to attend. - Any church member that helps fill out Charge Conference forms is also invited to attend this gathering
Tentative Agenda:
A Time to Worship together
Charge Conference Forms Review (there are many changes to forms this year)
Fall Charge Conference Planning
All Clergy, Supply Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers are asked to attend
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2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are now available at to download.All information can be found at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Gathering Together This Fall:
Charge Conferences
Each year the local church body of the United Methodist connectional system, the charge conference/church conference meets to conduct the business of the local church. This fall it is the hope of the Superintendent that the churches will meet in person at regional locations for joint church conferences. A schedule of these meetings is not yet available. Keep watching for updates.
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Lay Servants/**Certified Lay Ministers and
Lay Speakers Report
Each year, lay servants, Certified Lay Ministers and lay speakers are asked to report to the annual church conference. Please use the reports below. Make sure your Pastor has a copy of this to submit with Church Conference reports.
Certified Lay Servant Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and an additional Advanced Lay Servant Course every three years. Click here.
Certified Lay Minister Report - for those who have become Certified Lay Servants, taken the four module Certified Lay Minister curriculum and continue with Advanced Courses every two years. Click here.
Lay Speaker Report - for those who have taken the Basic Lay Servant Course and all six of the core Advanced Courses, including:
· Leading Prayer
· Leading Worship
· Preaching
· United Methodist Heritage
· Discovering Spiritual Gifts
· United Methodist Polity
as well as additional Advanced Lay Servant Courses every three years. Click here.
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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Summer Updates from the Mosaic!
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Only 10 seats left
Bus Trip To see Queen Esther at Sight and Sound Theatre
When: Saturday, September 25
Cost: $160
Deadline for reservation: August 13
Contact: Claudia Jenkins. 607-563-7713
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Summer Saunters*
Join Pastor Sharon of the Fly Creek and Schuyler Lake UMC’s
in walks along the trails of Otsego County.
Pastor Sharon’s Summer Saunter plan: All saunters are scheduled on Fridays at 10am.
August 27 - Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park, Andy’s Trail
September 3 - Arnold Lake State Forest
For questions you can contact Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd at
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Unadilla UMC is interested in having other partners join them to sponsor this, including doing short musical or dramatic acts. Interested people can contact Rick Fisher from First UMC of Unadilla at rfish69@gmail.com
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Save the Date for the next Bishop’s Retreat
Due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Bishop's Retreat, originally scheduled for October 20-22, 2020, at the Radisson Hotel in Corning, NY is being postponed until September 27-29, 2022.
It will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Corning. The theme is, “Sharing Our Faith Boldly”. Registration will open following the completion of the 2022 Annual Conference session.
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Save the Date and plan to attend via ZOOM
WORKSHOP For The SOUTHERN TIER REGION
ATTENTION PASTORS & CHURCH LEADERSHIP IN
The Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton & Oneonta Districts
WHEN: September 1, 2021
WHERE: By Zoom
TIME: 10:30am-12:20pm OR 6:00pm-8:00pm
We use the word discipleship when we talk about people and we use the word stewardship when we talk about money, but we seldom use the two words together. This “shortchanges” both discipleship and stewardship. When we become a discipleship, we are choosing to actively follow Jesus Christ and walk with Jesus Christ, but that choice also makes us stewards of God’s gifts! Discipleship cannot happen without good stewardship. Good stewardship cannot happen without discipleship.
Please join Rev. Susan Ranous, Director of Stewardship for the Upper New York Conference. She is an Ordained Deacon and a Certified Public Accountant. This workshop will discuss how discipleship and stewardship relate to each other and how this understanding will deepen the faith of you, your congregation and your community. You can join the session that best suits your schedule. Topics covered will be similar, but questions discussed may differ.
or call at 315-427-3668. She will send you the link for the zoom
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Lay Servant Ministry
Note* - Because of COVID, the Conference Team of Lay Servant Ministries is extending a year of grace to everyone who needed to take an Advanced Lay Servant Course in 2020 so you now have through 2021 to take a course to keep your certification up-to-date
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Basic Lay Servant Course
Led by Pastor Rachael Jordan
Are you interested in Church Leadership and Service? No, I don't mean in committees, but in the transformative leadership of Jesus, who calls us in our giftedness to serve the church and the world! The Basic Lay Servant Course is an opportunity to reflect on your discipleship journey, your gifts as a Christian leader, and where God may be calling you next in your ministry. There will be two different opportunities to join this course:
1. Saturday, October 2nd and 9th from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in person at Gouverneur First UMC - We will have snacks but bring a bag lunch
OR
2. Tuesday nights, October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, and November 2nd, from 7:15-9:00 p.m. by ZOOM
Participants will be required to purchase 2 books prior to the beginning of the course. There will not be any other charges.
1. Lay Servant Ministries (Basic Course) Participant's Guide by Sandy Jackson - $11 on Amazon HERE
2. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections of Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen - $13.49 on Amazon HERE
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2021 Fall Lay Servant Courses Being Offered
Open to All
COURSE: Basic
WHEN: Wednesdays- Beginning Oct. 6- Nov. 3
WHERE: By Zoom
TIME: 7:00pm-9:00pm
COURSE: Lay Pastoral Caregiving
WHEN: Wednesdays- Beginning Oct. 13- Nov. 10
WHERE: By Zoom
TIME: 6:30pm-8:30pm
COURSE: Afire with God
WHEN: Saturdays- Beginning Oct. 2- Nov. 6
WHERE: By Zoom
TIME: 9:30am-12 Noon
Registration Due before Sept. 15, 2021
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Nimmonsburg UMC Lay Servant class
Nimmonsburg UMC
Tuesdays, October 12th & 19th
& Thursdays, October 14th & 21st
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Registration deadline October 5th
Leading Prayer
Gena McMyne - facilitator
Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession
by Samuel Wells & Abigail Kocher
Cost is $15.00 + book
Conflict Resolution
Revs. Jenni & Dave Piatt - facilitators
The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation:
In person & Zoom -Class limited to 10 people
Cost is $15.00
Basic
Hudda Aswad & Nancy Shaw - facilitators
Class limit - 10 people. Cost is $10.00 + book. Pastor’s signature is required on registration form. Book is available at the district office.
Come to the Table
Rev. Carolyn Stow - facilitator
Required book -This Holy Mystery:
A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion
Class limited to 10 people $15.00
All classes offered are in-person classes.
Ministry with the Forgotten, Conflict Resolution are also offered by Zoom at the
same dates and times.
Click here here to see the classes offered and get the registration form
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Mohawk District 2021 Summer-Fall Lay Servant Courses
Lowell UMC, Advanced Class ‘Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition”, in classroom starting 9-4-21 for five weeks, 10 am -12 pm. Registration cut-off Date 8-27-21. Instructor Wendy Grosjean,
CLSpeaker
Camden UMC, Advanced Class ‘Discover Your Spiritual Gifts’, in classroom starting 9-15-21 for five weeks, 6 – 8 pm Registration cut-off date 9-7-21. Instructor Jeff Johnson, CLS
ZOOM ‘Basic’ Class, begins 9-21-21 for five weeks, 6 -8 pm Registration cut-off date 9-21-21. Instructor Jacqueline Kim, CLS
Lairdsville UMC, Advanced Class ‘Called To Preach’, in classroom starting 9-22-21 for five weeks, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-15-21. Instructor Mark Adsit, CLM
ZOOM Advanced Class ‘Accountable Discipleship’, starting 10-6-21 for five weeks, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-28-21. Instructor Pastor Robbin Harris
Delta UMC, Advanced Class ‘Living Our Methodist Beliefs”, in classroom starting 10-9-21 for two Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm. Registration cut-off date 9-30-21. Instructor Paul Phister, CLS
Registration:
Interested participants should contact Ken Guilfoyle,315 254 6673, or kguilf2855@aol.com for information, course registration requirements and how to obtain your textbook prior to the class.
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Lay Servant Ministry Classes Open to All
Click on links below for details on LSM Courses being offered
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training: Two Opportunities to attend
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will host a standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from
9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, September 25.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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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.
Teaching, Meeting, Preaching and Me. Time Management for the Church Leader, Nov. 11, Ken Willard, cost $25. Registration information coming soon.
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Pre-retirement seminar scheduled for Oct. 1
There will be an in-person pre-retirement seminar held in October to highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. This seminar is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and moving assistance available.
Online registration is required, as we will provide clergy-specific retirement projections, and also schedule personal consultations.
The seminar will be held at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool on Friday, Oct. 1 from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. The deadline to register is Sept. 17.
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Transforming Church Conflict & Creating Space
for Authentic Community
A 2-Retreat Series on Transforming Conflict for United Methodist Clergy and Servant Leaders of the Upper New York Conference to be held at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center.
Session One – October 6&7, 2021 (W/Th)
Session Two – October 27 & 28, 2021 (W/Th)
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NEW- Dismantling Racism resource:
Reflection on Native American boarding schools
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 reflection by a Colorado Conference Navajo pastor, Norman Mark, who attended four Native American boarding schools during his youth. For almost 100 until the 1960s, thousands of Native American children were forcibly taken from their homes and trained to reject their heritage and do manual labor. Christian denominations, including Methodism, were involved in running some of the schools.
Click here to read Pastor Mark’s reflection, to learn about the 2021-2024 Native American Comprehensive Plan, and the Oct. 6 Day of Repentance.
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NEW- UMW Faith Talks
United Methodist Women hosted a special Faith Talks podcast on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET. During the episode they discuss honoring labor, before and after Labor Day. A free recording of the episode will be available at http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/FaithTalks. To read more, click here.
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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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NEW-United Methodist Men Fall Meeting
The United Methodist Men will focus on mission at their fall meeting, Oct. 1 and 2, at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia. The men will assemble UMCOR Cleaning Kits and Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement, will speak.
If you wish to support htis effort, the men are asking generous infdividual or churches to ontribute to thie $800 project. They will assemble 20 cleaning kits at a cost of $40 per bucket.
Send supporting gifts to:
Mr. David Greer, Treasurer, UNY United Methodist Men
2432 BIGELOW LANE
BALDWINSVILLE NY 13027
(Please mark your payment “Flood Buckets”)
Men of all ages are invited to register for the two-day event around the theme, "Faith in Action". Rev. Steve McNight of Wesley United Methodist Church will be the Keynote Speaker. The Subject of the Gathering is “Faith In Action”, and there are several levels of attendance to meet your schedule. They are:
A- (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS $125.00
B- FRIDAY -SATURDAY COMMUTER PLUS (3) MEALS $90.00
C- FRIDAY PROGRAM PLUS DINNER $65.00
D- SATURDAY PLUS (2) MEALS $65.00
Send your payments to David Greer at the above address. Register online at:
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Sharing faith with children
A theology degree isn’t necessary when it comes to showing the children you love how to have a relationship with God. Click here to check out great tips that you can implement into your daily routines
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NEW-People of God Campaign
The People of God campaign is reminding us that being people of God isn’t a status, it’s a calling. Any day, every day, we can choose to live into our mission of loving and serving God and people. We strive to #BeUMC. Download resources to bring the campaign to your local church communications.
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This Fall what if instead of getting back to normal, we get back to Whole. “Get Back” explores finding authentic connection, LIFE, meaning and a happier mindset.
The free “Get Back” Digital Toolkit includes
· Complete Series Outline
· Tailored Worship Slides
· Targeted Social Media Posts
Also, the daily practice of Everyday Sanctuary’s app will reflect the scriptures and themes from your worship!
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UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
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The UNY Conference urgently needs individuals and teams who can help in times of emergency in Mohawk District. Please sign up to help with Marybeth Ingalls, UNY Mission Volunteer Coordinator, 315-898-2064, 315-372-0285, marybethingalls@unyumc.org
Last week (Aug. 18), a wall of water went through a section down in the Southern Tier of the Mountain View District. ERTs are needed to work with community responders. There are currently 400 homes in seven communities that need help after heavy rains.
ERTs are on site and more are needed; the response is expected to be needed for at least 2-3 weeks.
Report to 1585 Academy St. Woodhull NY. Cots will be provided and you can also bring your own cot/air mattress and bedding. Lunches and dinner are being provided at the firehouse and breakfast at the housing location by Southern Baptist Men.
The Conference trailer is on site for some tools. Bring any gear appropriate for mucking out you own – waterproof boots, gloves, masks, safety glasses, hat or headscarf, hard hat, Tyvek suit, shovels, pressure washer, buckets, contractors’ bags, etc.
A local person is coordinating assignments. For more details, contact Brian Greenwald at bngreenwald@outlook.com or 716-490-2042.
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Response to Haiti after earthquake
United Methodists are reaching out with their prayers and pocketbooks after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
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The HUB at UNY Conference Center
Contacts:
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Revised CDC guidelines affecting local churches
The CDC has recently issued revised guidelines for in person gatherings due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. These revised guidelines include the recommendation that vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in areas with substantial or high infection rates wear masks when gathering indoors. Because this recommendation would apply to worship and other church gatherings, churches are advised to consult their county listing on the CDC webpage. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.
On Aug. 26th,
Broome County - High level of community transmission. recommend masking by all people indoors.
Chenango County - High level of community transmission. recommend masking by all people indoors.
Delaware County - High level of community transmission. recommend masking by all people indoors.
Otsego County - High level of community transmission.
Schoharie County - High level of community transmission.
High transmission is more than 100 cases per 100,000 people or a positivity rate of higher than 10% over the last seven days.
If you have any questions involving these guidelines, feel free to contact the COVID-19 response team of the UNY Conference via phone at (315) 898-2012 and email at covid-19response@unyumc.org.
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COVID-19 and Churches
United Methodist Communications recently conducted a study on the results of COVID-19 on churches. Find the results of that study here.
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General Conference 2022
We are receiving questions lately, “What is happening with General Conference?” Remember back in February the Commission on General Conference postponed General Conference further to Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022.
Another question we are receiving is, “Why was General Conference postponed again?” The answer is due to Coronavirus concerns.
Pastors: Please make sure your churches are aware of this change earlier in the year and help them to understand the details. Many churches weren’t meeting in person at this time and some folks at the local church level may be unaware or have forgotten.
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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RReminder: Churches must provide a copy of their adopted plan for an infectious disease outbreak to pastors and other employees by Sept. 4, according to the NY HERO Act
NY Hero Act and how it pertains to New York State employers
On May 5, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) into law. The law mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for ALL New York State employers. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Under this new law, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), in consultation with the NYS Department of Health, has developed a new Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, and various industry-specific model plans for the prevention of airborne infectious disease. Employers can choose to adopt the applicable policy template/plan provided by NYS DOL or establish an alternative plan that meets or exceeds the standard’s minimum requirements.
By Aug. 5, 2021, employers are required adopt a model prevention plan and conduct a “verbal review” of the policy, employee rights and the overall prevention plan.
By Sept. 4, 2021, employers must provide copy of the adopted plan to all employees in their primary language within 30 days of adoption, or by Sept. 4, 2021.
Click here for more information including the details of this law and templates you can use.
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Bishop Announces Clergy Appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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In-person and livestreamed Memorial service for Bishop Yeakel October 2
Bishop Joseph Yeakel died July 4, 2021, at 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which included Western New York and North Central New York Conferences, from 1972-1984.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Oct. 2, at University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY. The service will also be livestreamed. More details will follow. There will be no viewing as Bishop Yeakel requested his remains be donated to the Cleveland Clinic for medical education and research.
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UNY United Methodist Center is now open
Upper New York (UNY) Conference staff members have been working at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY, throughout the pandemic following CDC guidelines. Now that the CDC and New York State have issued guidelines allowing indoor gatherings for vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals (so long as they wear masks and social distance), the UNY Conference executive staff team made the decision to open the UNY United Methodist Center to the public following the attached protocols,
The protocols are in place to ensure that everyone will be safe when using the UNY Methodist Center.
The office will be equipped for hybrid meetings via Zoom for those unable to attend in-person.
Click here to register for a meeting with your team at the UNY United Methodist Center.
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Phishing scheme alert
Please note that there is a new type of phishing-scheme email that has been received in multiple inboxes throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. The email will look as though it is from someone you know in the UNY Conference and will show their actual email address. The text will ask you to link to a DocuSign document. DO NOT OPEN THIS DOCUMENT! It contains a virus. It is not truly from the person in the “From” address.
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at dougthomas@unyumc.org.
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News from the past
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in.
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Tool for the Local Church: Mission Insite
Mission Insite is free to churches
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. Click here for Details
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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
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Sept. 6: Labor Day (Conference & District offices closed)
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage month
Oct. 2: Bishop Yeakel’s Memorial Service - DETAILS
Oct. 3: World Communion Sunday - DETAILS
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2021 Holidays
District Office Closed
Labor Day Sept. 6th
Thanksgiving Nov. 25th and 26th
Christmas Eve Dec. 24th
Christmas Day (Observed) Dec. 27th
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PLEASE NOTE: UNY Conference Center summer hours
Please note that the Upper New York Conference Center summer hours have begun. The office will be closing on Fridays at 12 p.m. through Friday Sept. 3rd, 2021
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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
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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
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"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
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How to Contact the Oneonta District Office
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: (607) 353-1034
(physical address)
Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
(mailing address)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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All past District Newsletters can also be found at:
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UNY Conference Quick Links
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