Next Issue: October 28th, 2021 |
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“What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, ‘Get lost; I don’t need you’? Or, Head telling Foot, ‘You’re fired; your job has been phased out’?” -I Corinthians 12:16-19, the Message-
This metaphor of the church as a body can help us grow in our life now. Body parts relate to each other in very unified ways for the good of the whole. Think about it: our bodies are walking miracles. We never really think of parts as separate from the whole. Appreciation for how God has given diverse roles within a church can help us relate to each other in grace, with smooth service. Few conflicts arise in a church that “gets it.” Also, in district and conference service, working to keep the local churches afloat, diverse gifts are given. In the national and international church as well, we are blessed with a variety of parts of the body, and we are united in Christ our Lord. Do you thank God daily for those whose role is very different from yours? How does your church appreciate all God has given you in your local church, your district and your conference (and while we are at it, the world church)? We are entering into the season of Charge conferences on the district. Let’s see if we can do these conferences thinking like, acting like and living like members of the body of Christ!
Let me close with one more verse from I Corinthians 12:27, The Message.
“You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything.”
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Death Notices: Rev. Robert (Bob) McCune & Pastor Frank Cahill |
Please keep family and friends of the Rev. Robert (Bob) McCune in your prayers. Rev. McCune, 92, died on Sept. 27. He served several Upper New York churches, including Ithaca St. Paul’s UMC, Cortland Homer Ave. UMC, and many others in the former North Central New York District. He also served as the Bishop’s Assistant in New York West Area, as well as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow, former Seven Valley, former Syracuse, former Elmira, and former St. Lawrence Districts. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 16 beginning at 10:30 a.m at St. Paul’s UMC, located at 402 North Aurora Street in Ithaca. Clergy in attendance may wear robes and white stoles, but this is optional. Due to COVID protocols, clergy will not process and will be encouraged to be seated with their families. Rev. McCune's ashes will be interred at Casowasco Camp & Retreat. Condolences can be sent to The Family of the Rev. Robert McCune at 325 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850. Click here to read Rev. McCune’s full obituary.
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Please keep family and friends of Pastor Frank Cahill in your prayers. Frank, 90, died on Jan. 5, 2021. He served at Alma UMC and Whitesville UMC in the former Western New York Conference. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Anita Cahill at 39628 Otis Allen Road, Zephyrhills, FL 33540. Click here to read Frank’s obituary.
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Notes From District Associate Mike Kelly |
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From the Desk of Rev. Michael Kelly;
Mountain View District Associate
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Oh man, it’s that dreadful time of the year known as Charge Conference. A time with all that confounded paperwork. How many of you wait until the last minute to get everything done? Didn’t you remember that these reports are due every year. Why does there have to be so many? And it’s the same questions every year. Why? Why? Why?
I used to think that, I thought, “I just don’t have the time for all of this,” and, “Not much has changed since last year!” Over the last few years, I had to change, because I was passing on my disdain for this paperwork and charge conferences in general to my congregations. And then it struck me one day. Charge Conference is a church’s opportunity to celebrate God’s ministry in their neighborhood with the Annual Conference through the Superintendent. Now think about that! Can you honestly tell me that you don’t want to celebrate God’s ministries and missions that’s happening in your church? Understand please, it’s not about bragging, it’s about feeling good and proud about fulfilling the ministry that God has appointed and trusted you with. So now as we labor through the forms, I and others, keep in mind just what we have accomplished for Him and His people and yes, we want people to know. And we together as a church want to celebrate that!
But there are other things to think about as you are filing these forms. On the Pastor’s Report you have an opportunity to review how many new members you have received and how you have received them. Do you realize that this is one of the qualifiers as a vital church? You are also asked if you have audited your membership rolls. I think far too often, we check the box, yes, instead of using it as a tool to see who we have been missing. Other things to think about: “Have you reviewed you disciple making pathway?” isn’t that what Jesus expects from us in the Great Commission? Most of you know I love local mission work, let your church members celebrate what they are doing in the community and put it down on form 2. Friends these forms can be wonderful tools to enhance your ministry, celebrate with them.
If any of you are struggling and need assistance, don’t hesitate to call and I will gladly come out and give you a hand. I can send you examples of how I have made things out in the past. You don’t have to go through this alone, we can help if needed.
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To: The Mountain View District
From: Mike Kelly: Mountain View District Associate
Re: COVID Update
Friends,
A brief update. Extreme caution is urged for all of you as we continue to work through this pandemic. We understand this has been a long bumpy journey, but it is no time to let up, in fact it is time to continue or to reinstate our strictest precautions that you previously had used especially in Chemung and Steuben Counties. Below are the statistics found just this morning:
Chemung County: 75 new cases, 587 active cases, 46 hospitalizations
Steuben County: 101 new cases, 498 active cases
Please review this information with your committees and take appropriate steps for the safety of your congregations and communities.
Be blessed and safe,
Reverend Michael J Kelly
Mountain View District Associate
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From the desk of Bishop Webb: Thank you to all UNY clergy |
Earlier today, in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, the Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent a thank you note to all Upper New York (UNY) clergy. In his letter, Bishop Webb acknowledges that despite these days being hard, UNY clergy continue to persevere, and their ministries are an inspiration. Bishop Webb also expresses his hope that while the UNY clergy nourish so many, that they take time to feed their own souls as well.
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NEW
NY Hero Act extended to Oct. 31 and additional details about COVID-19 in NY State
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On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that The New York State Commissioner of Health designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease.
The NY HERO Act plan
(a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Initially, the NYS Hero Act was effective through the end of Sept. 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Oct. 31, 2021 because COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health in New York State.
Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
Click here to learn why asking for vaccination status is not a violation of HIPAA.
Click here to learn paid-leave requirements related to COVID-19 in New York State.
Click here for the NY Hero ACT "General Model Standard" template
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Mountain View District Office Open By Appointment Only |
Office visits are still by appointment ONLY. We ask that you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. We also ask that you social distance while in the office. Please do not come to the office if you are not feeling well. We ask that you come another time.
Office is open: Mon.-Thurs.
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Charge Conference Information |
CHARGE CONFERENCE FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
Cluster Charge Conference Dates:
1. Sunday afternoon, October 24 at the New Beginnings UMC in Elmira
2. Sunday afternoon, November 7 at the Waverly UMC in Waverly.
3. Sunday afternoon November 21 at the Centenary UMC in Bath.
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Laity Sunday October 17th |
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians to love God and all people. On Laity Sunday, we lift up the vocation of all (lay and clergy) to follow Jesus Christ and lead others to him. As we welcome and offer the good news of Jesus’ love for all, we know that the most engaging opportunities to grow deep and wide in our faith come from relationships with those beyond the comfort and security of our church walls. |
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LOCAL CHURCH EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT |
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NEW
2021 UNY Conference Journal, Vol. II
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The 2021 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($17.64 plus tax and shipping).
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NEW
Basic Class Needs Students
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We are looking to fill a Basic Lay Servant class. If we don't get enough participants, we'll have to hold off until January. The class is scheduled for:
Wednesdays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, and 17, 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Facilitators: Jamiee Ross & Blessed Sikhosana
Adirondack registrar, by this Friday, Oct. 15.
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NEW
Helping those in need in the U.S.
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The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the United States.
The need is even greater this year. Participating churches can drop off their filled shoeboxes to one of two locations: the Upper New York Conference Center, located at 7481 Henry Clay Boulevard in Liverpool, or the Endwell United Methodist Church, 3301 Watson Boulevard in Endwell, between November 1st and November 30th. Also, arrangements to have items picked up can be made by e-mailing Dave at Dalexander4@stny.rr.com.
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NEW
Overview of US Copyright Laws
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Has your ministry received a copyright claim on your worship streams? While you may have no malicious intent, copyright laws aren’t governed by intent. To help you avoid these issues, our Legal Services team has developed a comprehensive five-part article series to help your ministry understand copyright laws and licensing. |
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NEW
Preaching During Advent
WHEN: Oct. 19, 2021
LEADER: Olu Brown
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Planning Activities for Advent & Christmas
WHEN: Oct. 21, 2021
LEADER: Anne Bosarge
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
Leading Your Church Through Advent
WHEN: Nov. 4, 2021
LEADER: Kay Kotan and Rachel Gilmore
Participants receive a certificate for 1-hour CEU following the online class.
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NEW
Tired. Frustrated. Wondering...What Now?
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If you have found yourself in any of these categories over the past 18 months then the New Faith Communities Team of UNYAC has an opportunity for you! We are offering a series of FREE Zoom webinars to help us all dream of ways to reconnect in a church changed by pandemic. The series is an opportunity to breath fresh air into current ministries and to dream of ministry opportunities yet to come. Each session will feature a topic presentation by a ministry expert followed by time for conversation to spur creativity. Even better, if you attend all three sessions, you can receive 1 CEU for your participation.
Registration is due Sunday, October 17. Once registered you will receive Zoom link via email. You can attend as many or as few sessions as you would like. Each Session includes time with our featured Speaker with group discussion to follow. These sessions are for local church leaders, pastors, planters.
*1 CEU for attending all 3 Sessions. Click here for complete session info.
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Course of Study Through Wesley Seminary |
Licensed local Pastors....are you are planning to take COS for the Winter or Spring Weekends? If you are, please consider filling out your registration form and get it to the District office to have the DS sign it and then I will get it to the registrar. The deadline for registrations are Winter- Dec. 1st, 2021 and Spring-Feb.1st of 2022. (Reminder that the District office is CLOSED on Fridays)
Please, DO NOT WAIT to the last minute to register. When a class is filled, Wesley closes the registration for that class and there is no wiggle room.
I am putting this out now as one of the busiest times of the year is coming soon. There is no need for you to miss out on getting your course requirements met. There is NO MONEY due at the time of registration. You can register NOW for both Winter and Spring and if something comes up....you can cancel.
IF you need a specific class.....sign up now ....you need to remember that these courses are not just for UNY Conference....these are open to other Conferences as well. SO, sign up now
The steps to get registered:
· Get registration form-click here
· Fill out the form, print it, YOU sign it.
· Scan & email to your District Office
· District AA will get the DS to sign it and will send it to COS Registrar
· Registrar will fill out her part and get it to Sara Shephard.
· Sara Shephard will send the Registrar a confirmation of your registration.
· Registrar will send confirmation to the District AA
There is no reason to wait to the last minute because there is no money that needs to be sent with your registration. So, please sign up now!!
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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How can rural churches break free from the false narratives and unrealistic metrics that obscure their potential vitality? Allen Stanton lays out a new vision for healthy rural congregations as valued stakeholders and potent agents of change within their communities. Listen to this interview, watch the interview video, or continue reading.
Susan Beaumont says churches are still in a liminal space that calls for learning and experimenting rather than planning. She explains how different segments of an organization adapt new ideas and outlines the key leadership tasks for innovating and adapting in these uncertain times.
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ATTENTION:
LAY SERVANTS, LAY SPEAKERS & CLM's
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Every year lay servants, lay speakers, and CLM's are required to fill out an annual report that is due at your church charge conference.
Please make sure you fill out the correct form and it be completely filled out. Also, please make sure you have your Pastor sign it and that you have signed it before you hand it in.
LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
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Tuesdays at The Table:
Discussions about our faith, our church and ourselves
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The global coronavirus pandemic and disagreements within our denomination are just two of many events that continue to affect United Methodists around the world. Tuesdays at the Table, a new discussion series, will help us think through these issues and enter into a time of exploration and broadened understanding.
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NEW
How to Fight Racism
A webinar with Jemar Tisby & Tex Sample
Thursday, October 14, 2021
7pm CST.
Digital Church Planting Training
We invite you and laity from your congregation to join this amazing conversation on How to Cultivate New Online Communities!
Join us for the opening webinar Thursday, October 21, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. CDT.
Crash Courses in Youth Ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you.
The Church's Ministry with Dementia
Check out our new hybrid-model teaching series designed to help churches see and engage with those living with dementia and other vulnerable adults.
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NEW
Boy Scouts of America charter agreement recommendations
Since early this year, the UMC Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of eight Conference chancellors, four general agency staff, and two Bishops, has been working on behalf of all Annual Conferences to negotiate a release for congregations from future lawsuits pertaining to any Boy Scout-related abuse injury from 1940 through 2020. These negotiations are ongoing and involve mediation with other groups involved in the BSA bankruptcy.
The Boy Scouts of America and United Methodist leadership continue to work together to resolve matters related to BSA's financial restructuring and have agreed, in the best interest of the young people who participate in Scouting, to strongly recommend to United Methodist chartering organizations and Boy Scout Councils to extend existing charter agreements and facility use agreements in force at this time through March 31, 2022.
For UNY congregations, this means whatever arrangement currently in place between the congregation and local scout troop, including charter agreements or facilities use agreements, is acceptable and can continue until March 31, 2022. Any work on initiating a new charter or renewing an old charter should be put off until after that date. It is hoped this extension will provide all parties sufficient time to resolve all the issues before us.
Click here to read the full letter from Pam Klotzbach (Chair of UNY Board of Trustees) and Peter Abdella (UNY Chancellor).
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NEW
Boy Scouts of America charter agreement followup
As a follow-up to
this letter sent last week, Pam Klotzbach (Chair of UNY Board of Trustees) and Peter Abdella (UNY Chancellor) want you to know that the denomination's UMC Ad Hoc Committee, which is working to negotiate a release for UMC congregations and Conferences from future lawsuits pertaining to any Boy Scouts of America (BSA)-related abuse injuries, has informed them that the BSA's reorganization plan will be released this month.
As interested parties to this plan, UM congregations who are or have been a chartered organization and those who filed a proof of claim in November 2020 will likely receive a ballot to approve the adoption of the plan. These same UM congregations may receive an opt-out form relating to various options for chartered organizations in the bankruptcy.
If your congregation receives such a ballot and/or op- out form, you are asked to hold onto it until further instructions are received. Once the Conference has received information and recommendations from the UMC Ad Hoc Committee, Pam and Peter will provide you with guidance on how to proceed. They anticipate offering Zoom webinar sessions to equip congregations to complete their ballots and/or other forms.
Pam and Peter are grateful for your patience as they navigate this complex situation.
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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments |
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NEW- A new job opening has been posted on the website for an Information Technology Support Specialist. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask candidates to apply online through our website. Please contact me with any questions. https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
A new job opening is posted on the website for a Director of Missional Engagement. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask candidates to apply online through our website.
Please contact me with any questions.
Skye Farm Site Director job opening
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church has an exciting opportunity for a Camp & Retreat Site Director at our
Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center located in Warrensburg, NY near beautiful Lake George, NY. Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center sits just off the NYS Northway (I-87) on over 400 acres within the Southeastern edge of the Adirondack Park and on Sherman Lake. This position offers excellent benefits, including onsite housing. Relocation benefits are provided.
Finance Services Specialist job opening
The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church has a great opportunity for a Finance Services Specialist. The Finance Services Specialist will manage all activities related to Conference real estate properties including working with Conference Trustees, approve invoices, manage receivables, maintain accurate spreadsheet data, and manage relationship with Conference attorneys. Additional responsibilities include manage the overall reporting of church statistics to the General Church and provide general support to Finance Team staff as needed. This position reports to the Finance Manager and/or Treasurer and receives work assignments from multiple persons in a team atmosphere. Click here to apply.
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Register Now For Conference UMW Annual Meeting Oct. 16
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All are invited to join the UNY Conference UMW for an all-virtual 2021 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9:00a – 12:00p. We will worship together, conduct formal business, hear from National Office CEO Harriett J. Olson, and grow in our understand of our sisters through our program on “Push Out” with UMW Director Valerie Clark.
Once registered, an agenda and Zoom link will be sent to you. If you wish to make a nomination to the Leadership Team “from the floor,” the form is available on the website and must be returned by Oct. 1.
We look forward to being with you on Oct. 16 as we make plans for 2022 and the mission and justice work we will continue to do for God.
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Local Churches Take Note: NY Hero Act now in effect |
On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York Department of Health designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.” This designation means that the NY HERO Act plan
(a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), which all employers were required to adopt and distribute to employees by Sept. 4, 2021, is now effective through the end of September 2021. Employers (In this case, this refers to each local church) now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff. Even if your pastor is the only staff member, churches must provide training on the plan for them.
Click here for the NY Hero ACT "General Model Standard" template
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE
35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Office Is Open
Mon.-Thurs.
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell
District Associate: Pastor Mike Kelly
District Lay Leader: Ann Welch Wood
District Administrative Assistant: Patti Gridley
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