Issue Date: September 2nd, 2021 |
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The Conference & District Offices Will be Closed on Monday September 6th |
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Misplaced Anger and Doing what is needed
Friends, I am not angry with the Department of Motor Vehicles. I did, however, neglect getting my blue Subaru inspected in August and instead I did it the first day of September. I drove to the garage knowing I could be ticketed on my way for my neglect. I don’t like taking the time out for such a requirement, but I do it anyway, knowing it keeps us all safer. When the mechanic had to replace a part to pass the inspection, I did not get angry with the mechanic. I did not get angry with the car, either. Repair is an unexpected expense, but that comes with my choice to own and drive a car. The Inspection law, the DMV and the mechanic are all there to help me do my work and live my life as I want to.
In church life there are many things we must do to safely work, worship, fellowship and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Churches must hold an annual meeting, in our denomination called a Charge Conference. Each must prepare and submit a minimum of nine forms prior to the conference which reflect many aspects of ministry: finances, oversight, child safety, property upkeep, education, worship, outreach, among other concerns. Some people become angry with the forms, or the “conference” which requires them. Some people get angry at the pastor for pushing paperwork or the superintendent for pushing the pastor. The Book of Discipline, the conference, and district and the pastor are all there to help your church fulfill your calling as Christians, safely. If you are angry at these, your anger might be misdirected. I think a great antidote for anger is joy. Find joy in the fact that others care about you and your church.
I hope to see you at your church’s charge conference. I will be driving my blue Subaru.
In Christ, Jeff McDowell
Charge Conferences this year:
Nine charge conferences will be held separately by me as superintendent. The other 31 charge conferences will take place at cluster events with worship led by DS McDowell, and an ordained elder leading each charge individually. (A charge is made up of the churches served by the same pastor.)
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.
If your church is among the nine to be held separately, your pastor has already been contacted. All others will be contacted next week to confirm your date and place.
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Mountain View District Office
Open By Appointment Only
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At this time visits to the office are by appointment ONLY.
Office is open: Mon.-Thurs.
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From the desk of Mountain View District Associate:
Rev. Michael J Kelly
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On August 18th areas of our district experienced some significant flooding. The towns of Woodhull, Jasper, Addison and Troupsburg in particular were devastated, where nearly 300 homes were ravaged by water. I communicated with our local pastors in the area and arrived on the scene on August 20th. Friends I met Mike Block from our Conference and UMCOR on the scene on Saturday, August 21st to develop an action plan with Steuben County Emergency Management. On Monday the 23rd, Roger Cullen, UNY Conference Volunteers In Mission Co-Coordinator was on the ground. I have worked very closely with Roger and the rest of the team compiled by Steuben Emergency Management and some great work has been done. Yesterday, Federal Emergency Management and New York State arrived to assess the damage. To date over 70% of the homes have been cleared and cleaned of mud and debris, it has been a great team effort, of Mennonites, Southern and American Baptists, Episcopalians, and a lot of United Methodist teams from the district and all over the conference. I have always been a strong proponent of connection, as most of you know, and often have been scoffed at because of it, hearing things, like, “What does the district do for us?” or, “What does the conference do for us?” Friends, I have included some pictures of what it means to be a connected UNITED METHODIST CHURCH and community. I hope I don’t miss anyone but my thanks to district churches from Penn Ave., New Beginnings and Webb Mills for sending teams to help us with flood relief. And a thanks to my churches in Odessa/Catherine and Montour Falls Sunday Schools who donated many supplies for the clean up effort. But we are not done, I have asked the conference to create a fund to accept donations where we could accept cash donations from our churches to continue to help those affected in the area and they have agreed. So, churches and individuals please forward your checks to the UNY Conference with Steuben flood in the memo and we will financially help those in need. BE THE CHURCH!
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One of many Early Response Teams. |
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Montour Falls & Odessa-Catharine UMC's Sunday School & congregation donated. |
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Be part of the solution like these kids!!!! |
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When tragedies strike.....its our opportunity to react and react in a BIG way. |
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Next Issue is September 16th |
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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.
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Revised CDC Guidelines Affecting Local Churches
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
8/19/21
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Mountain View District Lay Ministry Team
2021 Fall Class Sessions
These Are Open to Anyone in the Conference That is Interested
ALL Classes are by ZOOM
Basic Class
When: Wednesday Evenings Beginning: Oct. 6th- Nov. 3rd
Where: By Zoom
Time: 7-9pm
Teacher: Peter O'Neill
Lay Pastoral Caregiving Class
When: Wednesday Evenings Beginning: Oct. 13th- Nov. 10th
Where: By Zoom
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Teacher: Susan Silhan
Afire with God Class
When: Saturdays Beginning Oct. 2nd -Nov. 6th
Where: By Zoom
Time: 9:30am- 12 noon
Teacher: Ernest Warren
Registration is due BEFORE Sept. 15th
9/2/21
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Bishop Yeakel Memorial Service Postponed |
Previously scheduled for Oct. 2, 2021 at University United Methodist Church in Syracuse, Bishop Joseph Yeakel’s family made the difficult decision to postpone his memorial service.
His family has released the following statement, "Our world paused this summer with the loss of our father. The world paused previously for COVID and now is pausing again. Out of concern for all who planned to travel and gather in October (as well as those they contact along the way), we have decided to postpone the memorial service for Dad. It is our hope and desire to reschedule this celebration of Joe Yeakel’s life when all can gather safely again. Future plans will be posted here. Thank you for your love and understanding. Stay well."
Details will also be sent through the Upper New York Conference communication platforms once a new date is determined.
9/2/21
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Equitable Compensation Grant Applications on UNY Website |
The Equitable Compensation applications are now available on the website. This application is for January-June 2022. Click here for more information and the application. The deadline for the application to get to the District Superintendent is October 15th, 2021. 9/2/21
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Small Group Leadership Training by
Regional Associate Rich Weihing
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To help you grow as a disciple and to help your congregation into greater vitality, Rich is partnering with The Academy of Artful Leadership to share two learning/coaching opportunities for pastors and laity beginning in late September: Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. These are by Zoom.
Updates from Rich: The Tuesday afternoon group is filling up, but there are still several openings; the Wednesday evening group has plenty of openings. Laity are strongly encouraged to attend – it may be especially helpful for a pastor and church member to attend together. Limited financial aid may be available to laity. Registration is open to all districts.
9/2/21
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ERT's Needed in Mountain View District |
On August 18th, a wall of water went through a section in the Southern Tier of the Mountain View District. ERT's are needed to work with community responders. There are currently 400 homes in seven communities that need help after heavy rains.
ERT's are on site and more are needed; the response is expected to be needed for at least 2-3 weeks.
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.
This information is from August 25th. So if you are interested please contact Brian Greenwald to get more up-to-date needs.
9/2/21
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Did you know we are taking small groups of all ages to help with UMCOR kit donations here at Mission Central HUB?
Its a fun very helpful way to help people in need when a natural disaster strikes.
God Bless
9/2/21
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Dismantling Racism resource: Worship Matters: Episode 48 – Overcoming Racism through Developing Leaders
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 share a Discipleship Ministries’ Worship Matters podcast.
In this episode, Worship Team Executive Director, Dr. Cynthia Wilson invites Pastor and Musician the Rev. Marilyn Thornton to share about her wide-ranging ministry in the local church, as editor of African American Resources through the United Methodist Publishing House, and as Director/Campus Ministry at the Wesley Foundation at Fisk University.
9/2/21
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Youth 2023 is Headed to Florida! |
We are excited to announce that the tradition continues with YOUTH 2023 headed to Daytona Beach, Florida July 25-28, 2023!
Stay connected as we continue organizing and planning the details that make this event so memorable!
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Prayers for the Twentieth Anniversary of 9/11 |
Anniversaries are important occasions for remembrance and for recognizing our need for healing.
Here are prayers to help us as we remember the fallen, mourn the loss, and give God thanks for his presence in our time of need.
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New Webinar Series
More than Allies:
Justice, Faith, and a Place
for All in the Struggle for Freedom
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Join Rev. Dr. Tex Sample for a live webinar featuring Civil Rights leader Bob Zellner (pictured here behind Julian Bond), a white civil rights pioneer and layperson whose life inspired the motion picture, Son of the South.
Bob will share stories and insights from his work during the Civil Rights movement and help us rediscover how discipleship and social action align for a faithful commitment to the common good.
9/2/21
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Last Newsletters "New Information" |
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Transforming Church Conflict & Creating Space
for Authentic Community
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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)
Both sessions begin w/ lunch at 12:15 (W) & end at 5pm (Th).
This retreat series explores the theory and practice of effective conflict engagement, including the skills and strategies that work to create space for conflict's transformation in three different contexts:
1. Self-Managed Conflict - When we are the ones in conflict.
2. The Mediator - When we serve as a neutral third party.
3. The Facilitator - When we convene a heated church meeting.
Tuition: $375. Casowasco Meals & Lodging: $224. Total Cost: $599. Maximum # of participants is 20. Registration deadline is September 24. To register CLICK HERE.
8/19/21
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Upper New YORK
Committee on Native American Ministries
We need your voice
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As Charge Conference time returns we wish to remind you to appoint a local church representative to Native American Ministries. Designating an individual to be mindful of native needs, share information with your
church, and celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday (NAMS) is vital to help us serve native peoples in our Conference and beyond. As a representative you receive links to timely issues, action items, and
resources for celebrating NAMS.
It has been a particularly challenging time for our Native American
brothers and sisters. Heartbreaking losses due to the pandemic and the
revelation of countless graves in boarding schools has caused much
sadness. The legacy of boarding schools continues to traumatize many.
The road to Repentance and healing is a long one. You continue to walk
the road with us when you designate a local church representative at
Charge Conference. This individual becomes an important point of
contact for CONAM and our native brothers and sisters with whom we walk.
Sharon Schmit, Chair
UNY Committee on Native American Ministries
8/19/21
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2021 UNY Directory Now Available |
The 2021 Upper New York Conference directory is now available to view or download or view online and a hard copy is available to purchase. Click here to view/download. Click here to purchase a hard copy for $6.28.
8/19/21
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Pre-Retirement Seminar Scheduled for Oct. 1st |
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.
8/19/21
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LAY SERVANT COURSE OFFERED
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
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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.
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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
7/8/2021
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BINGHAMTON DISTRICT LAY SERVANT CLASSES |
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MOHAWK DISTRICT 2021 FALL LAY SERVANT COURSES |
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ALBANY DISTRICT LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES |
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
AROUND THE CONFERENCE
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM Trainings |
Opportunity 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,
7/22/21
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Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition (STIC) |
STIC have confirmed the date of Sunday, Sept. 12th, 3 p.m. for the online version of the Witness to Injustice program. The program will feature 9 Native American readers narrating the history of Turtle Island. Narration will alternate with small group reflection time after each section.
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FAITH IN ACTION
WHEN: Oct. 1-2, 2021
WHERE: Camp Casowasco
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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.
7/8/2021
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From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
of Wesley Theological Seminary
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50 Ways to Improve Your Annual Stewardship Campaign |
This free resource in our popular 50 Ways series provides effective strategies for improving your stewardship campaign. Topics include: plan carefully; structure your campaign to acknowledge unique giving patterns; know what motivates people to give; ask in effective ways; follow up; and more.
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Dan Hotchkiss explains how congregations can build their staffs by “hiring” unpaid volunteers. He explains how this approach can make fuller use of a volunteer’s talent and energy while also creating a more unified reporting and decision-making structure.
7/22/2021
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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
7/22/21
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PLEASE CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING
TO THE FOLLOWING LINKSC
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These will keep you updated
on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
7/8/2021
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COVID-19 Information & Resources |
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Other News Links From the Conference |
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links. |
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The HUB at UNY Conference Center |
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE |
35 Wilkes Ave.
PO Box 706
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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