February 4th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
|
|
Note: The District Office is open by appointment only.
Is my home or church in a COVID-19 Cluster?
Click on this link and type in your address.
|
|
Announcement: AC2021 to be held remotely June 17-19
After consultation with the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Sessions, Conference Leadership Team, Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Committee, and the Upper New York Board of Trustees, Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Cabinet are announcing that the UNY 2021 Annual Conference (AC2021) session will be held remotely.
The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Executive Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries, who also serves as the Annual Conference Agenda Chair said, “Given the uncertainty about if we will be able to legally and safely gather 1,400 people in person for Annual Conference, Conference leaders have decided to hold Annual Conference by remote means.”
The dates for this year’s Annual Conference will be June 17-19.
Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding said, “The dates needed to be changed from our original ones because of our desire to utilize the services of GNTV, a resource that many Annual Conferences used in 2020 and will be using in 2021 to conduct their sessions. Their dates were limited, and we needed to go with what GNTV had available.”
The Committee on Agenda and the Committee on Sessions will continue to create the framework of our time together during these three days.
Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding said, “It is our intention to create an environment as similar to being in person as possible, with debate, amendments, and action being allowed on all the necessary and vital work that is before us. At this time, we envision clergy and laity sessions, opening worship, ordination, and a memorial service being a part of these three days. We are also aware that June 19 is the Juneteenth holiday as well as the 11th anniversary of the formation of The Upper New York Conference and we plan to recognize both in a form of worship.”
Submissions (reports, petitions, team recommendations) are due on March 15 to be included in Vol. I of the UNY Journal. Submission guidelines will be issued by the Petitions and Resolutions Committee in early February.
Continue to follow all UNY communication platforms for more details.
|
|
Celebrate Black History Month
February is Black History Month — a time to reflect on the history of Black Americans and to honor the individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly toward racial justice.
As outlined in the Racial Justice Charter, United Methodist Women works to eliminate all forms of institutional racism; to study, understand and appreciate the historical and cultural contributions of each race to the Church and community; to support and participate in the worldwide struggle for liberation in the church and community, and much more.
Click here for great resources that United Methodist Women have put together to celebrate Black History Month.
|
|
Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
|
|
ALL Local Churches are required to Complete End-of-Year Reporting
Each year there are reports due to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning.
The following reports are due by February 15, 2021, to the Oneonta District Office: C/O Teresa Wood - 28 Orchard St. Oneonta NY 13820, or OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org
|
|
2020 Year End Financial Report (your format)
2021 Church Budget (your format)
The Statistical reports are due February 15, 2021 and are completed on the Ezra website. You do not need to send a copy to the District. Feel free to print out a paper copy for your own churches' records. You will need your user name and password to complete this task. See below for more information on EZRA.
|
|
Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!
* Note* When sending Charge Conference Forms to the office:
|
|
EZRA Statistical Reporting
There are TWO new lines this year.
The first is in Table 2 – Line 46b. This line is for churches who had received a PPPLoan. The line is specifically for the amount that was used/allocated for payroll expenses.
The second line is on Table 3 – Line 54d. This line for churches who had applied and received a PPPLoan. This line IS NOT USED towards the calculation on Ministry Shares for 2022.
Please email or call Erica Wentworth-(UNYAC Finance Support Specialist)
and phone number (315) 898-2004
|
|
Counting Online Attendance for Ezra
Note: Erica Wentworth, Finance Support Specialist for Upper New York and our "go to" for questions about entering local church information in Ezra has provided this document to help with counting online church attendees.
From the Rev. Dr. Aaron W. Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations for the Upper New York Conference:
We do not have a policy around online attendance. What I have been communicating with people is the importance of consistency. Each congregation should determine how they are going to count online attendance and remain consistent with that. The comparison work I do does not compare church A with church B, rather with church A to itself over time. For the analysis to mean anything there has to be consistent counting.
|
|
EZRA deadline approaching
The Ezra site is open to enter church statistical data, https://ezra.gcfa.org. The 2020 Statistical data is due on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Accuracy is crucial. Please do not re-enter/copy the 2019 report. Church Ministry Shares are calculated using Line 52t. Accuracy is key in calculating not only the local Church Apportionments but also UNYACs Apportionments to the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA). Please contact Erica Wentworth with any questions, (315) 898-2004 or by email at EricaWentworth@unyumc.org.
|
|
Clergy: Complete Boundary Awareness Training by February 15, 2021
Boundary Awareness Training is required every 5 years of every clergy person in any active status or relationship with the Conference whose appointment is approved or set by the Bishop; every person serving as a supply pastor assigned by the District Superintendent; and retired clergy performing ministerial functions. Click here for registration instruction.
|
|
CCORR (Conference Commission on Religion and Race) will offer INR (Imagine No Racism) courses on Zoom as the need arises; people interested and looking for an INR group may contact Blenda Smith at bsmith@binghamton.edu.
|
|
Preparing our Hearts and Spirits for Lent:
A virtual ‘mini-mini’ retreat - Open to All
Tuesday, February 9th, 9a.m- 11 a.m.
Join Nancy Dibelius, Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life , in a two hour opportunity to step-back, take a breath, and dive a little deeper into spiritual pondering and reflection.
Designed to help you prepare your soul for the Lenten season and for keeping the kind of balance that keeps the one main thing (your life and relationship with God) at the forefront.
Offered via Zoom.
Clear your calendar for these two hours and join Nancy and your colleagues. Invitation will come closer to the ‘mini-mini- retreat.
Please register here by emailing Northern Flow Office
|
|
Lay Servant Courses - Open to All
Leading Worship
February 22, March 1, 8, 15 & 22, 7-9 pm
Course fee $15
Registration ends February 15.
Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
February 22, March 1, 8 from 6-9 pm; March 13, 9 am - 1 pm
Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
February 25, March 4 & 11, 6-9 pm; March 20: 9 am - 1 pm
Basic Course
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 7-9 pm
Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
Leading Prayer
April 14, 21, May 5, 6-9 pm; May 1, 9 am - 1 pm
Imagine No Racism
April 22, 29, May 6, 13 & 20, 2-5 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
Lay Pastoral Care
April 28, May 5, 12 & 19, 7-9 pm
Zoom: Course fee $15
Click here for the registration brochure. Registration ends February 25.
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
***************************************************
|
|
Clergy Mentor Training slotted for Feb. 23
Please join the Rev. Sue Russell, former co-chair of the UNY Board of Ordained Ministry, for a Zoom mentor training. Rev. Russell offers 20 years of mentoring experience. She will be explaining many different aspects of mentoring.
For: All clergy in full connection, associate members, and local pastors who have completed the Course of Study who have a desire to be in a mentor role for those on the journey in ministry.
Topic: Training for mentoring candidates into ministry, provisional members, local pastors, pastors from other denominations and certified lay ministers.
This training is offered at the following two times:
Feb. 23, 2021 – 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Feb. 23, 2021 – 6:30 to 8:00 PM
This training is required for those who would consider being a mentor for the first time as well as those who have been mentoring awhile and need a refresher.
|
|
UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Feb. 2021
Feb. 9 - Developing Effective Communication to Grow Your Church
Kevin Slimp. Click here to register or for information.
Feb. 16 - Leadership Development in the Local Church
Ken Willard and Kelly Brown. Click here to register or for information.
|
|
Dismantling Racism Resource: Health inequities in Buffalo
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, 2021, 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.
Our latest issue of the Advocate is filled with eye-opening articles which focuses on dismantling racism. In this issue you will find dozens of resources and information on understanding institutional racism and the work it takes to become anti-racist.
One article in this issue of the Advocate examined health inequities in Buffalo, NY.
Blacks in the inner city of Buffalo have exponentially higher rates of serious and chronic diseases and their premature mortality rate is an alarming 300 percent higher than whites in other parts of the region. Something had to be done about this health inequity, which is the reason why the Rev. George Nicholas, pastor at Lincoln UMC, was instrumental in creating the Buffalo Center for Health Equity in 2015.
Click here to learn what has already been accomplished by the Buffalo Center for Health Equity.
|
|
Camp & Retreat Ministries |
|
Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
As you may know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family and group retreats and gatherings. In addition to the loss of these life-changing ministry opportunities, these cancellations have resulted in over a million dollars in lost revenue. Though each site has begun to reopen, the pandemic will continue to limit what is possible for many months to come.
These precious ministries have entered a “wilderness time” of uncertainty and scarcity. In response to this challenge, our conference is making an emergency financial appeal, what we are calling the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign, to support our camp and retreat ministries in these unprecedented times.
|
|
The Media Resource Center began lending and accepting back overdue resources on Aug. 1. Please check to see if you have any items taken out prior to March 2020. These items should be returned to us as soon as possible. With Pastors moving to other churches and Bible studies put on hold, we need to try to locate all resources and have them returned before they are forgotten.
If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are closed to the public.
|
|
Please be Aware of Phishing Attempts
Please be aware of scammers attempting to get personal information from you via your email account. This is referred to as phishing. We have been made aware of the fact that many pastors in the UNY Conference have received such emails. A lot of these emails ask for money, gift cards, credit card numbers, etc. Many of these emails are from recognizable names, such as Bishop Webb, but if you look closely at the email address, it is not the person’s actual address.
Click here for a good five-minute video clip on what to look for.
|
|
Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
|
|
Applications for the Lottie Brown grant are now available
Applications for the Lottie Brown grant are now available through March 15, 2021. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and limited staff working at the Conference office each day, it is highly recommended that all completed materials be sent electronically to scholarships@unyumc.org.
Preference is given to those entering some form of Christian service. A statement of your faith journey and philosophy of life is given high consideration. All application materials for this scholarship must be postmarked by March 15, 2021.
|
|
Cady Grants 2021
COVID -19 has challenged all of us. This is all the more reason to support creative ministries in Upper New York!
Applications for the Ercil Cady Grant are available now. Grant(s) of up to $5,000 may be awarded to individual United Methodists, local UM churches, or UNY District and Conference ministry teams. As directed by the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant, “priority shall be given to educational proposals that benefit minority groups or individuals, preferably black and American Indians.”
Please consider creative ways to use this grant. Click here for the procedures and application. The deadline to apply for this grant is March 15, 2021.
|
|
Announcement- New York State Paid Sick Leave Law
All private sector workers in New York State are covered under New York State’s paid sick leave law. If a person is issued a W-2 year-end tax form, they are eligible for the New York State paid sick leave. Non-profit and religious organizations are not exempt from this law. Click here for information on the New York State paid sick leave law.
|
|
Certificates of Insurance in the UNY Conference
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the Upper New York Conference’s Human Resources Generalist, Tracy Rickett, has compiled some helpful information for you. Click here for more information.
|
|
COVID-19 Guidelines & Best Practices
With the health and safety of all members and communities of the Upper New York Conference in mind, the Conference Reopening Task Force have revised the COVID-19 guidelines. While underlying public health science and regulations have changed little since March, this revision seeks to increase clarity and ease of use.
The guidelines cover facility, worship, small group, food, and program hosting minimum standards and best-practices. Click here for a chart that outlines the minimum standards that churches should follow (the NYS guidelines) and the additional UNY recommend best practices. This chart also provides helpful resources.
Future updates and revisions will be noted in red in subsequent versions. 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
Click here to print full announcement.
|
|
FOR YOUR INFORMATION and Calendar
General Conference
The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN. Click here to read more.
Jurisdictional Conferences
The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference. Click here to read more.
|
|
NEW - Save the date! On February 13 at 2 p.m. EST, the General and Jurisdictional Conference Information Webinar will deliver important updates to U.S. delegates and other designated participants. Anticipate presentations from GCFA, the Council of Bishops, the Episcopal Fund, the Jurisdictional Study Committee and a report on General Conference options. While delegates will attend via Zoom, others are invited to watch a YouTube livestream.
· Delegates will participate via Zoom and will receive their invitation from jurisdictional secretaries.
|
|
Oberammergau Passion Play trip scheduled for June 14-22, 2022
The Rev. Jane Sautter will be hosting an Educational Opportunities Tour of European Capitals which includes the Oberammergau Passion play. This is the same tour company that Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, used for the UNY trips to the Holy Land and England.
The Passion Play was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UNY members will be joining the Susquehanna Annual Conference for this tour. The trip will include Innsbruck, Austria; Prague, Czech Republic; and Berlin, Germany in addition to the Passion Play.
The Passion Play has been performed in Oberammergau every 10 years since 1634 and will not be performed again until 2030. It is regarded as the most important Passion Play in the world. 2022 marks the 42nd time the play will be performed.
If you are interested in joining our group, please contact Jane at 315-225-6170 or pastorjfs@gmail.com for a brochure and more information.
|
|
For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
|
|
Online services are here to stay
If there’s a positive side to the coronavirus for churches, it’s that many of them have dramatically upped their game online. Click here to read more.
Click here to view the UNY churches who are streaming services online. Click here to learn more about how your church can “go digital.”
|
|
Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
|
|
Intentional Discipleship Systems in a pandemic
Article by Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations,What it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate.
|
|
Great resources on UNY’s NFC Facebook page
The New Faith Communities team has issued a 30-Day Kick-off Calendar for anyone who is discerning a call to create new places for new people. This January calendar offers small ideas that can help you discern and follow your call.
Click here and “like” the Upper New York New Faith Communities Facebook page to follow along with the campaign and find other planting resources and a great community of support.
|
|
Self-care resources - Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
|
|
Jason Moore webinar for the UNY Conference clergy that offered tips, strategies, and equipping to help the local church create a worship ministry where both in-person and online worshiping communities feel equally included and cared for. This webinar will be available for your church leadership to view and review through March 10, 2021 -90 days. Click here to watch the webinar.
|
|
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
|
|
How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
|
|
Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Office is closed at this time!
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
|
|
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
|
|
Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
|
|
Rev. George Gallandorm,- District Associate
|
|
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
|
|
Please note the Mailing Address for the Oneonta District Office is as follows during COVID:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
The physical address of the office remains the same:
64 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
