DS Word: “Power of the Wait”
There is a legend that years ago, as engineers were building a bridge over the East River in New York they discovered a wrecked ship lay right where the center piers were to be built. Powerful machinery was brought in to remove the ship, but it would not budge. Then one of the engineers had an unusual idea-why not have the tide raise the ship!! Strong cables were attached to the hull when the tide was low. The other ends were fastened to the barge above. As the tide came in, the barge gradually lifted the sunken ship. It was then towed out into the ocean and sunk at a spot that would not cause future problems. God’s Holy Spirit is like the tide: it comes in quietly, it comes in slowly, but it comes to us with enormous power, so that we might do the job God has called us to do. Now more than ever the church can tap into the power of God’s Holy Spirit. To tap into that we must relinquish trust in our own might and let God do the lifting. Wait for it, and trust God.
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Our Conference is Leading by Example!
For the fourth year in a row, the Upper New York (UNY) Conference was able to give 100 percent of our General Church apportionments, supporting life-changing ministries around the world. This is extremely difficult in a lean year of giving from the churches during the pandemic. I want to personally thank every congregation in the Upper New York Conference for your continued giving.
There are two sure-fire ways to fully invest in the ministries we share: 1. Have Church Council direct the treasurer to make this the highest pay priority; 2. Have Church Council direct the treasurer to pay the conference shared ministries every month, and alert them immediately if funds fall short of covering all the church bills.
Has your church been paying 100% of your shared ministry bill every month? See this list below to find out.
Jeff McDowell
2/4/2021
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A Note From District Associate Mike Kelly |
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Blessings to the Mountain View District,
Friends I want to reiterate that I am here so assist all of you in this district. Please don’t be afraid to seek my help.
Last week I was elated that a Pastor within the district called for assistance with their food pantry. The problem was that The Food Bank of the Southern Tier had not gotten back to them in a reasonable time and it was holding them up from providing five-hundred cases of food to those in need. Within minutes and a couple emails the Food Bank had called and made an appointment with them to finish the procedure that needed to be done to distribute food. I have many contacts there.
On another occasion there was a car pulled into a church’s parking lot, the license plates had been removed and the car was left abandoned. The police officer had told the trustees that there was nothing that could be done, that if it was removed it would be at the church’s cost. I went by and spoke to the municipalities Chief of Police and within five days the car was removed at no cost to the church.
I have worked to helped other local pastors with the Course of Study. I have gone through almost the whole program, with just one or two classes remaining. I know about the schedule and I may be able to help you with a class that you are having difficulty with or at least point you in the right direction.
I have answered many food service questions for churches. For instance, did you know that you must have a food service permit from the state to do any kind of dinners? And do you know what the limitations are and what is required.
Are you having problems filling out the EZRA reports or your reports for charge conference? They can be daunting but none the less they are required and are expected to be on time. I didn’t know is not a good answer here.
Maybe you are serving your first church and you have some questions. Maybe I can help, and if not I know those that can. I am sure that if we cannot help you within the district, I can direct you to a name in the Conference that will help. Remember your church’s shared ministry helps to provide us with a conference staff and they want to help.
I suspect that I could even help you with a question that may be found in the Book of Discipline. I have spent many years learning it. It gives you wonderful things like, “What are the duties of a local church?” “What are the duties of the Pastor?” “What committees are required and how are they to be made up?” Lots of things, I can help you all with.
Please do not hesitate to call (607) 220-7873, let me help you pastors and congregations alike to grow as a church, and build disciples for Jesus Christ.
Peace to you all,
Pastor Mike Kelly
Mountain View District Associate
2/4/2021
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Where Mountain View District Churches
Are At With EZRA
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NOT STARTED- 67%
IN PROGRESS- 15%
COMPLETED- 18%
Thank you to the following churches for completing your stats early!
- Arkport
- Big Flats
- Bishopville
- Erin
- Garwoods
- Hornell
- Kanona
- North Chemung
- North Cohocton
- Presho
- Sullivanville
2/4/2021
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REMINDER of REPORTS THAT ARE DUE on FEB. 15th, 2021 |
This is just a friendly reminder that the due date is almost here for some of the Church Annual Reports. PLEASE make sure you get these done on time.
The REPORTS That Need to be DONE ARE:
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Statistics 2020-EZRA
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Report of the Trustee
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Finance Committee Report
- 2020 Year End Financial Report (your own format)
- 2021 Church Budget (your own format)
ALSO: ALL Clergy & Lay Pastors Need to Do
- Harassment Prevention
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FAQ-click here
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Required NYS Annual Training-click here
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Boundaries Training-more information here
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Background Checks- more information here
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church |
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Website for COVID "Hot Spot" Zones
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Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
12/17/2020
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Mountain View District Office Hours |
Monday & Thursdays- Working Remotely 7am-2:15pm
Tuesday & Wednesdays- In office- 7am-2:15pm
At this time visits to the office are by appointment ONLY.
You will be asked to fill out questionnaire, get your temperature taken and a Mask MUST be worn as well as socially distancing.
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Bishop Announces Clergy Appointments |
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 10 ad interim appointments and seven retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
1/21/2021
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If Your Church Had/Has A Change in Treasurer
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If you have had a change in Treasurer within the last 3 months, or the Church will have a new Treasurer in the new year, please fill out the attached form and send it to the Upper New York Conference Office.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Erica Wentworth at the Conference Office at 315-898-2004
1/7/2021
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Attention Clergy and Lay Pastors!
Complete Boundary Awareness Training by February 15, 2021
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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.
2/4/2021
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Next Newsletter
February 18, 2021
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Please Consider Subscribing to the Links Below |
Subscribing to any of these link will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference Office. This will help keep you from repeated emails flooding your inbox. |
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DATES for YOUR CALENDAR
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February 15, 2021- District Office Will be Closed-Presidents Day
February 15, 2021- Statistics for 2020- The Ezra site is open to enter the church statistical data.
February 15, 2021
Please send a completed & signed copy of each to the District office. (Click on the boldface titles to download the forms.):
2020 Year-end Financial Report
2021 Church Budget
March 15, 2021
Please send a completed & signed copy to the District office:
1/21/2021
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STATISTICAL REPORTING INFORMATION |
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EZRA Statistical Reporting Is OPEN |
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.
Deadline is by February 15, 2021
Please remember, email me or call me with ANY questions!!! My email is ericawentworth@unyumc.org and my phone number (315) 898-2004
Thanks
Erica Wentworth
Finance Support Specialist
Upper New York Conference
1/7/2021
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Counting Online Church Attendance
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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.
Erica also shared the following information from GCFA:
We don’t really have set parameters because we know each conference does it different and they have their own parameters. We just ask that each conference uses their best judgement on how to accurately count online attendance since they know their churches the best and the means that each church has.
We did have the question about how should a small church count attendance when they mail out their sermons and the answer was, for the church to use their best judgement on who would have came and the people that are reading what they are sending out. With small churches, we believe they know their members the best and know the efforts they are making.
The Upper New York Conference does not have a policy around online attendance. But, it is important to be consistent. Each congregation should determine how they are going to count online attendance and remain consistent with that.
1/7/2021
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Check out GCFA Page for COVID-19 Legislation updates for churches, including PPP |
2/4/2021
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT UMW
ENRICHMENT DAY
Saturday, February 20, 2021
1:00-3:00 PM - Virtually
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Women Helping Women
Welcome and Prayer
Our Purpose Bible Reflection
Exodus 1:15-22 and 2:5-10
Virtual Reflection
- Reflect on our Social Distancing Experiences
- How has the Pandemic impacted our ability to help and support others?
- Have we come together in new ways?
- Have we continued to connect through our “old” ways?
- Additional reflections
Social Action Project-Let’s act together
- Pregnancy Resource Center of the Valleys - www.prcvalleys.org
- Purpose and Mission
- How we can help-practical gift items always needed:
Shampoo, body wash, toothbrush & toothpaste, skin lotion. Please
limit to these items-no others
- March 1 deadline-please bring to your church by this date
- Team members will collect and make up gift bags for PRC to distribute
Thank you to our Team Members/UMW Units for continuing to serve others in love
Dates to remember in 2021
Closing prayer
Sue will send you the invitation to join the meeting.
2/4/2021
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Other Mountain View District UMW
2021 Dates to Remember
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March 27 Communion Brunch (tentative) Elmira New Beginnings
April 24 Day Apart - ZOOM Meeting – 1:00 PM
May 17 Spring District Dinner Watson Homestead
September 18 District Annual Meeting Hammondsport
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Apply Now for Lottie Brown Grant |
Applications for the Lottie Brown Grant are now available through March 15. Because of 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.
2/4/2021
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Online services are here to stay
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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.
2/4/2021
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Practices and Devotions for the Season of Lent
When: Beginning Feb. 24th and each Wednesday for 8 sessions
Time: 7 PM
Where: By Zoom
NOTE: Please register at lease One Week prior to class in order to receive mailed materials.
Cost: $50.00
2/4/2021
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The Twelfth Session will be held virtually June 17-19, 2021.
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The Upper New York Conference is working with Good News TV Media Ministry to provide a positive virtual experience.
Who: All clergy and laity representatives to the Annual Conference Session
What: Twelfth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
When: June 17-19, 2021
Where: Virtually
2/4/2021
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Clergy Educational Opportunities |
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UMC Clergy Education
Offering Courses for Credit in Feb. 2021
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Feb. 4 - The Difference the Cross Makes: Ideas and Tips for Preaching During Lent Wil Cantrell. Click here to register or for information.
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.
Attendees will receive a certificate for 60-minutes CEU credit
12/17/2020
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Laity Educational Opportunities |
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Mountain View District's
Spring Lay Ministry Courses Being Offered
These are open to ALL
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All Courses will be by Zoom
Classes being offered are:
- Basic Course
- Lay Pastoral Care- Advanced Course
- Imagine No Racism-Advanced Course
Registration ends Feb. 25th.
1/21/2021
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Adirondack District Lay Servant Classes- Open to All
The following courses are the 2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
If you are interested in Certified Lay Ministry, the prerequisites are the Basic Course, and Spiritual Gifts. However, it is highly recommended that the five additional required Lay Speaker courses be taken.
All Courses will be by Zoom
Classes being offered are:
- Basic Lay Servant Course
- Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs-Advanced Course-Deadline for registration form and fee is Feb. 8
- United Methodist Heritage- Advanced Course
- Leading Prayer-Advanced Course
- Spiritual Gifts- Advanced Course
- Leading Worship-Advanced Course
- Polity-Advanced Course
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
12/17/2020
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Genesee Valley District Lay Servant Ministries Committee
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This Course will be by Zoom
Class being offered:
- Leading Worship-Advanced Course
(please note new dates) Mondays, February 22, March 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 7-9 pm via Zoom. This class is open to all UNY Lay Servants/Speakers.
Deadline to register is February 15, 2021.
Mail the registration and check to:
Deb Clyde
11 Bowen Road
Churchville, NY 14428
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
1/21/2021
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Previously Run Information |
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Gov. Cuomo expands vaccination sites
to include houses of worship
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Governor Cuomo has expanded vaccination sites to include houses of worship. Click here to determine whether your church meets the criteria.
If your location matches these criteria and you wish to be a vaccination site, you can click here to submit information about your congregation. You can also send your information or questions to the Rev. Que English, Deputy Director of Faith-Based Initiatives by emailing her at Que.English@nyshcr.org. She will follow up with you to collect further information.
1/21/2021
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NYS Sick Leave Law
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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.
1/21/2021
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Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship for Online and In-Person Audiences with Jason Moore - webinar available for 90 days
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On Dec. 10, Jason Moore hosted a 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 for 90 days.
The goal of this webinar is not only to help churches better prepare through Advent and especially for Christmas, but also to help churches prepare into the New Year.
1/7/2021
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
HOURS
Mon. & Thurs.-7am-2:15pm- Remotely
Tues. & Wed.-7am-2:15pm- In Person by Appointment Only
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