.Albany District
and Conference News
Resources and Information
Nov. 19, 2020
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"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
-- Mother Teresa
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Send us your news!
Call Carrie with questions, 518-608-1246
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The District Office is open
We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246.
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Please note
Much of the information in the newsletter is repeated from past weeks. Wanted to leave it in, as there are resources that you can continue to use. Anything that is updated from last week is noted. Please be in touch with questions or concerns to Carrie: (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org or to District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl: (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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Please hold the Rev. Peter Kelly in prayer. Peter suffered a stroke last Friday, and is now at home, recovering. Peter served Galway UMC, Pawling Ave. UMC (Troy), Good Shepherd (Green Island) and St. James (Cohoes) in the Troy Conference.
Please continue to hold George Holzhauer, and his wife, retired pastor Rev. Phyllis Holzhauer, in prayer. George has been residing at Wesley Health Care Center, so he and Phyllis have been unable to see one another in person since March. They are able to have "window" visits, for which they are grateful. Cards of care and concern can be sent to George at 647 Riverview Rd., Rexford, NY 12148.
Prayers for the District, Conference and the World as we move through this difficult and very uncertain times dealing with COVID-19.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers:
- Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob
- Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband.
- Rev Alan Rhodes as he recovers from a stroke and surgery
- Rev. David Smith and his parents who reside in Assisted Living.
- Rev. Erik Smith and his wife Jane Smith, both dealing with serious health issues.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org. Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Share your story
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in the way we do church, but it has also offered opportunities for growth. Please share your story on how you or your church is reaching out to touch lives amidst the isolation and anxiety of our new reality.
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Updated COVID-19 Guidelines and Best Practices
New York State, like much of the world, is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases with regional micro-clusters across the UNY Conference experiencing positive test rates above 4.5 percent.
With the health and safety of all members and communities of the Upper New York Conference in mind, the Conference Reopening Task Force, with the full support of Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and the members of the UNY Cabinet, 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 New York Forward requirements remain the minimum standards and are mandatory for every congregation. In addition to these requirements, the guidelines also include a set of “UNY Recommended Best Practices.” While these do not have the force of law, they are designed to further decrease the chance of infection and harm and are strongly recommended by the Bishop, the Cabinet, and the Task Force. Congregations, operating through their own “Reopening Task Force,” are responsible for making decisions about how they will keep staff, members, and visitors safe during this crisis.
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.
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Web site for COVID "hot spot" zones
Click here to see if your address is in one of the "hot spot" zones according to New York State's website.
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Preventing Suicide Among Military Veterans and Service Members
Veterans take their own lives at the rate of 17 per day. Please join use to help us help those at risk! The Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany is asking prominent community organizations, including faith-based organizations in Albany County, to help reach out to at-risk Veterans and Service Members. During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, your involvement has never been more important! We invite you to attend a presentation by Dr. Joseph Hunter, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and Rev. Bruce Swingle, VA Lead Chaplain. We will also have a guest speaker—a Veteran who will share his story.
EVENT DETAILS
4:30-6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020
Online: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5693004969, no code needed. Registration is not required. Also, a video camera is not required to join the meeting; however, a good internet connection using Google Chrome will enhance the video experience.
Learn about:
· The magnitude of the suicide epidemic and its impact on Veterans, families and communities
· The warning signs for a person at-risk
· Resources for self-care, connecting and professional help
· The ways you can help
Questions? Call Dr. Hunter 518/428-9703 or Reverend Swingle, 518/626-5747
Dear Faith-Based Organization Leader,
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New questions for a new day
The pandemic presents an opportunity for churches to reframe their thinking and reboot their vision. Rather than tweaking what has always been done, this moment invites churches to embrace an expanded vision of community, catch up with societal trends, and rethink the use of new technologies.
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Connecting with young adults through online ministry
A critical strategy for engaging young adults is to create discipleship opportunities and build relationships in the existing online communities where they are already active. Within these spaces and relationships, the church can provide young adults an opportunity to explore identity, belonging, and purpose.
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Finding Solutions to the Young Clergy Crisis
What strategies support and encourage young people entering ministry? In this episode Bishop Janice Huie shares the importance of listening deeply to young people, embracing a holistic approach, and sustaining our commitment to younger clergy in face of new challenges.
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What to do when volunteers quit
People step away from volunteer positions for various reasons. But regardless of the cause, they need to know the church continues to value them. Here is a three-step formula to respond in a way that is respectful and encourages longer-term retention.
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Worship game changers
Why worship? This is the deeper question that is asked by the rapidly growing population of spiritually yearning, institutionally alienated people in Western culture today. This group includes people with no religious preference and “nones”; but it also includes a multitude of formerly active church members who are stepping further and further from regular worship attendance. Worship design will never be able to get on the right track unless it answers this fundamental question.
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(New)
Dear Friends involved with Albany District Lay Servant Ministries,
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. The Albany District Lay Servant Ministries Team is in the process of planning courses for 2021, and we will send you that information before the end of the year.
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Albany District Advanced Lay Servant Course Open to All Laity
DISCIPLE 1 Fast Track: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study New Testament is designed to help busy people encounter the Bible in order to grow in faith. Daily readings for private devotion and reflection, as well as materials to help understand the Bible, its content and its development, are provided. The course provides participants with structure, a sense of accountability, and the encouragement of fellow sojourners. It begins Saturday, January 9, 2021, meeting every Saturday for twelve weeks, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., via Zoom. The cost is $10 with checks payable to UNYAC (Upper New York Annual Conference). Participants must purchase Disciple Fast Track: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study New Testament Study Manual from Cokesbury. Contact Nancy Goddard at bngoddard@davespc.net for a registration form.
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Adirondack District
Lay Servant Classes
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.
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant (daytime course)
See May for other dates.
Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Thursday, Jan. 21: 9 am-noon
Monday, Jan. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 27: 9 am-noon
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: United Methodist Heritage
Thursdays: Jan. 7, 14, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 23: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Preaching: From Your Hearts to Theirs
Course 1: Mondays: Feb. 22, March 1 and 8, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday March 13: 9 am-1 p.m.
OR
Course 2: Thursdays, Feb. 25, March 4 & 11: 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, March 20: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee $15
Each course is limited to 6 participants.
Deadline for registration form and fee is Feb. 8
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays: April 14, 21, May 5: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 1: 9 am-1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Basic Course: Basic Lay Servant
Thursdays, May 13 and 27: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 29: 9 am-1 p.m.
Monday, June 7: 6-9 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
Mondays June 14 and 21: 6-9 pm
Saturday, June 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 1: 6-9 pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Wednesdays: July 14, 21, 28: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday: August 7: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Advanced Course: Polity
Tuesdays August 17, 24, 31: 6-9 pm
Saturday, August 28: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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Zoom links available for
Bishop Webb’s laity gatherings
In December, Bishop Webb is inviting all laity to join him for Regional gatherings on Zoom. These gatherings will be a time of prayer and conversation around our ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church in these unprecedented days.
Bishop Webb said, “I look forward to gathering with the laity of each region to join together in prayer, celebrate the ongoing ministry within each congregation, and keep our focus upon the common task we share in ‘making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.’”
Wednesday, Dec. 2 – 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Northeast Region (Northern Flow, Adirondack, Mohawk, and Albany Districts)
Click here on Dec. 2 to join the Zoom meeting or call 646-558-8656.
The meeting ID is 933 6043 0915 and the passcode is 068009.
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Paid Family Leave Update
Effective January 1, 2021, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.To view the document, click here.
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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 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Online Giving
Visit the Conference website to learn about online giving: Click here
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Reminder regarding New York State
required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
As previously communicated, New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer's sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each annual training. The policy can be provided electronically as long as the employee is able to print the policy for their records.
It is recommended you obtain a signed acknowledgment from the employee affirming they have received and read the employer's sexual harassment prevention policy.
There are various free or low-cost online sexual harassment prevention trainings available to your employees.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.We are now back in the office. We are adhering to guidelines on safety and social distancing. If you need to stop by, please call ahead. You'll need to wear a mask, and follow safety protocols. Call Carrie at (518) 480-4866.
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A message from the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team to trainers
In this time of Covid-19 and social distancing, the Safe Sanctuaries Conference Team is not recommending any in-person Safe Sanctuaries trainings. This is to keep safe those who would be together for a long period of time. We ask that people be patient. Recertification letters have gone out to the trainers. There is a test training for trainers only set for December 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM. We will test the curriculum that has been redone for a virtual training via zoom. Please watch your emails for the link and the updated materials. Please refer to the recent letter for the co-chair contact in your District and for more information. If you have questions, send an email to: Safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
Co-Chair Arlene Schmidt, CLM and Pastor Christine Mitchell, Pastor, Honeoye Falls United Methodist Church
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November is
Native American Heritage Month
During the month of November, United Methodists are called to learn more about the history of Native/indigenous people. Click here for several resources you can share with your congregation to raise awareness about Native American and indigenous culture in the United States.
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United Methodist Student Day celebrated on Nov. 29
“United Methodist Student Day is just around the corner. We will celebrate United Methodist Student Day on November 29, 2020. Last year, United Methodist congregations, gave $370,123 to the offering. This year, the world has experienced some unprecedented times, but we hope that you will give as much as you can to help our United Methodist students. When you give to the United Methodist Student Day offering, your gifts support the Gift of Hope Scholarship program that is awarded to United Methodist students annually. Thank you. For resources, click here.
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Preach Palestine on Nov. 29
Friends of Sabeel North America is inviting congregations to "Preach Palestine" on Nov. 29 by incorporating Palestine into their worship service on the first week of Advent. Your UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, deeply committed to human rights for the Palestinian people is encouraging UNY pastors to unite in this effort to Preach Palestine.
Sunday, Nov. 29 is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Friends of Sabeel North America has prepared some excellent resources that congregations might use. There are prayers, litanies, children's stories, music, and even sermon possibilities to choose from.
This is also a great way to respond to the most recent "Cry of Hope" from our Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine.
Click here to review and choose from an amazing library of resources.
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Charge Conference forms due two weeks after conference
Charge Conference forms are all located on the following page: 2020-2021 Charge Conference forms. There is a downloadable/printable forms check list to help ensure that each church is on track to completing the forms necessary for their Church/Charge Conference on time. Many of the forms need to be submitted to the District Office two weeks after your Charge Conference. Other forms, such as the annual audit, have later deadlines. Questions can be directed to the District Office.
If you get an error message while trying to access the Charge Conference forms, click here for help.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. We are also posting daily bible readings from Rev. Bill Mudge. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District Committee on Youth Ministries
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News/Resources
From the Conference
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Media Resource Center's November newsletter available
Visit the Resource Center's page on the Conference website to explore the vast library of resources: Click here. For the newsletter, click here.
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Digital Discipleship training
On Nov. 5, the Rev. Rachel Barnhart, pastor at Broad Street UMC, led a Zoom training on using Zoom to host House Churches. This is part of the Upper New York Conference’s Digital Discipleship trainings.
Click here to hear Rev. Barnhart’s testimonial. Click here to watch the recording of Rev. Barnhart’s webinar.
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New 'Bridge' available
The Nov. Issue II Bridge is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary. The stories that are featured in the Bridge can also be accessed from the news section of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference website for easy copying and pasting for those who wish to electronically distribute news featured in the Bridge. Click here to access the UNY Conference news items.
This issue covers the United Methodist Student Sunday, which is held on Sunday Nov. 29 and also covers ways to keep kids engaged during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Stewardship with Susan Ranous
Connect with the Rev. Susan Ranous, deacon serving as Director of Christian Stewardship for the UNY Conference.
Click here for the blog that she usually publishes on Thursdays about stewardship, creation care, finances, money, generosity, and many other topics. Be sure to check it out!
Click here to visit her Facebook page, "Stewardship with Susan Ranous."
Rev. Ranous can be contacted through your District Superintendent or directly via phone (315) 427-3668 or email: susanranous@unyumc.org.
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Imagine No Racism: Train as a facilitator
Are you moved to help dismantle racism? Have you already experienced the "Imagine No Racism" curriculum? The Conference Commission on Religion & Race (CCORR) is planning more opportunities to train people as INR Facilitators to lead new small groups. This one-day training will be on ZOOM. If interested, please let Carrie know and we will coordinate times that work for people. (adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 480-4866.
If you have not experienced the six sessions of INR but are interested, please let Carrie know and we will find a small Zoom group for you.
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Sign up for the Skye Farm newsletter!
Click here to sign up for the Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center's newsletter, "Pass it On." To read past issues, visit the archives: click here
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List of online worship services
The Conference website offers links to online services.
To view, or to add your service to the list, click here.
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Live-streaming and licensing
For information on live-streaming and licensing information: Click here.
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Visit Conference website for updates on COVID-19
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is actively determining the best way to balance ministry while protecting the health of all clergy and laity.
We have created a resource page designed to support leaders in our Conference as they make critical decisions in a situation that is quickly changing.
Click here for the webpage. Please note that by scrolling down on this link, you will see the latest news on COVID-19 and on the right side, you will see links to FAQs, webinars, live streaming, video conferencing, and more.
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or COVID-19response@unyumc.org and someone will contact you.
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Tune in to webinars
The Conference website has webinars to assist you with the following:
How to Facebook Live
Using ZOOM to keep church connection
Online Giving
Streaming worship online.
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Tips for streaming your services
Many churches are brainstorming ways to record or stream their services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check out our Resource page where we describe different services you can use for video recording or live streaming your services.
One popular live streaming platform that churches are using is Facebook Live.
Click here for a very useful video by Baptist pastor Bobby Gillstrap, showing you how to use Facebook Live.
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Other Resources and Information
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Leading Ideas Talks Podcast: “Virtual Advent”
How can Advent be special in a year when so much is different? Professor of Worship Anna Petrin shares ideas for bringing Advent from the sanctuary to the home and allowing its themes of longing and hope to speak to our current reality. To listen to the podcast, click here.
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Find daily, weekly devotions online
Devotional resources to share with members and other congregants is one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications. For a list of resources, click here.
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Books and resources to prepare for Advent
The United Methodist Publishing House has produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented year of uncertainty and anxiety. As we continue to social distance and wait for things to get better, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The new resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms. To read more, click here.
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Leading small groups during social distancing
Small groups and Sunday school classes form one of the most powerful connections and means of support for members.
Many people are asking: What happens to these connections during times of social distancing? How can leaders maintain these essential care mechanisms in the lives of members?
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Resourcing men's ministries
Are you interested in establishing a men's ministry in your church?
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Keeping church property safe when closed
Even if your church building is seeing little use these days, the property still faces risk of damage or burglary. Explore tips from United Methodist Insurance that will help local churches keep people safe and make the most of limited visits to the building.
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtownville UMC, 568 Loudon Rd., Latham 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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