December 2nd, 2021 Oneonta District UMC News for you
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District E-newsletters
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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Nancy’s Notes - #36
Dear Friends,
I have always been one who has enjoyed singing the rich Advent hymns through this season, and not jumping right to Christmas carols. One of them is “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates,” #213 in The United Methodist Hymnal, by Georg Weissel:
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates; ye mighty gates; behold, the King of glory waits; the King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here.
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart from earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to thee we open wide; let us they inner presence feel; they grace and love in us reveal.
Thy Holy Spirit lead us on until our glorious goal is won; eternal praise, eternal fame be offered, Savior, to thy name!
I invite you to join me during this season of Advent in considering what it means to “fling wide the portals of our hearts” (from verse 2). Similarly, from verse 3, what if we prayed daily, “Redeemer, come, with us abide; our hearts to thee we open wide; let us thy inner presence feel; thy grace and love in us reveal.”
Of course, as we draw closer to Jesus during this season – flinging wide the portals of our hearts, we will then be more effective disciples of Jesus to share His love in this world that needs Him so. May it be so.
With You in the Advent Journey,
Nancy
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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms
Due Dates
December 1st:
*Church Profile
*Pastor's Profile
February 15th 2022
mail completed & signed copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
March 15th 2022
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download. All information can be found at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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4-Week Class - Taught By Pastor Paul W. – (ZOOM/In-Person)
1. Week # 1 – Sunday – November 28th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – November 30th – 4:30 pm
2. Week # 2 – Sunday – December 5th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 7th – 4:30 pm
3. Week # 3 – Sunday – December 12th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 14th – 4:30 pm
4. Week # 4 – Sunday – December 19th – 8:30 am
Tuesday – December 21st – 4:30 pm
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Breathing Room: An Advent Day Apart
Space to breathe, explore, and prepare for the season
For Laity: Saturday, December 4, 10am-3pm
Advent is a season of high expectations - our own, our family's, our congregation's. In reality, it can be a time of both joy and sorrow, peace and stress. Take time out at the beginning of this season to step away, be with what is, and clarify your intentions for the season.
Come as you are, take a breath and let God meet you where you are. Gather at Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center in Windsor, New York for a time of worship, individual and group reflection and conversation, and sharing of a hot meal.
For Clergy: The retreat will also include a take-home packet of a complete Advent worship series called Grace Upon Grace based on John 1:16. It will have scriptures, hymns, sermon starters, prayers/liturgy and Advent wreath liturgies for each Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. (If you cannot attend but would like the Advent series, contact us at [email protected] .
Cost is $30 (hot meal included)
Covid Safety - Sky Lake requires everyone must show proof of vaccination or negative results from a professional COVID test within 36 hours of their arrival to the retreat. Masking will also be required at all times (aside from eating) while in shared indoor spaces.
For questions and accessibility requests -OR- to reserve a room to stay at Sky Lake the night before or after the retreat! contact the Sky Lake office at 607-467-2750.
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Blue Christmas - Mon. December 13th at 7pm. at
Elm Park UMC will be having a Blue Christmas Service of Healing and Hope
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Lay Servant Ministry
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
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The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant Course: (Open to All)
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life. If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
Monday January 10th 6-9
Thursday January 13th 6-9
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.”
If interested please email the Registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected] for a registration form.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Course Of Study - Important Information for Local Pastors
Dear Local Pastors
I encourage all recently licensed local pastors to take COS 121 and 122 in 2022 (or other local pastors. who have not yet completed COS 121 and 122.
The ALPS-Memphis/TN/Holston Course of Study School will offer COS 121 Bible I and COS 122 Theology I --online-- in the spring of 2022. I highly encourage you to register by December 15, 2021. The registration website is www.alpsumc.org Click on the 2022 Schedule tab for the course dates and syllabus and the Registration tab on the website to obtain registration forms. Please email your DS your registration forms by December 15, 2021.
COS 121 and COS 122 are prerequisite courses to all other COS courses (GBHEM Policy 2019) and are foundational courses for serving in the UMC. You may receive priority registration for these courses by registering by December 15, 2021. These courses will fill up quickly. Completing COS courses is required by the Book of Discipline. If you have any questions about the courses,, please contact Dr. Barbara Nye, COS Director [email protected] or 615-289-4332 See course dates below this email
Grace and Peace,
name of LPR or DS
CC: Dr. Barbara Nye
Below are the zoom class session dates - The courses begin 30 days prior to these dates with prework, etc. "Registered students" will be sent a welcome letter from the course instructor with any course video links and zoom class meeting links with specific zoom times--approximately 3 weeks prior to the first zoom class sessions.
March 18-19 and April 8-9, 2022 -required zoom class sessions
COS 121 (formerly 111) Bible I: Introduction
Rev. Dr. Pat Whittemore Instructor
May 13-14 and May 27-28, 2022-required zoom class sessions
COS 122 (formerly 112) Theology I Rev. Dr. Phil Jamieson Instructor
2022 Spring Classes
Dear Local Pastors
The COS 2022 schedule is posted at www.alpsumc.org and attached. Please register by December 15, if possible, - especially for online courses offered in the 3 spring terms February, March/April and May. You may take one course per term. However, be sure you can complete the pre-work on time. The course syllabi are already posted. Courses will fill up quickly.
If you need to take COS 222 or COS 324 Preaching, the course limit is 12 - register early
All 20 COS will be offered in 2022
click on the Tab 2022 Schedule at the top of the web page and scroll down to see the list of courses and dates
click on the Tab Registration at the top of the web page to print the 2022 registration form and email this to your DS.
You will not receive further notice of registration. Order your textbooks and begin pre-work as soon as your DS approves your registration Contact [email protected] for registration questions. Contact [email protected] for course advisement.
I hope your ministry is going well. Blessings for Thanksgiving.
Barbara and Pam
An Important note from our COS Registrar
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar. That information is as follows:
Betsy O’Flynn
We have had several lately list [email protected] – this delays or causes the student to miss the class entirely.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Information Technology Support Specialist
2) Director of Missional Engagement
3) Accounts Payable Specialist
If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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NEW- Dismantling racism resource: Encountering racism
but extending love
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
This week, we share a reflection from the Rev. Margaret M. Powell, a retired pastor from the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Her first recalled experience of racism was at the age of 4; her brother was nearly beaten to death by a white gang near their family home; she has eventually came to believe that education is the tip of the racism iceberg in the United States; In her pastoral career and retirement, she has focused on serving people holistically.
Click here to read Rev. Powell’s touching reflection.
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Technology tips for churches on a budget
The Rev. David Johnson, associate pastor from Beaumont, Texas, says that many resources, such as apps and software products, are available to help clergy. He also says that there are ways to use technology without breaking the bank.
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Free shareable social graphics
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
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Volunteer at the UNY Mission Central HUB
The Mission Central HUB at the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool, NY has been hustling and bustling with volunteers putting together UMCOR hygiene and school kits. If your family, group, or organization would like to help with these important disaster relief kits (following COVID protocols), call the HUB at (315) 372-0285.
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UNY Media Resource Center needs your support
Since the Upper New York Conference Media Resource Center does not have a budget for 2022 to purchase new resources, we are asking churches who have benefited from this ministry to support it with a financial contribution.
The committee for the Media Resource Center is asking if you could donate at least $100 toward purchasing new resources next year. If your church can contribute more than this, we would be grateful for your additional generosity. Your help is vital to keep this mission active and current.
You can make your check payable to the “Upper New York Conference,” and note it is for the “Media Resource Center” on the memo line. A gift by the end of the year would help us purchase Lenten resources for next year. Checks should be sent to The UNY Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088.
Please direct any questions to our committee members:
Click here to learn more about this fundraising campaign.
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NEW- 2021 Issue II of the Advocate now available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine. Look who's on the Cover- Our own Rev. Paul Winkelman and Rev. Jongdeok Park
The 2021 issue II of the Advocate focuses on mentorship. Read wonderful stories from mentors and mentees on the value of mentorship in fulfilling ministries near and far—from small communities in UNY to Tanzania.
This issue is currently available as an e-issue and has been distributed to local churches. Click here to read or download this issue of the Advocate on the Conference website.
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Protocol study survey responses due Dec. 15
You may remember that at our 2021 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, the body passed UNYAC2021.7, which called for a study of our Conference’s readiness for the possible passage of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. This resolution created a Study Commission that was given commission-specific instructions on how to, both conduct the study and report the study’s findings.
The first part of this study is underway and involves two short surveys that will be sent to every local church and every appointed clergy leader of the Annual Conference via email from their District office.
All appointed clergy should have received an email from their District office with a link to a survey.
The Study Commission sent a note to the Conference on Oct. 14 stating that the survey responses were due on Dec. 1
This deadline has been extended to Dec. 15.
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NYS Minimum Wage and Salary increase
Both are Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour.
Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before Oct. 1 each year.
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NY Hero Act extended to Dec. 15
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 mid October 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Dec. 15, 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.
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2021 UNY Journal vol. II now ready
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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If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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UNY United Methodist Center is now open
Upper New York (UNY) Conference staff members have been working at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY, throughout the pandemic following CDC guidelines. Now that the CDC and New York State have issued guidelines allowing indoor gatherings for vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals (so long as they wear masks and social distance), the UNY Conference executive staff team made the decision to open the UNY United Methodist Center to the public following the attached protocols,
The protocols are in place to ensure that everyone will be safe when using the UNY Methodist Center.
The office will be equipped for hybrid meetings via Zoom for those unable to attend in-person.
Click here to register for a meeting with your team at the UNY United Methodist Center.
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Phishing scheme alert
Please note that there is a new type of phishing-scheme email that has been received in multiple inboxes throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. The email will look as though it is from someone you know in the UNY Conference and will show their actual email address. The text will ask you to link to a DocuSign document. DO NOT OPEN THIS DOCUMENT! It contains a virus. It is not truly from the person in the “From” address.
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at [email protected].
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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
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District & Conference Office Closed
Christmas Eve Dec. 24th
Christmas Day (Observed) Dec. 27th
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] 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
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"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
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How to Contact the Oneonta District Office
Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: (607) 353-1034
(physical address)
Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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News from the past
(Then scroll to bottom of page.)
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in.
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UNY Conference Quick Links
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