Albany District and Conference News
October 21, 2021
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"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."
--Tony Robbins
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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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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The Rev. Erik Smith has moved. His new address is now Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer. Cards can be sent to 148 S. Second Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
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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Book study starts in November |
A new book study will begin on Nov. 5 and 17. It will take place on Zoom, with your choice of Monday evenings from 7 to 8:15 PM or Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 2:15 PM. Diana Butler Bass is a prolific writer who writes beautiful prose that is filled with scholarly words, deep thinking, great faith, and real humanness. It is a gift to yourself to study one of her books, and we’d like to have you with us for this study.
Diana Butler Bass will be with us at one of the sessions to share her insights and answer questions!
Co-teachers are Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Sally White, and we’d welcome your registration simply by emailing Sally at pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com. Books can be purchased from your favorite bookseller, but please allow for delayed shipping as well as potential delayed postal delivery.
Please join us on this journey of rediscovering the many Jesuses: Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Study will end on Dec. 20 or 22.
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Spiritual Discipline: Confession II |
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Earlier this month, Rev. Dibelius published video one of two on the spiritual discipline of confession; click here to watch the first video in this series.
This week, Rev. Dibelius delves deeper in the spiritual discipline of confession; click here to watch this video.
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Study Commission on possible passage of Protocol begins
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 current team includes Bob Flask, the Conference Treasurer; the Rev. Mike Weeden, the Dean of Cabinet; Peter Abdella, the Conference Chancellor; the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, the Director of Connectional Ministries; the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, the Director of Vital Congregations; Pastor Jennie Piatt, as a representative from the Committee on Finance and Administration; the Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell as representative of the Board of Ordained Ministry; Karyn McCloskey as a representative of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits; Rachel Giso, as a representative of the Jurisdictional Delegation, and Jack Keating, as a representative from the Annual Conference Board of Trustees.
Three additional members are expected to join the team once they are identified by the Conference Committee on Nominations.
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.
Survey responses are due Wednesday Dec. 1.
Questions can be addressed to the District office, from whom you will receive the surveys.
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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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Technology tips for churches
on a budget
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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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Faith and mental health
This year has been tough. Covid-19 heightened depression, anxiety, substance use, and isolation. The mixed emotions of grief come and go. There is fear, and there are people who have lost loved ones. The pandemic has made it more difficult to find a safe place in this virtual world.
Mental health comes in many forms for many different people. There are times when we must reach out for professional help and seek guidance from a licensed professional.
In an article about faith and mental health, writer Alan Whitley describes his personal mental health struggles and explains how faith communities should be a “safe place” to have conversations about mental health.
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Love beyond borders: an interfaith movement to end the pandemic
Global Ministries is launching a new initiative and joining interfaith partners in an effort to increase the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine around the world. Funds donated to a new Advance giving project will support “Love Beyond Borders: The Interfaith Movement to End the Pandemic” campaign supporting UNICEF’s global vaccine distribution efforts.
Proposed to Global Ministries by First United Methodist Church of Boise, Idaho’s, missions’ team, “Love Beyond Borders: The Interfaith Movement to End the Pandemic” seeks to engage The United Methodist Church in supporting UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response, including distributing safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility, diagnostics, and treatments.
Through this initiative, members of The United Methodist Church will contribute to UNICEF’s historic efforts in leading the procurement and supply of 1.4 billion COVID-19 vaccines to approximately 196 participating COVAX countries and economies by the end of 2021.
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Dismantling Racism: Loving like Jesus |
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 look at the injustices faced in migrant communities.
Each day is a waiting game at encampments along the U.S.-Mexico border. Hoping for a chance to have their asylum cases heard in the U.S., migrants wait for food and water provided by faith groups. They wait in lines for showers, toilets, and clothing. They wait to receive medical care and their children wait for any diversion from the maze of tents, tarps, and concrete that has become their playground.
A UM News team accompanied faith leaders from The United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Mexico in September 2021 on visits to growing migrant communities in multiple border towns. While policymakers in Washington struggle to find solutions, the response from faith leaders has been simple: They are welcoming the strangers, as Jesus instructed.
Click here to read more and see vibrant photos of UMC faith leaders’ visit to migrant communities.
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Re-imagining church buildings
How can your church building be an asset rather than a liability? Dave Harder says we must interrogate the dominant narrative that says church is what happens in the building for a few hours on a Sunday and let a new narrative emerge — one that focuses on God’s hopes and dreams for the neighborhood.
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Minding the church's doors
Preaching in a different church almost every Sunday, Nancy Taylor learned firsthand how often visitors go unnoticed even in churches that see themselves as “friendly.” Christian hospitality, she writes, requires that we mind the doors of our churches not as gatekeepers but as disciples charged with oiling the hinges so that they swing open easily.
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Tell us about fun fall ministries at your church
With your church homecoming festivities last month, what fun ways are you continuing to reach out to your community this fall? We’d love to hear your stories—send them along to news@unyumc.org by Friday Oct. 22.
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Live with Lori!
Explore hybrid worship issues
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As churches begin to go back to in-person worship, we may find that people are returning at different rates. While many are excited to come back to church, others are still cautious of gatherings that may put them at risk of contracting COVID-19. Hybrid worship, a blended approach to in-person and online ministry, has become an effective way to reach both audiences but has also stretched church leaders beyond their pre-pandemic role. Learning new skills and applying them while pastoring a congregation can feel like an overwhelming and endless amount of work.
I will be covering these issues in The next "Live with Lori" on the Digital Discipleship Facebook Group! We will explore ways the church can find a healthy balance between in-house and virtual worship without becoming a burden so that your ministry can thrive. Be sure to bring your live questions Thursday, October 28 at 11 AM Facebook Live.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Wednesday, October 27
7 p.m.
Church World Service was born out of a desire to help the most vulnerable. To ensure that people everywhere had healthy food and water, a safe place to call home and the ability to fulfill their purpose. To do more together than we could ever do alone.
After 75 years, our mission remains the same - and continues on - transforming lives in underserved communities in more than 65 countries. Please join us on October 27 for a special time of celebration and come journey with us as, together, we begin our next 75 years.
Our event will feature a special guest keynote interview with Rick Steves, a popular public television host, best-selling guidebook author, and an outspoken activist who encourages Americans to broaden their perspectives through travel.
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Show you care!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Click here for some more ideas on how to show your apprreciation.
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Church conference schedule |
The church conference schedule is now available. The scheduling is for all in-person Church Conferences this year. Of course, COVID spread could change some of those plans, and we will be mindful of that. Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl is looking forward to being with all of you, and to sharing and dreaming about ministry with our communities near and far!
Please note that this year's conferences are church conferences, not charge conferences, meaning all church members have a vote. Please also note that at this time, only those attending in person can vote. Those participating via ZOOM cannot vote. If that changes, we will let you know.
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PWJ grant application deadline is Oct. 30
The Social Holiness Team administers the Peace with Justice Grant Program. This program is supported by one half the money collected by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday Offering taken by each congregation. The other half of the collection is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to support their global grant program.
Grants (not exceeding $2,000) are offered to individuals, local churches, and faith-based organizations located within the boundaries of, and affiliated with, the UNY Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Social Holiness Team will give preference, but will not limit approval, to projects addressing one or more of the UM Social Principles as well as general criteria identified by the General Board of Church and Society.
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PWJ funded handbook and webinar for congregations to reach out to the unvaccinated
The Rev. Dr. Dana Horrell, pastor of Cooperstown United Methodist Church, and also a published writer and co-editor of the ecumenical publication, the Parish Paper, is passionate about community outreach.
In May 2021, Dr. Horrell started work on a project he calls “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” This project, funded by an Upper New York Peace with Justice (UNY PWJ) grant. It has two components: a handbook and a webinar.
Right now, many are concerned about low COVID-19 vaccination rates. Congregations are uniquely poised to help, as many of them are in areas that are under-vaccinated or “socially vulnerable.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies as “socially vulnerable” those communities that deal with low pay, job loss, family responsibilities, and racial disparities in health care.
Click here to read more about Dr. Horrell’s handbook and webinar.
The 40-page “Mobilize Vaccine Turnout!” handbook is now available. Click here to download it.
The "Mobilize Vaccine Turnout" Zoom webinar will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, 2-3:30 p.m. EST.
Click here to register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory |
This is a reminder that 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. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
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Red Bird Mission collection |
The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church is again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bid Mission, located in Beverly, Kentucky.
If your church is willing to be a collection point, please contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 608-1246.
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place,Latham is a collection point. Read their letter here. Deadline for drop off here is Nov. 7. You may deliver between 11:30 AM to 3 PM on November 7 in the upper lot, or you may contact Rita Pickett at vrlenprita@aol.com or 518-786-1858 to make an appointment to deliver at an earlier time.
South Glens Falls UMC,15 Maplewood Parkway, is also a collection point. Deliver shoeboxes any time between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Call (518) 793-1152 for more information.
Please deliver your boxes by Nov. 2, as that is the day that pick-up is scheduled to begin.
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2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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UNY Committee on Native American Ministries:
We need your voice
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As church 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 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 the special Sunday.
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 church conference.
Sharon Schmit, chair
UNY Committee on Native American Ministries
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From the Conference Center |
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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 the end of September 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Oct. 31, 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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Bishop Webb announces
clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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New York State minimum wage increase effective 12/31/2021
Effective December 31, 2021, New York State 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. To read more, click here.
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(New) Conference seeking Information Technology Support Specialist
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A new job opening has been posted on the website for an Information Technology Support Specialist.
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Conference seeking Site Director for Skye Farm Camp/Retreat Center |
A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Site Director for Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center.
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Conference seeking Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist
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A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for an Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist. Please apply online through the website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement. I
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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Revised CDC guidelines
affecting local churches
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.
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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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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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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. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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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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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 Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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