Notes From District Superintendent Sherri

Understanding Our United Methodist Theology and Polity

Means of Grace

As United Methodists, we understand God’s grace is a gift to us that we cannot earn. In week’s past, we’ve explored the meaning of the Sacraments and the grace we receive through Baptism and Holy Communion. In addition to the Sacraments, God’s grace comes to us in a myriad of ways.

John Wesley spoke of the means of grace we experience through personal piety and social holiness. We don’t use piety much anymore. It means reverence for God. We can also use the word holiness. We strive to follow Jesus by being more like him, by seeking holiness. Wesley emphasized there is a balance between our inward and outward spirituality. By spirituality I mean our relationship with God and with all God’s people. 

We grow our relationship with God through the individual practices of:

•   Reading, meditating, and studying the Scriptures.

•   Prayer

•   Fasting

•   Regularly attending worship

•   Healthy living

•   Sharing our faith with others

We also work at piety as the Body of Christ, the community of faith by:

•   Sharing the sacraments

•   Holy conferencing – which is a fancy way of saying we share our faith journey and are held accountable by others in our faith community. We do life together.

•   Bible Study

Social holiness is also lived out personally and communally. As individuals we:

•   Visit the sick

•   Visit those in prison

•   Feed the hungry

•   Clothe those who are in need

•   Give generously to the needs of others.

And as the community of faith, we:

•   Seek justice

•   Work to end oppression and discrimination (Wesley advocated the abolition of slavery)

•   Address the needs of the poor and marginalized

As Bishop Héctor reminded us on our district days last week, we need the balance of personal holiness and social holiness. Both keep us rooted and grounded in our faith and help us live into God’s holistic vision for us personally and corporately.

In addition to what’s listed, there are many ways in which we can experience God’s love and grace: through relationships, nature, art, and music. Let me know how God blesses you and draws you closer to God’s self and all of God’s people. How do you experience God’s grace?

Want to know more? Talk with your pastor or go to UMC.ORG.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Grace and peace,

Sherri

From the Desk of Pastor Mike Kelly, District Associate

Blessings Friends and Families of the Mountain View District,

I spoke earlier this week in a devotion about answering your call from God and what it takes to discern that call. Of course, all of us that are reading this should know that our number one call is to go and make disciples. And I shared earlier this week that I was blessed with a young woman that came to me sharing with me that she believed that she is being called to ministry. I of course was elated. 

She believed that she is certainly being called as she said, “I can feel it in my stomach!” She went on to tell me that she was very nervous, she couldn’t talk in front of people, and other reasons, to which I responded, “Of course!” I explained, and shared with about the great responsibility that she was about to undertake. And explained to her that I still often get nervous even though I have done this for several years now. But I also explained to her that God doesn’t make mistakes and that if He is calling her to ministry and she has discerned that calling that He and I will be with her the whole way.

Friends, this reminded me of my own story. Mine was a story of repeatedly shouting out to God that He had it wrong! Yes, that was pretty bold of me wasn’t it, but I was that sure. I wasn’t worthy of such a calling, I wasn’t nearly as knowledgeable of the Bible as I would have to be, I couldn’t do what was expected. No, I was certain that GOD was WRONG! He was relentless and then put people in my way. He put people in front of me that led me. He put people in front of me that affirmed me, and here I am. I grow in ministry every day because I finally submitted and admitted that just maybe He had it right. I now hope and pray to be the pastor that God wants me to be, fulfilling His ministries and missions.

I tell you all this story because I believe that there are more of you out there that have received the call from God. Maybe it is not a call to pastoral ministry but ministry just the same, and I suspect that you may be just like I was and many are, nervous, unbelieving that God would use you, but He has plans for all of us. I suggest that you pray, that you speak to your pastors, your faith leaders, me or your superintendent to help guide you just like I did and look what can happen.

Building up His Kingdom together:

Mike

Note from District Lay Leader

Ann Welch Wood

I hope you’ve had a chance to listen to the new podcast launched by the Conference, On the Mission. This first series during Lent is titled, Better Together. It really strikes a chord with me that we are, in fact, better together. It addresses our call to and practice of Christian unity. One of the things about the United Methodist Church that appeals to me the most is that we are connectional, meaning that every United Methodist church around the world is connected to every other United Methodist church. Together, connected, we do more for the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, over the years, and especially the last couple years, we’ve had a tendency to become islands, focusing on our own individual local church. We’ve been operating a bit like separate entities, not knowing what our neighboring churches are doing. Friends, we are better together! As we open up our communications among local churches, pray for each other, encourage each other, support each other, work alongside each other, think of the transformation that could take place in our communities. Let’s rediscover our connectedness, our oneness, our solidarity. Let’s explore ways to collaborate with one another. Let’s remember what binds us together…the love of Christ!

Blessings for your journey,

Ann Welch Wood

District Lay Leader

Visiting the District Office

The office is generally open Monday-Thursday.

We would appreciate if you would PLEASE CALL FIRST before coming to the office. We occasionally work remotely and would not want you to make an unnecessary trip to the office to find that we are not in.

Please call 607-962-8047 or email the office at

mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org

2022 ACStats Site Will Be Locked March 24th.

# of churches Submitted-35

# of churches Started but Not Submitted-10

#of churches Not Started-11

How to Get them done

Go to the website: http://stats.gcfa.org/

Login: Your 6 digit GCFA number for your church

Password: ACStats2022!

2023 Appointment Announcements

Click here to read the letter of how the processes for appointment discernment, retirement announcements, expressing interest in open churches, and transitioning churches.

Click here for the announcement of appointments

AN FYI for you-If you are an eligible voter for the Special Session

If you are an eligible to vote at the Special Session on Saturday March 25th. You will be receiving an email from GNTV Voting System with your voting ID. If you don't see it in your email....please check your junk folder and or your promotional folder.

(I found mine in my junk folder)

If you have not received your Voter ID for Saturday, please contact GNTV at (478) 245-4042. Leave a message if no one answers.

NOTE: No one at the Conference has these, only GNTV.

If you did not register....you won't get/nor would you have a Voter ID.

Again, if you are not registered, please join us and watch it on the livestream.

Here is the link: https://www.unyumc.org/events/2023-special-sessions

Centenary Craft & Vendor Fair

WHEN: Saturday, March 25th, 2023

WHERE: Centenary Bath UMC

3 W. Washington St.

Bath, NY 14810

TIME: 9:00 am-3:00 pm

LUNCH: Noon-1pm

Mitchellsville UMC:Children's Easter Party

WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 2023

WHERE: Mitchellsville UMC

8421 County Route 13

Bath, NY 14810

TIME: 11:00 am-1:00 pm

EVENTS: Crafts, Puppet Story, Easter Bunny, Lunch, Easter Egg Hunt.

COST: Free , No Cost, All Welcome

Do You Want to Reach New People?

Or plant a new ministry or even a new church?

Launchpad is the training for Churches and Church Planters looking to create New places for New people.

Launchpad Spring 2023 Schedule via Zoom

Week 1 Wednesday 6-8pm, April 19 Discerning

Week 2 Wednesday 6-8pm, April 26 Visioning

Week 3 Wednesday 6-8pm, May 10 Gathering

Week 4 Wednesday 6-8pm, May 17 Discipling

Week 5 Wednesday 6-8pm, May 24 Worshiping

Week 6 Wednesday 6-8pm, June 14 Closing Session

August 1 Anticipated Opening of Greenhouse Group

Click the button below for the flyer with all the information you will need.

10 Ways to Engage People Who Worship Online

How can congregations better engage people who worship online? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshipers.

A new job opening has been posted to the website. Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center has an immediate opening for a full time Kitchen Manager/Head Cook. If you have any referrals for this position, please ask folks to apply online through the link on the website. Thank you.

https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs

General Commission on Religion and Race and ResourceUMC host a Vital Conversation on race relations to build bridges across racial divisions.

Join in to partner with Project Unity for a presentation of, Together We Dine, a Vital Conversation on race relations. This event is a virtual experience that will host community and faith members to engage in courageous and safe conversations about the state of race relations.

Listen and share your experience with fellow diners in a healthy and respectful manner.

Click here to sign up.

When: Tuesday, March 28th

Where: Via Zoom

Time: 6:30 - 8 pm EDT

Project Unity trained facilitators guides participants in a structured dialogue about race. We aim for this experience to prove that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

Grace UMC Invites You to Our Annual Homestyle To-Go

WHEN: Thursday, March 30, 2023

WHERE: Grace UMC

191 Bridge St.

Corning, NY 14830

Use basement entrance

PICK UP TIME: 4:30-6:30 pm

MENU: Rigatoni, Sauce*, Homemade Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Bread & Dessert

*Vegetarian Options Available

CONTACT: 607-936-6145

COST: $10 Per Dinner

Click here for flyer

United Women in Faith

Upcoming Gatherings

COMMUNION BRUNCH

WHEN: Saturday April 1, 2023

WHERE: Hammondsport UMC

35 Lake St.

Hammondsport, NY 14840

TIME: 9:30 am- 2:00pm

RSVP: By March 27th to 607-569-3594

Please see the details in the UWF Newsletter that was sent to your church or unit in late January.

In Person Safe Sanctuary Training

All are invited to an IN-PERSON basic training in “safe sanctuary,”

WHEN:Saturday April 15, 2023

WHERE: Horseheads UMC

1034 W. Broad Street

Horseheads, NY 14845

TIME: 9:00 am-Noon

COST: FREE

More information will be coming on this. Rev. Steph Brown and one other trainer will lead this training. All who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults must be trained. The Horseheads UMC will provide a light lunch after the training.

This is open to the district area churches.

RSVP by April 10 to office@horseheadsumc.org with names, phone numbers and your home church information.

Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry Course Offerings

Exploring Healing Prayer- Zoom Only

Tuesdays March 7th-April 4th 6-8pm

Ministry With the Forgotten-In Person/Zoom

Tuesdays May 2nd-May 30th 6-8pm

Click here for brochure

Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministry

Course Offerings Via Zoom

Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.



Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.

No refunds or credit for courses will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.

For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the updated brochure.

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Tuesdays April 11, 18, 25, May 2 & 9: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Team member

Registration and course fees due by March 28

Advanced Course: Polity

Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Bruce Hazard & Team member

Registration and course fees due by April 19

Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace

Thursdays: May 4, 11, 18, 25, & June 1: 6-9pm

ZOOM: $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim & Team member

Registration and course fees due by April 20

Opening to Grace 2023 Retreats

Co-director of the Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry and Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister, Deaconess Susan Sihan, RN.

These retreats will be Hybrid In Person and Online.

• May 19-21
• Sept. 14-16
• Oct. 26-28

Click here for flyer and more information

2023 Safe Sanctuary Trainings

The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four, 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There will also be Training of Trainers sessions.

The Basic trainings take place 9 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturdays: May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4.

The Training of Trainers will be 9 AM to Noon, Saturday, Oct. 7.

The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.

If you need training between these dates, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team, safesanctuaries@unyumc.org.

Registration for the February training will open Jan. 4. Look for the link in upcoming announcements.

For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here. To view the poster, click here.

Bishop Bickerton: Time to move from rancor to revival

In a highly unusual churchwide address, the Council of Bishops president, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton urged fellow United Methodists to pivot away from the rancor around church disaffiliations to the work of church renewal.

Equitable Compensation Grants Now Available

The CEC grants for the second half of the year have been posted to the website https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/equitable-compensation-grants-now-available

They are fillable PDFs so they should be pretty easy to complete. If anyone has any issues, please let me know.

The relevant deadlines/dates for the June – December 2023 Cycle:

April 7, 2023 – deadline for church applications to the District Superintendent for review

Puppet Production Puppets & A Preaching Robe Available

Do you have a puppet ministry? Would you like to start one? We have several Puppet Production puppets available along with staging.

Free - Wesley style gray preaching robe with Cross and Flame on the velvet panels. Will fit a person Six feet tall. 

For more details please contact Rev. Doug Knopp at dkrev@yahoo.com

Does Your Church Have Members Attending SUNY Geneseo

My name is Gwyneth Jones-Wenninger, I am serving as the Wesley Fellowship Interim Director at SUNY Geneseo. 

The Geneseo United Methodist Church, under the appointment of Pastor Beth Malone, is beginning to revive the SUNY Wesley Fellowship which meets at the InterFaith Center near campus. We are reaching out to all of the churches in our conference who could have students attending SUNY Geneseo or nearby community colleges for contact information. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with any student information. They could also contact me directly at shadetreeauthor@gmail.com or via telephone (585) 969-0127.

I appreciate any assistance you can give me in reaching out to students that could be in our area. As you know, Wesley Fellowship is such an important support system and tool for growing leaders in our church!

Are You Connected to UNY?

Do you receive the latest news and updates from UNY Conference? All pastors should be connected and as many people from your congregation that would like to be. This is open to everyone – pass the word!

If you are not connected please follow the instructions below. 

To sign up either click the following link: https://bit.ly/UNYnotes.      

Or follow the steps below:

• Go to the conference website
• Click on News in the toolbar
• Select Connect with UNY



Sign up for all six categories or just select the UNY Notes.