Dear Friends in Christ:
I hesitate to write this article due to the events of yesterday, January 6, in our nation’s capital and the angst and crazy making which seems to have become more and more normal in America. How should I respond and what should I respond to? Should I compare the use of police at this riot with the use of police at the Black Lives Matter protest just a few months ago? Should I speak of the resolve of our House and Senate leaders to complete their task after being overrun to the point of donning gas masks from under their seats? Should I write about violence and its root from deep within our human hearts of sin, leading to death? There are so many subjects and most of them cause inflammation among people, even the people of God. I do not seek to inflame our emotions today. I also do not want to placate the people of God through shouting, “Peace, Peace,” where there is no peace.
I will write about something else, which may throw you off-balance; Let’s think about church. Church is not primarily a place, or a group of people with a denominational label. Church is not primarily a fraternal organization with club memberships and dues. Church is not primarily a building with a steeple on the main street of our town. Church is not primarily something we can incorporate, own, invest in, or control. We do not have a board of directors steering the company’s direction or a marketing department showing us our target customer base. A true church is a peculiar bunch of Jesuses – followers who are walking with him, listening to him, practicing his teachings and recruiting others to a life of following Him. Hear what I am saying! Our churches have all the things above (in some fashion) but none of those things define us. What defines us is following, walking, listening, learning, practicing and recruiting. Jesus told his first disciples just before rising up to the heavenly Father God, “Go, and make disciples (following learners) of all nations (all people), baptizing them (demonstrating the newness of life, forgiven of all sin) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (clear trinity of God), teaching them to observe all that I have taught you (written in God’s word, the Bible), and look (be forward thinking), I will be with you even (spiritual assurance) until the end of the world.”
I ask you to examine the church you are part of. If we want a transformed world, we must “make disciples” of Jesus and in order to do this we must become disciples first. This is why I am here for you. I am here in my position to help your church become what it always has been called to be and do what God calls it to do. When that happens, all those issues in my first paragraph will be changed. Then the kingdom of God will come on earth as it is in heaven. Then strife will cease. Let us be the church for real. I am in this position for this reason alone, to help us all be the church for real. Therefore I am...
. . . glad to be in church with you,
In Christ ,
Jeff McDowell
P.S. Fill out your Statistical reports!
1/7/2021
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A Note From District Associate Mike Kelly |
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Friends,
2020 and into 2021 has been a challenge. I recently read an article from United Methodist Communications that spoke of the Florida Conference stepping up during this season of Epiphany. They united to show the community God’s light in the world.
I not sure if there has ever been a more needed time to do just that. During these most unordinary times we need to engage people within our district to do extraordinary things, but just as they did in Florida, I would like us to unite at district level on common acts.
For instance, the last several years I have raised thousands of dollars for the back pack program for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. For those unfamiliar with this program, it provides school aged children non perishable foods for the weekend.
Please contact me with your representative by Wednesday, 1/13, who can speak for the church as we work together to assist our communities within the district to show God’s light at a time of darkness! Together!
With Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Mike Kelly
Your District Associate
1/7/2021
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church |
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Website 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.
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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Next Newsletter
January 21, 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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Jan. 1- Statistics for 2020- The Ezra site is open to enter the church statistical data. The 2020 Statistical data will be due by Monday, February 15, 2021.
Jan. 11-Ministry Share Deadline Date for 2020. After that date, any payments received for 2020 will be reflected in 2021 listed as Prior Year Ministry Share Payments on your monthly statement.
Mar. 15-Local Church Audit – The 2020 annual audit of your church financial records are due to the District Super-intendents, no later.
12/17/2020
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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
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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Three session Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care course offered on Zoom and it's Free
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As pastors, how can we help members of our congregation who are survivors of trauma? A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people who have experienced trauma, avoid retraumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This Zoom course will be taught in three 1.5 hour sessions by Samantha Koury of the Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC) at the University at Buffalo. Attend all three sessions and you will receive a Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
The dates for the three classes are as follows:
· Monday Jan. 18th 7-8:30 p.m.
· Monday Jan. 25th 7-8:30 p.m.
· Monday Feb. 1 7th -8:30 p.m.
Click here to register for this free course offering and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
1/7/2021
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Attention Clergy and Lay Pastors!
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There are two required trainings which you are required to complete as listed below, which are on a similar subject:
1. “Harassment Prevention” required by NYS Each Calendar Year for all employees, and;
2. “Boundaries Training for Pastors and Lay Pastors” required by UNY Board of Ministry.
1.To accomplish the first one EVERY YEAR required by NYS, go to this link for more information:
2.To accomplish the second one EVERY FIVE YEARS, required by our Board of Ordained Ministry and Upper NY Conference, go to this link: Board of Ministry one is here: KOST-Understanding-Clergy-Sexual-Ethics-Registration-Instructions.pub (constantcontact.com) Note that this online boundaries training is carried out through a vendor and is named differently thank “boundaries.” It is called “Clergy Sexual Ethics.” This is done each five years for each clergy and costs you $39. When completed, print out the certificate of completion and send it by mail to the district office.
1/7/2021
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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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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held
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The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, Feb. 13. This will be held via ZOOM.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Committee co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
1/7/2021
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An update on the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team FOR TRAINERS ONLY:
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2 training opportunities:
Zoom Curriculum Review - 9 AM to 1 PM Saturday, Jan. 16
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. In this second test training, we will test the curriculum that has been reformatted for a virtual training via zoom. Please watch your email for the link and the updated materials. If you have questions, send an email to: Safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
How to deliver SS Curriculum via Zoom - 9 AM to 11 AM Saturday, Jan. 30
There are breakout rooms, icons, and a chat feature on Zoom that will help with the training. The curriculum has been reformatted to accommodate virtual training using no props. These zoom tools will be covered. Please watch your email for the link. We will also answer questions of concerns.
1/7/2021
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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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Clergy Educational Opportunities |
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Jan./Feb. 2021 |
Jan. 14 - It Takes More Than a Sermon: Tips to Become a More Effective Preacher Quincy Brown. Click here to register or for information.
Jan. 20 - Inspiring your congregation to take leaps of faith during these uncertain times Rebekah Simon-Peter, Click here to register or for information.
Jan. 26 - Powerful Preaching During Lent and Easter
Bishop Sharma Lewis. Click here to register or for information.
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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Lay Servant Training Opportunities Via ZOOM
Open to ALL Laity
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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- 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.
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
12/17/2020
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Previously Run Information |
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How have you been doing throughout the coronavirus pandemic? Take some time to give yourself much-needed self-care. Evaluate how you are doing physically, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually throughout these difficult times with a self-care assessment. Learn dozens of self-care recommendations.
Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
12/17/2020
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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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