DS CORNER
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Christmas celebrates that Christ is the answer to the world’s problems. Christ came that we might have life and that abundantly. Yet so many realities of life get in our way. We have a built-in will to turn from what is most valuable to what catches our fancy at any given moment. Christ calls us to come close, to lean in and embrace the goodness of God to help us. Through Christ’s coming we are one with God again, because He is come to save us from our sins. As you adapt your celebrations for safety’s sake this year, go back to what you have known your whole life: God is real, God loves you and God comes to you in the person of Jesus Christ to save you, restore your life and make you whole. Once we truly believe this, we have a powerful gift to give other people, the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ. May it be so for you and yours this holy season. You are in my prayers!
 
Pastors, don’t forget to sign up to join our clergy Christmas virtual party!
 In Christ ,
Jeff McDowell
12/17/2020
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A Note From District Associate Mike Kelly

Friends,
Never have I seen a time in my short pastoral years where we are needed more than right now. The need for deep, compassionate loving care is critical right now. In our Book of Discipline, paragraph 340: Responsibilities and Duties of Elders and Local Pastors, lists as the second duty, only behind preaching the Word of God, to counsel persons with personal, ethical, or spiritual struggles. Friends we are in a time of great struggle.
I live just outside of a tiny hamlet of Bennetsburg, N.Y. Pam grew up there, and we still live close enough to be considered part of the community. Sadly, yesterday our little community was stricken by grief as yet another was struck down by COVID 19. This was a beloved friend that passed much too soon. He was a proud Viet Nam Air Force Veteran, a husband and a family man with no preexisting conditions and a vital part of the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, this is the news that has hit so many of us and so many from our congregations and communities during this pandemic. It has spared no one. So you and I as Christians have a duty to react. The Hebrew and Greek words that translate to compassion tell us that the meaning of these words are, “to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity.” Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” You are God’s chosen people.
The time to show love, comfort and peace is now. Reach out to those that are suffering, but I caution, don’t forget to be cared for yourself. Call Jeff or I to share your grief.

With Peace, Blessings and Love,
Mike
12/17/2020
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
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
Mountain View District Office Will Be Closed
Wednesday December 16th-thru Sunday January 3rd, 2021.

IF you have an emergency, email the DS at jeffmcdowell@unyumc.org
Next Newsletter
January 7, 2021
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.
DATES for YOUR CALENDAR
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Dec. 24- Christmas Eve-Conference & District Offices Closed

Dec. 25- Christmas Day-Conference & District Offices Closed

Jan. 1- New Years Day-Conference & District Offices Closed

Jan. 1- Statistics for 2020- The Ezra site will 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 is today. 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
NEW NEWS ITEMS
Self-care resources
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
Creative Ideas for
Christmas Eve Worship
Although we won't be able to enjoy packed-full sanctuaries on Christmas Eve, there are a variety of ways to gather safely and to celebrate the coming of Jesus:
  •  have a brief and simple Christmas Eve worship service outdoors (perhaps with a bonfire)
  •  host a drive-in Christmas movie in your parking lot using an FM transmitter
  • have a virtual (live or pre-recorded) Christmas pageant using Zoom and/or Facebook Live
  • host a drive-through or walk-through Christmas Eve experience outside your church building (perhaps using a life-size nativity scene as part of it)
  • plan a socially distanced Christmas carol sing in your church parking lot 
(Originally published by the Minnesota Annual Conference October 2020. Republished with permission by ResourceUMC.org.)
Dismantling Racism Resource:
White Silence as a Form of Racism
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort through General Conference, Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, 2021, 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.

Today, we refer you to a video that illustrates a racist situation at a grocery store and how one woman spoke up and pointed out how the situation was racist.

Often, white people feel that racial issues are not their concern, or that they don’t have the expertise or the right to speak out about racial injustice. It is essential that white people who are concerned about justice work with People of Color and teach other white peo­ple to recognize and interrupt racism. Click here for an example of a white person not being silent, using her voice and her skin-color privilege to challenge a racist situation. 
12/17/2020
Clergy Educational Opportunities
UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Jan./Feb. 2021
Jan. 7 - Creativity Hacks; Ideas to get your congregation unstuck and moving forward Anne Bosarge. Click here to register or for information.
 
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
Laity Educational Opportunities
Lay Servant Training Opportunities Via ZOOM
Open to ALL Laity
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
 
To view the brochure, click here.
 
The following courses are the 2021 cycle for certification as Lay Servant or Lay Speaker. The courses are open to all Districts.
 
To register or for more information on the following please contact the Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com
 
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
Previously Run Information
Season's greetings to you and yours!
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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