Northern Flow Weekly Newsletter

May 4, 2023

Message from DS Rev. Mike Weeden

^{“Food for the Journey”}

Elijah was terrified…He longed for his own death: “It’s more than enough, Lord! Take my life because I’m no better than my ancestors.” He lay down and slept…Then suddenly a messenger…said to him, “Get up! Eat something!” Elijah opened his eyes and saw flatbread baked on glowing coals and a jar of water right by his head. He ate and drank, and then went back to sleep. The Lord’s messenger returned a second time and tapped him. “Get up!” the messenger said. “Eat something, because you have a difficult road ahead of you.” Elijah got up, ate and drank, and went refreshed by that food for forty days and nights…” from 1 Kings 19:3 – 8.

Most recently, I have grown to love this passage of scripture. Elijah is terrified. Word has gotten out about his defeat of the 400 prophets of Baal. Jezebel has threatened his life. He runs for his life. In the midst of anxiety and paranoia and uncertainty, he takes a nap, twice! Then God, through a messenger, reminds him to eat and provides food for the journey. Elijah is refreshed.

There is great wisdom here. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, self-care is very important. It is important for pastors as they strive to lead in this new season of ministry. It is important for laypersons as we respond to and react to our new realities. It is important for congregations as we recalibrate what it means to live the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in a season in which we are still trying to reach pre-pandemic levels of attendance and participation. These are different and uniquely stressful times. So, let’s go easy with each other. Let’s extend a little more measure of forgiveness and grace. It will be like food for the journey.

The narratives of culture, media, and social media can feed our fear, paranoia, and uncertainty. This adds to our swirl. In the midst of this environment and my own impending changes in ministry, I am striving to listen to the wisdom of Elijah. Create space for self-reflection and self-care. Widen my emotional margins. Eat well, or better, at least. And, be in worship. Being in worship has been a gift for me. Being in worship reminds me who I am and, more importantly, reminds me who God is. Being in worship connects me to Jesus. It draws me towards humility and surrender. It recenters my life in Christ and provides food for the day and week. It feeds my soul reminding me that I am not alone. We have each other. We are better together. That is one element of the upcoming Annual Conference I am looking forward to the most: being together in the worship of our living and transforming God. What helps you center on the resources of Jesus in the midst of the swirl? Who are you sharing this with?

I am thankful for the reminders and inspiration of scripture, for the Bread of Life, and the gift of community in Christ. And, I am thankful for the biblical reminder to never underestimate the importance of a good nap.

Reason to Celebrate!!

Linda Fredenburg, Beth Monnat, and Linda Wiltse have completed their coursework to become Certified Lay Ministers. They have been interviewed by the Northern Flow District Committee on Ordained Ministry and have been recommended to the Upper New York Conference Board of Laity for certification. It is a major accomplishment!

There will be a recognition service of celebration on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Watertown: First United Methodist Church at

236 Mullin Street in Watertown.

The public is invited to share in the celebration.

Following the service, which will include Holy Communion, there will be light refreshments.

We hope that many from our district will join us to celebrate with them.

Sincerely,

Rev. Leon I. VanWie, Chair

Northern Flow District Committee on Ordained Ministry

LeonVanWie@gmail.com

When Nature Calls Podcast

On the Mission, Season 2: When Nature Calls focuses on the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries. This six-week series features highlights from camp around the theme, "The Water of Life." Each week, site directors will introduce a different passage of scripture and how it relates to a different experience of water. You'll hear from site directors at Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake, and Skye Farm.

Click here to listen to the series on Simplecast and click here to watch the video version of the podcast.

Blueprint for Wellness Screenings at

Annual Conference

Wespath Benefits and Investments have again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer "Blueprint for Wellness," a free health screening program for eligible participants* in the Upper New York Conference. Quest Diagnostics will be at the Upper New York Annual Conference event at Onondaga Community College (SRC Arena/Allyn Hall Room A182) on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The Blueprint for Wellness (BFW) health screening evaluates more than 30 health factors with one blood sample and a few quick measurements. BFW results can help your doctor or other Primary Care Provider assess your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and more. In addition to having information to take to your doctor to help implement a wellness plan, HealthFlex participants can earn $100 in Virgin Pulse Cash.

Pre-Registration is strongly recommended for the Annual Conference event. You can register for an appointment between now and

May 18, 2023. A limited number of walk-ins will be allowed depending on time and supply availability. Walk-ins must provide a HealthFlex ID number at the time of the screening.

You may also choose to get your screening at a local Quest laboratory between now and Aug. 31. Pre-registration is required and appointments are available now.

Click here for instructions on how to register for an appointment at Annual Conference.

Click here for 2023 HealthFlex Well-Being Programs Brochure.

*Please note: The screening at Annual Conference is only available to participants and spouses covered by HealthFlex.

Important Notice for Via Benefits Participants:

Participants and spouses enrolled in Via Benefits are not eligible to obtain a screening at Annual Conference. As an alternative for Via Benefits participants, a health screening can be obtained at any Quest Diagnostics laboratory. To register and schedule your screening today, call 1-855-623-9355 to speak with a Quest Diagnostics customer service representative. You will need to provide your name and date of birth. Identify the Employer/Group program name as United Methodist Church. The customer service representative will assist the participant or spouse in selecting the event or screening location of their choice.

New District Superintendent Structure

for Upper New York

As Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez previously announced, the UNY Conference will switch from nine District Superintendents to six District Superintendents effective July 1, 2023.

On June 30, 2023, the current Crossroads and Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Nola Anderson; Mohawk District Superintendent the Rev. Abel Roy; and the Rev. Ted Anderson, who has been serving as Interim District Superintendent for the Genesee Valley District, will complete their terms. The six remaining District Superintendents will generally be serving two districts.

“This new configuration for the Cabinet is an excellent example of the collaborative leadership model that Upper New York is leaning into on all levels. All pastors and congregations will continue to be cared for and have the resources needed to effectively serve in the community and excel at continuing the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”, Bishop Héctor said.

The district coverage assignments for UNY’s 12 districts, effective July 1st, are as follows:

The Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer will serve the Niagara Frontier District and the Cornerstone District.
The Rev. Suzanne Block will serve the Genesee Valley District and the Mountain View District.
The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood will serve the Finger Lakes District and the Crossroads District.
The Rev. Mike Weeden will be the Mohawk and Northern Flow District's District Superintendent.
The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will be the District Superintendent of the Adirondack and Albany Districts.
The Rev. Bob Kolvik Campbell will serve the Binghamton and Oneonta Districts.

To ensure an equitable distribution of churches among district superintendents, The Mohawk District will be covered by Rev. Weeden, Rev. Earthrowl, and Rev. Campbell. Click here for a list indicating which DS will support specific churches in the Mohawk District.

LeTourneau UMM Men's Retreat

LETOURNEAU CHRISTIAN CENTER

4950 COUNTY ROAD 11

RUSHVILLE, NY 14544

MEN’S RETREAT

UNITED MENS MINISTRY / NEW GENERATION

MAY 12TH-13TH, 2023

KEYNOTE SPEAKER -MATT ROWE

NORTH ROSE UMC

FACING OUR GOLIATH'S

FEATURING: RETREAT HOUSE PRAISE BAND

“LIVE SKIT” BIGGER THEY ARE …THE HARDER THEY FALL

A- 1 LODGE GUEST (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS -Single occupant $155

B- (1) LODGE GUEST (1) NIGHT PLUS (3) MEALS - Double occupancy $135.00

C-DAY GUEST ONLY (3) MEALS $75

D-DAY GUEST ONLY (2) MEALS $55

E- DAY GUEST ONLY (1) MEAL $35

PLEASE BRING -CAMPING GEAR, SLEEPING BAG ,PILLOW, FLASHLIGHT, BIBLE

MAIL completed EVENT REGISTRATION / CHECKS PAYABLE TO UMM

MAIL TO UMM /NG TREASURER ROB DOUBLE

935 STATE RTE 21

SHORTVILLE NY 14548 rdouble2@gmail.com

Registration

Lake Ontario Parish Job Opening

Lake Ontario Parish is looking to hire a part time administrative assistant for the Parish. Interested persons can contact Dwight Greene chair of the Parish S/PPRC at 315-232-2607 or by email at lassie13605@yahoo.com.

SPRC Training On Demand

Recently Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, Superintendent in the Northeast Region, led a training for Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committees. If you were unable to attend, please use this recording of the training with your own SPPR Committee at your earliest convenience.

Click here to find a link to the recording.

Please find attached a Grant application for the UNY UWF (UMW) Conference Project Grants.

*Please note the Application has changed since last year.*

These grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations which follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference.

Deadline for Application is May 23, 2023

Application

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.

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
You can sign up for all six categories or just select the UNY Notes

Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses

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.

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: Heritage: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs

Registration opens May 2

Mondays: June 12, 19, 26, July 10 & 17: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Basic Lay Servant Course

Registration opens May 2

Thursdays: June 15, 22, 29, July 6 & 13: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee: $15

Facilitators: Paula McMahon, CLM & Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration opens June 1

Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM

Advanced Course: Leading Worship

Registration opens June 19

Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9

ZOOM: Fee: $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Advanced Course: Leading Prayer

Registration opens July 13

Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Polity

Registration opens July 25

Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Registration opens August 24

Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm

Zoom: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

Advanced Course: Called to Preach

Registration opens September 26

Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm

ZOOM: Fee $15

Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM

"Engage New People Grant" Available

The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry. New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways.

Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.

Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”

Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.

SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE

Schedule

Wesley Heritage Tour 2024

Join Pastor Brett Johnson on the trip of a lifetime to visit John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England. We will be visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.

We will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024. Please use the following link to register: https://portal.myfaithjourneys.com/ and use group code 24002.

Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com, with any questions.