March 18th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
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Note: The District Office is open by appointment only.
Is my home or church in a COVID-19 Cluster?
Click on this link and type in your address.
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Bishop Webb reflects on one year of COVID-19
In a video addressed to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference, UNY Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, one year later.
Bishop Webb explains how the global pandemic of COVID-19 has transformed so many things. We have encountered fear as people we love and care about became ill. We have grieved the loss of too many lives within our families, congregations, communities, and world. Many among us and around us have suffered financial loss, the loss of sharing significant milestones of life with friends and family members, the feeling of isolation, and many other difficulties.
Bishop Webb also expresses deep concern over the divisions that continue within our Church, the country, and throughout the world. He wants the Conference to know that he, the Cabinet, and the entire Conference staff continue to stand ready and willing to partner with you in ways God leads, to assist in equipping you and your congregation for the new realities we face both today and in the days to come.
Click here to watch Bishop’s important reflection.
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Announcement
General Conference Postponed until 2022
Special session Scheduled for May 8, 2021
Meeting on February 20, the Commission on the General Conference decided to further postpone the 2020 General Conference until August 29 – September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minn. as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the safety of mass gatherings and travel. Click here to read the full announcement from the Commission.
Today, the Council of Bishops announced that there will be a Special Session of General Conference on May 8, 2021.
This Special Session will involve disciplinary matters to be moved, seconded, and then without debate be voted upon
using a mailed ballot—this will enable the Church to continue
its administrative functions appropriately.
from the Council of Bishops.
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Announcement: AC2021 to be held remotely June 17-19
The 12th Annual Session will take place virtually June 17-19, 2021. The Upper New York Conference is working with Good News TV Media Ministry to provide a positive virtual experience.
Who will attend: All clergy and laity representatives to the Annual Conference Session
When is Annual Conference: June 17-19, 2021
Where will Annual Conference Take Place: Virtually
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Clergy who need to be excused from Annual Conference 2021
The 12th session of the Upper New York Annual Conference will be held virtually June 17-19, 2021. If you are a clergy member seeking to be excused from the Annual Conference session, please click here and submit this form.
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New- Annual Conference Registration
It's anticipated that registration for the online 2021 Annual Conference, June 17-19, will open April 1. Information will be shared in Around the Corner and on the Conference website - unyumc.org - as it becomes available.
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Deadline is Past for Church End-of-Year Reporting -
Keep them Coming ASAP
Each year there are reports due from local churches to finalize data needed by the UMC and help churches take stock for ministry planning. The following reports were due February 15, 2021, to the Oneonta District Office:
Mail: C/O Teresa Wood - 28 Orchard St. Oneonta NY 13820, or
· End-of-Year Financial Report (any format)
· 2021 Church Budget (any format)
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Thank you for your attention to these important administrative ministries of your local church!
* Note* When sending Charge Conference Forms to the office:
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The recent Southern winter storm-unofficially named Winter Storm Uri—led to winter weather alerts for 170 million people. The state of Texas has been hit particularly hard, resulting in power blackouts, loss of heat and broken pipes. As the snow and ice melts, flooding will be a significant problem.
UM Churches and other churches are serving as warming shelters and food banks. Meanwhile, the same storm system spawned tornados in the Carolinas, destroying homes.
UMCOR, working with Conference Disaster Relief Coordinators, is providing immediate funding to assist annual conferences and will provide long-term support once the damage is fully assessed. Your help is needed, today. Please make a gift, today, to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
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Mission Central HUB Seeking Support
The Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is preparing for the coming spring to support survivors affected by the different disasters (floods and high winds) that may impact our area. In partnering with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), UNY’s status of kits on hand is low at best. The most requested items are cleaning and hygiene kits. Those who can support our communities by assembling kits in your homes or churches, please share projects so we can support your efforts and possibly share your methods with others. Any number of kits will help.
Please review the list for contents of each kit. If you cannot provide complete kits, we can use individual items to help complete other kits that arrive incomplete.
The HUB at the UNY Conference Center will remain closed until further notice. However, there is a tent outside the Conference Center where kits can be dropped off. You can also make arrangements to drop off kits at the HUB by calling MaryBeth Ingalls at 315-372-0285 or emailing her at marybethingalls@unyumc.org or calling Mike Block at 315-491-0497 or emailing him at mikeblock@unyumc.org.
Click here for UMCOR Kit Assembly options outside the HUB.
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CCORR (Conference Commission on Religion and Race) currently has three Imagine No Racism 2.0 courses happening. CCORR hopes to continue to offer INR courses as they are requested. Typically, people have chosen to do six weekly sessions but planning the sessions is flexible. People looking for an INR group can email: bsmith@binghamton.edu. Clergy may receive 1 CEU and Lay Servant Ministries laity may receive advanced course credit.
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Dismantling racism resource: Living in two worlds
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 feature on article by the Upper New York Commission on Religion & Race member, the Rev. Holly Strickland. As an African American woman, she describes how she lives in two worlds, one world related to her rich heritage and one related to the white-dominated society.
Click here to read her eye-opening article, which includes research validating the institutional racism that People of Color experience.
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Adirondack and Binghamton Districts have teamed up to schedule a Basic Lay Servant Course.
Mondays, April 12, 19, 26 and Thursday April 29: all classes will be from 6-9pm
ZOOM: Course Fee: $15
Instructors: Jacqueline Kim, and Timothy Bard
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Mountain View District's
Spring Lay Ministry Courses Being Offered
These are open to ALL
All Courses will be by Zoom
Classes being offered are:
· Lay Pastoral Care- Advanced Course-Registration has been extended to April 1st for
· Imagine No Racism-Advanced Course-Registration has been extended to April 1st for
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For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will be hosting our standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, March 27.
This training is brought to you and paid for by your Upper New York Ministry Shares. This basic training is required for anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults as stated by the Minimum Standards. This training is a must no matter if you are meeting in-person or online.
If you have already taken this training you DO NOT need to take it again.
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, youth and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
There will be a link to the handout that should be printed and available to you for the training.
You must REGISTER for the training. If you register and are no longer able to attend we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot with someone else who is waiting to take the training. The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Conference Committee Co-Chairs Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit in Mar./Apr. 2021
Mar. 23 - More Than a Sermon: Tips to Becoming a More Effective Pastor
Quincy Brown. Click here to register or for information.
Apr. 20 - Easy Ways to Enhance Online Discipleship in Your Church
Rachel Gilmore. Click here to register or for information.
Apr. 22 - Great "out of the box" Ideas for Local Churches
Anne Bosarge. Registration info coming soon.
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Join Pastor John Buddle of the Edmeston & Morris UMC’s in completing the 8 trail requirements for the Otsego Winter Octet Challenge!
Sunday, March 21st, at 1:30p: Fortin Park (2.5 miles) – 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY.
Tuesday, March 23rd, at 1p: Arnold Lake State Forest (3.4 miles) – Joe Cornell Road, Milford, NY.
All hikes are scheduled to change due to weather conditions. Updates will be provided by email 2 hours before a scheduled hike with any changes.
Social distancing guidelines must still be adhered to.
Pastor John Buddle contact info: 607-386-2449 or buddlej81@gmail.com
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The spiritual discipline of worship
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.
Click here for Rev. Dibelius’s latest spiritual discipline exploration, which delves into the discipline of worship.
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NEW- Add Your Church's Online
Bible Study to UNY Directory
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, one year ago, the UNY Communications team has been connecting folks across the Conference to digital discipleship resources. As part of that, we have created a directory of online worship services.
We are expanding this effort and would like to create a directory of online Bible studies that are taking place across the Conference. If your church has Bible studies that are taking place online and you would like it added to our new directory, please contact Shelby Winchell at shelbywinchell@unyumc.org and include your church name, Bible study meeting time and day, and a link where it can be found online.
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What new thing has God done in you?
The pandemic has impacted us in ways we never could have imagined. Despite the most traumatic time many of us have ever experienced, there has been hope and promise in good things that are still happening through God’s grace.
The UNY Annual Conference Worship Planning Team requests submissions for a virtual liturgy. They are looking for ONE SENTENCE responses to this question:
"What new thing is God doing in you since we last gathered in person?"
Please send your written response to Worship Coordinator, the Rev. Rachel Dupont, at rachel.ann.barnhart@gmail.com by Friday March 26, 2021. Her team will be in touch with you shortly thereafter.
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Opportunity to learn more about volunteering in mission
The Mission Volunteer office is hosting virtual “Mission Discovery Events” in March and June. Those who join will receive an overview of the ways to serve and can engage in conversation with the program directors.
Click here for more information and/or to register.
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Ministry Shares Credit Opportunity
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Shares credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement.
In order to qualify for this credit, churches must pay 100% of their current month April charges (both Ministry Shares and Direct Bills). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward ministry shares in prior months. A church also will receive the credit if they have already paid their Ministry Shares in full prior to the April statement. The credit will be equal to 50% of May Ministry Shares charges. Credit will be reflected on the May statement as an increase to the YTD paid column)
Payment for April charges must be received in the Conference office (not postmarked) no later than April 30, 2021 to be eligible for the credit.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact Bob Flask, UNY Conference Treasurer, at 315-898-2008 or bobflask@unyumc.org.
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Direct bill arrearage policy enforcement extended
through Dec. 31, 2021
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, the church is asked to notify their District Superintendent as well as the Benefits office (Susan Latessa) to discuss their situation. The Upper New York Conference will work with churches on a case-by-case basis.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries |
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Watch for more information on Virtual Camp Sunday
as we get closer to April.
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The Media Resource Center began lending and accepting back overdue resources on Aug. 1. Please check to see if you have any items taken out prior to March 2020. These items should be returned to us as soon as possible. With Pastors moving to other churches and Bible studies put on hold, we need to try to locate all resources and have them returned before they are forgotten.
If you need to readjust return dates, please contact Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. The Media Center will not be available for personal pick-up, but you can mail materials until further notice as our offices are closed to the public.
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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 10 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NEW- Clergy now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
As New York State’s vaccine supply from the federal government increases, Gov. Cuomo has expanded eligibility to more New Yorkers to keep the vaccination progress moving. Starting today, three new groups of New Yorkers are eligible for the vaccine: public-facing government and public workers, not-for-profit workers who provide public-facing services to New Yorkers in need (this includes clergy), and essential in-person building service workers.
Please contact your local vaccination center to verify your eligibility.
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NEW- Notice Related to BSA Cases
Many churches filed a “proof of claim” to assert the right to be indemnified by BSA if child abuse claims are filed against a church-sponsored troop. These churches are now receiving “Notice of Hearing” documents from the bankruptcy court informing churches that BSA is about to propose a plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The notice is for information only and requires no action on part of the church.
Click here to read a note developed by Peter Abdella, UNY Conference Chancellor, and Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Executive Assistant to the Bishop.
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COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Note: From Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement & Peter Gudaitis, NY Disaster Interfaith Services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. The mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to help people before, during and after disasters. FEMA is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 provides FEMA $2 billion to reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred between January 20 and December 31, 2020.
The agency is working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways FEMA can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. In April, FEMA will implement a funeral assistance program.
Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.
For information about eligibility and how to apply, click here.
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The 2021 UNY LPLS to be held in-person April 18 - 24
The 2021 Upper New York Local Pastors Licensing School (LPLS) will be held
April 18 - 24 at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center. Because this training will be held in-person, trainers and participants will be following all safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If anything changes, you will be updated.
Click here to learn about the certifications and requirements that need to be met to participate in the LPLS and to register.
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Nominations sought for the Denman Award
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, the Upper New York Conference works with the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize and honor one lay and clergy member for their commitment to consistently introducing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Nominations are now being accepted through April 15, 2021 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to dcmoffice@unyumc.org.
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Nominations and Applications Open for 2021 Session of Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (July 18-31, 2021)
Is there a high schooler in your life who is ready to learn about how their faith in Jesus Christ calls them to live and be in the world in a way that seeks justice, all while earning college credit that they can carry with them wherever they go after high school? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (SUYTI). SUYTI is a two-week, credit-bearing program for any young person who is currently in high school (that is, any student who will be a rising sophomore through recent high school graduate this summer). Through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, and (of course) sabbath rest, students will learn to become stronger Christian leaders and return home equipped to be change-agents for the reign of God. The 2021 Institute will run from July 18-31, 2021 on Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester, VA. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, students will have all that SUYTI has to offer (room and board, program expenses, and three college credits) at a cost of only $200 per student. However, 2021 will be our final session, so now is the perfect time to apply! To nominate a student or to apply, visit www.su.edu/youththeology. For more information, contact Ian Urriola, Director of the SUYTI, by calling (540) 665-5453 or emailing iurriola@su.edu.
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The 2020 Journal Part 2 is now available to download as a PDF file.
Vol. II of the Journal is now on the web at:
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Equitable Comp Application Available
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period
July 1 to December 31, 2021. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Superintendent by the April 12, 2021 deadline.
Click here for more information, application guidelines, as well as first-time and renewal applications.
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
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WORSHIP RESOURCE
Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, and members of the UNY Cabinet have put together and released a worship service that may be used on a Sunday of your choice. It is hoped that by using this service, your pastor can have some much-needed rest and renewal.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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Online services are here to stay
If there’s a positive side to the coronavirus for churches, it’s that many of them have dramatically upped their game online. Click here to read more.
Click here to view the UNY churches who are streaming services online. Click here to learn more about how your church can “go digital.”
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Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
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Intentional Discipleship Systems in a pandemic
Article by Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations,What it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate.
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Self-care resources - Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: info@unyumc.org and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
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Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
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Rev. George Gallandorm,- District Associate
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Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
All past District Newsletters can also be found at:
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Please note the Mailing Address for the Oneonta District Office is as follows during COVID:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
28 Orchard Street
Oneonta NY 13820
The physical address of the office remains the same:
64 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820
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