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Albany District and Conference News
September 8, 2022
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“The best way out is always through." -- Robert Frost | | |
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How Jonesville UMC
will #BeUMC this month
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September.
Jonesville UMC’s STAHL (Stigma Takes Away Hope and Life) committee has a lot of great happenings to celebrate recovery and bring about awareness of addiction.
The church has been selling purple flags for community members to put in their yard to promote recovery awareness.
Later this month, five-year recovery Jonesville member Katelyn Bradwell will serve the congregation for the entire Sunday service with a message about hope and recovery. Also later this month, famous American Artist David Dillard from Dallas, Texas. David will share his fight to survive the ravages of Substance Use Disorder complicated by mental health challenges and what he must do to protect that recovery.
During the last week of September, Jonesville UMC will have a lawn display is to celebrate individuals in recovery from Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders and their families. In addition, the display will honor those who tried but could not achieve recovery and succumbed to the disease of addiction.
Click here to learn more.
Click here for David's flier
Click here for Katelyn's flier
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The mission of the United Methodist Church is creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So, what is a disciple?
The Upper New York Conference has updated its website to better highlight the focus of our Conference—the tab for “our focus” is on our homepage— https://www.unyumc.org. In this section are listed six characteristics that define a disciple of Jesus Christ. Click here to read “Our Focus.”
Another great resource to learn more about creating disciples is the See all the People website, which is a movement to “stop fixing our church and start seeing all the people Christ calls us to reach.” #Seealllthepeople has dozens of resources on creating intentional discipleship systems and methods of building relationships.
Click here to learn more about the #SeeallthePeople movement and watch their four-minute video that defines a “disciple.”
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Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
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Please hold the family of Shirley Drake Byers in your prayers. Shirley died Aug. 4 at her home. She was the wife of Rev. Carl J. Byers, who served several churches in the Troy Annual Conference, including Chestertown, Pottersville and Nassau, among others. He retired in 1992, and died in 2001. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Broadalbin UMC, 65 N. Main St., Broadalbin. To read her obituary, click here. Cards of condolence can be sent to Shirley's daughter Deb Byers at 2 Belle Ave., Troy, NY 12180.
Please also pray for:
Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who is having a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information.
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Details announced!
Fourth District Day
to be held Oct. 22 at
Saratoga Springs UMC
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The Adirondack and Albany District Day, "Informed to Transform,"
will be held from 8:45 AM to 3 PM Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Registration opens at 8:15 AM.
A variety of workshops will be offered.
To view the schedule and the registration form, click here.
To view the workshop descriptions, click here.
Church offices and pastors: If you'd like a template to produce brochures, call Carrie (518) 608-1246. Pastors will also be given brochures at their clergy gathering.
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Save the date:
Bishop Webb’s farewell gathering
You are invited to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s farewell/retirement gathering on Saturday Nov. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at the Upper New York Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. More details will be released once they become available.
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UNY UMHS and Commission on Archives and History annual meeting Sept. 15
Join the UNY United Methodist Historical Society and Commission on Archives and History for their annual online meeting on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to members and the public.
The evening will start with a presentation by Nancy Rutenber, Secretary of UNYUMHS. Nancy has been discovering information on the oldest continuous Methodist church buildings. Do you know your church’s history – when the congregation started, when the building was built, any additions or moves? It is important to know your church history and to preserve it for others to learn it. And there may be help to preserve the buildings.
Business meetings (UNY CAH/UNY-UMHS) will follow the presentation.
For more information, contact Melanie Keith at 518-779-6004 or email melakeith@icloud.com.
Click here for the Zoom link. The Meeting ID: 875 4463 7662. The passcode is 443894. To call in, you can click here to find your local number.
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Young people needed for church study
The United Methodist Communications Research Team is still looking for 15- to 22-year-olds to participate in a three-day online discussion board. United Methodist youth from the U.S. will be asked about their spiritual journey, values, goals, desires, and more. The study offers a $150 incentive.
UMC Communications is partnering with Aspen Finn, an independent market research company, to host a 3-day online discussion board from Sept. 13-15. Participants will see and respond to questions at their convenience each day. Each day's interaction will take about 30-45 minutes.
If you qualify, you will receive a $150 prepaid gift card for your time and complete participation. Click here for a five-minute survey to determine if you qualify.
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Register now for pre-retirement workshop this fall
All clergy looking to retire in the next year are encouraged to attend a pre-retirement workshop. The next workshop is scheduled to be held in-person on Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY. It may be moved to a virtual format if there is a rise in COVID positivity rates.
Join Upper New York Benefits Administrator Julie Valeski and Wespath representatives Robert Christophel and Todd Creviston for this workshop that highlights and explains the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. They’ll discuss the current pension plan, health insurance options, Social Security, and any moving assistance available.
Registration is open through Oct. 28. If you are seeking to have a private consultation with a benefits educator, you can indicate that on the registration page.
Click here to register and click here for more information.
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Prepare for the Celebration of Advent
with Adam Hamilton and Susan Robb
Advent is a time of waiting, preparation, and celebration. In this webinar, Amplify Media presents two new studies to help you, your small group, and your congregation prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming.
In The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent, Susan Robb explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
Join Adam Hamilton and Susan Robb on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 12 p.m. EST as they converse with each other about their new studies and help us anticipate and get ready for Advent.
Click here to register and for more information.
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(Update) Church conference forms available
The 2022-2023 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are now available to download. All information can be found by clicking here.
On this page, you will find links to various reports, including Report of Pastor, the Safe Sanctuary Compliance Report, and more.
Update: Please note: 2023 Pastor's Compensation form and information is not yet available. It is expected that the form will be available tomorrow.
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Coming up/Deadlines approaching | |
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Register now for the
2022 UNY Annual Conference
Registration is now open for the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held virtually Oct. 6-8. Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, click here and complete the form.
All eligible voting members must preregister to be able to participate and vote. Registrations cannot be accepted after Sept. 16 due to online voting.
This year, there is a small registration fee to help cover the cost of virtual meeting support and voting.
Several offerings will be collected this year, including the Clergy Care Fund, Helping Hands Fund, UNY Mission Central HUB, Mission of Peace, and New Faith Communities. To learn more about these offerings and to make a donation visit the information page, click here.
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000.
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Pastors' Retirement Celebration Sept. 10 at Saratoga Springs UMC
It is always such an honor to recognize the ministry of clergy who are retiring. While individual churches often hold celebrations, we also look forward to recognition on a wider scale, recognizing that most of our clergy have served multiple appointments, as well as being active in the districts and conference. Since 2020, we have not had the opportunity to meet for in-person annual conference, so we have planned an Albany & Adirondack District celebration of the ministry of those who have retired from these districts in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Not all of the pastors can attend, but we're looking forward to celebrating with those who can.
You are invited to gather with those being honored at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, at 2 PM on Saturday, September 10. We plan to have an opportunity to hear a story or other bits of wisdom from each of those honored, so plan to be inspired and moved by our time together! There will also be some time for fellowship and light refreshments following the retirement celebration.
Please RSVP to Carrie in the District Office if you're able to attend so that we can better plan. You can reach her at (518) 608-1246 or send an email to adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org. If you don't have the chance to RSVP, please feel free to attend anyway.
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Skye Farm Fall Family Weekends
Skye Farm Camp in Warrensburg will host Fall Family Weekends in September and October. Stay in one of their lodges or cabins. Available weekends are: Sept. 16-18; Sept. 23-25; Sept. 30-Oct. 2; Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23. Contact site director Robyn Vernon to make reservations or for more information. Her email is robynvernon@unyumc.org or call (518) 494-7170. Visit their Facebook Page by clicking here.
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United Women in Faith,
Fall Albany District Meeting,
Saturday, Oct. 1, Newtonville UMC
The Fall Albany District Meeting of United Methodist Women is Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Newtonville UMC, 568 Loudon Rd., Latham. Registration begins at 8:45 am. There will be Fellowship Time from 9–9:30 am.
Tara Barnes, Senior Editor of RESPONSE Magazine, will help us through the transition from United Methodist Women to United Women of Faith. She’ll tell us what we need to know, what we need to do and how to do it. There will also be a Business Meeting, Worship Time, Communion Service, and Installation of Officers.
Please register by Sept. 26.
To learn more, click here.
To view and download the registration form: click here.
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Celebrating Rev. Phil Richards'
30 years in ministry
You are invited to celebrate Rev. Phil Richards' 30th year in ministry. A gathering will be held at 3 PM Sunday, Sept. 18 at Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. Phil serves Plattsburgh UMC, Three Steeples UMC in Champlain and the Saranac UMC. Refreshments to follow program. If you are interested in contributing to a gift, please send checks to: (and written to):
Rev. Martha Connor
68 US Oval, Apt 322
Plattsburgh, NY 12903
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From the Conference Office:
Where do you feel God’s presence in nature?
Based on the Spiritual Wellness survey administered to UNY clergy, 56 percent of respondents reported that time spent in nature most helps them with their spiritual growth.
Upper New York is filled with beautiful parks, lakes, and mountains where you can explore God’s beautiful creation, feel peace, and unplug from the day-to-day stressors that occupy your mind.
For our upcoming addition of the Advocate, focusing on pastoral wellness, we are including suggestions of places where people can find God in nature.
Where do you feel God’s presence in nature? Send your suggestions to news@unyumc.org by Friday, Sept. 9.
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Zoom book study open to all
Facilitators in the Mountain View District are offering a seven-week book study on “A Disciple’s Path: Deepening your relationship with Christ and the Church,” will be offered through ZOOM on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 15. Click here for details.
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Hispanic Heritage Month resources
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at your church
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month—and throughout the year—The United Methodist Church is called to incorporate and listen to Hispanic voices and speak out in support of them to be heard. The church must structure itself in such a way that it is able to include Hispanics/Latinos at the table, dialogue with them and include them in the mainstream of church life. United Methodists also must be in solidarity with them as they struggle to have a voice in the public forum.
Click here for resources to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month in your church.
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United Methodist Men's Retreat Sept. 9-10 @ Casowasco | |
Grants for Accessibility/Inclusion
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Grant applications being accepted
Applications are being accepted for three grant programs operated by United Methodist Church and Society. The deadline is Sept. 16 to apply for Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day and Peace with Justice grants, which range from $2,000 to $5,000. Applicants must be a United Methodist church, district, conference or other affiliated organization, or an ecumenical group or organization with a formal partnership with The United Methodist Church.
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Grants available to help strengthen the ethnic local church
Discipleship Ministries is pleased to offer the Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns (RELCC) Grant, which provides funding to support the ethnic local church through leadership training, small groups, worship, stewardship, and spiritual formation as it engages in developing disciple-making systems inside the church walls and in the community.
Applications are due September 10, 2022.
Two grants per jurisdiction, of up to $10,000 each, are available. Please click the link below to see eligibility criteria and apply.
Priority will be given to new programs/ministries that move churches to places where disciples are formed, grow, and make new disciples of Jesus Christ who will transform the world.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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5 Good Questions to Assess Your Volunteer Teams
Are your ministry teams reaching their full potential? Dan Reiland shares five good questions for assessing the health and productivity of volunteer teams.
To learn more, click here.
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Moving Beyond a Congregational Identity Crisis
Asking “Who are we?” helps congregations gain clarity in the midst of an identity crisis. Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. offers three priorities for congregations to move forward.
To learn more, click here.
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Lay Servant Ministries Notice: Report forms are available
The Upper New York Conference website now has the Annual Report forms for Lay Servant Ministries posted. Please remember to fill out your Annual Report and have it ready for your Church/Charge Conference. The form needs to be signed by your pastor and the District Superintendent or presiding elder. A copy will be kept at your church, a copy goes to the District Office and a copy goes to your Lay Servant Director.
Click here to visit forms page. The forms are #11, #12 and #13. Please choose the appropriate form. Contact Carrie in the District Office if you have a question about which form to use.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant courses
Information on new courses that will be offered beginning in January will be posted as soon as it is available.
Here are upcoming courses:
Advanced Course: For the Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Oct., 4, 11, 20, 24, 27: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays, Nov. 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
If you are interested in taking any of these courses, contact registrar Arlene Schmidt at arlenedschmidt@gmail.com
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Albany District Lay Servant Ministries
Please note that all sessions of a course must be attended to receive a Certificate of Completion!
Please note: For more detailed descriptions, click here.
Introduction to Lay Ministry: The Basic Course
Thursdays, Sept. 8, 15 and 22; Oct. 6, 13 and 20
6 PM to 8 PM in the Mechanicville UMC parsonage (148 S. 2nd Ave., Mechanicville)
Contact facilitator Pastor Brenda Tompkins at bmtompkins6@hotmail.com or (518) 257-6021 to see if you can still get into the class.
Canceled Transforming Evangelism
Saturdays, September 10 and September 17 via Zoom
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage – Required Lay Speaker Course)
Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 via Zoom
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Contact Facilitator: Bruce France bfrance@nycap.rr.com for a registration form.
Course Fee: $10
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Lay Servant Courses Offered Around the Conference
Click here to find out when, where and how you can sign up for a lay servant course that you need or are interested in taking. This link connects you to all the Districts in UNY Conference that are offering courses.
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Dates for Albany Church Conferences announced:
We hope to see you there!
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We are entering the season when we gather for Church Conferences. Each year as we gather for these required meetings, we try to bring a focus that will move ministry forward in a meaningful way. This year, our focus will be on increasing discipleship through collaboration, so most of our Church Conferences will be held jointly with other congregations.
Much of the required business we will do will have been considered by the appropriate teams in the congregation before we gather for formal approval at the Church Conference, leaving time to have some meaningful time to vision together and/or to move forward with collaboration that is already taking place. I look forward to seeing how God might be at work among us in this way.
There have been some changes.
There are two formats of the schedule:
Click here for the revised schedule by church name.
Click here for the revised schedule by date and venue.
The schedule has already been shared with your pastor or other leader of your congregation. I hope as many as possible will be able to attend.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org or
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Blessings!
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl,
District Superintendent
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Upcoming webinar:
Finishing Strong in the 4th Quarter
Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM
The last three months of the year are crucial in funding ministry and mission. Funding ministry concerns more than meeting the budget; it’s about whether your church will have the strength and confidence to meet the challenges of ministry in the coming year! In these days of COVID uneasiness and uncertain economy, an emphasis on the joy of generosity can be the key to helping your congregation step into the future with confidence. Join Rev. Ken Sloane, Director, Stewardship & Generosity, as we share ideas on how we might end strong!
To read more and for additional articles on stewardship and other subjects, click here.
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Distribute UMCOR School Kits locally this month
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a public school district, your efforts can have an immediate impact while also having the added benefit of connecting your church to the wider community.
Before you deliver the school supplies to your organization of choice, please send the UNY Mission Engagement team a picture of your collection. Please also include how much you collected so we can celebrate your ministry and keep track of the impact our churches are making across the Conference. You can email any pictures and information to Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.
UMCOR recently discontinued its School Kit program and replaced them with Menstrual Hygiene Kits. This means that the HUB will no longer be collecting school supplies and is excited to add the Menstrual Hygiene Kits to the other ongoing UMCOR ministries including Flood Buckets and Hygiene Kits. If your congregation is interested in assembling Menstrual Kits, we encourage you to address the local need in your community by donating the kits first to organizations like high schools, homeless shelters, and food pantries. After you have addressed your local need, we will gladly accept any extra.
Click here for more information about Menstrual Kits.
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Zoom book study
begins Sept. 12 OR Sept. 14
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Plattsburgh United Methodist Church will be offering a Fall Zoom Book Study: Brian McLaren's "Do I Stay Christian?" It will begin the week of Sept. 12 (Monday) OR Sept. 14 (Wednesday). If you plan to join us, please register with Rev. Sally White at Pastorgrammy10@yahoo.com, and let her know if you prefer the Monday 7 PM PM study or the Wednesday 1 PM study. You will need to purchase the book.
Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for.
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In-person book study begins
Sept. 15 at Plattsburgh UMC
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An in-person book study, "Saving Jesus Redux," begins @ 7 PM Thursday, Sept. 15 and runs Thursdays @ 7 PM through Dec. 15 at the at Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. To register, contact Rev. Phil Richards @ pastorphils@gmail.com
Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right and discarded by the Secular Left? Saving Jesus Redux is a small group exploration of a credible Jesus for the third millennium. New contributors including Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, and Robin Meyers join Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today.
“We’re having a culture war and Jesus happens to be one of the weapons tossed about by both sides.” — Amy-Jill Levine
The 12-session program includes a downloadable/printable participant reader guide and a facilitator guide with discussion questions. The basic format for each 90-minute session includes conversation around the readings, a 30-minute video segment and guided discussion.
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Church's part of BSA bankruptcy approved
United Methodist leaders greeted with cautious optimism a judge’s partial approval of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan. The denomination’s $30 million commitment to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse gained the judge’s OK in a lengthy ruling issued July 29. Sam Hodges reports.
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(Updated) Red Bird Mission
Christmas Shoe Box Drive 2022
Even a devastating flood cannot stop God! Churches in the Upper New York Conference are coordinating to bring Christmas Love to the people in the communities surrounding Red Bird Mission!
Christmas shoe boxes and supplies are being collected for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Red Bird Mission is the most comprehensive mission in the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services including health care, education, spiritual, social, and economic assistance. Last year, the drive coordinators from Endwell United Methodist Church drove two 26-foot trucks to the mission delivering over 2,700 shoeboxes, 120 new sheet sets and bedspreads, as well as numerous books, school supplies and cleaning supplies. These items were rapidly depleted in Red Bird Mission's response to the flooding serving as Christ's hands and feet to their neighbors.
Because the need has only been magnified by the devastating flooding, our goal this year is to collect 3,500 shoe boxes.
Shoe Boxes are being collected for people of all ages. See lists of suggested items in box in the box to the right.
All shoeboxes should be placed in plastic storage containers with a locking lid or a sturdy cardboard shoe box rubber banded. Please label your box for gender and age (see label forms in box to the right) and include the age range for children. The boxes should not be decorated on the outside and should include $1.50 per box for shipping in an envelope affixed to the outside of the box.
The mission also requests new pillows, sheet sets, and blankets for full or twin beds, as well as new bath towels. Used items cannot be sent.
Other acceptable donations include new backpacks, school supplies, cleaning supplies, books and cleaning supplies. Or you may make a donation to offset the cost of truck rental, gas, food and lodging for the round-trip journey from Endwell to Red Bird Mission. All donations will be placed in a dedicated account for this mission. Please make all checks payable to Endwell United Methodist Church, with a notation for the Red Bird Mission Collection. Checks can be sent to the church at 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760.
The last day to deliver Red Bird Shoe Boxes will be Sunday, November 13, from 1:00 - 3:00 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham. To arrange for a delivery time, please contact Rita Pickett at vrlenprita@aol.com or 518-786-1858.
If your church can serve as a collection point, please contact Carrie in the District Office, (518 ) 608-1246.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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Leadership training at
Church of the Resurrection
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Looking for leadership training this fall? The Church of the Resurrection (Rev. Adam Hamilton’s church) is hosting their in-person or online Leadership Institute, a conference designed to equip, encourage, and inspire ministry leaders like you from all over the country and around the globe.
This conference will take place Sept. 28-30, 2022.
You’ll experience:
· meaningful worship
· eight powerful keynote speakers
· time for prayer, reflection, networking, team building, and more
Add the Pre-Institute option to your in-person Leadership Institute experience and choose from over 40 breakout sessions focused on specific ministry topics with practical ideas you can take back and adapt to your context regardless of your church’s size.
Click here to learn more.
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Justice in Israel–Palestine: Travel for Awareness through
the Gary Bergh Scholarship
The Gary Bergh Scholarship is offered especially to youth and young adults for travel to Palestine-Israel to witness the need and hear possible solutions toward justice, peace, and security for ALL in the Holy Land. This scholarship, a Conference Advance Special, (#932) is offered by the UNY Task Force on Peace w/ Justice in Palestine/ Israel (co-chaired by Linda Bergh: 315-492-8507 and Karen Peterson: 607-739-3141). It has enabled young adults and clergy to join “justice-seeking” delegations almost yearly since 2010.
This year, the UNY Task Force is offering two or three sizable scholarships to enable young adults to see for themselves the effects of Israel's military occupation of Palestinian lands (the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza,) the demolition of Palestinian homes and mistreatment of Palestinian children.
Click here to learn more about the scholarship and to read eye-witness accounts of UNY travelers to Palestine.
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UNY 2023 Ministry Share budget posted
The Upper New York Conference 2023 Ministry Share budget, is now available. The budget will be voted on at the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference, which is scheduled to be held June 2-4 at the SRC Arena in Syracuse. Click here to view the budget
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC |
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation.
Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some congregations and clergy did report that if the Protocol passes, they will leave the United Methodist Church. Click here to read the survey report.
The Global Methodist Church launched on May 1, 2022. Click here to read the announcement.
Given these changes, the Conference Board of Trustees anticipated there would be congregations who might now desire to explore disaffiliation.
Click here to read an article that outlines the disaffiliation process.
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Holy Land Trip 2023
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song, and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 14 – Feb. 24, 2023.
You will explore, learn, and fellowship as you visit Caesarea, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Samaria, Jacob's Well, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and much more. The cost of the trip starts at $3,448, leaving from JFK, New York. There is also an option to extend your trip through Jordan for an additional cost.
You are encouraged to register immediately with only $100. Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Deadline to register: Nov. 1. Please contact Pastors B.J.: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: andmcand@hotmail.com, 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: pastoraliciawood@gmail.com, 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: jeehaesong611@gmail.com, 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
There is a ZOOM informational today, Sept. 8. Not sure of the time. Contact Pastor B.J. Norrix for the link: bjnorrix@gmail.com, 315-726-2815
Click here for more information.
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New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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Van needed for Restoration Ministry | Restoration Ministry is a bilingual ministry in the Amsterdam/Fultonville/Gloversville area. It serves people from many Latin American backgrounds, including Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. A significant number of the participants in the Ministry don't have cars or licenses. For the past few years they have been borrowing a van for their work. They have used it to transport people to Bible studies and worship services.They have also made weekly food deliveries to needy families, provided rides for medical appointments, and taken people shopping for groceries and other necessities. Many of the Ministry's activities would be impossible without the van. Soon the van will have to be returned to its owners. Restoration Ministry will need its own van. They are looking for a new or gently used 12 passenger van. Do you know of one that is available for free or for a greatly reduced price? Would you like to donate toward the purchase of a van? If you can help with this in any way, please call Pastor Jose' Rodrigues, the Ministry's Supervisor, at (315) 567-5990. Thank you for your help! | |
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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'CONAM' grants available
The Upper New York Committee of Native American Ministries (CONAM) is accepting grant applications to fund Native American missions, ministries, and communities to support native churches, community outreach, leadership training, education, and cultural survival projects.
The grants are funded through Native American Ministries Sunday offerings. Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six special church-wide Sunday offerings. There is no deadline for submission of an application. For further questions, contact Sharon Schmit at conam@unyumc.org.
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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time year-round Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
· Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist.
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Handbook of spiritual practices |
Click here for a handbook of spiritual practices, written by the Rev. Nancy Dibelius. It was originally conceived as a supplement to the Conference spiritual direction training program, but Nancy is hopeful that it will find a broader use throughout the Conference. It provides history, Christian heritage, and basic how-to for a broad range of spiritual practices. To view it, click here.
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New presentation resource: We are the church. Together
Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.
To view the presentation,click here.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a free, downloadable 45-page discussion guide tied to the #BeUMC campaign? This is a great resource for your Sunday School class, Bible study, or small group to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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from United Methodist Communications
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Fall is the perfect time to invite people back to church and celebrate back-to-school time with customized banners, yard signs, sandwich board signs, postcards, invitation cards and more. Use coupon code UMCFA22 for $300 worth of free resources.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
Your district superintendent has purchased a one-year membership for your continuing education on Digital Discipleship! This subscription is available to your church teams and volunteers who want to learn how to make the most of your online ministry.
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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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Crash courses in youth ministry
New Youth Ministry eBooks designed with the Youth Worker in mind.
Each eBook is loaded with practical tips and basic wisdom that you can read today and put into practice tomorrow! If you are a part-time or no-time (amazing volunteer!) youth worker, these crash courses are especially for you. Click here to learn more and download for FREE
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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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Free shareable social graphics |
United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
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News Links From the Conference
If you want to keep in the know of what is happening in the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church please consider these links.
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Start the day with Debbie
Our District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl shares a devotion via Facebook Live at 7:30 AM every Monday through Saturday. The devotions are also posted on her Facebook page and our District Facebook page, so you can tune in at any time. I personally find this an inspirational way to start my day. I trust you will, as well. To view, click here:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall John
Albany District Lay Leader and District Associate
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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