Father's Day-Sunday June 19th |
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Words From the
District Superintendent's
& the District Associate
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District Superintendent News |
Dear friends of the Mountainview District:
Grace is yours, and peace through Jesus Christ! We all need the Lord. We have been made by a creator who is not only present in this world but leads us and guides us and wants all the best blessings for us. Yet this is a hard time for us, especially we of the household of faith. Church attendance is down as a trend in America (though not everywhere in the world) and feel differently about our faith. It seems we are challenged on the right and on the left for what we believe and how we have lived by a world which has largely forgotten God. And yet the Bible tells us we are special and set aside for divine purpose. We are blessed beyond all measure and precious to God. A resurgence of faith will come, not by more bodies in the pews on Sundays but by a deepening of our commitment to serve no matter what. God is not looking for our success through churches expanding their size, but faithfulness in deepening our spiritual lives. Amid aging buildings, aging congregations, lessening influence on our culture and financial pressure, now is a great time to go deeper with God. Let us return to the basics of the great commission and the great commandment of Jesus. Let us use all the means of grace God has provided and pray as though our lives depend on it.
Personally, I am winding down my work as superintendent and preparing to enter back into pastoral ministry in a local church at Horseheads. What a blessing to serve in this time of change! I believe God is calling us, not to grow our churches but to first grow ourselves. Let us all go deeper into the Bible, prayer, worship and learning about God. Once we are rooted in Him, we will have the depth to speak into the world around us with new strength. And just think, it may be that God has designed this point in time to call us closer to our Savior.
I commend to you the Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, whom I have worked with extensively over the last 8 years on the cabinet. Sherri is deeply devoted to Christ and a servant of His church. As she comes alongside your ministries, I ask you to pray for her transition and share with her the dreams and visions God is giving you in your churches. May God continue to bless the work on this district, for the glory of God!
Jeff McDowell
6/16/22
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly:
MV District Associate
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Good afternoon, friends,
By the time you receive your next district newsletter the district will be under new management. As most of you know our current Superintendent, Reverend Dr. Jeff McDowell’s term as Superintendent comes to a close on June 30. We will be blessed to be led in our ministry by the Reverend Dr. Sherri Rood.
Many of you that truly know me, know that I am a Book of Discipline nerd. I know the book pretty well and it has served me well. With that in mind I can assure you that I know the role of the District Superintendent very well, but here’s the run down.
- The District Superintendent shall oversee the total ministry of the clergy, including clergy in extension ministry and ministry beyond the local church, and of the churches in the communities of the district in their missions and service in the world.
- The Superintendent will be the Chief Missional Strategist in the district.
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The Superintendent will work with the bishop and the cabinet in making appointments and assignment of clergy and qualified laypersons.
- The Superintendent shall develop relationships with clergy and laity to develop faithful and effective systems of ministry.
- The Superintendent shall serve as an example of spiritual leadership.
- The Superintendent shall offer care, support and counsel to clergy.
I won’t bore you with the rest, there is another full page of duties listed, I am
sure, you get the point. What the Book doesn’t list is how to maintain a district of churches during a pandemic, or how to keep the district together with the denomination at odds. The book doesn’t mention being a beacon of hope and a guiding influence when churches feel like they don’t know what to do. The book doesn’t mention a person that truly took the care for God’s churches and God’s people in this district personally, praying for us and loving us, building relationships with so many of us, and making the best out of some of the most difficult situations in our lives and the lives of our churches. I got to see it first hand as the district associate. I got to see the effort and the passion, his true servant’s heart, that went into being your Superintendent. We owe Jeff McDowell our deep blessings of gratitude for successfully navigating us through some pretty choppy waters.
I offer him my prayer of thanks, as Scripture says, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and my prayers for success to him, Barb and his new church as he moves on to the Horseheads United Methodist Church as their pastor. It has been my pleasure to serve side by side.
I have been asked to continue as the District Associate and have accepted. I am looking forward to our continued work together and our work with Reverend Dr. Rood. May we all hold her in prayer during this time of transition, show your hospitality, radical hospitality of the Mountain View District. Roll out the welcome mats, let her feel your love.
Mike
6/16/22
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in ChristJesus.”
Don’t be anxious! Easy to say, but sometimes not so easy to do. I’m taking a break from packing, sitting amid a pile of boxes and “to do” lists, and reminding myself that God is in control as I breathe and try to be more like Paul as I read his words.
Scholars believe the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Philippi about ten years after his first visit there. Even though he is chained in a Roman prison and about to be sentenced to execution, Paul says, “Don’t be anxious about anything.”
Wow. What faith.
It’s easy to be anxious these days. While I don’t advocate for us to hide our heads in the sand, I do want to encourage us to be people of faith as we pray and seek God’s leading, both personally and as the Body of Christ. Let’s orient ourselves toward the peace offered to us through Jesus Christ. God’s got us. God is with us, and God will see us through.
I am thankful for the leadership of The Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell. Jeff has been tirelessly preparing for the Mountain View superintendent transition and I’m grateful for all he has done over the past two years. Please join me in thanking him and praying for him as he moves back into parish ministry at First United Methodist Church, Horseheads.
Please also be in prayer for me as I prepare to serve you. I’m looking forward to finding ways to get to know you and the churches of the Mountain View District. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to get together in August and September. Please also let me know how I can be in prayer with and for you. My email is sherrirood@unyumc.org.
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, (and keep anxiety away!)
Grace and peace, Sherri
6/16/22
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District Office will be closed June 27 thru July 11 |
Patti will be taking some much needed vacation time from June 27-July 11th. She will be back in the office on Tuesday, July 12th.
There will not be a newsletter sent out while I am off.
If you have an emergency June 24-July 4 and need a District Superintendent please contact DS Rev. Suzanne Block at: 716-665-2423 the message will go to her email and she will get back to you. You also may contact her through email at: suzanneblock@unyumc.org
If you have an emergency July 5-12 and need a District Superintendent please contact our new DS Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood at: 315-898-2077 the message will go to her email and she will get back to you. You also may contact her through email at: sherrirood@unyumc.org
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New BSA Relationship Agreement Information
Tonight June 16th at 7:30 pm
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The United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have mutually developed and agreed to a new relationship agreement govern the relationship between local UMC congregations and BSA troops and packs.
To help orient congregational scouting leaders, an information webinar will be held this Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend this meeting, a video link and FAQ will be made available following the meeting. Local BSA Council leadership is also being oriented to the new agreement and they will be receiving the same information you will receive.
You must register for this webinar. Click here for details and registration link.
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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 appointments and retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
Wondering how clergy appointments are made?
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Bishop Webb to offer a virtual conversation with UNY laity on June 21 |
Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, had planned on in-person meetings with UNY laity this month, but these meetings had to be canceled due to expressed concerns, related to the COVID pandemic.
To create an opportunity for these conversations to be held, Bishop Webb will be hosting a live webinar on Vimeo on Tuesday June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
During this webinar, Bishop Webb will address recent denominational developments and discuss the importance of keeping focused on the mission of the Church. The webinar will include a time for questions and answers.
Individuals are invited to send questions in advance, along with their name and church, for Bishop Webb to address by emailing them to news@unyumc.org by June 17. An opportunity to submit questions during the webinar will be available through a chat function.
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United Methodist Communications Offering Free Resources for Fall Outreach |
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. Click here to view the resources and order using coupon code UMCFA22 for $300 worth of free resources!
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In Need Of Summer Pulpit Supply?
The Mountain View District Lay Servant Ministry Team has put together a short video about the role of a Lay Servant. One of our team members can bring this to your church and provide a meaningful worship experience based upon the laity in service. If you would like to schedule such a program this summer please contact any one of the following individuals.
- Pete O’Neill (516) 314- 1994
- Sue Silhan (607) 703-0010
- Ernie Warren (716) 490-3676
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A call from the Mission Central HUB in need of help |
I hope this note helps you with a little push to help people in need. Since the covid outbreak The HUB has been struggling to receive donation and volunteers are few. I hope this note brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high.
Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. Not always easy, definitely can be scary. I have been seeing this phrase a lot lately.
“Trusting in GOD’s truth and not on the thoughts in your head”
So much going on with distractions pulling us in many different directions, it can sometimes be hard to focus on HIS voice in your head. Another saying I hold onto when in times of struggle“ Be still and know I AM who I AM.” Again sometimes hard to do.
Taking time to just breath and take notice of ourselves focus on where we need to get calm, notice the little things are actually the big things. Some things we cant change, but we may be able to help relieve some stress for folks in need when life disrupts living.. We don’t need to be in the limelight to be a Blessing to someone. Sometimes we have forgotten that helping others helps ourselves. We can get overwhelmed thinking we have to do everything and their isn’t enough time or energy to help everyone. I have seen so many cry since covid that feel that haven’t done enough to help people. I am one of them.
One of the things I love about my job here at The HUB (that I do know GOD lead me to) is the way folks help others with no questions, no need of getting gratification, no expectations. Folks need help, every little or big thing that gets filtered through Mission Central HUB sends ripples to others in need. To us some of those ripples are small but could be a huge blessing to that person in need. GOD and the Holy Spirit placed it on our hearts to help people, all we need do is react to it. To me that is Faith in knowing GOD has his hand in it and listening to that HOLY SPIRIT saying, “ someone needs help, make that call.” Like I just felt tugged to write this letter. Severe weather season is upon us, this will never change. we are not fully prepared, can you help?
To schedule a volunteer group visit to the HUB please contact
MaryBeth Ingalls
Upper New York Conference
Mission Volunteer Coordinator
7481 Henry Clay blvd Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
1-315-898-2064
1-315-372-0285
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Check out the courses being offered by ALL the Districts in the UNYAC. Click here to see what courses are being offered.
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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. Just click and start exploring your options!
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Trustee & SPRC Webinars Available |
Do you have someone new who is now a trustee or a member of your SPRC? Here are some resources to help them learn. New materials and webinar recordings room April 26 and 28, 2022 were developed for churches in the Southern Tier Region, which consists of the Cornerstone, Mountain View, Binghamton, and Oneonta Districts. District Superintendents the Rev. Suzanne Block, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, and the Rev. Nancy Adams led the sessions.
One webinar was related to church trustees with included resources and the other webinar was related to staff-parish-relations committees with included resources.
Click here to watch these helpful recordings and access the useful resources.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024 A Two-year Training Program for Lay and Clergy
Exp. 11.14.22
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The “Connect with Us” Academy for Continuing Education 2022 Course Schedule including
A Course Series: Refreshing My Preaching Ministry
Exp.6.30.22
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At this stage of the pandemic, the impact of COVID across the Conference varies by county. To determine how your church can continue to keep participants safe, please consult the CDC website for recommendations.
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For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks
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Media Resource Center
Media Resource Center
315-898-2027
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
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Subscribe to the GCFA "Collaborator" for Finance & Administration resources for your Ministry. A Support newsletter from GCFA - Click here
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https://www.unyumc.org/resources/mission-insite |
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE
35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Mon.-Thurs.
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
District Superintendent: Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell
District Associate: Pastor Mike Kelly
District Lay Leader: Ann Welch Wood
District Administrative Assistant: Patti Gridley
If the office is closed and you have an emergency please call 315-898-2077 and leave a message or email the DS at jeffmcdowell@unyumc.org
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