April 7th, 2022 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Fri.
the office is CLOSED Saturday - Sunday
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Nancy’s Notes - #43
Dear Friends,
As I write this, we are just a few days away from Palm Sunday – the beginning of the week called Holy. The parade of Palm Sunday and shouts of “Hosanna!” turned into shouts of “Crucify!” days later.
Please take the time to read through the Palm/Passion narratives this coming week, which can be found in each of the Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11 and Matthew 26-27
Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14-15
Luke 19:28-40 and Luke 22 and 23
John 12:12-19 and John 18-19
I always remind people that jumping straight from Palm Sunday to Easter is not the complete story. May each of us allow ourselves to truly consider what Jesus did for us – to die for our sins on the cross so that we can know we are forgiven - and of course, to live our lives in gratitude to Him. Then the glory of Easter will truly be a more meaningful celebration.
With You in the Lenten Journey,
Nancy
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Oneonta District Lay Equalization Members Needed - Apply Today!
Lay people who are not the Lay Member to AC Delegate for their churches are invited to consider serving as our Oneonta district Lay Equalization Members to the 2022 Annual Conference (June 2-4).
Youth (ages 12-17), Young Adults (ages 18-30) and Adults are welcome to apply.
Contact your pastor or the District office for more information.
Applications are to be sent directly to the Oneonta District Office.
Deadline for applications is April 11th 2022
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2022 UNY Annual Conference News |
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The Thirteenth Session is scheduled to be held in-person June 2 - 4, 2022
Keep following the UNY Conference Communications Channels as more details about Annual Conference and the schedule are determined.
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Registration for Annual Conference is now open!
Registration for Annual Conference is now open through May 3rd.
After the May 3rd deadline, the next opportunity to register is in-person at SRC Arena on June 2nd.
All late registrants will incur an additional $50.00 fee.
Click on the link below to register
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Dear UNY Conference Attendees!
Carolyn Stow and Jenni Piatt are looking for volunteers to help make our conference experience a success. We need help in the following categories. Please note that everything is different than in the past - Thank You COVID!
Ushers: We are looking for friendly and observant people. Duties include: Greeting people, handing out bulletins, setting out and collecting offering bags, distributing materials as needed, directing people during worship experiences, and cleaning up before the memorial and ordination services. Ushers will also aid Tellers as needed.
Tellers: These folks should be good with numbers and calm under pressure. Duties include: Help with written amendments, collect and count ballots, count and record hand or standing votes. Tellers will also aid Ushers as needed.
Recorders: People who pay good attention to detail and have a strong attention span would be good in this position. These persons need to be comfortable with electronic documents or legible handwriting. Duties include: Taking notes during the proceedings.
Volunteers will need to be available for the entire conference, follow all COVID protocols as published by the UNYAC, and sit in assigned seats.
or call: 716-560-4400.
Thank you!
Carolyn Stow, Conference Secretary
Jenni Piatt, Assistant Secretary
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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.
Earlier this month, the Global Methodist Church announced that it will launch 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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Kept those reports coming!
2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms
Forms due
The 2021-2022 Church/Charge Conference and Annual Forms are 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.
Most forms were due two weeks following your church conference.
Due Feb. 15 were: Trustees Report, Finance Report, 2022 Budget and End-of-the year expenses. Please submit them as soon as possible.
The Local Church audit was due March 15.
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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All 2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Local District News & Happenings |
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Join The Mosaic for a mission trip this summer! |
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The Schoharie Mosaic Cooperative Ministry is gearing up for another fantastic mission trip this summer. We are heading to Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine for the week of August 15-20, 2022. Mechuwana has a well organized workcamp program where teams of volunteers come and get paired with work projects in the community. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, regardless of experience or skill. Scholarships will be available to cover the costs. Please prayerfully consider if this is an opportunity to put your faith into action helping those in need. To learn more about Camp Mechuwana visit their website at http://www.mechuwana.org.
We are enthusiastic about coming together for the purpose of ministry and mission in Christ!
Please sign up if you already know you are going AND share this trip with interested folks in your congregations and communities so we can continue with our planning strategy.
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The Oneonta/Cooperstown area Emmaus Community is going to resume their monthly gatherings on Monday, April 11th at 6:30 pm at the Worcester United Methodist Church on Main Street (Route 7) in Worcester. Please bring your Worship Book and wear your name tags. All are welcome.
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8-Week Class -
Taught by Pastor Paul
(At Sidney UMC/On Zoom)
or call: 315-329-4071
Week # 1 – Tues. May 3rd – 4:30 pm
Week # 2 – Tues. May 10th – 4:30 pm
Week # 3 – Tues. May 17th – 4:30 pm
Week # 4 – Tues. May 24th – 4:30 pm
Week # 5 – Tues. May 31st – 4:30 pm
Week # 6 – Tues. June 7th – 4:30 pm
Week # 7 – Tues. June 14th – 4:30 pm
Week # 8 – Tues. June 21st – 4:30 pm
(Books available in Sidney UMC Church Office)
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New -Project Grants for Faith-Based Organizations
The Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) is offering Project Grants. Help spread the word to those who may benefit from this grant money. Grants are open to non-profit community and faith-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our UNY conference.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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Trainings for all churches in the Southern Tier Region:
Oneonta, Binghamton, Mountain View, and Cornerstone Districts
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SPRC Training for all SPRC members Tuesday April 26th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to be presented by Superintendents Nancy Adams, Jeff McDowell, and Suzanne Block. Training to be held Via ZOOM.
RSVP by email to [email protected] by April 15th so we can send you materials in advance.
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Trustee Training for all trustees Thursday April 28th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to be presented by Superintendents Nancy Adams, Jeff McDowell, and Suzanne Block. Training to be held Via ZOOM.
RSVP by email to [email protected] by April 15th so we can send you materials in advance.
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2022 Zoom TIIMSA Gathering to be held
MAY 10-11
The Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist Association of the United Methodist Church will be holding its annual gathering via Zoom on May 10-11 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on May 10 (with two hour-long breaks) and on May 11 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (with one one-hour break).
The name for this gathering is “Leading through a Liminal Season,” featuring the Rev. Susan Beaumont as the keynote speaker. Rev. Beaumont is the author of How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You are Going; she will present leadership tasks appropriate for these in-between times, blending sound organizational practices with a contemplative attitude of wonder and openness to discover and explore the soulfulness of an organization, such as a local church.
As a consultant, coach, author, and spiritual director, Rev. Beaumont has worked with hundreds of congregations and denominational bodies across the United States and Canada. She currently teaches at Wesley Theological Seminary. Click here for more information and/or to register.
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Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training at Casowasco
Transitional Intentional Interim Specialist Training (TIIMS) is designed to help pastors and congregations deal with the stresses of our culture in this time of uncertainty. While this training is specifically designed for those entering an interim situation (death of pastor, long pastorate, pastor leaving ministry, etc.), the training will help you deal with the everyday struggles you will find in any ministry setting.
This training is a three-phase experience spanning six months of time. Phase I is a three-day introduction to the concepts and principles of Interim Ministry. Phase II is a time in one’s ministry setting using some of the tools and principles learned in Phase I. Phase III is a re-gathering of the group.
Contact Jane Sautter with questions or registration information. She can be reached at 315-225-6170 or [email protected].
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Stewardship Academy starts April 23 on Zoom
Upper New York ordained deacon and Director of Christian Stewardship, the Rev. Susan Ranous, is offering a Stewardship Academy via Zoom over four sessions (April 23, May 21, June 18, July 16). Rev. Ranous will share all concepts of stewardship including self, time, talents, money, and more.
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. The Academy qualifies clergy for CEU.
Click here for a brochure about the Stewardship Academy. For more information, contact Rev. Ranous at 315-427-3668 or [email protected].
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Upper NY LPLS (local pastors licensing school)
click the link below to read more and to register:
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Click here for a list of upcoming Safe Sanctuaries Courses.
Registration is open one month prior to each class.
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LAUNCHPAD 2022!
Do you want to reach New People?
Or plant a new ministry or even a new Church?
Launchpad is the training for Churches and Church Planters looking to create
New places for New people.
Over 6 Sessions your Team will learn
· How to engage new people outside of your church
· How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship
· How to establish a 6 month plan with 1 year of monthly support from NFC
· How to gather support for your new ministry
Launchpad Spring 2022 Schedule via Zoom
Week 1 Tuesday evening, April 26 Discerning
Week 2 Tuesday evening, May 3 Visioning
Week 3 Tuesday evening, May 10 - week off for team meetings
Week 4 Tuesday evening, May 17 Gathering
Week 5 Tuesday evening, May 24 Discipling
Week 6 Tuesday evening, May 31 - week off for team meetings
Week 7 Tuesday evening, June 7 Worshiping
Week 8 Tuesday evening, June 14 - Closing Session
August 1 Anticipated Opening of Greenhouse Group
Each Launchpad is limited to 20 individuals, each Team should include 2 to 8 Core Team Members. The Cost for your Team is $50. There is 1-2 hours of required reading to do before Week 1 of Launchpad.
To register for Launchpad by Wednesday, April 20 please e-mail Launchpad's Spring 2022 convener Rev. Abigail Browka at [email protected]
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Crossroads District ZOOM Lay Servant classes open to all
Take a look at the exciting new slate of Lay Servant classes offered on the Crossroads District!
Register today! Classes start soon!
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Tending the Soul new cohort to begin Nov. 2022
Tending the Soul, a training program in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation will be starting a new cohort in November 2022. The program is designed for lay and clergy. Perhaps more than any other time in our recent past, the ability to listen deeply for God, to remain centered and non-anxious, and to hold sacred space for others is an essential tool in ministry (both within your local congregation and the greater community).
Click here for more information and a brochure with all details on the program and how to apply. Any questions can be directed to the Rev. Nancy Dibelius ([email protected]).
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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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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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
You can take a free training course by clicking on the following link:
Please remember to send a copy of your Completed training certificate to Teresa at the Oneonta District Office when you have completed It.
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) Director of Missional Engagement for the HUB
2) Reservations Specialist for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
3) Seasonal Camp Staff -
4) Part-time year round Maintenance Assistant at Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center
5) Part-time District Administrative Assistant for Finger Lakes District
If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Lenten resources
The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. Join with other churches by downloading this series.
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Devotions for each day of Holy Week
Join with a different United Methodist pastor daily Monday (April 11) through Saturday (April 16) of Holy Week for a special devotion that will guide you through Jesus and his followers' difficult journey.
Each devotion consists of a Bible passage, a devotional thought, an idea for reflection, and a prayer.
They are also each accompanied by a work of art and links to learn more about each of the artists.
Click here to view and use this devotional series.
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Focusing on discipleship
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 our 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 we list 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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We are witnesses: Easter worship series
The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about life and about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
To read more and to download the series, click here.
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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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Are you struggling with mental health?
You are not alone!
The Neighborhood Center, an official NY Project Hope provider agency, is offering free, confidential and anonymous counseling for community members who need to talk to someone or learn about resources in their community regarding COVID-19.
NY Project Hope, a program of the NYS Office of Mental Health and funded by FEMA, provides emotional support through conversation, stress management techniques and helpful community resources.
To talk to someone who hears what you say and can help you understand what you're feeling about the challenges of life during COVID-19, call 1-844-863-9314 from 8 am-10 pm, any day to talk with a trained Crisis Counselor.
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Do you have questions? United Methodist Communications has answers.
Can I be confirmed online? Is it ever appropriate to place the Advent Wreath on the Lord’s Table? What's the United Methodist position on rebaptism? Can a lay servant wear a robe in the pulpit? What countries have United Methodist churches? Do apportionments help pay for church camps? How do you get to heaven?
These are only a handful of the thousands of questions received by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, the information service for all things United Methodist.
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FAQs for helping Ukrainians
Methodists across the UNY Conference have been wondering how they can support Ukrainians in this time of crisis. The UNY Communications team has previously announced UMCOR advances that directly support Ukrainians.
To be reminded of those Advance numbers and to find out answers about volunteering, hosting Ukrainian refugees in your home, and prayer ideas, click here to read Global Ministries’ FAQs related to the crisis in Ukraine.
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Lament for Ukraine
“Like stampeding buffaloes, tanks roll in a path of destruction; roads are paved with destroyed vehicles and ruin. Bombs fly like diving birds of prey, destroying homes; rubble is strewn across the city. Striking like lightning, drones shoot missiles into communities; children cry out in fright as their homes are destroyed – who shall comfort them? Streams of refugees flee on broken roads; where are the hungry to find food, or the sick to find care?”
This is just a small caption of an eloquent lament written by Melanie Simmons, pastor at Georgetown UMC and South Otselic UMC.
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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. Register by April 14 ($125 off), May 14 ($100 off), June 14 ($75 off), July 14 ($50 off), August 14 ($25 off). Brochures with more details and registration forms are available. Please contact Pastors B.J.: [email protected], 315-726-2815 (cell); Andy: [email protected], 917-723-0901 (cell); Alicia: [email protected], 315-450-1632 (cell); or Jee Hae: [email protected], 404-825-8025 (cell), for a brochure, online registration link, if you have any questions, or need more information.
There will also be an informational session on May 3 at Erwin First United Methodist Church that you can attend in-person or via Zoom.
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The UNYAC Media Resource Center is operating on a limited basis for Resource orders. We have a small committee who are dedicating their time and talents to help maintain this valuable resource. We need your help! Click here to read about our changes and how you can help us help you.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries |
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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 interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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NEJ Bishops offer hope
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and the rest of the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops have issued a 10-minute video sharing their vision of recommitment and hope even in these times of fear, illness, division, grief, greed, and unbridled abuses of power. Click here to see this moving video. You can also click here to see a transcript of the complete statement
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NYS HERO Act Update
On March 18, 2022, the NYS Department of Labor updated its NY HERO Act website to confirm the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under the HERO Act ended. Private sector employers are no longer required to implement their workforce safety plans. No more health screens!
While this is great news, there are other obligations the NY HERO Act (NY Labor Law Section 218-b) that remain even when no designation is in effect. These obligations include creating an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan, giving a copy of the plan to employees within 30 days after its creation, giving a copy of the plan to any new employees when they are hired, posting the plan in each work site so employees can view it, and updating the plan as necessary.
Any questions about the NYS HERO Act obligations can be addressed to Upper New York Conference Director of Human Resources/Benefits, Susan Latessa at [email protected] or 315-898-2002.
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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Reminder: Sexual Harassment training mandatory
This is a reminder that New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. This includes all those employed by the local church.
There is a free on-line training that is available to all. A certificate of completion is provided when the training is complete.
Free Training Available
The New York City Commission on Human Rights has developed a free online training that will satisfy both the New York State and New York City anti-sexual harassment training requirements. New York City's free online training is available here.
Please note that Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at [email protected] or (315) 898-2017.
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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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On the Calendar
April 8: Equitable Compensation application deadline - DETAILS
April 15: Deadline to submit Denman nominations - DETAILS
April 10: Palm Sunday
April 15: Good Friday - Conference & District office closed
April 15: Deadline to submit Denman nominations - DETAILS
April 16: Good Saturday
April 17: Easter Sunday
June 2 - 4: Annual Conference - DETAILS
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UNYAC Contact Information
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UNY 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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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] 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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Oneonta District Contact Information
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Attention Please- Oneonta District Office UMC Mailing address - until further notice:
Please mail all (snail mail) correspondence to the following Address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
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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
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(Physical address) Oneonta District Office 64 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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