Issue Date: June 24th, 2021 |
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DS Notes:
High Anxiety!!!
This is what we are experiencing in many of our churches right now. With fewer pastors to serve and a declining societal interest in “church”; monstrous buildings from a bygone era we cannot easily heat or re-roof or sell; dysfunctional groups of believers and often bullies in the church, we are in trouble. And we need a savior. But there is only one savior.
The next pastor is not our savior. (younger or older or wiser, or married or female or superman)
The new video setup is not our savior. (facetime, youtube, streaming, church-tok)
Changing our brand (UMC) is not our savior. (umc-next, global Methodist, post-separation, RMN, WCA)
Reducing our overhead is not our savior. (pastor pensions, health costs, missions, outeach)
Jesus is the Savior of all the world, including the church. But Jesus did not come to save the church. He came to save the world through the work of the church.
Let us stay focused on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. He is our Savior and our guide, our Lord and the head of the body. Let us pray, discern, listen and move forward. Anxiety ceases when we are with Christ.
In Him, I am with you, Jeff McDowell
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Great things happen when each of us lives fully into our calling from God. I am so pleased to work with our district administrator Patti Gridley as she takes on a bit more work and we streamline her duties. She is truly a gifted servant and puts Christ first in her work, for your good and the support of your mission. I am so pleased to work with Rev. Mike Kelly, a servant-leader who is connecting the dots on our district and helping move us all toward greater success in our mission of reaching souls for Christ. Please listen to the advice and direction given by these two people as though you were listening to me and Bishop Webb. We are in alignment in supporting your ministries and we work tirelessly to that end.
-Jeff McDowell-
New Appointments: Mike Kelly as coordinating pastor at Beaver Dams and Burdett; Kevin Austin at Corning Grace and South Corning; Ruth Reppert at Wheeler in addition to Kanona.
Open Churches as of 6-24: Breesport, Cohocton, Canisteo, Erin, Litchfield, Lounsberry, North Chemung, North Cohocton, Oakwood Elmira, Pine Valley, Sullivanville, Westside Elmira.
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Mountain View District Office
Open By Appointment Only
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At this time visits to the office are by appointment ONLY.
- You will be asked to fill out questionnaire
- Get your temperature taken
- Mask MUST be worn
- Socially Distancing
Office Hours are: Mon.-Thurs. 7am-2:15pm
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The District Office Will Be Closed For Vacation |
The District Office will be CLOSED for vacation time beginning July 1st and will return on Monday, July 12th.
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A Note From District Associate Rev. Mike Kelly |
Greetings to you all,
Another church year is behind us, the Annual Conference completed. An amazing job was done by many and I for one, hope to see you all in person next year. One of the things that real struck a chord with me this year is the very minimal numbers of CLMs and Licensed Pastors new to our fold within our district. Perhaps it had to do with the pandemic, but frankly our numbers are not nearly sufficient to cover our retirements even remotely.
This brings me back quite a few years ago, when others were prodding me to start the process toward pastoral ministry. I had accepted the role of Certified Lay Speaker and was quite comfortable in that position. What I discounted was that God was not. He wanted more. I was quite certain that He had erred in His judgement, that I was not the right person for what it seemed like He was calling me to. But He was relentless, and I finally relented. I needed to understand that God does not make mistakes.
I guess my message to you all is that if you are feeling that tug, maybe you have gotten to the outright shove that I experienced, but you are just not sure, or your afraid, or like me you believed that you were unworthy. As you discern your call, I want you to think about this Scripture: John 15:16 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
We are building an outstanding Lay Servant program and like me that is where you can start. If you already are a Lay Servant discern whether God has even greater plans for you, talk to your pastor, talk to me or the DS.
Friends consider this, God is calling you to a special relationship with Him like no other. Speaking from experience, answering that call will change your life, enriching it presently, and building to eternity.
Reverend Michael Kelly
Mountain View District Associate
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Bishop 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.
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July 5- District & Conference Offices Closed
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Mountain View District Lay Servant Retreat Day |
LAY SERVANT RETREAT DAY
For all Certified Lay Servants
Saturday, August 21, 2021 9 AM - 5 PM
Avoca UMC
8593 Jacob’s Ladder Road, Avoca, NY
You are invited to join in a day of worship, learning, and fellowship at our live in person retreat day. You are invited to bring a guest who may be interested in knowing more about Lay Ministry
PRE-REGISTRATION:
Please register in advance by August 1, 2021 with a
check for $15 made payable to UNYAC.
Your fee covers lunch.
Registration will be accepted on the day of the event with
a fee of $20.
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2021 Annual Conference Recap |
The 2021 UNY Annual Conference, held virtually, from June 17-June 19, was a success! If you are looking for an easy way to report the happenings of this important event to your churches, we’ve done the work for you!
Click here to find an overview of Annual Conference, notes for what was accomplished each day, and videos, including recorded livestreams in addition to the Memorial and Ordination services.
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Evaluation of Annual Conference |
Please fill out an evaluation of Annual Conference
We hope you had a great time at this year’s virtual Annual Conference!
We would greatly appreciate if you would take a couple minutes to complete the evaluation.
Please note that the deadline to complete this evaluation is July 1.
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From the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
of Wesley Theological Seminary
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50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor |
If a new pastor is in your congregation’s future, be sure to check out 50 Ways to Welcome a New Pastor. This resource shares tips on how to say goodbye to your current pastor in a healthy way and offers helpful advice on how to welcome your new pastor.
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Churches and their members may not fully appreciate the strain the pandemic has placed on their pastors and other ministry leaders. Mike Bonem urges congregations to take heed of the stress carried by leaders in this busy and chaotic time and develop plans to respond.
6/24/2021
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2021 Mission u! hosted by the Upper New York United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church is coming!
There’s far more than here than meets the eye and we hope you’ll join us this summer for the 2021 Mission u! Hosted by the Upper New York United Methodist Women and United Methodist Church, this virtual study program will be presented Thursday evening, July 22, through Saturday afternoon, July 24.
The program will feature group worship and plenary sessions and the participant’s choice of three different study options. A special mission presentation will be offered by Hope House in Utica, N.Y.
Registration is $25, with a special fee of $15 for first-timers. Scholarships are available. The fee should not be an obstacle. Register by July 5. Classes filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mission u is a transformative education program that offers studies on several different topics and is open to everyone—not just women.
5/27/21
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Southern Tier Interfaith Coalition (STIC) |
STIC have confirmed the date of Sunday, Sept. 12th, 3 p.m. for the online version of the Witness to Injustice program. The program will feature 9 Native American readers narrating the history of Turtle Island. Narration will alternate with small group reflection time after each section.
They have had to modify the format due to COVID. Program will be 2 1/2 hours followed by 1/2 of Q&A.
Cindy Squillace is the coordinator for this event. It was created
by a group called Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, a committee
of the Syracuse Peace Council.
5/27/21
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ALBANY DISTRICT LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES |
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COVID-19 Information & Resources |
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Other 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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The HUB at UNY Conference Center |
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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE |
35 Wilkes Ave.
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Office Hours
Mon.-Thurs. 7am-2:15pm
In Person by APPOINTMENT ONLY
Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell
District Superintendent
Pastor Mike Kelly
District Associate
Ann Welch Wood
District Lay Leader
Patti Gridley
District Administrative Assistant
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