Next Issue: March 10th, 2022 |
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Words From the
District Superintendent & District Associate
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District Superintendent News |
“There is no path.”
These words surprised us as we hiked one day. Barb and I were hiking Grimes Glen in Naples last September and the well-worn path was disappearing into the water. At the end of our quest, a waterfall was promised. Suddenly, walking toward us were two women, knee deep in the river with smiling faces. “Where is the path?” We asked. “Is it on the other side?” Together the response came with decided tone, “There is no path.” “But the waterfall is just around the corner.”
We are living in a time when it is difficult to know how to proceed with our faith. Church participation is at an all-time low, may budgets are tight, and the average age of our members is continuing to climb. We anxiously put up screens in our sanctuaries, streamline worship services and offer online contributions, hoping the path will be made easier for people to attend. It is time for us to wake up and smell the latte: there is no path. Now is the time to pause, remember our intended goal and press on, finding new ways to get to it. We were never guaranteed the Christian life would be easy or that churches would always be a primary force in society. But we have it clear from Jesus, “I am the path, the truth and life, no one comes to the Father (God) but through me.”
Today we are watching as Russia invades Ukraine. The future of Europe and the world peace seems tentative. But what if the world is watching the church? What will we do? Will we return to our safety and miss out on the blessing? The path of following Jesus is rocky, messy, and just might be dangerous. The path is one of risk and danger, trust and hope.
In the end, Barbara and I forged a path on the side of the river, remained dry and were rewarded with the beauty of the falls. We made our own path. The time comes, church, to make a decision. Will we press on and be the one, true church once again?
Please pray for these churches without pastors:
Burdett, Italy Valley, Litchfield, Lounsberry, North Cohocton, Oakwood, Pine Valley
Jeff McDowell
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From the desk of Reverend Michael Kelly: MV District Associate |
Good Morning Friends of the Mountain View District,
We are in the most challenging of times. Times of trial and tribulation. Famine and floods, fire and even war. Our country is overcome with rising inflation, homelessness, hunger, crime, a pandemic and a multitude of other issues. It is a time when many are leaving churches, many are questioning their faith, it’s a mess.
But it is also a time when we as Christians and as a church need to be the best that we can be. It is a time when Christianity can no longer be a spectator sport. Both clergy and laity alike have been equipped uniquely, from Psalm 139: 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. We are made and equipped for times such as these, but friends we can’t sit back and watch it happen around us. As a church we need to let people know that we are there. We are there for each other, we are there for the community, we are there for the tasks that the Lord has laid upon us. Whether big or small, and right now all those tasks seem gigantic. But I can assure you that no task is too big, when God is leading that vision. We receive assurance from Acts 1:8 - 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.
And just like any other work, although we are divinely blessed in our works, we must continue to hone our skills. As clergy members, whether we have graduated from a recognized seminary or have or are completing Course of Study, we are required to complete continuing education. And as laity we are called just like clergy to serve the Lord and others. In this District, this Conference and even in this denomination we are blessed with many educational opportunities to get excited about. Remember as a member of clergy you can take any of the courses offered by Lay Servant ministries, and some of them are approved for continuing education credits. I want to clarify something, as lay members just because you are taking lay servant classes it does not mean that you must preach, unless you are called for preaching in your relationship with God. Now, because of the pandemic more classes are offered conference wide to everyone, via zoom. And some of you may not know but there are also classes offered through the General Board of Higher Education, which by the way, is funded by your shared ministry for some really good classes. You can access their website at WWW.GBHEM.ORG. It is times like these that call for us to be the best You that You can be.
God has a plan for You and Me,
Mike
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As the world watches the Russian military aggression and invasion within Ukraine, we as United Methodist followers of Christ reaffirm the truth that “we deplore war and urge the peaceful settlement of all disputes among nations."
I invite you to join with me in offering prayers of protection, peace, and resolution. Please pray for all individuals in this region of the world being impacted by these events, including our United Methodist brothers and sisters in Ukraine. With a united heart and spirit, I share with you the following letter from my colleague and friend, Bishop Christian Alsted
Blessings,
Bishop Mark J. Webb
Bishop M. J Webb
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NYS Hero Act extended through March 17th |
The NY HERO Act designation with respect to COVID-19 has been extended again and will be in effect through March 17, 2022, at which time it will be reviewed and subject to further extension.
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2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms That Are Due |
February 15th, 2022- THESE ARE NOW PAST DUE
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
February 28th, 2022
If you need assistance with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information for EZRA, please contact the District Office. 607-962-8047 or email mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org
March 15th, 2022
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office
2021 Local Annual Audit
Mail COMPLETED & SIGNED copy to District Office at:
Mountain View District Office
PO Box 706
Bath, NY 14810
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Ezra Reports Due on Monday February 28th 2022
Statistical reports must be completed and submitted to "ezra" website by Monday February 28, 2022. The site will be closed Churches that do not complete these in time will have all their numbers inputted with an increase of 10% for 2021, resulting in higher payments for shared ministries.
Pastors and Lay Leaders, please do not allow this to happen to your church.
Thank you,
DS Jeff McDowell,
Associate Mike Kelly & Admin. Asst. Patti Gridley
As of this afternoon this is where we are at as far as completion.
48% Completed
21% in Progress
31% Not Started
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Mountain View District Office Open By Appointment Only |
Office visits are still by appointment ONLY. We ask that you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. We also ask that you social distance while in the office. Please do not come to the office if you are not feeling well. We ask that you come another time.
Office is open: Mon.-Thurs.
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What the end of the NY state mask mandate
means for local churches
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New York State Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship and other gatherings.
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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 17 ad interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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Avoca UMC Pancake Breakfast |
When: Sunday, February 13, 2022
Where: 8593 Jacob's Ladder Rd., Avoca, NY 14809
(Corner of Jacob's Ladder Rd. & State Rte. 415, one mile north of village of Avoca)
Time: 8:00-10:00 am
Menu: Buffet Serving: Buttermilk Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Applesauce, Juice, Coffee, Tea
Cost: Free Will Offering
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Looking for 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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First Aid for Mental Health |
Have you noticed that a colleague, friend or family member might be going through a difficult time? What do you do? What do you say?
Unfortunately, for many of us this is not a hypothetical scenario, but a lived experience.
To help create a more empathetic community and environment within The United Methodist Church (UMC) for those struggling with their mental and emotional health, Wespath is offering first aid training for mental health to all its participants—at no cost. Church staff and congregation members, UMC clergy and their spouses, and Church leaders also are invited to attend.
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Over the course of two sessions, First Aid for Mental Health participants will learn advanced listening skills that will enable them to build empathy, trust and rapport with someone who might be going through a difficult time. Until you establish a foundation of empathy, trust and rapport it is difficult to help others make positives changes.
h facilitator
First Aid for Mental Health is for everyone. The skills acquired can be applied to many situations, including home, social and professional environments. The training also teaches attendees how to accept their own mental health struggles without embarrassment or shame.
You also can watch the First Aid for Mental Health video to learn more: Click here to watch video
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Safe Sanctuary Training Flyer |
Attached is a flyer for all upcoming Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training session for the year, along with registration links
and dates.
Click Here for a Flyer for all the churches in your district to post in their churches. We will continue to send reminders prior to registration by an individual bases but we wanted to make sure all dates were available to the conference, districts and churches.
You will notice that the dates are strategic as we want to make it
available prior to summer VBS programs, Fall Sunday school start up
and a couple others in between. We have also set two Training of Trainer dates which we will ask those who wish to become a trainer in their
local church and/or their districts to join.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris Mitchell
Arlene Schimdt, CLM
Upper New York Safe Sanctuaries Co-Chairs
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PRESENTATION ABOUT METHODIST CIRCUIT RIDERS
BY REV DR GREG VANDUSSEN
FROM HIS BOOK CIRCUIT RIDERS ON THE ROAD TO GLORY
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On Monday, April 25th at Asbury Retreat Center, Rev. Dr. Greg VanDussen will offer a presentation about the early American Circuit Riders based on his book entitled Circuit Riders on the Road to Glory. The presentation will be at 11 am. The presentation will be part of the spring meeting of Faith Fellowship, a group of retired United Methodist clergy and spouses generally from western New York. All clergy are welcome to attend Greg’s presentation and the entire morning beginning at 9:30 am with light refreshments.
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Two Trainings Being Offered for all churches in the Southern Tier Region: Mountain View, Cornerstone, Binghamton, and Oneonta
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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. raining to be held Via ZOOM.
2.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.
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Upper NY United Methodist Men |
"DID YOU KNOW...
We are EMBARKING ON our Aldersgate Men’s Retreat 20th Anniversary APRIL 29-30
Register today ASAP & bring someone in need of Jesus in their lives!!
Click here for the flyer and registration information
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Other Learning Opportunities |
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Presentation on General Conference |
Rev. Bill Mudge, Senior Pastor of the Baldwinsville United Methodist Church, former Adirondack District Superintendent, and clergy General Conference delegation leader, has offered to be present on the Adirondack and Albany districts to answer questions and offer information and thoughts about the upcoming General Conference. There are things we know, things we don’t know, speculation, information, and misinformation. This will be an opportunity to sort some of this out so that we may stay focused on our mission, and keep looking for what God is doing among and through us. You are invited to participate in person or online at any of the following dates and times:
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Sunday, February 27, 6 PM, at the Newtonville United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 568 Loudon Rd., Latham (12110)
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Monday, February 28, 2 PM, at the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh (12901)
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Monday, February 28, 6:30 PM, at the Saratoga United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs (12866)
Click here for the three Zoom invitations. You can join as many as you desire.
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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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ANNOUNCING: The “Connect with Us” Academy for Continuing Education 2022 Course Schedule including
A Course Series: Refreshing My Preaching Ministry
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The “Connect with Us” Academy is funded by a Magee Christian Education Foundation grant, Academy partners, and through clergy participation. The Academy develops, offers, and sustains high-quality continuing education courses and fellowship opportunities.
The Academy was designed by the ALPS-MTH Alumni Advisory Committee, Union College, Annual Conferences, local pastors, who completed Course of Study and ordained clergy. All clergy, need access to high-quality, practical, and affordable continuing education.
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Mountain View District Winter Lay Servant Classes |
Upcoming Class Session
To be held at:
Via Zoom
Exploring Healing Prayer - Lent Study Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
beginning March 10th - April 6th 2022
Tuition: $15.00 per person plus purchase price of the books
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LAY SERVANT COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
***********************************************
Check out the courses being offered by ALL the Districts in the UNYAC. Click here to see what courses are taking place.
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Opening to Grace Winter Retreat- Deaconess Sue Silhan |
Session Date
Mar. 19th 12noon-9pm- Dreamwork
Both sessions are offered via Zoom and a time of shared discussion during our dinner if desired.
Fee of $100 per person with financial assistance available if needed.
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Tending the Soul 2022-2024
A Two-year Training Program for Lay and Clergy
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Where and When? All six training retreats will be held at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia, NY (campsandretreats.org). Attendance is required at all six retreats. Retreats will be held on: • November 14-17, 2022 • February 24-27, 2023 • April 17-20, 2023 • November 10-13, 2023 • February 19-22, 2024 • April 8-11, 2024
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Stewardship Academy with Rev. Susan Ranous |
April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
May 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
June 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
July 16th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (May be via Zoom or possibly in person)
Who Should Attend?
Clergy (approved for CEU)
Laity (approved by lay servant credit)
All those passionate about stewardship
This is an opportunity to read and learn about stewardship and all that it entails. There will be a final project due after the conclusion of the academy.
The topic would be one we have covered that you may want to get more detail on. It will be an opportunity to focus on an aspect of stewardship that you could use and help others utilize.
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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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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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https://www.unyumc.org/resources/mission-insite |
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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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MOUNTAIN VIEW DISTRICT OFFICE
35 Wilkes Ave. (Physical location)
PO Box 706 (Mailing Address)
Bath, NY 14810
607-962-8047
Office Is Open
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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