Albany District and Conference News
December 2, 2021
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"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
-- Robert Frost
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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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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Prayer concerns
Please pray for:
The family and friends of Rev. David Smith. David's sister Kelley Gorman, 59, passed away on Tuesday after a 3-month stay in the hospital. Cards can be sent to David at 422 Sandy Creek Rd., #317, Albany, NY 12205. To view Kelley's obituary, click here.
The Rev. Erik Smith, whose new address is Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehab Center, Room 322, 801 Co Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY 10475. Cards and prayers would be appreciated.
The family and friends of Archie Maker, who died on Aug. 28. Cards of condolence can be sent to Archie's wife Kathy Maker at 19 Sunset Ct., Cohoes, NY 12047.
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.
Pastor Brenda Tompkins and husband Rob, as Rob continues to battle with cancer.
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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Advent calendar available |
View this year's Advent Calendar created by Rev. Thomas Mousin, Rev. Merry Watters and Susan Kochinskas: click here.
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How mentorship creates and equips leaders
The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate explores the meaningfulness of mentorship in helping people fulfill their call and their ministries throughout Upper New York (UNY) and beyond.
Leading up to the publication of this issue, the Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, explained how a mentoring relationship provides an exceptional opportunity for growth.
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2021 Issue II of the Advocate now available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.
The 2021 issue II of the Advocate focuses on mentorship. Read wonderful stories from mentors and mentees on the value of mentorship in fulfilling ministries near and far—from small communities in UNY to Tanzania.
This issue is currently available as an e-issue and has been distributed to local churches. Click here to read or download this issue of the Advocate on the Conference website.
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A Palestinian cry for hope
The UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel has published their third article in a series, “Because We Care.”
In her eloquent article, Linda Bergh articulates what hope looks like for Palestinians living in the land where Jesus was born, in the year 2021-2022?
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Pervasive and Self-Perpetuating: The Continuous Falsifying of Narratives
Part Three of the Doctrine of Discovery "Stealing the Earth: The Conquering of Indigenous People, The Role of Christianity, and What Can Bring About Justice" Webinar series:
Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 1PM
Join us to uncover how dehumanization and violence were used to perpetuate the Doctrine of Discovery and how that continues today.
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Dismantling racism resource: Encountering racism
but extending love
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
This week, we share a reflection from the Rev. Margaret M. Powell, a retired pastor from the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. Her first recalled experience of racism was at the age of 4; her brother was nearly beaten to death by a white gang near their family home; she has eventually came to believe that education is the tip of the racism iceberg in the United States; In her pastoral career and retirement, she has focused on serving people holistically.
Click here to read Rev. Powell’s touching reflection.
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On Monday, Dec. 6 at 10 AM, meet (left to right) our Regional Missionary Catherine Akale and the Mozambique Country Teams from three Annual Conferences: Rev. Sebastiao Alzira Isaac Machauene (North Annual Conference), Rev. Adelina Chilundo Roberto (South Annual Conference) and Rev. Quiteria Alacane Muhota (South East Annual Conference).
The speakers will talk about their current work priorities and recount the challenges of the pandemic. They will share a real-life story of how the fish farm project fights poverty and improves food and nutrition security in a country where over 80% of the population lives on less than $2 a day; and they will showcase other livelihood programs supported by United Methodist Women.
The speakers will also describe how the Training for Transformation provides new skills and opens new opportunities for young women.
An optional breakout session will follow the one-hour program.
The quarterly Voices from the Field events feature leaders sharing their work and life stories, daily challenges, hopes and dreams. This conversation series highlights United Methodist Women initiatives supported by Mission Giving — initiatives that significantly improve the lives of women, children and youth down the block and around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join the Voices from the Field virtual event on Dec. 6 to find out more about the international work of United Methodist Women, which has a tremendous impact on lives and livelihoods of thousands of women and their families in Mozambique and around the world.
*If the registration link does not work for you, please copy and paste this text into your browser window:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please save the confirmation; it contains your personal link to the event.
Tatiana Dwyer and Betty Gittens and the Voices Planning Team
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Vote No on the BSA bankruptcy plan
The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee has notified Conferences that it recommends all churches reject the BSA bankruptcy plan, i.e., vote no:
After months of mediation to achieve a settlement in the BSA bankruptcy and working with annual conferences about voting on the plan, the United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee recommends voting NO on the plan.
We do not have a signed settlement that would bring healing to the survivors and a release from claims against United Methodist local churches and other United Methodist entities. These releases are essential to prevent congregations and United Methodist entities from being sued and numerous court cases for United Methodists to defend.
While United Methodists are represented in the mediation and continue to work for a United Methodist settlement, it is not assured that we will receive a settlement. Because voting is occurring at this time, and all votes must be received by Dec. 14, 2021, regretfully United Methodists are recommended to vote NO.
Click here for a resource, guidance, and instructions for local churches, to assist with voting.
Click here for more information and further instructions and who to contact if you need assistance.
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The last Bridge issue of 2021 is ready for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary.
This issue of the Bridge features has a Christmas quiz and ideas for celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas—remembering that the actual Christmas season begins Christmas Day and continues through the Day of Epiphany (Jan. 6, 2022).
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What's New from the Lewis Center |
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Creating powerful worship in small congregations
Do you want amazing worship on a small church budget? Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. interviews Teresa Stewart, a blogger and creator of the website Paper Bag Cathedrals, on ways small congregations can enliven their worship.
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5 things to avoid and 5 things to accent at your
Christmas Eve Service
Barry Howard names some dos and don’ts to help make your Christmas Eve service meaningful and welcoming. A festive and effective Christmas Eve service, he says, can go a long way toward building durable relationships and enhancing community connections.
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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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UMCOR launches Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement Program
The Afghan Refugee Resettlement Reimbursement program will reimburse up to $1,000 per local United Methodist church in the United States that is in a sponsorship relationship with Church World Service. Expenses eligible for reimbursement must fit the following criteria:
· Pre-arrival support, such as: setting up/furnishing an apartment; providing a culturally appropriate welcome meal; welcoming a family at the airport.
· Post-arrival support: assisting in English Language Learners (ELL) tutoring; providing transportation to medical appointments; assisting with grocery shopping or community navigation; mentorship.
· Providing other financial support to a newly arrived Afghan family to help them adjust to life in the U.S.
Click here for full details, including application forms.
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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.
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2021-2022 Forms available |
The 2021-2022 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, the 2022 Clergy Compensation Form, and more. If you have any issues accessing this page, please click here for help.
As mentioned in previous correspondence to pastors and SPRC chairs, the 2022 clergy compensation information can be found here: 2022 Pastor Compensation.
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New Opportunity to Grow with Your Online/Digital Discipleship!
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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Adirondack District Lay Servant news
The Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has begun work on courses we will be offering in 2022. We plan to continue offering the 7 courses required for Lay Speaker Certification, and are excited to be offering some new advanced courses to support you in your continuing faith journey. A complete listing of all our course offerings for next year will be coming out soon!
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life.
If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
Monday January 10, 6-9 PM
Thursday January 13, 6-9 PM
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9 PM
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.”
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Albany District Lay Servant News |
Advanced Lay Servant Course (Certified Lay Speaker Required Course)
“Living our United Methodist Beliefs” (the Heritage course) will be offered via Zoom with the last class in person at a church central to the Capital Region.
Participants will need:
- Access to Zoom
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Living our Beliefs, the United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder available at Cokesbury or Amazon. ISBN: 978-0-88177-571-6
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A Brief History of The United Methodist Church available for free from Amazon.
- United Methodist Hymnal
- A method for taking notes
Dates: Mondays, January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2022 via Zoom and February 14, 2022 in person. All five sessions are required for completion.
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
Please contact Bruce for a Registration Form.
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Basic Course Offered in Person!
Is God calling you to become involved in Lay Servant Ministries? It is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within our United Methodist connection (2021 Lay Servant Ministries Catalog). Through these ministries, we are equipped, empowered, and enabled:
- To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ;
- To deepen our knowledge of who God is and who God is calling us to be as God's people;
- To embody God's love;
- To be God's love in the world.
Lay Servants have felt God's call upon their lives to share their faith and God's love by leading, caring, and communicating to:
All God's people in
All places,
And in
All times.
This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses as you:
- Are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts;
- Consider the importance of exercising servant leadership;
- Develop future leaders;
- Remain rooted in consistent spiritual practices;
- Grow as a leader in mission and ministry in the community as well as in daily life.
Dates: Saturdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 2022
Time: 10 AM to Noon
Place: Hope United Methodist Church, 566 Brunswick Rd, Troy, NY 12180
518. 279.3567(home) |518.495.2248 (cell)
Please contact Darlene for a Registration Form and the address to mail the form and check
Cost: $10 (Checks payable to UNYAC)
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From the Conference Center |
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Resources for launching
a New Faith Community
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Couldn’t make “What Now?” New Faith Communities’ three-part series about dreaming of connection in a church changed by the pandemic?
No Problem!
Click here to access the videos freely via New Faith Communities YouTube channel.
Learn about:
· Fresh Expressions of Church from Luke Edwards
· How to build Relationships with People Online from Paul Gomez
· Gather in New Ways from Rachel Gilmore
Each of these important topics touch on the ever-changing landscape of the Church today. How do Fresh Expressions of church reach new people and minister to loneliness? How do you effectively build relationship with people who visit your church online? And how do we gather in the midst of pandemic and meet people where they are?
New Faith Communities anticipates in 2022 that we will be hosting a multi-week virtual Launchpad for churches and planters who are ready to reach new people. Launchpad invites you to discern, vision, gather, disciple, and worship in new ways. If you’re interested, please email davidmasland@unyumc.org by Jan. 15, 2022.
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Protocol study survey due Dec. 15 |
You may remember that at our 2021 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, the body passed UNYAC2021.7, which called for a study of our Conference’s readiness for the possible passage of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. This resolution created a Study Commission that was given commission-specific instructions on how to, both conduct the study and report the study’s findings.
The first part of this study is underway and involves two short surveys that was sent to every local church lay leader and every appointed or assigned clergy leader of the Annual Conference via email from their District office.
All appointed clergy and lay leaders should have received an email from their District office with a link to a survey earlier this week. Those who don't have emails will receive the information in the mail.
The Study Commission sent a note to the Conference on Oct. 14 stating that the survey responses were due on Dec. 1
This deadline has been extended to Dec. 15.
Questions can be addressed to the District office, from whom you will receive the surveys.
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NY Hero Act extended to Dec. 15
On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Commissioner of Health designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease.
The NY HERO Act plan (a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
Initially, the NYS Hero Act was effective through mid October 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Dec. 15, 2021 because COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health in New York State.
Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
Click here to learn why asking for vaccination status is not a violation of HIPAA.
Click here to learn paid-leave requirements related to COVID-19 in New York State.
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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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2021 UNY Journal vol. II now ready
The 2021 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. Click here to view an online version, download a copy, or order a printed copy from Lulu.com ($17.64 plus tax and shipping).
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(Update) Media Resource Center
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New York State minimum wage/minimum salary increase effective 12/31/2021
Effective December 31, 2021, New York State minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. To read more, click here.
A news article regarding NYS minimum salary is posted on the Conference websiteBoth the minimum wage and minimum salary are effective 12/31/2021. To read more, click here.
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Conference seeking Accounts payable specialist |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for an Accounts Payable specialist.
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Conference seeking Information Technology Support Specialist |
A new job opening has been posted on the website for an Information Technology Support Specialist.
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Conference seeking Site Director for Skye Farm Camp/Retreat Center |
A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for a Site Director for Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center.
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Conference seeking Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist
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A job opening has been posted on the Conference website for an Administrative/Accounting Services Specialist. Please apply online through the website: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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Conference seeking director of Missional Engagement |
A new job opening is posted on the Conference website for a Director of Missional Engagement.
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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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Revised CDC guidelines
affecting local churches
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued revised guidelines for indoor gatherings due to the rising number of coronavirus cases as a result of the Delta variant. The CDC is recommending masks be worn indoors by all individuals regardless of vaccination status in areas of high concentration. Click here to read the UNY Church COVID guidelines and to determine your county’s level of transmission.
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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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Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in. |
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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
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