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Adirondack District and Conference News
November 5, 2022
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“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."
-- Maya Angelou
Isaac Newton
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Please share with us how your church is making disciples for the transformation of the world!
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Would appreciate your input
We are wondering if your church has shown any movies, or if you've used specific study guides, that could be helpful in our conversation concerning racism. Some churches have indicated that they have shown or encouraged folks to view movies such as "Hidden Figures" and "42." Others have plans to view "Till," which is now in theaters. In response to our request last week, someone suggested a documentary they saw a few years back called, "Emmanuel" about the shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Zion church in Charleston. They also said they thought "The Blind Side" and "The Green Book" were also good examples.
Please share your thoughts with Carrie, adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
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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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Please hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann was recently admitted to the Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush.
Please keep Debbie Robinson in your prayers as she struggles with Parkinson's Disease. Debbie is the daughter of Doug Baker (lay supply at Raceville UMC). Cards can be sent to Debbie in care of Doug @ 5 Madison St., Apt. E, Granville, NY 12832.
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 adirondackdistrict@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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Rev. Hector Burgos to become
UNY Conference Bishop, beginning Jan. 1
Rev. Hector Burgos has been assigned as Bishop to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Rev. Burgos, 48, is the first Hispanic elected bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, and the first Puerto Rican ever elected in the denomination.
Read all about his meeting with UNY delegates: Click here.
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Bishop Webb's Retirement Celebrated
On Wednesday Nov. 2, at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s retirement was celebrated along with three other bishops’ retirements (Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, and Bishop Jeremiah Park). To read more, click here.
Bishop Webb's Farewell/Retirement Gathering
Nov. 19 at the UNY Conference Center Nov. 19
You are invited to Bishop Webb’s farewell/retirement gathering on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Upper New York Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. It will be an open-house style celebration. You can come and go as you please. The tentative schedule is as follows:
1 p.m. Gathering begins – open-house-style fellowship time
2 p.m. Official program by the Episcopacy Committee
3 p.m. Cutting of the cake followed by more open-house-style fellowship time until 4 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
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Saturday, November 19, 12:30 PM to 4:15 PM, Safe Sanctuaries 3-hr Basic Training at
Trinity UMC, Gansevoort
Trinity UMC is hosting a Safe Sanctuaries Training Session on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 12:30 PM to 4:15 PM at the church, 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831. Facilitator Arlene Schmidt and other qualified SS facilitators will take us through the curriculum necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion. This training is for individuals who have direct contact with children, youth or vulnerable adults within our churches. Those who have taken the Conference 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training need not take the class again if you have already have a Certificate of Completion. If you would like to retake the class, or your church policy states that you must have the training again than please join us.
Please email Karen Corlew at kmckmc2009@live.com to register for this class.
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"Everyday Disaster Grant" Announcement
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is excited to announce the “Everyday Disaster Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working in their community to fight everyday (socio-economic) disasters. These disasters might include, but are not limited to, food insecurity, addiction, racial injustice, violence, or lack of affordable housing.
This funding opportunity is intended to connect, build relationships, and celebrate the impactful outreaches that are happening throughout the Upper New York Conference and are playing a vital role in creating disciples that transform the world. We can't wait to hear the difference you are making in your community!
The grant application will be open through Dec. 31. Grant recipients will be announced in February 2023. Please send all questions to Kristina Clark, Director of Upper New York Mission Central HUB, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org
For more information and for a link to the grant application, click here: https://www.unyumc.org/mission/mission-funding-opportunities
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The Buffalo 10 Scholarship: Just the beginning
Eighty-five percent of Black Buffalonians live on the East side of the city, where the racially motivated mass murder took place at the Tops grocery store on May 14, 2022.
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference has a team of Buffalo-area clergy who are working together to support these residents.
The first step is the Buffalo 10 Scholarship. Dr. Scott Johnson, Pastor Angela Stewart, the Rev. George Nicholas, the Rev. Raquel Alston, and the Rev. Tanya Spencer are all pastors at local churches in Buffalo. These pastors along with Buffalo area resident and Conference Commission on Religion and Race member, Charles Syms, submitted a petition at the 2022 UNY Annual Conference on Oct. 6, requesting the creation of a Buffalo 10 Scholarship to honor the 10 Black residents that were killed at the Tops local market on May 14, 2022.
This petition called for the UNY Conference to establish a scholarship in the name of the Buffalo 10 for students from the 14208 zip-code attending college. This petition was supported by 93.6 percent of the Annual Conference body.
Click here to read more about the initiative UNY clergy has initiated to help give a voice to residents on the East Side of Buffalo.
Click here to donate to the Buffalo 10 Scholarship fund.
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GCSRW celebrates 50 years of ministry
with launch of new resource
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women is marking its 50th anniversary with the release of the Welcoming a Woman Pastor learning module. The self-paced, online resource guides local churches through the onboarding, orientation, and set-up process when introducing a female pastor appointed to serve their congregation.
Click here to learn more.
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UNY Conference Leadership Report
On Oct. 6, at the 2022 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, Conference Associate Lay Leader, Jessica White, and Dean of the Cabinet, the Rev. Mike Weeden, presented the Leadership Report. They spoke of the mission, vision, and purpose of the UNY Conference. They also discussed using the L3 model (Loving, Learning, Leading) in their work to reach the goal of 50 percent of UNY congregations becoming vital. A panel of five laity and clergy discussed how the L3 model helped them in their work on leadership teams and local congregations.
Click here to learn more.
Click here to find videos from the Leadership Report.
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Native American leader discusses
threatened cultures
In former times, the Rev. Glen Kernell would have been called an “Indian.” His name in the language of his tribe is Chebon.
As European settlement of North America expanded westward, the indigenous population with cultures going back hundreds and thousands of years was overwhelmed, oppressed, and massacred. Families were split up and children re-educated.
Kernell said only 0.004% of Native Americans in North America survived after the relocation and dispossession period when Native Americans were forcibly removed from their lands and taken from their families. Today’s Native population are the descendants of those survivors.
Now, the Executive Director of the United Methodist Native American Comprehensive Plan, Kernall shared the realities of threatened cultures in an eye-opening article.
Click here to read this important article.
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Download the November Issue I of the Bridge
The November Issue I of the Bridge 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 provides some ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving with a spirit of gratitude and also recognizes that November is Native American Heritage Month. Additionally, information on Bishop Webb’s Nov. 19 farewell gathering is provided.
If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact news@unyumc.org
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United Methodists Communications #IGiveUMC campaign
The new #IGiveUMC campaign launched this week by United Methodist Communications invites donations in honor of a loved one to the church their honoree attends, their own church, or a church with family ties.
The giving campaign by United Methodist Communications in partnership with the General Council on Finance and Administration encourages donors to post a photograph or video on social media using the campaign hashtag.
Click here to read more.
The UNY Communications team would love to highlight all UNY members participating in this campaign. Please send your loved one’s name and photo to news@unyumc.org and we will let others know that you participated in this campaign.
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United Methodist Student Day celebrated Nov. 27; resources available
On Nov. 27, we have the opportunity to support scholarships and low-interest loans that help young leaders achieve their dreams. The United Methodist Church has long been committed to making education affordable and attainable for young people across the world. Your gift will build up the next generation of leaders who can change the world for Christ. To read more, and view pastor and leader kit, click here.
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Thanksgiving celebrations for the home
As we approach the Thanksgiving season, it is a great time to sit back and take on an “attitude of gratitude.” We can’t ignore all of the hard things the past few years have thrown at us, but we can make time to acknowledge the ways that God has blessed us. Whether you’re with family and friends or having a much smaller gathering, consider using these practices to re-center yourself with gratefulness. To read more, click here.
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Missed the local events!
I inadvertently omitted this announcement from Tuesday's Local Events:
Election Day Turkey Supper, 4:45 PM to 7 PM Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the First UMC of Saranac Lake, corner of Church and St. Bernard streets. Adults $15; children under 12, $8. Under 5, no charge. A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Dinners are ONLY available for take-out and delivery. Call (518) 891-3473 for deilvery orders.
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Coming up/Deadlines approaching | |
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Deadline to deliver shoeboxes to South Glens Falls UMC is Nov. 10
Red Bird Mission
Christmas Shoe Box Drive 2022
Even a devastating flood cannot stop God! Churches in the Upper New York Conference are coordinating to bring Christmas Love to the people in the communities surrounding Red Bird Mission!
Christmas shoe boxes and supplies are being collected for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky. Red Bird Mission is the most comprehensive mission in the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and services including health care, education, spiritual, social, and economic assistance. Last year, the drive coordinators from Endwell United Methodist Church drove two 26-foot trucks to the mission delivering over 2,700 shoeboxes, 120 new sheet sets and bedspreads, as well as numerous books, school supplies and cleaning supplies. These items were rapidly depleted in Red Bird Mission's response to the flooding serving as Christ's hands and feet to their neighbors.
Because the need has only been magnified by the devastating flooding, our goal this year is to collect 3,500 shoe boxes.
Shoe Boxes are being collected for people of all ages. See lists of suggested items in box in the box to the right.
All shoeboxes should be placed in plastic storage containers with a locking lid or a sturdy cardboard shoe box rubber banded. Please label your box for gender and age (see label forms in box to the right) and include the age range for children. The boxes should not be decorated on the outside and should include $1.50 per box for shipping in an envelope affixed to the outside of the box.
The mission also requests new pillows, sheet sets, and blankets for full or twin beds, as well as new bath towels. Used items cannot be sent.
Other acceptable donations include new backpacks, school supplies, cleaning supplies, books and cleaning supplies. Or you may make a donation to offset the cost of truck rental, gas, food and lodging for the round-trip journey from Endwell to Red Bird Mission. All donations will be placed in a dedicated account for this mission. Please make all checks payable to Endwell United Methodist Church, with a notation for the Red Bird Mission Collection. Checks can be sent to the church at 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY 13760.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway from 9 AM to Noon Monday through Thursday. Deadline to drop off is Nov. 10. Please call Ronna Woodhams if you can't make it during those hours (518) 793-1152.
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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
(American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month)
November is Native American Heritage Month. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people face, and share the ways in which tribal citizens conquer those challenges.
Click here to learn more.
Click here for Native American Heritage Month worship resources.
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Webinar: What has the church learned from the pandemic?
There was no warning, we never saw it coming. There was no time to debate or study or form a committee. COVID-19 came, and church leaders had to virtually (pun intended) live out the adage, “adapt or die.” Many of us are still in awe of how well congregations found ways to still be the church in a strange new world.
Even some of the most “change-resistant” in the church became Zoom pros, video editors, or online study conveners. And in the process, we found ways to reach out and touched some folks who thought the church wasn’t interested in them. As we slowly find our way beyond the pandemic into whatever will be the new normal, join Rev. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, and explore what we might want to take with us.
Webinar offered through Discipleship Ministries at 7:30 PM (6:30 PM Central) Tuesday, Nov. 15.
To register, click here.
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Apply by Nov. 15 for GCORR grants
The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is proud to announce a new cycle of the CORR Action Fund (CAF) grant program that will support creative initiatives that will transform the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the world.
The 2022-2023 grant program will provide up to $10,000 to fund projects that increase intercultural competency and support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity, and systemic equity leading to action.
UMC churches and other UMC entities are invited to apply for funding by submitting a proposal that:
· demonstrates bold and innovative thinking,
· reaches more people, younger people, and more diverse people,
· results in long-term change that could be replicated in other local churches, Districts, Conferences, or other entities within the UMC, and
· utilizes existing GCORR resources.
Applications are now open. This grant application cycle closes Nov. 15, 2022.
Click here for more information and to apply.
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Become a trained Spiritual Director through Tending the Soul
Are you feeling called to become a spiritual director? If so, Tending the Soul is the prefect opportunity for you to become trained in spiritual direction. This program consists of weekend retreats throughout the course of two years where you will learn everything you need to know to become a spiritual director. The next program starts on Feb. 24, 2023. The registration deadline is Dec. 2, 2022.
Click here for a brochure about Tending the Soul, as well as the application.
Click here to watch a video where the Rev. Nancy Dibelius describes the program.
For more information and to register, contact Rev. Dibelius at nancyd@unyumc.org.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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The risk of trying to please everyone
Mike Bonem says a process of meaningful change can be slowed, interrupted, or completely stopped if a leader insists on trying to please everyone. What is critical is building enough genuine support so that the effort can move forward.
To learn more, click here.
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My 10 biggest
leadership mistakes
Ron Edmondson shares his biggest leadership mistakes so that you can learn from his experience. These leadership lessons point to the importance of honesty and humility, honoring the perspectives of others and attending to the Holy Spirit, and knowing when the time is right for action.
To learn more, click here.
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Lay Servant Ministries Notice: Report forms are available
The Upper New York Conference website now has the Annual Report forms for Lay Servant Ministries posted. Please remember to fill out your Annual Report and have it ready for your Church/Charge Conference. The form needs to be signed by your pastor and the District Superintendent or presiding elder. A copy will be kept at your church, a copy goes to the District Office and a copy goes to your Lay Servant Director.
Click here to visit forms page. The forms are #11, #12 and #13. Please choose the appropriate form. Contact Carrie in the District Office if you have a question about which form to use.
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Adirondack District Lay Servant courses
Information on new courses that will be offered beginning in January will be posted as soon as it is available.
Here are upcoming courses:
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays, Nov. 10 & 17: 6-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13: 6-9pm
Zoom: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim
If you are interested in taking this course, contact registrar Arlene Schmidt at arlenedschmidt@gmail.com
Advanced Course “Leading Worship”
Offered at Plattsburgh UMC, Veterans’ Day Weekend
Friday, November 11, 4-8 pm, Pot Luck Supper
Saturday, November 12, 9-4; Lunch Provided. Free Will Offering
To be led by Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Marty Connor (retired) (ret)
Please RSVP by Nov. 7 to office@plattsburghumc.org
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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.
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Amsterdam Restoration Ministry seeks assistance for children
The Amsterdam Restoration Ministry has a group of 20 children between the ages of 2 - 7 years, many of whose parents work on farms. They are seeking donations to help get supplies to children who are in school. They would like to supply each child with this list of items, but any donations are appreciated.
1- Backpack
2- Tablet
3- Notebooks
4- Pencils
5- Crayons
6- Didactic games that help with learning
If you'd like to make a monetary donation, make checks out to Amsterdam UMC with Restoration Ministry in the memo and mail to Amsterdam UMC, 347 Golf Course Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.
Donations can be dropped at the church. The office is generally open 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, but please call ahead (518) 843-2611. You can also contact Pastor Osmar Guerra at (786) 805-2932.
If you can't travel to Amsterdam, but you could travel to South Glens Falls UMC or to the District Office at the Newtonville UMC in Latham, we can deliver your donations to the church. Call Carrie at (518) 608-1246 to find out when you can arrange for dropping off donations.
To view the flyer that outlines their program, click here.
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How you can help those
affected by Hurricane Ian
United Methodists plan to lead the way to recovery after Hurricane Ian unleashed substantial damage in Florida and South Carolina. At this time, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has asked for prayers, monetary donations to UMCOR, and for congregations to continue assembling supply kits.
There are so many ways to help!
Click here for monetary donations to go directly to UMCOR.
Click here to access kit supply lists and instructions.
You can also bring the kits and/or appropriate supplies directly to the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB in Liverpool—contact the UNY Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark (kristinaclark@unyumc.org), to coordinate a drop-off date and time.
Congregations can also buy supplies for the kits off the UNY Mission Central HUB Amazon wish lists and have them shipped directly to the HUB. If purchasing from another website, congregations or groups can ship the supplies directly to the HUB by setting the mailing address to Mission Central HUB 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool NY 13088.
Click here for the UNY HUB hygiene kit Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB menstrual hygiene Amazon wish list.
Click here for the UNY HUB cleaning bucket Amazon wish list.
Monetary donations to the UNY Mission Central HUB can be given by clicking here.
Please continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Ian.
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To All UNY Conference Churches:
The Commission of Archives and History's responsibility is to keep the history of the Conference.
As churches close, their records come to the Conference Archives for safe keeping and reference. With churches closing each year and disaffiliations looming, we are running out of space.
Our existing rooms at the Conference Center are almost full already. Just since January we have received records from about 20 churches. They are filling the aisles as we go through them to discard the items we will not keep. For example, one church sent us 30 boxes of materials. After sorting through we kept 3 regular archival boxes and one small box. Most of the rest was recycled, trashed, or kindly taken to the local historical society by a CAH member who lived nearby.
To read more, click here.
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Society of St. Andrew
Advent devotions available for order
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew, a feeding ministry and United Methodist partner, is offering free devotionals for the season of Advent. This year's theme is "Prepare the Way of the Lord." The deadline to order print materials is Nov. 1. The daily devotions start Nov. 27 and run through Dec. 24.
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Books and studies for Advent
The United Methodist Publishing House and the Upper Room have produced books and resources to help churches and individuals prepare for Advent in a spirit of hope during this unprecedented year of uncertainty and anxiety. As we continue to social distance and wait for things to get better, we look for hope in the promise of Jesus' coming. The resources cover a variety of topics and themes for individual or small group study or in classrooms.
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Chart compares Advent studies
Looking for a new study for your small group, congregation or family this Advent? Cokesbury, the retail arm of the United Methodist Publishing House, has put together an interactive comparison chart of its Advent studies so Christians can find the study that best fits their need.
Learn more
See chart
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Visit 'Spiritual Life" page on
Conference website
The intent of the spiritual life ministry is to support/nurture/companion individuals in their faith journey; to help individuals grow their relationship with God so they can be more faithful, obedient disciples of Christ. Developing our spiritual lives is about each of us living more fully into the person God created us to be and the life that God desires for us. This requires intentionality and attentiveness to God and God’s presence in all of our lives and joining together in community to support and nurture one another.
We invite you to explore the spiritual disciplines and practices that will draw you closer to God and deeper into a relationship with God. Explore with us workshops, retreats, training opportunities that will deepen your relationship as a disciple of Christ.
Click here to view the page on the Conference website.You will find links to many resources.
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Church's part of BSA bankruptcy approved
United Methodist leaders greeted with cautious optimism a judge’s partial approval of the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan. The denomination’s $30 million commitment to a fund for survivors of Scouting-related sex abuse gained the judge’s OK in a lengthy ruling issued July 29. Sam Hodges reports.
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Record Retention handbook |
Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention.
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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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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.
The Global Methodist Church launched 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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New York State required sexual harassment annual training prevention reminder
New York State Law requires that employers who have at least one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on a yearly basis. The timing of when to hold the yearly training is up to the employer as long as it is completed annually. A notice of the employer’s sexual harassment policy must be provided to all employees during this time and the employer should maintain records of the training for audit purposes.
Safe Sanctuaries training does not exempt churches from the New York State sexual harassment prevention training requirements.
Click here to learn more about what’s required in the training, how to create a sexual harassment policy if you haven’t already, and free training opportunities offered by New York City that satisfy the state’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist in the Conference Office at (315) 898-2017 or via email at tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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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! | |
From the Conference Center | | |
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Please consider subscribing
to these links
These will keep you updated on all the news coming from the Conference.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Webb
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Weekly Digest- will be sent every Wednesday. It will contain a round-up of that week’s UNY Notes, along with feature articles, direct links to several “hot spots” on the Conference website, photos, and more.
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Explore Volunteers-in-Mission opportunities |
Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) is one way United Methodists offer their skills and talents for Christian Service at home or abroad on short-term assignments in areas affected by disasters and hardships. A missionary movement of the United Methodist Church, VIM sends short term volunteer teams into areas of need to work on construction and spiritual formation projects.
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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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Positions Open with UNY Conference
The UNY Conference is seeking the following well-qualified applicants:
· Part time year-round Maintenance Assistant – Skye Farm
· Reservation Specialist – Casowasco
Check out any of these jobs and get an application at: https://www.unyumc.org/about/jobs
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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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Great resources available from
United Methodist Communications
United Methodist Communications has a menu of services and tools as extensive as the menu of dishes at The Cheesecake Factory. Greg Petree has assembled a list of the top-10 services United Methodist Communications offers for free to help local congregations reach out to their communities.
UMCOM measured what’s viewed and downloaded to identify what services/resources are most used by churches. To read more, click here.
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New presentation resource: We are the church. Together
Every United Methodist should take a moment to pause, rediscover and reconnect with what our global denomination is all about. A new presentation slide deck is available to help church leaders encourage congregations to root into our shared beliefs, history, mission and ministry in order to stand strong and face the future — together.
To view the presentation,click here.
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The #BeUMC campaign reminds us of who we are at our best. As people of God called The United Methodist Church, we’re faithful followers of Jesus seeking to make the world a better place.
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Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a free, downloadable 45-page discussion guide tied to the #BeUMC campaign? This is a great resource for your Sunday School class, Bible study, or small group to reflect on what it means to #BeUMC.
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Guide offers discounts, resources for ministry
The General Council on Finance and Administration has released its updated Ministry Resource Guide. The free guide features special offers, discounts and programs from vetted ministry partners and is designed to help local churches and other United Methodist ministries.
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Advocate 2022 Issue I available
The 2022 Issue I of the Advocate has been mailed to local churches. This issue focuses on youth and children’s ministries throughout Upper New York. These inspirational stories and resources illustrate ways to think outside-of-the-box to create vibrant youth and children’s programs at your church.
Click here to read or download the electronic version of the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate.
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Take advantage of Digital Discipleship membership
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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Learn from the
comfort of your couch!
United Methodist Communications offers a variety of free webinars to help you enhance your marketing and communications skills as well as to keep you informed about the latest resources and church initiatives. Click here to find upcoming as well as archived webinars.
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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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Start a conversation around social justice topics
Engage your adults in a conversation around social justice topics, like refugees and sexuality, to explore what these topics mean to individuals and your community.
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Mission Insite free to churches
A reminder that Mission Insite is a web-based demographics provider for local church use. In planning ministry, it is important to know the context.
Mission Insite provides demographic data that is updated on a regular basis and the reports are user friendly to the novice or experienced demographer.
The reports are free to the local church because the Annual Conferences is under contract with Mission Insite, but in order to access the website you will need to register your local church.
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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:
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Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Besse and
Linda Sheeran
Adirondack District Lay Leaders
Carrie Boyer
Minister of Administration
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
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