January 13th, 2022 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
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Kept those reports coming! 2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms- Due Dates
February 15th 2022
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
March 15th 2022
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
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EZRA Site opened Sat. January 1st
Statistics for 2021- The Ezra site opened Saturday January 1, 2022 to enter the church statistical data. This year Ezra will still be on the same Ezra site as previous years. Nothing has changed other than the submission date. The new submission date is February 28, 2022.
The 2021 stat reports will be used for the 2023 Ministry Share calculations.
If you need your sign-in information, contact Teresa in the District Office, [email protected] or call (607) 441- 5102
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All 2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
*Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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Human Relations Day is Jan. 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. You gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by The General Board of Global Ministries and The General Board of Church and Society.
Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing. Find free resources here.
Click here to order your Special Sundays printed envelope.
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Training & Education Opportunities |
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NEW- Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training to be held in February
The standard Safe Sanctuaries training will be held: Saturday February 26th from 9AM to 12:30PM
This will be held via ZOOM.
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2022 AT NOON
If you are not registered by that time, you will not be able to attend this event.
At this time there are no other trainings scheduled, so we recommend getting registered as soon as possible.
The training will follow the revised ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
The training will be facilitated by Arlene Schmidt and Pastor Christine Mitchell, UNY Conference Safe Sanctuaries Co-Chairs.
The participant curriculum packet is available on the Eventbrite event page via download.
We recommend printing or asking your church office to print this packet for you prior to signing into the training.
Please remember that all persons being trained MUST be on their own personal device (i.e. Computer, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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Imagine No Racism Classes!
If you're interested in raising your awareness, expanding your knowledge, and developing skills for addressing racism in all its forms, you'll want to enroll in the next Imagine No Racism class. The six-week curriculum, taught on Zoom, will empower you and your church to discern how God is calling you to apply this new knowledge and skills in your life and mission.
The next class starts Wednesday, January 12th, at 6:30 pm, and runs for six weeks. Each class lasts for about 1.5 hours.
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NEW!-Dismantling racism: Critical Race Theory
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’s resource is an infographic from the General Commission on Religion and Race about Critical Race Theory (CRT).
This theory examines how laws in the United States have built and supported racial inequities. It is an ideological framework that names race as a social construct and asserts racialized inequities in society are fostered by historic and current systemic, institutional, and legal policies and practices.
Click here for a helpful infographic about Critical Race Theory.
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The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering Lay Servant Courses: (Open to All)
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.
Here are three new courses. Look for information on more courses soon to be announced:
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Wednesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23: 6-9 pm
Tuesday, March 1: 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Arlene Schmidt and Jacqueline Kim
Advanced Course: For The Common Good (Spiritual Gifts)
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Times: all 6-9 pm
Zoom: Fee $ 15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Arlene Schmidt
Advanced Course: Afire with God
Monday: April 18 & April 25: 10 am-2:30 pm
Thursday: April 21 & April 28: 10 am-2:30 pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Bruce Hazard & Arlene Schmidt
If you are interested in taking any of these courses, contact registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected]
Albany District Advanced Lay Servant Course Offering
Public Prayer (Required Lay Speaker Course)
Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 2022 via Zoom
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Rev. Nancy Dibelius
Course Fee: $10.00
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Small Group Training Coming January 21st & 22nd
Get Registered Today!
NOTE: Mohawk district lay servant committee is offering lay servant credit for this course.
Rev. Dan Finch
In person Small Group Training with Rev. Dan Finch takes place Jan. 21-22, 2022, at First UMC of New Hartford, 105 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY. Times are 6-9 p.m., Fri., Jan. 21st, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat., Jan. 22nd. The cost is $20, and includes travel for Rev. Finch and lunch on Saturday. Click here for the registration form and mail it to: Mohawk District, 105 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY 13413 with your check payable to UNY Conference with $20 registration fee per person.
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Jan. 27, 2022 - 2 pm -Olu Brown: Preaching and Leading During Lent 2022. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2217957265253727243
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The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) District Administrative Assistant - For Finger Lakes district
2) Director of Missional Engagement
3) Seasonal Camp Staff
If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
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Subscribe to UMW program
You will receive:
· Online PDFs for each monthly Program Resource
· Valuable insight and videos to lead you onto a deeper spiritual understanding
· Monthly Community Gatherings with the author
· Community conversations, and more!
Information on how to join the Community Gatherings is also available on the Mighty Network platform. If you haven’t done so, explore our digital 2021-2022 Program Resource: Healing and Joy on Our Journey to God on Mighty Networks here and click “Access.” If you are already logged on to Mighty Networks, click on the “Resources” tab in the Menu to join the Program Resource. September through December are already available to all for free and ready to experience.
Subscribe now and be part of the next monthly Community Gathering on Thursday, January 6th from 8-9 pm. In these regular gatherings, we will dive more deeply into the theme and activities of the Program Resource, as well as share with each other our needs, joys and struggles in leadership.
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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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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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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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UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
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UMCOR is collecting for tornado relief through its domestic disaster fund. Click on the link below.
Note: Churches please send directly to UMCOR using the Advance # 901670.
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Volunteer at the UNY Mission Central HUB
The Mission Central HUB at the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool, NY has been hustling and bustling with volunteers putting together UMCOR hygiene and school kits. If your family, group, or organization would like to help with these important disaster relief kits (following COVID protocols), call the HUB at (315) 372-0285.
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The Winter Mission Academy with UM Volunteers in Mission takes place online Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. Six sessions will be 12 - 2 p.m.
January 31 Engaging the Community for Social Transformation
February 1 Creating the Family Mission Experience
February 2 Volunteerism with Justice for our Neighbors
February 3 Raising Money (Without Embarrassment) for Your UMVIM Project
February 4 Equipping the Church for Preparedness and Resilience for Extreme Weather and Disaster
February 5 Mobile Photography and Mission
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Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
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UNY Media Resource Center needs your support
Since the Upper New York Conference Media Resource Center does not have a budget for 2022 to purchase new resources, we are asking churches who have benefited from this ministry to support it with a financial contribution.
The committee for the Media Resource Center is asking if you could donate at least $100 toward purchasing new resources next year. If your church can contribute more than this, we would be grateful for your additional generosity. Your help is vital to keep this mission active and current.
You can make your check payable to the “Upper New York Conference,” and note it is for the “Media Resource Center” on the memo line. A gift by the end of the year would help us purchase Lenten resources for next year. Checks should be sent to The UNY Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088.
Please direct any questions to our committee members:
Click here to learn more about this fundraising campaign.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
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New York State Requiring Masks Indoors
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This is an action to address the winter surge comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide to be in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.
This determination is based on the State's weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. The new business and venue requirements extend to both patrons and staff. This measure is effective Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions. Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%.
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
Did you know that, as a United Methodist ministry, it is easy to get a letter proving your tax-exempt status – without applying directly to the Internal Revenue Service? The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), and sister agency to (GBHEM), United Methodist Women, and others, have received a “group ruling” designation from the IRS.
Basically, an umbrella or central organization (GCFA) takes over some of the administrative functions that would normally fall to a backlogged IRS, so that subordinate organizations, like United Methodist camps, churches, and other ministries can apply to the central organization for inclusion in their group. What that means for you is that, rather than applying directly to the IRS, you can apply online easily and quickly through GCFA. GCFA, rather than the IRS, will check your documentation and issue a letter of inclusion – meaning that you are included in the overall United Methodist group ruling for tax exemption.
Don't wait. Recently the IRS issued notice that it may change the group ruling policy. While we don’t know when those changes may take place, it is quick and easy to get a letter of inclusion in the denominational group ruling currently, so act quickly, before any changes take place.
There are a couple of important things to note: The online form is very straightforward for local United Methodist churches and the local church can quickly get its letter at the below link. For ministries that are affiliated as United Methodist organizations, such as a church, child care program, or a summer camp, the organization must have its own EIN, board, and organizing documents. Also, this tax exemption verifies your federal status and does not affect any state tax ruling.
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UNY Young Adult Ministries wants to hear from young adults
Do you have young adults in your congregation who would like to connect with other young adults across the UNY Conference Connection? The Young Adult Council would like to hear from them! Please share this 10 minutes survey with your young adults as an opportunity for them to express their spiritual and connectional needs.
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United Methodist Conference Center seeking
Archives Volunteers
The UNY UM Conference maintains the Archives of all four of the Upstate New York Conferences which merged a few years ago.
Conference Archives and History has organized and arranged the rooms in such a way that with a little training, a volunteer can put items away and, most importantly, conduct a search. This happens regularly, often with legal papers needed by a family.
Do you love history? Do you have an interest in preserving UMC documents for research? Do you love a treasure hunt? The Commission on Archives and History (CAH) is looking for Crossroads District people - because you live nearby – to help the CAH and the Archives Assistant out 1-2 half days or days a month. Preferably Wednesdays, but TBD. New boxes arrive constantly and need processing. Training is provided. Karen Campolieto, current Archives Assistant is retiring in January. We are looking for someone to begin before then. The Conference Center is open following COVID masking rules. If interested or you have questions, email Karen Campolieto at [email protected] or Susan Slenker, at 315-516-5289.
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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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If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
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NY Paid Family leave changes for 2022
New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. This time can be taken all at once, or in increments of full days.
Paid Family Leave may also be available in some situations when an employee or their minor, dependent child is under an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Click here for all the details you need to know about 2022 Paid Family Leave in UNY.
If you have additional questions on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or [email protected]. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.
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Continue to watch out for phishing emails
Please note that phishing-scheme emails are still frequently arriving in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference inboxes. Do not open any links in these emails.
These emails may look like they are coming from someone you know with a unyumc.org email, but carefully look at the email address—a lot of time it’s NOT the person you know—it’s a phishing email (the email extension will be “yahoo.com,” “gmail.com,” or some other email extension and not unyumc.org).
These emails will often have a subject line that say “urgent” and the email will often involve a request for financial help.
There was an email like this that many of you may have received over the holidays appearing as though it was from Bishop Webb; some even included his photo. This was a phishing scheme.
Delete these emails. Mark them as junk. And do not respond to them!
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at [email protected].
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IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
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NEW- UNY Conference office COVID-19 protocol changes
Given the spread of the omicron variant, significant increase of cases in Onondaga County and our need to keep everyone safe, we have updated our office protocols.
It is strongly encouraged that non-Conference staff in-person meetings be moved to Zoom, at least through the end of January, as infection rates are on the rise even amongst vaccinated individuals.
HUB activities through the end of January will be rescheduled for a future date.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits at [email protected].
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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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District & Conference Office Closed
Jan. 17th 2022 - Martin Luther King Day
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UNYAC Contact Information
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UNY Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference :United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd. Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you. Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings, live streaming worship, or online giving
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Oneonta District Contact Information
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"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
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(Physical address) Oneonta District Office 64 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
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