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Adirondack District and Conference News
February 11, 2023
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“There is no charm equal to tenderness of the heart.”
-- Jane Ausrtin
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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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Thomas Duers, a member of the First UMC of Lake George asks for prayer for his mother, Carole Duers. She has been actively trying to get a kidney transplant for three years and is having a lot of troubles with her dialysis, although she has improved lately. The transplant team said they would get back to them by Monday with a final decision as to whether she's a candidate or not. Tom asks for prayers that the Lord restores her health and above all else that His will be done. She is a lifelong member of the Lake George Church.
Please continue to hold Roger Waldron in your prayers. Roger and Debby thank everyone for their prayers and cards during his recent illness. He is gaining strength every day and is continuing his therapy sessions. Cards can be sent to Roger at Elderwood Nursing Home, 101 Adirondack Drive, Suite 3, Patriot Wing Room 105, Ticonderoga, NY 12883. Roger is the husband of Pastor Debby Waldron (West Fort Ann UMC).
Please keep family and friends of Jennifer Atkins in your prayers. Jennifer, 65, died on June 30, 2022. She was married to the Rev. Kent Higgins, who served Berlin UMC in the former Troy Conference. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Higgins at 30 Columbia Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Click here to read Jennifer’s full obituary.
Please continue to hold Ann Chatterton, wife of the Rev. Dick Chatterton, in your prayers. Ann now resides at 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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(Update) Bishop Héctor welcomes you
Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Héctor, is the new bishop of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. Bishop Héctor is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings. Albany and Adirondack Districts are in the Northeast Region, together with the Mohawk and Northern Flow Districts. The meetings will be as follows:
There will be worship, Holy Communion, a Q & A session, and a reception for all with Bishop following the meeting.
The clergy meetings will be from 1-3 p.m.
The laity meeting (and clergy unable to attend the earlier time) will be from 7- 8:30 p.m.
Here are some details on parking at the venues in the Northeast gatherings.
New Hartford UMC, 105 Genesee St., New Hartford: Parking is limited. Carpooling is strongly advised. Individuals could also meet across the street in the New Hartford Shopping Center parking lot and ride over to the church in one car. Street parking on Genesee Street or across the street from church on Colonial Drive is also an option.
Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh: Please enter the building through the Chapel entrance from the parking lot off Beekman St.
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Bishop Héctor delivers sermon of hope to Jehovah Jireh
The Jehovah Jireh Community Church in Buffalo suffered devastating damage from the blizzard that swept through Christmas weekend. Currently, the congregation is meeting at the La Casa de Los Tainos Community Center.
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, introduced himself and delivered a sermon of hope to the Jehovah Jireh congregation on Feb. 5. His message was in Spanish with an interpreter. Click here and go to the 34:53 timestamp to watch the video of Bishop Héctor’s introduction and sermon.
This was Bishop Héctor’s first time preaching to a congregation in Upper New York.
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Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s
installation service to be held March 11
The Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Episcopacy invites all United Methodists in UNY to join us Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. to celebrate the assignment of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez as our new episcopal leader. At this installation service, we will thank God for the life, ministry, and leadership of Bishop Héctor, offer him and his family our gracious hospitality, and hear our new bishop share his vision for how God intends to lead us into the future together.
This service of installation and celebration is intended for the whole Conference. You may participate in one of two ways:
1. In-person at the Liverpool First United Methodist Church in Liverpool, NY. A limited number of seats are available. Please RSVP for in-person participation no later than March 4 by registering here. An onsite reception will follow this service.
2. Via Livestream from anywhere in the Conference and beyond. To connect, please click here on the Conference website on the day of the service. For Livestream participation, no RSVP is necessary.
We look forward to joining together Saturday, March 11, to welcome our new resident bishop and celebrate all God seeks to do in and through us in the days ahead.
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On the Conference Calendar
Feb. 1: Registration opened for March Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
Feb. 16: Regional Meeting with Bishop Héctor: Northeast Region–New Hartford - DETAILS
March 2: Regional Meeting with Bishop Héctor: Northeast Region– Plattsburgh UMC - DETAILS
March 11: Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez's Installation Service - DETAILS
March: 15: Registration closes for March Special Session of Annual Conference
March 15: Cady Grant application deadline - DETAILS
March 25: Special Session of Annual Conference - DETAILS
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Global Ministries
UMCOR continues earthquake response
The United Methodist Committee on Relief continues to work with its humanitarian partners to aid earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. UMCOR has released initial solidarity grants to International Blue Crescent and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue to help provide shelter, food and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. Winter weather and a cholera outbreak are complicating the response. Susan Clark reports.
The two children pictured were rescued in Syria.
Read story and watch video
To donate
Click here to read coverage from the World Council of Churches.
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Black History Month kid activity
Looking for a fun activity to educate your Sunday School children and youth about Black history makers in the United Methodist Church? Click here for a fun word scramble activity.
More on Black History in the "Revisiting" section below.
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John Wesley’s sermons available online
The Rev. John Wesley was a prolific writer and powerful preacher. His sermons are great teaching tools for people interested in better understanding Methodism. ResourceUMC now has a free database of Wesley's greatest sermons indexed by number, title and scriptural reference. Read the words of Methodism's founder and learn more about our unique beliefs and practices.
To read more, click here.
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What is your favorite Lent resource?
Ash Wednesday is less than two weeks away on Feb. 22!
The Conference Office is collecting Lent resources to share with the Upper New York Conference on the website here.
Do you have a favorite spiritual practice, book, devotion, hymn, or litany you like during Lent?
The Conference would love to hear about it and add the resource to our page. Email your favorite Lent resource to news@unyumc.org.
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New studies and devotionals for Lent
Embrace the spiritual journey of Lent with fresh perspectives and inspiration. Brand-new studies and devotionals from Abingdon Press, the Upper Room and the Society of St. Andrew offer a chance to discover meaning in this season of reflection and renewal. Most come with a leader guide or are available in bulk, so you can use them for congregational, small group or personal study. The perfect opportunity to discover a deeper sense of purpose and peace is here! To read more, click here.
More Lenten resources under "Revisiting" below, and here.
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(Update) Media Resource Center | |
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My occupied life
In last week’s newslwetter, the Conference shared the most recent report from the UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel. Taskforce member Dianne Roe wrote about Sabri and Heather Al Awawda, who hosted her for five weeks in the fall of 2022 in their home in Al Eizariya (Bethany).
Dianne describes her close relationship with Sabi, Heather, and their four children and discusses how now, several weeks after returning home from Palestine, the Israeli massacre of nine people in the Jenin refugee camp on Jan. 26 has escalated the violence in the area she visited. Click here to read Dianne’s article.
This week, we share with you, Heather’s descriptive article about her occupied life in Palestine.
Click here to read Heather’s eye-opening article.
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(Update) First Special Session of Annual Conference:
March 25 via Zoom
There will be two virtual special sessions of the Upper New York Annual Conference in 2023. Both special sessions will address disaffiliation requests. They are scheduled for March 25 and October 14 from 9 AM to Noon. Click here for more information.
Registration has opened for the March 25 session. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to pre-register by March 10. Click here to see who is eligible to vote. There is a $10 fee for this conference for all eligible voters. There is no fee for equalization members. We will be reaching out to folks to serve as equalization members. Please do not register as an equalization member until we confirm your status. Click here to register for the Special Session.
For information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
Those who are not eligible to vote do not need to register and can watch the Special Session via livestream. Watch for the link in upcoming newsletters.
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Special session news all in one place
Patti Gridley, administrative assistant for the Cornerstone and Mountain View districts has compiled Conference news "all in one place". Click here to view.
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Lay Servant courses
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.
Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.
No refunds or credit for courses not completed will be given. All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the updated brochure.
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Registration and course fees due by Feb. 15
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Tuesdays April 11, 18, 25, May 2 & 9: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim & Team member
Registration and course fees due by March 28
Advanced Course: Polity
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Bruce Hazard & Team member
Registration and course fees due by April 19
Advanced Course: Opening Ourselves to Grace
Thursdays: May 4, 11, 18, 25, & June 1: 6-9pm
ZOOM: $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim & Team member
Registration and course fees due by April 20
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29 ways to participate
in Black History Month
WASHINGTON — Black history is relevant to anyone interested in the story of America. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has created a list of 29 ways that churches and individuals can participate in Black History Month.
View resources
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More Black History Month resources
Discipleship Ministries recommends using the resources that blackpast.org has compiled about Black History Month to better understand the rich history and contributions of our Black sisters and brothers.
See article under "Coming Up" for more ideas.
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Unspoken - Documentary Study
Sundays from 3 PM to 4:30 PM in the Chapel at Plattsburgh UMC, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh.
An in-depth look into the Christian heritage of Africa and people of African descent, intended to dispel the notion of Christianity being an exclusively white man’s religion.
Unspoken takes an in-depth look at the Christian heritage in Africa and examines how historical events have shaped today’s vastly popular perspective of Christianity.
Feb. 19 – Introduction and Black History Start in the Bible
Feb. 26 – Christianity’s African Roots
March 5 - The Whitewashing of Christianity
March 12 – One Gospel with Two Faces
March 19 – The Rise of the Black Church
March 26 – A Way Forward
Free-will donation to help cover the cost of the Video and refreshments.
For more information, click here.
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Bless This Mess ZOOM Forum - Sponsored by Plattsburgh United Methodist Church
Parent ZOOM Video Forum: Bless This Mess Bless: A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World (by Re. Molly Baskette and Ellen O'Donnell. PhD.)
A book study/parent support group. We will discuss: a brief overview of the book topics of raising children in a Christian faith; navigating developmental challenges from preschool through adolescence to adulthood; developing positive parenting and discipline skills; coping with life emotional challenges including anxiety, depression, fear, anger; developmental challenges; and other medical and mental health issues.
There are 10 Chapters and we will discuss 2 Chapters each time we meet. The meeting dates and times are as follows: Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Feb 26, March 19, April 16, May 7, and finish May 21.
Here is a link to the book, if you do not have a copy.
https://www.amazon.com/Bless-This-Mess-Parenting-Chaotic/dp/1984824120
Here is a link to the reading guide as well:
https://www.blessthismessparenting.com/reading-group-guide
In order to offer this opportunity we need at least 3 families to sign up. If you know of others that are interested in a group like this, please forward this information. This is an open group to Members and Non-Members of the congregations.
Please email Rev. Phil Richards by Feb. 12, if you are interested in participating. pastorphils@gmail.com
We will send out a link to those registered by Feb. 23.
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Sabbath Life retreats offered by
Church in the Wild starting in March
Sabbath Life was developed in 2014 by the Rev. Grace Hackney and wellness advocate Kelli Sittser using a one-year grant from the Duke Endowment. Since then, hundreds of pastors and spiritual leaders have attended these series of monthly one-day retreats with a focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Church in the Wild is excited to bring Sabbath Life to Upper New York!
Sabbath Life retreats will be held the second Monday of each month from March through November 2023 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April will be the third Monday). The retreat center is in Windor, in the Binghamton District.
Click here for more information.
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Invite your community to worship this Easter
United Methodist Communications is offering beautiful postcards, banners, yard signs, and more to help invite your community to your Easter service(s). Customizable resources are available in a wide variety of designs, languages, and message types. Get up to $200 off these resources by using code UMCEA23 for a limited time.
Click here to check out the designs and/or to order.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled four 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There are also two Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturdays March 4 and Oct. 7.
The Basic training is for all clergy and anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. The Training of Trainers is for anyone who would like to become a church or District Safe Sanctuaries trainer in the UNY Conference. You need to have taken the Basic Training first.
If you need training between these dates, or would like to host an in-person training, please contact the District Office or send an email to the Safe Sanctuaries team (safesanctuaries@unyumc.org)
For more information regarding Safe Sanctuaries, visit the Conference website: Click here.
To view the poster with links to registration, click here.
A Basic Training for Camp and Retreat Ministries only will be held via Zoom on June 10. To view the poster, click here.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
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Special Sunday planning calendar
Planning weekly services takes a lot of intentional work. Finding ways to incorporate special moments outside the normal rhythm takes even more work. The 2023 Special Sunday planning calendar can help make your worship planning just a bit easier. It highlights all the Special Sundays, Awareness Sundays, and Annual Conference Sundays throughout the denomination. The calendar offers tips and tools to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities for your church to come together and make a worldwide impact.
Click here to download your calendar.
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United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
More than $2 million in scholarships available
Paying for college can be stressful. For many families, affording higher education is the number one factor when deciding which school a student will attend.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarships help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending United Methodist-related institutions. In rare cases, awards are also given to students attending other schools.
Click here to learn about the different types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, and to apply. Most deadlines are around March 1.
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United Women in Faith
Scholarship for lay women available
NEW YORK — The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith National Scholarship for lay women is April 18. The scholarships are designed to be used for undergraduate or graduate study or student internships in religion or a related field such as social work. Preference will be given to people affiliated with The United Methodist Church and women involved with UWF. The average scholarship is $1,000, and the maximum is $5,000.
Read press release
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New Statistical Program is now live
Pastors and church leaders:
PLEASE share this information with the person(s) that care for your yearly Statistical reporting.
Here is the Default Churches login information:
LINK to new platform: https://stats.gcfa.org/
Username: Your six-digit GCFA Number
Password: ACStats2022!
Be in touch with Carrie if you need your GCFA number.
You'll need to change the password once you log in. Please store your password in a safe place!
ALSO: When you log back into the system, your login (user name) will be the email address that you entered when you initially signed in. It WILL NOT be your GCFA number.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot use the same email address twice for 2 different churches/Users.
(Example: A user cannot use the same email address for 2 different churches: The system will allow the second user to be created, but then It will delete the password for the previously made first user and won’t allow you to login under that first user. It would make sense to use the church's email address if you have one, because at this time, we're not sure if that login (email) can easily be changed from year to year.)
It appears that you will be unable to update your church details at this time. We will let you know how to do that when that function becomes available.
Click here to view more information on the Statistical Reports, including a user's guide.
The deadline to submit statistics is March 17.
If you have questions, please give me a call at the District Office at 518-608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org and I will do my best to assist you.
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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Top 10 reasons visitors
don’t come back
What do visitors say when asked why they don’t return to a church? Thom Rainer outlines the top 10 responses when hundreds of guests were surveyed about their experiences of visiting a church
To learn more, click here.
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The rural church's gifts
Michael Adam Beck and Tyler Kleeberger describe how the unique demographics of rural churches bring not only the potential for intimacy and neighborliness but also an inherent diversity that forces smaller churches to do the hard work of creating unity amid differences
To learn more, click here.
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Join Skye Farm Summer Staff 2023
There are many summer staff openings at our Skye Farm Camp and Retreat Center in Warrensburg. Openings include counselors, program assistant, kitchen assistant, assistant cook, food service manager, waterfront director and maintenance assistant. For more information and/or to apply click here.
Retreats at Skye Farm
Skye Farm hosts retreats during our non-summer camp season. We provide groups with spiritual renewal. We can host groups of a variety of sizes. Click here for more information.
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UMCOR cleaning buckets for Buffalo
In the aftermath of the Christmas blizzard, many have asked “What else can we do?”
Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, recommends buying items from the Upper New York Mission Central HUB’s “Cleaning Kit" Amazon wishlist now through March 1 and have your items shipped to Harris Hill United Methodist Church, located in the Buffalo area at 8495 Main St., Williamsville, NY, 1422.
Harris Hill United Methodist Church’s “Go! Ministry” was prepared to respond to their community's cleaning needs after the blizzard with UMCOR Cleaning Buckets. They graciously provided these buckets to their neighbors and helped many make sense of the mess that was in front of them. Let's help replenish their buckets!
If you are dropping off in person, please call Harris Hill UMC to schedule a drop off at (716) 632-4688.
Feel free to buy items elsewhere and ship to Harris Hill UMC.
Click here to see what supplies are included in UMCOR cleaning buckets.
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Are you connected to the UNY Conference?
Do you receive the latest news and updates from UNY Conference?
All pastors should be connected and as many people from your congregation that would like to be.
Open to everyone – pass the word!
If you are not connected please follow the instructions below.
To sign up either click the following link: https://bit.ly/UNYnotes.
Or follow the steps below:
go to the conference website: www.unyumc.org
Click on News in the toolbar
Select Connect with UNY
You can sign up for all six categories, or just select the UNY Notes
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NEW! Engage New People Grant
The Upper New York New Faith Communities Team is excited to announce the new “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry.
New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways.
Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and Ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.
Apply for the “Engage New People Grant” by completing the Engage New People Grant Application
Upon completing the application, we will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
The UNY New Faith Communities Team has requested this grant be continued into the 2024 budget, but this cannot be guaranteed.
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An opportunity to reach out to the homeless
If you travel around the Capital District you will not have failed to notice there are people on the streets needing help. And if you think you are seeing more than ever, then you are correct: numbers have been increasing over recent years.
Joseph's House & Shelter is just one of the agencies that help homeless people, but the Outreach Vans which take food, water and blankets to people living outside in Albany and Rensselaer Counties are operated by Joseph's House staff and volunteers - and there is an inexpensive way to help us reach people. Food, water and blankets are how we build trust and start the process of getting people inside, and into a safe home.
If your congregation can help us get a nutritious snack into the hands of people living outside we would be so grateful. We need donations of sandwiches - and peanut butter and jelly on regular white bread works fantastically. It is simple protein that can be popped in a backpack and saved for a bedtime snack, and we give out 50 to 100 every day, along with other food, bottled water, winter gloves, lip balm, and much more and we do that every day of the year, holidays included.
There is a simple sign up calendar with all instructions, and Janet Douglass would love to send you the access to it. Please email Janet at jdouglass@josephshousetroy.org. Janet is also willing to come to speak to your United Methodist Men or United Women of Faith, church council, youth or social ministry team - however small - about what Joseph's House does, and how. "
Joseph's House & Shelter, 202 4th St., Troy, NY 12180
www.JosephsHouseTroy.org
or stay connected on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/JosephsHouseTroyNY/
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Special Sundays: Six Mission Projects
any church can adopt in 2023
There are mission projects in which your church can participate without booking travel or having to get participants’ shots up to date.
There are six Special Sundays that are celebrated by congregations of The United Methodist Church. If your church is participating in these Sundays, then your church is affecting many lives. These are great stories of impact that your church can claim. If you haven’t been participating fully, there is no better time to get involved!
Click here to learn more
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#BeUMC resources
The #BeUMC Leader Toolkit includes new resources to help local churches embrace the #BeUMC campaign. New graphics and promotional videos were recently added to the toolkit.
Below you'll find featured downloads from our collection of promotional graphics and videos. These resources will help you promote awareness of the #BeUMC campaign to your congregation or group. Use these graphics on your social media channels and church website, in worship and other events, or on any electronic or print communication. Or create your own custom graphics using imagery from your community with the help of design assets.
To read more, click here.
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Boy Scouts of America Affiliation
and Building Use Agreements
Troops and local congregations seeking to continue or start a relationship will need to complete a new “BSA Affiliation Agreement” and “Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.” Click here to download the BSA Affiliation Agreement. Click here to download the Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.
All UNY local congregations seeking to be in relationship with a local troop should use these and only these forms.
In most areas, the affiliation agreements and facility use agreements are being implemented and the implementation is going well. There are BSA Councils that are not cooperating in a few Conferences and as the BSA learns of these, they reach out to those Councils to address issues.
If you are encountering such issues, please contact Jeffrey Hunt jeff.hunt@scouting.org of BSA, who oversees the BSA Councils across the United States.
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Updated New York State short-term disability forms
New York State recently updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now two separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability.
Click here to learn more and access the forms.
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No new elections needed for General Conference 2024
The United Methodist Church’s highest court ruled that new delegate elections “are not required” for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal General Conference, now set for 2024.
What this means is that the Upper New York (UNY) Conference delegates that were elected at the 2019 UNY Annual Conference for the originally slotted 2020 General Conference will be able to serve at the 2024 General Conference. There is no need for new elections.
The location and dates for the 2024 General Conference have also been announced—the event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23 to May 3, 2024.
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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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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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From the Conference Center | |
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Job opportunities
UNY Conference announces job opportunities:
- Conference Director of Communications
-Maintenance Supervisor
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center
-- Site Director at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center.
For more information and to apply, click here
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Employer legal updates for 2023
With the end of 2022 has come (and will come) significant legal changes. It’s hard to keep up-to-date on all the new workplace laws that are in effect. Tracy Rickett, the Upper New York Human Resources Generalist, has you covered!
Click here for laws related to posting requirements. Click here for three laws related to leave. Click here to learn the pay requirements for exempt employees and a new law requiring pay transparency. Click here to learn about the Human Rights Law update. Click here to learn about amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.
With these many new requirements, now is a good time to dust off your handbooks and update them if you have not done so recently. Tracy Rickett is happy to draft or review any handbooks or other policies for legal compliance. You can contact her at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Reminder for Churches: Certificates of Insurance
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the following information will be helpful to you.
Requests for DB 120.1
Certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 102.1) are issued by the disability insurance carrier, Guardian. The following information will be needed from you to request the certificate of insurance. You can email either Tracy Rickett, HR Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or Suzannah Emerson at SEmerson@WalshDuffield.com with the following information. Please allow at least 5 business days for your request to be processed.
NAME OF INSURED CHURCH:
MAILING ADDRESS OF INSURED CHURCH:
EMAIL ADDRESS TO WHERE DB 120.1 CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE SENT:
NAME OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE (Typically the Dept of Health):
ADDRESS OF ENTITY REQUESTING PROOF OF INSURANCE:
Requests for C 105.2
Certificates of insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2) can be obtained by contacting American Church Group of NY. They will assist each church in obtaining the documentation needed. Contact them at 800-326-7200; 717-763-5517 (fax) or UMCservice.NY@AmericanChurchGroup.com.
If you have questions on certificates of insurance, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or tracyrickett@unyumc.org
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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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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:
or
Blessings to all,
Carrie B
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Rev. Nancy Dibelius
District Associate
Gracie Lynn Besse
Adirondack District Lay Leader
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
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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