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Albany District and Conference News
June 2, 2023
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“"Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June."
-- Al Bernstein
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Porter Corners UMC welcomes cyclists
Jane Decoteau, certified lay minister serving the Porter Corners UMC in the Adirondack District shared this:
On Sunday, June 4 our church hosted a rest stop for more than 100 cyclists who were racing for a cure for the American Diabetes Foundation. As our church bell rang to begin our service at 9 AM, riders who had been on the road since 7:30 AM started to show up for a rest stop where they got water, refreshments and used the porta-john. Signs were posted along the race course indicating where they could take a break. Volunteers flagged them in. After our service we watched them come in and quickly get back on the road. Volunteers could hear our music and they commented that it was beautiful.
Each rider had to raise $250 for the foundation to participate. There are two members in our church with life altering diabetes. Both of them joined the church in December and attend every Sunday if their health allows it,
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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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Rose Seyboth,of the Pawling Ave. UMC, died on June 16 at the age of 102. The service was held yesterday. Condolences can be sent to Bob and JoAnne Seyboth and family, 531 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY 12180. To view the obituary, click here.
Please continue to pray for Rev. Dr. Camillus Mourice, who continues to have a lot of pain and problems with his knees, and also for his wife Clementine Mourice, who has health issues.
Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox and her husband Tim.
If you'd like prayer for yourself or others, or you'd like to share a joy, please be in touch with Carrie (518) 608-1246 or albanydistrict@unyumc.org
Please know that we will need to contact folks to be sure they feel comfortable with us publishing their information
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2023 District Day - Informed to Transform!
We are pleased to announce we will be hosting another District Day on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 75 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs. Each year, about 100 laity and clergy come together for a day of worship, fellowship and workshops. All are welcome to attend. Registration opens 8:15 AM. Worship at 8:45 AM. Three sets of 75-minute workshops will be offered throughout the day. $10 registration includes lunch. Scholarships available. Look for details in upcoming newsletters
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Apply to become Safe Haven Church
While congregations choose to disaffiliate, a need has developed to walk with those who wish to remain part of The United Methodist Church. United Methodists of Upper New York are identifying Safe Haven Congregations. These congregations should excel in hospitality and be equipped to welcome and walk with people coming from a disaffiliated congregations. To learn more, click here.
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Beware! Phishing emails with bishop's name
Please be aware of a phishing-scheme emails arriving in your inbox. The most recent emails have used Bishop Héctor’s name in a Gmail email address. All staff members in the Conference only use their Conference emails (ending in unyumc.org). If they do not end with that extension, they are SPAM. Many of these emails request gift cards/money or to call Bishop Héctor. Bishop Héctor would never request money or for you to call him over an “urgent” matter as stated in these emails.
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Bishop Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York Cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announced new appointments on June 1. Click here to view 2023 appointments. All appointments, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
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Laity celebrated at AC2023
Two laity reserve delegates were elected during Laity Session at Annual Conference. Kenneth Guilfoyle and Emma Scavo filled the two vacant spots. Emma is a member of Center Brunswick UMC in the Albany District. Congratulations and thank you, Emma! Laity also heard reports from Conference Lay Leader Jessica White, the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, United Women in Faith, United Methodist Men, and Lay Servant Ministries. To read more, click here.
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Spiritual Practices Episode 4 on Lectio Divinia
Spiritual Practices podcast episode 4 is ready for your listening pleasure. In this episode, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius guides us through the practice of Lectio Divina.
To listen, click here.
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What to expect at the next General Conference
Imagine trying to bring more than 1,000 people together from four continents for a gathering that lasts two weeks. They speak 10 languages, have various dietary needs, require multiple hotel rooms, and must be able to come together to pray, worship and make decisions that affect millions of United Methodists. Hundreds of these visitors also need visas just to attend. Making sure United Methodist delegates, bishops, and others can come together for the denomination’s top legislative assembly is the responsibility of the Commission on the General Conference. To read more, click here.
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Religion and Race
Grants available for mental health, wellness initiatives
WASHINGTON —United Methodist pastors and laity in the United States are invited to apply for CORR Action Fund grants — for up to $10,000 — to create cohorts and small groups focused on mental health awareness and wellness. The deadline to apply is July 15.
To learn more, click here.
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Church and Society
2023 grant cycle opens
WASHINGTON — Applications are being accepted for 2023 grants for the Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day and Peace with Justice programs. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society awards these grants to United Methodist congregations and groups related to the denomination. Applications for grants can be found on the agency’s website and must be submitted by 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on July 24.
To learn more, click here.
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Four people-focused tips to increase your church's social media effectiveness
Want to increase your church's social media effectiveness? Start by focusing on people. Here are four tips to help you increase your church's social media effectiveness. By following these tips, you can increase your church's social media effectiveness and reach more people with your message.To read more, click here.
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Access resources related to this year’s Annual Conference by visiting the 2023 Annual Conference webpage. There, you will find livestream recordings, daily notes, Annual Conference articles, and videos. Click here. | | |
Podcasts around UNY
Upper New York is home to many podcasts. Check out some of the other podcasts created by different ministries and hosted by different pastors in UNY. Have a podcast not featured on our list? Email news@unyumc.org with a link and short description. To listen to the podcasts, click here.
Featured:
Introducing the Dangerous Liberal Lady Preachers: Revs. Natalie Bowerman (Eastern Parkway UMC in Schenectady) and Emily Huyge, United Methodist Elders serving reconciling congregations, and Rev. Jessica Glaser, a United Methodist Deacon serving in a health facility in Buffalo. Join us for progressive theology, interfaith discourse, sociopolitical engagement, and a different way to “do” spirituality.
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Get weekly news from the Conference Office
You can subscribe to the Weekly Digest so that it's delivered to your email every Wednesday. You can sign up by clicking here
Click here to read the Weekly Digest published on Wednesday, June 21.
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2023 Adirondack District Lay Servant Course:
All welcome to attend
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 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
Click here for the updated brochure.
Please note new deadlines to register.
COURSE OFFERINGS:
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration open. Last day to register: June 22
Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Registration opens June 19. Last day to register: July 12.
Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Registration opens July 13. Last day to register: Aug. 5.
Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Polity
Registration opens July 25. Last day to register: Aug. 17.
Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens August 24. Last day to register: Sept. 16.
Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Registration opens September 26. Last day to register: Oct. 19.
Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
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What's New from the Lewis Center | |
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Online worship services appeal to many, but in-person remains more popular
A recent survey by Pew Research Center found that about a quarter of U.S. adults regularly watch religious services online or on TV, and most of them are highly satisfied with the experience. At the same time, Americans tend to give even higher marks to worshiping together in person. And those who do both — who watch services on screens and attend in person — overwhelmingly say they prefer going in person.
To learn more, click here
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Engaging children through active wondering
Blake Bradford shares how smaller congregations can use their unique giftedness to fulfill their mission. He says smaller churches can enhance their vitality by clarifying their purpose, engaging their community, leveraging relational intimacy to reach people and build disciples, and rightsizing their leadership and governance structures.
To read the story, click here
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Skye Farm camp registration open!
Summer is here, and the folks at Skye Farm Camp cannot wait to see the ball field and dining hall filled with campers! Financial assistance is available! And families who send multiple campers are eligible for a $40 sibling discount. Many of our churches provide scholarships for kids who wouldn't be able to attend due to financial hardship. Perhaps your church would like to join in that effort! For more information about this year's programs and to view the brochure, click here. To visit the camp's website, click here. The camp is located at 1884 E. Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg. Contact site director Robyn Vernon if you have questions @ robynvernon@unyumc.com
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.
Importance of Summer Camp-From Bishop Héctor
Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,
Summer camp can offer a life-transforming experience for young people. The Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry has five sites that offer amazing activities year round. In this season, the focus is the opportunities of summer camps. Click here to read about the impact summer camp had on me while growing up in Puerto Rico. It's not too late to sign-up a young person in your life who wants to explore what it means to live like a disciple of Jesus Christ.
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Applications due July 11 for Hoover award
United Women in Faith is calling all young women wishing to travel and study to apply for the Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award. The deadline to submit applications is July 11. Women ages 21 to 35 are eligible, and priority will be given to projects involving climate justice and addressing the criminalization of communities of color. Hoover, who died in 2013, was the first African American to lead the former Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
To learn more, click here.
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Next in the Clergy Zoom Workshop Series: July 12: "The effects of religious trauma"
Free for all clergy and congregational leaders (lay and ordained). CEU certificates available for clergy and mental health professionals. There are three remaining independent workshops addressing ways to cope with the chronic anxiety, stress, and pressures faced in the ministry setting with regards to specific, difficult scenarios. Certificate of completion for all participants, CEUs for mental health professionals if needed. Registration information will be shared as the date nears.
(All times 9 AM - Noon)
Wed. July 12 "...the effects of religious trauma."
Wed. Oct. 25 "...developing Adaptive Leadership practices."
Wed. Dec. 6 "...addressing mental health crises."
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Coming in August
2023 Mission u: Transformative Biblical Curriculum for Adults, Youth and Children
Upper NY United Women in Faith announce details on 2023 Mission u. It will be held Thursday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Fayetteville UMC, 601 East Genesee St., Fayetteville. It promises to be a special time of learning, service, fellowship and fun. The intergenerational curriculum is designed to bring participants deeper into Jesus' teaching in the Gospels proclaiming the good news of the Kin-dom of God. Age-appropriate classes and study books are offered for adults (over 18), youth (ages 13-18) and children (ages 5-12). Children and youth must be accompanied by a registered adult. Adult Study Book: "Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord's Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma. Please email unymissionu@gmail.com with questions.
Click here for registration form. Deadline: July 15.
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2023 Safe Sanctuaries schedule -
Next training is Aug. 5; Training of Trainers is Oct. 7
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team has scheduled two additional 3.5 hour Zoom basic trainings in 2023. There is also a Training of Trainers sessions scheduled.
The Basic trainings will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays Aug. 5 and Nov. 4. The Training of Trainers will be held from 9 AM to Noon on Saturday, 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.
How often does one need to take a Safe Sanctuary training? Click here.
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Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet in April 2024
Save the date! Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith to meet April 19-21, 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. Click here to go to the website.
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Wesley Heritage Tour 2024
Join Rev. Brett Johnson (Canton UMC in the Northern Flow District) on the trip of a lifetime to visit
John and Charles Wesley’s homeland of England. We will be visiting sites of great importance to United Methodists, including the Wesleys’ hometown of Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, and worship in the Wesley Chapel in London.
We will also be stopping at Stonehenge and Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Tour dates are July 13-22, 2024. Please use the following
link to register: https://portal.myfaithjourneys.com/ and use group code 24002.
Contact Rev. Brett Johnson, pastor.brett.johnson@gmail.com with any questions.
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What to expect at the next General Conference
FLORENCE, Ky. (UM News) — The group that plans The United Methodist Church’s big legislative assembly is putting together the final details for holding the long-delayed General Conference next year in Charlotte, North Carolina. The group, which held its first in-person meeting since 2019, is as changed as the denomination it serves. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read General Conference commission press release
UM News: Tackling a petitions conundrum
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Pilot Prayer Partner Project
Launches Fall 2023
Do you pray? Do you want to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you want to have someone you can trust and with whom you can share? If you answered "yes," sign up for the Pilot Prayer Partner Project!
To learn more and to sign up, click here
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Vacation Bible school resources
If you’re looking for last-minute ideas or materials for your congregation’s VBS program this year, Cokesbury Kids has you covered.
Click here to view resources.
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New Worship Series
The Path of the Disciple: The Weight of the Call
In the gospel, Jesus said "follow me" more often than he said "believe in me". We can be confident that there is a call to follow laid upon anyone and everyone who seeks to draw closer to Christ.
To download the series, click here.
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SPRC Training video available
Adirondack and Albany District Superintendent Rev. Debbie Earthrowl recently led a training for Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committees. If you were
unable to attend, she has recorded the training. Click here to find a link to the recording.
Click here for an accompanying document.
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Grow your church with
#SeeAllThePeople guides
See All the People is a movement of United Methodists who have decided to keep their focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. See All the People offers dozens of resources that can help you grow your church. A great place to start is with these four guides: Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations, Engaging Your Community: A Guide to Seeing All The People, Forming Disciples Through Worship, and Online Discipleship.
To access guides, click here.
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Boy Scout Bankruptcy update
The General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA) issued an updated frequently asked questions webpage on the Boy Scout Bankruptcy following a recent ruling in the case. This webpage provides an overview and provides insight on what might happen next. Contact either Bryan Mills (bmills@gcfa.org) or Brandy Bivens (bbivens@gcfa.org) if you have any questions.
To view the webpage, click here.
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Disaffiliation policy updated
The Upper New York Conference disaffiliation policy has been updated, clarifying some procedures needed for local churches interested in disaffiliation. It also clarifies the Cabinet’s oversight of the discernment process and the role of the pastor in this process. The Terms of Disaffiliation established by the Conference Board of Trustees are unchanged from the previous version.
Deadline to apply for the discernment process is July 1.
To learn more, click here.
For more information on the disaffiliation process, click here.
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2022 UNY Journal Vol. II now available
The 2022 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. II is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through the online publisher, Lulu.com. To view or order, click here.
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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.
UNY-Notes are targeted email blasts:
· From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
· Alerts
· Announcements
· Prayer Requests
· Death Notices
· Camp & Retreat
Click here to Subscribe to UNY-Notes
Weekly Digest- is sent every Wednesday. It contains 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.
Click here to Subscribe to the Weekly Digest
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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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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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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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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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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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United Women in Faith
Leadership resources for women
United Women in Faith has a new collection of resources to help women grow their leadership abilities. The 2023 Leadership Toolkit is available on the digital platform Bridge. To access the information, women need to establish an account with Bridge.
Read press release
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Discounts & savings programs
for your ministry
GCFA has an extensive ministry partner program to find or create special discounts and savings for your ministry.
Whether you have an upcoming building improvement project, are thinking about travel to the Holy Land, are needing an online giving vendor, or something else - our guide has something for every ministry, big or small!
Our ministry partners have been vetted to align with our denomination's social principles.
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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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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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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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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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Albany District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Ellen Mall-John
Albany 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 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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