Northern Flow Weekly Newsletter

June 29, 2023

The District Office's and the Conference Office will be closed on Tuesday July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

A Message from Rev. Mike Weeden

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” John 15:11

As you know by now, July 1^st starts a new season of ministry for myself, for Tammy, and for the Annual Conference. Beginning July 1^st we will move to 6 District Superintendents, and 6 full-time Superintendency Administrative Assistants. To the privilege I have of serving the Northern Flow District I will add the responsibilities of Superintending the Mohawk District. Over time you will find that we will be closing our District Office. Tammy and I will eventually be working from home, respectively. Our mailing and email addresses, as well as our District Office phone number, will stay the same..

These changes are prompted by our impending and current realities. In this season of Disaffiliation where it is anticipated between 17 and 19 percent of local churches Conference wide will seek Disaffiliation, we are projecting our Conferenc Budget will need to be reduced. This change is in anticipation of these realities, and our desire to be good stewards of the resources given and entrusted to us.

Thankfully, Tammy McAdam will continue to serve as the Superintendency Assistant serving the Northern Flow District as well as the Mohawk District. She will move from less than full-time to full-time. It is our every intention to not let this change affect our level of concern for and service to the persons and churches in our District. I do ask for your patience and understanding as we live into this change. There will be a fairly steep learning curve as we learn our new responsibilities. As much or more than at any time in the life of the church, let us practice understanding and grace towards each other.

There is change all around us. There is change (I hope) happening within us. (Hopefully we are maturing into the measure of Christ). Change is challenging. It can also be life-giving. If your life is like mine, the changes we experience are often felt as uncomfortable, stressful. Our gaze turns ‘downwards’ and ‘not ‘upwards’, as if a weight is bearing on our shoulders. We lose our joy. I do not think anyone is immune to these emotional responses to change. I know I am not. Yet, in the midst of it all, I continue to strive to focus on the source of our “joy”. Jesus shared in John 15:11, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”. (Italics my own) There is a source of joy that resides outside of us. There is a source, a resource, a reservoir of joy that we can tap into. This is consoling news for me in those moments of life when the challenges of change seek to rob my joy. It is not mine to hold onto to begin with. It really does not all depend on me. It's Jesus’ joy. And when I can open myself to Jesus joy’, I discover my joy is complete. How about you? What helps you tap into ‘joy’ in the midst of change and transition?

As we walk together in ministry, as we learn to dance together, as we encounter the challenges and discomfort of change, I invite you to join me in seeking the comfort of Christ and this source of joy beyond ourselves, yet poured out for us and all people.

- Mike

Safe Haven Congregations

Safe Haven Congregations are local churches among United Methodists of Upper New York that are particularly equipped to welcome anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated. If you find yourself in these circumstances, a Safe Haven Congregation may be just what you need to fulfill your desire to Remain-UMC. Consider these United Methodist faith communities a resting place, with people who will care for you while providing a haven of peace and grace.

To apply to be a Safe Haven Congregation, click here to complete this form to be considered for this ministry. Safe Haven Congregations should excel in hospitality and be equipped to welcome and walk with people coming from a disaffiliated congregations.

Safe Haven Congregations will:

Provide a welcoming place to belong during this time of grief and transition, which might be for just a season, or for a lifetime. This includes a safe space with caring relationships, listening hearts, and unconditional love within a congregation that is confident it is remaining in The United Methodist Church.
Provide all forms of pastoral and laity-driven care.
This may also include providing physical space for “Remnant” groups to gather as they consider what it looks like to stay together.
Offer ministry opportunities in which to engage – or not. There will be no pressure.
Worship: Providing worship opportunities, whether online or in person. These services will intentionally engage and welcome new people into their midst. They will also include the sacraments of communion and baptism.
Discipleship: Creating space to learn and grow through small group gatherings, Bible studies, and prayer opportunities.
Mission: Inviting fellow United Methodists into opportunities to serve through hands-on ministries. These might include anything that involves making a difference and sharing the love of God with others.
Organize local Remaining UMC groups by proactively finding and connecting with individuals and groups displaced by disaffiliating churches.
Connect individuals or groups with Conference and District resources to help them discern their next steps as they consider a new church home.

Whether you are an individual or a group of people who have become displaced or churchless because of closing or disaffiliation, Safe Haven Congregations will be there for you during this difficult time. As you consider what is next, specific pathways from which you may choose will continue to emerge as the Conference, Districts, and local churches come together to be The Connection at its best.

We love you. We care about you. We're here for you

Northern Flow District Offering

Lay Servant Courses

An in-person Lay Servant Course will be offered at the Ogdensburg UMC in the month of September. The course is being lead by Pastor Donna Fitchette.

"The Lay Servant Basic Course"

The dates and times are as follows:

September 5th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

September 12th 9:00 a.m. yo 12:00 p.m.

September 19th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

September 26th 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Donna will also be leading an Advanced Class on-line only in the month of October:

"For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts"

The dates and times are as follows:

October 10th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 17th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 24th 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

October 31st 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

You must attend all the classes to get credit for them. If you have any questions or to register please contact Pastor Donna @ missaprilsue@hotmail.com

Six Steps to Building a

Successful Discipleship Pathway

At the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, attendees were inspired by the Rev. Trey Wince’s engaging learning session on “Building a Discipleship Pathway.”

Rev. Wince began his time with some humorous personal stories to connect with the audience. One story involved getting a shot at the doctor’s office, which happened to be located within a teaching hospital. His shot was administered in front of 30 students surrounding him. He knew the shot was to be in his buttock area, so he dropped his drawers. Incidentally, the shot was administered at his hipline meaning he only needed to fold his pants down an inch.

He skillfully used that awkward moment to explain how embarrassing it could be for someone to walk into a church and do something that is not customary for congregants in the Church to do because the expectations weren’t explained to them anywhere.

He pointed to the four “Ps” coined by Will Mancini as to why people show up to church: place, programs, personalities, and people.

Rev. Wince added another p, referencing Ecclesiastes 3:11, “(God) has set eternity in their heart.” People are looking to churches so that they understand God more and are able to sort out why God put them on this planet…to begin to understand their purpose.”

Rev. Wince said, “In intentional discipleship, people get to understand their purpose a little more clearly.”

He then provided the audience with a recipe for developing an effective discipleship pathway:

Start with a clear definition of discipleship.

Rev. Wince described how this may seem obvious to pastors, but not to congregants. He gave an example of a church he worked with: “They said, ‘A disciple is someone who is committed to continually learning about Jesus. We do that by worship, service, reflection, and retreat.’ They were that clear. Common language. They even explained how they got it done.”

Break down your definition.

“People engage in what they understand. We have to start with a definition…we have to be comfortable with that definition being packet-size even if it doesn’t reflect our entire doctoral thesis,” Rev. Wince said. He continued, “We are going to break down our definition and ask ourselves, ‘Are these the key categories that match a life of discipleship?’” If your answer is “no,” the definition will require tweaking.

List your activities.

List everything your church does each year: missions, small groups, youth events, etc. List everything.

Connect the dots by matching each priority with each activity.

Rev. Wince clarified that this means to take the words that you said a disciple is and connect them to the activities until all activities fall within one of your key categories of a disciple.

Check for alignment.

“This can be the part that can sting,” Rev. Wince said, citing the possibility of one of your disciple categories only having one activity connected to it.

Craft a clear and simple message.

Rev. Wince put this step simply, “Whoever tells the best story wins!”

Rev. Wince concluded by encouraging the audience to continually tell the story of their church repeatedly as they invite people in. He explained the importance of talking about the place they want to be even if they’re not quite there yet and to always point it out with pride when they see congregants fulfilling part of the church’s discipleship definition.

New Superintendency Administrative Assistant Structure to begin July 1

Beginning July 1, United Methodists of Upper New York will begin a new structure for District Superintendents and Administrative Assistants. Six District Superintendents (DS) will serve two districts and each will have a Superintendency Administrative Assistant (SAA). You can read about the structure previously announced here. Use the following information to contact your DS or SAA beginning July 1. Click here to print a copy.

Adirondack and Albany Districts

DS: Rev. Debbie Earthrowl

SAA: Carrie Boyer 

Albany: P.O. Box 511, Newtonvillle, NY 12128

Adirondack: P.O. Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128

(518) 608-1246

AdirondackDistrict@unyumc.org

AlbanyDistrict@unyumc.org

Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts

DS: Rev. Mike Weeden

SAA: Tammy McAdam

P.O. Box 208, Gouverneur, NY 13642

(315) 535-5149

NorthernFlowDistrict@unyumc.org

MohawkDistrict@unyumc.org

Finger Lakes and Crossroads Districts

DS: Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood

SAA: Betsy O’Flynn

P.O. Box 23206, Rochester, NY 14692

(585) 340-9525

FingerLakesDistrict@unyumc.org

CrossroadsDistrict@unyumc.org

Binghamton and Oneonta Districts

DS: Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell

SAA: Rosemary Dilorio

P.O. Box 5546, Endicott, NY 13763-5546

(607) 748-0662

BinghamtonDistrict@unyumc.org

OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org

Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone Districts

DS: Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer

SAA: Lyn Moon

P.O. Box 570, Clarence Center, NY 14032

(716) 276-8631

NiagaraFrontier@unyumc.org

CornerstoneDistrict@unyumc.org

Genesee Valley and Mountain View Districts

DS: Rev. Suzanne Block

SAA: Patti Gridley

P.O. Box 129, Tyrone, NY 14887

Until July 17:

Genesee Valley: (585) 340-9525

Mountain View: (607) 962-8047

Beginning July 18, inquiries to both districts can be made by calling: (607) 962-8047

GeneseeValleyDistrict@unyumc.org

MountainViewDistrict@unyumc.org

The year, Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (SUMM) will be sponsoring our 43^rd annual United Methodist Family and Friends Night at the Ballpark scheduled for Thursday, August 17 at 6:35pm Syracuse Mets vs. Columbus Clippers, Ohio. There will be no tailgate party this year. Like last year, we will have 200-level assigned seats (not 300-level benches), and we will gather on the field at 6.15 pm to sing the National Anthem from Home Plate. Game Ticket: $15

For more information or ticket reservation,

please call or email Rev. Andy M Anderson – at 917-723-0901

Email: andmcand@hotmail.com

Darlene Dennis – 315-345-6338

Email: rdennis31@verizon.net

Bellevue Heights UMC – 315-475-0011

Email: bellevueheightsumc@gmail.com

Make Check Payable to: Bellevue Heights UMC with Game written in the memo line and mail to: Bellevue Heights UMC, 2112 S. Geddes Street, Syracuse, NY 13207

Please, do not miss this fun event. Order your tickets by July 27.

Ballpark Flier

Spiritual Practices with Rev. Nancy Dibelius

You can listen to Rev. Nancy Dibelius's podcast here

Stewardship with Rev. Susan Ranous

June 21, 2023

STEWARDSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

An article that I read from Christian Stewardship Network, Stewardship Education that Builds Disciples[1] had an excellent series of statements:

On stewardship theology:

1. God owns everything and needs nothing.

2. We own nothing and need everything.

3. God is the sole provider of all resources.

4. God uses stewards to manage His resources.

On effective discipleship:

1. Create a safe space for relationships to form.

2. Conversation should be organic.

3. Customize teaching style to individual’s

I want to make sure that we realize that stewardship and discipleship have to work together. One cannot exist without the other. “Ultimately stewardship is using the resources God has blessed you with in order to further his kingdom, whereas discipleship is pursuing growth as a follower of Christ.”[2]

We aren’t effective stewardship if we aren’t disciples, and we aren’t disciples if we aren’t using the resources give to us to further God’s kingdom.

Stay tuned for this ongoing stewardship conversation.

If you wish more information on this or would like to discuss stewardship and its relationship with discipleship, please feel free to contact me at (315) 427-3668 or sranousacctg@twcny.rr.com. I’d be happy to help.

[1] Stewardship Education that Builds Disciples, Furlong, Jessica and Dick, Don (Christian Stewardship Network), https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com.

[2] https://justdisciple.com/discipleship-stewardship/

Watertown First UMC

Announces Summer Programs

Please join our Church Family for the following events this Summer:

Supper Church: A fun, faith filled, activity for the whole family – join us for a catered meal with your family and new friends while listening to contemporary Christian praise music, followed by interactive/intergenerational games, a Bible Story and adult discussion time while kids enjoy a bible craft and recreation time. 4:30-6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!

^{A Little Child Will Lead Us Summer Childcare: Little Mermaid Water Fun Adventure}

^{Dates: July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16,}^{from 3:30 - to 6:00 pm.}

^{Wednesday August 23, 2023}^{, Field Trip to the Thompson Park Pool and Playground /Church Family Picnic from 2-6 pm.}

^{Hot dogs/hamburgers/ chips/ beverage will be provided, please bring a side dish and dessert to pass. All Welcome!}

Adirondack District Offering 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.

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 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

Bishop Burgos Núñez Announces Clergy Appointments

After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.

Here

"Engage New People Grant" Available

The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “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.

Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”

Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.

SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE

Schedule

Wesley Heritage Tour 2024

Join Pastor Brett Johnson 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.