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Adirondack and Albany District News
July 8, 2023
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Please note
Beginning today, we are combining the Adirondack and Albany District Newsletters, plus we are shortening the newsletter by not including Conference News (we provide links below) and will be eliminating repetitive articles, as many folks have commented that the newsletter is too long.
If you currently subscribe to both District newsletters, you may receive duplicates. Let me know, and I can remove your from one of the lists. If you unsubscribe, you'll be unsubscribing to both!
We will continue to send Local Church Events to each District on Tuesdays for the time being. Please contact Carrie in the District Office if you have questions or concerns (518) 608-1246.
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“The most common one-liner in the Bible is, “Do not be afraid.” Someone counted, and it occurs 365 times.”
-- Richard Rohr
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Please continue to keep the family and friends of the Rev. Bill Rowe IV in your prayers. Rev. Rowe, 76, died on April 29. He was predeceased by his wife, Sondra, in December 2022. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Rowe's son, Scott Rowe, at 1702 Ingleside Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050. Click here to read his full obituary.
Adirondack District:
Tom Duers and Carole Duers (First UMC of Lake George) ask for continued prayer for Carole. Tom reports that he and Carole were encouraged after meeting with the kidney transplant team in Vermont. The hope is that she will be added to the donor list in September. Carole has been on dialysis for nine years. If you'd like to send notes of care and encouragement, their address is 302 B, 25 Larose St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.
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.
Albany District:
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 adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
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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Get your news from the Conference Office
In the interest of reducing the volume of news items, and to encourage you to subscribe to the UNY Conference Weekly Digest and UNY Notes, we will no longer be printing Conference News in the District Newsletter.This includes messages from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, including the appointment list.
Going forward, we will include the Quick Links box, above, for your convenience.
From the Conference staff:
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
UNY Advocate
If you would like to subscribe to the Advocate or renew your subscription, please email news@unyumc.org.
For more details on how to submit items for consideration, click here.
Social Media
Click here to learn more about our social media pages.
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Red Hat Luncheon this Wednesday at Jonesville UMC
The Jonesville United Women in Faith are sponsoring a Red Hat Luncheon for church women and their friends on Wednesday, July 12 at 12:30 PM. This will include a very interesting presentation by Denise Stasik, author of Dancing in the Light. She has been on several mission trips to Africa. All women are more than welcome to attend the luncheon and program. If possible, please call the church office 518-877-7332 and leave a message with number attending, but if you are interested and haven’t RSVP’d, please just come. The church is located at 963 Main St., Clifton Park (Jonesville).
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Ask the UMC:
Our Living World: Plants
Plant life provides both the food and the oxygen upon which all other life depends. United Methodists are called to protect the habitats and diversity of plants around our living world. In a six-part series, Ask The UMC explores how United Methodists seek to sustain and renew links to our living world.
Read story
View series
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Going on book tour with John Wesley
In his lifetime, Methodism founder John Wesley had a bestseller in “Primitive Physick, or an Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases.” Amazon still sells the book today. In a video, Madeline White considers what a book tour with John Wesley might have been like and why Wesley got into giving health advice.
Watch video
United Methodist Communications: Wesley and physical health
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Hospitality as Evangelism
As the church moves beyond the changes and challenges of the pandemic and encounters continuing racial strife, disaffiliation, and demographic changes, it needs to examine how to use disruptions and changes as opportunities to lean into and shape Christian practices that have been handed down from past generations. It must look at how we continue to offer the good news of Jesus Christ to our communities and the world. With the rise of political division, xenophobia, and white Christian nationalism, we must show Christian love in ways that offer a different witness from the world of divisive politics.
To read more, click here.
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Bishops pledge
to continue dismantling racism
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is pledging its ongoing dedication to anti-racism work, both within the church and in our communities. A revival of the Dismantling Racism campaign, launched in June 2020, will strengthen efforts to recognize racism as a sin and challenge unjust systems of power and access. Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, Council of Bishops president, talks about this effort in a video message.
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United Methodist Communications
New 'Recap' shares ministry stories
The latest episode of “The Recap” features stories of United Methodist ministry, including a social justice pilgrimage, a new way to access Disciple Bible Study small groups and support for Congolese women living with HIV. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” is a video series offering a snapshot of the latest news in the church.
Watch episode
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United Women in Faith
Renewable energy grants available
United Women in Faith groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $3,000 for renewable energy projects. Applications are being accepted now, and the first grants will be announced in August. Applicants to The Office of Economic and Environmental Justice should carefully consider the amount of funding needed and document in detail the budget and rationale for the request.
Read press release
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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.
COURSE OFFERINGS:
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Registration open. 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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4 tips for experimenting with change this summer
Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe says that the summer is the perfect time for a congregation to test possible changes through short-term experiments. He offers four considerations to guide an experimental approach to implementing new ideas.
To learn more, click here
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7 ideas for making vacation bible school an evangelism opportunity
How can you deepen your relationship with the children and families participating in a Vacation Bible School and stay connected with them throughout the year? Lewis Center Director Doug Powe outlines strategies to make your Vacation Bible School a meaningful and effective evangelism opportunity.
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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 and Adirondack Districts
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. Deborah (Debbie) Earthrowl
District Superintendent
Gracie Lynn Evergreen
Adirondack District Lay Leader
Ellen Mall-John
Albany District Lay Leader
Carrie Boyer
Superintendency Administrative Assistant
Our office is located in the Newtonville UMC
568 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
Mailing Address:
Adirondack District: PO Box 753, Newtonville, NY 12128
Albany District: PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128
(518) 608-1246
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
albanydistrict@unyumc.org
debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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