 |
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.'
Psalm 147: 3-4
New International Version
|
Adirondack District
Newsletter
February 3, 2018
|
|
|
Is your newsletter "cutting off" at the margin?
Try clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter that says,
"Having trouble viewing this email?"
|
Miss something? Not all information is repeated each week
To view Local Church Events sent on Jan. 31,
Click here
To view the District Newsletter sent on Jan. 27,
Click here
|
Please continue to pray for the family of
the Rev. Dr. Walter Taylor. Rev. Taylor, 93, died Thursday, Jan. 4 in Saratoga Springs.
He served at the First United Methodist Church
|
|
|
Rev. Taylor |
- Voorheesville, the Albany United Methodist Society, as well as several other appointments outside the local church. A memorial service is scheduled for 10 AM Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave. (12866). To read the full obituary, Click here
Please send us your joys and concerns:
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
|
To Everything There is a Season:
A United Methodist meditation
Watch a video reflection about change using a well-known passage from Ecclesiastes. To view,
Click here
You are encouraged to share or download this video to use in Sunday School classes, before or during worship, or with your friends and family.
|
'Tis the Season
For some creative ideas for encouraging your members to deepen their own spiritual journeys and for reaching out to your community to share this season's message of love, hope and transformation,
Click here
|
Black History Month: 'Black Archives Matter'
Timothy Binkley started a "Black Archives Matter" campaign, aimed at showing that Bridwell Library, at Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology, cares about receiving, processing and promoting the scholarly use of papers of African American church leaders. The archivist at United Methodist Perkins School of Theology goes all out to collect, process, publicize African-American materials. For the full story, Click here
|
|
Conference publication, 'Advocate,' available online
Volume 10, Issue 1, of the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine, 'Advocate,' celebrates some of the amazing ministries through lay leadership around the Conference. You'll find more than a dozen stories, including ministries with special needs communities, bereavement, mission work and much more.
To read the latest issue of the Advocate electronically, Click here; the printed version of 'Advocate' should be available in your local church. If you can't locate a copy and would like one, contact Carrie in the District Office. We have extra copies. (518) 480-4866 or
adriondackdistrict@unyumc.org
|
An Opportunity to Serve:
Imagine No Racism: Become a District Volunteer Advocate
Racism is a disease that infects the hearts, minds, souls and bodies of individuals,
churches, and communities. In the Upper New York Annual Conference, we are going to Imagine No Racism together! We are creating the Imagine No Racism District Team to help us imagine this as a Conference.
For the full story, and to view Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb's video invitation to apply for the Imagine No Racism District Volunteer Advocate position, Click here
The deadline to apply for the Volunteer Advocate position is February 14. We are looking for at least four people to represent the Adirondack District. Do you have a passion for equality and justice? The task force envisions this position as requiring a few hours a week, especially in the beginning. As the ministry progresses, the hours will become a bit less. There will be a training of advocates from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, March 17 at the Conference Office in Liverpool.
"Imagine No Racism Launch Day"
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 21, which is Conference-wide "Imagine No Racism Launch Day." Attendance for this event is mandatory for all Clergy, Supply Pastors and Certified Lay Ministers serving churches. They are being asked to bring laity who are passionate about racial justice. The event will be from 12:30 PM to 4 PM, most likely at the Saratoga Springs UMC. Look for updates in the coming weeks.
|
Annual Conference petitions, resolutions, reports due Feb. 15
The Committee on Petitions and Resolutions is charged with overseeing the submission,
review, and presentation of petitions and resolutions to the Annual Conference.
All resolutions and petitions for the 2018 Annual Conference session must be submitted to the Committee no later than Feb. 15, 2018. Submissions should be emailed to the Director of Connectional Ministries Office at
DCMOffice@unyumc.org
For information on writing and submission guidelines as well as a petition and resolution template
, Click here
|
Clergy Retreat:
Together in Faith and Recovery
The Retreat will be held from 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, Feb. 17 at Healing
Springs Recovery Community and Outreach Center, 125 High Rock Ave., Saratoga Springs, 12866. This is an opportunity for clergy to learn about recovery and spirituality. The retreat was planned due to concerns expressed by pastors at a gathering in the Fall with local politicians. Contact Rev. Drew Sperry with questions, (518) 584-3720. Pastors can contact Carrie at the District Office for information on CEU credit. Please RSVP by Feb. 14; 518-306-3048, ext. 3637 or coordinator@sararecovery.org To view or download the poster,
Click here
|
Safe Sanctuaries Training to be offered in March
Two trainings are planned. One in the Albany District at Burnt Hills UMC, and one in the Adirondack District at the Saratoga Springs UMC.
A reminder that all clergy, certified lay ministers serving churches and supply pastors are required to take this training (one-time only).
--
Sunday, March 4, 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the Burnt Hills UMC.
If you are interested in attending please call or email the Burnt Hills UMC office at 518-399-5144 or burnthillsumc@gmail.com
--
Saturday, March 10, time to be announced, at the Saratoga Springs UMC. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Carrie Boyer by
February 28 at
adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org or (518) 480-4866.
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries,
Click here
|
Photo by the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga
The Commission on a Way Forward convened in the fall at the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tenn. The commission is still working on possibilities for the denomination's future.
'Way Forward' is fleshing out Three Possible Futures
The Commission on a Way Forward is fleshing out the details of three possible models for how the denomination treats LGBTQ inclusion. The multinational group, appointed by United Methodist bishops, held its seventh meeting behind closed doors Jan. 18-20 in Dallas. To read the full article,
Click here
|
Image by Vanessa Pla, Pixabay.com
Some Sweet Suggestions for "Couples" Ministries
Whether you have an existing ministry for couples, desire to start one or want to host a stand-alone event, this is the perfect season to focus on activities that strengthen the bonds of marriage. Help couples in your congregation and community strengthen their relationships with these ideas:
Click here
|
Enhance Your Church's Web Site
Digital media can enhance the written content of your messages with visual and audio aid. Use cutting-edge technology to gather and distribute dynamic content.
Explore the digital media section on the United Methodist Communication's web site to learn
Click here
|
Order Lenten Resources from Media Resource Center
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library supported through your ministry
share dollars.
To learn more about the center and to look through the online catalog
Click here
You will find a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use! Now is the time to order Lenten Studies, as Lent begins on Feb. 14.
Consultations are always available. Not only can you order resources in person, it's also easy to
order resources through the online catalog, by email to Media Resource Coordinator Karen Campolieto @
karen@unyumc.org, or by phone (315) 898-2027 and they will be mailed right to your church.
It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
|
Previ
|
From the Conference Office
|
|
|
(New) Conference Historical Society Shares Newsletter
The UNY Historical Society has created a newsletter that shares fascinating and useful
information. The UNY Historical Society News & Views Issue 1 of 2018 has been released. This issue reveals some interesting historical stories from places throughout the Conference, dating back to the mid-1800s. This issue also provides guidance on what to keep and what to toss at local churches.
For the full article,
Click here
|
|
(New) Local Church as Employer
The UNY Conference web site devotes a page as a resource to Local Churches with information related to their role as employer, including employment law compliance, payroll/taxes, general support policies, and other various human resources and benefits related topics that may need to be addressed from time to time. It is the responsibility of each Local Church to be aware of both Federal and State laws and regulations that they are required to follow. For more information,
Click here
|
Important Dates
-
- Feb. 15: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions as well as deadline for reports and action items from Conference teams
- Feb. 15: Final date to update statistics in EZRA system
- Early March: Annual Conference registration opens
- Early April: Vol. I of the Journal is available
- April 21: Imagine No Racism Event
- May 31-June 2: Annual Conference (Onondaga Community College)
|
Students: Apply now for 2018 UNY Conference scholarships!
United Methodist high school seniors and college students are invited to apply for two scholarships offered by the Upper New York Conference: Conference Merit Awards and Lottie Brown Grants. Application forms and guidelines are available now. For more information and to apply, Click here
|
UNY Conference 2019 Narrative Budget booklet available
The first draft of the UNY Conference 2019 Narrative Budget booklet has been released.
As changes are needed, these digital copies of the budget booklets will be updated. When all updates are completed in the coming months, printed copies of the budget booklet will be available in the District Offices and at the UNY Conference Center. The final budget booklet will also be added to the 2018 Conference Journal, Vol. I.
To view the booklet from the Conference website,
Click here
|
|
Sign up for the Weekly Digest
The Weekly Digest is a wrap-up of news and information, along with feature articles, direct links to several "hot spots" on the Conference website, photos and more.
If you don't already subscribe but would like to look at this week's issue, be in touch with Carrie. To sign up to receive the Weekly Digest beginning next week, click here:
Weekly Digest
|
Thank you to all the pastors and church leaders who have submitted the annual church
|
|
|
Carrie Boyer
and her paperwork
(and she's asking for more .....)
|
|
conference forms. Please submit any outstanding reports as soon as possible.
Pastors: A reminder that the Leadership Interface Forms are now due.
Click here This form is crucial, as I need to update our database with church leader information.
Coming Due Feb. 15: Report of Trustees; Report of Finance Committee; 2018 Church Budget and 2017 Year-End Financial Report.
2017 Local Church Annual Audits are due March 15
Here is the link to the forms checklist which is found on the Conference website. You can download the forms from that page:
Click here
Send forms via email attachment to
Also a reminder that the annual statistical reports MUST be filed online by Feb. 15. A note went out to pastors early in January with pertinent information. For those who might be helping pastors with this crucial task, please ask them to forward the information to you. To login to the system,
Click here
|
|
Previously Run/Ongoing Interest
|
|
Lay Servant/Speaker Courses to be offered in Plattsburgh
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all called to a life of servanthood. For many laypersons, Lay Servant Ministries of The United Methodist Church is a part of their faith journey as they seek a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The courses offered in this program can help an individual on their personal faith journey or help prepare them as servants of leadership through the ministries of leading, caring, and communicating.
The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to help one explore their call to service within the United Methodist Church. "Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship." (Course description in 2018 Lay Servants Ministries: Equipping Resources)
Instructors: Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Edie Poland
An Advanced Course: "Transforming Evangelism." will also be offered. "This course leads participants to learn from John Wesley how to practice relational evangelism. They will discover that evangelism involves not only sharing our faith with others, but also welcoming people into a community where they can grow in faith." (Course description in 2018 Lay Servants Ministries: Equipping Resources)
Instructors: Rev. Peggi Eller and
Pastor Brandilynne Craver
When
: The separate courses will be held in the same time-frame:
5 to 9 PM Friday, April 13 continuing to 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, April 14.
(Snow dates: April 27 & 28)
Place:
Plattsburgh United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Cost:
$25 for book, materials, and dinner Friday evening and lunch Saturday
Registration
Deadline: March 26
Information needed:
Name, address, email address, phone number, course for which you are registering, and special dietary needs
-- Complete form "Local and Certified Request and Recommendation." For a copy of that document, Click here
--
Books will be available for pick up at PUMC
by March 15 upon receipt of "Request and Recommendation" form and fee
Each participant is expected to have read the course book prior to beginning class.
|
|
Local Church Records Retention Guide
With the start of a new year we may be
inclined to say "Out with the old"and discard/destroy important records.
Before you do that, please click here to view Local Church Management guidelines from The United Methodist Church's General Commission on Archives and History.
|
|
UMW Assembly 2018 in Columbus, Ohio
United Methodist Women Assembly 2018, "The Power of Bold," is a time for fellowship, equipping for service
and collectively experiencing God's call to mission with women, children and youth. Through moving worship, inspiring speakers, engaging exhibits, riveting workshops and town hall-style meetings, participants will leave Assembly with knowledge, courage and determination to change the world as part of a daring and compassionate 150-year-old movement of women committed to turning faith, hope and love into action.
To learn more about the event and to register
Click here
|
How You Can Help Storm and Earthquake Victims
Contribute Funds for Disaster Relief:
Thanks to churches who have taken a special collection for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the Mexico City earthquakes.
You may send contributions to the Finance Department at the United Methodist Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY, 13088. Please make checks payable to UNYAC and designate money to a fund or funds that have been established:
Hurricane Harvey - #481
Hurricane Irma - #482
Hurricane Maria- #483
Mexico City Earthquakes - #611
2017 Storms - #474
UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response - #692
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Finance Department, 855-424-7878, ext. 2004.
For instruction on how to assemble kits, Click here
The Upper New York Conference's Mission Central Hub is a place for local churches to actively engage in outreach and disaster response ministries:
Click here
|
|
District Contact Information
|
|
Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. William (Bill) Mudge, District Superintendent
|
|
|
Rev. Bill Mudge |
Carrie Boyer, Administrative Assistant
Physical Location: 15 Maplewood Parkway (South Glens Falls UMC)
South Glens Falls 12803 (GPS)
Mailing Address: PO Box 590, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 480-4866
|
|
|
|
|
|
