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'For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
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Adirondack District
Newsletter
April 21, 2018
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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?"
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Miss something? Not all information is repeated each week
To view Local Church Events sent on April 18,
Click here
To view the District Newsletter sent on April 14,
Click here
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Let Us Pray
Please keep Rev. Paul Dufford in your prayers. Paul was recently hospitalized, and is now in rehab at The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on Warren Street in Glens Falls. Paul hopes to be released next week. Cards can be sent to his home, 11202 State Rte. 22, Comstock, NY 12821
. Paul serves our Fortsville UMC.
Please keep the family of the Rev. Scott Tyler in your prayers. Scott's mother,
Dona Tyler, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, and will undergo surgery in the near future. Scott serves our First UMC in Ticonderoga.
Please keep the family of Pastor Debra Peacock in your prayers. Deb's mom, Elizabeth (Peggy) Merrill, 92, died on April 12. The funeral was held Thursday in Ballston Spa. To read the full obituary,
Click here Cards can be sent to Deb at her home, 5184 State Rte. 40, Argyle, NY 12809. Deb serves our Argyle UMC.
Please keep the family of the Rev. Robert Boston in your prayers. Rev. Boston, 83, died on April 14. He served several Upper New York churches, including Glens Falls, Center Brunswick and Pawling Avenue in Troy, NY. The funeral service was held on Wednesday April 18 at the Glenville Funeral Home. To read the full obituary,
Click here
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Celebrating Earth Day, April 22
The world marks
Earth Day each April 22
. This video features stunning images of Nature along with the beautiful words of a prayer written by United Methodist Bishop Ken Carter when he was a pastor in North Carolina in 2005.
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Save the date!
Farewell to Bill Mudge
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Bill Mudge
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Please join us from 3 to 5 PM on
Sunday, May 20 at the First UMC in Warrensburg to bid a fond farewell to our District Superintendent Rev. Bill Mudge.
Bill has served us for nearly seven years. It will be tough to say good-bye, but we wish him well as he begins the next step in his journey as lead pastor of the Baldwinsville UMC on July 1. Come and celebrate with Bill and his family in worship, song and fellowship! Details will follow.
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Please register by Wednesday, April 25
Jason Moore to present
Guest Readiness Seminar in South Glens Falls
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Jason Moore |
Please join us for a hands-on learning experience designed to help participants better connect and build lasting relationships with visitors, exploring the theme, "Five Things your Visitors are Thinking But Won't Ask." Presenter is nationally-known Jason Moore, author, speaker and worship coach.
Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM
Monday, April 30 at the South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls (12803) to explore this topic with Jason Moore. Local church group participation is encouraged!
Sign-in and gathering time: 9:30 AM. The event starts at 10 AM sharp.
Admission is $5, which includes a catered lunch. If cost is a hardship, scholarships are available; we do not want to turn anyone away.
Please contact Carrie Boyer in the District Office for more information, [email protected] or (518) 480-4866.
To Register,
Click here
For the flyer: Click here (please disregard the registration form on the brochure). Register online from the link above, or call Carrie Boyer for assistance.
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Fall Walks to Emmaus to be held at Hudson Falls UMC
Women's Walk #135: September 27 through September 30
Men's Walk #136: October 11 through October 14.
To read "On the Road," the Newsletter of the Living Water Emmaus/Chrysalis Community, Inc. of the Adirondack and Green Mountains,
Click here
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"Hand to Mouth" Book Study on Poverty
6:30-8 PM
Wednesdays in May (2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd)
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Linda Tirado |
Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Rd., Queensbury 12804. Rev. Phil Phaneuf will facilitate a study based on "Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America," by Linda Tirado.
The 4-session class will delve into questions middle- and upper-income people have about those on the lower socioeconomic ladder. Please RSVP to the Church Office by April 23 (518) 793-9728. The books are $12 each. For more information, Click here
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Monday Night Videos at Plattsburgh UMC
Pastor Phil Richards is leading a Video Study/Conversation of contemporary scholars and
change agents in the Plattsburgh UMC's Chapel from 7 PM to 9 PM Mondays, from April 16 to May 14.
Featured are: Nadia Bolz Weber, "If You Want to be More Forgiving,
April 23; Karen Armstrong, "Charter of Compassion,"
April 30; Rachel Held Evans, "Keeping the Church Weird,"
May 7; Shane Claiborne, "Another Way of Doing Life,"
May 14. For more information, contact the church office at (518) 563-2992. The church is located at 127 Beekman St., Plattsburgh (12901). If you'd like a copy of the flyer, contact Carrie in the District Office, (518) 480-4866.
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Safe Sanctuaries Trainings Coming Up!
Saturday, April 28, 8:45 AM sign-in; training is 9 AM to Noon, at the Hudson Falls UMC, 227 Main St., Hudson Falls (12839). If you plan to attend,
please RSVP to Carrie
Boyer by April 20 at
[email protected] or (518) 480-4866. She will then send you the training handout via email.
A reminder that all clergy, certified lay ministers serving churches and supply pastors are required to take this training (one-time only).
For updated information on background checks
Click here
(New) Save the date:
A training will be held at the Newcomb UMC, 5551 Route 28N, Newcomb (12852) on Tuesday, May 15. Call Carrie for more information, (518) 480-4866.
If your church would like to host a Safe Sanctuaries training, please call Carrie.
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Lay Servant Classes to be Offered
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.
Advanced Course: "Let the Whole Church Say Amen:"
Saturdays, May 12 & May 19: 9 AM to 3 PM; South Glens Falls UMC, 15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls 12803.
Facilitator: Nellie Hintz
If you haven't completed the Basic Course you can audit this class. For more information, please call Nellie at (518) 223-0461 or send an email to
[email protected]
Advanced Course: "Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:"
Sunday, June 10: 2 to 7:30 PM & Saturday, June 16: 9 AM to 2:30 PM
Malta Ridge UMC, 729 Malta Ave., Ext., Malta 12020.
Facilitator:
Arlene Schmidt.
To register and for information on how to obtain the book, please contact
Arlene via email @
[email protected]
or call her @ (518) 496-4010
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, Click here
For a listing of courses throughout the Conference Click here
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Photo courtesy of the Commission on Religion and Race.
A woman holds a sign during an April 4 peace and unity rally. The rally followed the Commission on Religion and Race's participation in the United to End Racism Prayer Walk in Washington.
Religion and Race celebrates 50 years
As part of the
1968 merger that brought together Methodists and Evangelical United Brethren to create The United Methodist Church, the
racially segregated Central Jurisdiction was abolished. Knowing that the simple act of abolishing the segregated jurisdiction of the Methodist Church would not resolve the new denomination's race relations issues, the 1968 General Conference created the
Commission on Religion and Race. The four-year commission was tasked with overseeing the merger of white and black conferences and "the opening of all churches for worship to all without regard to race or ethnic background." To read more,
Click here
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Commentary: Will You Join in Fighting Racism?
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Sokol |
The Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol writes about her profound gratitude for the church that saved her by opening her eyes to racism. And the pastor of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church - founded in 1850 as the "representative church" for the Methodist Episcopal Church South - writes about her prayers for the church to "resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves."
To read more
Click here
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Photo by Duncan Hull, Flickr
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How to Build Relationships With Skeptics
It's easy to lose sight of how important it is to learn about others, especially those who hold different beliefs than ours. Atheists are one group Christians have historically kept at a distance, but shouldn't we try harder to connect with these neighbors of ours?
"The percentage of adults (ages 18 and older) who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years, from 78.4% in 2007 to 70.6% in 2014. Over the same period, the percentage of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated - describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or "nothing in particular" - has jumped more than six points, from 16.1% to 22.8%."
To read more,
Click here
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Photo by Kathleen Berry, UMC
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How to Help Your Congregation Cope With Grief
What do you teach when your congregation is grieving or suffering through a tragedy? What do you do when you or another church leader has just been diagnosed with cancer? How do you handle the overwhelming grief of losing a child within your congregation? How do you offer hope when you too are hurting?
Tragedy brings out a variety of emotions well beyond sadness. People who are suffering may express anger at themselves, at others, even at God. They may become despondent, and they may question or doubt everything, including their faith. These feelings may be difficult for them to express and difficult for you to understand.
To read more,
Click here
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'The Bridge' Available for Download
The April Issue II copy of the Bridge is available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats.
Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary. This issue features education on Mission of Peace (MOP), an annual journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdiction Council on Youth Ministries. Included in this issue are reflections from two Upper New York youth who went on the MOP trip to Cuba earlier this year.
If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]
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Apply for Peace With Justice Grant
Peace with Justice Grant applications are being accepted
through April 30.
The Peace with Justice Grants are provided by funds collected on Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six Special Sunday offerings required by the Book of Discipline. Half of all money collected in our conference stays right here to support new ministries that address justice issues.
For more information, and to apply:
Click here
For information and resources for Peace With Justice Sunday (May 27),
Click here
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Check out Historical Society's 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 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. To read more, and to view the newsletter,
Click here
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Updated
Order 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!
It only takes a couple of days to receive the materials.
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Prayer Labyrinth Available From Resource Center
A 24-foot canvas labyrinth is available for the use of congregations, district-led and conference-led events. It is housed in the Media Resource Center and can be reserved by laity and clergy, individuals and groups, by contacting Karen Campolieto, Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant at (315) 898-2027.
To read more,
Click here
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Annual Conference Updates
Register for 2018 Annual Conference
Pastors, Lay Members, Equalization Members and Visitors to Conference: Register now for the Upper New York Annual Conference session, held May 30-June 2 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Registration closes at 11 PM April 29. The next opportunity to register is onsite.
To register and for information on housing, meals and childcare,
Click here
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb describes what to look forward to at this year's Annual Conference. In addition to Conference "business," this event will offer the opportunity to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, others in the Conference, and the world around us through worship, fellowship, and exciting study sessions. To view the video:
Click here
(New)
The 2018 Upper New York Conference Journal, Vol. I is now available for download as a free PDF and for purchase through online publisher Lulu.com.
Click here
to download the PDF;
Click here
to purchase it for $6.20 (plus shipping and applicable sales tax) from Lulu.com.
(New)
The Upper New York Conference is excited to announce that there will be an event app available to use at Annual Conference. Now you will have the option to access everything related to Annual Conference right from your phone or tablet instead of thumbing through pages upon pages of materials in your packet. This app will also help streamline the check-in process.
To learn more,
Click here
(New) The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications Ministry Area is seeking talented photography volunteers
to take photos at Annual Conference. These photos may appear on our Facebook page, on our website, and/or in UNY Conference digital or print publications. For anyone interested in this great volunteer opportunity, please send an email to [email protected] with a link to your photography work.
Getting Ready for Annual Conference: Laying it Out: To help attendees feel prepared for spending a few days at a new facility at the 2018 Annual Conference, held May 30-June2 at the SRC Arena on Onondaga County Community College (OCC)'s campus, this article will share some general information about the layout of the space we are occupying at OCC. To read more,
Click here
Excused requests for the 2018 Annual Conference:
If you are clergy, your church's Lay Member, or an Equalization Member to Annual Conference and find that you are unable to attend all or part of the 2018 session, you must request to be excused. An
online form has been created which will direct your request to Bishop Webb:
Click here
Social Holiness Concerns: Conscience of the Conference: Click here
Getting Ready for Five Special Offerings at the Conference:
Click here
Seeking Nominations for 2018 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards:
Click here
(Update) Palestinian Dinner:
The theme of this year's Palestinian Dinner held during the 2018 session of Annual Conference is, "Valuing Palestinian Children." This year's eighth annual Upper New York Palestinian Dinner during Annual Conference will be held on
June 1 at 5:15 p.m. It is only a 10-minute drive from Onondaga Community College's SRC Arena, the Annual Conference venue.
Click here to learn more details about the dinner and to find out how to reserve a space.
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Previ
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From the Conference Office
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UNY Advocate Available Now
Volume 10, Issue 2, of the Upper New York Advocate focuses on vital congregations and leadership. The theme is "Spiritually planning our way forward." You will learn about the five markers of vitality and churches that are succeeding in those areas. You will find testimonials of pastors who are learning that Vital Signs is an incredible resource. Looking for courses or programs to strengthen your leadership? You will learn about many opportunities in this issue of the Advocate. This issue also points to dozens of resources that can help you on your path to becoming a vital congregation.
The printed version of this newsletter will be available in your local church. The Advocate is the Conference's ministry magazine.
To view the latest issue online
Click here
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Job Opportunities at the Conference Office
For these job opportunities at the Conference,
Click here
-- Conference Treasurer
-- Payroll Specialist
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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
To view from "Issuu"
Click here
To
gain an overview of how Ministry Shares support the Upper New York Budget in a new, dynamic video, starring many youth and adults across the Conference,
Click here
Printed copies of the Narrative Budget booklets will be made available at all District offices and are currently available at the United Methodist Center. Contact your District office to request your copy.
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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
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Previously Run/Ongoing Interest
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2018 Camp Registration Open!
Registration for 2018 Summer Programs is now open!
Click here to browse all of our 2018 summer programs and to register. Don't forget to take advantage of our Early Bird Discounts before May 1: Individual $10 before May 1), Sibling ($20 per camper), and Refer-A-Friend ($40 for the referring friend) discounts! We've got big things planned this summer and we want YOU to be part of it! Register today! If there are any questions, please contact us at (toll free) 855-414-6400 or [email protected]
Day Camp/Open Houses make for a great church, family, youth group, or Sunday school outing and gives families a chance to meet staff and experience some fun camp activities. We hope to see you and a group from your church at one of our Open House/Day Camp Events.
Skye Farm's Open House is May 26, from 10 AM-3 PM Visit Open House
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United Methodist Men to Host Retreat, Open to All
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Bishop Swanson |
You are invited to attend this dynamic retreat hosted by United Methodist Men, "Transformation Through Christ," at Sky Lake in Windsor, NY, September 7-8. The retreat is open to all w
omen, children and men.
The Keynote Speaker is Bishop James E. Swanson Sr.
For the full article,
Click here
To read more about Bishop Swanson,
Click here
To view a video invitation from Bishop Mark J. Webb
Click here
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Apply for Franklin J. Sherman Seminary Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the Franklin J. Sherman Seminary Scholarship.
The scholarship is to be awarded annually to one or more persons enrolled in a seminary accredited by the United Methodist Church, who is preparing for service as an ordained minister, a Minister of Christian Education, or Director of Christian Education. The award will be given in addition to scholarships awarded by the Upper New York Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. A person may receive the scholarship more than once. This scholarship is made possible by the Jordan UMC in the Crossroads District. Priority is given to members of that church and members of churches in the Crossroads District, and then to any church member in the UNY Conference. Deadline to apply: May 18. For more information, Click here For the application, Click here
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District Contact Information
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Adirondack District
of the Upper New York Conference
Rev. William (Bill) Mudge, District Superintendent
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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
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