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Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Regular District Office hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays; 8 AM to 5:30 PM except Thursdays, 8 AM to 2:30 PM.
To have your event or classified published, please send information to carrieboyer@unyumc.org
Please note! The district office phone is (518) 608-1246.
Our NEW mailing address is:
Adirondack/Albany District, c/o Upper NY Conference Center,
7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088
Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, can be reached at (518) 391-3215 and debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org
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This week's Weekly Digest articles include:
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor:Urges churches to avoid endorsement of political parties and candidates
AI for Ministry: A hands on workshop with Jason Moore: Register by Oct. 25
Grants available to support racial ethnic local church ministries
Introducing Church Chat: A new original video resource series for United Methodists of Upper New York.
Stitched with care: Read about Ballston Spa UMC's special ministrythat provides gifts of comfort for children receiving care at Shriners Hospitals.
New video explains DCOM process updates
How to be a disciple who makes disciples
Sign up to receive the Weekly Digest: click here
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Prayers ...
Please continue to hold Pastor Malcolm Snell (Dannemora UMC and Lyon Mountain UMC in the Adirondack District and Burke UMC in the Northern Flow District) in your prayers. Malcolm's brother Thomas (Tom) Snell died on July 24. Cards of condolence can be sent to Malcolm at 186 Goddeau Rd., Cadyville, NY 12918. Read Tom's full obituary here.
Please continue to keep our District Superintendent the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl and her family in your prayers. Debbie's brother Daniel Sweet died on July 22 while hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was also the uncle to Pastor Paul Sweet, serving Pawling Ave. UMC and Christ UMC in Troy. Daniel was also the son of Rev. Burtt E. and Marilyn Sweet. Click here to read Daniel’s obituary. Cards of condolence can be sent to Debbie at her home address, 46 Grey Fox Dr., Fort Edward, NY 12828.
Please continue to keep Pastor Larry Russell (Christ UMC: Johnsonville in the Albany District) in your prayers as he recovers from knee replacement surgery. Cards of care and concern can be sent to Larry at 51 Church St., Schuylerville, NY 12871.
Please continue to keep Rodger and Sally White in your prayers as Rodger moves deeper into his cognitive decline. Cards of care and concern can be sent to them at 186 Rugar St., Apt. 18, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
Please continue to keep retired pastor, the Rev. Dick Johnsen, and his wife Carol in your prayers.
Please continue to keep retired pastor, the Rev. Paul Dufford and his wife Sylvia Dufford in your prayers as they continue to face health issues.
If you have a prayer concern, or a joy, that you would like to share, please contact Carrie Boyer at carrieboyer@unyumc.org. If you would like to receive cards of care and concern, please include your mailing address.
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Charge Conference Forms Platform to open Wednesday
Pastors and church leaders will receive information next week on the 2025 Forms Platform. You will be able to login and begin work on church conference forms that will be due Oct. 1. We have made some improvements to the platform thanks to input from clergy and laity after the new platform was introduced last year.
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UNY Conference seeks Superintendency Administrative Assistant for the Adirondack and Albany Districts
The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church is hiring a full-time Superintendency Administrative Assistant based in Liverpool, NY. This position provides critical administrative and logistical support to district superintendents, serving as the connection between the regional office and local churches. Core responsibilities include supporting clergy appointments, coordinating charge conferences, managing district events, ensuring timely reporting, and facilitating communication between church leadership and Conference staff in support of the Conference’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Carrie is retiring on Aug. 30.
Click here to apply.
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Certified Lay Minister Course to be offered this fall:
Information session Aug. 16 via ZOOM
An intensive lay leadership course that will equip you to provide leadership in your local church and/or other churches in your District is being offered this Fall by a team of individuals in the Albany and Adirondack Districts.
The course will equip you to use your gifts to lead small groups, offer more assistance to your pastor, or be assigned to work with a Coordinating Pastor to provide leadership in a small church for which an ordained clergy person or local pastor is not available to be appointed as their pastor.
This United Methodist approved course will make you eligible to become a Certified Lay Minister. It is an intensive 78-hour course, tentatively scheduled to begin this September and end in June.
A prerequisite for this course is to be a Certified Lay Servant. Lay Servant Courses are announced in the Distrct Newsletter. You can also contact the District Office for details on upcoming Lay Servant courses. (carrieboyer@unyumc.org or (518) 608-1246).
A detailed informational session with the opportunity to ask questions and finalize details on scheduling will be offered via Zoom. If interested, please email Rev. David E. Smith, revdavid7611@yahoo.com. Please include your name, email address, and the church that you’re a member of. You will be emailed a link for the Zoom meeting tentatively scheduled for 10 AM Saturday, Aug. 16.
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Lay Servant Courses
(New) Advanced Course Offered: Ministry with the Forgotten "Dementia through a Spiritual Lens"
10-hour course to be held from 6 PM to 8 PM Thursdays,
Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13
Offered both in-person at Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Rd., Queensbury and via Zoom (Link will be provided when all applicants have responded)
We ask that you respond by Sept. 27. Class size is limited.
Facilitated by: Rev. Dr. Meredith Vanderminden, Lay Servant Brian Ethington and Certified Lay Minister Paula McMahon
Please register with the Queensbury United Methodist Church at office@umcq.org or by calling (518) 793-9728
The book, "Ministry with the Forgotten: Dementia Through a Spiritual Lens,"can be purchased through Cokesbury or Amazon. Aurhor: Kenneth L. Carder
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Advanced Lay Servant Course:
Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (Heritage Course)
Monday evenings Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Sept. 15, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 via ZOOM
Facilitator: Adirondack District Lay Leader Bruce France
Are you ready to take a deeper dive into what it means to be Methodist? The Advanced Lay Servant Ministries course Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, designed for those seeking to enrich their faith and lead with clarity in our Wesleyan tradition is being offered via Zoom.
The course will be held via Zoom, on Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM on August 25, September 8, 15, 22, and 29, and is a required Certified Lay Speaker Course.
This engaging and informative course explores the rich theological heritage of John Wesley and the foundations of United Methodist doctrine. Participants will gain insight into core beliefs, learn how theology shapes our practice, and be equipped to communicate our faith with grace and understanding. Certified Lay Servants pursuing advanced coursework and church members interested in United Methodist doctrine and practice are invited to attend.
To register or ask questions, contact Bruce France, bfrance70@outlook.com or (518) 441-9584.
Registration fee: $20 plus purchase of the book.
For the registration form, click here.
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Basic Lay Servant 10-hour Course
The Rev. Heather Williams will be facilitating a Basic Lay Servant Course at the Saratoga Springs UMC, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs.
This is a 10-hour class, meeting on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 9 AM to 2 PM and on Sunday, Aug. 24 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with worship counting as another hour. Worship is at 10 AM.
Please contact Rev. Heather Williams if interested.
Call or text (315) 391-3500 (leave a message).
For Participant Book Click Here
To visit the church's website, click here.
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Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Aug. 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2 and Sept. 9
6 PM to 8 PM
Offered via Google Meet (must have a Google account)
Facilitated by Pastor Donna Fitchette from the Northern Flow District
Please register with the Northern Flow District Office at
tammymcadam@unyumc.org
The book can be purchased at Amazon here
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With support from United Women in Faith, the organization Milijuli Samaj in Nepal helps women through education and financial credits to build a better future.
hoto Credit: Paul Jeffrey
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United Women in Faith:
July/August Voices from the Field
Voices from the Field is a virtual conversation series with those whose work is supported by United Women in Faith's Mission Giving. Read more from Shannon Priddy in the July/August 2025 issue of response.
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Discipleship Ministries of the UMC
Budgeting for Music and Worship Arts
Behind every powerful worship moment — whether it’s a stirring song, a moving image, or a seamless AV setup — there is a budget that makes it all possible.
Join us as we unpack practical tools, templates, and storytelling strategies to help you build a worship arts budget that’s not just about dollars, but about discipleship.
Register today to start budgeting with purpose!
Learn More and Register!
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Update Your Church/Committee information
Please take time and check the Conference website to make sure your church information is up-to-date. Click here for the church directory.
Please check your contact information and worship times.
If you'd like to add a link for your website or Facebook page, send it along!
Please send updates to Carrie in the district office at carrieboyer@unyumc.org
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Fall Book Study – led by Rev. Phil Richards
Plattsburgh United Methodist Church
It's almost time to kick off our 2025 Fall Book Study, "Sacred Resistance" by Ginger Gaines Cirelli! In the midst of polarized communities and nations, religious leaders across the theological spectrum are seeking help with how to respond and lead in troubled times.
The need for courage to speak out and act is ever-present, because every generation faces a new set of fears and troubles. Author Ginger Gaines-Cirelli pastors a church in the heart of Washington DC, adjacent to the White House, which actively works to bring justice and help for marginalized communities, refugees and immigrants, and the endangered earth. She inspires and leads this work through preaching and by organizing and developing strong leaders, deeply rooted in a well-developed theological understanding. Pastoral warmth and compassion characterize the recommended practices.
We will gather on Mondays, either afternoon from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM or Monday evening from 7 PM to 8:15 PM, via ZOOM. To get the most out of our time together, be sure to purchase the book and read the chapters indicated below ahead of time, so we can dive right into discussion! A discussion guide will be provided in early September. The book is available at various retailers online.
Sign up with Diane P. (Registar) – (luv2garden5@gmail.com) –Let her know if you are interested in Monday afternoons or evenings
September 15: Preface/Introduction
September 22: Contours and Commitments
September 29: Caring for the Good of All
October 6: A Way of Life for the Church
October 20: Prophetic Guidance for the Living of These Days
October 27: Stop Speaking "Smooth Things"
November 3: What do We Do?
November 10: Fueling the Resistance: Guarding Against Burnout
Wednesday, November 19: 7 PM on ZOOM: An evening with Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli
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Basic Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16
9 AM – 12:30 PM
If you would like to register for Aug. 16, please click here to register
If you are unable to attend on Aug. 16, you are welcome to register for the next available training, which will be held on: Saturday, Nov. 1
Click here to register for the November training.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping our children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
This course was originally scheduled for Aug. 2, but was rescheduled.
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Changes to Safe Sanctuaries training requirements
Effective immediately, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be required to renew their Safe Sanctuaries training every five (5) years in order to remain in compliance. This is a change from the current minimum standards. The new training requirement is designed to ensure that everyone serving in Upper New York ministries remains equipped with current best practices for creating safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments.
Learn more
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UNY Greenhouse Days 2025
Practical tools. Fresh ideas. Renewed Ministry
Fall 2025 Dates & Locations
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Saturday, September 20 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Kenmore United Methodist Church (near Buffalo)
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Sunday, September 21 | 1 – 4 p.m.
- United Methodist Center, Liverpool, NY
What are Greenhouse Days?
Back by popular demand after drawing over 100 participants last fall, Greenhouse Days is designed to help churches of all sizes and settings discover new ways of being church. Through real-life stories, collaborative learning, and interactive sessions, you'll explore how existing congregations can spark fresh expressions of faith in their own communities.
These events offer:
- Practical tools for ministry
- Creative inspiration from real-life examples
- Collaborative learning
Meet Our Facilitator
Rev. Dr. Michael Beck is a nationally recognized leader in the Fresh Expressions movement. He serves as Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary and co-pastors multiple ministries in Florida with his wife, Jill—spanning from traditional congregations to fresh expressions in dog parks, salons, burrito joints, and digital spaces.
Cost to attend: $10
Registration deadline: September 2
Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uny/event/greenhousedays2025/
Not sure if it’s for you?
Greenhouse Days are designed for everyone—whether you’re brand-new to Fresh Expressions or looking to grow a movement in your church. You’ll leave with tangible ideas and a network of support.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Abigail Browka, Director of New Faith Communities and Innovation:
✉️ AbigailBrowka@unyumc.org
🎥 Watch Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez’s invitation to Greenhouse Days:
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Calvary UMC: Latham to once again be collection site for Red Bird Mission Shoebox Ministry
Looking for more site(s) in Adirondack District or in other parts of the Albany District
The Red Bird Missionary Conference in Beverly, Kentucky is one of
three United Methodist missionary conferences in the US. It is the most comprehensive mission effort of the United Methodist Church, providing outreach and service that minister to the whole person (spiritual, physical, social, economic) to the people of the Appalachian Mountains area.
Once again, the Mission team at Endwell UMC in the Binghamton District is coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission. The Calvary UMC: Latham is alrady a major drop-off site. We are looking for churches in the Adirondack District that would be willing to be a collection site, or in other regions of the Albany District. If your church would be willing to be a collection site, please contact Dave Alexander @ dave3836country@gmail.com Phone: (607) 743-7786. His team will pick up all donated items and transport them to Endwell UMC where they will be shrink-wrapped. They would likely be picking up shoeboxes in mid-November. Look for more details in upcoming newsletters.
Instructions:
The Red Bird Mission would like the items placed in clear plastic shoebox-sized storage containers with locking lids. Please do not wrap the shoeboxes. Also, it is helpful to the Mission of you clearly label each shoebox (i.e. Adult male; Adult female or Boy or Girl and the age range.)
The Mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets and new blankets (full- and twin-size) and new bath towels. Used items cannot be accepted. Books, school supplies, new backpacks and cleaning supplies are needed as well.
Sample labels are attached here. Please tape the label to the TOP of the box. Also, please put $1.50 in an envelope and tape it to the outside of the box.
Suggested items to place in shoeboxes: Click here.
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, will begin accepting shoeboxes and other items listed above on Monday, Aug. 4. Donations can be dropped off at the church between 8:30 AM and 3 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or contact organizer Cecilia (Cece) Broomhead @ (518) 577-0985 or ccb1018@nycap.rr.com to set up an alternate time or for more information. All donations must be delivered to the church by Nov. 3.
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Last call to pick up free materials from
Conference Resource Center
Don’t miss your final opportunity to pick up materials from the Media Resource Center. Head over to the Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool from 10 AM to Noon on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 to browse and take home any available materials you may want or need at no cost. Whether you’re looking for books, study guides, or ministry tools, this is the perfect opportunity to stock up before everything is cleared out. First come, first served—see you there! For more information, contact Jordan Osborne at jordanosborne@unyumc.org
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Mustard Seed Migration Grants Now Open
UMCOR and Global Ministries are offering $2,000 grants to 100 U.S. United Methodist churches for new migrant/refugee ministry projects. These seed grants help churches welcome migrants and build lasting community ministries. Apply early to ensure consideration.
Details:
· One-time community service projects
· Rolling applications through Sept. 1, 2025
· First-come, first-served basis
· 4-week notification period
Apply and see more information here
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District Superintendent
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
posts a daily devotional on Facebook
Click here to view today's devotion. Debbie starts the reading of Exodus - more foundational stories. And a reminder that Salvation is God doing for us what we cannot do ourselves ...
Read through the New Testament with Rev. Bill Mudge
Debbie is also sharing Rev. Bill Mudge's daily readings of the New Testament. He will do this every weekday in 2025 and by the end of the year if you follow along, you will have read the entire New Testament. You can also visit Bill Mudge's Facebook page to join along with the readings by clicking here.
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The Rev.
David Smith's
Photo Devotion:
Reactions
While the Captain of a sailing ship can’t control the direction or intensity of the wind, they can control how they react to it.
A light wind can be compensated for by more sail, while a wind blowing in a direction opposite of one’s desired direction can be overcome by a series of maneuvers called tacking.
While as people of faith we aren’t promised we will never encounter problems, we are promised that God can give us the tools to cope with them. When we trust in God, we can even discover that God can enable all things to work together for good.
Problems may come as the result of the existence of evil and our free will; God can enable the events of our life to work together for good.
“Reactions” was taken in on Lake Champlain on 9/4/2006.
I have done more than 1,800 Daily Photo Devotions, most of which can be seen on my blog Daily Photo Devotions (wordpress.com).
Shalom,
David E. Smith, Pastor
Mayfield & Northampton at Fish House United Methodist Churches
Phone or Text: 518-572-4051
Email: revdavid76@gmail.com
You can find this and other devotions in my blog at www.adirondacksights.wordpress.com. You can also find more of my pictures on my web site www.revdavidimages.com.
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