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As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.
Genesis 8:22
New International Version
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Saturday, July 19, 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
The district office phone is (518) 608-1246 and our mailing address is PO Box 511, Newtonville, NY 12128.
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: Devastating flooding in Central Texas and
A pastoral call to prayer, healing, and action in response to violence in Albany
Understanding the UMC trust clause
Introducing the New UMC Vision to your congregation: Where do I start?
Ways United Methodists can talk together about war and peace
Sign up to receive the Weekly Digest: click here
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Prayers ...
Please keep the family and friends of Elsa Sorley in your prayers. Elsa, 93, died on July 10. She was the wife of the Rev. James Sorley who served several Upper New York churches including Lake Placid: Adirondack Community Church, Clifton Park: Jonesville UMC, and others in the former Troy Conference. Per Elsa's request, there will not be a funeral or calling hours. Condolences can be sent to Elsa's daughter, Margot Sorley at 176 Mill Pond Drive, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Click here to read Elsa's obituary.
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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UNY Conference website features inspiring ministries of local church ministries
Check out these 5-minute videos highlighting inspiring, creative ministries that local churches in the Conference! Some of our churches are showing them during worship to share the Good News with their congregations.
Daija’s dolls Ministry: Eastern Parkway UMC, Schenectady (Albany District):
Click here:
First Aid Closet Ministry: Dresden UMC (Finger Lakes District)
Click here
The Feeding Hope Ministry: Pendleton Center UMC (Niagara Frontier District):
Click here
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Rio Texas Conference
Bishop gives thanks for flood response
SAN ANTONIO — In a video message, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey offers words of comfort, gratitude and hope following the devastating floods that have affected communities across the Rio Texas Conference. The conference has seen a record participation in early-response team training. Harvey leads both the Rio Texas and Texas conferences.
Watch video
Learn more about response
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A message from Rev. Abigail Browka
Associate Director of Missional Excellence for the UNY Conference
Save the Date:
AI for Ministry: A Practical Training with Jason Moore
I’m excited to share the final details of a unique opportunity this fall—a full-day, hands-on AI Training designed specifically for church leaders, pastors, and Conference staff.
This event will be led by Jason Moore, a nationally recognized expert in digital ministry and worship design. Jason has coached hundreds of churches in creative communication and recently focused his work on the responsible and practical use of AI in faith communities.
AI for Ministry: A Practical Training with Jason Moore
will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 AM – 4 PM
at the Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY
Topics will include:
· AI 101: What it is, how it works, why it matters
· Sermon & Small Group Series Design Using AI
· 10 Practical Ways to Use AI in Ministry
· Ethics & Discernment in AI Use
This training is open to all church leaders, pastors, and Conference staff—whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI tools.
More information will be shared as the date approaches.
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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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Lay Servant Course
Binghamton District offering
Advanced Course: Biblical Interpretation: A Roadmap via ZOOM or in-person
The Binghamton District Lay Servant committee is offering this course from 6 PM to 9 PM Wednesdays, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 in-person (Park Terrace UMC, 303 Pennsylvania Ave., Apalachin) OR via ZOOM.
There is no charge, but you are responsible for your book.
Register by July 31
Click to download brochure for details and registration form
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Full Guide to UMC Agencies
The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has released a series of training videos to help United Methodists learn about the Church’s general agencies and their vital work. As the administrative and financial hub of The United Methodist Church, GCFA supports these agencies in carrying out their missions—whether through disaster relief, racial justice, global outreach, or church leadership development. These videos provide insight into how each agency serves the church and its communities.
To learn more, click here.
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Do you have questions?
United Methodist Communications has Answers
Can I be confirmed online? What's the United Methodist position on rebaptism? Can a lay servant wear a robe in the pulpit? What countries have United Methodist churches? Do apportionments help pay for church camps? How do you get to heaven?
These are only a handful of the thousands of questions received by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, the information service for all things United Methodist. To read more, click here
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Collection sites needed for Red Bird Mission shoebox ministry
Please see this from Dave Alexander, who organizes efforts to transport shoeboxes to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky:
Our team of people from the Endwell UMC is gearing up for this year's collection of shoeboxes and other new items for the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.
We are looking for drop-off sites in each district where churches can drop off their collection of shoeboxes and other items for pickup by our team. We will pick up all donated items and transport them to Endwell UMC where they will be shrink-wrapped.
We would like to accomplish this during the time period of Tuesday, Nov. 11 through Wednesday Nov. 26. Our two 26-foot trucks are being packed on Saturday, Nov. 29 for travel to Kentucky on Dec. 1.
Please contact Dave if your church would be willing to be a collection site.
Email address: dave3836country@gmail.com Phone: 607-743-7786
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Pastor Anna Migera available to speak to churches
about Living For Others ministry
In the summer of 2023, a group of Tanzanians led by Pastor Anna Migera founded the non-profit Living For Others to address the extreme poverty in their communities. In partnership with international friends and supporters they are working to provide education and resources that are helping families experience a brighter future.
Along with several other churches in the Upper New York Annual Conference, Living For Others is receiving strong support from the Saratoga Springs UMC, Community UMC of Chestertown, Cobleskill UMC and Christ Church in Glens Falls. Friends of Living For Others is pleased to announce that Pastor Anna is returning to New York in August.
Anna is available to speak to your group or congregation between Aug. 3 and Aug. 12. She would love to share with you about the safe house that is being built to provide sanctuary and trainings for women and girls, the wells that have been installed, and the children that have been sponsored for a quality education.
If you are interested in having Anna speak, reach out to Val Brown at livingforotherstanz@gmail.com or Rev Roy Hansen at royhansen777@gmail.com
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3.5 hr Basic Safe Sanctuary Training
via ZOOM
Saturday, August 2
9 AM to 12:30 PM
Registration Open
and Closes July 30 @ Midnight
Registration link on Conference website. Click here.
Another class is scheduled for Nov. 1. Registration will open Oct. 1 and close Oct. 29. Details in upcoming newsletters.
A Train the Trainer class will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration will open Sept. 1 and close Oct. 1. Details in upcoming newsletters.
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UNY Missional Excellence Team offers
programs and resources
From Rev. Abigail Browka,
Associate Director of UNY Conference Missional Excellence
abigailbrowka@unyumc.org
(315) 898-2031
Greenhouse Days with Michael Beck
o Saturday, September 20: 10 am – 4 pm at Kenmore UMC
o Sunday, September 21: 1- 4 pm at Conference Center, Liverpool
o $10/person
o Register by Sept 2 at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uny/event/greenhousedays2025/
o With follow up Innovation Cohort, meeting monthly
AI Training with Jason Moore, approximately November 3-6
o Indicate Your Interest Survey at https://forms.office.com/r/gAYGY8c2C1
Preachers: Rest. Work Play. Cohorts
o Cohort 1 & Cohort 2 in progress, 10-month cohort – meets monthly
o Cohort 3 applications open, Opening Renewal Trip in Puerto Rico January 2026
o Cohort 4 & 5 applications open, Opening Renewal Trip April/early May 2026
o Applications accepted year-round at https://www.preachersrestworkplay.com/cohorts
· Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering Feb 26-28, 2026 Ocala, FL
· Preachers Project Team considering District/Regional Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. One-time events
Ongoing / Evergreen
· Coaching for New Faith Communities Planters
· Bi-annual Grant Funding for New Faith Communities, application available year-round at https://www.unyumc.org/ministries/new-beginnings-grants
· Year-round Engage New People Grant funding by application, up to $2,500, application: https://www.unyumc.org/ministries/engage-new-people-grant
· Planting Vision video starter and worksheet https://vimeo.com/961323827
Planting Vision Calendar: Click here
· God’s People: Rest. Work. Play. Journal, $4.99 on Amazon https://a.co/d/4e3n2aL
· Season of Rest Sermon Series, free https://breakthroughseries.org/series/season-of-rest
· UNY Sermon Bank https://www.unyumc.org/resources/uny-sermon-bank
God’s People: Rest. Work. Play. Text Message: A new way to renew—right from your phone. For Everyone! Sign up today for free 7-day journey focused on: 💤 Rest. ☀️ Renewal. 🎨 Play.
Sign up at https://www.preachersrestworkplay.com/reminder
Chartering Pathway information https://www.unyumc.org/ministries/guidelines-for-chartering
Church ReStart Pathway, with option of Coaching
Info Sheet: Click here
Facility Steward/Building Repurposing Opportunity
Info Sheet: Click here
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2025 Tending the Soul kicks off in September
Tending the Soul is designed to train individuals in Missional Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation. The program offers training in both one-on-one spiritual direction and group/congregational direction and formation as well as provide skills for leadership within their local congregations, districts, and conference. This year, Tending the Soul will kick off another session with its first retreat September 12-15. Applications are due by Aug. 1.
Download the brochure
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Skye Farm Camp Registration is Open
Skye Farm Summer Camp offers a variety of fun-filled programs for kids and teens ages 3-18! These full week camps are packed with adventure and fun activities for every interest:
- Swimming
- Arts & Crafts
- Basketball & Volleyball
- Hiking
… and so much more!
The camp is located in Warrensburg. Click here to view the website.
To view the offerings and to register click here
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Calling all Youth:
The Salt of the Earth Missions: Walking on Water
July 31 -August 3 in Watertown, NY
Click here for the flyer for the event
Salt of the Earth Missions: Walk on Water is an exciting opportunity for youth, who have completed grades 6-12, to spend intentional time together this summer serving, learning, and growing in their relationship with God and others. Adult chaperones for each group are fully responsible for the youth they are bringing to the event. This includes behavior, maintaining your church's Safe Sanctuary policies, supervision, and transportation throughout the weekend. All programmatic elements - service opportunities, food, fun, worship, and sleeping arrangements - will be provided by CCYM and Upper New York Missional Engagement.
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Opportunities to serve through Missional Engagement
Kristina Clark, Conference Director of Missional Engagement has compiled a list of ways for individuals and churches to become engaged in Mission. You can reach Kristina via email @ kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Click here to view details on the following:
Operation: Home Repair – Now Accepting Volunteers
Register your Mission Team through UMVIM
Love & Serve Summer Mission Guide 2025
Registration Open - Salt of the Earth Youth Missions: Walk on Water
Mustard Seed Migration Grants Now Open
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District Superintendent
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
posts a daily devotional on Facebook
Click here to view today's devotion. Debbie continues to read through Genesis. She shares how the stories in Genesis are to be understood on two levels: the family level where the characters represent individuals that make up their typical biblical families, and then the characters in the national level that represent nations composed of their descendents.
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:
Gosling
While I find this image attractive, I know that some would call this gangly gosling ugly.
Yet when fully grown it will become a majestic Canada Goose.
It is easy to make judgments concerning the worth of an individual from their capabilities and actions at a given moment in time; only to discover in the future that they have exceeded your wildest expectations.
In the words of Gloria and William Gaither “all I had to offer him was brokenness and strife, but he (God in the person of Jesus) made something beautiful of my life.”
The Bible and religious literature are full of stories of broken and flawed individuals that God’s love transforms into heroic giants. I think of Charles Colson imprisoned for his role in the Watergate scandal who became an advocate for social justice, established a large ministry to prisoners and their families, and shared a powerful witness of the redemptive power of God’s love.
“Gosling” was taken in Crossings of Colonie Park in Colonie, New York on 6/3/2025.
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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