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Saturday, July 26, 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.
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: Embark on a Journey of Prayer and Possibility: Visioning and Planning Process for congregations
Changes to Safe Sanctuaries training requirements
Save the date: AI for ministry: a practical training with Jason Moore
Explore Skye Farm Camp's upcoming camp opportunities
New worship series resource: "Both/And"
Sign up to receive the Weekly Digest: click here
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Prayers ...
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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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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Please note that the Basic Safe Sanctuaries Zoom training originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 has been postponed.
The new date for this 3.5-hour training is:
Saturday, Aug. 16
9 AM – 12:30 PM
If you have already registered, you do not need to take any further action—your registration will automatically transfer to the new date.
If you would still like to register for Aug. 16, please click here to register or, click a red button below.
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.
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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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Calvary UMC: Latham continues to be collection site for Red Bird Mission Shoebox Ministry
Looking for site(s) in Adirondack District
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 the Adirondack 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
Calvary UMC, 15 Ridge Place, Latham, a collection site in the Albany District for years, will begin accepting shoeboxes and new pillows, new full- and twin-sized sheets and new blankets and new towels in the near future. Organizer Cecilia (Cece) Broomhead is asking that all donations be delivered to the church by Nov. 3.
Look for details in next week's newsletter along with a detailed letter from Dave Alexander with instructions on packing the shoeboxes and descriptions of appropriate items to pack.
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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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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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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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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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District Superintendent
Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
posts a daily devotional on Facebook
Click here to view today's devotion. Debbie continues to read through Genesis - Chapters 33 and 34. Chapter 33 is the story of the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. We read how the person who possesses good reason for revenge and who has the power to carry out an act of revenge takes the initiative to lay aside his grievances to resolve the tension. A good lesson for all of us ...
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:
Flawed but Valued
This Day Lily certainly has its flaws but its color at the beginning of an Adirondack trail was on this Summer day was a source of great joy for me.
It is easy at times to be captivated by the physical and/or inner beauty of an item or individual despite their flaws. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to allow a person’s flaws to prevent us from seeing their inner and/or physical beauty. Ultimately, we need to look for that within them that is a true reflection of the fact that they were created in the very image of a loving God. Sometimes though, God’s image within them is hidden beneath anger, greed, or envy and can only be revealed by their encountering the power of God’s love.
God has the power to unlock that the divine in even the seemingly hopeless. In the hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton we hear of how God’s redeemed the Captain of a Slave Ship. In his words: “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”
That Amazing Grace in the person of Jesus Christ that gave John Newton forgiveness and new direction that led to him becoming a Minister is available today to all who seek it. You can read about it in the Bible and hear it proclaimed in Faith Communities. It is a precious gift free to receive and share with others.
“Flawed but Valued” was taken in the Adirondack Mountains along Putnam Creek on 7/1/2025.
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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