February 18, 2020 e-Newsletter

Finger Lakes District E-Newsletter February 18, 2020

Welcome to the Finger Lakes District e -Newsletter! Please share this with church members and staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this a useful resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Finger Lakes District.

May you have a blessed week!

Your friends at the Finger Lakes District Office,

Rev. Jeffrey McDowell, District Superintendent

Pam Deckard, Administrative Assistant

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Please contact the office email: [email protected] or phone (315-781-0188) and your messages will be responded to.

From Superintendent Jeff McDowell

"General Conference 2020: Francis beats Henry every time."

I am grieved over our loss of Christian discernment in the United Methodist Church!

To make decisions by Henry is ok, but what we really need is Francis. By Henry, I mean Henry Martyn Robert. This guy was an engineering officer in the Army who became embarrassed when asked to preside over a church meeting, not knowing how. From time to time, due to his military duties, he was transferred to various parts of the United States where he found anarchy since each member from a different part of the country had differing ideas of correct procedure. To bring order out of chaos, in 1876 he decided to write Robert's Rules of Order, as it came to be called. For better or worse, this has become the "business standard" in church life and other organizations, ever since. Mr. Robert died in 1923 but we still make major decisions using his rule. Robert's rules keep order in meetings but do not help with Christian discernment.

Voting always creates winners and losers; Jesus spoke about meekness, humility, kindness winning out in the kingdom. (Matthew 5)
Having a complicated set of rules in order to make decisions leads to confusion, requiring a "rule expert." In the Bible, rule experts were the Pharisees.
Jesus heard directly from God in prayer, and the early church relied on it.
The early church made decisions in many ways, including casting lots, following dreams and visions, but they never formed standing committees.
Discernment is a spiritual gift listed by Paul to the Corinthians.

Saint Francis was born in 1181 as Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, to a wealthy family. I think Francis can help us today. A prayer by his name is well known around the world, though it most likely came to us in the early 20th century. I believe it was based on his life of sacrifice for the sake of others. This is called the Prayer of Saint Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Christians listen: discernment begins here. Let us Love, listen, pardon, seek, trust, hope, love and give. Then God will speak to us. Put Henry to rest; Bring Francis back!

- Jeffrey McDowell, District Superintendent -

The next edition of this eNewsletter comes out on March 10, 2020. To submit an item for the newsletter, please have it to the district office 5-7 days before the post date. Thank you.

Finger Lakes Event Open to All Districts

A two-day event presenting The Most Rev. Mark MacDonald entitled: Celebrating Unity in Diversity: Converging & Diverging Theological Voices.

Friday, March 6 1:00 - 7:00 pm (dinner included)

Saturday, March 7 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (lunch included)

Auburn UMC, 99 South St, Auburn

Rev. MacDonald will address the times we are currently experiencing in the United Methodist Church and his experience with the "fluid times" that the Anglican Church experienced. There are common patterns that can help us discuss with one another our own unique perspectives and experience. His discussion will include "lessons learned" and how various issues "intersect" with one another.

Friday's session will be geared to Clergy only. Saturday we will invite Laity to join us and continue the discussion as it relates to all. The event will consist of lecture(s), panels, and group conversations.

RSVP: [email protected]

CLICK HERE for flyer and more information

Local Church Audit - The 2019 annual audit of your church financial records are due to the District Superintendents on Sunday, March 15, 2020, no later.

Preparing for General Conference 2020

The General Conference meets once every four years. This year the conference will be held May 5 through May 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The elected delegates meet to worship, pray, and conduct legislative work. Get answers to some of your questions regarding General Conference 2020 by CLICKING HERE.

General Conference in Minneapolis is about three months away. How are you preparing your congregation for this important event? Discipleship Ministries has some suggestions on prayers and where to get trusted information as we get closer to General Conference. Click here to learn more.

Stay tuned for prayers from UNY leaders related to General Conference that will be included in a weekly note, the Weekly Digest and on the Conference blog starting next month.

The Upper New York (UNY) delegates, who are headed to General Conference from May 5-15, 2020, are welcoming small groups and individuals to come and speak with them on Saturday March 14, 2020, at the UNY Conference Office in Liverpool, NY.

This is intended to be a day of listening for the UNY General Conference delegates. It's not a Question and Answer session; it's an opportunity for you to share your insights and concerns.

Individuals and small groups will be assigned to a 15-20 minute time slot.

If you would like to visit with the UNY 2020 General Conference Delegation, email Carmen Vianese, the head of the delegation, at [email protected] by March 7 and she will respond with your time slot.

IMPORTANT! All churches are receiving a payroll audit from CHURCH MUTUAL for 2019. Please fill it out and return it. It is required. Even though the insurance is changed for 2020, the payroll audit is for 2019. Kindly take care of this vital, required information. Do Not Discard/Ignore It.

Please Note:

When there are changes in the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for you, and/or any of your committee chairs, please email the district office with the changes. Thank you

DS Calendar is always changing; for best way to reach me please contact the office)

Feb. 11-19 Wesley Heritage Tour, England

Feb. 25-27 Cabinet meetings

Mar. 1 Preach Tyre, Waterloo

Mar. 2 Pastor Leadership Class

Mar. 3 Auburn Lead Team

Mar. 5 DCOM

Mar. 6,7 District Event (see flyer)

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DS Preaching twice a month, only by invitation of each church

Mar. 1 Tyre, Waterloo

Mar. 15 Cayutaville

Mar. 22 Lansing

Apr. 19 Geneva

Apr. 26 Wolcott

OUTWARD! Registration now open

OUTWARD! will be held Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, 2020 at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool.

OUTWARD!, as the names suggests, is a retreat that focuses on an outward expression of God's love. Youth groups will have an opportunity to get a taste for mission work by going on short excursions away from the hotel in which this event is hosted. During this event, youth groups will have more opportunities to do things together, and work towards creating a God-like community around them.

The cost of the event: $70 per person (youth or adult), which covers the registration and includes a YSF T-Shirt. This cost does not include meals. There are many options available locally. Hotel Rooms are $115 per room per night (up to five people per room). There is a $10 cost for a rollaway for the weekend. The number of rollaways is limited, so it is first come-first served.

Click here for registration details.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020

Changes for registration for youth and coordinators

YES, there are changes that the youth need to be aware of for this year's Annual Conference.

1) Youth equalization members need to fill out application in their own DISTRICT to be approved to attend

2) Register online with the Youth EQ form (this is new this year)

3) Cost to register is $10.00 for youth equalization members (opens Feb 28th - closes May 1st)

4) Youth will be asked about housing on the registration form - NO ONE should be calling the district office for housing questions!

5) Late fee is $75.00 this year

6) Once Betsy O'Flynn receives your registration, she will be confirming with your district that you have been approved and filled out the proper paperwork for your district- You will NOT be accepted to attend until the district says yes.

Separate, but pertaining to youth - youth coordinators MUST register online with the regular registration form; they MUST ALSO email Betsy O'Flynn ( [email protected]) to request to be housed in the Parkview. They should state what day they are arriving and what day they are departing, and if they have a specific roommate request. This request MUST be made by the deadline or they will NOT be guaranteed a room.

This same will apply to any Young Adults that would like to stay at Parkview. They will need to fill out application in their own district if applying to be an EQ member - then register online with the regular registration form; then email me to request to be housed in Parkview.

We hope this will prevent any mix-ups with youth showing up at the conference that no one knew they were coming. Thank you for assisting with this.

Equalization Members to Annual Conference

Each year additional voting members to Annual Conference are needed to balance the votes between non-clergy and clergy, in other words, make the number of non-clergy votes equal to the number of clergy votes. To achieve this, each District in the UNY Conference is allowed to select a predetermined number of extra non-clergy to vote on behalf of the District.

If you would like to serve in this capacity, please fill out the application (see link(s) below) and return it to Finger Lakes District Office. The District Superintendent and District Lay Leader will review the applications and invite some to serve. All applicants will be notified following this process. For those invited to serve as equalization members, they may register after receiving notification they are approved.

CLICK HERE for the Equalization Application for Finger Lakes District in WORD format - CLICK HERE for application in PDF format.

VIM Focusing on Recent Flooding in the Rome/Utica Area

The UNY Conference's Volunteers in Mission (UNY VIM) are looking for ERTs and others to help in the disaster relief efforts. UNY VIM is currently focusing on the Rome/Utica area and has established a semi-command post with the Red Cross and other agencies to center their planning/dispatch and overnight accommodations. Not only do they have a place to sleep, but also, the Red Cross is providing food and showers.

Click here to register to help so that the on-site team can create a plan and contact you.

Upper New York Imagine No Racism through preaching contest deadline extended

The Upper New York Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) is welcoming submissions of sermons designed to call out and dismantle racism. A panel of judges will recognize the sermon that most effectively engages and motivates listeners to imagine and build a world free of racism. The Pastor, Lay Preacher, or Deacon preaching this sermon will be honored at Annual Conference. Excerpts of the sermon will be shared in a variety of ways. The individual who delivers the winning sermon will also be given collaborative access to our Conference staff to develop a promotional video for their church.

The deadline for sermon submission has been extended to Feb. 29, 2020.

Click here to learn what judges will be looking for in the videos and to find out how to submit the videos.

Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments

Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference have the following appointment and retirement announcements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.

Insurance Carrier Changed to Brotherhood Mutual

Last week, the UNY Board of Trustees sent a letter to all churches in the UNY Conference to inform them of the plan to change the Conference's insurance carrier from Church Mutual to Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. Click here to read the letter. This change becomes effective January 1, 2020.

The Upper NY Local Pastors Licensing School for 2020 is as follows:

Date: April 19-25, 2020

Location: Camp Casowasco, Moravia, NY

Arrival time: Welcoming will begin at 4:15 on the 19th, dinner will be served at 5:30

On-line registration availability will be set up at the appropriate time.

If interpreter is required please inform me as soon as possible.

Caroline Simmons

[email protected]

Safe Sanctuaries Minimum Standards

The Minimum Standards have been established by the Upper New York Annual Conference for all ministries. They are not inspirational, but set minimum standards to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Without exception, these standards apply to all local churches/charges, district and annual conference ministries, and those who serve within. Click here for more information.

Click here to go to UNYAC safe sanctuary information.

Background Checks - will be conducted every two years.

Click here to learn more about background checks and for information on the Trusted Employees services, a corporate partner of Church Mutual.

Changes to Paid Family Leave in 2020

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, there are changes to the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit.

The number of weeks eligible employees can take remains at 10 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition or assist loved ones when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. The number of weeks eligible employees can take will continue to rise through 2021, at which time employees will be able to take up to twelve (12) weeks of job-protected, paid time off.

In 2020, the benefit increases from 55% to 60% of the employee's average weekly wage, up to a cap of 60% of the current Statewide Average Weekly Wage of $1,401.17. The maximum weekly benefit for 2020 is $840.70.

You are required to update your PFL policies reflecting the 2020 changes. You can find model language on the NYS Paid Family Leave website, in the Employer Resources section.

Click here for important reminders about Paid Family Leave within the UNY Conference.
If you have questions, contact Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or [email protected]. You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.

Important Reminders regarding Paid Family Leave

The Conference will continue to provide coverage under the group disability plan via Guardian and pay the premium.
Churches should not purchase their own coverage.
No employee contributions are to be withheld from pay and churches will not be billed.
Churches are responsible for their own claim administration as they are with disability claims.
Claim forms are available here.

If you have a payroll vendor that manages payroll, please contact them with this information and verify they will not take deductions in 2020. It is recommended that you check your pay journals the first few months to ensure that they do not add the deductions.

If you have additional questions on the New York State Paid Family Leave benefit, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or [email protected] . You may also contact Guardian directly at 1-800-268-2525.

Download the latest issue of the Bridge

The latest issue of the Bridge is now 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.

The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church. The newest volume will be listed at the top of the web page, with older volumes below.

The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact [email protected]

The Bridge is a bi-monthly publication from September-May and for the months of June-August, the Bridge is published during the week prior to the third Sunday of the month.

Sacred Sites Open House 2020

START: May 16, 2020

END: May 17, 2020

EVENT CATEGORY: Sacred Sites Open House

LOCATION : Various Statewide

About the Event:

Join us in making the New York Landmarks Conservancy's 10th Annual Sacred Sites Open House the largest to date. Our theme, Celebrating All Faiths: A Decade of Sacred Sites Open House, will shine a spotlight on the artistic, cultural, and religious diversity found in New York's historic houses of worship.

This event attracts some 10,000 visitors to hundreds of religious sites during the weekend and garners publicity across the state for the historic art, architecture, and cultural and social service programs houses of worship offer their communities throughout the year.

Is your congregation interested in opening its doors for the weekend? Please contact Ann Friedman or Christina Crichlow at [email protected] or 212.995.5260 with any questions.

To join the Friends of Sacred Sites email list send an email to the email address above, that way you will be the first to know how to register for special tours and receive an invitation to the Kick off celebration in the spring.

Click here for more information.

New Direct Bill Arrearage Policy - Effective 1/1/2020 (Impacts full-time benefits eligible pastors)

The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has approved a new arrearage policy that could have an impact on your benefits if you/your church carry an arrearage on your direct bill.

Currently, if you/your church has an arrearage on your direct bill, you likely receive notification from the Conference Office, your DS or both asking you to contact the Conference office to make payment arrangements. Some contact us; many do not.

How is this new policy different and why did the Board establish it?

Since the one-time arrearage forgiveness from the Board a few years ago, the total accumulated amount of direct bill's, UNPAID is $787,673.04. This is money that is supposed to be used to pay premiums to Wespath for your benefits. As a result of these arrearages, the CBOPHB has to pay Wespath at the end of the year out of the investment accounts. Unpaid direct bills accompanied by increasing benefit costs has not only resulted in increasing cost to the church and personal premiums from your paychecks, the Board has to continue to look at the sustainability of benefits and ways we can work together with you, so future benefits are not jeopardized for active clergy (or for current/future retiree's).

The new policy outlines the process, which now involves Wespath, as well as consequences (while active and potentially into retirement) for ongoing non-payment.

As always, we are here to care for those who serve God and God's Kingdom. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your ministry. CLICK HERE for full letter. Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources and Benefits.

New Federal W-4 Tax Form for 2020

Effective January, 1, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) redesigned the Federal W-4 Tax Form which instructs employers how much tax to withhold. The redesign is a result of the changes to the federal tax code from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which took effect in 2018.

The new federal W-4 tax form is meant to be a more accurate paycheck withholding for employees. The new form uses dollar amounts to represent credits allowed for qualified dependents instead of allowances/exemptions. CLICK HERE for the new federal W-4 tax form. CLICK HERE for more information.

Group Ruling on Tax Status

United Methodist Churches are classified as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Your church may need to prove this status to various organizations. They will be looking for your tax ID and a copy of the Group Ruling Letter. General Conference on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has automated the process for obtaining this letter.

Click here to request a copy for your church from the legal department of GCFA. You will need to provide your church's name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and approximate charger date.

Contact GCFA Legal Services Department at [email protected] with additional questions.

Episcopal Candidate Nominations Process Extended

Due to a low number of nominations, the delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conferences has decided to reopen the Episcopal candidate nominations process to invite additional candidates to be nominated. The delegation wants to specifically encourage the nomination of people of color and clergywomen. Click here to read a letter from Carmen FS Vianese, head of the UNY delegation, and the Rev. William A. Mudge.

Clergy Tax Exemptions information

Clergy who own their homes may be eligible for a tax exemption. For more information, and the Exemption Application Forms, please

CLICK HERE

Lyons UMC and the Hertzog Scholarship Fund

The Lyons UMC has money available through the Hertzog Scholarship Fund to help individuals who are pursuing studies to become full or part time ministers. For guidelines please go to our Website: lyonsumc.com for instruction on how to apply. All questions should be submitted to The Hertzog Scholarship Committee Email: [email protected]. Deadline is April 15th.

Nominations being accepted for the Denman Award

The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, the Upper New York Conference works with the Foundation for Evangelism to recognize and honor one lay and clergy member for their commitment to consistently introducing others to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Nominations are now being accepted through March 1, 2020 for clergy, laity, and youth in Upper New York to be announced at the 2020 UNY Annual Conference. Click here for a nomination form. Send all completed nomination forms to [email protected]

Applications for the Lottie Brown Grant now available

Applications for the Lottie Brown Grant for college students are now available. Preference is given to those entering some form of Christian service. A statement of the applicant's faith journey and philosophy of life is given high consideration.

All application materials for this scholarship must be postmarked by March 1, 2020. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Click here for the application and the additional materials needed to apply.

NYS Minimum Wage Increasing on Dec. 31, 2019

Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. The minimum wage will continue to increase annually until it meets $12.50/hour on Dec. 31, 2020. Future increases after 2020, will be determined by the New York State (NYS) Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year.

An updated NYS Minimum Wage poster must be posted at your work site for your employees to see by Dec. 31, 2019. Once it is available, the Conference office will post it on our Church Employer web page under Employment Law Compliance and Posters .

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at (315) 898-2017 or [email protected]

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) information. (also new number for 2020)

This year, if you or a family member find yourself going through a tough time, you can speak privately with a specialist 24/7 to help with everything from relationship concerns to trouble sleeping or stress. More good news? There's just one number to call for any question that comes up - our new number is below.

Through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can get up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year. Connect with caring support, as part of your HealthFlex benefits, for things like:

* Stress, anxiety, depression

* Workplace or relationship concerns

* Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist for you

* Child and eldercare support

* Dependency issues, like alcohol, tobacco or drugs

Call EAP

1-866-881-6800, TTY 711

Available 24/7.

What to expect:

No extra cost
EAP services are included as part of your HealthFlex benefits.
Confidentiality
All services are confidential in accordance with the law*.
Family support
Connect with help for you and your covered family members.
24/7 online resources
Get help balancing work and life on liveandworkwell.com using access code: HealthFlex

Prayer Retreat

The Seneca Falls United Methodist Church, located at 2 Chapel St. in Seneca Falls, is holding a Prayer Retreat on Sat., Feb. 29, 2020 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Keith Kristich will lead participants in the contemplative spiritual practice of "centering prayer" through Scripture readings, focused meditation, personal reflection, and small group discussion. This workshop is a continuation of a similar retreat that Keith conducted in 2019. Previous attendance is not required, however.

Keith is a certified Contemplative Prayer and Retreat Leader with private practices in Buffalo and Orchard Park, NY. He teaches centering prayer and meditation to individuals and groups and does life coaching "from the inside out." The cost of this workshop is $6.00, which includes materials and snacks. To register, please contact the church office at: 315-568-6306 or [email protected].

UNYUMC Media Resource Center

If you've never used the Media Resource Center before, I invite you to give us a try. Funded by your Shared Ministry dollars, we can supply you with small group discussion materials, Bible studies, children and youth curriculum, adult curriculum, and a myriad of subjects such as stewardship, evangelism, social issues and VBS materials, just to name a few. Our quick and easy online ordering is just a click away. You can add things to a "shopping cart", then once submitted, you'll receive an email with your invoice attached. We send your order through the USPS and we'll supply the mail back envelopes and label with instructions on mailing. Your only cost is the postage to return it. Please feel free to search our online catalog. If I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to give me a call at 315-898-2027 or email me at [email protected]. CLICK HERE for our latest newsletter.

Mission U information

There are two upcoming Mission u in the Upper New York Conference for 2020:

Greetings,

Our Mission u Team is excited about the upcoming Mission u event this summer from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18, 2020 which will be held in Rochester, NY at Covenant United Methodist Church. This year we will have programming for children and youth, so I hope you will consider bringing your kids and grandkids along. Obviously housing will be at various nearby hotels or other locations. We will be making recommendations for those of you who cannot commute. Scholarships are available for first time attendees, so encourage your friends to try us out. Please note: Mission u is for everyone - male and female, pastor or laity - not just UMW members.
Ellen Klock, Dean

Connie Chantry, Assistant Dean

Save the Dates:

2020 UNY UMW Mission u - Silver Bay, September 11 - 13, 2020

We are looking forward to another inspiring and fun-filled Mission u event this year at Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks Conference and Family Retreat Center on beautiful Lake George in Silver Bay, NY. Our Dean, Ilah Sisson Walser, and Assistant Dean, Brooke Conklin, are working with the Upper New York United Methodist Women Executive Team to plan the event and will send more details as soon as they are available. For now, please save the dates and plan to come to this year's event on Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2029. See you there!

Spiritual Growth Study - Leader: Marty Fischer

Finding Peace in an Anxious World

Youth Study: Managing Anxiety (Leader: Michael Terrell)

Children's Study: Managing Your Emotion (Leader: Tammy Verity)

Issue Study - Leaders: Leeda Marsh & Valerie Clark

Pushout: The Criminalization of Girls in Schools

Greetings, Finger Lakes District Women!

Please share this Finger Lakes District 2020 Winter Newsletter with others in your church or local UMW unit who do not have email.

You'll find lots of information about our two upcoming FLD UMW meetings, Day Apart and a "Mini" Mission Study as well as the upcoming North East Jurisdiction UMW Event in Baltimore Maryland, and our FLD UMW Annual Banquet!! Please note: the Banquet is at a new venue this year!! We'll be hosted by Killian's at the Holiday Inn in Waterloo!

Attached find two documents:

1. The FLD UMW 2020 Winter Newsletter CLICK HERE

2. Flyer and Registraton for Bus Transportation to the NE Jurisdiction UMW Event in Baltimore, MD. CLICK HERE

You may contact President Mary Anjo for more information about our FLD UMW events. [email protected] or 315 573-0553.

Marcia Waterman

Communications

FLD UMW

[email protected]

Upper New York Conference - Safe Sanctuaries® Team

SAFE SANCTUARIES® TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday, March 7, 2020 Webster UMC (Genesee Valley District)

169 East Main Street, Webster, NY

Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries® Training

WHO: Individuals with responsibility for reducing the risk of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in the churches' ministries such as pastors, youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible School coordinators, music leaders, after-school program workers, home visitors, respite care workers.

WHAT: The goal of this course is reducing the risk of abuse. This basic course satisfies Upper New York's Minimum Standard that all adults who have regular and direct contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults are Safe Sanctuaries trained. This course will not directly assist in Safe Sanctuaries policy and procedure development nor does it address topics related to "sanctuary churches," sexual harassment, or active shooters.

This course is a prerequisite for Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries Training of Trainers.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7 9:00 a.m.- noon with registration from 8:45-8:55 a.m.

PRE-REGISTER by March 1. Contact Pastor Christine Mitchell at [email protected] with name, church and email address; also a phone number in case class is cancelled due to weather.

There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.

Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries® Training of Trainers

WHO: Individuals interested in facilitating Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries Training as part of their District training team and/or for their local church.

WHEN: Saturday, March 7 1:00-4:00 p.m. with lunch provided to those participating in both morning and afternoon sessions. Please make dietary needs known when you register.

PRE-REQUESITE: Upper NY's 3-hour Safe Sanctuaries Training is a prerequisite for Training of Trainers. This needs to be completed sometime since June 2016 and must be the standard learning station format facilitated by a certified UNY Safe Sanctuaries trainer. This is non-negotiable.

ALSO Members of the District training team should be affirmed by their District Superintendent.

Advanced Lay Servant course credit and Continuing Education credits for clergy is available.

There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.

PRE-REGISTER for one or both courses by March 1. Contact Christine Mitchell at [email protected] with name, church and email address; also a phone number incase class is cancelled due to weather conditions.

QUESTIONS should be directed to Carol Barnes at [email protected] or 607-687-4793

Upper New York Conference - Safe Sanctuaries® Team

SAFE SANCTUARIES® TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Horseheads UMC (Mountain View District)

1034 W. Broad Street, Horseheads, New York

Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries® Training

This course is a prerequisite for Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries Training of Trainers.

There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14 9:00 a.m.- noon with registration from 8:45-8:55 a.m.

PRE-REGISTER by contacting Patti Gridley, District Administrative Assistant, at [email protected] or 607-962-8047 with your name, church, and email address; also a phone number in case class is cancelled due to weather.

There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.

Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries® Training of Trainers

WHO: Individuals interested in facilitating Upper NY's Safe Sanctuaries Training as part of their District training team and/or for their local church.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14 1:00-4:00 p.m. with lunch provided to those participating in both morning and afternoon sessions. Please make dietary needs known when you register.

ALSO Members of the District training team should be affirmed by their District Superintendent.

Advanced Lay Servant course credit and Continuing Education credits for clergy is available.

There is no charge as Ministry Shares benevolences from local churches cover the expenses.

PRE-REGISTER for one or both courses by contacting Patti Gridley, District Administrative Assistant, at [email protected] or 607-962-8047 with your name, church, and email address; also a phone number in case class is cancelled due to weather.

QUESTIONS : Questions should be directed to Carol Barnes at [email protected] or 607-687-4793