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June 15th 2023 Oneonta District UMC Newsletter
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 4 PM for Thursday publication, to: Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org
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TONIGHT, June 15th at 7 p.m.
Churches may be eligible for COVID-era credits
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is alerting churches that may qualify for Employee Retention Credits because they retained lay employees and continued to pay FICA/Social Security taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that paid health care premiums for clergy during the pandemic may also qualify for credits. The Conference will present information via a Zoom meeting at TONIGHT, June 15th at 7 p.m.
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Together in Worship next Tuesday
Join United Methodists of Upper New York on Facebook Live next Tuesday, June 20 at 9 a.m. for Together in Worship. Once a month, a group of clergy, laity, and staff gather at the United Methodist Center for a worship service. Everyone anywhere is encouraged to join online.
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Are you subscribed to UNY Notes?
UNY Notes are targeted email blasts in nine categories. You can receive emails from all categories or just those that interest you. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to “From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez,” "Alerts," and “Announcements,” to be sure that you are getting the most important news right away.
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Conference News & Information | |
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All things Annual Conference
Access resources related to this year’s Annual Conference by visiting the 2023 Annual Conference webpage. There, you will find livestream recordings, daily notes, Annual Conference articles, and videos.
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New logo aligns with vision
Did you notice the new logo at the top of this issue of the Digest? This is part of Bishop Héctor’s vision of seeing ourselves as people, not an institution. Check out our logo reveal!
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Save the Date: August 17 United Methodist Friends Night at the Ballpark
Don’t miss out on the fun of connecting with your siblings in Christ at the ballpark! The year, Syracuse United Methodist Ministries will be sponsoring the 43rd annual United Methodist Family and Friends Night at the Ballpark. Gather on the field at 6.15 p.m. to sing the National Anthem from home plate. Bishop Héctor will throw out the first pitch at about 6:20 p.m. The game starts at 6:35 p.m. where the Syracuse Mets take on the Columbus (Ohio) Clippers.
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Podcasts around UNY
Upper New York is home to many podcasts. Check out some of the other podcasts created by different ministries and hosted by different pastors in UNY. Have a podcast not featured on our list? Email news@unyumc.org with a link and short description.
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New Superintendency Administrative Assistant structure
to begin July 1
As previously announced, the United Methodists of Upper New York will begin a new structure for District Superintendents and District Administrative Assistants (AAs) on July 1, 2023. Six exceptional AAs have been assigned to the districts they will serve. Extreme gratitude is expressed to the four AAs who are embarking on the next chapters of their lives.
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Bishop Burgos Núñez announces clergy appointments
After the prayerful discernment of the Upper New York Cabinet, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez announces the following appointments. All appointments, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries | |
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Native American Family Camp coming to UNY
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Native American Ministries is (CONAM) is excited to announce Native American Family Camp is coming to Asbury Retreat Center July 20-23. This is the first time Family Camp is being held since the start of COVID-19 and it’s being held in the northeast. Family Camp is all about sharing Native culture, engaging in worship, and sharing stories. CONAM is offering scholarships for those who want to attend. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is June 15.
Apply now
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On the Mission: When Nature Calls podcast wrap up
Season 2 of our On the Mission podcast, which focused on camping, wraps up. Interim Executive Director of Upper New York Camp and Retreat Ministries, Rev. Pam Harris, sits down with the Rev. Corey Turnpenny and the Rev. Anna Blinn Cole as they reminisce about their days at camp.
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Training & Education Opportunities | |
It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent course returns
Discipleship Ministries is excited to announce the return of their popular online course for local church leaders: It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Helping the Church Community Empower Families. This course is taught through six self-paced sessions.
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Safe Sanctuaries Training Opportunities
There are a handful of Safe Sanctuaries® training opportunities coming up, including two basic training courses as well as one training of trainers opportunity via Zoom. Registration for each event opens one month prior to the training date. If you have questions, email to safesanctuaries@unyumc.org
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NOTE- Safe Sanctuaries trainings and policy clarification
How often does the three-hour basic training for Safe Sanctuaries need to be taken?
This question has been coming up quite a bit lately for Chris Mitchell and Arlene Schmidt, Upper New York (UNY) Conference Committee on Safe Sanctuaries, Co-Chairs.
Chris and Arlene would like to clarify. Each person who works with children, youth, and vulnerable adults both hired and volunteer, as well as all clergy persons MUST attend the UNY Safe Sanctuaries Basic Training only ONCE. As the policy as it is currently written is unclear about that, the committee will be taking this time to review the policy and minimum standard to update and make it more clear.
Please keep in mind that is the minimum standard of the UNY Conference; however, the local church can state that each person needs to take the training more than one time. It is recommended that each church and their committee on Safe Sanctuaries review the policy of their local church.
And remember, any training taken prior to 2011 when the Minimum Standards of Safe Sanctuaries were created is not valid, it must be the three-hour basic training which is provided by the Upper New York Conference.
There are several Safe Sanctuaries trainings available this year via Zoom.Click here for the full list of trainings.
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Oneonta district offering a Basic Lay Servant course | |
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Basic Course:
July 22, 9am-3pm, July 29 9am-1pm
In-person at Morris UMC
Led by Penny Harrington, Certified Lay Minister
Required Textbook:
Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book
By Sandy Jackson ISBN 13: 9780881776263
The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course discusses processes to help individuals discern and respond to God’s particular call on their lives. It encourages each person to recognize and employ his or her spiritual gifts for the church to become what God intended it to be. This course invites participants to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in discipleship. It offers guidelines for optimal communication in leadership and presents numerous types of ministries in which lay servants may assume roles. Throughout the study, thoughtful questions provide excellent opportunities for individual consideration and group discussion.
To register or for more information, email Penny at pennynharrington@gmail.com
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Adirondack District Offering Lay Servant Courses
Adirondack Lay Servant Ministries has added some courses to the 2023 schedule.
Please remember that you MUST attend all class times and dates to receive credit.
All registrations and course fees MUST be in by the date due.
For a registration form or for more information, contact Arlene Schmidt, arlenedschmidt@gmail.com For more information about the courses (books, etc.) click here for the updated brochure.
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration open. Last day to register: June 22
Tuesdays: July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitators: Jacqueline Kim, CLM & Paula McMahon, CLM
Advanced Course: Leading Worship
Registration opens June 19. Last day to register: July 12.
Mondays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, & 28: 6-9
ZOOM: Fee: $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Leading Prayer
Registration opens July 13. Last day to register: Aug. 5
Thursdays: August 24, 31, Sept 14, 21 & 28: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Polity
Registration opens July 25. Last day to register: Aug. 17
Tuesdays: September 5, 12, 19, & 26: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Pastor Bruce Hazard
Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Registration opens August 24. Last day to register: Sept. 16
Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, & Nov 2: 6-9pm
Zoom: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
Advanced Course: Called to Preach
Registration opens September 26. Last day to register: Oct. 19
Tuesdays: November 7, 14, 28, Dec. 5 & 12: 6-9pm
ZOOM: Fee $15
Facilitator: Jacqueline Kim, CLM
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Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar.
That information is as follows:
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses.
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Applications now open for UMHEF scholarships
Paying for college can be stressful. For many families, affording higher education is the number one factor when deciding which school a student will attend.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarships help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending United Methodist-related institutions. In rare cases, awards are also given to students attending other schools.
Click here to learn about the different types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, and to apply.
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‘Engage New People Grant’ available
The Upper New York New Faith Communities' Team is excited to announce the “Engage New People Grant” to benefit local churches in the Upper New York Conference that are working to Engage New People not already in their church/ministry. New Faith Communities Conference-wide purpose is to reach people outside the Church in new and contextual ways.
Grants will be available up to $2,500 to help local churches and ministries. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis in 2023. Churches and ministries may apply for up to $2,500 during one calendar year. Please expect 60 days to review your application.
Click here to apply for the “Engage New People Grant.”
Upon completing the application, the New Faith Communities' team will reach out to the pastor/lead planter of the church and/or contact person listed to confirm your submission.
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New District Superintendent structure
As Upper New York (UNY) Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez previously announced, the UNY Conference will switch from nine to six District Superintendents effective July 1, 2023. On June 30, 2023, the current Crossroads and Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Nola Anderson; Mohawk District Superintendent, the Rev. Abel Roy; and the Rev. Ted Anderson, who has been serving as Interim District Superintendent for the Genesee Valley District, will complete their terms. The six remaining District Superintendents will generally be serving two districts.
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Disaffiliation policy updated
The Upper New York Conference disaffiliation policy has been updated, clarifying some procedures needed for local churches interested in disaffiliation. It also clarifies the Cabinet’s oversight of the discernment process and the role of the pastor in this process.
The Terms of Disaffiliation established by the Conference Board of Trustees are unchanged from the previous version.
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Bishop Héctor reflects on disaffiliation
Since last year, eight churches have disaffiliated from Upper New York Conference and more than than a dozen more requests are expected to come for consideration at the March 25 virtual Special Session. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez reflects on the process, offering clarification.
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Sabbath Life retreats in UNY
These monthly one-day retreats focus on learning and developing a Sabbath practice, connecting with God in Creation, and connecting with others. Sabbath Life retreats will be starting in Upper New York at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center next month.
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Save the Date Mission u 2023 | |
Adult Study Book: Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma
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UNY Mission Central Hub News | |
NOTICE: Please direct all questions regarding the Mission Central HUB to:
Kristina Clark
Director of Missional Engagement
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Direct Line: 315.898.2066
Cell: 570.267.5711
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Job Openings in the Upper New York Conference
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For questions: please contact Tracy Rickett,
Human Resources Generalist
Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
Direct Line: 315.898.2017
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Severe mental illness in the church course
This course taught via Blackboard explores ministry within the church to those with severe mental illness. Learners will examine the prevalence of mental illness, the difference between the more common mental illnesses and severe mental illness, and the efficacy of treatment for mental illness. The course runs from June 19-30.
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Free outreach tools for churches
Invite your neighbors to worship and celebrate with you using customizable outreach tools. For a limited time, United Methodist Communications is giving churches a $200 credit for promotional tools. You can create the design and customize items with your church's name, website, worship times, or anything else. There is no minimum amount you need to spend to receive the credit. Just use the promo code UMCFA23 at checkout. Act fast as this is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be used once per church.
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Grow your church with #SeeAllThePeople guides
See All the People is a movement of United Methodists who have decided to keep their focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. See All the People offers dozens of free resources that can help you grow your church. A great place to start is with these four guides: Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations, Engaging Your Community: A Guide to Seeing All The People, Forming Disciples Through Worship, and Online Discipleship.
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#SeeallthePeople Resource: What we can learn from the Black Church
In a 2020 blog written by the late Rev. Junius Dotson he explains how as we think about the future of discipleship, we should consider the African American church tradition. The love, the faithfulness, and the discipleship in the Black Church offer aspirational insight into how all of our church relationships can look.
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Focus on fresh content for spring
United Methodist Communications has a social media shareable library to help your church increase its online presence. Discover unique graphics for all your church’s spring and Easter celebrations, and graphics for all occasions!
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10 ways to engage people who worship online
How can congregations better engage people who worship online? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshipers.
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Media Resource Center
The Media Resource Center is a free lending library funded by designated donations and run by a dedicated volunteer group. There are a multitude of DVD studies, curriculum, and support materials for your use. Resources are available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Click here for the online ordering catalog. Please allow for a timely response as the Resource Center is staffed on a part-time basis.
Each month, the Media Resource Center publishes a newsletter with updates and study suggestions. Click here to access the most current newsletter.
Visit the website at: http://www.unyumc.org/resources/media-resource-center
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New York Releases Revised Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy & Training
May 2023/By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL), in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights, recently released a revised sexual harassment model policy. At the same time, the DOL released a revised model sexual harassment prevention training, which includes changes similar to those made to the policy.
Action Items
Churches should review and update their sexual harassment policies and ensure that they meet the minimum standards outlined in the updated model policy or adopt the model policy provided by the NYSDOL. NYS has not provided a specific date for employers to update their sexual harassment prevention policy but it is recommended it be updated within a reasonable amount of time.
Churches should conduct annual training for all employees using the updated training materials.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Employer legal updates for 2023
With the end of 2022 has come (and will come) significant legal changes. It’s hard to keep up-to-date on all the new workplace laws that are in effect. Tracy Rickett, the Upper New York Human Resources Generalist, has you covered!
Click here for laws related to posting requirements. Click here for three laws related to leave. Click here to learn the pay requirements for exempt employees and a new law requiring pay transparency. Click here to learn about the Human Rights Law update. Click here to learn about amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act.
With these many new requirements, now is a good time to dust off your handbooks and update them if you have not done so recently. Tracy Rickett is happy to draft or review any handbooks or other policies for legal compliance. You can contact her at tracyrickett@unyumc.org or (315) 898-2017.
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Certificates of Insurance for your Church
Please refer to the link below to obtain a certificate of insurance for your church - they are only good for one year.
Please refer any questions to Tracy Rickett at the
conference office 315-898-2017
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Don't Wait, Get Your Federal Tax Exemption Letter!
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The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
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Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut Street Oneonta NY 13820 - Physical Address (Second Floor)
Mailing Address
Oneonta District Office of the UMC
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St. Oneonta, NY 13820
Phone: (607) 441-5102 FAX: 607-353-1034 Email: OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org
Upper New York Annual Conference
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 Fax: (315) 898-2027
Bishop's Office
7481 Henry Clay Blvd,
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2020 Fax: (315) 898-2150
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The Conference & District Office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
· Independence Day Tuesday, July 4th
· Labor Day Monday, September 4th
· Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23rd
· Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 24th
· Christmas Day Monday, December 25th
Christmas Eve (Observed) Tuesday, December 26th
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Your Partners in Ministry at the
Oneonta District Office
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