March 11th, 2020 Oneonta District Newsletter
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
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CLT Prayer Initiative
The UNY
C
onference
L
eader-ship
T
eam is calling us to
Pray,
Pray now,
Pray for the Others.
Over the next weeks,
CLT
will be sharing prayers designed to be used however the Spirit calls you to use them--in worship, in your daily devotions, on your social media page, or as a jump off point your own inspiration.Go with God's blessing! Weekly prayers are available here:
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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
this
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.
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Announcement: Tentative Special Session of Annual Conference date set
However, as we do not know what the 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church may require of Annual Conferences and the short period of time between General Conference and Annual Conference,we are TENTATIVELY reserving a date for a Special Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference.
This Special Session MAY take place Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at the Oncenter in Syracuse. This special session would be called to deal with decisions of the 2020 General Conference that require action of the Upper New York Annual Conference. As much is yet to be determined, we ask that you save the date for a possible Special Session, that would potentially deal with items including, but not limited to, matters like budget and nominations.
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The Conference Nominations Team is seeking candidates for a number of Conference level committees.
We know the General Conference in May, and the uncertainty of the UMC going forward, is weighing on people's minds and hearts. However, the day to day work of ministry continues in our local churches, and on a Conference level. And you could be someone who helps to shape and define that work!
The Oneonta District is underrepresented on the Conference teams
. Will you please take a few moments to review the list of all Conference team provided on the linked page, and pray about whether any of those teams speak to your gifts and your heart? If you could see yourself, or any member of your church, participating in one of those vital Conference teams, please fill out (or encourage that person to fill out) the interest form that is also linked in the article?
Thank you for your time and your prayerful consideration.
Sharon Rankins-Burd and Anna Buell
Members, Conference Nominations Committee
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New Grant Opportunity
Can you use some money for a ministry idea? Check out this grant made available through the United Methodist Frontier Foundation. The
applications are due Mar 23, 2020
.
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UMCORE SUNDAY
formerly One Great Hour of Sharing, is
March 22.
Share the goodness of life with those who hurt by giving gifts that reach children, families and communities who have experienced devastation in the wake of disaster. Find worship ideas, social media graphics and other free resources,
click here.
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Nominations being accepted for the Denman Award
*extended from March 1st
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The
2019 annual audit
of your church financial records is due at the District Office - Attention Teresa Wood
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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.
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Elm Park UMC is once again running their
"Soup-to-Go" ministry.
Soup will be distributed weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 pm
Last distribution day will be Wednesday March 18th, 2020.
This program is Open to all.... If you have any questions please call Elm Park Church office at: 607-432-6552
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" Second Sunday Soup"
Location:
At Schuyler Lake UMC (The Little White Church) Address is 123 church St. Schuyler Lake N.Y. 13457.
Time:
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Date: L
ast one is April 12th
Serving six to eight different kinds of soups and they even have a Vegan soup.
Free to the public but donations are welcomed!
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Men’s Retreat
May 1 - 2, 2020
Camp Aldersgate
Featuring Mark Hediger, Salisbury Center/Stratford UMCs
Live music provided by the Praise and Worship House Band.
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Home Mission Week 2020
We are a group of United Methodist Churches determined to make a difference in our community. That is why we are coming together for a Home Mission Week July 18-25 in which we will be good neighbors to those around our community that need a helping hand with critical home repairs.
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Sight and Sound bus trip to see the show “Queen Esther”.
Saturday, October 3, 2020
$160 for adults
$100 for children 12 and under
Includes show and meal at Hershey Farms Restaurant
Pick ups in Oneonta, Sidney and Binghamton
Contact Claudia Jenkins at (607) 563-7713 for reservations and information.
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"Deeper Dive"
days
a follow up from our Oneonta District Day at the Cobleskill UMC,
NOTE- NEW Date & Time
Date: Saturday March 21st
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
.
Location Sidney UMC
People are welcomed to bring a bagged lunch, and drinks will be provided.
There are 2 planned workshops - They will be a deeper dive into :
1) Different generations in worship
2) Making a disciple making system.
To Sign -up, please contact Rev. Paul Winkelman at :
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Lay Servant Basic Course, is being offered by the Oneonta District Lay Servant Committee .
Location:First UMC of Unadilla
The book is "
Lay Servant Ministries, Participant's Book (Basic Course)"
The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a foundational course designed to equip new church leaders and renew current leaders in The United Methodist Church. It explores
- personal spiritual gifts
- servant leadership
- each leader's role in developing future leaders
- the importance of consistent spiritual practices
- the core ministries of Leading, Caring, and Communicating
- and much more.
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NEW
- Advanced Lay Servant Course - United Methodist Heritage
UM Heritage is being offered in 2 locations and is one of the required courses for Lay Speaker Certification, but all are welcome to take this course.
This course will explore the special gifts of theology, witness, and organization that The United Methodist Church brings to the church universal, how we got where we are today, and how our distinctive emphases are still needed in the 21st-century church.
All participants must acquire
-
the book "Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way " by Kenneth L
. Carder
At Cobleskill UMC -
course presented by Pastor Anna Blinn-Cole
April 21, May 5 and May 19, 6-9 pm
at the Cobleskill UMC
At Sherburne UMC
- course presented by Pastor Dave Pritchard
April 17 6-9 pm, April 18th 9 am-4 pm
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For more information about Lay Servant Ministries,
click here
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Safe Sanctuary training opportunity for
Training of Trainers, coming up in March
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Get Ready to Embark: Destination God
OUTWARD!
Youth Conference registration is open. Gather your youth and adult leaders and get ready to roll! This event takes place
THIS weekend -March 13-15 at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool
and 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 as well as have more opportunities to do things together and work toward creating a God-like community around them.
Cost is $70/pp and includes t-shirt. Meals are on your own (not included). Overnight stay is $115 per room per night. Up to 5 people per room is allowed. A $10 charge for an additional roll-away bed applies, first come, first served basis.
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Transforming Church Conflict & Creating Space for Authentic Community
What Is This? A 2-Retreat Series on Transforming Conflict for UM Clergy and Lay Persons of the Upper New York Conference. Sponsored by the Finger Lakes District, Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell, DS and the Mohawk District, Rev. Abel Roy, DS. Participants MUST ATTEND both Sessions.
Maximum # of Participants: 20
Time & Place: Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
Session One - April 15 & 16, 2020 (W/Th)*
Session Two - May 13 & 14, 2020 (W/Th)
Both sessions begin w/ lunch at 12:15 pm (W) & end at 5:00 pm (Th).
Cost: Early Registration - $635
After March 15 -$685*
* Please contact your DS for information on any district subsidies being offered
CEUs: There are a total of 28.5 Contact Hours available for the retreat series.
Content: The first session introduces Transformative Conflict Theory, spiritual practices to ground participants in the face of conflict, and skills & strategies for responding to conflict.
The second session reviews the theory and skills in session #1, then introduces new concepts and skills used to facilitate participation in the heated church meeting. Methodology includes lecture, individual reflection, discussion, concept & skill development exercises, & role plays. Attendance at both
sessions is required.
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Early Response Team training
8:30 AM - 5 PM., April 25, 2020
First United Methodist Church
105 Genesee St. New Hartford, NY 13413
Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, and fires impact an entire community causing physical, economic, and emotional damage. United Methodists Early Response Teams (ERT) arrive soon after first responder professionals to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. ERTs help listen to the survivors. Further tasks might include assessing damage, tarping roofs, removing damaged household items, cleaning, and removing wet sheetrock. Teams stay for three days, replaced by another team as needed. Teams are self-sufficient and self-sustaining. Upper New York conference maintains several tool trailers. Individual team members pay for their own personal protective gear, food, and transportation.
Team members should be in good physical and mental health. The training credentials you to enter disaster zones. An ERT badge is issued by UMCOR to applicants over the age of 18 following the successful completion of the course and a background check. Badges are valid for 3 years. Individuals need not be a United Methodist to take the training.
A link to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) background check is provided once you register. You are to complete the background check online before the class. Print the confirmation from the background check system and bring it with you to the training event.
Early Response Team courses are facilitated by UMCOR certified trainer. Questions? Email
[email protected]
The course cost is $25/person, payable by check to "UNYC" with "ERT Mohawk" in the memo. If a check is for multiple individuals, please specify the name(s) of the student(s). Send your payment to:
Donna Cullen
9 Fox Holw
Ionia, NY 14475
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Continuing Education Requirements for Clergy
Attention: All clergy under appointment or assignment are required to complete
2 CEUs (20 contact hours) per year or accumulative 8 CEUs (80 contacts hours) per quadrennium and will provide documentation to the District Superintendent, unless
enrolled and attending Course of Study or Seminary Degree Program.
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Note for Local Pastors:
All Local Pastors must take COS-121 and COS-122 BEFORE they will be allowed to take any other classes in the COS system.
Each seminary will determine how they are acquiring the information on whether the LP has taken these classes. Some will ask a question on the registration form others while others will be requesting transcripts to accompany any registration for classes.
If an LP needs to obtain a copy of their transcript they can email
[email protected]
. I receive a copy of the transcripts for this conference in February of each year. If you contact me at
[email protected]
I can email you a copy of this. However if you prefer to get the most updated transcripts you will need to contact GBHEM at the email listed above.
The Book of Discipline states part-time local pastors must complete 2 COS courses per year to make satisfactory progress. You may take as many as your Conference approves.
Any questions please feel free to contact me.
Betsy O'Flynn
Candidacy, BOM
1050 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 (mailing)
585-340-9558
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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
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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.
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Mission u
Mission u is an opportunity to study current issues impacting society based on
current mission study topics with
particular attention to the responsibilities of women in fulfilling the mission work of the church. Participants grow in understanding the mission of the church in the current world context; conference events are open to members and non-members of United Methodist Women, including men and children.
Our local Mission u Team is excited about the upcoming Mission u event this summer July 16 - 18, 2020, at Covenant United Methodist Church in Rochester. There will be opportunities for children and youth, so bring your kids and grandkids along. Housing will be at various nearby hotels or other locations. Scholarships are available. Please save these dates. Please note: Mission u is for everyone - male and female, pastor or laity - not just UMW members.
Ellen Klock, Dean
Connie Chantry, Assistant Dean
Also:
Mission u - Silver Bay, September 11 - 13, 2020
Another inspiring and fun-filled Mission u event at Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks Conference and Family Retreat Center on beautiful Lake George in Silver Bay, NY. The Mission u 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 soon. Please save the dates and plan to come to this year’s event Sept. 11 13, 2020.
Spiritual Growth Study: Finding Peace in an Anxious World - Leader: Rev. Martie Fischer
Youth Study: Managing Anxiety - Leader: Pastor 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
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Bishop Webb Announces Clergy Appointments
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce eight ad interim appointments and eight retirements pending approval of clergy session.
View the full list of changes
here
.
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New plan on Regional Superintendency
At a gathering of District Committees on Superintendency on Jan. 18, a new Regional Superintendency plan was shared.
Click here
for all the details, including: a video, key points, frequently asked questions, and a full article.
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Right Start
The Right Start workshop registration is now open and able to accept registrations. Attendance at the workshop is mandatory for all full-time clergy who are moving to a new appointment, retirement or extension ministry. Less than full time clergy are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Workshops will be held in one central location this year:
May 19, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the UNY United Methodist Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY
May 20, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the UNY United Methodist Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY
Please
CLICK HERE
to register for one of these two dates online. Registration closes May 15th.
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Salary Grants to Local Churches with a Full-time Appointment Pastor
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period July 1
to December 31, 2020. Salary grants are available only to churches with
a pastor under full time appointment.
To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, appli-cants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions provided. Completed applications should be submitted to your District Super-intendent by the April 7, 2020 deadline.
Please note the changes made to the applications for 2020. More information is required to be submitted with your application to be considered complete. Please read through the application thoroughly and provide all required docu-mentation. Lack of required information could result in denial of application.
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Brotherhood Insurance - Background Checks
Brotherhood Insurance partners with 3 companies to provide background screenings for their policyholders.
They are:
Safe Hiring Solutions
C 4 Operations
Protect My Ministry
Please visit the Brotherhood web site link above to review the detailed information on each company.
Each offers many choices for the type of information you are looking for. There are many options and price ranges for different screening options, based on your ministry needs.
NOTE:
Trusted Employees has been used by many for years. You are still able to use Trusted Employees, but, you will not be receiving the Church Mutual discount. Your rates will be higher.
ALSO Note: For Clergy & Lay Pastors
- From the Minimum Standards: “The criminal background check shall be performed after every two (2) years of service and at the beginning of service and after a break in service of one or more years.”
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Nursery sanitation advice from Brotherhood Mutual
Y
ou can’t eliminate all sniffles from the church nursery, but studies have shown that simple precautions, such as hand washing, can reduce infection rates.
Click here
to watch a Brotherhood Mutual video that discusses nursery sanitation
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NYS Paid Family Leave Changed
Jan. 1, 2020, there are changes to the
NYS Paid Family Leave benefit.
The number of weeks eligible employees can take remains at 10 weeks of job-protected, paid time off for a new child, care for a family member with a serious health condition or to assist when a family member is deployed abroad on active military service. 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 max. weekly benefit is $840.70
.
You must your PFL policies reflecting
the 2020 changes. Find model language
Employer Resources section
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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
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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.
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Updated CF&A Section of the Conference Website
Your Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) has been working on developing the CF&A section of our Conference website. Some new arrivals on that section of the web-page include handbooks. The topics covered by these various handbooks is:
- Clergy Tax
- Finance and Standards
- Payroll
- Clergy Compensation
- Internal Church Audits
- Ministry Shares
- Two-part Handbook with multiple resources
You can locate these handbooks on the Conference website (unyumc.org), selecting "Finance" under "Resources" and then select Conference Council on Finance and Administration (on right-hand sidebar), where the handbooks are located. Link:
https://unyumc.org/about/cfa
CF&A takes all tasks seriously and hopes to be a resource for all.
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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.
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Check out this website. ResourceUMC is a
new
, comprehensive website that empowers you to search for and quickly find resources and tools from across the connection.
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Video about church financials now available
The Rev. Susan Ranous, a Deacon specializing in stewardship, church finance, and clergy tax, recently facilitated a workshop in the Mohawk District and two in the Adirondack District, aimed to church treasurers, finance chairs, pastors, and others involved in the financial areas of the local church.
Topics included:
· Financial standards for local churches
· Payroll for clergy and non-clergy employees
· How to prepare a financial statement
· Ezra preparation
· Ministry shares
· Bookkeeping simplified
· How does your church use money?
· Stewardship
· Budgets, including narrative budgets
· Church audits
· Resources
The workshops offered in the Adirondack District were recorded and are now available on the Conference website.
Click here
to access this helpful video (located at the bottom of the page).
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Please Note:
If there are changes in the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for you, and/or any of your committee chairs, please contact the district office with the changes. Thank you
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Is Your Church Info Up-to-Date?
With new appointments/assignments and the change to summer worship times, it's easy to lose track of if and/or where the most up-to-date information "lives." You can help the District Office with this task by checking your church's information at
http://www.unyumc.org/district/oneonta-churches
.
Churches also need to update their own information at this site:
http://www.umc.org/find-a-church/search
. Once you find your actual church listing, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click the red button to update information.
We want people to get the most accurate information possible and not be discouraged from attending any of our churches because of inaccurate information.
Thank you for your help with this important task!
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Oneonta District Office work hours are Monday-Thursday
The office is Closed Friday-Sunday
NOTE
: Office hours vary from day to day so
Please call before coming to the Office as we are not always working onsite.
Thank you for your Patience.
Teresa~ Oneonta District Administrative Assistant
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NOTE:
I
f your church has events that you would like advertised in our District newsletter please email Teresa at [email protected] We send our Newsletter out Weekly on Wednesday afternoons. Please send your information to us no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesdays
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If you have ideas for making our District Newsletter better - we would like to hear from you .
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Office Hours - Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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Oneonta District Office
of the Upper New York Conference
of the United Methodist Church
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."
Your Partner in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Teresa Wood, Administrative Assistant
64 Chestnut St. (GPS) / PO Box 668 (Mailing), Oneonta, NY 13820
Fax - 607-353-1034
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