Oneonta District
of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
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May 18th, 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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Pre-Annual Conference Briefing
If you have registered for the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, you should have received an email (at the email you used to register for Annual Conference) with links to this week's Pre-Annual Conference Briefing to be held on Zoom. Last breifing to attend is this evening, Thursday (May 18). Session begin at 6:30 p.m.
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Pre-Conference Workbook now available
The Pre-Conference Workbook, formerly called Issue I of the Journal, is now available on the Conference website. It can be purchased for $4.99 plus shipping and handling from lulu.com or it can be viewed or downloaded for free from issuu.com.
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Watch the UNY 2023 Annual Conference live
The 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference will be livestreamed for those not planning to attend in-person. Watch what happens during this important and inspiring event beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday June 1.
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Collections at the 2023 Annual Conference
You'll have three opportunities to give at the 2023 Annual Conference. Offerings will be collected for the Upper New York Mission Central HUB, the Clergy Care Fund, and Helping Hands. These collections will take place during Opening Worship, Clergy, and Laity Sessions. Make a donation now.
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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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The Rev. Abigail Browka appointed as Director of New Faith Communities
Beginning July 1, 2023, the Rev. David Masland will officially retire as Upper New York’s (UNY) Director of New Faith Communities (NFC) and the Rev. Abigail Browka will begin her appointment as the UNY Director of New Faith Communities. Rev. Browka is a long-time member of the UNY NFC team, curator and creator of Everyday Sanctuary app and podcast, and also pastor at Trinity UMC: Whitesboro.
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When Nature Calls podcast series,
Episode 4: Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center
In Episode 4 of Upper New York’s On the Mission, Season 2: When Nature Calls podcast, Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center Site Director, Ben Mudge, sits down with Marshall and Sara Bailey to discuss their daily theme of "The Water of Life: In the Pool" and reflect on what Aldersgate means to them.
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Faith and my mental health journey
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For this occasion, the Rev. Tom LeBeau, pastor at Jamestown: Kidder UMC and Mayville UMC, eloquently shared his mental health struggles and the many steps it has taken to treat and accept his mental illness, learning that it does not define him.
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Sign up for archives workday
Do you have a love of history? Do you appreciate caring for records and artifacts? Are you versed in the ways of The United Methodist Church? Are you willing to sort through boxes and scan for important documents? Are you just plain willing to help? Then, the Conference Commission on Archives and History invites you to a workday June 10, 2023 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., come for the whole day or just part.
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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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Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Information | |
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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Training for laity offered
Four online courses to help laity understand God’s call in their lives and learn new leadership skills will be offered this year on July 29, Sept. 30, and Dec. 9. The courses are “Discover Your Spiritual Gifts,” “Soul Reset,” “Charter for Racial Justice” and “101 Leadership.” The 2023 Laity Leadership Institution is sponsored by Black Methodists for Church Renewal and the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary. The courses are free, but students are encouraged to make a donation if they are able.
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2023 SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINING SCHEDULE
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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 NEW Advanced Lay Servant course | |
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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THE UNY UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
(formerly United Methodist Women)
Offers grants to Assist Groups Ministering to Women, Children and Youth
It is the desire of the Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith to offer grants to non-profit community and church-based organizations that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and address the needs of women, children and youth within the boundaries of our conference. Grants are not to be used for salaries or equipment. Applications must be filled out completely to be considered and will be evaluated by the committee. Grant period will be July 1 - June 30. Applications are due no later than May 23, 2023.
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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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UMY 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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Findings on church spending
In working with more than 500 churches, The Unstuck Group identified certain expenditure areas where churches commonly invest too little and those where churches tend to invest too much. Their findings may offer clues to bringing a better balance to your church’s budget.
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NEW- Spiritual Practices Episode 2: The Examen
In the latest episode of Spiritual Practices, an Upper New York (UNY) podcast series, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, UNY Director of Spiritual Vitality, guides us through this highly structured practice that allows us to notice the ways in which God has been present in our lives.
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Listen to new Spiritual Practices podcast- Episode 1
The newest podcast series, Spiritual Practices with the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, is now available. Listen as Upper New York's Director of Spiritual Vitality leads us on a guided meditation based on John 21:1-19. In this first episode, find yourself immersed the story of Jesus as he meets the disciples in the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection.
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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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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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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.
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New- 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:
· Memorial Day Monday, May 29th
· 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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"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."
Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell- District Superintendent
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