May 20th, 2021 Oneonta District News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.
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Note: The District Office is open by appointment only.
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Nancy's Notes # 26
Dear Friends,
This coming Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, who only 53 days earlier were cowering in fear. After Pentecost, they preached with the power of the Holy Spirit and changed the world. The Holy Spirit is alive and well and still at work. What if we ever realized that we actually have the power of the Holy Spirit?
Rick Kirchoff of the Germantown United Methodist Church gave these as his opening remarks to the Memphis Annual Conference in 2000. They are just as relevant today as they were 21 years ago. (Please note that when he says “it,” he is referring to the power of the Holy Spirit and not the Holy Spirit Himself):
It is a time to open up to the mind-blowing, heart-warming, life-changing power of God. The power of God can invade the body, inflate the mind, swell the soul, lift the spirit and make us more than we ever imagined. It will make you young when you’re old, and it’ll make you live even when you die.
The power and presence of the Spirit will disturb, delight, deliver, and lift. When God sends forth the Spirit, “the whole face of the earth is renewed.”
When God sends forth the Spirit, chaos is changed into creation, the Red Sea opens us to a highway of freedom.
When God sends forth the Spirit: a young woman says “Yes,” Jesus is born and life is never the same.
When God sends forth the Spirit, amazing things happen: barriers are broken, communities are formed, opposites are reconciled, unity is established, disease is cured, addiction is broken, cities are renewed, races are reconciled, hope is established, people are blessed, and church happens.
Today the Spirit of God is present and we’re gonna have church.
So be ready, get ready… God is up to something….
Discouraged folks cheer up,
dishonest folks. `fess up,
sour folks sweeten up,
closed folks open up,
gossipers shut up,
conflicted folks make up,
sleeping folks wake up,
lukewarm folks fire up,
dry bones shake up,
and pew potatoes stand up!
But most of all, Christ the Savior of all the world is lifted up.
Hallelujah! Come, Holy Spirit upon our congregations, our pastors, our districts and our Conference. Use us in mighty ways to Your honor and glory as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Show us what it means to live in the power of Your Spirit. May it be so. Amen.
With You in the Journey,
Nancy
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Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
In accordance with New York State guidelines, churches now have the option to allow fully vaccinated individuals to attend in-person services without a mask. If a church makes this decision, great care should be taken for children and others who do not yet have the option to be vaccinated. It is recommended to always err on the side of caution. This may include creating vaccinated and unvaccinated seating sections, worshiping outdoors when able, asking all individuals to continue to wear masks, encouraging everyone who can to get vaccinated or numerous other best practices beyond state guidelines.
It is understandable that there will be many questions about inquiring as to the vaccination status of individuals. Additional resources on this matter will be available at unyumc.org/about/church-covid-19-guidelines later this week. You also are encouraged to contact your local board of health with questions as they arise.
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Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments
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Annual Conference 2021 Information |
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Tuesday, June 1, is the final day to register for
the 12th Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference,
which will be held virtually June 17-19, 2021.
Patti Gridley, administrative assistant for the Mountain View District, has created an All Annual Conference newsletter that includes key information about Annual Conference. Please click here to read the most up-to-date version of that document.
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Other Annual Conference news:
The tentative agenda for the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held virtually, June 17-19, 2021, is now available. If you have yet to register for the conference, you can do so by clicking here. To view the tentative agenda, click here.
The 2022 Ministry Share budget that will be voted on at the 2021 Upper New York Annual Conference, being held virtually, June 17-19, 2021, is now available. Click here to view the budget. Click here to read and/or download the narrative budget booklet, which explains the ministries of each line item.
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Happenings & Local Church News |
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NEW- Summer Saunters*
Join Pastor Sharon of the Fly Creek and Schuyler Lake UMC’s
in walks along the trails of Otsego County.
Pastor Sharon’s Summer Saunter plan: All saunters are scheduled on Fridays at 10am.
June 4 – Parslow Conservation Area
June 11- Forest of the Dozen Dads Beaver Pond Trail
June 25 - Goodyear Lake Waterway Access Main Trail
July 2 - Lordsland Preserve
July 9 - Glimmerglass State Park Covered Bridge Trail
July 16 - Gilbert Lake State Park
July 23 - Robert Riddell State Park
August 6 - Texas Schoolhouse State Forest Blue Trail
August 13 - Glimmerglass State Park Sleeping Lion Trail
August 20 - Fortin Park
August 27 - Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park, Andy’s Trail
September 3 - Arnold Lake State Forest
For questions you can contact Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd at
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Available Items - Free to Church home
Cooperstown UMC still has Outdoor sign letters to give away: Metal with lip at the top. Some nearly new; others used. 2 sizes left: 1 1/2", 2 1/2". If your church is interested, contact Merrilyn O'Connell at : [email protected] or call (607) 547-9515. Willing to meet you halfway to deliver.
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Join other youth from our area of the Upper New York Conference for a Work Day at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center on Saturday, May 22. Click here for details and a registration form.
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Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30
Peace with Justice Sunday is May 30, please don’t forget this important giving opportunity – half of all the money donated in our Conference stays right here to support the ministries we are starting! Click here for resources for worship.
Last May, the Social Holiness Team awarded Niagara Frontier City Ministries a grant to help them support their work to provide masks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products to the underserved in their area around Buffalo and Niagara Falls. This area and especially the homeless population was particularly hard hit in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last November, the New York State Poor People's Campaign was awarded a grant to help with their podcast entitled Getting into Step. The goal of the podcast is to connect activists and spiritual leaders and provide training and support for those doing the work of this national movement.
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Historical Society Meeting
Learn how chaplains played an important role in the Civil War by attending a June 12 Zoom meeting of the UNY United Methodist Historical Society.
The Rev. Dr. Nancy Hale, pastor at Canton United Methodist Church and a Civil War reneactor, will be the presenter at 7:15 pm. Click here for more information and ways to connect to the session, by Zoom or telephone.
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New- 2021 Campaign for Red Bird
It's not too early to begin planning for your congregation's response to the annual Upper New York Conference collection drive for Red Bird Mission. Please share the attached letter from David Alexander, Coordinator and member of Endwell UMC.
If your church is willing to serve as a collection point for our District as Ripley UMC has done is past years, please email David, [email protected]
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HUB Needs Your Help:
UNY Mission Central Critically Low on Kits
The need is high, UNY Mission Central HUB needs your help. Due to the pandemic our donations are low and many UMCOR kits we have received are not made with the updated supplies, this is a cost not only to us but also the donator. The storm season is coming up and we are not stocked to help communities when the need arises.
Questions? Please contact:MaryBeth Ingalls (UNYAC Mission Volunteer Coordinator) at :
There are so many ways to help for all who want to serve this ministry.
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Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Global Ministries has worked with partners around the world to respond to this humanitarian crisis. The Global Health unit and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have worked with health boards, medical professionals, disaster management coordinators, and faith leaders to prevent the spread of this disease. Grants have been awarded to provide clean water and medical equipment at health facilities and to address the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, such as food insecurity.
Click here to learn more about this fund and how to make a donation.
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CCORR (Conference Commission on Religion and Race) currently has three Imagine No Racism 2.0 courses happening. CCORR hopes to continue to offer INR courses as they are requested. Typically, people have chosen to do six weekly sessions but planning the sessions is flexible. People looking for an INR group can email: [email protected]. Clergy may receive 1 CEU and Lay Servant Ministries laity may receive advanced course credit.
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New- Dismantling Racism Resource: Heritage Sunday workbook
The United Methodist Church Heritage Sunday is observed on Aldersgate Day (May 24), or the Sunday preceding that date, which is May 23 this year. The day provides an opportunity for reflection on heritage, celebration of where the Church has been, how it understands itself as it shapes us today, and the meaning of Christian conferencing. Heritage Sunday calls the Church to remember the past by committing itself to the continuing call of God” (264.1, The Book of Discipline).
On June 19, 2020, United Methodist Bishops launched a campaign to Dismantle Racism. They called for all levels of the Church to be engaged in this effort. Therefore, the theme for Heritage Sunday 2021 is "Pride, Shame and Pain: Methodist History with Racism and Efforts to Dismantle It."
Click here for a workbook to be used this Heritage Sunday and beyond looking at historical narratives of dismantling racism in the United Methodist Church. Click here to learn more about this theme from the General Commission of Archives and History and learn how they plan to expand their effort in the work toward dismantling racism.
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Lay Servant Ministry
Note* - Because of COVID, the Conference Team of Lay Servant Ministries is extending a year of grace to everyone who needed to take an Advanced Lay Servant Course in 2020 so you now have through 2021 to take a course to keep your certification up-to-date
CLASSES OPEN TO ALL
Advance Course: Spiritual Gifts
June 14 & 21, 6-9 pm; June 26, 9 am - 1 pm; and July 1, 6-9 pm
Zoom: Course fee, $15
Advance Course: Leading Worship
July 14, 21 & 28, 6-9 pm and August 7, 9 am - 1 pm
Zoom: Course fee, $15
Advance Course: Polity
August 17, 24 & 31 6-9 pm and August 28, 9 am - 1 pm
Zoom: Course fee, $15
To register or for more information on any of the LSM classes listed above, please contact Arlene Schmidt at [email protected].
Click Here to see other upcoming Lay Servant Classes
For more information about Lay Servant Ministries, click here
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FOR CERTIFIED SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAINERS ONLY:
Zoom Review of Revised Trainers Manual and Final Curriculum
Training opportunities:
Wednesday, May 26th, 7pm-9pm
The UNY Safe Sanctuaries Team would like to thank all of you for your patience during the transition in this time of covid. As many of you know, we have now hosted three conference-wide online trainings. We feel we are ready to roll it out to you trainers to begin training this new curriculum in your local churches and districts.
- The Trainers’ Manual has been reformatted to accommodate virtual training.
- The curriculum has been finalized, taking into account many of your suggestions.
- With the assistance of 20 trainers, the SS Team has presented this training in the last 3 months (3 times) to approximately 200 participants. It has received great feedback from participants.
Communities are beginning to open up. Our churches are opening up, but we still need to be safe. As the conference Safe Sanctuaries Chairs, we recommend this training to be done via an online platform such as Zoom. However, if you wish to do a small group gathering of vaccinated individuals in person, PLEASE use THE NEW training manual to avoid sharing and touching props as used in the past. And just like anything else we do, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.
We want to allow SS trainers to be together again and begin offering this training to your District and/or local church.
We look forward to seeing you all in May. Thank you for your time and passion for keeping the children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe in our churches and our communities.
Pastor Christine Mitchell and Arlene Schmidt, CLM.
Co-Chairs of the UNYAC Safe Sanctuaries Conference
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Safe Sanctuaries ZOOM training: Basic Course June 12th
The Upper New York Annual Conference Team will be hosting our standard Basic Safe Sanctuaries training via ZOOM from 9 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, June 12th .
This training is brought to you and paid for by your Upper New York Ministry Shares. This basic training is required for anyone working with children, youth and vulnerable adults as stated by the Minimum Standards. This training is a must no matter if you are meeting in-person or online.
If you have already taken this training you DO NOT need to take it again.
The training will follow the reformatted ZOOM curriculum developed by the Upper New York Annual Conference Safe Sanctuaries Team, educating those involved in ministries who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults on risks and prevention strategies related to abuse.
There will be a link to the handout that should be printed and available to you for the training.
You must REGISTER for the training. If you register and are no longer able to attend we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your spot with someone else who is waiting to take the training.
The training will be facilitated by Safe Sanctuaries Certified Trainers.
If there are any questions please contact one of the co-chairs of the committee at [email protected]
For more information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, click here.
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UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
May 25 - Charles Maynard: A Storyteller Looks at the Parables. Click here to register and for more information.
June 1 - Rachel Gilmore: Easy ways to enhance online discipleship in your church Click here to register and for more information.
June 22 - Olu Brown: Seize the Day! Leading your congregation on a new adventure
July 15 - Anne Bosarge: Starting and Sustaining Effective Hybrid Ministries
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NEW- A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care Zoom course
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pastoral Care is a pastoral care course that will provide strategies you can use to help people in your congregations who have experienced trauma, avoid retraumatization, and effectively care for yourself as well.
This online course has been offered twice before in recent months and was well-received, so it is being offered again. The course will take place across three dates: June 7 (7-9 p.m.), June 14 (7-8:30 p.m.), and June 28 (7-8:30 p.m.). Click here to register and be sure to save your confirmation email as it has the Zoom link you will need for the course.
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Camp & Retreat Ministries |
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The Upper New York Camp and Retreat Ministry Area is excited to welcome back campers and guests for summer programs at all five of our sites. Safety precautions (including limiting capacity) will be in place to ensure the safety of all, as life-long memories are made in our fun and supportive environments.
Click here for more information on the programs being offered this summer, which is also where you will find the link to register. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
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Join us for a time of contemplation and connection at Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center in May! We’ll gather outside and enjoy the beauty of Sky Lake as we consider what is blossoming in our world and in our life.
Laity day: Thursday, May 27th 10am-3pm
Cost is $30, includes a hot lunch
We'll spend the majority of the day outdoors following all Covid-19 safety protocols. This event is co-sponsored by Sky Lake and Church in the Wild, a New Faith Community based at Sky Lake.
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Click here for the May issue of the Media Resource Center newsletter!
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Save the Date for the next Bishop’s Retreat
Due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Bishop's Retreat, originally scheduled for Oct. 20-22, 2020, at the Radisson Hotel in Corning, NY is being postponed until Sept. 27-29, 2022. It will also be held at the Radisson Hotel in Corning. The theme is, “Sharing Our Faith Boldly” and the keynote speaker is Debi Nixon, Executive Director of Development and ShareChurch at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Registration will open following the completion of the 2022 Annual Conference session.
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COVID-19 protocols
Starting May 19, New York State Governor Cuomo has stated that sanctuary capacity restrictions (i.e., set occupancy percentage) will no longer be required. Instead, sanctuary seating limits will be based on space available to maintain six-feet of social distance between individuals and/or households. Total sanctuary occupancy cannot exceed 250. Mask wearing while moving when entering, moving about, and exiting buildings is still required.
Additionally, outdoor worship limits will increase to 500 on May 10.
In terms of hymnals, Bibles, communion ware, and collection plates, limiting the sharing of these items remains the best practice. However, the CDC guidance indicates surfaces are not the primary way COVID is spread so using these items can be done with less risk if worshippers clean their hands before and after use.
To remain up-to-date on COVID-19 guidelines, be sure to check the Conference website by clicking here.
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This is a reminder that New York State employers (including churches) must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy
Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. Click here for a prior news article on the sexual harassment prevention policy requirements.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis
Free Training Available
The New York City Commission on Human Rights has developed a free online training that will satisfy both the New York State and New York City anti-sexual harassment training requirements. New York City's free online training is available here.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist, at [email protected] or (315) 898-2017.
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Links to Resources for Reopening Your Church
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The UM News team brings you breaking news, features and commentaries from across our global connection, such as recent stories concerning the future of the denomination, spotlights on transformational ministries and articles about efforts to dismantle racism. Receive updates in your inbox by subscribing to the Daily Digest or just the Friday Digest, which includes weekly highlights.
Interested in receiving only the Friday Digest with weekly wrapup? Click here.
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2021 Issue of the Advocate now available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.
The 2021 issue I of the Advocate focuses on “celebrating who we are” throughout the Upper New York Conference. In this issue, you will find stories that showcase the tapestry of different size congregations, and individuals with a variety of ethnic backgrounds and theologies, as well as different age groups.
This issue is currently available as an e-issue and has been distributed to local churches.
Click here to read or download this issue of the Advocate on the Conference website.
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Our church competes for attention in a noisy, marketing savvy (or weary) world. Learn how to reach out more effectively! Get share-worthy tips for promoting your church using emerging trends, tutorials, marketing, social media, outreach and technology from the award-winning e-newsletter.
Designed for pastors, church leaders and staff, MyCom delivers articles relevant to your job roles and interest areas. Watch for the latest from MyCom every two weeks.
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Free Discipleship Resources!
Click here for the latest issue of Discipleship Ministries' Equipping Disciples Newsletter.
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts!
We all have a mixture of gifts that work together and give each of us a unique way to contribute to ministry.
Take the assessment to discover your primary and supporting gifts today!
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Jason Moore’s follow-up workshop offered helpful tips to UNY clergy
This past Monday, Jason Moore offered an hour of follow-up on Zoom to recap the Zoom workshop he hosted in Dec. 2020, including what he has learned in the last four months on how to offer successful worship and engagement on digital platforms. There was also a time for questions from the 41 attendees. Click here to access this recording.
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John Wesley’s health tips
United Methodists are indebted to John Wesley for his habits of study and discipline that enabled him to create the writings and teachings that became our denominational traditions. What may be less well known is that Wesley was also fascinated by the human body; he conducted many an experiment on himself, eventually leading to his development of over 800 remedies for 300 unique ailments, which he recorded in his volume, Primitive Physick.
One of Wesley’s remedies was for coughs; he suggested to, “make a hole through a lemon and fill it with honey. Roast it and catch the juice. Take a tea-spoonful of this frequently.”
Click here to discover a few more of John Wesley’s health tips.
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For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks,
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NEW-The spiritual discipline of prayer part 2
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
Last week, Rev. Dibeluis introduced the spiritual discipline of prayer by describing the centrality of prayer both in modern times and in Jesus’s time. Click here to watch that video. In this week’s video, Rev. Dibelius focuses on our petitions to God; click here to watch that video. Next week, Nancy’s video will examine how to listen deeply for God in our lives.
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Listen to recorded digital discipleship webinar on children’s ministry
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Intentional Discipleship Systems in a pandemic
Article by Rev. Dr. Aaron Bowens, the UNY Director of Vital Congregations,What it means to have an intentional discipleship system. Click here to read it.
How do we create disciples during a pandemic? Click here for insight from Ellen Mall John, Albany District Associate.
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Self-care resources - Click here to visit the COVID-19 resources section of the Conference website to see the recently added self-care resources.
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Phishing Season?
Please continue to pay attention to the emails you may receive from your District Superintendent, your pastor, or other leader asking for gift cards/money or perhaps informing you of an urgent request. Please be aware that these are phishing schemes—they are SPAM emails.
Check the email address—if it is not a unyumc.org email (example: nancyadams@unyumc.org) it is SPAM!
If you get emails like these, simply delete them and/or mark it as SPAM.
Click here for a good five-minute video clip on what to look for in phishing emails.
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How to get help from UNY Conference for...
Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
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Conference Office Address:
The Upper New York Conference
United Methodist Center
7481 Henry Clay Blvd
Liverpool, N.Y. 13088
Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878
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Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:
UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info
Weekly Digest - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
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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."
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office
Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent
Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration
Rev. George Gallandorm- District Associate
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Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: 607-353-1034
All past District Newsletters can also be found at:
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Mailing Address:
Oneonta District Office UMC
C/OTeresa Wood
PO Box 668
64 Chestnut St. Oneonta NY 13820
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UNY Conference Quick Links
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