Media Resource Center Newsletter
June/July 2020
UNY Conference Office recommendations
for the local church
UNY Conference local churches are strongly encouraged to continue to refrain from having in-person worship services through the end of May. Recognizing that the New York Governor has placed drive-in theaters as a part of businesses that can open within Phase 1 of the states re-opening guidelines, we support any churches that desire to offer drive-in worship experiences within regions that are in Phase 1 of New York’s reopening guidelines until in-person worship within our buildings can resume. It is vital that guidelines be followed closely if a church decides to offer drive-in worship and that the building not be opened or available for access in any way. You can find guidelines, as well as resources, for drive-in worship experiences here .

As the state begins to reopen, decisions about in-person worship services within church buildings will be made regionally and locally in compliance with local authorities. By next week, detailed guidelines for church reopening procedures will be shared by UNY leadership, along with FAQs, and best practices. Continue watching Conference Communications channels for more information.
UNY COVID-19 Response update
The United Methodist Center in Liverpool will be closed to the public until further notice. Most staff is working remotely. If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please contact UNY Communications at (315) 898-2012 or  [email protected]   and someone will contact you.
COVID-10 Pandemic Reopening Requirements
and June 2 Q&A Webinars
  • New York State has issued new guidelines for churches planning to hold worship services, including funerals, in their buildings. In order to reopen, churches are required to electronically affirm they understand and will comply with these guidelines. Churches are also expected to create a compliant business safety plan to be kept on file at the church. Detailed instructions, including a business safety plan template, can be found by clicking here. 
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  • There are many resources available to guide local churches in their reopening process. Next Tuesday June 2, there are two online opportunities for you to learn about what you need to know when it comes time to open your church.
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  • From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. the New York State Council of Churches is hosting a webinar entitled, "Reopening houses of worship and economic justice during the pandemic: New York and National Perspectives." In this webinar, national ecclesiastical leaders and secular and religious advocates will offer reflections and invite conversation. Click here to register for the webinar.
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  • At 7 p.m., the Upper New York Conference Reopening Taskforce will host a webinar for church reopening questions and answers. Click here to join the Zoom webinar.
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You can also phone into this Zoom session using any of the following numbers:
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
 
Enter meeting 961 7696 8875
Chuck Knows Church: Things We Can Do
Chuck Knows Church is back! He’s teaming up with #SeeAllThePeople to share a few simple ideas that your church can do to help your community during the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). During these uncertain times, we may feel isolated from one another and experiencing a sense of aloneness, but we can still provide community in Christ and fellowship in the spirit. Watch as Chuck shows us how your congregation can turn isolation into engagement with our community. More>>
Peace with Justice Sunday Pastor and Leader's Kit
The United Methodist Church has assembled a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday in your church on Sunday, June 7, 2020. This kit has everything you need to empower your congregation to give generously. You can post some of these resources on all your social media outlets. We also have a downloadable poster and a bulletin insert you can print out and insert in your church bulletin the week prior to this special Sunday. Remember you can celebrate this Sunday and any Special Sunday on a day of your choosing. > >Read More
Tips for when the the command 'do not be anxious' is hard
Even though the writings in Philippians 4:6 say, "Do not be anxious about anything,” pastors are recognizing the struggle.

“One of the hardest commands is not to worry about anything, Worry is constantly deconstructing us, fragmenting us. We are distracted and scattered.”

Although anxiety is an understandable byproduct in a
world living with the coronavirus pandemic, some United Methodist pastors say it’s possible to limit or eliminate the fear and worry that threaten many.

“People think peace is when all things get resolved,” Stephens comments. “That’s not what peace is. If you’re just talking about the circumstances changing, then that’s relief. Peace is a state of being and only God can give peace.” Read more
Calendar - June 2020
  • June 7 - Peace with Justice Sunday
If you have any suggestions for our format of the Media Resource Center newsletter or have ideas that we may include in the future, I'd love to hear from you. Just drop me a line at [email protected] .
Upper New York Conference | 315-898-2027 | [email protected] | www.unyumc.org