Mohawk District E-newsletter for Churches and Pastors
September 7, 2022
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"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God
who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
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Retirement Celebration
for Bishop Webb
All are invited to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s farewell/retirement
gathering 1-4 p.m., Sat., Nov. 19 at the Upper New York Conference Center, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool. Join others throughout the Conference to celebrate Bishop Webb’s 10 years of ministry as Bishop of the UNY Conference. More details
are forthcoming.
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Week of September 11
Clinton UMC
&
Pastor Michael Terrell
Clark Mills UMC
Click here for a copy of
the District Prayer Calendar
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District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the E-newsletter, send us your email address. To submit news
for this publication, send it a minimum of eight days in advance to:
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Please keep family and friends of Shirley Byers in your prayers. Shirley, 94, died on Aug. 4. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Carl Byers, who served several Upper New York churches, including Eagle Bridge UMC, Nassau Brainard UMC, and others in the former Troy Conference. Shirley was also very active in the Troy Conference, serving as lay leader for several years. A Celebration of Life begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Broadalbin UMC, located at 67 North Main St. in Broadalbin. Condolences can be sent to Shirley’s daughter, Pastor Rebecca Parry at 10065 SW 88th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481. Click here to read Shirley’s full obituary.
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District-wide Meeting Scheduled |
An Informational Meeting will take place 1-4 p.m., Sat., Oct. 1, at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship, 8021 State Route 12, Barneveld, for the purpose of sharing information we have so far about Jurisdictional Conference, General Conference and the future of the UMC as we go forward. The speakers are Pastor Jack Ford and Rev. Bill Mudge. There will be a chance to ask questions. The Superintendent is requesting that you all share this meeting opportunity with every church member and participant within Mohawk District. Everyone is welcome.
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The Superintendent is requesting that you all
share this meeting
opportunity with every
church member and
participant within
the District.
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Help with School Supplies
New Harvest Hispanic Church in Utica, NY, is asking for help with school supplies for the children at the church. If you can help, please contact:
Pastor Antonio González
antoniogina1955@gmail.com
315-570-5620
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Lay Servant Courses
Leading Public Prayer, Lairdsville UMC, Clinton NY, weekly Thursday evenings, Sept 29 thru October 27th, 6 to 8 pm. Registration cut-off date Sept 21, Instructor CLM Mark Adsit. Info contact kguilf2855@aol.com
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, Fonda-Fulton UMC, Fultonville NY, two Saturdays, November 5 and 12th, 9 am to 3 pm both days, Registration cut-off date Oct 27, Instructor Pastor Kathy Reese, contact info kguilf2855@aol.com
Basic LSM Class, North Main UMC, Gloversville NY, Wed Oct 12th and Sat Oct 15th, 10 an to 3 pm each day, Registration cut-off date Oct 5th, Instructors CLM Joyce Royal and CLM Ron Talbott. Info contact kguilf2855@aol.com
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, Lowell UMC, Lowell NY. two Saturdays, Sept 17 and 24, 9 am to 3 pm both days, Registration cut-off date Sept 9th, Instructor CS Speaker Wendy Grosjean. Info contact kguilf2855@aol.com
Click here for a registration form and cost
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Lay Servant Courses are available and open to all, whether or not one wishes to become a Certified Lay Servant/Speaker/Certified Lay Minister in the Mohawk District.
Any Lay Servant not completing an Advanced Course since 2019 must complete one advanced course during 2022 and submit their completed Annual Certified Lay Servant/Speaker/Certified Lay Minister Report to their charge conference, to remain active as Certified Lay Servant in the Mohawk District.
Additional Lay Servant courses are being scheduled and will be forthcoming.
To obtain additional information about the Mohawk District Lay Servant Classes, contact: Ken Guilfoyle, CLM, 315 254 6673 or kguilf2855@aol.com.
Ken Guilfoyle, CLM, Director,
Mohawk District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries
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LEARNING AND GROWING OPPORTUNITY
Discipleship: A Lifestyle, Book Study and Discussion Group
A Disciple’s Path: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ
and the Church
by James Harnish with Justin Larosa
Feeling distracted, isolated, uncertain, or apathetic? Want to feel connected to a community of Christ followers and be inspired to a closer walk with Christ? Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are invited to consider the next faithful steps along the path of discipleship. As we examine this book, we hope you’ll develop your spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, deepen your relationship with Christ, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life and to the lives of others. Come join our discussions and sharing as we love God and one another. Thursday, September 15th @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, September 29th @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, October 13th @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, October 27th @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, November 3rd @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, November 17th @ 7:00-8:30 PM Thursday, December 1st @ 7:00-8:30 PM All Sessions will be held on Zoom. Please email one of the facilitators to register. There will be no registration fee, but participants (lay or clergy) need to purchase their own book. Facilitators Wendy Zepp: wzepp@stny.rr.com Ann Welch Wood: awelchwood@hotmail.com A Disciple’s Path Daily Workbook: Deepening Your Relationship With Christ and the Church by James Harnish with Justin Larosa “…the followers of Jesus mature in faith by learning together in community, often with people whose life experiences are very different from their own.” - Robert Schnase, 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations
pelling headline
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United Methodist Committee on Relief Changes Kit Collections
UMCOR has decided to no longer collect school kits for distribution. If your church has collected these kits, you are encouraged to find local school districts and organizations in your community that support children and donate the school items you collected. Kristina Clark, Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, would love to receive emails and photos about how much was collected and where it was donated so we can celebrate the impact made with the local distribution of school kits. Contact Kristina at: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Click here to read an article on this change.
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Soul Escape Retreat
Oct 14-16, Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center
Come away from all your obligations and embrace nature’s pace. We’ll offer a few optional activities with spaces for solitude and connection. To register or for info: https://churchinthewild.org/oct22/
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Registration is open for the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference session, scheduled to be held virtually Oct. 6-8. Click here to register. If you need to be excused from Annual Conference, click here and complete the form.
All eligible voting members must preregister to be able toparticipate and vote. Registrations cannot be accepted after Sept. 16 due to online voting.
This year, there is a small registration fee to help cover the cost of virtual meeting support and voting.
Several offerings will be collected this year, including the Clergy Care Fund, Helping Hands Fund, UNY Mission Central HUB, Mission of Peace, and New Faith Communities. To learn more about these offerings and to make a donation, click here.
If you have any questions, call (315) 898-2000.
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Forms for Pastoral Conv. and Church Conf.
Each year the Superintendent meets with all assigned and appointed Clergy and lay pastors at the District Office for a time of conversation and check in regarding the Pastor's ministry within the local church. These dates are now set for fall 2022. If you are unable to keep your meeting, please switch spots (click here for District Pastor emails) with another Pastor and notify the District Office of the arrangement.
Licensed Local Pastors with a new appointment should bring your paper local pastor’s license to your Pastoral Conversation so the Superintendent can sign the back for your new appointment.
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Churches are asked to meet with the Superintendent annually to celebrate and take stock of ministry, as well as conduct necessary business of the church--the Annual Church Conference. These in-person meetings will take place in Fall 2022 at central locations around the District. All who have membership in the local church are welcome to vote. If the Pastor or church has a conflict, the Pastor may arrange to swap dates with another church by going through their Pastor. Please share with the District Office any trading of dates. | |
NEW! Pastors,
We are revamping the Wesley Fellowship at Sunny Geneseo,
If you have any students attending Suny Geneseo,
from your church or community please contact me (bsmalone7@gmail.com, 585-721-0661)
or our new Interim Wesley Chair, Gwyneth Jones Wenninger, (shadetreegal@yahoo.com, 585-969-0127)
so we can reach out to them.
Our goal is to walk along side these students on their journey,
to encourage them in their faith and leadership and to provide a place where they can be Wholly supported, and loved.
They are also welcome to stop in the Wesley Fellowship office
at the Interfaith Center on Franklin st.
Blessings,
Pastor Beth Malone
Geneseo United Methodist Church
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Tending the Soul New Cohort Fall 2022
Tending the Soul is a program designed to train individuals in Spiritual Direction and Congregational Formation. The two-year training program offers learning and formational experiences in classroom and small group settings. The training includes home-based reading and reflection, experiential learning, and attention to the practice of spiritual disciplines. Participants will receive guidance in discerning their sense of giftedness and call to one-on-one spiritual direction and congregational direction and formation. Click here for a brochure.
How to Apply
The application form is on the Upper NY Conference website or contact Nancy Dibelius directly for an application. The questions are designed to help you in your own discernment and sense of readiness for training in personal spiritual formation and companioning others. Send your spiritual autobiography, along with two recommendations, to: Nancy E. Dibelius, Program Director,
198 Truesdale Hill Road Lake George, NY 12845, or via email to: nancyd@unyumc.org. Space is limited. Application deadline is extended. The cost of the program is $2,400.
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SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREW/UMM
POTATO DROP
900-50LB BAGS OF POTATOES WILL BE
GIVEN AWAY
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022
AT WEST SCHUYLER UMC
297 WOOD LANE UTICA N.Y.
HELP US FEED THOSE IN NEED IN OUR
UPPER NEW YORK COMMUNITIES
TO RESERVE YOUR FREE POTATOES
CONTACT MARK JONES
315-749-3700
msjwelshman@yahoo.com
TO DONATE: endhunger.org
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Chicken Barbecue Sept. 18 in Canastota
The United Church of Canastota, 144 Center St, is hosting its FINAL Chicken BBQ for 2022 and we would LOVE to see you! On Sunday Sept 18th , from 11am until sold out, we’re serving up a half chicken, beans, slaw, salt taters, roll with butter and a brownie for just $12! Best of all it’s a drive thru so you won’t have to leave your car! Don’t miss out on the BEST chicken around!
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If you would like to print one of the articles in this newsletter as a document and need help, please email your request to mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org and we will email it to you.
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Guidelines for Visiting District Office In Person
The office is generally open Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays. Ensure we will be ready and waiting to assist you by making an appointment 315-797-1777, mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org, before just dropping in. The office entrance is located on the back, right corner of the First UMC of New Hartford building. There is a brown hand rail leading up to the doorway.
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If you aren't feeling well we ask that you visit the office another day.
- Wearing a mask inside the Office is optional for vaccinated people.
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Ongoing: All unvaccinated people, please wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth during your visit.
- Show your COVID-19 vaccination card.
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We will follow CDC guidelines. They can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
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Mohawk District Office
105 Genesee Street
New Hartford, NY 13413
mohawkdistrict@unyumc.org
315-797-1777
Regular Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Please review Guidelines above prior to your in person visit)
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