Thoughts from DS Olivia
One of the most exciting things God is doing on our district is the Missional Grant Program! It has been incredible to see local churches of all sizes apply for these grants to make a difference in their community. We are seeing congregations and communities impacted by the love of God, as so many are serving as the hands and feet of Jesus through these projects!
This year, we adjusted the application dates and timing to the fall. The hope was that this would make it easier to process the grants before Advent, the end of the church year, and the build-up to District Assembly.
Well, no one applied.
I don't know if this was a timing thing or an "all out of ideas" thing, but I don't want to let this be our reality without giving it another try!
There is missional money on the table for YOUR church to apply for! This money is set aside so you can creatively reach out to the community around you. What Holy-Spirit-inspired dreams are you dreaming of to love God and love people? What has been stirring in your heart as you have observed the needs in your community? What might God want to lead your church in as you continue to be faithful witnesses?
This is your chance to apply this year!
Grant Applications are open now and close May 5th at 5 pm! Click the box below to find the application materials.
Prayerfully consider applying!
Pastor Olivia
| | Preparing for Annual Meeting | |
¶ 115.7. Annual Meeting. An annual church meeting shall be held within 90 days prior to the meeting of the district assembly. Public notice of the annual meeting shall be conveyed to the congregation at least two weeks before the meeting. This annual meeting may be conducted on more than one day or in more than one service upon approval by the church board.
Annual Meetings may be held as early as March 13, 2026, and the deadline to report delegates to the assembly is April 19, 2026.
See Also:
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District Assembly and Conventions
will be held on June 11-13, 2026
at Calvary Community Church of the Nazarene in Henrietta, NY.
| | District Youth Ministry (NYI) | |
Winter Retreat was SNOW Much Fun!
Our hearts are so full after such an intentional, powerful weekend together. We are beyond grateful for our incredible directors, volunteers, worship team, and Watertown Life Church for hosting us so generously.
A special thank you to Pastor Noelle for sharing heartfelt messages and allowing God to speak through you. Thank you to Pastor Scotty and Heather for prayerfully planning such a meaningful weekend. We’re so thankful for our adult leaders who gave their time to invest in our students, our amazing volunteers who kept everyone fed, and our teens who came with open hearts ready to listen to God.
We heard some important messages about being deeply loved, incredibly valued, and ENOUGH in God’s eyes!
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Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) |
Partner with Our Teens for NYC Ministry With Others Project
Our NYC teens are assembling Wonder P.A.C.K.s during their time at the conference. If you would like to partner with them, please bring anything from this list to District Assembly in June. We are also in need of 2 gallon bags, not listed on here. Contact our NYC coordinator, Danie Creager at upstatenyc26@gmail.com with any questions!
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This is Your Chance to Design a SWAG for NYC!
Every year, we like to give students a chance to design our shirts & other swag for NYC. We are looking to have a travel day/excursion day shirt & 3 conference day shirts, along with a hat & pins.
Some Inspiration:
1. Conference theme—WONDER
Think of how big God is and all that He has created: Mountains, rivers, oceans, sky, everything that’s known & Unknown, the entire Universe, then go bigger!
2. What are some things that are unique to Upstate NY? (food, Adirondacks, Niagara Falls, snow, etc.)
3. Listen to the song Wonder by Hillsong (the theme song for NYC 26)
Let your imagination run wild!
*Remember, No Foul language, weapons, drugs, political messages, or any kind of hate speech.*
To submit t-shirt designs- you can take a picture & email it to upstateNYC26@gmail.com or save it and bring it with you when we all get together in April.
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Nazarene Discipleship (NDI) |
Authentic Mentoring Relationships (NDI)
Through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, mentoring becomes more than instruction. It is a relational journey where faith is lived out, modeled, and passed along. Follow the link to read an article that explores how authentic relationships and intentional mentoring help cultivate faith, inspire transformation, and draw people deeper into the life God calls them to live.
| | Reach out to Pastor Liz through email to set up an appointment for Zoom or phone. | |
District NMI Local Service Project Application
Does your church have a vision or need for a local service project, either at your church or in your community?
Have you been praying about those things that you'd love to see accomplished but need more manpower and resources than what your church can provide on its own?
Well, District NMI would love to help answer those prayers, see those visions become reality, and expand the impact of the Kingdom of God in your community and across the Upstate NY District! Your local NMI council/NMI President/NMI representative and pastor need only to thoroughly complete and submit the attached online application for your proposed project, by March 28, 2026 for consideration by the District NMI Council.
We will choose one project to start, and if chosen, a District NMI Team will help complete it during the Summer/Early Fall 2026!
We're excited see what the Lord will do across our District through these projects, as we support each other in missions to our communities.
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Crisis Care Kit Collection
Thank you to all the churches who continue to pack Crisis Care Kits, for local and future global use! Your contribution and faithfulness to this ongoing effort matter so much!
Please continue packing Crisis Care Kits, and take them the Collection Site churches - Sanborn Faith, Owego, Christ Community, and Keeseville Good Shepherd. District NMI is preparing for a District-wide shipment to Fawn Grove Compassion Center in the Spring 2026. Details and information are forthcoming. In the meantime, stay tuned, keep packing, and keep praying for the people and churches in areas affected by hurricanes, floods, and other disasters.
Please remember to write your church's name and address on each banana box. Any box that goes to Fawn Grove also requires a $16 shipment fee to be sent to Global Treasury Services. See a link to the Crisis Care Kit Instruction Sheet.
If you or someone you know has a truck and/or trailer and is willing to assist with transporting the boxes when the time comes, please contact Pastor Eric Verbovszky at rev.eric.amherstnazarene@gmail.com. District NMI is looking for 2-3 people to make the delivery, and will cover your mileage! Thank you!
Upstate NY, you're a blessing to so many, and truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.
| | | Who is a Member of the Assembly? | |
Delegates to the District Assembly and Conventions
Because NDI, NMI, and NYI will be done in partnership with District Assembly you will need to consider the way in which you elect delegates. In the past, “Super Delegates” have been allowed; however, this creates confusion for delegates when they register at assembly. The District Assembly, NDI Convention, NMI Convention, and NYI Convention all follow different bylaws for the number of delegates allowed.
Please pay careful attention to the number of delegates allowed for each convention, and elect delegates for each convention separately. Churches will need to turn in certificates of election for each — District Assembly, NDI Convention, NMI Convention, and NYI Convention. Delegates cannot be listed as “Super Delegates” on the election certificate, but delegates are allowed to serve in more than one area.
| | More Resources for Pastors & Churches | | |
Upcoming Free Webinars from Ministry Safe:
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March 24, 2026 (11 am) - Building the System
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April 21, 2026 (11 am) - Protecting Kids from Kids
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May 21, 2026 (11 am) - Policies That Protect
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August 27, 2026 (11 am) - Reporting Abuse
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September 29, 2026 (11 am) - Screening That Protects
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October 27, 2026 (11 am) - Creating Background Check Strategy – Part 1
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November 17, 2026 (11 am) - Creating Background Check Strategy – Part 2
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Take Action in 2026!
In 2025, roughly 66% of eligible US ministers did not receive a 403(b) match from NBUSA. Starting in 2026, NBUSA will match 100% of the first $250 contributed to an eligible minister’s retirement account by the minister and/or his or her local church. Getting started is as simple as completing a contribution agreement form (English | Spanish) with your treasurer.
Take the next step today on the path to retire well!
| | | | Vision Partners offers coaching, workshops, and processes to help you confidently lead in God’s plan. | |
AFLAC
AFLAC is a wonderful way to be supported by your church. The District is offering a one-time benefit when you sign up to help offset the cost. We are encouraging every church to find a way to pay for this emergency insurance policy for you. When a cancer diagnosis comes, or a medical emergency no one expected occurs, finances that are already tight can become tighter. This plan is a great way to add a layer of care for those who care so much for you! While this is not a district-sponsored policy, we are making it available to the district. Check out the information below about how this will work!
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Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction offers a sacred space to listen for God’s direction in your unfolding life. It’s not about fixing or performing—it’s about being companioned with prayerful insight, care, and deep respect for the mystery of your journey. If you’re longing for real conversation, rest, clarity, or simply a place to be fully human before God, this is a gentle invitation to try Spiritual Direction. Visit www.shaneash.com for scheduling, or for more information.
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Spiritual Direction Directory
The district will cover spiritual direction for any licensed or ordained pastors on the district with Shane Ash (or up to 3 sessions with a director from the directory below).
If you have any questions, email the district office at: office@upstatedistrict.org.
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Retreat Homes for Ministry Leaders:
The Springwater Retreat House is a place to pray and listen to the still quiet voice of the Lord. Pastors face multiple challenges and carry the burdens of many people. Here is a place where they can obey Jesus’ words and go away with Him to a quiet place to rest. For free.
The Wilmington Retreat Home is a three bedroom home with a fully-applianced kitchen, dining and living room. This is an excellent place for a prayer or sermon planning retreat.
Sabbath House (Ludlow, MA) can be used or a pastoral retreat, sermon preparation, sabbatical, missionary house for those on home assignment or a vacation location.
Silver Bay YMCA Pastoral Respite Ministry - Pastors and their families can enjoy the beauty of Silver Bay from September-May at no cost because of generous donors.
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