Thoughts from DS Olivia
He is risen! He is risen indeed! I trust you had a meaningful Holy Week and Easter Celebration at your church this year. What a thought that we, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, can live in resurrection power! Because of what Christ has done for us, we have the opportunity to be partners in bringing new life wherever we find ourselves. My prayer for all of us is that we will live in the ways of the Kingdom of God, empowered by the Spirit, and overflowing with love!
The newsletter is filled with important information that I hope you will pay attention to. I want to draw your attention to a few things you don't want to miss!
- This is your last chance to apply for a Missional Grant! See the info below to get that done
- There are other grant opportunities listed below. Don't miss out on money to help with ministries that help us reach people for Christ!
- Check out this Eastern Nazarene College Alumni page. We are partnering with the alumni association to gather information and plan events. Would you fill out the survey if you are an alum?
- We are blessed to have General Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Carla Sunberg, and her husband, Rev. Chuck Sunberg, as our Family Camp speakers this year. Mark your calendars now and plan to join us for this formative time together at Brooktondale!
As I think about what it means to continue to be shaped and formed by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I can't help but reflect on how much we need each other. This isn't a journey we can do alone. With the help of our good God, the fellowship of other believers, and the many many resources that are available to us, we can grow in grace day by day. Read on, lean in, engage, and allow the grace of God to bind us together as we live in response to the Good News that "He is risen! He is risen indeed!"
Pastor Olivia
| | Upcoming Grant Opportunities |
Bringing People to Jesus Grant from our USA/Canada Regional Office
Dear Pastor,
Last fall, we had the opportunity to distribute thousands of dollars in grants to churches across the USA/Canada Region. Thanks to the continued generosity of our donor, we are grateful to offer additional funding for even more grant opportunities—and we celebrate what God is doing!
We are currently offering two types of grants:
- A one-time $500 non-matching grant (geared toward but not limited to churches with 100 people or fewer)
- A $1,000 matching grant (your church contributes $1,000 and we match it with $1,000)
(It does not matter where the $1,000 funds come from…church budget, donation, offering etc.)
Before applying, please carefully read the instructions and criteria below.
The purpose of this grant is simple: to support creative ministries that help Bring People to Jesus. Funds may be used to launch or expand outreach efforts that engage your community and introduce people to the hope of the gospel.
Examples of ministries that may qualify include Alpha, Upward Sports, Ministry Designs, community gardens, Vacation Bible School, and many others. We know every church reaches its community differently, so we encourage you to consider what opportunity would best help your church connect with those who may not yet know Christ.
Please note that building-related expenses generally do not qualify, unless they are directly tied to a ministry specifically designed to engage people outside the church community.
As you consider how your church might use this grant to Bring People to Jesus, here are a few ministry examples to explore (these are simply examples and are not required):
Alpha
Alpha creates space for honest conversations about life’s biggest questions through a series of interactive sessions. Churches may use grant funds to help start Alpha and provide meals during the eight-week gathering.
Upward Sports
Upward Sports uses athletics as a powerful outreach tool, helping churches connect with families while sharing the message of Jesus. Upward also offers a $500 start-up grant, which could be combined with this opportunity.
Ministry Designs
Ministry Designs helps churches create and maintain professional websites. A strong online presence helps people in your community find your church and engage with your ministries. Grant funds could support the $25/month website hosting subscription.
When applying it is very important that you use as much detail as possible. Applications are now open.
We are excited to see how God will use these resources to empower churches across our region to reach new people and bring them to Jesus.
For any additional questions please feel free to email Bailey Friberg (bfriberg@usacanadaregion.org)
*If you do receive a grant, there will be a 4–6 week wait for the disbursement of funds.
Grace and peace,
USA/Canada Regional Team
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Opportunity For Continuing Ed and Leadership Development!
The Upstate NY District is proud to be a denominational sponsor of Northeastern Seminary's McCown Symposium featuring Dr. Leonard Sweet. This year's event topic will be Discipleship in a Polarized Culture. It will take place on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan University on the evening of Sunday, June 7. All clergy and church leaders are invited to attend at no cost using the coupon code PARTNER. You must be on the Upstate New York District to register!
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Join Us for "I Love My Camp" — May 1 & 2!
We invite you to be part of our annual I Love My Camp work weekend on May 1 and 2 as we prepare for an exciting 2026 season!
Kick things off Friday evening by bringing a dish to share for a potluck meal. After some light work together, we’ll enjoy a time of fellowship with dinner, board games, or a relaxing bonfire (weather permitting).
We’ll gather again Saturday morning at 8:00 AM for breakfast, prayer, and more meaningful work as we get the camp ready to open for the season. We'll wrap up with a lunch that afternoon.
Whether you can join us for one day or both, your help makes a difference! Come lend a hand, connect with others, and help us get the camp up and running for a great year ahead.
We look forward to seeing you there!
| | District Young Adult Ministry (NYI) | |
Calling All Young Adults (Ages 18-35)!
We want to hear from you!
We’re gathering feedback from young adults across the Upstate District NYI to help plan events and opportunities that actually matter to you. Take a quick survey and help shape what’s next!
Follow the link below!
Questions? Reach out to Mark Cooper — macoop25@gmail.com
| Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) |
NYC Lock-in and Parent Info Meeting!
It's almost time for the NYC Lock-in! Get ready for a night filled with engaging family group time, along with fun games and activities! Check-in starts on Friday, April 24th, at 6:30 pm. Make sure to bring sleeping gear (sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, etc.) and things you will need for the night.
The parent info meeting is on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am-12 pm. Our NYC Coordinator will fill you in on all of the plans and answer your questions!
For any questions about this event, contact our NYC Coordinator, Danie Creager, at upstatenyc26@gmail.com.
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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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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 with any questions!
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Upcoming Summer 2026 Local District NMI Service Projects!
Looking for a way to serve the Lord, build the Kingdom, and make some great new friends this summer... and not have to go very far away?
Well, look no further than your own Upstate NY District!
The District NMI Council is thrilled to announce not ONE but TWO local District NMI service projects coming this Summer 2026 at different times and locations—one in Sanborn, and one at Brooktondale! We're looking to build teams of volunteers to partner with the host churches of these projects, and see how the Lord will further His Kingdom through these communities.
Stay tuned for more information for dates and details on how to apply to these service teams! Grab your work gloves, boots, sunscreen, water bottle (and other needed items to be determined...), and let's go!
| | | District Peace Initiative | | Reach out to Pastor Liz through email to set up an appointment for Zoom or phone. | | Nazarene Discipleship (NDI) |
Intentional Mentoring and Equipping
When I think of how the church can facilitate mentorship and equipping: what comes to mind is Boundaries in relationships. Many people struggle with healthy boundaries, from walking away from friendships or churches too soon to staying in relationships too long that are toxic. I have found a resource to be very helpful for equipping the church and have read the book “Boundaries” three times myself. “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom. Taking responsibility for my life opens up many different options. Boundaries help us keep the good in and the bad out. Setting boundaries inevitably involves taking responsibility for your choices. You are the one who makes them. You are the one who must live with their consequences. And you are the one who may be keeping yourself from making the choices you could be happy with. We must own our own thoughts and clarify distorted thinking (Boundaries, Cloud and Townsend).”
The Bible offers much wisdom on this topic, but part of the NDI team is to open your heart and head up to resources that may help you and your church. Our church recently went through the “Boundaries Book” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. These books break down biblical wisdom in a variety of ways for people and I have found this as a small group topic to be transformational each time I’ve done it with a class for myself and for those who are in it. One of the difficult differences is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Both of these things are so foundational to the Christian life, but understanding when reconciliation is possible and when it isn’t, we all sometimes need help with. “The Bible is clear about two principles: (1) We always need to forgive, but (2) we don’t always achieve reconciliation. Forgiveness is something that we do in our hearts; we release someone from a debt that they owe us. We write off the person’s debt, and she no longer owes us. We no longer condemn her. She is clean. Only one party is needed for forgiveness: me. The person who owes me a debt does not have to ask my forgiveness. It is a work of grace in my heart.” It is far to easy to become callus to the unforgiveness in our hearts. We need to forgive to regain freedom to love.
However, reconciliation is different. Reconciliation is a two way street. Both parties have humbled themselves to own their part of the hurt, show remorse in a true way and truly attempt to turn from (repent) the hurt that separated the relationship. “Many people are too quick to trust someone in the name of forgiveness and not make sure that the other is producing “fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). To continue to open yourself up emotionally to an abusive or addicted person without seeing true change is foolish. Forgive, but guard your heart until you see sustained change (Boundaries).”
My hope in offering these resources to you is to help open up to the work of forgiveness, reconciliation and healthy boundaries that help know when to let our yes be yes and our no be no (Matt 5:37).
In Christ,
Abby Riggall
| | District Required Forms and Reports |
Request for Approval to Hire Staff —
This form is required for all lead pastors requesting to hire or retain staff for 2026-2027.
The Manual in ¶169-169.8, 139.27, and 211.13 outlines the steps for a church to hire a staff (whether paid or unpaid). All local paid or unpaid associates who provide specialized ministry within the context of the local church must be approved annually by the DS.
Lead Pastor's Written Report —
This is a report of ministry highlights, vision for the future, or other items related to the mission of the church that will be in the District Assembly Handbook. The max word count is 600 words. This form is due April 23, 2026.
Annual Report of Retired Minister —
This form is for all retired ministers on the Upstate New York District. This form is due April 23, 2026.
Annual Report of Ordained Minister or Licensed Minister —
This form is required for all ordained or licensed minister who are NOT already submitting a pastor's, evangelist's, or retired minister's report form. This form is due April 23, 2026.
Special Assignment Renewal —
This form is required for all ministers requesting Special Assignment. This form is due April 23, 2026.
Email completed forms to the District Office: office@upstatedistrict.org
| Local Church Annual Meeting Checklist | |
¶ 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 23, 2026.
See Also:
| | 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.
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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.
| | More Resources for Pastors & Churches | | |
Upcoming Free Webinars from Ministry Safe:
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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.
| | Follow the Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene Facebook Page! | | | | |
