Thoughts from DS Olivia
In forty-one days we will gather together in Watertown for District Assembly and Conventions. I am looking forward to being together May 8-10, as we celebrate all God has done this past year and do the holy work of the business of the church. Last year our theme was One Body+One Spirit and we are continuing with that theme this year. In fact it will be our theme for this quadrennium (the four year span from General Assembly to General Assembly). I want to ask that you will join us in prayer as we prepare to gather.
I also am hoping that you will plan to join us, even if you aren’t a delegate, for the opening service on Thursday, May 8th, at 7pm as we sing, pray, and center our hearts on the theme from Scripture. You are welcome to attend all of the business, devotional times, workshops and services on Friday and Saturday. Ordination will be on May 9th, at 6pm, and you won’t want to miss this important service in the life of the ordination candidates and the life of the church! Mark your calendar, book your hotel, and join us as we have this unique opportunity each year to be together from Buffalo to Plattsburgh, Binghamton to Springwater, and Jamestown to Schenectady. District Assembly and Conventions are a special time for all of us from various churches and places to embody the theme, to live out in real time, One Body+One Spirit.
There are other ways for us to come together as well. Click the button below to purchase the Prayer Journals our USA/Canada Region has made available to us. To encourage you to engage with this great resource the district will reimburse each church that participates up to $30. That will get you 20 journals to share with your church board, staff, leaders, and others in the church. I would encourage you to find a way to provide them for everyone and hope that this incentive is helpful to you. Send an email to bbeardsley@upstatedistrict.org with a copy of your receipt and we will get a check sent to your church.
In a divided time, may we be reminded that Jesus’ prayer for us was that we would be one as He and the Father are one. By grace this can be true of us as we don’t give up on coming together, as we unite our hearts in prayer and on mission, and as we are reminded that Jesus is the only one who deserves our worship and allegiance. In these things and by the power of the Holy Spirit we can truly continue to become One Body+One Spirit.
Pastor Olivia
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Nazarene Missions Team
Guatemala Trip Project Fund
Upstate NY is sending a 23-person Nazarene Mission Team (NMT) trip to Guatemala from September 19-28, 2025!
They will be going to help build God’s kingdom in San Luis, Guatemala, in the northern Peten region of the country, by constructing a large covered shelter, as part of a bigger project to expand and upgrade the Nazarene church in that area. They will also engage in personal evangelism and VBS with local missionaries. But they can't do this project without YOU! They may be going, but we all can take part! The construction project costs $10,000. Here's a thought: if every church supported with $250, they'd be on their way! Boom! Just like that!
If you and/or your congregation would like to contribute toward the Guatemala NMT project, please send checks to Ray Gould at 19 E. Dock St., Port Byron, NY 13140.
Please make checks out to "District NMI Treasurer" and note "Guatemala NMT project" on the memo line.
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You can also give using the provided QR code.
It'll direct you to the Upstate District Tithe-ly account. Please choose "Guatemala Nazarene Mission Teams Project" from the "Please Choose Fund" dropdown list.
No matter how you give, you'll receive a giving statement for tax purposes. Thanks and God bless you!
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Let's Pray Together on May 27th at 7pm!
Upcoming District Wide Prayer Dates:
May 27th, 7pm
Register for the May 27th District Wide Prayer meeting, and a zoom link will be emailed to you on or by May 27th. You can register as an individual or as a group!
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Discipleship Resources
Our denomination has a vast library of discipleship resources! If you're passionate about (or struggling with) engaging your church (or neighbors) in discipleship, check out https://discipleshipplace.org or download the app!
You can also reach out to the District NDI team by emailing them at ndi@upstatedistrict.org
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"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you..." Romans 15:13
This year Encounter will be a new experience as we navigate a new era in our Eastern Field. Harrisonburg Church of the Nazarene will be hosting us May 23-26 for a weekend full of connection with teens across the field, art & sports, missional engagement, and worship!
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Save the Dates for Summer 2025!
The summer will be here before you know it! Be sure to get these dates on your calendar if you have not done so already! Registration for Family Camp and Children's Camp are live!
I Love My Camp (May 2-3)
ILMC is our camp opening weekend. Come for one or two days to help us spring clean and prep the grounds for the camping season.
Prime Time Retreat (June 25-27)
PTR is a time to prepare specifically for Family Camp, with a special time of prayer on Friday night to end the "retreat".
Family Camp (June 28 - July 6)
Whether it's for the Fourth, for the weekend, or for the week, we want to gather and worship with you in 2025. Once again, registration is online only. Secure your spot with a $50 deposit today and pay the balance at check-in.
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Children's Camp (July 16-19)
This is a 4 day camp for kids going into K - 6th grade this fall. Children attend the camp with a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent. Scholarship is available again this year. Registration is online only. Get your kids, grandkids, and the kids at your church to camp this year!
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Teen Camp (August 4-9)
This camp will always start on the first Monday of August. This year, that's August 4! This is for teens finishing 6th - 12th this spring. Registration will be available soon. For now, please save the date!
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Compensation &
Tax Memos
NBUSA Compensation & Tax Memos are designed to help pastors and church treasurers with various clergy and church financial matters, such as retirement, Social Security, taxes, business expenses, ministerial compensation, church audits, and more. Each memo is reviewed annually for accuracy by certified public accountants to assure you’re getting the most accurate information.
| 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
The district will cover 3 sessions with any of these folks in this directory for licensed or ordained pastors. If you have any questions, email the district office at: office@upstatedistrict.org.
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Retreat Homes Around the District:
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.
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MinistrySafe Matters
Each month you will find helpful tools to use as you seek to keep kids and teens safe in your church. We encourage every church to be a MinistrySafe church!
If you are having difficulty paying for this vital resource, reach out to the district office and we will partner with you. This should not be seen as optional for any of us! A safety plan, background checks, helpful training, screenings, and monitoring are crucial. The links below can be helpful:
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