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Weekly Digest
| Wednesday, 30 October 2019 |
Rev. Grace Imathiu helps revitalize your Advent sermon series
Advent is just over a month away. Have you planned your Advent sermon series? Is it the same year after year? If so, the Rev. Grace Imathiu wants to change that. She was the featured speaker at the 2019 Upper New York Bishop's Retreat held Oct. 22-24 at the RIT Inn in Rochester, NY.
Rev. Imathiu took the Bishop's Retreat attendees on an Advent journey unlike any other. She examined the story of the birth of Jesus through a larger lens. Her goal was to have the attendees leaving the Bishop's Retreat, "feeling rejuvenated, excited, and having some pieces in place for [their] Advent and Christmas Eve services." Click here to learn about some of Rev. Imathu's ideas for a refreshing Advent journey.
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New structure in UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries
Camp & Retreat Ministries is one of the most effective ways to introduce young people to God, especially in current times with the decline in the number of youth members throughout the Methodist Church. Upper New York (UNY) wants to maintain thriving Camp & Retreat ministries and has made a decision that will help make this possible. Michael Huber, the current Director of UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries as well as the Director of the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center will be leaving his position at Casowasco to focus his efforts full-time on his role as UNY's Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries.
Click here to read the full story and learn about Huber's many accomplishments during his time at Casowasco.
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Rev. Jeff Childs returns from Alaska
The Rev. Jeff Childs has returned from his mission work in Alaska. With both work and worship at the United Methodist Church of Chugiak, Rev. Childs had a wonderful missionary adventure.
When he arrived in early July, daylight lasted for most of the day. The nights were more twilight than total darkness. Now, there are four hours less daylight than night. And "high noon" is not that high off the horizon. Rev. Childs has been told that in another month, the sun will not reach above the southern hills and there will be only four hours of twilight during the day by the end of December.
Click here to read Rev. Childs' final blog from this mission trip that he wrote in Alaska (and Hawaii). He looks forward to exploring where is next mission trip will be!
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New issue of the Advocate available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.
The 2019 Issue 2 of the Advocate focuses on Discipleship Systems beyond Sunday services. You will find stories on ways that local churches throughout our Conference are making disciples of Jesus Christ both in their churches and in their communities. You will also find a plethora of resources on making disciples.
Click here for the latest issue of the Advocate on the Conference website; the printed version of this newsletter will be available in your local church.
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From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: 2019 Issue 2 of the Advocate
Upper New York area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb introduces the most recent issue of the Advocate, which focuses on Discipleship Systems. In his letter, Bishop Webb describes the process we should use to fulfill the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. He explains how Discipleship Systems are an effective way to fulfil this mission. Bishop Webb articulates Upper New York's commitment to helping local churches to develop intentional discipleship systems. Click here to read Bishop Webb's inspiring letter.
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Meet the DLTs: Peter Lagueras
In June, we started our year-long blog series on the Upper New York Conference's District leadership Teams (DLTs). So far, we have highlighted the Cornerstone, Oneonta, Adirondack, and Crossroads Districts. This month, we are zeroing in on the Genesee Valley District.
This week we introduce you to Peter Lagueras, the District Lay Leader.
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Meet the Spiritual Directors: Rev. Tim Phelps
Earlier this month, we launched our "Meet the Spiritual Directors" blog series.
Spiritual directors are trained to be the non-anxious presence that can hold a safe, sacred space for others. UNY has spiritual directors available to you throughout the Conference.
This week we introduce you to Spiritual Director, the Rev. Tim Phelps. Rev. Phelps has 14 years of experience serving as a hospice chaplain and has been part of the UNY Spiritual Directors team for the past year. Click here to learn more about Rev. Phelps.
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Download November Issue I of the Bridge
The November Issue I of the Bridge is now available for download. It is available in both color and black & white formats. Click here to select the version you prefer and make copies as necessary. This issue provides creative ideas to pursue to fill your hearts with Thanksgiving this month.
The Bridge is a communications tool designed for local churches to stay connected to each other and to the ministries taking place around the Upper New York Conference and The United Methodist Church. The newest volume will be listed at the top of the webpage, with older volumes below. The Bridge is designed to be handed out in worship, as a church bulletin insert, or as a standalone item. If you have questions or are unable to make copies, please contact news@unyumc.org.
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Welcome to the United Methodist Center
Last week, the United Methodist Center welcomed SLI Promise, SLI Training with Hispanic and Latino Ministries, and Trustees.
It's truly a blessing to be able to support leadership teams from around Upper New York as they help fulfill the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Click here to learn how your ministry team can reserve a meeting space at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool.
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Featured Church: Afton UMC
Afton UMC's clothing ministry, Tabitha's Closet, won a grant of $2.000 from Upstate Shredding-Weitsman Recycling. They select 12 non-profits out of 220-240 nominees each month. Then, the winner is determined by public voting.
Tabitha's Closet is an organization that offers clothing at no charge for anyone in the community.
It is open the second and fourth Monday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
They also accept donations of clothing, jackets, and shoes in wearable condition.
Click here to watch a WBNG.COM interview with Afton's Cathy Honrath about the ministry.
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On the Conference calendar
Click here to read about UNY's open meeting policy.
Oct. 31: Crossroads DCOM Meeting
Nov. 1-30: Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 1: All Saints Day
Nov. 2-3: ERT & TLT Training - DETAILS
Nov. 8-9: CCYM Youth Fall Gathering: McKownville UMC - DETAILS
Nov. 9: Safe Sanctuaries Training - DETAILS
Nov. 9: Safe Sanctuaries Training of Trainers - DETAILS
Nov. 12: Extended Cabinet
Nov. 12: SLI Promise Meeting
Nov. 13-14: Appointive Cabinet
Nov. 13: SLI New Appointees Meeting
Nov. 14: Board of Laity Meeting
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