Weekly Digest: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 of The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States


Weekly Digest: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 of The Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Wednesday, 2 October 2019
Weekly Digest
Wednesday, 2 October 2019
UNY Delegation gathers at United Methodist Center
Members of the Upper New York Conference Delegation to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences gathered at the United Methodist Center on Saturday Sept. 28. Those who were unable to be physically present had the option of participating remotely.
The morning was spent discussing how the delegation would continue to work together and learning about proposed changes to the clergy pension plan. The afternoon was spent planning their process for the potential Episcopal Candidates from UNY for vetting and then preparing for the NEJ gathering in July 2020 in Huntsville, MD. More information on the process will be made available soon.
The delegation greatly appreciates that they have been surrounded in prayer and supported in so many ways since they were elected at Annual Conference. They are accepting donations of maple candy to aid them in their work, but they especially request your continued prayers.  
Click here to learn interesting facts about each of the members of your delegation.
Has your church accepted our high-five challenge?
 
With recent natural disasters, UMCOR warehouses across the country are becoming empty. Here in UNY, our Mission Central HUB has started a high-five relay campaign to help raise funds and supplies for items needed in the cleaning kits and hygiene kits we assemble for UMCOR.
Click here to learn more about the high-five challenge.
Click here to watch a video of our star, Reese, surprising UNY Conference office staff with high-fives. Feel free to share your cell phone video of the relay by emailing it to news@unyumc.org or posting in the comments section of our Facebook high-five relay post.
Thank you from the HUB
As September comes to an end, thank you to all those who acted as the hands of Jesus through their work at Mission Center HUB, including Pennellville UMC, Liverpool First UMC, Brewerton UMC, Boy Scouts Troop 71 from Baldwinsville, Saratoga Springs UMC, East Randolph UMC, North Side Church's Hope Club, UNY United Methodist Women, Avon UMC, and all others who have given time, donations, or prayers to support the work of the Upper New York Conference Mission Central HUB.
Volunteers needed to clean shower trailer
The Upper New York Mission Central HUB is looking for help cleaning the UNY Conference shower trailer and getting it ready for storage. The inside is in need of scrubbing, mopping, and some painting. All this work must be completed by Nov. 1.
The trailer is often used on mission trips where resources are limited and gives volunteers the ability to clean up following a day of work.  
The HUB is seeking volunteers to come to the Conference Center in Liverpool to help clean on the following dates:
  • Oct. 8 from 10-2 p.m.
  • Oct. 10 from 10-2 p.m.
  • Oct. 12 from 9-1 p.m.
  • Oct. 14 from 9-2 p.m.
  • Oct. 17 from 10-2 p.m.
If you are available and willing to help, contact MaryBeth Ingalls at (315) 372-0285 or at marybethingalls@unyumc.org or Mike Block at (315) 491-0497 or at mikeblock@unyumc.org.
Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments 
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce 13 ad interim appointments. View the full list of changes here.
Global Mission Fellows accepting applications from young adults called to serve
The Global Mission Fellows program is accepting applications between now and Jan. 7, 2020. This two-year program is a great way for young adults between the ages of 20-30 to engage with local communities outside of their home context, connect with the church in mission, and grow in social holiness. All who fall within this age range and have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent life experience) who are passionate about putting their faith into action while addressing the root causes of injustice are encouraged to apply. Click here to learn more and/or to apply.
Meet the Spiritual Directors introduction    
So far this year, we have used our blog platform to introduce you to Upper New York (UNY) District Leadership Team members as well UNY deacons. While we will continue to introduce you to more DLT members and deacons, we will also begin introducing you to spiritual directors.  
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. Click here to read the introduction to our "Meet the Spiritual Directors" blog series and learn more about this team of dedicated individuals.
Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries trainings
Safe Sanctuaries is a policy that Upper New York uses in order to reduce the risk of abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in the ministries of our churches, Districts, agencies, and ministry groups. Those who have regular and direct contact with children, youth, and vulnerable adults (such as pastors, youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible School coordinators, music leaders, after-school program workers, home visitors, respite care workers) should take a Safe Sanctuaries training course.
There are two Safe Sanctuaries trainings as well as Safe Sanctuaries Training of trainers taking place this fall. The first Safe Sanctuary training is on Saturday Oct. 26 at West Schuyler UMC in the Mohawk District in the morning with a training for trainers in the afternoon. The second Safe Sanctuary training opportunity is on Saturday Nov. 9 at  Kenmore UMC in the Niagara Frontier District in the morning with a training for trainers in the afternoon. Safe Sanctuaries trainings only take place up to four times a year across the UNY Conference. Click here to learn more about these upcoming trainings and to obtain registration information. 
Download October Issue I of the Bridge
The October 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 introduces you to the UNY 2020 delegation for the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. Learn about their most recent meeting and a fun fact about each delegate.
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.
Continue to Use the Current Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility Verification
Upper New York Conference employees should be aware that the current I-9 employment eligibility verification form expired Aug. 31, 2019. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not yet issued an updated form. They are advising employers to continue to use the current one until further notice.
Until further notice, employers should continue using the Form I-9 currently available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' I-9 Central, even though the expiration date of Aug. 31 has passed.
We will provide updated information about the new version of the Form I-9 as it becomes available.
Employers must complete Form I-9 for all newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Welcome to the United Methodist Center   
Last week, the United Methodist Center welcomed Innovation Incubator, Crossroads' employees for the NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention training, the UNY General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates, and the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits. 
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. 
Updates: Sept. 26 - Oct. 2  
Death Notice: Phyllis Lange
Please keep the family of Phyllis Lange in your prayers. Phyllis, 92, died on Sept. 18. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. James Lange, who served several Upper New York churches, including Grand Island: Trinity, Syracuse: University, and others. Phyllis was also the grandmother of Pastor Nate Lange, who currently serves Middleport UMC. Funeral services will be held on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. at Grand Island: Trinity, located at 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY. Condolences can be sent to Phyllis' son, Mark Lange, at 2303 Staley Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.
On the Conference calendar   
Click here to read about UNY's open meeting policy.
Oct. 3: SLI Innovations Meeting 
Oct. 5: INR 2.0: Saratoga Springs UMC - DETAILS  
Oct. 5: CLT/Operational Team Meeting  
Oct. 6: Cornerstone District Superintendent Installation - DETAILS 
Oct. 6: World Communion Sunday (offering) - DETAILS 
Oct. 7: Pre-Retirement Seminar - DETAILS  
Oct. 9: NYS Sexual Harassment Training Deadline - DETAILS  
Oct. 9: Safe Sanctuaries Team Meeting  
Oct. 9-12: CONAM Meeting   
Oct. 15-17: Extended Cabinet 
Oct. 16: Staff Retreat- Conference Office Closed
Oct. 16: Board of Laity Meeting 
Oct. 22-24: Bishop's Retreat - DETAILS 
Quick links
Upper New York Conference
7481 Henry Clay Boulevard
Liverpool, New York 13088, United States

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