NCNY Conference Prayer Focus for May, 2008
Pray for our delegation at General Conference ~ Pray for the NCNY Annual Conference that we may see the Vision and Follow our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Pray especially for Bishop Violet Fisher as she speaks before the session ~ Pray for The Rev. Dr. Sung Ho Lee, and the ministry of the Mohawk District ~ Pray for pastors and churches that are experiencing a time of transition ~ Pray for all our churches, pastors and laity as we celebrate the Ascension of Christ, and prepare for the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives at Pentecost.
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Death toll rises in Myanmar: the United Methodist Committee on Relief plans its response
In the wake of the devastating cyclone in Southeast Asia, more than 22,000 were presumed dead from the cyclone, which struck May 3 and wiped out entire villages. Another 41,000 people are missing, according to Myanmar's state-run media. A U.S. diplomat based in Myanmar later told CNN that the death toll could exceed 100,000, with another 70,000 missing.
Donations to UMCOR for UMCOR Advance No. 3019674, Myanmar emergency, can be made online at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/. Checks also can be dropped in church offering plates or mailed directly to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Credit card donations are accepted by phone at 800-554-8583. >>more
A Sunday bulletin insert from UMCOR for local churches can be found at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/media/cbi-pdfs/myanmarbulletin.pdf
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We're 100% efficient. Every dollar you give to this emergency will provide humanitarian relief and recovery only for this emergency. That's because gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering covers UMCOR's costs to administer your gifts |
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| General Conference News |
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General Conference 2008 has ended. We have a final wrap up available. All the General Conference items can be found at any time by clicking on General Conference on the navigational bar on the left. |
Need information about Annual Conference?
You'll find information and registration instructions on our Annual Conference 2008 page. Also, there is a 12 page insert in the April UM Connections. The deadline for registering for a hotel room is May 1 and the deadline for all other registrations is May 15. Note that rooms and meal tickets, with the exception of a limited number of Laity Luncheon tickets, will not be available on site. In addition, only a limited number of packets will be available for late registrants on site. Registrations will be processed when the appropriate fees are received. >>more |
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Summer Camp Information Correction
Please note that some of the summer camp information recently sent to pastors and camp/retreat agents incorrectly stated the dates for Aldersgate and Casowasco Day at Camp/Open House events. The correct dates are: CASOWASCO - SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008 and ALDERSGATE - SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2008. A corrected insert for your church bulletin can be downloaded here. Please share this information with your camp/retreat agents and others who may have received the summer camp packet of information. |
A message from Bishop Violet L. Fisher and Bishop Susan W. Hassinger
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Dear Friends in the Albany and New York West Areas,
We trust you are aware that the New Area/Conference Team (New ACT) is at work to dream and build a new shape for ministry in our region. The team is committed to seeking God’s guidance in this journey.
At our most recent meeting, the team spent significant time in studying |
| scripture, seeking to discern a word that spoke to us of God’s hopes for our churches and our people. While a number of passages offered inspiration and hope, there was one passage that arose near the end of the gathering. Reflecting on the content of our discussion, and on the group’s name, a group member was moved to read Acts 2:41-47 >>more |
VIM Training
The Early Response (Disaster) Team Training session, scheduled for May 10 has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled in the fall when more people can attend. >>more
Find out about NCNY Safe Sanctuaries
Together at Annual Conference 2007, we covenanted to have a Safe Sanctuary Policy in place with accompanying implementation procedures by Charge Conference 2008. Go to our webpage for more information about this important ministry, including training opportunities. If you desire assistance from our team, please feel free to contact us.
NCNY Conference Rural Academy - Phase 2 Meetings
There's still time to register for the final two sessions.
Tools for small church ministry are on the way!
At Phase 2 sessions we will learn asset mapping, empowering the laity for the church's ministry and have a little more on story-telling the Gospel. Sessions are open to all, those who attended Phase 1 and those who did not. Register here For more information >>more |
| Guide to College and University Campus Ministries
From the NCNY Conference Board of Higher Education and Ministry comes a valuable new resource: The United Methodist Student's Guide to College and University Campus Ministries in our Conference >>more |
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Continuing Education
Check out the continuing education page to learn about many opportunities available to laity and clergy. Either click here, or go to Vision and Ministry Resource Ministry on the left hand navigational bar, then Continuing Education. If you know of an event that should be included, please email Lauren Swanson. |
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Local Pastor's Licensing School
The 2008 - 2009 training dates for licensing men and women committed to holding God's people in their hearts and hands have been announced. A license is necessary for all persons not ordained as elder who are appointed to preach, conduct worship, and perform the duties of a pastor. The school is an eight month course of study comprising 80 contact hours over six educational modules. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Homan >>more |
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Get Certified Lay Minister information here!
A certified lay minister is a United Methodist layperson called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. They are qualified for CLM status after specific training and examination. Training days are set for the last Saturday of each month in September, October, November and December from 9-5 p.m. at the Clifton Springs UMC. >>more
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Where do your shared ministry dollars go?
"Getting to Know Neighbors of Other Faiths" is the latest in our collection of bulletin inserts. It has been produced by the National Council of Churches and provides a great deal of information.
There are six additional great bulletin inserts to help the members of your congregations understand their dollars at work in the North Central New York Conference and beyond ...more>> |
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Looking for Information? |
about Disaster Relief (such as Conference drop off points for flood buckets), or Volunteer in Mission Opportunities? Click Volunteers in Mission and Disaster Relief on the navigational bar to the left. |