Upper New York: October 2014

ADVOCATE Upper New York

A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church

Prayerful pause

Members joined Bishop Mark J. Webb in prayer before they voted to approve a recommendation from the Conference Trustees to purchase a property in Liverpool as the new home of the Upper New York Conference Offices. Read the full story on pages 4-5.

OCTOBER 2014

Special Double Issue: The next issue of the Advo-

cate will be a special double issue for the holidays. Look for the November/ December Advocate at a narthex near you!

Table of contents

Volume 6, Issue 9

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APPROVED Approximately 750 voting members of the Upper New York Annual Conference attended the special session on Oct. 18, 2014 to decide on a recommendation from the Conference Trustees to purchase property in Liverpool for a new Conference Center. The recommendation was approved.

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GOING 360 DEGREES The Port Byron UMC celebrated its connection to Africa by raising funds for the Conference’s Africa 360 campaign and listening to how Conference staffer Ashley Riddell was impacted by a 2013 mission to Zimbabwe.

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BEING HONEST Ethnic minority pastors from around the Conference met with the Extended Cabinet and Bishop Ernest Lyght, retired, to discuss what they really want to say but haven’t.

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CREATIVE WORSHIP Creative Worship Specialist Jason Moore was in Upper New York for a series of workships to help churches be more creative in their worship. Read about some of the tips and resources he offered UNY churches.

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LUCKY 13 In its latest round of grant funding, the Reaching Our Neighbors Mission Oversight Team awarded nearly $60,000 in grants to 13 Conference ministries.

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WELCOMING SERVICES Mountain View District Superintendent the Rev. Nancy Adams and Finger Lakes District Superintedent the Rev. Jeff McDowell were greeted by their respective districts during a pair of Welcome Services in September.

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IT’S A FACT Conference leaders meet to think, share, pray and discern steps toward greater generosity in funding the ministries the Conference shares with all United Methodist people – the FACT process.

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BON VOYAGE Leah Robinson, Finance Team Support, has sailed off into retirement. Advocate Writer/Editor Beth DiCocco caught up with Robinson during her final week at the Conference for a look back at her time serving two conferences.

DISCERNING THE CALL Twelve young people from Upper New York are taking the first step – in an 18-month journey – to discern how God is calling them to serve.

CORRECTION: In the September issue of the Advocate we incorrectly stated where the Fall Gathering West will be held. It will be held at the Aldersgate UMC, 4115 Dewey Ave., Rochester. We apologize for the error.

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A dose of

inspiration

Dennemora: A Hand to Plow inspiration The Dannemora United Methodist Church continues to reach out to the community with an invitation to exercise, breath fresh air, grow fresh vegetables and improve diets. Now in its second year, the Community Garden project offers both individuals and families the chance to grow their own food in a congenial atmosphere and with expert guidance.

It all started in a small group during a “brain-storming” discussion at our local Church Conference within the Adirondack District. We were challenged to come up with ideas to lovingly reach out to our community as part of the Hand to Plow initiative. Being in a rural setting like Dannemora, a community garden was very appealing to many members of our church. Not only did we have individuals experienced in growing crops, we were also blessed in having four master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension to guide us in the initial stages of the project.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 This story first appeared in the E-Advocate, Upper New York’s weekly email newsletter, as part of our Featured Church series. To get these stories – and all the latest Conference news – right in your inbox, subscribe to the E-Advocate (it’s free) by visiting the Conference website at http://www. unyumc.org/connect.

From the desk of Bishop Mark J.Webb

God is leading us into change T

he colors of autumn are spectacular in upstate New York.

One of the things I love about living in the Northeast is the change of seasons. That’s ironic, because change is something I don’t always accept easily.

Given a choice between routine and familiar or new and different, most of the time, I choose the former.

Upstate New York has seen significant change over the last 20-30 years – which has had positive and negative effects on our communities.

In part, the Upper New York Conference was created because of those changes.

The thought of change can be both exciting and just plain scary. The process of change can be rewarding and frustrating. The realities of change can move us into a hopeful future or paralyze us in a familiar past. I think most people would agree that our relationship with change is one of love and hate.

As Jesus’ followers, we are called to a life of change. I have always grabbed hold of the words and truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new

creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Change.

The work of salvation through Jesus Christ brings immediate change.

The work of God’s sanctifying grace builds upon God’s justifying grace to continue a process of change within the lives of those who, by faith, choose Jesus. Our very purpose – “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” – is a mission of change.

The effectiveness and fruitfulness of our mission depends upon our willingness to change – to be led by the Spirit of God into a deeper relationship with God and one another; we are called to bolder witness of the good news of Jesus Christ and a renewed way of being the Church, the hands and feet of Christ.

I recently read Gil Rendle’s latest book, Doing the Math of Mission: Fruits, Faithfulness and Metrics (find it at Cokesbury at http://tinyurl. com/MathofMission). It is a book that unapologetically calls the Church to count and measure the effectiveness and vitality of our ministry. Yet Gil calls us to go deeper and to do the necessary work first – the work of discovering the difference we are called to live into, the change God invites us to experience and create.

The mission of Upper New York is

clear: We are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That mission is lived out through vital congregations and transformational leaders. Our priorities are for more disciples of Jesus; more vital congregations and more transformational leaders.

Being clear about our mission and our priorities; setting goals and creating strategies to reach those goals is critical work we must do.

But the first work and the most important work is for us to seek the change God is calling us to; not the change we want or scheme for, but the change God calls us to. We must ask: What will be different because we are committed to the mission of Jesus Christ? What will be different about our communities? What will be different about us?

I’m not a fan of change, yet through my faith in Christ, I know that I am a result of change and I am a work of change in progress. For the new to come, the old has to pass away. God is leading us into change.

God is leading us to open our minds, hearts and spirits to the DIFFERENCE God desires to create in us, through us and in spite of us.

I guess the question is: Will I be open? Will we be open to the change God calls us to and is already making a reality?

ADVOCATE STAFF

Writer/Editor: BETH DICOCCO

Social Media/Web: ASHLEY RIDDELL

(315) 424-7878 x319 bethdicocco@unyumc.org

(315) 424-7878 x320 ashleyriddell@unyumc.org

Graphic Designer: CHRISTIAN VISCHI

E-Advocate: KAREN CAMPOLIETO

(315) 424-7878 x313 christianvischi@unyumc.org

(315) 424-7878 x304 karencampolieto@unyumc.org

Editor/Publisher: STEVE HUSTEDT

UNY Director of Communications

(315) 424-7878 x307 stevehustedt@unyumc.org

Conference Writer/Editor

Communications Associate

Multimedia/Web Coordinator

Administrative Assistant to the Director

THE UPPER NEW YORK UNITED METHODIST ADVOCATE IS A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE UPPER NEW YORK CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, WHOSE MISSION IS TO BE GOD’S LOVE WITH ALL OUR NEIGHBORS IN ALL PLACES. MATERIALS IN THE ADVOCATE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED UNLESS THE ITEM IS ACCOMPANIED BY A COPYRIGHT NOTATION. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT UTICA, NEW YORK 13504; USPS 14025. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 PER YEAR PAID IN ADVANCE TO 324 UNIVERSITY AVE., 3RD FLOOR, SYRACUSE, NY 13210; OR CALL (855) 424-7878; OR VISIT WWW.UNYUMC.ORG. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO UPPER NEW YORK UNITED METHODIST ADVOCATE, 324 UNIVERSITY AVE., 3RD FLOOR, SYRACUSE, NY 13210. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR DECLINE ANY ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION.

unyumc.org 3

Members approve new Conference center

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

M

embers of the Upper New York Annual Conference have approved a recommendation from the Trustees to purchase a new Conference Center. The vote took place during a special session on Oct. 18, 2014.

As a result, the Trustees will pursue the purchase of a one-story, 33,000-square-foot building at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool.

The Trustees have signed a letter of intent with the sellers to pay $895,000 for the property, and renovations are expected to cost between $2 million and $2.5 million. The vote authorized spending up to $3.4 million on the purchase and renovations; that total includes a cushion for unanticipated expenses, but cannot be exceeded without further approval.

“I believe this facility will be a firm foundation to support our mission and enhance our ministry – both in the near future and over the longterm,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to members for the spirit of the conversation on Saturday; I also thank the Trustees, the Headquarters Task Force, staff, and so many Bishop Webb others for all of their work guiding us to this pivotal moment. As you know, there is much work ahead, and your prayers will be needed and most welcome.”

The timeframe to complete the purchase is not certain, but it is expected to take place between Jan. 1 and March 1, 2015. It is estimated that renovations will take six months.

The recommendation also includes an option to consider other properties should this purchase not come to fruition.

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bethdicocco@unyumc.org Special session Approximately 750 voting members attended the special session at the OnCenter in Syracuse and another 217, including some from outside the country, followed the proceedings via the live stream.

Northern Flow District Superintendent the Rev. Rebekah Sweet and Niagara Frontier District Superintendent the Rev. Wayne Butler led the worship service.

Rev. Butler gave a short sermon based on John 15:1-8, the vine and the branches. Rev. Butler acknowledged the passage is a familiar one, but urged members to hear it “with new ears.”

“What we really need is to be grafted back onto the vine again,” Rev. Butler said.

“Instead of trying to produce fruit on our own, we need to rediscover – as a Church, as an Annual Conference, as individuals – what are our real core values, Rev. Butler the things that make a difference. We need to learn to let go of the things that don’t, and prune away all that’s sapping our strength – the things that might actually be keeping us from being effective and productive in our ministry.

“Instead of clinging to our treasured traditions, our pet projects, our personal preferences, maybe we ought to cling more closely to the vine, cling to Jesus, until all our clinging to ‘me’ and ‘mine’ gives way ‘ours,’ ‘yours,’ ‘God’s.’”

Trustees’ recommendation A presentation regarding the rationale and specifics of the Trustees’ recommendation followed.

The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding,

Director of Connectional Ministries, and member of the Headquarters Task Force led off the presentation talking about the importance of the Conference Center to ministry.

“One of the most important tools a Conference can have is a Conference Center,” he said.”If it’s the right tool – an excellent and effective tool – a Conference Center helps leaders and local churches enhance, expand and extend their ministry into the lives of their neighbors and neighborhoods by providing a place of hospitality, collaboration and identity.”

Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding thanked the congregation of Syracuse’s University UMC, current home of the Conference, Episcopal and Crossroads District offices, saying “Let’s be clear: University UMC ... has been good to Upper New York. We needed a temporary place to set up basic operations while we evaluated our longer-term needs. University UMC has been such a place. We owe the good people of this congregation a debt of gratitude.”

Conference Lay Leader Scott Johnson outlined some of the challenges of the current location, including accessibility for those with disabilities. He also said the Liverpool facility will offer accessibility and the ability to offer “radical hospitality,” more space for large meetings and for collaboration both among Conference staff and with others and allow the Conference to have a single, strong identity.

Blenda Smith, who said she had been skeptical about the recommendation at first, said her concerns came from “a place of fear and perhaps even a lack of trust,” but Smith

having seen the “countless hours of research and work” on the part of the Headquarters Task Force, had become “very supportive” of the proposal.

Trustee Vice President the Rev. Dr. Wendy Deichmann, who chairs the Headquarters Task Force (see the list of members below), offered further insight into that work, recounting some of the history and details of the Rev. Dr. Deichmann search for a new location.

Treasurer Kevin Domanico discussed the financial aspects of the recommendation, including comparing four alternatives: keeping things as they are, expanding to a larger space within University UMC, leasing a property on Electronics Parkway and purchasing the Liverpool building.

(Details of the comparison are in the pre-conference materials at unyumc. org).

Trustee President John A. Jackson summed up the recommendation, and the floor was then opened for deliberation.

Pastor Jackson

Discussion Discussion during the 2.5-hour session centered primarily around questions about the specifics of the recommendation’s costs and procedures.

Speaking against the recommendation, the Rev. Wilfredo Baez, pastor of the Tabernacle UMC in Binghamton, questioned leaving the city of Syracuse for the suburbs.

“As members of the Upper New York Conference, we not only want to make disciples, we want

to be God’s love to our neighbors ... people living in our urban areas are our neighbors, part of our Church family – they are the least and last of our brothers and sisters, oftentimes,” he said.

“It seems important to have in our urban areas a demonstraRev. Baez tion of our commitment and solidarity with those living in urban areas, who are often our poor and ethnic constituencies.”

Pastor Viki Andrews, who serves Berkshire, East Berkshire and Jenksville UMCs, said the Conference cannot abandon the rural churches either.

“The Conference Center has to be acceptable for all our churches,” she said. “The churches should be the ones taking care of our neighbors ... if we want that to happen, it’s up to us, up to each and every church ...”

Pastor Matthew Kofahl, of the Hope UMC of Niagara County in Sanborn, was among those who raised concerns about whether the new space would be suitable in the future.

“As a young clergyperson, this is not an asset I want to inherit in 20 years ... whether we are larger or smaller in the future, we need to be more efficient,” he said. “... We need to learn what corporate America already knows ... the way to connect over a large geographic area is with technology, not a building.”

Pastor Kofahl suggested that renting might offer more flexibility in responding to change. “Forty years ago, you could not have predicted where we stand today,” he said. “We can only see the near future; the thing about the future is (that) it will be different than what you expect.”

The Rev. John Martin, pastor at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid, speaking in favor of the recommendation, also talked about the efficacy of a brick and mortar space. He raised the question with the Rev. Adam Hamilton Rev. Martin and the Rev. Mike Slaughter, who both lead large United Methodist churches. Rev. Slaughter urges putting money into “mission not mortar” and Rev. Hamilton is in the midst of a $90 million building campaign. “(They) came to the same agreement: that buildings are a tool,” he said. “The question in my mind is ‘what kind of tool will the Conference Center at Liverpool be?’ About the existing space I hear a lot of ‘it’s good enough.’ ... we should not be looking for good enough, but for what is best.”

The Rev. Stephen Deckard, pastor at the New Hartford UMC, suggested that the body pray and called the question at 3:20 p.m.

Bishop Webb told members they would have to vote before the prayer, since once the question is called there can be no further action until a vote is taken.

“Those are Roberts’ Rules,” the bishop said with a smile, “not God’s rules.”

The required two-thirds supported the call for the question, and Rev. Deckard led a prayer. The vote was taken by show of hands; the session was finished at 3:25 p.m.

“May God send us forth in a spirit of courage, boldness and love as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places,” the bishop said in benediction.

HEADQUARTERS TASK FORCE The Headquarters Task Force spent two years looking at some 30 properties in and around the city of Syracuse before proposing the Liverpool facility.

Task force members are: Trustee Vice President the Rev. Dr. Wendy Deichmann, chair; Deborah Byers, Trustee and former board president; John Jackson, current president of the Trustees; the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-

Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries; Brooke Conklin, former Trustee; Paul Wiley, Trustee; the Rev. Thomas A. Clemow, property management consultant to the Trustees; Mike Huber, Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries; Christine Doran, Executive Assistant to the Bishop; Conference Treasurer Kevin Domanico, and the Rev. Patricia Brown, Trustee. unyumc.org 5

Malaria protection to college education

Port Byron UMC hears how Africa 360 is a circle of life

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

bethdicocco@unyumc.org

I

t was fitting that on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, the Port Byron UMC was celebrating The United Methodist Church’s connection to Africa.

Specifically, the morning service was focused on the Upper New York Conference’s campaign Africa 360, which supports the ministries of Africa University and Imagine No Malaria.

Pastor Joyru Leet invited Conference Multimedia/Web Coordinator Ashley Riddell to talk about her 2013 mission trip to Zimbabwe.

The church has been working to raise money to support the Africa University Endowed Scholarship Fund, which began in 2011, and, now, for Africa 360.

The 2014 Annual Conference voted to continue to raise $1 million for AU scholarships as well as raise $1 million for the denomination-wide effort to eradicate malaria. These efforts would be combined under Africa 360.

“The congregation’s leadership thought it would be nice to have someone who had been there tell us more about what the university does,” said Pastor Leet, saying that she hoped the congregation would come away from the service with “a greater sense of our connection to the rest of the world.”

Pastor Leet talked about how she experiences that connection: “I’ve been energized by the Africa University Choir when they have been at Annual Conference. I am excited for the fact that they have an education and will do something for their home people. We have been a part of teaching them – but not looking down on them, bringing them up

6 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

to a different level.”

Riddell, who serves on the Africa 360 Task Force, explained how the two ministries connect and the circle – the 360-degree cycle – they create together.

“I see this campaign as a cycle, a circle, a sphere like the globe I used during the children’s sermon,” Riddell said.

Above, Ashley Riddell with Privilege. (Photo courtesy of Riddell) Below, Riddell speaks to younger members at the Port Byron United Methodist Church about her 2013 mission trip to Zimbabwe and the Upper New York Conference’s Africa 360 campaign, which supports the ministries of Africa University and Imagine No Malaria. (Photo by Beth DiCocco)

“If (someone) isn’t protected as a child again malaria with a bed net, she will never grow up to be a college student at Africa University. If she never becomes a student at Africa University, she cannot become the teacher she hopes to become ... . It’s a cycle. ... it’s about the impact she can have on her own life, her family’s life, her community, Africa, and the entire world.”

Talking about her trip to Zimbabwe, Riddell told the story of meeting that girl, 11-year-old Privilege, HIV positive, who was orphaned because of AIDS. Privilege participates in Ishe Anesu, a United Methodistsponsored afterschool program.

“From the moment I met her, we connected. She was shy at first, peeking out from under the brim of her red hat and whispering, ‘hello.’ Right before we stopped our activities for the day, she worked up the courage to take my hand and invited me to jump rope with her ...

“She followed me around a bit more before having to leave for the evening ... She hugged me and asked for a photo before I left. I wasn’t really

ready to say goodbye after a short time, but we had to be on our way.

“Three days later, we returned to Ishe Anesu to do some more work ...

When Privilege and I saw each other that afternoon after school, our faces lit up and she ran and jumped in my arms. We spent the next two afternoons side-by-side, communicating mostly in smiles and giggles.

While few words were exchanged, we didn’t need them to show joy and love to one another. “... God was teaching me (and still continues to teach me today) about the importance of simply being present. My physical presence seemed to bring her joy, and I felt the same with her presence with me. We didn’t need to talk about her HIV diagnosis, we didn’t need to talk about her home life, or her poverty, or how the only single meal she receives each day is at Ishe Anesu ... “... I’m not very good at painting,

or using a drill, or pouring concrete.

But you know what I’m really good at? Relationships. Being a people person. ... That’s not to say I didn’t paint while I was there, or try my best to use a hammer!

But my strongest gifts were used, especially in my relationship with Privilege.”

Riddell continues to support Privilege by helping pay for her school fees and uniform.

“Through Africa 360, we have the opportunity to make an investment in the lives of children and young adults across Africa,” Riddell said. “What plans might God have for them, and how will God be glorified in their lives?”

But Riddell was not the only one who shared a connection to Africa that morning.

When members shared joys and concerns, Herb Marshall stood to say that his son, Butch, who had been working for eight weeks in West Africa – a region struck by the Ebola

“Through Africa 360, we have the opportunity to make an investment in the lives of children and young adults across Africa.”

Host your own ‘cookie walk’ In August 2014, Bishop Mark J. Webb asked all Upper New York churches to raise $1,000 to support Africa 360 by Annual Conference 2015. “... I want to encourage you to find creative ways to allow the people of your congregation and community to be involved in these life-giving and lifesaving opportunities,” he said.

Here’s a simple coffee hour fundraising idea.

On this Sunday, Port Byron was hosting a “cookie walk.” It’s one of the ways the church has been raising funds for Africa 360.

Participants purchase a decorated coffee can lined with a plastic bag; in this case, the price was $5. They then walk along a buffet table to fill their cans with a variety of homemade cookies (one of the members was very adamant on that point). Patrons then take their bag of cookies and return the can to be reused.

Another out-of-the-box fundraising idea: Faith on the roof: Pastor goes high to fight malaria: BROSVILLE, Va. (UMNS) – Through storms and dark of night, the Rev. Faith Weedling kept her

virus – had landed safely at JFK that morning.

Member Mary Quant shared what she called an “aha moment” she experienced at the 2014 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) graduation ceremony, where her daughter received her master’s degree. One of the doctoral graduates was Zimbabwean Solomon Mungare, a graduate of Africa University.

Mungare’s dissertation was on the social, economic, and environmental effects of the discovery of mineral wealth – in this case diamonds – on a small community in Zimbabwe.

Quant said the professors were asked to introduce the graduates, and when talking about Mungare, his professor said: “’Some dissertations require more courage than others;’ that’s about all he could say, because he was so tearful, and I thought ‘aha, that was us; we helped support Africa University. We brought him all the way from Africa to Syracuse, and here’s our work in the flesh.’”

Riddell, who told the congregation that she plans to return in 2015 to Africa, had begun her sermon with Matthew 10:5-10 (MSG): “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievThe buffet table at the Port Byron UMC.

promise to spend one hour on the church roof for every $100 her church raised for Imagine No Malaria. Her stay was longer than she expected ... when three congregations raised $3,800. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/BrosvilleMalaria.

How is your church meeting the Africa 360 Challenge? Is your church doing something to raise money or awareness for Africa 360? Let us know about it so we can share your story. Other UNY churches might be able to repeat your success.

Send an email with details to news@unyumc.org with the subject line: Africa 360.

unyumc.org 7

ers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the Kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons.

You have been treated generously, so live generously. Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is

Valeski transitions to administrative assistant for Finance and Benefits

T

he Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Julie Valeski has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant for Finance and Benefits.

Valeski has served as the Conference Receptionist/ Support Services Clerk since Sept. 10, 2013. The Conference is currently searching for a fulltime receptionist.

“I am pleased that Valeski Julie has demonstrated the skills necessary to move into this position and has the desire to serve in these ministry areas,” said Conference Benefits Officer Vicki Putney. “Her proven customer service skills will complement our team well.”

The Benefits Office has been without an administrative assistant for about a year, Putney said, and the retirement of Finance Team Support Leah Robinson earlier this month prompted the revamp of that position to provide administrative support for both of these ministry areas.

Valeski, who is a member of Christ Community UMC in Syracuse, has served as Director of Christian Education there for the past six years. In 2012, she was administrative assistant at the church; before that she was a stay-at-home mom.

Valeski has a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College.

Valeski and her husband, Jeff, have a daughter Madyson, 14, and a son Lukas, 9.

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three meals a day. Travel light.”

The choice may have been counterintuitive, Riddell admitted, but she explained: “My point in sharing this Scripture is that we, as Christian disciples, are called to witness to the world in our own way. Some of us may never make it to another country to share the word of Jesus Christ. Some of us may not have a lot of money to give to a campaign to help those in need.

But God has given each of us gifts,

talents, and callings, with the right ‘equipment,’ as Matthew 10 says, to make a difference in the lives of those around us ... whether it’s here in the U.S. or half way around the world in Zimbabwe, Africa. ...”

––– For further reading: Africa University www.africau.edu Imagine No Malaria http://imaginenomalaria.org

Dennemora: A Hand to Plow inspiration CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 A small committee formed to establish goals and communication.

We wanted these Community Garden plots, that were to be established between the church and the parsonage, to be available to any needy person. Using various media, we targeted limited-resource individuals and families: the poor, the elderly, and those people in the village without garden space. Being in a predominantly Roman Catholic area, our intentions were met with skepticism and distrust. But scripture reminded us, “Love ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) God was in control!

This gift of love to our community began in May 2013 with five garden plots established on a southfacing slope of our church lawn.

All the participants in 2013 had children who benefited by helping us adults build the plots, nurturing the plants, and enjoying the fruit of their labor. Four Master Gardeners helped in some way to make their first gardening experience a rewarding and enjoyable one.

Last spring, our church added eight more plots for a total of 13 Community Garden plots. Many hands, young and old, pitched in to make this expanded project possible. Because of the persistence of some dedicated and hard workers, one-half of the plots are now being managed by various community residents, and the other half by several Dannemora Methodist Church families.

The benefits of this project are

many: Young families and seniors alike benefit from the produce as well as the comradery of new friendships. Excess food is being shared. The young people are learning good stewardship skills and respect for their environment.

Our church benefits from increased roadside visibility, and greater activity during weekdays. Most importantly, the Community Garden project and other efforts within our Church portray an act of love and connectivity to our neighbors, inviting them to come closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Submitted by Ted Trevail, Chair of the Church Council at the Dannemora UMC.

Extended Cabinet and ethnic minority pastors have honest conversation

By Stephen J. Hustedt, Director of Communications stevehustedt@unyumc.org

O

n Sept. 19, 2014, the Upper New York Conference Extended Cabinet gathered together with ethnic minority pastors from around the Conference for a time of fellowship, conversation, and worship. The time was led by Bishop Ernest Lyght, retired, and had been planned for over a year.

“We’ve been planning this for a long time,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb. “But this was not the end of something it was the beginning of something. We have a long way to go, but we are talking to each other and seeking God’s best together. That’s a start.”

The gathered group spent two hours focused primarily on three areas of questions and discussion: What is it that excites you about what God is doing in your ministry?

Where do you experience pain?

How is the Cabinet interacting with you in your ministry? With assistance? Getting in your way?

Rev. Vonda Fossitt shares her concerns and hopes for the future at a gathering of Upper New York Conference ethnic minority clergy with the extended cabinet on Sept. 19. Photos by Stephen J. Hustedt

What is it that you’re really want to say that your are not saying?

“This was the first time I was able to attend a gathering such as this, and it was a great blessing to know I am not alone,” said Pastor Sonexay “Sean” Chanthasone of Lao Good News United Methodist Church.

“Having the Cabinet and my peers there to listen and give support was a great encouragement to go forward and make disciples.”

Following Christian conversation between Upper New York Conference ethnic minority clergy and the extended cabinet, those gathered took part in the sacrament of Holy Communion.

While the conversations were not always easy they did become more honest and go deeper throughout the day.

“I think that Bishop Lyght hit the crux of the matter when he asked the clergy, ‘What is it that you really want to say that you are not saying?’ I suggest that both spoken and unspoken responses to that question are reflected in the number of clergy not present, frustrations over things not moving forward in meaningful ways, and that the very model of gathering may no longer meet the needs of the group invited into conversation,” said the Rev. Adrienne Phillips of Faith United Methodist Church in Schenectady. “In looking to the future, I envision a Conference that will better utilize the gifts, talents, and skills of its clergy of color, a Conference that will engage more of these clergy persons in planning and exercising leadership roles.”

As those gathered reflect on the time they are already beginning to process what the next steps in this important work will look like.

“The time we had together was good,” Bishop Webb said, “but I’m really excited to see where God is leading us. Our desire is to be the body of Christ. That means embracing’s diversity and learning to remove barriers so we can focus together on our ministry. God will get us there!” unyumc.org 9

HOW TO APPLY 21ST-CENTURY METHODS OF COMMUNICATION TO DELIVER A RELEVANT GOSPEL MESSAGE

By Christian Vischi Graphic Designer

10 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

here is a common fallacy out there: “If you want a more creative worship service, add a screen.

Or two. Just follow that trend and you’ll add the technological pizzazz that your worship desperately needs.”

But creative worship specialist, author and worship coach Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions is here to dispel that notion.

“Installing screens in worship might be the biggest trend of the past 10, 20 years, but it doesn’t really transform anything in worship because there is a huge difference between technology and culture,” Moore said.

“Image is just a part of the culture that we live in.”

Moore was in the area Sept. 8-11, 2014 to offer four one-day workshops titled Make Worship More Creative to Upper New York members.

The creative worship specialist said there is a huge disconnect between the way screens are used in church and the way screens are used in everyday life. Screens shouldn’t duplicate, they should enhance.

“We think of the screen as if it is a giant piece of paper, and we take everything that used to be in the bulletin, the hymnal and the Bible and we put it on the screen,” Moore said.

“But it is not a piece of paper.”

The key, according to Moore, is to start thinking about an “image-based way to use your screen.”

According to the Visual Teaching Alliance, 65 percent of the population are visual learners. Visual aids can help increase learning by up to 400 percent.

“Image is a native language of our brain. It takes more mental energy to read text; our brain has to convert text to images in our brain. So when we use images in worship we are speaking in the native language of our brain,” he said.

“IMAGE IS A NATIVE LANGUAGE of our brain. ...

So when we use images in worship we are speaking in the native language of our brain.” – Jason Moore

RESOURCES

T

There needs to be a shift from text to image, Moore said.

If you make that shift, Moore said, “metaphor is the way to do it today.”

“Metaphor is a tangible way of expressing an abstract story, thought or idea … a doorway to truth,” he said.

Why use a metaphor? Because it makes the message easier to understand, it makes it easier to retain, and because it was Jesus’ model. But that doesn’t mean we can use Biblical metaphors in the 21st century.

“The problem with using first-century parables in 21st-century culture is that you have to explain them to (help people) understand what the truth is. The best metaphors require very little information,” Moore said.

“When we use metaphors from the culture and we do the work of redeeming those metaphors – and that is the key … the culture then becomes a reminder of the Gospel.”

For example, you could use sharing a lemonade as a metaphor for sharing the Gospel message.

Imagine it is a hot summer day and you are relaxing on a porch with a friend. Their spouse brings out a pitcher of ice cold, freshly squeezed lemonade. Your friend sits there sipping away as you look at the mercury topping triple digits. You finally inquire: “May I have a glass?”

They give you a puzzled look and reply, “Oh, I am so sorry. I was worried that you didn’t like lemonade, and I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship by offering you something that you wouldn’t like.”

To draw that connection to offering the Good News during worship, everyone could be given a lemon prior to the service to share with a neighbor; the children’s message could include a lemonade-making demonstration; and you could serve lemonade following the service.

The ultimate

Moore recommended these resources for clergy and church leaders ($ denotes not a free resource):

Christian Video Licensing International $ www.cvli.com CVLI provides legal coverage for churches and for other ministry organizations to show motion pictures and other audiovisual programs intended for personal, private use only.

Sermon Spice $ www.sermonspice.com Sermon Spice features sermon illustrations, worship backgrounds and more.

Gimp Shop www.gimpshop.com This site calls itself the “free alternative to Photoshop.”

Worship House Media $ www.worshiphousemedia.com WHM offers worship media, including a range of video illustrations, mini movies, worship song tracks, motion backgrounds, and Christian pictures.

Audio Jungle $ www.audiojungle.net More than 198,000 audio files are available from Audio Jungle, from worship music to sound effects.

UNY Graphics Resources www.unyumc.org/ GraphicsResources This page features a variety of resources for local churches, from free fonts and images to material for your bulletins and newsletters. unyumc.org 11

goal being to “redeem” lemonade, to make that lemonade a reminder of the importance of sharing the Gospel.

If it is done well, “When (they) encounter that thing, the truth is so instilled in that object that it will come back again,” Moore said.

So what are some steps to follow when putting your imaged-based metaphor on the screen?

“There are six principles for design,” Moore said, starting with your metaphor – “the glue that makes it stick.”

• Use references. This doesn’t mean a citation for a statistical reference in your sermon. Look at other artwork – slides, photos, logos, videos, splash pages – that are out there and use the essence of one that moves you in your own work.

• The composition is the way the piece is organized; if there is too much chaos it is too difficult to understand the message.

• Treatment is similar to spices added to a beloved recipe: too much or too little can ruin a masterpiece.

• Consistency: Tell just one story throughout the whole service, but you can vary the multi-sensory worship experience through music,

The Rev. Amy Gregory, pastor at the Greene United Methodist Church, talks with Michael McCollough, a member at Norwich’s Broad Street UMC, during a small group breakout. Photos by Christian Vischi

dance, a skit, a video and the sermon.

• Texture or overlays are features added at the end, like a faux antique finish.

• Fonts are the “neglected stepchildren of design,” according to Moore. “Fonts are an element of design that are as important as anything else.”

What it boils down to, Moore

said, is that “Creative worship is more than screens. It is more than words, it is a synthesis of them all coming together.”

You can follow Moore on Twitter @midnightoilprod.

Moore offered some audio and visual resources; see page 11 for a list, including Upper New York’s Graphics Resources page.

Participants in the Creative Worship Workshop at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich took a few minutes from the afternoon for a mass massage. Photos by Christian Vischi 12 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

Thirteen Upper New York ministries awarded 2014 RON MOT grants

By Susan Hardy

T

he Reaching Our Neighbors Mission Oversight Team (RON MOT) has awarded $59,776 in grants to 13 Upper New York Conference ministries in its latest round of grant funding.

RON MOT members met on Sept. 4, 2014 at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church along with four members of the Spiritual Leadership MOT, the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries, and Conference Treasurer Kevin Domanico.

After fixed costs were paid, RON MOT had $60,000 of 2014 funds available to support ministries throughout the Conference.

Read about the granting process at www.unyumc.org/news/detail/ 1956.

The team considered 29 applications received between July 15 and Aug. 15, and came to consensus on supporting the following ministries: Backpack Project, $1,500 Northern Flow District Downtown Community Breakfast Program, $5,776 Albany District Fairview Reaches Out, $1,500 Binghamton District Foothills Rural Community Ministry, $4,000 Northern Flow District Furniture Program of Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM), $1,000 Albany District Hope Epidemic, $1,000 Binghamton District

Karing Kitchen, $2,000 Mohawk District Native American Outreach, $3,000 Crossroads District Seneca Street Community Development Project, $20,000 Niagara Frontier District Tri-Town Food Pantry, $2,000 Northern Flow District Urban Native American Traditions Renewal, $1,000 Genesee Valley District Willow Mission, $5,000 Cornerstone District Youth Summer Lunch Mobile Unit, $12,000 Albany District

lined when the new Conference was formed: • To help our Conference align missions with resources; • To be the place where visions/ visionaries can go to access resources for new and ongoing ministries; • To practice oversight and evaluation of ministries supported by Conference funds (what fruit is being borne) Domanico urged the MOTs to consider that what we advocate for needs to be reflected in the budget.

He guided both MOTs through current budget figures, contrasting a budget supported by 100 percent of ministry shares to the actual budget reflecting received ministry shares.

Plans are underway to connect with RON’s Conference Ministry Action Teams (CMATs): Volunteers-in- Mission, Global Ministries, Social Ministries, and Disaster Response to review what is working and what might be strengthened, in order to promote continued fruitful ministries.

RON is also advocating for a grant-writing workshop at Annual Conference, as well as a time of sharing transformational ministry practices with those just starting a ministry.

Learn more about the Conference’s Ministry Oversight Teams at www.unyumc.org/MOT. Hardy is a member of the RON MOT.

Three of the 29 applications were forwarded to the Spiritual Leadership MOT for funding consideration, because the stated ministry goals aligned more closely with that mission of “encouraging and developing leadership within the laity and clergy that is diverse and unified by our love of Christ.”

At the Sept.

4 meeting, Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding reviewed the original purpose for the formation Schenectady of MOTs outInner City Ministry’s

Summer Lunch Wagon

unyumc.org 13

: s m a d A DS

l l ’ a s e r r e ’ k e c i ‘Wple p ap

Mountain View celebrates new district superintendent with Welcome Service

By Christian Vischi

it’s time to go apple‘‘Friends, picking.”

With that last line the Rev. Nancy Adams, giving the sermon during a Welcome Service in her honor as the new superintendent for the Mountain View District, received a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 100 in attendance.

But she wasn’t delivering that line to get people stirred to assault the orchards around the area. She was using a story to illustrate the fact that “all Christians are called to ministry. All. Not one of us is exempt.

Too often, the focus is on the pastor to do ministry,” she said.

The orchard The story starts with an apple orchard owner and the people he needed to pick his apples. He selected his crew and they agreed to pick the apples. Although the orchard owner eventually died, the people continued to pick the apples, “year after year, generation after generation, the people lived together and picked the apples,” Rev. Adams said.

Slowly the enterprise grew and the pickers decided they needed overseers to organize the picking of the apples. So management was appointed with the grand title of “lead apple-orchard-picking people.” These

14 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

head pickers chose some who were especially gifted at picking apples to lead everyone in the picking process.

“You know what happened,” Rev Adams said.

The head apple pickers, by virtue of their exemplary apple picking prowess, were eventually tabbed to pick all of the apples, but even they couldn’t pick the apples fast enough to keep them from going rotten. “(That) smell would waft into the people’s nostrils. The people would say, ‘how come those head pickers don’t pick the apples fast enough?’

Our whole orchard is rotting. It smells. There’s a great stench here.

They should do something,” she said.

Even the head pickers forgot that the others were supposed to help pick the apples. When they gathered for their annual conference they would talk about that issue.

“Oh, wait. Did I say annual conference?” she said as the audience laughed. “Whenever they met together for a few days on a yearly basis, they would talk about how they couldn’t get all the apples picked.

They would work within the group of head apple pickers, and they’d find the best head apple picker who would give seminars on how to pick apples to the head apple pickers.

“Every year, the head pickers would have an annual conference – I mean a special meeting – and get a really famous apple picker to come in and talk about how to pick those

Members of the Upper New York Cabinet pray over the Rev. Nancy Adams during a District Superintendent Welcome Service in her honor at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Bath. Photos by Christian Vischi

apples, and they would have a special choir who would sing apple-picking songs. One person would always get up and give his testimony on how he picked an apple one day. There were bookstores with books on apples and great apple-pickers of the past. ... But the stench of the apples rose up.”

A boy, who had been playing in one of the trees, noticed a hole. He reached inside, found a half-rotted book, and brought it to one of the head apple pickers. Lo and behold, it was the original instructions left by the initial orchard owner on how to pick the apples.

“They opened the book and … the instructions said that everybody is supposed to pick apples,” Rev. Adams relayed. And the people all said, “‘What a concept!’ … Now I can’t imagine anything happening like that, can you?”

The bell choir How can The United Methodist Church protect from that happening?

The first step, Rev. Adams says, is recognizing that everyone is equally responsible to The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

One way of understanding it is through the lens of a handbell choir participant.

Years ago Rev. Adams was in a handbell choir. Her

normal bells were c5 and d5 (the middlemost white key on a piano and the next one above it).

“I could play my c5 and d5 all day long, but to the listener it would make no sense. Do you know any songs that have c and d as their only notes? Of course not. In a bell choir every member is extremely important, because if just one bell is missing, the piece cannot be played correctly or completely, and it will be extremely noticeable – and not very pleasing to the ear, either,” she said. (Even the theme to the movie Jaws is more than the two notes that most people commonly sing as “Dun, dun.” Visit http://tinyurl.com/ JAWS2NS for a visual example.)

During one mini-festival of bell choirs she had different bells. “But that’s no excuse,” she said. During rehearsal, one note was a half-step too high and the conductor pointed in her direction. “B6 in the back corner that should have been a b flat,” she remembers him saying. “I wanted to dive under the table. How did he know it was me?” ,

“ ...

Just like the line from hymn #558 in The United Methodist Hymnal, the Church is a people. “ ... Our life together in the Church, or I should say as the Church, is analogous to a bell choir,” Rev. Adams said. “Each of us has to do his or her part in order for us to function effectively, as we are called to do and as we have vowed to do.”

The “vowed to do part” comes from the United Methodist membership vow (page 168 at http://tinyurl. com/BODP1Online): renouncing the spiritual forces of wickedness, rejecting the evil powers of the world, repenting of sin; accepting the freedom and power that God gives to resist, evil, injustice and oppresCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

rI . o , h ir hurcell cho for C the to a b order led n i ERalogouspart in are cal H an r her as we ed to ET s i G O hurch o his o tively, ve vowdams T e C s to d n effec we haancy A I FE h L t R say as f us ha nctio nd as DS N OU o o fu o a – uld sho Each us t to d do.” unyumc.org 15

: l l e w o r D c o M

h d c o r G u h e c s i In , pra t u o DS

Casowasco hosts Welcome Service for new Finger Lakes district superintendent

By Beth DiCocco

C

asowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia was the setting of the Welcome Service for new Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Jeff McDowell.

“Why did I hold it here?” Rev. McDowell asked.

He answered that it was because he first met God there as a camper years before (and it was also where he met his wife, Barbara).

“That’s why I came here today,” he said.

He suggested several reasons why folks may have chosen to attend, but said whatever their individual reasons, everyone was truly attending the Sept. 21, 2014 service for the same purpose: “We are here to worship the God of the universe, who set the universe in its place.”

Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb talked about the process of naming district superintendents, and what qualities he looks for in a DS. “I look for a person of deep spirituality, someone who loves Jesus with all that they are and all that they have, someone who gets the mission of the Church ... someone who has proved to be an effective and fruitful leader in their ministry, who

16 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

has earned the respect of their colleagues and the laity ... someone who is committed to equipping others to be who God has called them to be,” the bishop said.

“It is my joy and honor to say God has raised up a leader like that for the Finger Lakes District for this time, and that person is the Rev. Jeff McDowell.”

The bishop asked Rev. McDowell’s wife and son Evan to join him, and for the Cabinet to lay hands on them as part of the Covenant Service.

Among those presenting Rev. McDowell with the signs of district superintendency were members of the most recent church he pastored, Centenary UMC in Bath: The Bible, presented by Jesse Pruitt, a member of Centenary UMC; the water, presented by Barbara McDowell; the bread and cup, presented by Loreen Jorgensen, Phyllis Jorgensen and Pam Anstee, of the Clyde UMC; the towel and basin, presented by the Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel, pastor at the Rush UMC and former Mountain View DS; the stole, presented by Paxton Surprenant, a member of Centenary UMC; The Book of Discipline, presented

by Shaef Habeeb, district lay leader; and the globe, presented by Don and Grace Snyder, from Centenary UMC. The Power of Praise was the theme of this service and of Rev. McDowell’s sermon.

“To praise God we must put aside

Finger Lakes District Superintendent the Rev. Jeff McDowell receives the bread and cup during the Welcome Service.

Photos by Beth DiCocco

our selfish differences, step out of our normal beliefs and attitudes and biases, and focus only on God. In the Church, out of the Church, in our families, in our lives, praise – real praise – has the power to raise us out of the miry clay, set our feet upon the solid rock of faith in Jesus Christ, and focus solely on Him, our Lord and Savior.”

And the praise during the Welcome Service took many forms, from the traditional hymn How Great Thou Art led by Pastor John Aukema, of the New Hope and Scott UMCs, to a poem titled Today I Dance by Valerie Pruitt, who writes poetry as Marina Dawn.

Before she read the text of her work, Pruitt asked everyone to join her in dancing, marching and twirling in praise.

Yvonne King, who became close friends with Rev. McDowell when he was her pastor at the Centenary UMC in Bath, told a story of their two families taking a canoe trip when their children were small. The three canoes overturned, and one of the McDowells’ sons was stranded on a small island. They formed a human chain, and King urged Rev. McDowell,

who was visibly shaken, to walk out into the water.

“You walked into the cold water and grabbed my hand, your son’s life was at stake, and that made you step into the water even feeling frozen with fear; you stepped out in faith,” King said. “ ... You’re going to be meeting some stuff that will freeze you in your tracks; think of that moment, and walk on. Draw on the spirit of the living God to bring you through. Don’t let fear paralyze you.”

King led the anointing song Bind Us Together, and again people were on their feet.

Stepping into the water came up before that as well, when Rev. McDowell talked about the offering at the service, which was received to support camperships.

Rev. McDowell had pledged to donate $15 toward camperships for each youth younger than 18 who attended the Welcome Service ($30 for those who had never been to Caso-

“ ...

wasco before). To supplement that pledge, he called on the Finger Lakes District to raise $5,000 for camperships.

Pointing to the successful “ice bucket challenge” for ALS, if they succeed, Rev. McDowell said,

he will ask Bishop Webb to “go jump in the lake.”

“Why go to all that trouble (with ice buckets)

lity, a u t piri... God s p e f dehey areinger o Nthat t the F at O S ERwith altl hat foer, and thowell.”

P AJesus r like s tim f McDbb R O F loves a leade for thRi ev. Jekf J. We K Oe who d up istrict is the Mar O L I meon s raise kes D rson Bishop so La – ha pe unyumc.org 17

The Upper New York Extended Cabinet offers a word of encouragement to DS Jeff McDowell (fourth from right) along with son Evan and wife Barbara. Photo by Beth DiCocco

when we have a lake right here?” he asked.

In his sermon, Rev. McDowell also asked people to figuratively brave the waters and commit fully to their faith; he quoted Dr. Bob Moorehead’s book Words Aptly Spoken:

“I am part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My

past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.”

(Read more of the quote here: www. middletree.net/unashamed.asp.)

See more photos from the Welcome Services at http://tinyurl. com/2014DSWS.

Mountain View DS Welcome Service CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 sion; confessing Jesus Christ as savior; putting your whole trust in His grace, and promising to serve Him as your Lord; remaining faithful members of Christ’s Holy Church and serving as Christ’s representatives in the world; being loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church and doing all in your power to strengthen its ministries; and faithfullyparticipatingin its ministries by your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness; and receiving and professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

“Fullness and beauty are lacking when a bell does not play when it is supposed to, and fullness and beauty are lacking when a person does not 18 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

fulfill his or her responsibility and calling as a member of the body of Christ,” she asserted. “We are all strengthened when everyone does fulfill their responsibilities and calling and we are all weakened when we do not.”

So as she embarks on her journey as the Mountain View District Superintendent (her appointment officially commenced July 1), she said it is important to remind everyone that “God has equipped each of us with gifts to use to

God’s honor and glory. May we be reminded that without our head, Jesus Christ, there can be no life as god intended. … We’re all in ministry together. Make no mistake: in the body of Christ, including in the Mountain View District, it’s always apple-picking season.”

UNY begins financial advisory process

By Stephen J. Hustedt, Director of Communications

stevehustedt@unyumc.org

O

ver the summer, leaders from around the Upper New York Conference began laying the foundation for the Conference’s participation in the Financial Advisory Consulting Team or FACT process.

In short, the FACT process offers guidance and expertise from the General Church to Conference leaders, and gathers both General Church and Conference leaders to think, share, pray and discern steps toward greater generosity in funding the ministries we share with all United Methodist people.

UNY leaders took part in hourlong interviews with experts from general agencies including: the General Board of Discipleship, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits and the General Commission on Finance and Administration to prepare for the FACT process.

Though they are only a first step, the interviews themselves provided great insight into where the Upper New York Conference is now and where it is being called to be. Some of the key findings included: • Transparency and understanding of financials have improved, but more is needed.

• Ministry Share giving is well below desired levels.

• The bishop’s leadership is strong; the Conference’s work is good – but stronger links between them and both clergy and laity are desired.

• The New Faith Communities initiative is good and gaining traction.

• There is a generally favorable view of the proposed new Conference Center.

• It’s important to build more trust across the Conference; the impact of the merger is ongoing.

• Strong leadership is now in place, but has not always been.

On Sept. 13, 2014, Conference leadership took the next step by participating in the first of two day-long gatherings with the General Church experts.

“It was a good day,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb. “Leaders from all over our Conference gathered to explore

concerns with a financial implication, but the spirit was not one of despair, it was one of hope.”

After a review of the interview findings, the gathered leaders looked at in-depth demographic research done by the FACT experts to support the process. They explored both the trends in local churches and the population as a whole. They were also able to see where the Upper New York Conference is in relation to other conferences.

“I think the FACT process will be good for us because it brings perspectives and expertise to help us move forward,” said Scott Johnson, Conference lay leader. “Everyone’s experiences are valid, but the challenge is that our indiJohnson vidual experience may not match the experiences of others across the Conference.

When we look at a data-based picture of our collective financial health, we learn that everything isn’t as we thought it was.”

With a solid understanding of where the Upper New York Conference currently stands, the gathered leaders moved into small groups for the bulk of the day’s work. Each small group worked to identify three to five dilemmas with financial implications in assuring Conference vitality.

Johnson share about his experience with the small groups, “One thing I love about Upper New York as a Conference is our willingness to be honest. Individuals shared some

challenging stories about experiences with relationships across the Conference, and our model of Church. Of course, all of the stories weren’t bad, but only by naming and facing these realities can we move forward. FACT can help us do that.”

When the time for small group discussion had come to an end the group gathered as a whole to share what they identified as dilemmas, and put them into six categories: • Trust • Vision, mission, and faith • Leadership (local church, District, Conference, and beyond) • Data and decision Support • Communication (clarity, followthrough, and understanding at all levels) • Paradigm shift “While the FACT process is financial in its approach, its scope is broad,” said the Rev. Stephen Cady II, associate pastor at Asbury First UMC in Rochester and a participant in the Sept. 13 gathering. “The idea is to admit that there are things that as a Conference we have not been doing well, and to begin to find ways of addressing them. I was impressed by the honesty of the people gathered and of the Conference leadership’s willingness to hear grievances. If we are a people who believe in moving onward toward perfection, then we have to take a hard look at where we are now and try to find a better way together. I’m hopeful that, by God’s grace, the FACT process will be another step toward that better way.”

The FACT experts will spend the coming months researching and preparing potential strategies to address the dilemmas that surfaced. These strategies will be shared at the next FACT process meeting on Nov. 22.

“This process is our United Methodist connection at its best,” Bishop Webb said. “Our sisters and brothers from the general agencies are calling upon their vast knowledge of what has worked in other conferences and at all levels of the Church to help us draw a road map to our future. If one thing has already become clear, it is that our future is indeed very bright.

God has great plans for us!” unyumc.org 19

Finance’s Leah Robinson sets sail into retirement

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor bethdicocco@unyumc.org Note: The following article was written and published prior to Leah Robinson’s retirement on Sept. 5, 2014.

L

eah Robinson, Finance Team Support, will retire from the Upper New York Conference on Sept. 5, 2014. She’s been with the Conference since it formed in 2010, having worked for the former Troy Conference.

Much of her work here centered around Annual Conference registration and collecting data from local churches for the statistical reports.

Robinson said she regularly fielded questions on a variety of topics from statistics and insurance to how to register for Annual Conference, and being able to help districts and local churches is the most rewarding part of her job.

“It’s gratifying to be able to answer people’s questions,” she said. “A few people are very appreciative, and it’s nice that they recognize that you’ve helped them out.”

Her day could include a lot of different tasks, and she said, “I’ve tried to support whatever the Finance Team needed to have done.”

At a luncheon for Robinson on Aug. 28, the Rev. Bill GottschalkFielding, Director of Connectional Ministries, talked about how Robinson’s presence alone contributed much to the young Conference.

“In the early days of our new Conference, as we were struggling to build trust among members of our four predecessor conferences, Leah’s presence on Conference staff was a great blessing,” Rev. GottschalkFielding said. “Folks from former Troy knew and loved Leah from her days on Troy’s staff and were comforted by a familiar face and voice. Folks from former North Central, Western and Wyoming who got to know 20 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

Leah Robinson’s co-workers helped her “set a course for retirement” by decorating her desk as the U.S.S. Leah for her final week with the Conference. Photo by Christian Vischi

Leah quickly came to realize what a gift they’d received. She was a friend we all shared, and it helped bring us together.”

Robinson’s work for the Conference began on March 26, 2006 when she began serving as Assistant to the Treasurer for the Troy Conference.

When the Troy Conference merged with three others to become Upper New York on July 1, 2010, she officially became an employee of the new conference, but retained her former title and continued living in the Troy area until the end of 2010 to help with the transition.

After relocating from Glens Falls to Cicero, where she now resides, Robinson became Administrative Assistant to the Upper New York Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services on Feb. 1, 2011. In November 2013, her title changed to Finance Team Support.

“One of the things I try to do is not just see things from the Conference’s position; I try to see things from the churches’ or pastors’ position, too,” Robinson said, by helping them to understand why the Conference is asking for things to be done in a certain way and “being sympathetic to their difficulties.”

Overall, she said, “I hope I’ve been able to make some kind of valuable contribution to the Conference and

to the work that we do.”

A New York state native, Robinson spent most of her childhood in Cooperstown. She attended SUNY Oswego, where she earned a degree in education (she later earned a master’s degree). She taught third grade for three years in the Shenendehowa Central School District in Clifton Park.

She left teaching when her children were born. She has a son Nate and grandson Kevin, who live in Sweden, and a daughter Becca, who lives in Florida.

For 25 years, Robinson and her husband ran a marina on Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks.

The work was 24/7 from April to November, Robinson said, but she enjoyed being on the water and the friendships she made with their long-time customers. And being selfemployed allowed her to set her own schedule and gave her more time with her children during the school year.

“The time was more flexible, even in the summer,” she said.

Having flexibility is something Robinson is looking forward to in retirement – even if she hasn’t settled on exactly what she’ll do with it.

“I haven’t really decided,” she said, though she does plan to stay in Cicero for the time being. “I just need to experience being retired for awhile

and see what I want to do. I need to do some of that good Methodist word: discernment.”

And while she has no firm plans, Robinson said there are some things she’s been “putting off” that she may use her new-found freedom to get to now.

One of those is a return trip to Australia, where she spent time as a high school exchange student.

“I really want to go back,” she said. “I always envisioned going a lot sooner than this, but life happens.”

She liked Australia so much, in part, because “Australians are very open; they have a great sense of

humor. They’d call me ‘the Yank,’ and then apologize right after.”

Robinson said she set up a Facebook page in January to find a person that she’d lost contact with; they had corresponded for 20 years, but then lost touch. She found the woman and her son.

Her other potential travel plans include less flying and more driving.

“I don’t know if I’ll be brave enough or be able to afford to do it, but I’d like to get a little RV,” she said.

Her parents had traveled this way in their younger days, and she enjoyed joining them on some trips.

An RV also would be a convenient

way to travel with her 2-year-old miniature schnauzer/Bichon Frise mix Sophie.

Even if they don’t hit the road, Sophie loves walking the neighborhood and greeting everyone she meets.

“She helps me get my steps in,” Robinson said, referring to her Virgin Plus HealthMiles. “I tell her, ‘soon I won’t have to leave you all day.’”

Back at home, she plans to spend more time quilting.

And if she runs out of ideas, Robinson said she can count on the Cicero UMC. “My church will keep me very busy,” she said.

Conference retirees learn about new health insurance

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

bethdicocco@unyumc.org

U

pper New York Conference Benefits Officer Vicki Putney has been traveling around the Conference to help retirees and their spouses prepare for a significant change to their health benefits.

As of January 2015, Conference retirees – clergy and lay – age 65 and older will receive health insurance through Medicare along with a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to help them pay for their insurance and health-care expenses.

Since there are a number of Medicare plans and options to choose from, the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits is partnering with OneExchange (online at www. medicare.oneexchange.com), a service offered by Towers Watson to help retirees choose the right plan for their needs.

OneExchange provides Benefit Advisers, who over the phone provide individual consultations regarding choosing a plan. Putney and a OneExchange representative have been meeting with retirees to explain the enrollment process and answer questions.

At the Sept. 15, 2014 meeting at the Cicero UMC, Putney said the purpose for the meeting was to “acknowledge the elephant in the room:

anxiety,” and to “take away some of those worries.”

More than 80 retirees and spouses attended the 45-minute presentation, which was followed by a question and answer session.

Questions raised ranged from the complex – such as how to authorize an adult child to act on behalf of an elderly parent – to some more prosaic inquiries such as “How long will we be put on hold when a call is made?” – which drew some laughter.

(They try to keep it under 10 minutes, the representative said.)

“She explained things clearly; she was patient in explaining to be sure that everybody understood,” said Denise Pearsall, whose husband is the Rev. Gordon Pearsall, retired. “I think this is going to work.”

The Rev. Mark Pierce, retired, admitted that he probably didn’t absorb everything that was explained in the information-dense session, but “it was nice to see the process they provide and that they continue with you (throughout).”

The OneExchange consultations

began in October, and UNY retirees who are moving to the new plan are urged to call and make their initial consultation appointments as soon as they can. The appointments take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

Putney said that she is pleased with the results.

“Every session … had a wonderful spirit,” she said. “The retirees have asked excellent questions, and I feel they have been satisfied with the process as it’s been explained.”

The Conference is working to provide eligible retirees who were unable to attend a workshop in person with a recording of one of the sessions. The company producing the DVD of the OneExchange information session has experienced a delay, but when they become available the Conference will make an announcement in the E-Advocate newsletter; sign up for the E-Advocate at www. unyumc.org/connect. (Note: Retirees can still call and make their enrollment appointments without viewing the Workshop DVD. The DVD is intended to help explain the process, but it is not vital to the act of enrolling. The Benefits Advisors at OneExchange can explain all aspects of the program. Retirees can make their enrollment appointment by calling (866) 249-7785.)

Visit the Conference Benefits page at www.unyumc.org/benefits. unyumc.org 21

District AAs create guiding principles for their work

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

U

pper New York’s 12 District Administrative Assistants, or AAs, do the same job – though perhaps in different ways, and certainly in different places.

As part of a “continuing effort to have districts operate in similar ways and to keep communication open for best practices,” the Conference hosts meetings each quarter where the AAs can come together as a group, said Christine Doran, Executive Assistant to the bishop.

The meetings also “keep us, as a Conference, in tune with what the needs are at the district level,” she said.

The gatherings are facilitated by Doran and Mary Bradley, Office Manager in the Episcopal Office. The most recent meeting took place Oct. 7, 2014. The group also met Jan. 13, had an overnight training retreat April 4-5 at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia, and participated in a conference call on July 29.

The 12 AAs are pictured at right, along with their respective districts and contact information.

These meetings are, in part, educational/training opportunities. On Oct. 7, the topic was Mission Connect, the new database that will hold pastor and church profiles and other information used at the district and Conference levels.

In the past, Conference staff members have provided training on various topics; Treasurer Kevin Domanico talked about how to read a manager’s report, which is the budget for the district office. IT Director Clyde Wolford talked to the group about the office equipment that should be standard across districts.

The meetings are also opportunities to build relationships and develop a shared sense of purpose, Doran said.

“They are really becoming a cohesive group,” she said. “They are

22 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

bethdicocco@unyumc.org no longer isolated in their districts, but have become incorporated into the Conference as part of the larger body. It’s a good example of how to work across boundaries even in such a large geographic area.”

At this most recent meeting, the AAs developed a statement of guiding principles: • Under God’s guidance • Stronger together • Learning from one another The principles are based on the following passages of Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Proverbs 12:17 1 Corinthians 12:20-25 Philippians 2:1 Ephesians 4:16 Hebrews 10:24-25 As a group, they read the passages and everyone wrote down a word or key phrase that spoke to them about their time together. These are the key words from those Scriptures: • One person sharpens another • Threefold cord • One another • Do nothing from rivalry or conceit • Encouraging one another • Count others greater than yourself • Look not only to one’s own interests, but also to the interests of others That list was then distilled into the three guiding principles above.

“Over time, they have really become a community,” Doran said, “and they are enjoying and respecting one another.”

Here’s what some of the AAs had to say about the quarterly meetings: Chandani Diaz Finger Lakes District These sessions have been helpful in many ways. For one thing, we are becoming more familiar with the people we deal with at the Confer-

ence Office. Also, getting to know one another as AAs has made us feel more like a team rather than 12 individuals.

The training aspects have been quite helpful ... and being able to ask questions has opened up a new experience for us.

Cindy Muder Mohawk District To me, it’s like every district office is its own little island within the chain. And we all do the same work, albeit a little differently to suit individual work styles and needs. So it makes sense to train all 12 of us together, rather than 12 individual sessions, and talk about the same successes and problems on the same topics with all 12 of us, rather than 12 individual conversations.

It seems each time we meet there are best practices that can be shared by all and a quicker identification of potential situations that can be addressed and solved. This would never happen if we weren’t all in a room together once in awhile.

I appreciate the foresight of the district superintendents and the bishop to commit the resources to this so we can work more effectively and cohesively.

Teresa A. Wood Oneonta District I think the coming together of the administrative assistants is very good for all of us. It helps us to feel not so alone in the work we do. It also helps give us all the sense that what each one of us brings to group discussion is heard and recognized.

We learn a lot from getting together. We share personal stories, discuss best practices, and although we come together to work, we always seem to smile through it together!

The AAs will be meeting in 2015 as well. Dates for those gatherings have not yet been set.

Carrie Boyer

Maxine Getty

Adirondack District Administrative Assistant

Albany District Administrative Assistant

(518) 480-4866

(518) 608-1246

AdirondackDistrict @unyumc.org

AlbanyDistrict @unyumc.org

Rosemary DiIorio Binghamton District Administrative Assistant (607) 748-0662

BinghamtonDistrict @unyumc.org

Chandani Diaz

Betsy O’Flynn

Cynthia Muder

Finger Lakes District Administrative Assistant

Genesee Valley District Administrative Assistant

Mohawk District Administrative Assistant

(315) 781-0188

(585) 340-9525

(315) 797-1777

FingerLakesDistrict @unyumc.org

GeneseeValleyDistrict @unyumc.org

Patricia Gridley

Anne Hutchins

Mountain View District Administrative Assistant

Crossroads District Administrative Assistant

(607) 962-8047

(315) 424-7878 ext.312

MountainViewDistrict @unyumc.org

CrossroadsDistrict @unyumc.org

Teresa Wood

Cathy Hall

Oneonta District Administrative Assistant

Cornerstone District Administrative Assistant

(607) 441-5102

(716) 665-2423

OneontaDistrict @unyumc.org

CornerstoneDistrict @unyumc.org

MohawkDistrict @unyumc.org Jennifer Brown Terrell Northern Flow District Administrative Assistant (315) 535-5149

NorthernFlowDistrict @unyumc.org Julie Maciejewski Niagara Frontier District Administrative Assistant (716) 276-8631

NiagaraFrontierDistrict @unyumc.org unyumc.org 23

Teams diligently prepare for Fall Gatherings

By Katie Shumway

T

he Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM), as a whole, had a very productive meeting on Sept. 12 and 13, 2014, and we are very excited to announce that registration for both of the Fall Gatherings is up and running!

This year’s gatherings will take place on Nov. 14-15 at Schenectady First UMC and on Nov. 21-22 at Aldersgate UMC in Rochester.

To register your Shumway youth group, go to www.unyumc.org/CCYM or visit our new Facebook page, Youth of the Upper New York Annual Conference, for the link and more information.

Along with our new Facebook page, we have also created two new social media sites: Find us on Twitter @UnyYouth, and check out pictures from our events on Instagram at UnyYouth.

As we expand our technological horizons, we hope to stay in touch with all of the youth from the Upper New York Conference and get new ideas and insight on how to make our events the best that they can possibly be.

We are very excited about this year’s theme “Searching... God.” If you have an artistic hand and are interested in having your artwork featured in a gallery at this year’s UP!WORD (April 24-26, 2015), you can draw, paint, sketch, etc. a piece related to this year’s theme, and send it by March 1, 2015 to this address: Genesee Valley District office 1100 South Goodman St. Rochester, N.Y. 14620 All artwork submitted by the deadline will be displayed at UP!WORD; remember to include your name, age, and home church on

24 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

Find CCYM on Twitter at https://twitter.com/UnyYouth.

the back of the piece, so that we can acknowledge your work.

Along with our art gallery, we are planning on having a dance team that will be meeting and practicing at the Fall Gatherings. District youth coordinators will be responsible for picking two youth who are passionate about dance and willing to join the team!

The dances are expected to be presented on stage during UP!WORD. The conference dance team, “Holy Motion” will allow youth

to express their faith through dance and to show how united our Conference is. We are The United Methodist Church, and we take that to heart.

Names of interested youth must be submitted by Nov. 1. Contact cochairs for more info at unyccym chairs@gmail.com.

We hope to see you at our next event and cannot wait to grow closer in friendship and faith with all of you!

Shumway is chair of the CCYM PowerPoint and Publicity Team.

CCYM co-coordinator application available

T

he Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) is seeking applicants for the position of adult Co-Coordinator. If you love working with teenagers, guiding them as they learn and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, encouraging their leadership skills, and helping them explore the many opportunities for youth in The United Methodist Church, then this might be the role for you!

The CCYM team is a partnership of youth and adults who represent each of the 12 districts in our Conference. Three adult Co-Coordinators are chosen by the youth based on an application and interview process. Each CoCoordinator serves a three-year term; terms are staggered so that each year one position is open to new applicants.

The CCYM seeks the best possible leadership from its youth and adults.

The successful candidate will have a clear sense of how youth and adults work together to provide spiritual growth and leadership opportunities for youth and a vision for how their gifts for ministry will complement the CCYM team.

The application can be found on the CCYM page at the Conference website. Please return it by Jan. 5, 2015 to the Rev. Ted Anderson at the address on the form.

Interviews will be conducted by the CCYM youth at their meeting on Jan. 23-24, 2015 at the Cicero UMC. The Co-Coordinator’s term of service begins at UP!WORD, to be held April 23-26, 2015 in Liverpool.

Questions can be directed to adult Co-Coordinators Rev. Anderson at ted@crcds.edu or the Rev. Tony Hipes at tjhipes@gmail.com.

Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd, who has served in this role for four years, will not be seeking re-election.

Remembrances N

ancy Wheeler, the sister of Pastor David Snyder, who serves the Philadelphia and Evans Mills United Methodist churches in the Northern Flow District, has died. Condolences can be sent to Pastor Snyder at P.O. Box 129, Philadelphia, N.Y. 13673.

R

ev. Dr. Arthur Melius, 77, died on Oct. 2, 2014. He served several churches in the former Troy Conference before retiring in 1999; he also served as a chaplain and instructor of religion at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vt. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/ Melius100214.

“ ... ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:15-16

Jeff and Allyce Smith, 137 W. Main St., Richmondville, N.Y. 12149. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/ Hotaling092714.

R

ev. Eric Roy King, 100, died on Sept. 16, 2014. Rev. King served churches in the former Troy Conference before retiring in 1979. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/King091614.

M

arjorie E. Greenfield, 93, died on Sept.

15, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. Ivan Greenfield, who served in the former North Central New York Conference. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/ Greenfield091514.

R

ev. Arthur Harold Andrews, 87, died on Sept. 30, 2014. He served several churches in the former Wyoming Conference before retiring in 1970; he also served as chaplain at the Methodist-founded Elizabeth Church Manor in Binghamton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at the Vestal United Methodist Church, 328 Main St., Vestal, N.Y. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/Andrews 093014.

E

velyn Hotaling, 91, died on Sept. 27, 2014. She was the mother-in-law of Pastor Jeff Smith, who is appointed to the Richmondville and Cherry Valley United Methodist churches. Condolences can be sent to Pastor

B

ishop Martin D. McLee, 58, leader of the New York Episcopal Area, died on Sept. 6, 2014. He had been on leave of absence due to illness since July. Bishop McLee was elected at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July 2012, at the same time as Bishop Mark J. Webb and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/ McLee090614.

R

ev. Rees F. Warring, 76, died on Sept. 1, 2014. He served the Waverly and Elm Park United Methodist churches in the former Wyoming Conference. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/Warring090614.

Young Clergy Initiative: Discerning God’s call to ordained ministry

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hrough the Young Clergy Initiative (YCI) 12 young people from across Upper New York have begun an exciting journey to discern how and where God is calling them to serve.

As a first step in their 18-month journey, these seekers have been individually matched with mentors and have attended the 2014 Director’s Invitational, a leadership development program held at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center.

The YCI will provide these young people opportunities for meeting with their mentors, taking part in service projects, journaling, attending two retreats, and fine-tuning their hearts and spirits to listen for God’s call on their lives.

The YCI experience has been made possible through a grant se-

cured by Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Trip Lowery, Director of Young Adult Discernment & Enlistment, was on hand to meet the young adults who have committed themselves to this journey, and to share with them some of the ways to discern God’s call.

Mike Huber, Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries, said he is encouraged by these young leaders and the many gifts and skills they bring.

Demetrio Beach, CRM Director of Program & Outreach, said he is very excited to live out this journey with the young adults over the next 18 months. “They are the leaders of today,” he said.

Please join us in praying for the young adults going through this process, their mentors, and those leading the program.

Leaders: Demetrio Beach, the Rev. Rebecca Laird and Ashley Riddell Participants: Cristina Brigham, Krystal Cole, Weagba Nelson, Riley O’Flynn, Deann Pitcher, Andrew Post, Bethany Printup-Davis, Zach Stahlsmith, Vicki Standhart, Allison Walkley, Nora Walkley, J.J. Warren unyumc.org 25

How to reach us BISHOP’S OFFICE

CONFERENCE OFFICE

Upper New York Area Episcopal Office of The United Methodist Church 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor, Syracuse, N.Y. 13210 Phone: (315) 422-5027 Fax: (315) 422-5304

Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor, Syracuse, N.Y. 13210 Phone: (315) 424-7878; toll free: (855) 424-7878 Fax: (315) 424-0975

Adirondack District District Superintendent William Mudge PO Box 590 – 54 Bay St. Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801 (518) 480-4866 Email: AdirondackDistrict@unyumc.org

Finger Lakes District District Superintendent Jeffrey McDowell 1 Franklin Square, Suite 213 Geneva, N.Y. 14456 (315) 781-0188 Fax: (315) 781-0199 Email: FingerLakesDistrict@unyumc.org

Niagara Frontier District District Superintendent K. Wayne Butler 247 Cayuga Road, Suite 70 Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14225 (716) 276-8631 Fax: (716) 276-8632 Email: NiagaraFrontier@unyumc.org

Genesee Valley District District Superintendent Ted Anderson 1100 South Goodman St. Rochester, N.Y. 14620 (585) 340-9525 Fax: (585) 340-9526 Email: GeneseeValleyDistrict@unyumc.org

Northern Flow District District Superintendent Rebekah Sweet PO Box 208 – 93 E. Main St. Gouverneur, N.Y. 13642 (315) 535-5149 Fax: (315) 535-5151 Email: NorthernFlowDistrict@unyumc.org

Binghamton District District Superintendent Dr. David Kofahl 53 McKinley Ave. Endicott, N.Y. 13760 (607) 748-0662 Fax: (607) 748-0549 Email: BinghamtonDistrict@unyumc.org

Mohawk District District Superintendent Dr. Sung Ho Lee 105 Genesee St. New Hartford, N.Y. 13413 (315) 797-1777 Fax: (315) 797-5702 Email: MohawkDistrict@unyumc.org

Oneonta District District Superintendent Jan Rowell PO Box 668 – 66 Chestnut St. Oneonta, N.Y. 13820 (607) 441-5102 Fax: (607) 441-5102 Email: OneontaDistrict@unyumc.org

Cornerstone District District Superintendent Dr. Sherri Rood 663 Lakeview Ave. Jamestown, N.Y. 14701 (716) 665-2423 Fax: (716) 665-3763 Email: CornerstoneDistrict@unyumc.org

Mountain View District District Superintendent Nancy Adams 65 E. First St. Corning, N.Y. 14830 (607) 962-8047 Fax: (607) 962-8045 Email: MountainViewDistrict@unyumc.org

Albany District District Superintendent Richard Weihing 568 Loudon Road Latham, NY 12110 FOR MAIL: PO Box 511 Newtonville, N.Y. 12128 (518) 608-1246 Email: AlbanyDistrict@unyumc.org

Crossroads District District Superintendent Darryl R. Barrow 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor Syracuse, N.Y. 13210 (315) 422-2288 Fax: (315) 424-0975 Email: CrossroadsDistrict@unyumc.org 26 UNY ADVOCATE OCTOBER 2014

On the Conference calendar Jan. 10, 2015

GBCS grants deadline

CCYM Fall Gatherings Nov. 14-15 (see page 24) East: Schenectady First UMC Nov. 21-22 (see page 24) West: Aldersgate UMC, Rochester

The deadline to apply for a Peace with Justice, Human Relations Day and Ethnic Local Church grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is Jan. 10, 2015.

Peace With Justice http://tinyurl.com/PWJJan15App Human Relations Day http://tinyurl.com/HRDJan15App Ethnic Local Church http://tinyurl.com/ELCJan15App

March 20-21, 2015

Confirmation Retreat

At the following Upper New York Camp & Retreat Centers: Asbury Casowasco Findley Sky Lake Registration is now open for the Conference’s first Confirmation Retreat for youth who are preparing for the sacramental rites of confirmation, reception or reaffirmation of their baptismal vows. www.unyumc.org/news/ detail/2005

New on the Conference website Bishop Webb shares UMC response to Ebola I n a letter to the members of the Upper New York Conference Bishop Mark J. Webb shares about the United Methodist Response to the Ebola epidemic.

“The United Methodist Church is bringing hope to individuals and families affected by Ebola,” he wrote.

“Over 300 United Methodist hospitals, clinics and health outposts are engaged in the response effort. Hospital clinics have been re-purposed as Ebola holding centers. Doctors and nurses have continued to treat patients even when good protective gear has not been available.”

Bishop Webb went on to share his hope for how the Upper New York Conference would support the efforts.

“United Methodists in Upper New York have a remarkable history of responding to the needs of our neighbors. I am asking you to do so again,”

Bishop Webb wrote. “First of all, please pray fervently ... I also invite you to consider – as individuals and congregations – giving financially to assist with the needs brought on by the Ebola crisis. UMCOR has designated its International Disaster Relief Advance #982450 for the Ebola emergency response team. You can give directly to this advance or send your gifts to the Upper New York Annual Conference noting they are for Advance #982450. You can also visit www.umc.org/ ebola for ways to give online and much more information.”

Read the full letter online at http://tiny url.com/Webb EbolaLetter.

unyumc.org 27

324 University Ave., 3rd Floor Syracuse, NY 13210

Schuyler Lake UMC celebrates rebuilding after fire

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor morning, church; it’s ‘‘Good great to be here for a party,”

Oneonta District Superintendent Jan Rowell told those gathered on Sept.

27, 2014 at the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church.

The congregation of “The Little White Church” and others who gathered that Saturday were indeed in a festive spirit.

In December 2010, a fire devastated the church, leaving it a mere shell with no roof or windows. But four years later, the faith and determination of church and community members have rebuilt the building, and this service was a time to celebrate.

Long-time member Sue Winne read a welcome message on behalf of her husband, Norm, who was unable to attend due to illness: “Reconstruction planning of our church building began almost the same day that it was damaged by fire ... however, reconstruction of the attitude and dedication of purpose of the many people involved, has never been needed. Your attendance here today is a testament to that attitude.”

Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd, who became pastor at the Schuyler Lake UMC in July 2013, echoed that sentiment, saying that through the rebuilding process, members were always able to see “what the church was going to become” as well as what it was.

Pastor Rankins-Burd told of how it was hard to dismantle the 1880 church to prepare for the reconstruction because it had been so well built.

“It was only one-eighth inch out of square after all this time,” she said.

A firm foundation and carrying the best of the past into the future were

bethdicocco@unyumc.org among the themes of Rev. Rowell’s sermon, based, in part, on Joshua 4:1-9, in which the Lord asks that 12 stones be taken from the Jordan River to the place where the Israelites would be staying.

Rev. Rowell offered five “rocks” that Schuyler Lake UMC should be sure to “carry as reminders into the new:” First rock – “This time has made us stronger.”

“It was hard, painful, and challenging, but the fire forced you to figure out who you were outside of this building, and a time of discerning and prayerful figuring out who you were has made you stronger, and I celebrate that with you.”

Second rock – “We are the Church.”

Referring to the lay people who often preached and otherwise served, Rev. Rowell said, “The gifts of the people were being used ... You began to learn that long before the fire ... you already knew you were the Church.”

know what your needs are.’”

Fourth rock – “Vital, lifegiving congregations come in all sizes.”

Final rock – “God is faithful and makes all things new.”

“Thank you for traveling this road,” Rev. Rowell said, “and learning for yourselves and teaching others what it means to be the Church and to follow God in challenging times.”

Those attending the service had a chance to look through some scrapbooks and photo albums of the church’s history. Everyone also received a commemorative magnet with a drawing of the church by Polly Blunk, a member at the Sauquoit Valley UMC. Lunch and a concert by the Burlington Flats Baptist Church choir followed the service.

During her remarks, Lay Leader Anna Buell offered a tangible symbol of the church’s rebirth: two green sprouts growing out of a charred piece of the church’s wooden structure.

Buell said they had not identified the plant, but members planned “to cultivate the growth on the top.”

“Only God could do this,” she said.

Third rock – “We don’t require a building to share God’s love in this community.”

“We’re celebrating the building, and I’m with you on that, but when the building wasn’t here, it pushed you out into the community ... reaching out (and saying) Visit http://tinyurl.com/SchuylerReded to watch a short ‘we’re still here video of the Schuyler Lake UMC Re-dedication Service. unyumc.org 28 and we’d like to Video by Beth DiCocco