Upper New York: April 2014 Advocate

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

APRIL 2014

Table of contents

Volume 6, Issue 4

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A WORD OF SHALOM This new feature to the Advocate is a way for us to greet our non-English speaking neighbors in the Upper New York Area in their native languages. Every month we’ll feature a message in a language other than English.

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YEAR OF CHANGE There are several exciting changes planned for this year’s Annual Conference session, many of them beginning before members head to Syracuse.

Read about the new ways of getting the Pre-Conference Booklet, the new online Pre-Conference Briefing, and what the Love Offering is all about.

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MAKING GROWTH HAPPEN The Canton UMC paid 49.7 percent of its 2013 ministry shares, an increase of 31 percentage points over the year before. Connecting ministry shares to the missions they support goes a long way in making that kind of growth happen, said Canton Pastor Michael Terrell.

12 Rev. Miller

TEND YOUR SOULS The Rev. Wendy J. Miller will lead a new cycle of Tending the Soul, a two-year training program for laity and clergy in spiritual direction and congregational formation. Says Oneonta DS Jan Rowell of the training: “I was a participant in this process several years ago ... my work is done primarily through the lens of spiritual formation, and that is due to the training I received at Tending the Soul.”

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TENDING THE FIRE How can I be the leader my church needs? Tending the Fire is a retreatbased training process designed to help clergy focus on meeting the challenges they face by being less worried, more engaged and renewed in their call and ministry.

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WE’RE HERE TO HELP The Upper New York Finance Ministry Team wants local church leaders to know that you have “a friend in finance,” and they are here to answer questions and offer advice.

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2014 Love Offering

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Human Sexuality Conversation ‘goes deeper’

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Road T.R.I.P. photos from Potsdam, Saratoga Springs

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Task force: follow guidelines for Holy Land trips

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What is a Ministry Share?

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Remembrances

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CRM names Director of Program and Outreach

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On the Conference Calendar

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A word of

Shalom ...

By Alejandra Martinez Riddell Shalom #Unfraudeennuestravida ?

Sabemos la definición que nos da el diccionario de la palabra Shalom “El término Shalom tiene origen en el idioma hebreo, ‫םולש‬, y significa paz, bienestar. Una buena relación entre dos personas, naciones o entre Dios y el hombre”.

Nos convertimos en un fraude cuando menospreciamos la comunión intima con Martinez Dios y no hacemos Riddell uso del Shalom para vivir una vida plena, cubriendo con una mascara religiosa una vida llena de ansiedades y estres.

Shalom no es solamente un saludo Hebreo, es una declaración de la soberanía de Dios en control de nuestra vida. Como cristianos conocemos muy bien esta definición pero la dejamos sumergida en nuestro subconsciente como otro dato útil para enseñar.

En la Biblia aparece la palabra “No temas” 365 veces, una para cada día del año. Shalom no es solo una palabra, es una invitación para ponerla en práctica como estilo de vida. Que lo primero que pongamos en nuestra agenda del día sea buscar la presencia de Dios a través de la oración, la lectura de la palabra, y el Shalom habitara en nosotros permitiéndonos ver la necesidad de otros, alegrarnos por el éxito de nuestro prójimo, y tener acciones de gracias por lo que somos y tenemos.

Editor’s note: For a Google translation of “A word of Shalom” visit unyumc.org/ awordofshalom. If you would like to compose this welcome message, contact us at news@unyumc.org with the subject “Word of Shalom.”

From the desk of Bishop Mark J.Webb Own, share the urgency of Easter morning The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.

“Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’That’s the message.”

– Matthew 28:5-7 (The Message) Another celebration of Easter provides for us the opportunity to claim and proclaim the wondrous news that Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!

As a child and teenager, I remember attending the sunrise services at my home church.

I had a sense of anticipation going to church on that day, which I confess was not present on other Sundays.

After experiencing the worship events on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter morning always impacted me in a strong way.

I can’t imagine what those first disciples, the two Marys who encountered that first Easter morning, must have felt and experienced. They had a front-row seat to Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and burial. They understood

despair and darkness, and THEN they were offered an encounter with the powerful reality of hope and light!

They went to the tomb that morning, still emotionally covered by despair, loss and fear. All of that changed in an instant as they discovered an empty tomb and heard the message that turned their lives upside right.

As followers of Jesus Christ in 2014, the reality may be that we approach the empty tomb and the message it offers with a bit of familiarity – and, thus, complacency. For many of us, it is a place we have visited many times and a message we have heard over and over again. Oh, we believe its truth and we understand its meaning, but maybe its impact on us has lessened.

On that first Easter morning, there was an urgency that pervaded the lives of those who experienced the empty tomb. As I experienced those Easter mornings early in my life, there was an urgency that I encountered in celebrating the truth that Jesus is alive! I think it’s important to note that it was not just an urgency felt, but an urgency expected.

As the angel told those women the amazing truth about the resurrected Christ, as they were invited to see the evidence with their own eyes, they were then told “Go quickly and tell His disciples.” The resurrection

ADVOCATE STAFF

Writer/Editor: BETH DICOCCO

Social Media/Web: ASHLEY VANSICKLE

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

(315) 424-7878 x320 ashleyvansickle@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

of Jesus changed everything and the women’s urgency invited others into an encounter with that change.

That’s our call! As we experience another Easter celebration, without a doubt, we must personally and individually hear the amazing truth about the resurrected Christ. We must look with our own eyes. We must be personally changed through the encounter with the empty tomb. AND THEN we must own the urgency to invite others to hear what we have heard, see what we have seen and experience what we have experienced. It’s time for us to get urgent about inviting others to the truth that changes everything!

We have been called to a world that is filled with despair and darkness SO THAT we might offer the reality of hope and light that is only found in Jesus.

As we celebrate Easter, as we hear and share the words “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed,” maybe there is something we need to do just as often and with the same boldness: “Go quickly and tell others that Jesus has risen from the dead.”

This Easter, let’s celebrate, let’s worship, but most of all, let’s get urgent about sharing the ‘so what’ and inviting others to experience in their lives the fullness that the empty tomb offers. Have a blessed Easter!

BISHOP WEBB ACCEPTING 2015 PREACHING INVITATIONS

Conference Writer/Editor

Communications Associate

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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 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13210; 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

Refining how we tell the story

By Stephen J. Hustedt Director of Communications

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as anyone ever told you that the way something is done can’t be changed because it has always been done in a very particular way? It happens all the time doesn’t it? Of course, logically, we know things can be changed, but it’s easier to do it the way we know will work. It’s easier, but it’s not necessarily better.

In reading this April issue of the Advocate you have probably noticed the significant change to how we are telling the story of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. The format has drastically changed to a newsprint booklet format, and the likelihood is this is nowhere near the last drastic change you’ll see in 2014.

The change is a strategic one.

The new format will allow for more creativity and versatility in how our story is told. It is also accompanied by a shifting focus in the stories we tell, the voices featured, and the spirit with which stories are told. The ultimate goal is that the Advocate becomes not only a way of sharing a story among ourselves, but a way of sharing our stories with the world.

At the first informational meeting about the Communications Commission, those gathered supported this new direction and added a challenge: Now that the Advocate is easier to carry and visually appealing, the Commission challenges church leaders to find ways to give away copies to either church seekers or those who could benefit from being further connected to the church.

In other words, don’t just read the Advocate then file it away or recycle it.

Give it away to someone who might benefit from it. This sounds like a small act, but in fact, it is an act of evangelism. Even small acts of evangelism can make a great impact.

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Bishop Webb accepting invitations to preach in UNY churches in 2015 Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is establishing his preaching schedule for the 2015 calendar year, and is inviting churches to send him their requests.

The deadline to make a request is June 15, 2014. If this is a special occasion in the life of your church, please note that in your request.

If churches can be flexible regarding dates, it will give him a better opportunity to honor their

requests, the bishop said.

Churches are asked to send their requests to Mary Bradley, Episcopal Office administrative assistant, via email at bishopsoffice@unyumc. org or by mail to the Episcopal Office at 324 University Ave., third floor, Syracuse, NY 13210.

“My prayers are with you all as we continue on this journey together,” Bishop Webb wrote in his invitation letter to churches.

Tickets are now available for most of the 2014 United Methodist Night at the Ballpark sites. Visit the Conference website at www. unyumc.org for more information about each game.

Enjoy an evening of America’s pastime Each June, nearly 500 United Methodists attend a Binghamton Mets game. “(But) we can do much better this year,” said Ken Summers. “Let’s celebrate as United Methodists.”

Summers is the coordinator for the Binghamton District’s United Methodist Night at the Ballpark, one of several around the Conference each year.

Binghamton The area’s seventh annual United Methodist Night at the Ballpark will begin at 6:30 p.m. June 19 at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton.

You can order tickets from Summers at kensummers28@gmail. com or (607) 770-7314. The cost of tickets remains as last year at $8 each.

Rochester Fans of the Rochester Red Wings can join members of the Geneseo UMC for its 12th annual trip to Frontier Field in Rochester on July 4.

For more information, contact Gerry Youtzy at (585) 243-1225.

Syracuse The Crossroads District United Methodist Men’s 35th annual Night at the Ballpark will be held on June 24 at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse.

Contact Steve Ranous at ummsteve@twcny.rr.com for more information.

If your group hosts a similar event at one of the other minor league affiliates in the area, send the details to news@unyumc.org with the subject “Night at the Ballpark.”

Look for next month’s issue of the Advocate for your complete guide to AC ‘14

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Members at the 2013 Annual Conference session in Syracuse perform a wave after voting to approve the 2014 budget. Photo by Matthew Williams

The year T of change

here are several new aspects to this year’s Annual Conference session, from the way we will prepare for it to the way we will celebrate our connection.

Here are a few highlights:

Print-on-demand Pre-Conference Booklets, Pre-Conference Briefing and a new Love Offering among changes to streamline the road to AC ‘14

Pre-Conference Booklet available The full booklet of Conference materials for the Fifth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is available for review and to download and/or print.

The booklet includes the agenda for the session; reports, recommendations and action items from Conference boards, committees, teams and task forces; proposed petitions and resolutions, and the proposed 2015 budget.

The 2014 Pre-Conference Booklet is available on the Conference website in two parts – the booklet and an appendix of financial statements for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2010 and the years ended Dec. 31, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2012. The booklet is in an electronic format suitable for SEE EXCITING CHANGES PAGE 6 unyumc.org 5

Love Offering ‘14

Spring offering supports vital mission work within the Conference, nationally and internationally

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ast year, the Annual Conference approved taking a special conference-wide offering annually to support mission outreach locally, nationally and globally. The Love Offering is to be taken in the spring at each local church, and then a check in the amount collected is to be brought by the lay member or pastor to Annual Conference. Information on how the checks will be collected and celebrated at Annual Conference will be shared prior to Annual Conference.

The Global Ministries Team was authorized to select the ministries to be supported by the offering and they have selected the following: Locally: affirming the action of the 2013 annual conference to fund $100,000 to the Reaching Our Neighbors Ministry Oversight Team (RON MOT) for grants to be distributed to ministries of the conference. We offer this portion of the Love Offering to allow for additional grants to local ministries to be made this year.

Last fall the team received 43 applications, of which they were only able to fund 11 diverse ministries: University UMC, Syracuse’s From Charity to Leadership Development, the Seneca House of Concern’s New Beginnings Boutique, FOCUS

Churches of Albany’s Hand in Hand ministry, Feeding Ministries of the Network of Religious Communities, WNY, Oneida County’s Foothills Rural Community Food Pantry, Feeding the Children: SICM Summer Lunch Wagon, Seneca Street UMC’s Education: A Pathway out of Poverty, Oneonta’s Caring Connections, Syracuse Westside Urban Mission, and Tri-Town Community Services Food Pantry.

These 11 ministries divided just under $50,000 in grants, which was close to the total amount available for the funding year, based on percentages of received shared ministries.

Nationally: We were informed that there would be an exciting opportunity this year to help feed people during conference by packing 75,000 bags of food through the Stop Hunger Now organization.

These ready-to-eat meal packages are distributed around the country

to feed people after disasters and to wherever there are hunger needs around the world. (See Now serving on page 8) Globally: We support the work of the Africa University Endowed Scholarship Task Force and their efforts to raise $1 million for eight permanently endowed scholarships.

We celebrate that two of the scholarships have been funded to date, and hope that this portion of the Love Offering will help us achieve funding the third scholarship this year.

Bulletin inserts and announcements are being developed for use by local churches, and will be available on the conference website.

Editor’s note: The offerings that will be taken on-site during Annual Conference are: • Opening Worship – Helping Hands • Friday Night Worship – Mission of Peace • Ordination – AU Scholarship Fund

Exciting changes in store for AC ‘14 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 download or printing.

Visit www.unyumc.org/news/ detail/1882 to download the booklet.

Those who wish to purchase printed copies of the 2014 Pre-Conference Booklet may do so through online publisher Lulu.com. Copies can be ordered directly from them. A major credit card is required to place an order. If you have questions or need help with your order, contact Karen Campolieto at Karen@unyumc.org.

6 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

To order a printed copy for $6.26 plus tax and shipping from Lulu.com visit http://tinyurl.com/LuluPreCon14.

All clergy and lay members (including equalization members) are expected to review the Pre-Conference Booklet before the Pre-Conference Briefing.

A new approach to the Pre-Conference Briefing This year, technology will be used to bring the entire Upper New York Conference together for the Pre-

Conference Briefing from 7-9 p.m. on May 1. Members from across Upper New York will gather in small groups or individually log on to an online PreConference Briefing hosted through Livestream.com. Participants simply have to visit www.unyumc.org/PreConference for instructions and to participate in the live event.

“This is about being better stewards,” said the Rev. Bill GottschalkFielding, Director of Connectional Ministries. “We’re pulling together the entire Conference through the use of cost-effective technology, saving the

resources that would’ve been used to staff 14 district briefings throughout Upper New York. These resources can now be used to support ministries in our local churches and districts, ministries like the recent Road T.R.I.P. (see page 9) regional training events.

This is not the first time that the PreConference Briefing has been done online, but the quality of this experience will far surpass what was done in the past.”

“We are using Livestream, which should enhance the end-user experience over what we’ve used to stream live events in the past, but that is only the beginning,” said Clyde Wolford, Conference Director of Information Technology. “There will be multiple camera angles, integrated slides, and much more. Our goal is to make this as close to the experience of being there in person as is possible.”

Individuals who cannot tune in for the live event will be able to view it

online at any point afterward.

Furthermore, there will be an email “help line” that will remain active throughout Annual Conference.

Instead of only having one opportunity to ask questions, individuals will be able to send email to AC Questions@unyumc. org at any time for any answers they need. Questions will be answered in a timely fashion and added to an Annual Conference 2014 FAQ that will be available at www.uny umc.org/PreConference following the Pre-Conference Briefing.

“I thank God for the technology that allows us to come together in mind and spirit across our vast geographic area,” said Rev. GottschalkFielding. “By being smart about how we approach our Pre- Conference Briefing, we’ll have more resources to make an even greater impact on the churches and communities we serve.

This is truly an amazing time and place to serve as God’s love to all people.”

‘Blueprint for Wellness’ 2014 registration begins The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer Blueprint for Wellness, a free health screening program for eligible participants in the Conference. (Note: The screening is only available to participants and spouses covered by the HealthFlex B-500 PPO and CDHP plans. Participants and spouses enrolled in the Am-

WINS Post 65 Medicare Eligible Medical Plan are not eligible for the Blueprint for Wellness Screening.)

This is an opportunity to obtain a free comprehensive “biometric” screening, which provides information about your heart, liver and kidney function; diabetes risk and blood-sugar control, calcium and iron levels – as well as a PSA screening for men. In addition to having information to take to your doctor to help implement a wellness plan, individuals can earn $100 in Virgin Pulse HealthMiles Cash.

(Note: To earn the $100 in HealthCash, participants must be enrolled in Virgin Pulse HealthMiles by the end of the day of their screening. To enroll click here: www.virginhealthmiles.com/upper newyork.)

Quest Diagnostics will be at Annual Conference from 6-10 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 29-30, in Exhibit Hall B – Alcove B at the Syracuse OnCenter.

Registration is strongly recommended for the Annual Conference event. You can register for an appointment between now and May 13.

A limited number of walk-ins will be accommodated depending on time and supply availability. Walk-ins must provide a HealthFlex ID number at the time of the screening.

You may instead choose to get your screening at a local Quest laboratory. Registration is required and appointments must be scheduled between April 1 and July 31.

For instructions on how to register at either Annual Conference or a local Quest lab, as well as fasting requirements, visit www.unyumc.org/blue print2014. You can also find on that page additional information on the HealthFlex 2014 Wellness Initiatives.

Have you registered for AC 14?

Time is running out to register for the Fifth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference. The session takes place May 29-31, 2014 at the OnCenter in Syracuse. Registration will close on Friday, April 25.

Visit www.unyumc.org/AC2014 to register online at the Conference website. If you have questions about registration, email ac2014reg@ unyumc.org or call Leah Robinson at (855) 424-7878 ext. 303.

– The Communications staff contributed to this article. unyumc.org 7

Now serving:

Upper New York commits to packaging 75,000 meals at upcoming session

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor “ ... and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10

T

he 2014 Annual Conference session is offering members a chance to “spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry” by helping package meals for distribution within the U.S. and around the world.

Members who volunteer will work assembly-line style to measure out ingredients and package the meals.

The Conference is working with the Raleigh, N.C.- based nonprofit Stop Hunger Now (SHN).

“Annual Conference involves a lot of planning, discussing and deciding.

Working with Stop Hunger Now will enable us to add doing to the list,” said the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries.

“United Methodists are a hands-on people. This international anti-hunger project will allow us to engage in a hands-on mission.”

Upper New York has committed to packaging 75,000 meals during the Annual Conference session.

SHN will be at the OnCenter on

bethdicocco@unyumc.org Friday, May 30; the two meal-packaging shifts will take place during the lunch period, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and during the dinner hour, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

People can volunteer to help pack meals when they register for Annual Conference or onsite when they pick up their registration packets on Thursday or Friday.

The SHN dehydrated meals contain rice, soy, vegetables, flavoring and 21 essential vitamins and minerals. They cost only $0.25 per meal to create, and each package contains six meals.

The SHN meal program began in 2005; since its inception, more than 135 million meals have been packaged by countless volunteers.

Love offering The Rev. Jeff Childs, who chairs the Global Ministries Team, is heading up the fundraising portion of this effort for the Conference.

Rev. Childs said he’d done a similar project while serving in Minnesota, and actually packaging the food makes the contribution even more significant.

“When you’re writing a check to go to an organization, you’re a couple

Volunteers pack meals in this photo from Stop Hunger Now. Learn more about SHN at www.stophungernow.org.

8 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

of arms’ length away,” Rev. Childs said. “With this, you’re not even arm’s length away. Your fingerprints are on what will be given into someone else’s hands.”

Working together as a team on the assembly line is also very meaningful, he said.

The 2013 Annual Conference approved a conference-wide special Love Offering (see page 6) that would support ministry locally (within the Conference boundaries), nationally and globally.

Rev. Childs said he hopes the offering will raise $50,000 to $100,000; it will cost about $17,000 to produce the meal packages, and he hopes awards of about that can be made to the other ministries as well. Churches will bring the offering to the Annual Conference session.

Something to see Rev. Childs said he’s looking forward to seeing what members accomplish. “(With an effort like this) you see something at the end of the day,” he said. “When you see the massive amount of food we produce, it’s an accomplishment to celebrate.”

Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding added, “75,000 meals would feed more than half the city of Syracuse. It will make a real difference. I encourage every Conference member to help so this can be a great success.”

Hunger facts There are more than a billion hungry people in the world today.

More people die each year from hunger-related causes than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Between 5 and 6 million children die each year from infections that would not have killed them had they been properly fed.

There is enough food in the world to feed everyone 4.3 pounds of food every day.

Road T.R.I.P.

Members of the Upper New York Conference staff traveled to the Potsdam and Saratoga Springs UMCs, March 22 and 23 respectively, to present a series of workshops for church leaders. These learning experiences were designed to be Transformative, Relevant, Innovative and Personal. More than 160 people attended these first two sessions; future events are planned for the fall. Pictured from top left (clockwise) are Vicki Putney, Benefits Officer, who presented Health Care and Wellness for Everyone; Clyde Wolford, Conference IT Director, Wired for Worship; Steve Hustedt, Conference Director of Communications, who was a co-presenter of the two Communications workshops at Potsdam along with Beth DiCocco, Conference Writer/Editor; the Rev. Dave Masland, Director of New Faith Communities, who presented Creating New Places to Reach New People; Director of Connectional Ministries the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, From the Wading Pool to the Deep End – How to Move People into Deeper Discipleship; Ashley VanSickle, Multimedia/Web Coordinator, who was a copresenter of the Communications workshops at Saratoga Springs along with Christian Vischi, Communications Associate; and Northern Flow District Superintendent Beckie Sweet talking with Conference VIM Coordinator Sylvia Reimer. Photos by Beth DiCocco and Christian Vischi

Canton UMC makes ministry share a priority

Every dollar helps support work in Africa, London or Upper New York’s backyard

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

bethdicocco@unyumc.org

C

elebrating the small steps is the way to make the big ones happen, says Pastor Michael Terrell, who serves the Canton UMC. The church paid 49.7 percent of its 2013 ministry shares, which may seem like a small step, until you compare it to the 18.3 percent the church paid in 2012.

“I applaud them every week,” Pastor Terrell said. “They did a really good thing paying almost half of our global giving. You have to talk it up; be proud of small accomplishments.”

Pastor Terrell said he’s found that many people – especially those who are new to the church – “don’t know

tionment, as “the share each Annual Conference or local church pays to support international, national and regional (Annual Conference) mission.”

So connecting ministry shares to the missions they support, both within the Conference and around the world, is one of the keys to increasing that percentage paid, the pastor said.

For example, when members attend the Annual Conference session and meet someone who has benefitted from the Black College Fund or see UMCOR at work in nearby Schoharie County after the flooding there, they see that the money indeed finds those who need it and makes a difference.

“We are e are connected and it takes connected all of us ... (Clergy realize that) and it takes all we are part of a bigger picture, and of us,” Pastor we have to help our people get to that Terrell said, same point .” adding that clergy realize Pastor Michael TerrelI that “we are Canton United Methodist Church part of a bigger picture, what ministry shares are.” The church and we have to help our people get to has seen an influx of new people in that same point.” the past 18 months, he said, increasOne way Canton UMC did that is ing average attendance from 40 to with its annual holiday bazaar, which 120. raised $4,000 solely for ministry What new and long-time members shares. Pastor Terrell asked folks to do know, Pastor Terrell said, is the imagine that each table of sale items importance of mission. was for a specific ministry; one table “Mission is where it’s at,” he said. for Africa University, another for the “It’s what ministry is all about; that Black College Fund etc. speaks for itself.”

“We have not done anything Lay Leader Paul Sibbitts said the miraculous, but I’m not afraid to talk congregation has “always had a deep it up, to put faces with the things that desire to pay its ministry share; we we’re doing. A dollar helps a misgive them pretty good reverence, and sionary do support work in Africa or know we need to make some effort in London or wherever.” that regard.”

The church has also made ministry The denomination website defines shares a priority by keeping an eye ministry shares, also known as appor- on purchases such as office supplies

‘‘W

10 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

and “really trying to make the most of what we have, making ministry shares a priority,” Pastor Terrell said. After utilities and payroll, he said, ministry shares “come off the top.”

“We have to start somewhere,” he said. “It doesn’t happen overnight.”

Pastor Terrell said every week the congregation gets an update with pie charts representing weekly giving and a bar graph showing ministry shares.

It’s a visual reminder, he said, of the funds that support the mission and ministry.

Sibbitts said by being clear about the church’s needs on a regular basis – by using the pie charts, for example – people are more likely to “tune in to that need,” and someone who is not a regular giver may put in something extra to help the church, he said.

“In past years when we’ve been a little on the short side coming into December, we’re not afraid to put it out to the congregation,” Sibbitts said, adding that often inspires somebody to come forward with a donation, which is “greatly appreciated and recognized.”

Sibbitts also suggests finding clear ways for people to give outside of just putting something in the collection plate. For example, breaking out the cost of producing the church’s monthly newsletter and asking members to sponsor a month or two.

“When we put a label on what some of these expenses are, broken

into increments, we give people a tangible way that they can contribute,” Sibbitts said.

“People are overwhelmed when we talk about how the church’s annual budget is $130,000,” he said. “People think, ‘I can’t begin to put a drop in that bucket.’ But they know ‘I can do this or that,’ and know they are making a serious commitment toward ministry of their church.”

Sibbitts also credits Pastor Terrell’s enthusiasm with the growth in the church’s ministry share payments. “(His) presence in the church has brought vim and vigor back into pulpit and the parsonage,” Sibbitts said. “We reignited that flame with fresh air on embers of fire.”

Pastor Terrell said he was glad to see the Conference celebrate those churches that paid 100 percent of their ministry share; something he called “a big job.”

But he also wanted to acknowledge the smaller accomplishments and the churches that are making progress in striving for that goal.

“I have always preached that we are a connectional church,” Pastor Terrell said. “Each congregation is connected to each other – down the street, across state and around world. Together we make a great impact to relieve the suffering. People really want to do that.”

Methodism 101:

What is a Ministry Share?

A

Ministry Share is a pro-ration of Conference and General Church budgets among the local churches based on an established formula. Ministry Share Components relate directly to the Categories on the Annual Conference budget.

The two primary categories that the Upper New York Conference budget is currently segregated into are: • General Connectional Ministry • Conference Connectional Ministry The Conference Connectional Ministry is further divided into: • Conference Benevolences • Ministerial Support • Conference Administration Ministry The General Connectional Ministry is the section of the budget that contains the General and Jurisdictional Church apportionments for our Annual Conference, which are: • World Service • Ministerial Education • Black College • Africa University • Episcopal • General Administration • Interdenominational Cooperation • Northeast Jurisdiction The General Church and the Jurisdiction determine the amounts for each Annual Conference. These amounts must be budgeted at 100 percent in the Annual Conference budget each year.

The funding/budgets for all of the activities under the leadership of the Annual Conference are captured in the Conference Connectional Ministry.

A copy of the proposed 2015 Annual Conference budget will appear in the May issue of the Advocate.

To learn more about Upper New York’s Ministry Share formula and what that supports, visit www.uny umc.org/pages/detail/1407. unyumc.org 11

RETREATS/TRAININGS

Tend your souls New training session begins in October

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ending the Soul, a two-year training program for laity and clergy in spiritual direction and congregational formation, is again being offered by the Upper New York Conference.

The training program, which consists of six retreats, will begin in October 2014 and conclude in May 2016.

All six retreats will be

held at the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1, 2014.

For more detailed information, download a brochure at http://tinyurl.com/TendingTheSoul2014.

For questions, contact Program Director Nancy Dibelius at nancy. dibelius@gmail.com.

The cost of the training is $1,800, which includes tuition, meals and lodging. Books and other incidental costs are not included. Payments can be made in installments.

Dibelius points to the Rev. Jan Rowell

Feedback from the most recent training

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

L

eading the training is the Rev. Wendy J. Miller, professor emeritus of Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and an adjunct professor of spiritual formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Spiritual direction In their book, The Practice of Spiritual Direction, William A. Barry and William J. Connolly define Christian spiritual direction as “help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.”

Rev. Miller defined spiritual direction this way: “Spiritual direction is that. It’s where someone companions you and gets in touch with your interior, the thing who we really are,” “A spiritual director is a companion, someone in the soul journey, the life 12 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

bethdicocco@unyumc.org journey to help you notice God’s presence ... Once I was conscious of the relationship, it made huge sense.

(I thought) ‘Now I understand the Christian life,’ and I came to Christ when I was 15 years old,” she said.

Echoing her own journey, one of the first things Rev. Miller told participants at the October 2013 retreat (This session of Tending the Soul ends in May 2014): “You know more than you think” about spiritual direction.

It’s something people understand how to do even if they don’t know what to call it, she said.

“That’s what this training is about, discerning how to bring to consciousness what’s happening and how to discern it is of God,” Rev. Miller said. “It’s there all the time. (Spiritual direction is) permission to look at it and notice Dibelius what’s going on.”

as someone who lives out Tending the Soul in her ministry as superintendent of the Oneonta District. This is what Rev. Rowell has to say about the training: “I was a participant in this process several years ago. …

Personally, the work of spiritual formation that I learned with Rev. Miller and the team have helped me to be grounded and more able to meet the challenges of my responsibilities. ... In fact, my work is done primarily through the lens of spiritual formation, and that is due to the training I received at Tending the Soul.”

What participants say The 16 participants in this series were about halfway through the training when we spoke. Becoming a spiritual director, Program Director Nancy Dibelius said, is not necessarily the goal for all participants.

In her experience, the intent for those attending the training is that “they as persons and their deepest souls will be tended,” Rev. Miller said. “They will be offered a space in which they can relate more deeply to and be befriended by God, Donaghy rather than running from God.” Peg Donaghy, a lay member of St. Johnsville UMC, called Tending the Soul a “full and rich experience.”

“I think it’s, for me, brought God so much closer,” she said. “For the first time, I see Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit everywhere.”

Donaghy urges laity to consider the training.

Laity can be intimidated by clergy, and think “‘I can’t sit with them,’” she said. “I haven’t found (that), because they just embraced me when I came; they’ve been so helpful to me.”

And, said Donaghy, 78, “I would want laity to know: Don’t Phelps wait as long as I did.”

For others, it is a call to be a spiritual director.

The Rev. Tim Phelps is chaplain at Hospice Chautauqua County.

“It seemed like something I thought I should do,” said Phelps.

“After being here, I realized it’s within me, spiritual direction; God has given me a gift in that area.”

Rev. Phelps said that being a chaplain differs from being a pastor, and chaplaincy is very much about spiritual direction. “(As a chaplain, you) see the movement of God in someone else’s life.

That’s what I was doing all along,” he said.

“This clarified

what I was sensing all along. It’s an amazing thing to see someone who is fearful, anxious and to see the movement of God in their life that affects this peace.”

Building a relationship with God Dibelius said when it comes to church, “we think a lot about what we do – preaching, trustees, women’s group – we emphasize activity,” but we may not pay as much attention to our relationship with God. That’s what Tending the Soul is all about she said.

“The training is about introducing folks to the concept of spiritual formation,” she said. “It’s how do we companion others in their walk, their journey, their relationship with God, and help others recognize that this is a journey.”

The training, Dibelius said, is not just academic but experiential as well, and their experience in the training can move participants closer in their own relationship with God. Once people have that experience and are tending to that relationship, the activities and mission work of the church are brought into perspective, she said.

“When we’re doing good things, that’s wonderful, but where does that come from?” she said. “It’s a different way of coming at mission and anything else we do.”

Gradual transformation Dibelius said the transformations that occur are not all that dramatic.

She references the imagery they are using in worship – a series of concentric circles, where the outer circle represents the things people cannot change: genetics, parents, the culture, to the

most inner circle, which is “the unique being God desires, yearns for me to be.”

“The transformation is a series of subtle changes – as long as those keep moving closer to center than outside – that transformation is happening,” she said. “When you respond (to a situation) differently, it almost forces others to respond differently.”

This was the fifth group to have gone through the two-year training since the program started in 2001.

“It’s an interesting mix of lay and clergy,” Dibelius said. “If you’re seeking to be a leader in the church in any way, (you need to Fletcher know) where are you leading from?”

That is something that Pastor Jim Fletcher, who serves the Perryville and Peterboro UMCs, said he wanted to explore in this training. He said pastors often “neglect ourselves.”

Pastor Fletcher believes that in order to “be effective for the congregation, I need to know who I am, where I am, and tend to my own soul so I can tend to the soul of congregation.”

One thing he’s become more aware of is “listening; hearing other people as they speak. By listening to them I can start to minister to them more effectively.”

Listening is a big part of what a spiritual director does, Dibelius said: “My role is not to direct you, but to be listening for the conversation between you and God.” When that conversation is something you think about, but don’t speak about, she said, “it may never become real for you. If it’s real, it has life.”

Read more about Rev. Miller at www.emu.edu/personnel/people/ show/millerwj.

what this training is about, discerning how to ‘‘That’s bring to consciousness what’s happening and how to discern it is of God.”

Rev. Miller

– The Rev. Wendy J. Miller Tending the Soul Training Leader unyumc.org 13

NEW CONFERENCE STAFF

CRM names Director of Program and Outreach

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ike Huber, the Upper New York Conference’s Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM), is pleased to announce that Demetrio Beach has been named Director of Program and Outreach for CRM. Beach will be responsible for development, implementation, and administration of a wide range of program services for CRM. He began his new role on April 1.

Beach “I’m excited about the skills and experience that Demetrio brings to Upper New York Conference,” Huber said.

“His love of Jesus and dedication to serving others combined with his cre-

ative approach to programming will be a great addition to our team.”

Beach, a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a lifelong United Methodist and former camper and camp counselor. His work experience includes the areas of education, finance banking, management and planning.

Since 2008, Beach has served as Conference Lay Leader in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference. For the past six years, he has worked tirelessly to connect churches throughout that conference, and to implement the Healthy Church Initiative, start new faith communities, connect young adults to the Church, and give spiritual guidance to more than 4,000 lay persons.

He served at the Bethesda UMC in Middletown, Del., as the Director for

Youth and Young Adult Ministries; at Grace UMC in Wilmington, Del., as Lay Pastor (Lay Pastoral Care); and at Chester Bethel UMC in Wilmington as the Director of Mission & Evangelism.

He also serves on the Board of Directors for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for The United Methodist Church and is the Vice Chair of the Division on Ordained Ministry.

Beach said he enjoys helping each person grow and use their spiritual gifts to enhance the kingdom of God where they are planted.

The best days, Beach says, are those when he’s able to read a good book or spend time with his family: his mother, Brenda; stepfather, Omari; brother Kim; and his godchildren.

How can I be the leader my church needs?

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ending the Fire is a retreat-based training process focused on helping clergy meet the challenges they face as leaders by helping them to understand the dynamics of the interpersonal relationships in their churches and in their lives.

Organizers say clergy who attend Tending the Fire will become better leaders by being less worried, more engaged and renewed in their call and ministry.

Tending the Fire 2014 will take place at the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia. The training comprises three three-day retreats (participants must attend all of the retreats).

They are: Opening Intensive on June 9-11, Deepening Retreat on Sept. 23-25, and Sending Retreat on Nov. 11-13. The retreats begin at 1 p.m. on the first day and end at 4 p.m. on the closing day. For descriptions, download a PDF brochure at http:// tinyurl.com/TTF2014.

Leading the training is the Rev. Barbara Lemmel, an elder in the New England Annual Conference. She 14 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

studied Family Systems Theory with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center in Chicago and the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness in New Orleans. She has led Tending the Fire retreats for clergy, laity and judicatory leadership since 2003.

The cost for Tending the Fire is $1,200; clergy can seek assistance through the Account Reimbursable Plan (ARP) from their local church, use their Ministerial Educa-

tion Funds through the Board of Ordained Ministry or contact their district office about possible grant money.

For more information about Rev. Lemmel or the training, visit www.tending-thefire.com or www. unyumc.org/ tendingthefire.

To register for Tending the Fire 2014 at Casowasco, visit https:// unyumc-reg.brtapp.com/Tend ingtheFire.

What approach does Tending the Fire take?

Tending the Fire helps clergy to “think systems” in their congregations and in their personal lives.

They can: • Understand anxiety’s effects on churches and leaders • Be a healthy, non-anxious leader • Manage complicated emotional relationships

• Avoid the dangers of overwork and “underwork” • Recognize and survive sabotage • Learn to create collegial support • Discover the “next right steps” for their churches and themselves • Become renewed in their call and ministry.

Treasurer: Finance Ministry Team is here to help

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor The Upper New York Finance Ministry Team wants churches in the Conference to know that they have “a friend in finance.”

Conference Treasurer Kevin Domanico wants pastors and church leaders to know that he and his team are here to help them with any financial issues their churches may be facing.

“We are here to empower and support our local churches in their work of making disciples,” said Domanico. “We are a resource; use us.”

bethdicocco@unyumc.org

salaries; and variable expenses – in the case of churches and the Conference, that’s mission work; work such as disaster relief, Camp and Retreat Ministries, Ministry Oversight Teams, equitable compensation for clergy, and much more.

“Ministry shares support our denomination’s connectivity – to our churches, to our neighbors in our communities and our neighbors around the world,” he said.

“To be part of connecting people spiritually is a very satisfying situation to be in,” Domanico said, when he was named treasurer in November 2013; helping find the resources to create that connection through mission is where he and his team come in, he said.

Domanico stressed again that he and the entire Finance Ministry Team are available to meet with churches, and in the meantime are always available via email or phone to answer questions and offer assistance.

“This is my job to be here for our churches,” Domanico said, and he wants churches to know: “My time is your time. You’re not interrupting me when you call; it’s my job to be interrupted by what you need. I believe that and the whole team believes it too.”

at that and think individual churches could accomplish the same goals going it alone.

“But the truth is we could never spread the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ across the globe – we could not hope to transform the world – if we were not connected,” he said. “When we unite in our efforts, we expand our reach so that each dollar goes further and does more good for more people.”

In 2013, the Conference congratulated 599 churches on paying 100 percent of their ministry share. That’s the goal for every church, his is my job to be here for our Domanico churches ... My time is your time. said, but he You’re not interrupting me when you knows some call; it’s my job to be interrupted by churches what you need. I believe that and the struggle with whole team believes it too.” that.

“My advocacy around Kevin Domanico Conference Treasurer this is that churches can call anytime,” One financial challenge for church- Domanico said. “We’ll meet with es is how to meet their ministry you; our staff is knowledgeable, and share payments. we can find a way.”

The denomination website defines Domanico said he’s met with ministry shares, also known as appor- churches and their district superintionment, as “the share each Annual tendents in the past (District SuperCanton UMC makes Conference or local church pays to intendents are central to this proministry a priority support international, national and cess, he said), and has seen churches regional (Annual Conference) mismove from paying nothing toward No matter what you do, sion.” their ministry share to beginning to the important thing is getting make payments. (Look for a future stostarted. “We have to start Ministry shares are ry about the Caughdenoy UMC, which somewhere,” said critical to our mission as has recently begun to pay its ministry Canton UMC PasThe United Methodist share again.) tor Michael Terrell.

Those increases add up and make Church, which is to make “It doesn’t happen disciples of Jesus Christ for a difference, he said, and it’s never overnight.” late for a church to return to TerrelI the transformation of the too meeting its ministry share.

See pages 10-11 to read how world, said Bishop Mark J. Domanico said the Conference the Canton UMC increased its budget is not unlike a household Webb, and that mission requires ministry share percentage. budget or a church budget: There the full support and participation of are fixed expenses – such as utilities, every church.

“Our congregations work hard, MEET THE FINANCE MINISTRY TEAM AND LEARN HOW TO REACH THEM and as a result of their ministry and www.unyumc.org/financetitles www.unyumc.org/aboutus @ mission, our local churches are making disciples and making a difference LEARN MORE ABOUT UNY’s MINISTRY SHARE FORMULA AND WHAT THAT SUPPORTS in people’s lives every single day,” www.unyumc.org/ministryshare www.unyumc.org/2014ministryshareworksheet said Bishop Webb. “It’s easy to look @

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unyumc.org 15

COMMITTEES & BOARDS

‘Going deeper’ From left, the Rev. Harold Wheat, Jami Breedlove and the Rev. Cheol-Hee (Charlie) Yang discuss what values they hold dear during a small group session at the recent meeting of the Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force. Photo by Christian Vischi

Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force takes indepth look at three essential questions

By Christian Vischi, Graphic Designer

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arch 15 marked the fourth and final gathering of Upper New York’s Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force before the upcoming Annual Conference session, but its work is far from over.

Remaining on the task force’s agenda – which will be addressed via conference calls or online exchanges – is drafting the report to the Annual Conference, planning a discussion forum at the session, and developing its ideas for year two.

The fourth gathering was an opportunity for the dozen members present to “go deeper,” as task force convener the Rev. Bill GottschalkFielding put it, in conversation with one another. Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding was filling in for Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, who was at an Episcopacy Committee meeting.

A time of centering began with words from the third chapter of John and closed with Come Away With Me from The Faith We Sing. The opening stanza of the song prophetically reflected the work the task force members would embark upon that

16 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

christianvischi@unyumc.org afternoon: “Come away with me to a quiet place, apart from the world with its frantic pace, to pray, reflect, and seek God’s grace.”

Members divided into teams of three or four to “go deeper in smaller groups, deeper conversation on what this conversation on human sexuality has been to us, what are the values that we hold dear,” Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding said. They were tasked with discussing three essential questions: • From our experience, what are the dynamics of this conversation that we need to be aware of?

• What made it difficult to engage in this conversation and what made it comfortable?

• To invite others into this conversation, what can we, as a task force, offer?

Back in the large group discussion, members’ comments often echoed each other. In conversation specifically about human sexuality, members said the discussion can and will often have several underlying parts: emotions, assumptions, the desire to

persuade others without a willingness to be persuaded, deep convictions on both sides of the aisle, and life experiences that others don’t know about.

The difficulties in engaging in conversation around this topic are the same as engaging in any topic without a mutual agreement on the issue.

“The fear of rejection, an angry reaction, or hurting others feelings,” said one member.

“The invisible elephant in the room is there are a lot of people in the world who have experienced violence. There could be shadows triggered just by having the conversation. … We have these shadows and abuse in all denominations that some may never talk about,” another member shared.

But the one element that was universally praised as providing comfort to the members was time. These are some of the comments shared among the large group.

“We had the ability to ask questions for clarity.”

“We had the luxury of time.”

“We felt free to speak from the heart.”

“We had the time to engage in these conversations and build a level

of trust.”

When it came to the question of how to invite others into this conversation, there was less universality.

The Rev. Dr. William Allen said opening the discussion on the floor of Annual Conference, for example, is not necessarily the best way to engage the Conference.

“I have heard people on both sides of the divide say (they are) uncomfortable saying what they feel because it goes opposite to the Discipline, or because at the last Annual Conference session there was a 60-40 divide (with the ‘60’ being more progressive) and they were a part of the 40, and they are afraid the 60 will come down on them,” Dr. Allen said.

“My sense is we are not feeling strongly led to organize large conversations in different formats at this Annual Conference. We don’t really have the space for it and logistically it would be challenging,” Rev. GottschalkFielding said.

Then the discussion took off, with ideas offered about what different models might work with a gathering of 1,500 or more people. Role playing with semi-scripted conversation, small-group discussions with a moderator, other forms of large- and small-group discussions such as Samoan or fishbowl conversation, and a listening post were all aired as possibilities for the upcoming session.

Regardless of what format the task force ultimately chooses, Pastor Heidi Chamberlain said, it is just important that something takes place.

“The conversation deserves more than a booth or table display,” she said. “Maybe we can have a space set aside for conversation to take place. Perhaps members of this group can have specific time periods where one or two of us who have met can be present to be in conversation (with) ground rules that people have to meet around love and respect.”

The Rev. John Martin was concerned with two possibilities, that they would “only get a certain demographic or get no one” and that “people on both sides will be dissatisfied with what we are presenting.”

But Pastor Mackey said a good starting point can be “statements that we can all agree on. (We can) model for them how we started, looking at places that we can come together.”

The task force has developed a list of 24 items of agreement and a list of 14 items “which some of us have passion but not all of us agree;” the list can be found in the March issue of the Advocate.

Moving forward, the task force was in agreement on four items: • A group report will be given at the Annual Conference with all task force members present on stage so the Conference can make a better connection with them; • Setting aside a room at AC 2014 will be explored; • The group will continue to work together beyond AC 2014, leading the Conference toward a broader conversation; • A plan needs to be developed with specifics about the task force’s work in year two and how to expand the conversation, possibly through facilitated regional or district conversations, but those are not likely to take place in 2014.

HSCTF TIMELINE JULY 2012 Bishop Marcus Matthews, former resident bishop for the Upper New York Area, had conceived an idea for a Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force, but that plan is set aside when he is assigned to the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

MAY 2013 At the Fourth Annual Conference session, Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb announces that he will make conversation on human sexuality a priority for the Conference.

SEPTEMBER 2013 Upper New York Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force holds its first meeting and produces a list of statements around human sexuality that all in attendance agree on.

NOVEMBER 2013 At the second meeting of the UNY Human Sexuality Conversation Task Force a second document is produced, which is titled Things Around Which Some of Us Have Passion but Not All of Us Agree.

FEBRUARY 2014 The Task Force meets for third time and begins deeper small-group conversations centered on topics such as “What do we need to confess and seek forgiveness for?” and “What strategies for healthy conversation can we offer to the Conference as we continue to live among differences in the area of human sexuality?”

MARCH 2014 The final meeting of the task force this Conference year is held. The members continue to go deeper in smallgroup conversations, and the whole group discusses options for furthering the conversation at the 2014 Annual Conference session as well as plans for year two.

JULY 1, 2014 The second year of the task force will begin. Plans for the new year are to broaden the conversation base to the entire Conference. unyumc.org 17

M

ore than 340 youth and youth leaders from around the Upper New York Conference attended UP!Word ‘14 April 4-6 at the Liverpool Holiday Inn. Representing nearly 40 churches and 10 of the Conference’s 12 districts, the participants enjoyed a weekend of growing closer to God through a variety of music and worship experiences.

One highlight was Saturday night’s worship, led by Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb (pictured at right) who preached on the topic of prayer, served communion and offered a personal blessing to each participant. Nationally known Stellar Kart was the house band for the weekend, leading the music during worship and a playing full concert during Saturday night’s “Late-Night.” Photos by Ashley Riddell VanSickle

Task force: Follow United Methodist guidelines for taking trips to the Holy Land bethdicocco@unyumc.org

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor

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he Conference Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/ Israel wants to remind United Methodists who are planning tours of the Holy Land that the Church has guidelines for such trips outlined in the Book of Resolutions.

“Our Book of Resolutions has wording asking that United Methodists traveling to the Holy Land spend time with Palestinian Christians worshipping and hearing their stories,” said Linda Bergh, co-chair of the task force. “We want to raise awareness and be faithful to what is said in the resolutions.”

There are a number of resources available for those who wish to travel to the Holy Land following the principles laid out by the Church, Bergh said.

One of those is the United Methodist Kairos Response (UMKR), which describes itself as “(a) movement that includes United Methodists around the world whose goal is to bring about a just peace for Israelis as well as Palestinians.”

UMKR suggests those planning a Holy Land trip ask these questions: • Will we have opportunities to visit and worship with Palestinian Christians?

• Can you assure us that none of the hotels or restaurants we will use

are located in the settlements, or on Israeli occupied land in East Jerusalem?

• Will we spend at least one night in Bethlehem with opportunities to meet local people beyond tourist sites and shopping?

• Will we visit at least two UMC Advance Special Missions?

“So many United Methodists have gone to the Holy Land and been inspired by being there, but ... don’t know the realities of the occupation,” Bergh said.

Another resource, Bergh said, is the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. Many people are unaware of the office, she said, but the liaison can help facilitate visits and connect travelers with Methodist-supported local initiatives.

Bergh has traveled to the Holy Land twice; the first time, access and time to visit and worship with Palestinian Christians was not made available, and while the trip was meaningful, “it was not enough,” she said.

Many of the new members of the Conference Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, Bergh said, are “those who have seen the reality in the Holy Land and have had very meaningful, moving experiences.”

“We need to be a voice for people

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK Will we have opportunities to visit and worship with

Palestinian Christians?

Can you assure us that none of the hotels or restaurants

we will use are located in the settlements, or on Israeli

occupied land in East Jerusalem?

Will we spend at least one night in Bethlehem with

opportunities to meet local people beyond tourist sites?

Will we visit at least two UMC Advance Special Missions?

20 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

The UNY Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel will sponsor its 20th annual authentic Palestinian buffet during the 2014 Annual Conference. See below for details.

Submitted photo by Alice Trost

who do not have much voice in our wider society,” she said. “Part of my motivation, and in faithfulness to the gospel, is to acknowledge that these are oppressed people.”

Resources Email the United Methodist liaison at encounter@methodist-jer.org.

The Conference Communications office has one copy of a Experience the Holy Land The United Methodist Way, a packet of travel resources that was made available to all U.S. bishops by United Methodist Kairos Response, and is recommended by the Conference Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel, which is a task force of the Social Holiness Team. Call the Communications office at (315) 424-7878 ext. 304 to ask to arrange to examine the materials.

Palestinian Dinner at AC 2014 Each year the Conference Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel hosts an authentic Palestinian buffet during Annual Conference. This year’s dinner is Friday, May 30. Visit www.unyumc. org/2014palestiniandinner to learn more.

Background flickr photo of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher taken by Sonja Stark; the church is considered to contain the sites of Christ’s crucifixion, entombment and resurrection.

Remembrances P

astor Kathryn Hemstreet, 94, died on March 24, 2014. She was the mother of the Rev. Frances Hemstreet, pastor at the Harrisville and Natural Bridge United Methodist churches. She was a Licensed Local Pastor in the former Western New York Conference, where she served Angelica UMC from 1987 to 2000 as a part-time local pastor with her husband Albert Hemstreet, a part-time local pastor. He predeceased her. Read the full obituary at www.unyumc.org/obituary.

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al Tennant, 38, died on March 20, 2014. He was the son of Pastor Rose Bellen, appointed to the Westville United Methodist Church.

Interment with military honors will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to Pastor Rose and Mr. William Bellen, P.O. Box 274, Schenevus, N.Y. 12155. Read the full obituary at www. cooperstownfuneralhome.com.

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ev. Willard G. Steele, 99, died on March 14, 2014. He began his pastorate as an elder in the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1942; he retired in 1980. He transferred as a retired full member to the former Western New York Conference, and served as the visitation pastor at the Jamestown First United Methodist Church from 1983-89. Condolences can be sent to Gladys Steele, 165 Aldsen Ave., Apt. 301,

“ ... 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

Jamestown, N.Y. 14701. Read the full obituary at www. falconerfuneralhome.net.

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ev. Frank A. Halse, Jr. died on March 9, 2014. He served as the Director of the Wesley Foundation and was the Campus Minister for Syracuse University as well as serving many churches in the former Northern New York and Central New York conferences. He retired in 1975, and also served several churches in the former North Central New York Conference during his retirement. The family is planning a private celebration of life for sometime this summer. Read the full obituary at www.foster haxfuneralhome.com.

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ois Josephine (Shank) Yeakel, 86, died on March 5, 2014. She was the wife of Bishop Joseph H.Yeakel, retired, who presided as the Resident Bishop of the New York West Area from 1972 to 1984.

Mrs. Yeakel’s cremains will be inurned in the Lakeview Columbarium at the Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia. Bishop Yeakel and his daughter the Rev. Mary Jo Yeakel were at Casowasco to dedicate the columbarium in June 2013. Condolences can be sent to Bishop Yeakel in care of Otterbein UMC, 108 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown, Md. 21740. Read the full obituary at www.legacy.com.

Bronze markers honor deceased clergy

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he Upper New York Commission on Archives and History is reviving a tradition of honoring clergy who have died by presenting their families with a bronze grave marker.

The policy adopted by the commission in 2013 reads: “It shall be the policy of the Upper New York Annual Conference Commission on Archives and History to present to every deceased pastor’s family (with) a bronze grave marker in recognition of their service to God and to the Conference.”

The bronze markers are cast in a foundry in Liverpool, Pa., and cost approximately $120 each. The commission made an initial purchase of 50 markers, utilizing existing funds from one of the former conferences.

Although the commission was able to fund the start of the program, “how to finance it in the fu-

ture we are unsure of,” wrote Ken Summers in a letter to Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and other Conference leaders. Summers is the coordinator for the grave marking program.

Summers said the commission is discussing potential funding sources for the grave marker program.

The bronze grave markers are available at each district office and come with instructions for installa-

tion. Families of deceased clergy can contact the district office to receive one.

For more information, contact your district office or Summers at kensummers28@gmail.com or (607) 770-7314.

Clergy who have died during the Conference year are also honored during the Memorial Service held at the Annual Conference session.

Deceased spouses of clergy are also honored.

Preaching at this year’s Memorial Service will be the Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel, Mountain View District Superintendent. An interview with Dr. Stengel will appear in next month’s issue.

The Upper New York Commission on Archives and History serves as a ministry of memory so we may continue to learn from our past and anticipate our future. unyumc.org 21

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, NY 13210 Phone: (315) 422-5027 Fax: (315) 422-5304

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

Adirondack District District Superintendent William Mudge 396 Louden Road Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-8214 ext. 2 Fax: (518) 584-8378 Email: AdirondackDistrict@unyumc.org

Finger Lakes District District Superintendent Richard Barton 1 Franklin Square, Suite 301 Geneva, NY 14456 (315) 781-0188 Fax: (315) 781-0199 Email: Fingerlakesdistrict@unyumc.org

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

Albany District District Superintendent Richard Weihing 396 Louden Road Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-8214 ext. 3 Fax: (518) 584-8378 Email: AlbanyDistrict@unyumc.org

Genesee Valley District District Superintendent Theodore Anderson 1100 South Goodman St. Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 340-9525 Fax: (585) 340-9526 Email: Geneseevalleyumc@crcds.edu

Northern Flow District District Superintendent Rebekah Sweet 95 E. Main St. Gouverneur, NY 13642 (315) 535-5149 Fax: (315) 535-5151 Email: Northernflowdistrict@unyumc.org

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

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

Oneonta District District Superintendent Jan Rowell 66 Chestnut St. Oneonta, NY 13820 (607) 441-5102 Fax: (607) 441-5102 Email: Oneontadistrict@unyumc.org

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

Mountain View District District Superintendent Cathy Stengel 65 E. First St. Corning, NY 14830 (607) 962-8047 Fax: (607) 962-8045 Email: Mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org

Crossroads District District Superintendent Darryl R. Barrow 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor Syracuse, NY 13210 (315) 422-2288 Fax: (315) 424-0975 Email: Crossroadsdistrict@unyumc.org 22 UNY ADVOCATE APRIL 2014

On the Conference calendar April 13, May 11

Second Sundays

Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Sky Lake hosts Second Sundays, a monthly series of events for youth from around the Upper New York Conference who are invited to the camp for games, worship and the opportunity to meet other youth.

“Planting God’s Future in Hearts & Neighbors: Called to Cultivate.” The session will be held May 29-31 at the OnCenter in Syracuse.

April 25-27

UMW National Assembly Convention Center in Louisville, Ky.

Sharon Schmit (left) and Blenda Smith leading the Learning Session in Oneonta.

www.unyumc.org/news/detail/1835

May 10

CONAM Learning Session Jamestown UMC

May 10 Rev. Dr. Elaine Heath

April 26 2013 Harry Denman Evangelism Award winners the Rev. Brian Rotach and his wife Cheryl Bird.

April 15

Harry Denman Award application deadline The Foundation for Evangelism celebrates the outstanding personal evangelism ministry of United Methodist clergy, laity and youth by sponsoring the Harry Denman Evangelism Award.

http://tinyurl.com/DenmanAward14

April 18

Good Friday

Conference Office Closed April 20

Easter Sunday April 25

AC ‘14 registration closes Registration for the 2014 Upper New York Annual Conference closes on April 25. This year’s theme is

New Faith Community Development Event Liverpool First UMC

This New Faith Communities Event on April 26 at Liverpool First UMC is the third annual event by the Upper New York New Faith Communities Team. The Rev. Dave Masland will present his State of the Planting Address, and the keynote speaker for the day is the Rev. Dr. Elaine Heath – McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, and an elder in The United Methodist Church. www.unyumc.org/news/detail/1854

Early Response Training Harris Hill UMC, Williamsville The If you wish to be among those responding to a disaster in your local community as a way of showing God’s love, you are invited to take this Early Response Training offered by the Upper New York Volunteers in Mission (VIM). This training will qualify you to be among the first volunteers to help in a disaster as a member of an early response team. The training is being offered beginning at 9 a.m. at the Harris Hill UMC in Williamsville (Niagara Frontier District). The cost is $20. Deadline to sign up is May 1. bngreenwald@windstream.net

May 18

Open House Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center

May 3

CONAM Learning Session Grace UMC, Massena

How do you get 12.5 million United Methodists to repent for something many of them don’t even know about? Answering that question is at the heart of these District Learning Sessions hosted by Upper New York’s Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM).

www.unyumc.org/news/detail/1861

May 26

Memorial Day

Conference Office Closed May 29-31

2014 Annual Conference OnCenter, Syracuse

www.unyumc.org/AC2014 unyumc.org 23