Upper New York: May 2014 Advocate

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

MAY 2014

Table of contents 5

Volume 6, Issue 5

MAP TO OUR FUTURE Over a year and a half of conversations, discernment, and fine tuning have resulted in the creation of a strategic document that will help create clarity around our Annual Conference’s purpose and a way into the future. The document is being referred to as a Mission Map.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The 2014 Annual Conference session is nearly here. So for those of you heading to the session – and even for those planning to watch the event through the comfort of your high-speed Internet connection – we offer this “what you need to know” primer.

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GUEST PREACHERS The Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel will preach during this year’s Memorial Service and Bishop J. Michael Lowry will lead the two sessions of Bible Study at the 2014 Annual Conference session. Read about the inspiration for their messages.

REV. DR. STENGEL

BISHOP LOWRY

YOUTH NEWS The partnership between clergy and laity is no place more evident than at Annual Conference as members from across Upper New York gather for a time of holy conferencing, and among them are Conference youth.

Page 17 Each year CCYM hosts UP!WORD, a time to inaugurate a new class of CCYMers; this year it meant 16 new names were added to the roster as 13 seniors departed.

Page 18 The new CCYM co-chairs reflect on UP!WORD ‘14 Page 18 The Mission of Peace 2015, an annual journey of shalom – the Hebrew word for the peace of God, will travel to India. Read more about the upcoming trip.

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UMW ASSEMBLY CELEBRATION More than 7,000 women recently came together in Louisville for the 2014 United Methodist Women’s Assembly – Make it Happen! Read Ilah Sisson Walser’s thoughts about the international assembly.

GATHERING IN THE PHILIPPINES The next Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly will be this July in Tagaytay, Philippines. You can help provide needed scholarships.

A word of

Shalom ...

2 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

“A Word of Shalom” will return in the June/July double-issue of the Advocate. If you would like to compose the “A word of Shalom” welcome message for an upcoming issue of the Advocate, contact us at news@unyumc.org with the subject “Word of Shalom.”

AC 2014

At a glance Principals for Holy Conferencing

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Annual Conference Session schedule

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Bike and hike to AC for AU

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Luncheon workshop offerings

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In Memoriam

10

Resolutions

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Ministry shares proposed budget

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2014 class of clergy retirees

15

Special caucus/ group meals

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Youth at the session

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From the desk of Bishop Mark J.Webb Prepare your spirit for upcoming AC session

T

his is an exciting time, as the Fifth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference is nearly upon us.

Conducting the business of the Annual Conference is critical to our ability to live our common purpose.

We all have, I hope, been preparing for this work by utilizing the preconference briefing information and materials.

As you know, a tremendous amount of work goes into preparing for and bringing about this gathering in Syracuse, and I am grateful to everyone who contributes their time and energy to it.

But it is important to remember that this gathering, this Annual Conference, also takes place in our spirits; it is important to prepare ourselves for this as well.

As followers of Jesus Christ, Annual Conference is a time for us to proclaim and claim our identity and commit to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by living the Gospel and being God’s love with our neighbors in all places.

As we come together for worship, Bible study, and prayerful discernment, we are reminded of who we are in

ADVOCATE STAFF Editor/Publisher: STEVE HUSTEDT

UNY Director of Communications

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

relation to God and one another. This is an opportunity to open ourselves to the movement of God’s spirit in our lives – individually and corporately – and I hope we will be open to it.

Imagine what the Annual Confer-

[

for folks to participate in measuring ingredients and packing meals. (Visit the Conference website for details.)

We have set a goal of preparing 75,000 meals, and I know that if we don’t meet that goal, it will be because

“Imagine what the Annual Conference session could be if all of us come seeking God’s hope and leave with a fuller understanding of the awesome privilege and responsibility we have as those who are called to be the Church in the 21st century!”

ence session could be if all of us come seeking God’s hope and leave with a fuller understanding of the awesome privilege and responsibility we have as those who are called to be the Church in the 21st century!

Our theme this year is Planting God’s Future in Hearts and Neighbors – Called to Cultivate. Through all that we do during our time together, we should be guided by knowing that we are invited by God to cultivate the amazing grace God offers to all.

This year, we will have the opportunity to live that out by being in mission together. I encourage you to sign up to help pack meals that will be distributed through our mission partner Stop Hunger Now. There will be two periods during the Friday session

]

we have exceeded it.

These days in Syracuse will be an exciting time together, one that is certain to shape and equip us for our purpose and task.

As ever, I am grateful to be a part of this place called Upper New York, and to share a journey of ministry with each of you. God is accomplishing amazing things in us and through us, and, as always, God holds out the promise of so much more.

I hope you will come to the OnCenter prepared for an amazing experience of faith, community and celebration when we gather on May 29-31.

I know that I will, and I am looking forward to greeting you, worshipping with you, and experiencing what God will accomplish!

FOLLOW BISHOP WEBB ON TWITTER

@BishopMarkWebb

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

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 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

Pri n ciples for Holy Conferencing

Holy Conferencing Principles of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church “(Make) every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Every person is a child of God. Listen before speaking.

Strive to understand from another’s point of view.

Speak about issues; do not defame persons. Disagree without being disagreeable.

Pray, in silence or aloud, before decisions. Let prayer interrupt your busy-ness.

Strive to accurately reflect the views of others.

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Map to our future set to be unveiled at Annual Conference

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

O

ver a year and a half of conversations, discernment, and fine tuning have resulted in the creation of a strategic document that will help create clarity around our Annual Conference’s purpose and a way into the future. The document is being referred to as a Mission Map. “We don’t need to discern our mission,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb.

“We know our mission. It’s the same as it has always been. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus, so that we might transform the world. What we need is clarity about how we plan to fulfill our mission.”

The belief of those initiating the creation of the document was that the wisdom to find the way forward was scattered throughout the Conference and simply had to be pulled together, intentionally, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“The draft document that we’ve been using has gone through at least a dozen revisions,” shared the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries. “In fact, every time it was shared with another group, it was tweaked a bit here and altered a bit there. Even so, consensus emerged pretty quickly and remained steady around key parts, including: • Our mission to make disciples for the transformation of the world and the purpose of the Conference to equip local churches and provide ways for local churches to reach outside their communities • Our core values: the primacy of the local church, the partnership between laity and clergy, and the importance of connectionalism (i.e., doing big things together).

• The strategic steps we need to take to realize our dreams: focus on leadership development, commit to revitalize existing congregations and plant new faith communities.”

The document is eight pages long, and will continue to be regularly adjusted and altered, but the key ele-

ments will be shared during the leadership report at Annual Conference.

“One of the key pieces to come out of this discernment process was a real ‘grassroots’ vision of the purpose of the Annual Conference,” Bishop Webb said. “Now when I say ‘the Annual Conference’ I’m not talking about me or other Conference leadership.

This is about all of us and our purpose together, both in and beyond our local ministry settings.”

The Mission Map lays out five key purposes of the Annual Conference.

The purposes are:

• Communicate our common mission • Align resources for mission and ministry • Unleash a planting culture • Support churches with tools for vitality • Equip and deploy transformational leaders “This Mission Map will empower us to engage one another, to resource one another, and to hold one another mutually accountable as we seek to revitalize existing congregations and start new ministries over the next quadrennium and beyond,” said the Rev. Carmen Perry, a member of the Commission on Equitable Compensation who gave feedback on the Mission Map at a gathering of Administrative Leadership.

This was one of many different forums at which the document was presented for feedback. But the document was originally created from conversations that took place at the 2013 District Days with the bishop, continued at local churches, and continue even today with the small-group video study that was recently sent to local churches; and it will continue to evolve.

“I think the Mission Map is essential for us. In my opinion, the strength of the map is that we establish some common definitions of concepts that we use so frequently such as vital congregations and disciples,” said Con-

ference Lay Leader Scott Johnson, who was glad the definitions in the document came out of conversations at the local church level. “When we commit ourselves to shared discernment and faithful work, God will move mountains.”

While the Mission Map is a living document, one thing will remain constant: our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Bishop Webb summed it up: “This process was not led by any one person or even a group of people. It is the wisdom of our Conference, but more than that, I believe it has been Spirit-led. God has helped us to see a clear way forward, now it is up to us to live into it together.” unyumc.org 5

AC 14: What you need to know

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he 2014 Annual Conference session is nearly here. For those of you heading to the session – and even for those planning to watch the event through the comfort of your high-speed Internet connection – here’s what you need to know: Pre-Conference Booklet reminder If you need the Pre-Conference Booklet, you can download a PDF version at www.unyumc.org/preconferencebooklet, or you can purchase a print copy through online publisher Lulu.com at http://tinyurl.com/LuluPreCon14. Answers to questions submitted prior to Annual Conference will be available at www.unyumc.org/PreConference.

Onsite registration If you did not register by April 25, you will have to register at the OnCenter. Onsite registration will take place from 3-4:30 p.m.

May 28, and beginning at 7:30 a.m. on May 29.

A $50 fee will be assessed on any registrations completed onsite.

Clergy/Laity Sessions The Clergy and Laity

6 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

Sessions will start at 9:30 a.m. May 29 at the OnCenter. Clergy Session will be in Exhibit Hall A and Laity Session in the Grand Ballroom. For a complete schedule, see the next page.

Worship booklets To better utilize Conference resources and be responsible stewards of the environment, we will not be doing a general printing of the worship booklets this year. The service information will be available on the large screens at the session, and a PDF of the information will be available for download on the Conference website at www.unyumc.org/AC2014.

A large-print version of the worship booklet – including the opening worship, Memorial Service, Celebration of Ministry and the Service of Appointments – will be available at the OnCenter for those who need it. A separate commemorative booklet of the Memorial Service will be available exclusively for family members.

The Service of Ordination and Commissioning booklet will be printed; you will not need to download this booklet.

Daily Advocate If you miss an important piece of business from the session, the Conference Communications Ministry will be publishing a daily Advocate with a brief round-up of that day’s news and events. Articles will also be posted

on the Conference website at www. unyumc.org, and in the next issue of the Advocate (see note on Advocate double-issue on page 8).

Slate of nominees The Pre-Conference Booklet does not include the 2014 slate of nominees for Conference boards, committees, commissions and teams.

The report of the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee, including the 2014 slate of nominees, will be included in the registration packet handed out onsite at the session.

Meal service Menus for lunch and dinner – the meals served during Annual Conference – will be available on the Conference website. To allow for greater flexibility and personal choice, there have been no arrangements made for breakfast at the OnCenter. Some hotels offer a complimentary breakfast; others have their own restaurants.

Meals provided with your registration will be served in the room adjacent to the main meeting room.

If you have any questions about specific dietary needs, contact Julie Valeski at the Conference Office at (855) 424-7878 or via email to julievaleski@unyumc.org.

Meal-packaging mission Members who will be volunteering to help package the 75,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now will be doing so at the OnCenter’s War Memorial Arena on 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. You can register at http://tinyurl.com/ SHNAC14 until May 27.

Extension Ministry lunch The Extension Ministry luncheon is by invitation only for those clergy appointed to extension ministry. The luncheon will take place on Thursday, May 29, immediately following the Clergy Session.

Retiree/Ordinand dinner The Retiree/Ordinand dinner is also

Session schedule Schedule

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 9:30 a.m.

Event

Health insurance program for retirees

Location

Grand Ballroom

1:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall A Grand Ballroom Lunch Exhibit Hall B Ext. Ministry Lunch Room 5/6 Opening worship with Exhibit Hall A

3 p.m.

Plenary

5:15 p.m.

Dinner

5:30 p.m.

Memorial Dinner (reserved for families)

7 p.m.

Memorial Service

8:30 p.m.

Plenary (if necessary)

Noon

Friday, May 30, 2014 8:15 a.m.

Clergy Session Laity Session

Bishop Webb preaching

Exhibit Hall A Exhibit Hall B Room 5/6 Exhibit Hall A Exhibit Hall A

Bible study with Bishop Mike Lowry

Exhibit Hall A

Noon

Plenary Lunch Workshops

2 p.m.

Plenary

5:30 p.m.

Dinner

5:30 p.m.

Dinner for retirees/ ordinands

Exhibit Hall A Exhibit Hall B Rms. 1-10 & Ballrooms Exhibit Hall A Exhibit Hall B Ballroom West

7 p.m.

Ministry Celebration (licensing, retirements and historical questions)

Exhibit Hall A

8:30 p.m.

Plenary (if necessary)

Exhibit Hall A

Bible study

Exhibit Hall A Exhibit Hall A

9:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 31, 2014 8:15 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Plenary (including the fixing of appointments)

Noon

Lunch Workshops

2 p.m.

Ordination and Commissioning, Bishop Webb preaching

Exhibit Hall B Rms. 1-10 & Ballrooms Exhibit Hall A

unyumc.org 7

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW by invitation only. This celebration of transition meal will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, in the lower level Grand Ballroom.

Lunch-time workshops Members will again have the opportunity to attend workshops on a variety of topics during the extended lunch hour. The workshop spaces have limited capacity, so some workshops may be filled. Grab-and-go lunches will be available so that folks can participate in one workshop each day, Friday and Saturday. (See next page for workshop descriptions.)

Shuttle service There will be shuttle service provided for the Annual Conference session. Shuttles will run only between the OnCenter and these hotels: the Parkview, Crowne Plaza, Genesee Grande and Sheraton-University on the following schedule: • 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 29 • 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 30 • 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31 The shuttles will drop off passengers at the entrance doors to the OnCenter. There will be a Hospitality Team to assist attendees in exiting the shuttle and getting into the sessions room. Wheelchairs will be available.

There will be a table at the OnCenter staffed by the Syracuse Visitors and Convention Bureau to help make sure the shuttles are running smoothly and to answer any questions attendees may have regarding the Syracuse area.

Onsite parking Parking is available in the OnCenter Garage, which can be entered from Harrison or State streets, throughout the Annual Conference at a cost of $5 per car per day (one time in and out).

Take a Walk Don’t neglect your fitness routine because you’re attending Annual Conference. Visit the Conference website for mapped walking routes that originate at the OnCenter in Syracuse. There are 1-, 1.5- and 2-mile routes. Go to www.unyumc. org/walkingmaps.

Blueprint for Wellness The General Board of Pension 8 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

and Health Benefits has again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer Blueprint for Wellness, a free health screening program for eligible participants. 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. For more details, www.unyumc.org/news/ blueprint2014.

Display Room/Cokesbury The Display Room will be in the ballroom atrium on the lower level of the OnCenter. Cokesbury will be present in Exhibit Hall B (street level), and has exclusive rights to sell books at the Annual Conference session.

Wall of Gratitude CONAM is grateful to those churches and district superintendents that attended and supported the District Learning Sessions. We consider these churches now walking in ministry with us on the very important journey that we as Native people and as United Methodists are on in this quadrennium of the Act of Repentance, said CONAM Chair

Last year we had six intrepid folks who made their way to Annual Conference the same way hundreds of students in Africa get to school at Africa University – on foot or on bicycle.

This year, we are putting out the call for those who would like to ride with us (or start a new route from your location) to join in the adventure of biking or walking to the OnCenter in Syracuse.

For each mile hiked or biked, participants are asked to find sponsors and supporters to help us

Kae Wilbert. We invite everyone to check out our Wall of Gratitude honoring these churches at the CONAM display table at AC ‘14.

Need assistance?

Hospitality volunteers will be at the session to answer questions and help out. Just look for someone wearing an orange T-shirt.

AC ‘14 FAQ You have questions, we have answers. We have posted questions sent to ACQuestions@unyumc. org on our AC ‘14 FAQ page; find it at www.unyumc.org/AC2014.

Session live stream If you can’t attend the 2014 Annual Conference session, you can join the thousands of members from around Upper New York who will stream the session live online. Watch www. unyumc.org/AC2014 for more details coming soon.

Advocate double-issue The next issue of the Advocate will be a special June-July double-issue, featuring in-depth coverage and photos from the 2014 Annual Conference session. reach a goal of adding another permanently endowed scholarship to AU. So far, the Upper New York has funded two such Rev. Jeff Childs scholarships.

Anyone interested in hiking or biking to conference is asked to contact me at revchilds@ outlook.com or call the Penn Yan United Methodist church at (315) 536-6711.

Prayers and support are welcome from all Conference members and visitors.

When you come to Annual Conference, you could try walking to the OnCenter from the hotel one day! If not, park at the far end of the parking lot and walk from there.

On behalf of future AU students, walk a lot – thanks a lot!

– The Rev. Jeff Childs

Luncheon workshop offerings The 2014 Annual Conference session will include a series of luncheon workshops. Those attending the session are urged to attend at least one of the workshops being offered both Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31.

The workshops begin at noon, and are designed to leave participants plenty of time for both these learning experiences and to enjoy lunch. They will be held in Exhibit Hall B, the ballrooms, and the side rooms.

Arts and worship Presenter: Rev. Meredith Vanderminden

Journey toward repentance Presenters: The Committee on Native American Ministries

The arts and worship have always enjoyed a vibrant partnership.

This workshop is for worship leaders who are looking for new ways to bring the arts into the sanctuary.

The Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) has been hosting a series of Learning Sessions in the 12 districts as part of a commitment to bring the journey toward “Repentance & Healing of Relationships with Indigenous Persons” to all the people in Upper New York Conference churches. This workshop will focus on the history that calls us to repentance and our present role in the process. You need not have attended a CONAM Learning Session to benefit from this workshop.

Contemplative prayer Presenter: Nancy Dibelius, Director of Tending the Soul training Prayer can take many different forms and involve many different approaches. This workshop will explore the ancient practice of “contemplative prayer” rooted in silence, attentiveness and openness. By way of introduction to this workshop, Dibelius offered a quote by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott: “I have come to believe that prayer is not a matter of my calling in an attempt to get God’s attention, but of my finally listening to the call of God.”

Cultivating the ‘Culture of Call’ Presenters: Rev. David Cooke and Rev. Michael Smith All are gifted, all are called. Traditionally, the Church has actively searched for signs of God’s calling among the people. We must learn to see one another through God’s eyes and help each other recognize God’s calling in each of our lives. Some who answer the Call may take steps toward pastoral ministry; others will blossom in the local church. This workshop is for laypersons and clergy who would like to re-ignite the Culture of Call in their own churches, so that they might be transformed and help transform the world.

Small-group ministry Presenters: Rev. Dan and Karen Finch The United Methodist Church’s landmark study The Call to Action identified small-group ministries as a key driver of congregational vitality. If we want our congregations to grow larger, we will need to get “smaller” by increasing the number and transforming potential of small groups. This workshop is for congregational leaders who want to explore how to begin to develop these essential ministries.

That will preach Presenter: Rev. Rebecca Dolch We all know there’s nothing like a well-told story when it comes to getting our attention, spurring our imagination, and touching our hearts. In this workshop, you will learn how to choose and tell stories for sermons and other inspirational talks. The workshop will include Do’s and Don’ts, Q&A, a tip sheet and lots of stories. unyumc.org 9

IN MEMORIAM

“ ... WE STAND on the shoulders of those who have built these churches, who have encouraged the laity, made disciples and done many incredible things,” the Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel said.

“We are called to live by their inspiration.” She is the guest preacher at this year’s Memorial Service to honor the clergy and their spouses who died in the past year. Read her full remarks on page 14.

Clergy spouses Beatrice Hudson Mildred W. Gilmour June C. Phillippe Dennis Epler Keith McIntyre Virginia Rhinesmith Diehl Eva Barron Barbara Wolfe Myra Horvath

As of May 1, 2014

April 8, 2013 May 16, 2013 June 7, 2013 July 7, 2013 July 25, 2013 Aug. 24, 2013 Sept. 10, 2013 Sept. 14, 2013 Dec. 7, 2013

Marilyn Johnson Alice Parsons Mildred Kingsley Garling Gladys Snedeker Kathryn Wyman Donald W. Avery Shirley Ferris Madeleine Robinson Freeman “Hoppy” Hopp

Clergy Revere Perkins Robert Overmier David Stanton E. Carolyn Byrne Alan Finney Richard P. Doud Leon Frank Jr.

James F. Allen

Clyde Relyea

Janet Nelson

Stephan Calos

Hani Khoury

Roberta Poorman Gerald Harris

William F. Rogers

Dec. 26, 2013 Feb. 16, 2014 March 15, 2014 March 25, 2014 March 30, 2014 April 5, 2014 April 9, 2014 April 24, 2014 April 27, 2014 As of May 1, 2014

June 30, 2013 Oct. 2, 2013 Oct. 27, 2013 Oct. 29, 2013 Nov. 1, 2013 Nov. 5, 2013 Nov. 5, 2013 Nov. 6, 2013 Nov. 8, 2013 Nov. 23, 2013 Dec. 5, 2013 Dec. 12, 2013 Dec. 14, 2013 Dec. 16, 2013 Dec. 19, 2013

James Dickinson John R. Watkins Jr. R. Philip O’Hara Sheldon Stephenson Hanoch Duke

Regina Shaw Nola Carroll

Stanley Vollmer Betty Denick Frank Halse Jr. Willard Steele Farrell Edgar Evans Kathryn Hemstreet Norman Tiffany

Dec. 23, 2013 Dec. 25, 2013 Dec. 31, 2013 Jan. 4, 2014 Jan. 6, 2014 Jan. 10, 2014 Jan. 11, 2014 Jan. 14, 2014 Jan. 28, 2014 March 9, 2014 March 14, 2014 March 16, 2014 March 23, 2014 April 6, 2014

The Memorial Service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29, in Exhibit Hall A at the OnCenter.

10 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

RESOLUTIONS R2014.1

Constitutionality and Powers of Paragraph 101 of the 2012 Book of Discipline

Submitted by the Rev. Steven Clunn, a clergy member in full connection to the Upper New York Conference Book of Discipline ¶101 and related paragraphs ¶31, ¶59, ¶60 Conference Committee/Agency: None Financial Implications: No Whereas, ¶31 Article IV of the Constitution of The United Methodist Church outlines the “powers and duties” of central conferences; and Whereas, ¶59 Article I of the Constitution of The United Methodist Church outlines the procedures for amending the Constitution; and Whereas, ¶101 alters the “powers and duties” of central conferences by naming previously adaptable sections

of the Book of Discipline as now “not subject to adaptation” and thereby effectively altering the Constitution of The United Methodist Church (¶31); and Whereas, ¶101 was added to the 2012 Book of Discipline without any attempt to seek “the ratification of the amendment by the required twothirds affirmative vote of the aggregate number of members of the several annual conferences present and voting” as required in ¶59 Article I; and Whereas, ¶101 states that “the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters has primary responsi-

bility for proposing to General Conference revisions to this paragraph” (¶101) implies a role of for this committee is a violation of the process for amending the Book of Discipline and more specifically the Constitution of The United Methodist Church (¶60).

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference refers this matter to the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision as to the constitutionality and validity of paragraph 101 of the 2012 Book of Discipline and the powers it bestows on the Standing Committee on Central Conferences.

R2014.2

Clarification and Recommendation on Paragraph 806.9 of the 2012 Book of Discipline Submitted by the Rev. Steven Clunn, a clergy member in full connection to the Upper New York Conference Book of Discipline ¶806.9 and related paragraphs ¶161F, ¶162J, ¶164A Conference Committee/Agency: None Financial Implications: No Whereas, ¶806.9 of the Book of Discipline (BOD) states that the General Council on Finance and Administration shall be responsible for “ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality or violate the expressed commitment of The United Methodist Church “not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends” (¶161F);” and Whereas, the Upper New York Annual Conference recognizes that the phrase “to promote the acceptance of homosexuality” is so ambiguous that it can and often is interpreted by United Methodists that they cannot be involved in ministries to and with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) people for fear that promoting the well being of those individuals might be seen as “promoting the acceptance of homosexuality; and, Whereas, a number of nations (like Russia, Nigeria and Uganda) have recently passed criminalization laws which clearly violate the civil and hu-

man rights of LGBT persons and create a climate of violence and persecution of this segment of the population; and, Whereas, ¶162J of The Book of Discipline states: “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation;” and Whereas, ¶164A in explaining those “Basic Freedoms and Human Rights” goes on to say that “the mistreatment of or torture, and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs;” and Whereas, the increased criminalization of LGBT persons has created a growing crisis in those fleeing their homelands and seeking asylum in nations, like the United States, that provide protections for sexual minorities; and Whereas, there is a new and going organization called the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Faith Asylum Network (LGBT-FAN) that is working to coordinate faith leaders, national political leaders and grass roots organizations that are trying to

affect laws and support systems for LGBT asylum seekers; and Whereas, The United Methodist Church has existing organizations (like the General Board of Global Ministries’ Justice for our Neighbors Program and the General Board of Church and Society’s public advocacy work) that could greatly benefit these persecuted and harmed neighbors who aspire to become citizens in nations that provide basic protections and hope for a better life.

Therefore be it resolved that the Upper New York Annual Conference instruct its conference secretary to forward this petition to the General Secretaries of The General Conference on Finance and Administration, The General Board of Global Ministries and The General Board of Church and Society to ask each of them to clarify their views on the ambiguity of ¶806.9 and whether or not United Methodist involvement in working with LGBT asylum seekers would be considered a violation of this paragraph; and Be it further resolved that their unedited responses will be posted on the Upper New York Annual Conference website, so that we might become more educated and aware of how this paragraph impacts our ministries as congregations and a denomination. unyumc.org 11

Proposed ministry

12 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

shares budget

unyumc.org 13

Guest Preachers

By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor bethdicocco@unyumc.org

Memorial service is reminder Bible study leader: ‘We’re going to let the of inspiration, legacy left with us by clergy, spouses word of God teach us’

T

‘‘B

he Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel said she sees the ible study lets us open ourselves to the Holy Upper New York Conference’s annual Memorial Spirit at work through words of Scripture,” said Service as a vital celebration in the life we share as Bishop J. Michael “Mike” Lowry. an Annual Conference.

At an Annual Conference, “Bible study is an address “Absolutely,” she said. “There’s not one of us in ministhat leads to reflection,” he said. try who is here without the help, faithfulness and encourBishop Lowry was invited by Upper New York Resiagement of those who have gone before us.” dent Bishop Mark J. Webb to lead two sessions of Bible “Part of what I’ll be talking about at the service is that study during the 2014 Annual Conference. The studies we stand on the shoulders of those who have built these will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 30 and churches, who have encouraged the laity, made disciples 31. and done many incredible things,” Dr. Stengel said.

The bishops met when Bishop Webb was serving as “We are called to live by their a district superintendent in the Susquehanna Conferinspiration.” ence; Bishop Lowry, who is assigned to the The Memorial Service Fort Worth Episcopal honors clergy and their spouses Area, did a presentation who have died during the previabout transforming local ous year. This year’s service will churches and new church take place on Thursday, May 29, development. during the 2014 Annual Confer“He gets the purpose ence session at the OnCenter in of the Church, The Great Syracuse.

Commission,” Bishop Webb Dr. Stengel said she feels Bishsaid of his colleague. “He op Mark J. Webb invited her to has demonstrated his compreach because “I have served for mitment to a two-prong apmore than 30 years, encountered TE N G E L proach: The transformation E V. DR . S R many people ... (and he) felt that I of existing congregations and BIS HOP would bring an inspiring, hopeful LOWRY the development of new faith perspective to celebrating the lives communities.” of those who have passed away.”

Bishop Lowry said he Dr. Stengel currently serves as Superintendent of the hasn’t yet selected the passages for study, but is conMountain View District; after seven years in that role, she sidering examining the Acts of the Apostles, saying that has been appointed to Rush UMC; she will begin serving Peter’s story defines purpose of the Church. there on July 1.

When considering the purpose of the Church and She admits to being “humbled, a little overwhelmed, finding a strategy for how to move forward, “biblically and excited” to be asked to lead the service. While she speaking, the Acts of the Apostles shows how the early knows many who will be remembered, she does not, of Church did it,” Bishop Lowry said, and Bible study can course, know them all, and that’s a challenge. be a chance to discover what the early Church can teach “It’s humbling, because I want the families, friends and us. colleagues who attend to feel as though I’m honoring their He said that United Methodists are often more comrelatives and friends who have passed away,” she said. fortable with social justice than evangelism, but both are “The desire to honor and celebrate them would humble crucial aspects of faith. any one of us.”

“It makes all the difference in my life whether Christ Dr. Stengel said she began work on her sermon almost 14 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

right away. Sermon writing for her “starts with reading the scripture and listening for what God is saying,” she said.

“The Cabinet has been studying Romans, and that’s where my heart was when the bishop asked me to preach,” she said. “I thought immediately about Paul writing to the Romans, celebrating ‘all you’ve done and your faithfulness.’”

Romans 1:8-12 reads: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

Her sermon will go further to touch on the question: “What will we do with that inspiration, that legacy they have and will continue to leave with us?”

As well as what she believes is at least part of the answer: “The call upon our lives is to continue to create opportunities for people to experience and come to know the power and love of Christ, and then to carry that on for the next generation.”

The Memorial Service is also a way for Dr. Stengel to observe a long-standing tradition in ministry.

“The way I was raised as a clergyperson, from the time I was a very young pastor, when clergy passed away, whether they were in active ministry or retired, the way we honored them was to show up,” Dr. Stengel said. “I feel like, since we’re such a big Conference, the Memorial Service is one of those places we can come and show up; we can stand in this place of honor and respect for our colleagues and their spouses who have gone before us.”

As for any nerves that may strike beforehand, she has a simple formula for combating them: “I pray, get a hug from my husband, and then act in faith,” she said.

Read an interview with Dr. Stengel from the November 2011 Advocate at http://tinyurl.com/Nov11ADV.

is Lord and rules my life. When He does, I am a different human being ... I have power beyond my own,” the bishop said. “The selfish thing to do is be quiet.”

Early Christians were always sharing the Gospel, Bishop Lowry said, and we can “let them teach us again” how to do that.

Bishop Lowry said he “comes in with a lot of humility,” as he undertakes leading Bible study at another Annual Conference. It’s important to be flexible and respectful of the context and the cultural differences among conferences, he says.

“A crucial component (for) whoever is presenting is spending time in prayer about it, and submitting to the Lord for leadership,” he said.

It’s also true, however, the bishop said, that a person from the outside can provide clarity.

“Somebody from the outside can say the obvious in a way that people can process it,” Bishop Lowry said.

“Coming from the outside gives it credence.”

Still, he emphasized that the learning that takes place in a Bible study is very much a two-way process.

“Let’s be taught – me and you both; I need that as much as anybody else,” Bishop Lowry said. “In the interchange together, hopefully, we learn how we can be more faithful and learn the fruits of faithfulness.”

The Fort Worth Area includes the Central Texas Annual Conference; that’s where he has been assigned since he was elected to the episcopacy in July 2008.

An Illinois native, Bishop Lowry holds an M.Div. from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and a D.Min. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Evangelism and Church Growth. You can read Bishop Lowry’s biography on the Council of Bishops’ website at www.umc.org/bishops/j-michael-lowry.

“We are going to crack open the Scriptures and let them teach us – together – about the purpose of the Church and strategies for how build vital congregations,” Bishop Lowry said of the Annual Conference Bible studies. “We’re going to let the word of God teach us.”

37 honored as class of 2014 clergy retirees

T

here are 37 in the 2014 class of retirees; 16 more than in the 2013 class. There are 11 women and 26 men.

The retirees will be honored at an invitation-only dinner that will be held to honor them and this year’s class of ordinands and commissioners. That dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, for honorees and their guests.

The 2014 class of retirees are: Naomi B. Babcock James D. Bailey Richard E. Barton Alan R. Baumback Stephen C. Butler

Roy A. Carter Linda M. Clemow Arthur L. Couch Beverly A. Davenport Violet A. Davidson Christopher M. Dillon Janice Downey Jane E. Eastham Steven C. Eddy Stephen R. Heiss Ronald V. Isaman Thomas H. Jones Christopher S. Kinnell Catherine Lee Mark B. Marino Roy L. Miller

Patricia J. Olmstead William J. Pegg Mark L. Pierce Alan C. Rhodes C. Randolph Ross George R. Sanderson Diane B.M. Sanderson V.H. Stanley Scoville Carlton L. Shepard Richard H. Sivers James R. Sprenger H. Nelson Stafford, Jr. Merry Watters John R. Wetherwax James Paul Womack Joyce M. Woodcock unyumc.org 15

Special caucus/group meals A

few organizations will be hosting meals and speakers during the Annual Conference Session. Here is a list of the events we’ve been notified about so far.

Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel dinner May 30 The Upper New York Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel is again sponsoring an authentic Palestinian buffet beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30, at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 232 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse.

The dinner includes a brief program by Ariel Gold, who traveled with the October 2013 Interfaith Peace Builders Olive Harvest delegation to the West Bank.

The cost is $15; make checks payable to UNYAC with Palestinian Dinner on the memo line. To make a reservation, contact Linda Bergh at (315) 492-8507; 116 Edna Road, Syracuse, N.Y. 13205 or Karen Peterson at (607) 739-3141; 116 Greenridge Drive, Horseheads, N.Y. 14845.

UNY Methodist Federation for Social Action breakfast is May 31 The Upper New York Chapter of Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) will host a breakfast at 7 to 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Plymouth United Church of Christ, 232 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse.

MFSA is an independent organization that works to mobilize clergy and laity within The United Methodist Church to take action on issues of peace, poverty and people’s rights within the Church, the nation and the world.

The cost for the buffet breakfast is $5 for adults; youth and children eat free.

For more information or reservations, contact Heather Smith before May 29 via email at beezermcgee@yahoo.com; you can also text her at (518) 368-2209 during the Annual Conference session.

BU alumni and friends reception May 30 Join fellow Boston University School of Theology alumni attending Annual Conference and local alumni and friends for a reception and conversation about Transformational Religious Leadership. The event will be led by Jaclyn Jones (STH ‘06), Alumni Relations Officer.

The reception will be from 5-6 p.m. Friday, May 30 at Laci’s Tapas Bar, 304 Hawley Ave., Syracuse.

The reception is free; RSVP by May 23 to Jones at jkjones@bu.edu or (617) 353-8972.

16 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

Drew Theological School hosts breakfast May 30 Alumni, students and anyone interested in Drew Theological School are invited to a breakfast on Friday, May 30 at University UMC. Doors open for fellowship at 7 a.m., food service begins at 7:30.

Kathy Brown, Director of the ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) and representative for the Drew staff, will discuss current events at the university, including the recent naming of a new dean, Dr. Javier Viera.

Viera’s experience working with students from other parts of the world and the difficulties they face in attending the theological school may be of interest to those who are not associated with Drew.

The breakfast is free; contact Pastor Doug Mackey at PastDM@gmail.com, if you are interested in attending.

Good News VP guest speaker at REUNY breakfast May 30 Renewal and Evangelism of Upper New York (REUNY) is pleased to welcome the Rev. Tom Lambrecht as its guest speaker for the annual breakfast gathering. Rev. Lambrecht is the Vice President and General Manager of Good News.

He has served as an elder in the Wisconsin Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church since 1982. He has been actively involved with Good News since 1992. He will be speaking on Confronting the Present Crisis: Why the Church’s Moral Teaching Matters.

The breakfast will be held Friday, May 30, at the Lafayette Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza hotel, 701 E. Genesee St., in Syracuse. A full breakfast buffet begins at 6:45 a.m. and the program will begin at 7.

The breakfast is $18; reservations and advance payment are required for the meal. Mail checks payable to REUNY to: the Rev. Stan Scoville, 8999 Jackson Hill Road, Cuba, N.Y. 14727. Checks must be received by May 27.

Please write “REUNY Breakfast” and the number attending on the memo line.

There is no charge for the program; RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, by emailing Rev. Scoville at stanscoville@gmail.com.

Find a downloadable flyer at https://sites.google. com/site/reunywebiste (note that the website spelling here is correct).

For questions, contact REUNY Events Chairperson Rev. Rick LaDue at (716) 488-1680.

Youth at Annual Conference

By Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd, CCYM Adult Co-Coordinator

T

he partnership between clergy and laity is no place more evident than at Annual Conference. Each year, hundreds of United Methodists from all across Upper New York gather for a time of holy conferencing.

When you look across the sea of faces, you see long-time friends, new friends, and some friends you have yet to meet! Among those faces you will see some very young ones: the youth of the Annual Conference.

Each district actively seeks out youth to serve as equalization members; youth who have an interest not only in The United Methodist Church of tomorrow, but in The United Methodist Church of today. These young folks bring their energy, and their ideas, and their perspective

to the conversations we have at every level. Many of them have attended summer camp at one or more of our sites.

Some are part of CCYM. All are members of their home churches. One of them might someday be your pastor! For some this will be their first Annual Conference session.

This year, you’ll see several of them on the platform as the CCYM report is given and when the MOP offering is received. You will see them assist at the Memorial Service. You may even hear one or two of them offer a prayer! When you do, I invite you to offer your own prayer of thanks for the fruits God has planted and is cultivating among the youth of Upper New York for today and for tomorrow.

A report from this year’s CCYM co-chairs appears on pages 113-114 in the Pre-Conference Booklet.

File photos from the 2013 Annual Conference session by Matthew Williams. unyumc.org 17

F.O.O.D. FOR YOUTH

New CCYM leaders chosen Each year the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) hosts UP!WORD for the youth of our Conference. For the leadership team of over 60 youth and their adult advisors UP!WORD is a bittersweet time. While it represents the culmination of the year’s work, it’s also time to say farewell to our graduating seniors, many of whom have held key leadership positions. And it’s time to inaugurate a new class of CCYMers – 16 new names were added to the roster as 13 seniors departed.

During Saturday’s workshops, the new CCYM met to get acquainted, to share a sense of vision and calling around our task on behalf of the youth of the Conference, and to choose new leaders for the coming year.

Here’s our leadership team: Co-Chairs: J.J. Warren and Kara Tenpas In the fall J.J. will be a high school senior at Penn Yan. He’s a member of Penn Yan UMC in the Finger Lakes District.

Kara will also be a senior. She attends the Bemus Point UMC; she lives in Ashville, in the Cornerstone District.

Secretary: Emily Allen Emily lives and attends church in Bemus Point in the Cornerstone District, where her mom and dad are the co-pastors. Emily will be a high school junior in the fall.

She also serves as a representative to The UMC’s Divi-

sion on Ministries with Young People (DMYP).

Team Leaders: Zach Aiosa, Logan Howland, Katie Shumway and Elyse Muder Zach Aiosa will chair the Worship team for CCYM this year. In the fall, Zach will be a freshman at Vestal High School. He attends Vestal Center UMC in the Binghamton District, where his dad is the pastor.

Logan Howland will serve as Youth Service Fund Educator. The YSF raises money, then gives it away to youth, youth groups or churches with a youth-focused purpose.

Logan will be a senior at Morris High School. He attends the Morris UMC in the Oneonta District.

Katie Shumway will chair the PowerPoint and Publicity Team, responsible for promoting CCYM events and handling the technology used at them. Katie will be a high school junior in the fall. She lives in Seneca Falls and attends the Seneca Falls UMC in the Finger Lakes District.

Elyse Muder will chair the Gathering and Organization (GO) team. Elyse will be a high school sophomore at New Hartford Central Schools. She attends New Hartford First UMC in the Mohawk District.

The CCYM will gather in June at the Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center to begin its work for the year ahead: choosing a theme, planning worships and workshops, and learning new leadership skills.

Pictured are the newly elected CCYM leaders: (from left) Katie Shumway, Emily Allen, Zach Aiosa, J.J. Warren, Kara Tenpas, Logan Howland and Elyse Muder. Photo by Ashley VanSickle

CCYM’s new co-chairs reflect on UP!WORD ‘14

By J.J. Warren & Kara Tenpas, CCYM Co-Chairs “Impactful” “On fire with the spirit” “The best UP!WORD ever!”

These are just a few ways that youth groups described UP!WORD ‘14.

Many people said our worship band Stellar Kart was one of the 18 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

highlights of the weekend. There were 350 youth and their leaders in attendance this year, and they rocked along with the band at Saturday night’s concert.

Popular new workshops included Called to Catch Fire in Pop Culture, Called to Catch Fire in Forgiveness, and

Called to Catch Fire in Faith, Hope and Love. A Sunday School yoga option also received high marks from youth and adults.

Returning favorites included the Mingler, where you experience fun and engaging ways to meet lots of new people, and the prayer chapel with many options for experiencing God and expressing thanks, con-

cerns, and praise.

The ever-popular Charles Harrison of The UMC’s Youth Worker Movement returned to lead workshops for youth and adults who lead in their home Warren churches.

From opening worship Friday night through the enlightening message and Communion presided over by the amazing Bishop Mark J. Webb on

Saturday and Sunday morning’s final gathering, UP!WORD 2014 truly was a beautiful “adventure with God.” Lynette Cole gave an energetic message that redefined Tenpas the word “sermon” to mean an engaging and truly moving message that will make you think hard about your life.

The weekend wrapped up with

a choir of 50 youth and adults from all over Upper New York – another first. The group beautifully sang Go Light Your World, and the entire audience rose and waved their battery candles to the song. All of that spirit in one hotel really supported our theme of being Called to Catch Fire!

It is safe to say that all in attendance were caught on fire with the power of the Holy Spirit. We look forward to seeing many returning groups, as well as new youth, next year at UP!WORD ‘15!

MOP ‘15 just around the corner The Mission of Peace 2015 will travel to India.

What is the Mission of Peace? It’s an annual journey of shalom, the Hebrew word for the peace of God. Each year the Northeastern Jurisdiction hosts the Mission of Peace to a different place in the world. This winter, five youth from the Upper New York Conference will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Youth chosen for this year’s trip are: Elliott Lawrence, Liverpool UMC; Kara Tenpas, Bemus Point UMC; J.J.

Warren, Penn Yan UMC; Riley O’Flynn, Honeoye Falls UMC; and MacKenzie Knowlden, Canton UMC. The special offering taken at this year’s Celebration of Ministry at Annual Conference will help support fundraising efforts for these five to take part in the two-and-ahalf week trip that departs in late December and returns mid-January.

Thank you for supporting these young people, whose lives will be changed dramatically by this opportunity.

Northeastern Jurisdiction youth on the 2014 Mission of Peace to South Africa pose for a photo in front of Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Photo courtesy Tom Schmidt. unyumc.org 19

UNY women pray, march, celebrate at UMW Assembly More than 7,000 women, including many from Upper New York, came together at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville April 25-27 for the United Methodist Women’s Assembly 2014 –Make it Happen!

Ilah Sisson Walser is a member of the Ballston Spa UMC and assistant lay leader for the Adirondack District.

She was among the Upper New York women to attend Assembly 2014, and she shared these thoughts.

U

MW Assembly 2014 was a wonderful experience.

I have been going to Jurisdictional and General Church level events for UMW since 1972. That year, as a young adult, I was paired up with an experienced UMW lady as my roommate and guide. I value that experience and cherish the friendship with Iris Civalier to this day. I was encouraged to see so many young women attending this year’s event.

What an overwhelming, refreshing, uplifting experience it was in 2014 at Assembly. The music team presented outstanding worship experiences and music to move through the gathering.

The keynote speaker on Saturday morning was Hillary Rodham Clinton. Mrs. Clinton spoke from the heart about her life as a United Methodist, and how the Church formed her into the person she is today. She referred to her teenage participation in Youth Group with the Rev.

Don Jones who helped her understand, question, and search her faith and awareness of mission. She cherishes her lifelong participation in The United Methodist Church, which offers the “great gift” of personal salvation as well as the obligation of social gospel.

The day before Assembly opened, more than 600 persons participated in the Ubuntu Day of Service in and around Louisville. When Assembly opened, each of the attendees had the opportunity to select from 75 workshops. During the closing part of Assembly, 26 new Deaconesses were consecrated in a service lead by Bishop Violet Fisher and Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey.

Following the consecration, the Assembly was brought to a close with a Spirit-led and Spirit-filled worship service with Harriett Olsen speaking.

The theme Make It Happen! did just that; it made our participation in mission and ministry to women, children, and youth a real and tangible part of our lives. Now, we have to come back home to Make It Happen! here.

Missed this event? Don’t miss the next one, which will be held in 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. See you there.

Were you there?

If you attended UMW Assembly 2014 and would like to share your thoughts, send an email to news@unyumc. org subject line: UMW Assembly 2014. If you have two or three photos to share, we will add them to the gallery.

The Assembly Choir sings during closing worship at the United Methodist Women’s Assembly at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. UMNS photo

by Mike DuBose.

Visit www.unyumc.org/umwassembly for a photo gallery of Upper New York attendees at the United Methodist Women 2014 Assembly provided by Ilah Sisson Walser.

Read Kathy Gilbert’s UMNS story about the assembly at www.umc.org/news-and-media/women-pray-march-celebrate-at-assembly-2014.

20 UNY ADVOCATE MAY 2014

Remembrances F

reeman “Hoppy” Hopp, 79, died on Sunday, April 27, 2014. He was the husband of Pastor Karyl Hopp, who serves the Pawling Avenue United Methodist Church in Troy. Condolences can be sent to Pastor Hopp at 518 Pawling Ave., Troy, N.Y. 12180. Read the full obituary at http://www.brycefuneralhome.com/doc/ hoppfreeman.htm.

ference before his retirement in 1982, and in retirement served the Unadilla Center United Methodist Church from 1990 to 2013. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Louise Tiffany, 165 Main St., Morris, N.Y. 13808. Read the full obituary at www.johnstonfh.com/nrtre/default. aspx.

D

onald W. Avery, 63, died on April 5, 2014. He was the husband of the Rev. Natalie Scholl, who most recently served at the Skaneateles United Methodist Church.

Condolences can be sent to Rev. Scholl at 5166 Perry City Road, Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886-9005. Read the full obituary at http:// tinyurl.com/Avery040514.

M

adeleine Robinson, 92, died on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. Harold Robinson, who served in the former Troy Conference. Cards of condolence can be sent to Mrs. Robinson’s family in care of her daughter Edie Stone at 8568 Diamond Oak Way, Elk Grove, Calif. 95624. Read the full obituary at http://hamiltonfuneralhome.com.

F. “Fran” Okita died on April 2, Joan 2014. She worked in the Episcopal Office

E

leanor Jagger, 89, died on April 14, 2014.

She was the mother of the Rev. Alan Jagger, pastor at the Owego United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Richard Jagger, retired, of the Susquehanna Conference, who served both Endwell and Central Endicott churches in the Binghamton District in the former Wyoming Conference. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Alan Jagger, 261 Main St., Owego, N.Y. 13827. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/Jagger041414.

S

hirley Ferris, 76, died on April 9, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. E. Robert Ferris, Jr. Condolences can be sent to her son Jeremy Ferris, 10 Mays Ave., Hornell N.Y. 14843. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/ Ferris040914.

R

ev. Norman Tiffany, 83, died on April 6, 2014. He served several churches in the former Wyoming Con-

“ ... 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

in the former Western New York Conference from 1997-2001. Read the full obituary at www.farrell-ryan.com/obit/obituaries.php.

K

athryn Ruth Wyman, 86, died on March 30, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. Arthur Wyman, who retired in 1989 as an Associate Member of the former Troy Conference. Read the full obituary at www.unyumc.org/Obituary.

G

ladys Snedeker, 96, died on March 25, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. James Snedeker, who was a member of the former Troy Conference. Condolences can be sent to her daughter Grace Chandler, 5430 North Sadlier Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. 46226.

M

ildred Kingsley Garling, 97, died on March 15, 2014. She was the widow of the Rev. Walter Kingsley who served in the former Western New York Conference.

Young people to gather in Philippines The Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC) and Legislative Assembly is a place for young people from all around the world to worship, pray and work together.

This gathering is held every four years, and the next will be July 16-20, 2014, in Tagaytay, Philippines.

Led by Young People’s Ministries, a ministry of the General Board of Discipleship, GYPC brings together young leaders from around the world and creates unity through sharing of cultures.

One part of the Global Convocation is the Legislative Assembly,

which gives young people a voice in the Church through the legislative process.

Each Central and Jurisdictional conference is allocated five youth, five young adults and two adult workers as voting delegates. In addition, 12 non-voting delegate spaces are available to each Central and Jurisdictional conference.

Those attending from Upper New York will include Thomas Schmidt (Adult Youth Worker), Ashley Riddell VanSickle (Young Adult Voting Delegate), Johnny Church (Youth Voting Delegate) and Marthalyn Sweet

(Youth Voting Delegate).

The cost is $290 for voting delegates and $390 for non-voting delegates. Transportation expenses to Manila are in addition to the registration fee.

To learn more about how you can support the delegation from Upper New York, contact Director of Connectional Ministries Bill GottschalkFielding at billg-f@unyumc.org.

For more information about the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly, visit http:// globalyoungpeople.org/event/ gypc-la-2014. 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 MAY 2014

On the Conference calendar May 29-31

2014 Annual Conference OnCenter, Syracuse

UM Night at the Ballpark June 19 NYSEG Stadium, Binghamton June 24 NBT Bank Stadium, Syracuse July 4 Frontier Field, Rochester

www.unyumc.org/baseball2014

May 2-June 27

Living Well Training

June 29-July 3

Free online program

This training is designed to help churches to more deeply engage caregivers, baby boomers and older adults in discipleship. This includes existing church members as well as the “spiritually independent” in our communities. The course will begin on Friday, May 2, 2014, and meet each Friday (except May 30) until June 27. Each session is from noon to 1 p.m. However, the sessions will be recorded, so participants can access them at their convenience. www.unyumc.org/LivingWell2014

May 16-17

Aldersgate Covenant Leawood, Kan.

Aldersgate Covenant is a gathering of United Methodists for 20 hours of prayer, worship and watching for a revival of the Holy Spirit at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. You can follow the Aldersgate Covenant on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #agatecov. Find the Aldersgate Covenant on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ aldersgatecovenant

May 26

Memorial Day

Conference Office Closed

CCYM Training Week

The Fifth Session of the Upper New York Annual Conference will be held in downtown Syracuse. www.unyumc.org/AC2014

CRM Open House events May 18 Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Windsor June 8 Asbury Camp & Retreat Center, Silver Lake June 14 Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center, Greig

Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center July 4

Independence Day Conference Office Closed

Mission u July 17-19 Region III – Asbury Camp & Retreat Center, Silver Lake July 18-20 Region II – Cazenovia College

June 15 Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, Moravia June 22 Findley Camp & Retreat Center, Clymer June 28 Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center, Warrensburg June 15

Peace with Justice Sunday Today is one of the six churchwide special Sundays with offering of The United Methodist Church.

Mission u (formerly known as School of Christian Mission) is a “cooperative school” jointly sponsored

by Conference UMW and the churches of UNY to both educate and inspire participants to a sense of mission at home and around the world. This year’s studies include: How Is It With Your Soul?, The Roma of Europe and The Church & People with Disabilities. http://unymissionu.org unyumc.org 23

In the ne xt issue

Your complete coverage of the 2014 AC session