ADVOCATE Upper New York
A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church
... to make a recommendation to the Conference Trustees about the potential purchase of a property located in Liverpool AUGUST 2014
Table of contents 4 8
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Volume 6, Issue 7
SPECIAL SESSION Upper New York members will have the opportunity at a Special Session to make a recommendation to the Conference Trustees about the potential purchase of property in Liverpool to serve as the site of a new Conference Center. ADIRONDACK GETAWAY The annual Bishop’s Retreat – this year to the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid – is a time to “encourage each other and learn together,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb. For pastors, “it’s vitally important that we take some time to care for own spiritual lives and take advantage of opportunities, like this one, to find renewal and support.” GETTING CREATIVE Creative worship specialist, author and worship coach Jason Moore will lead four one-day workshops in Upper New York aimed to help churches be more creative in their worship by employing 21st-century methods of communication to deliver the message of the Gospel. RETURN T.R.I.P. It’s back! Upper New York Conference staffers will again be taking a Road T.R.I.P. across the Conference to offer a series of workshops for church leaders – clergy and lay. The next sessions will take place in early October in the Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone districts.
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ON LOAN Vacation Bible School is popular – 68 percent of churches in America offered VBS in the summer 2012. But the materials needed can be expensive, and that’s where the Conference Media Resource Center can help.
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CALLED TO LEADERSHIP Certified Lay Ministers are laity who are called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. And they fulfill many roles: from pulpit supply and Bible study and VBS leadership to making hospital and nursing home visits.
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NEXT PHASE Since 2012, nearly 700 lay persons and clergy in Upper New York have journeyed together in the Hand to Plow church revitalization process, one that shows them how they can better live the Gospel and be God’s love with their neighbors. The next cycle of Phase 1 will launch in October. WESLEYAN CONCENTRATION CRCDS offered its first classes in the new Wesleyan/Methodist Studies concentration in the D.Min. program this year. Dr. John R. Tyson, who conceived the concentration, said it is important for United Methodists to be equipped with a basis in their own tradition and history. GROWING CONGREGATION Forty-five members were recently welcomed into the family of the Ontario Street UMC in Buffalo – an entire new faith community of Mizo people.
2 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
A dose of
inspiration
By Beth DiCocco The members of the Rose UMC (Finger Lakes District) are getting their 15 minutes of fame thanks to Country singer Reba McEntire. Members of the congregation appear in the video for McEntire’s new song Pray for Peace, which was released on July 21, 2014; watch it at http://y2u.be/dFPFHFpjw_Y. Rose UMC Pastor Karen Heit said people have been “blowing up my phone” since seeing the video, which features the sign in front of the church and the congregation standing together doing the Pray for Peace gesture created by McEntire. In May, the singer asked fans to “videotape themselves ... praying in a place where others can see where they are in the world.” Pastor Heit’s daughter Jenn Crowell is a McEntire fan; it was she and her friend Adria Brunn who suggested making the video. So one Sunday morning, not long after Easter, most of the members in attendance made the Pray for Peace gesture while the chorus of the song (the only piece McEntire released at that point) played in the background. Crowell’s husband, Tim Kisielewski, was behind the camera. “We pretty much got it on the first take,” Pastor Heit said. In her request McEntire wrote: “I hope you’ll join me in spreading the message of peace. It’ll be fun.” And it was fun said Pastor Heit. “It was neat. It’s only a one-second clip, but it’s so cool. The Methodists are in with Reba now,” she joked, adding that maybe people will be inspired to “come to our church.” This story first appeared in the E-Advocate, Upper New York’s weekly email newsletter, as part of our Featured Church series. To get these stories – and all the latest Conference news – right in your inbox, subscribe to the E-Advocate (it’s free) by visiting the Conference website at http://www. unyumc.org/connect.
From the desk of Bishop Mark J.Webb
Join the Africa 360 Challenge
D
uring the recent Upper New York Annual Conference session, an overwhelming vote to contribute $1 million to the Imagine No Malaria campaign of The United Methodist Church was celebrated. In 2011, members of the Upper New York Annual Conference pledged to raise $1 million for Africa University to fund eight scholarships. The passion and commitment to be a part of what God is doing among, within and through the people of Africa is evident in these actions. Both of these priorities have been placed in a campaign that we are calling Africa 360. The ministry of Africa University over the last 21 years has been remarkable. Today, over 1,200 students from 22 African countries are being prepared to fill leadership roles in which they will continue to impact the culture and the people on the continent of Africa. Predecessor conferences of Upper New York had rich relationships with Africa University, and now as the Upper New York Conference, we are continuing that relationship. Malaria is the leading killer of children in Africa, with estimates of
ADVOCATE STAFF Editor/Publisher: STEVE HUSTEDT
UNY Director of Communications
(315) 424-7878 x307 stevehustedt@unyumc.org
a life being taken every 60 seconds by this preventable disease. In 2008, The United Methodist Church as a denomination committed to join the global fight against malaria, embarking upon a $75 million Imagine No Malaria fundraising campaign. As of July 2014 just over $62 million, or 83 percent, of that goal has been raised. Upper New York is a part of this promise! Of our combined $2 million commitment, we have raised to date, $299,260.82. Thanks be to God for
the faithful giving thus far. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to give what is yet before us. That is why I would like to issue an Africa 360 Challenge. The challenge is that every congregation in Upper New York would raise at least $1,000 between now and the time we gather for Annual Conference in 2015. If every local congregation would take up this challenge, we would exceed
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
SEE AFRICA 360 PAGE 7
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.
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Pictured above is one of the atria in property located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool, a potential location to serve as the new Conference Center. Photos by Stephen J. Hustedt
Special session
UNY members to make recommendation about potential purchase of property for new Conference Center in Liverpool 4 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
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pper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced that a special session of the Annual Conference will be held in three locations over two days, Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, 2014, to make a recommendation to the Conference Trustees about the potential purchase of a property located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool to serve as the Conference Center for the Upper New York Conference. The building would be the long-term home for the Episcopal and Conference offices, which have been in temporary offices since the Conference came together in 2010. The Liverpool property was identified by a task force responsible for determining a long-term plan for a Conference Center, and was selected over many other potential properties in the Syracuse area. “Special thanks goes to University UMC, Cicero UMC and Baldwinsville UMC for providing temporary office space for our Conference staff and the Episcopal Office,” said Bishop Webb. “Their hospitality and generosity has been greatly appreciated, but the task force that is responsible for the long-term plan to house our Confer-
More photos of the property are at www.unyumc.org/proposedcenter.
ence’s resources and offices believes the time has come to pursue a longterm solution.” The task force is making the recommendation to the Conference Board of Trustees at this time because they feel that the building they have identified meets all the needs, will allow for new mission opportunities, and is available for a very good price. To make it as easy as possible for
voting members of the Annual Conference to participate in the special session, the Conference will gather over two days at three different sites. The locations and times are: • 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Rush UMC, 6200 Rush Lima Road • 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Liverpool UMC, 604 Oswego St. • 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Saratoga Springs UMC, Fifth Avenue
and Henning Road “We know that this will be a busy time of year, but this is an important step in our future together as the Upper New York Conference, so we are bringing this special session of Annual Conference to as many of our members as possible instead of asking everyone to come to Syracuse,” Bishop Webb said. “Our hope is that the format we’ve chosen for the special session will allow as many people as possible to participate.” The special session is being called in accordance with Paragraph 603.5 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, and will consider only the matter of the recommendaSEE SPECIAL SESSION PAGE 6
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Special session to address potential new Conference center CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 tion on the property. “Our new Conference has successfully liquidated most of the building assets of the predecessor conferences and is now in a strong position to situate itself in a new, permanent, accessible location designed to serve its mission in UNY and beyond,” said the Rev. Dr. Wendy Deichmann, Conference Trustee and chair of the task force. “As we are still beginning new life as an Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, it is essential that we position ourselves to maximize effective ministry and mission opportunities,” said Dr. Deichmann. “The Upper New York Conference Center must be a place that belongs to – and is accessible to – all our congregations and members, and provides appropriate resources for our bishop, Cabinet, staff, and volunteers to perform their respective missions. Its focus upon ministry and mission must be clear and facilitated by its setting and built environment.” The recommendation results from two years of study and research. The full report from the task force will be available the week of Aug. 18 as part of the pre-conference materials; notification will be sent out through Conference communications chan-
nels when it is available. Registration for the special session opened the week of Aug. 4. “The fact that we have come to this place as a Conference should be celebrated,” said Bishop Webb. “I am thankful for the many gifted individuals who have invested much time and energy to assist us in arriving at this moment. I encourage you to be in prayer as we prepare to act on this important recommendation.”
SPECS Address: 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool Building type: One story, free-standing steel and brick Building size: 33,200 sq. ft. Acreage: 4.46 acres Year built: 1967 (renovated in 1991) Parking: 143 spaces Loading access: 1 dock, three drive-in doors Unique accent: Central atrium has 600 squarefoot skylight, interior plantscaping, waterscapes and Tiffany pendant lamp
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FROM BISHOP WEBB
Join the Africa 360 Challenge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 $1 million of our $2 million commitment. Over the next nine months, I want to encourage you to find creative ways to allow the people of your congregation and community to be involved in these life-giving and lifesaving opportunities. I know there are unlimited possibilities, but let me share a few ideas to reach the goal of at least $1,000: • Create a special offering on Sunday mornings, once a month for the next nine months • Challenge your Sunday School classes or small groups to creative ways of receiving gifts • Invite your youth group or children’s ministry to get involved in raising funds • Commit to taking a special Christmas Eve offering with all gifts being designated for these efforts • Designate a special offering during Advent or Lent • Designate funds from your mission budget • Hold car wash, silent auction, or bake sale I know you can imagine great ways to be a part of this challenge, but if you need some inspiration, check out some resources at www. imaginenomalaria.org or some of the resources our very own Africa University Task Force has developed at www. unyumc.org. As you create ways to raise funds for Africa 360, I want to encourage you to share your stories by contacting the Communications team
Beatrice Gbanga examines insecticide-treated mosquito nets at the Bo District Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone. More than 2.3 million bed nets have been distributed to date. The anopheles mosquito flies and feeds at night (which is why bed nets are an effective prevention tool).
at the Conference office at news@ unyumc.org. Each month we plan to share the ways we are living this challenge together. If you don’t want to wait until the 2015 session of Annual Conference to present your gifts, you can make them anytime by mailing a check to Upper New York Conference, 324 University Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13210 Attn: Africa 360. Checks should be made payable to Upper New York Annual Conference with Africa 360 in the memo line. United Methodists are people who not only care, but back up their
compassion with action, and together we accomplish BIG things. I know that TOGETHER, we will not only meet this challenge, but exceed it! You don’t have to stop at $1,000. Will you join the Africa 360 Challenge? Let’s prepare for an amazing celebration of giving when we gather in nine months for our next AC session! As a matter of fact, Jodi, Ben, Tyler and I want to start this challenge by pledging to bring a check for $2,000. Join us, and let’s accomplish what God has placed on our hearts to do!
In Sierra Leone, Angola, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, UMC-trained workers have gone door-todoor to deliver and install bed nets and teach people how to properly use and care for the nets. UMNS photos by Mike DuBose unyumc.org 7
RETREATS / WORKSHOPS
Bishop Webb: Annual retreat is ‘time to encourage each other’ By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor
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pper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is inviting clergy and their families to the third annual Bishop’s Retreat Oct. 22-24, 2014 at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid. Registration is now open online at https://unyumc-reg.brtapp. com/2014BishopsRetreat. “This retreat is a time to encourage each other and learn together,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb. “As pastors seeking to maintain healthy ministries, it’s vitally important that we take some time to care for own spiritual lives and take advantage of opportunities, like this one, to find renewal and support.” Retreat leader Effective preaching is the focus for this year’s retreat, and United Methodist pastor the Rev. Jacob Armstrong, founder and pastor of Providence Church in Mount Juliet, Tenn., has been invited to lead the retreat. He started the church in 2008 as a place “where disconnected people could find hope, healing, and wholeness in Jesus.” You can read an interview by the Foundation for Evangelism with Rev. Armstrong at http://tinyurl.com/ FFEArmstrong. Rev. Armstrong is author of three devotional series: The God Story,
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bethdicocco@unyumc.org Upside Down and Loving Large. You can read samples of his work at http://tinyurl.com/ArmstrongWtgSamples. Find him on Twitter @provpastor. He is also the author of Treasure – a four-week stewardship program, sermon series, and small-group study (available from the Conference’s Media Resource Center). On the agenda Tentative workshop topics include: Wesley and the Age of Technology; Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)/ Chaplaincy Skills; Labyrinth; New Faith Communities; Prayer Room; Arts/Visuals and Focus on Clergy Spouses. Daily schedule (subject to change) Wednesday, Oct. 22 10 a.m. – Registration begins Lunch on your own 2 p.m. – Opening Worship 3:30 p.m. – Break 4 p.m. – Speaker 5:30 p.m. – Dinner 7 p.m. – Evening event: Christian Magician David Black Thursday, Oct. 23 7 a.m. – Stretching/Centering 9 a.m. – Opening worship
9:30 a.m. – Speaker 10:45 a.m. – Workshops 12:30 p.m. – Lunch After lunch – Free time to explore Lake Placid; dinner on your own 7 p.m. – Speaker 8 p.m. – Evening event; Q&A with Bishop Webb Friday, Oct. 24 7 a.m. – Stretching/Centering 9 a.m. – Opening music 9:15 a.m. – Speaker 10:30 a.m. – Closing worship 11 a.m. – Homeward bound Clergy spouses Crystal Martin and Shari Mudge will be coordinating activities for spouses who do not wish to participate in the plenary sessions. Lake Placid The High Peaks Resort (pictured below) is in the heart of Lake Placid’s shopping and entertainment area. Home of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, Lake Placid offers a range of outdoor activities from kayaking and golf to biking and hiking. Take a virtual tour of the resort at www. highpeaksresort.com. Registration The cost for the retreat is the same as in 2013: $295 per person for double occupancy, $395 for a single and $170 for commuters. Payment is due Sept. 25.
Conference to host creative worship workshops By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor bethdicocco@unyumc.org
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f churches want to be truly effective in this digital age, they must employ 21st-century methods of communication to deliver the message of the Gospel in worship. To help churches in Upper New York Make Worship More Creative the Conference is hosting four oneday workshops led by creative worship specialist, author and worship coach Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions. Moore Regardless of your church’s worship style or size, the world has shifted, and it’s imperative that churches not only embrace, but master the use of image and creativity in worship. Whether you have screens in worship, are thinking about it or have decided against them, this seminar has something for your worship team. These creative worship seminars are designed to meet a variety of needs in both small and large congregations, and speak to ministry areas including preaching, music, media and more. The Rev. Wayne Butler, Superintendent in the Niagara Frontier District, attended one of Moore’s seminars at the Church of the Resurrection Leadership Institute last fall. “I was impressed that Jason can tailor his seminar and present creative worship solutions that can be implemented by smaller congregations with limited budgets,” Rev. Butler said. “Creativity in worship doesn’t have to be limited to large congregations with the latest in technology.” “At Midnight Oil, we strive to provide seminars that explore new methods and techniques for powerful, authentic worship that is true to the risen Christ,” said Moore. “From biblically-backed theoretical approaches to practical hands-on training, learn how to work in teams to utilize culture, art and technology to connect people to God in worship.” The one-day workshops will take
District
Date
Location
Niagara Frontier
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8
Springville UMC
Oneonta
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9
Broad Street UMC, Norwich
Northern Flow
1:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10
Sandy Creek UMC
Adirondack
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11
Queensbury UMC
place at four locations throughout Upper New York: • Niagara Frontier District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, Springville UMC • Oneonta District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, Broad Street UMC, Norwich • Northern Flow District: 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, Sandy Creek UMC • Adirondack District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, Queensbury UMC
for worship; he has devoted the last 14 years to developing professional, highly emotive graphics, animation and video that are being emulated in churches of all sizes throughout the country. He leads seminars across North America on creating cuttingedge worship with an emphasis on demystifying the production process.
Register now Churches are encouraged to bring their worship teams. Registration is $35 per person or $75 per church (up to four people). Visit https:// unyumc-reg. brtapp.com/ CreativeWorshipSeminar to register. About Moore Moore is an award-winning digital artist known for his pioneering work in digital images unyumc.org 9
Return T.R.I.P.
Road T.R.I.P. makes two more stops in October By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor
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pper New York Conference staffers will again be taking a Road T.R.I.P. across the Conference to offer a series of workshops for church leaders – clergy and lay. The first two Road T.R.I.P. training sessions took place in March; these upcoming sessions will take place in early October in the Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone districts. Focused on four key qualities, these learning and training opportunities are designed to be: Transformative: We’re focused on equipping leaders and congregations for life-changing, disciple-making ministries. Relevant: This will be congregation-centered, needs-based and practical information. Innovative: We’re creating something new and challenging, with elements of both wonder and risk. Personal: Conference staff will be sharing ideas, experiences and possibilities that we are personally and passionately invested in. In other words, we seek to connect our hearts with the hearts of the folks
bethdicocco@unyumc.org who attend as we build relationships and share knowledge. “The feedback we received from participants of our first Road T.R.I.P. indicated it was a great success,” said the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries. “People appreciated Conference staff coming to them and providing learning experiences which could help their local church be more effective in ministry. Staff also learned a lot from participants about what local church folks are struggling with. The Road T.R.I.P. is a definitely a two-way street!” Katie Igler, Christian Education Director at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, said she was grateful to have attended the March Road T.R.I.P. session because that’s where she learned about the Conference Media Resource Center from Director Diane Miner. Igler used the center to get materials for the church’s 2014 Vacation Bible School. “If I had not gone to (the Road T.R.I.P.), I would not have known that resource existed. I would
Photos from the March event 10 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
have been scrambling,” Igler said. The next two events will take place: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at the Batavia First UMC, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia 10 a.m. Registration 10:30-11 a.m. Welcome & worship 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Workshop #1 12:30-1:15 p.m. Lunch 1:20-2:45 p.m. Workshop #2 2:50-3 p.m. In-class evaluations 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 at the Bemus Point UMC, 4954 Bemus Ellery Road 2 p.m. Registration 2:30-3 p.m. Welcome & worship 3-4:30 p.m. Workshop #1 4:30-5:15 p.m. Light supper 5:20-6:45 p.m. Workshop #2 6:50-7 p.m. In-class evaluations The registration deadline is Sept. 19; visit the Conference website to register. These five-hour programs include a meal and Conference staff will be presenting on the topics found on the next page.
ROAD T.R.I.P. WORKSHOPS OFFERED From the Wading Pool to the Deep End – How to Move People into Deeper Discipleship Presenter: Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries This workshop will help participants assess their congregation’s current “disciple-making system” to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Participants will learn multiple ways that a church’s disciple-making ministries can be improved and encouraged to return home and try at least one new thing. They Have Us Surrounded… But Who Are They? Presenter: Rev. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations Every community has people in it that are not participating in the life of a congregation. Often we are convinced the people surrounding a congregation are just like the people in the congregation. A key first step to reaching the people who surround our congregations is to know who they are. This workshop will offer concrete steps that any congregation can use to learn who has them surrounded. Creating New Places for New People: How to start a New Faith Community in Your Own Neighborhood Presenter: Rev. David Masland, Director of New Faith Communities We know the purpose of the local church is to grow new disciples of Jesus Christ. But, it often seems like pulling teeth to get new people to walk through the doors of our church! Because of this, many laity and clergy are planting new faith communities in public spaces, and building relationships with lots of unchurched people. We will learn about a variety of these new faith communities growing all over our Conference and country, in rural, urban and suburban settings. And, we will explore some of the early steps you can take toward building one that fits your own unique context. If you
believe God might be calling you to plant a new faith community in your own region, or you are simply curious about this movement of the Spirit in our Conference, please join us! Why Can’t Church Be More Like Camp? Presenter: Mike Huber, Director Camp & Retreat Ministries In this workshop we’ll focus on the characteristics of camp that are particularly faith formative and highly sought in the spiritual journey of many. Our Camp & Retreat Centers desire to work with our local congregations on how to engage new generations of faith seekers, integrating many of the practices of camp into congregational life. By adopting and adapting the practices of camp, you’ll walk away with great ideas for helping your local congregation become more relevant. Your Conference Finance Office Presenter: Conference Treasurer Kevin Domanico A wide range of financial topics will be covered. You will be able to ask questions and get information to empower and support local church treasurers, finance committee members and clergy. It will be a time to get to know each other and get a sense of the resources the Conference has available. Ministry Share allocations, statistical reporting, financial controls and annual church audits will all be discussed. Wired for Worship Presenter: Clyde Wolford, Director of Information Technology Audio, slides, video, lighting ... these elements can serve to engage worshipers if installed and used properly; if not, they can be a significant distraction. Join this discussion about best practices in the selection, installation and use of these resources. Those who have already enriched their worship space are encouraged to attend and share their stories
with those considering a move in this direction. How to do Facebook Well Presenter: Steve J. Hustedt, Director of Communications This workshop will focus on how to write, use graphics, manage people/content, and general best practices for using Facebook. Basic information will be addressed though handouts so that the focus at the workshop can be on each individual leaving with a personalized strategy for attracting visitors and fully engaging church members in the most widely used Social Media website. How to do a Website Well Presenter: Steve J. Hustedt, Director of Communications This workshop will focus on how to write, use graphics, organize, create content, and update a local church website. Basic information will be addressed though handouts so that the focus at the workshop can be on each individual leaving with a vision of what their church’s current or future website should feature/look like, and how it should be managed. Children’s Ministry in an Ever Changing World Presenter: Diane Miner, Resource Center Director This will be an interactive workshop on teaching children in a way that relates to each of them as individuals and in community. Ideas will be shared for one room and multiclass settings in how to offer options for the way children learn. Experience praying in color, ideas for church/home connection, creative ideas for rotational, conventional and unique settings, and of course the many resources that are available to help you plan.
Visit us online at
www.unyumc.org to register.
unyumc.org 11
Resource Solutions
Resource Center makes VBS materials accessible By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor bethdicocco@unyumc.org
V
acation Bible School – most often simply VBS – is popular with churches (not to mention the kids). A 2012 study by the Barna Group showed that more than two out of three churches in America – 68 percent – offered VBS that summer. And that level of involvement has stayed pretty stable, according to the study. But VBS organizers know that the materials needed can be expensive. That’s where the Conference Media Resource Center can help. The Resource Center has VBS kits, puppets, decorations and more – all available for loan to any church in the Conference. Director Diane Miner said the center has some 50 kits with more than 20 themes among its materials. The center is one of the many resources supported by Ministry Share dollars. Having support from across the Conference allows many churches access to resources they could
not afford on their own. This year, Syracuse Westside Urban Mission (SWUM), operated by Brown Memorial UMC in Syracuse, is using Operation Overboard: Dare to go Deep With God, said Olga E. Gonzalez, Missionary/Church and Community Worker. “It is a blessing to have this opportunity, because they have great resources that we can borrow,” she said of the center. “We also borrow Sunday School material for youth, elementary and middle school students... We are in a very poor community, and we don’t have the resources to buy the VBS or the Sunday School resources.” Miners said that as of this writing, there were 35 churches borrowing VBS resources, and more were available. Cokesbury (online at www.cokesbury. com) offers a new VBS theme each year. Miner said she has three 2014 kits, but a great option for churches, she said, is to consider using the previous year’s or older theme, as SWUM is doing, as a way to have access to more materials. At the Saratoga Springs UMC, circumstances caused VBS to be canceled in 2013. They had
The Conference’s Media Resource Center has a wealth of materials for VBS, including the puppets for the various curricula. Photo by Beth DiCocco
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Workshop of Wonders’ “Rivet” image courtesy of Cokesbury
most of the materials to go with the VBS theme the church had purchased, but not everything they needed, said Katie Igler, Christian Education Director. Miner helped Saratoga Springs fill in the gaps, and got the items to the church quickly. “Diane had all those materials – some DVDs, a couple of leader books – and some of the things we couldn’t afford to buy,” Igler said, including the puppet. “The puppets are about $40, but they add a wonderful part to the program,” she said. Saratoga’s VBS had started that day, and Igler said the kids “love that puppet.” And the puppet came with easy instructions for sending it back – a big help to a busy self-proclaimed procrastinator like Igler. Miner said she’s happy to help churches find what they need – whether they call in January or July. “Some people plan far in advance, some might call next week,” she said when we spoke in early July. “And that’s the truth.” The Rev. Amy Gregory, pastor at the Greene UMC, said that she found Miner’s expertise to be a tremendous help in selecting materials that work for them. “Diane has been a huge help for our Sunday school, too,” Rev. Gregory said. “It’s nice to be able to see lots of options in front of you; she’s great at helping you weed through the many choices.” And Miner has insight, Rev. Gregory said, into which materials will work with which groups. Greene UMC works with three other local churches on VBS; being able to examine the materials in person with all the organizers is another advantage, Rev. Gregory said. “We need our Resource Center desperately,” Rev. Gregory said, as churches are always in need of ways to offer programs while saving money. Ash Fletcher, who was organizing VBS at the Boonville UMC, agrees. She found out about the Resource Center through the former pastor’s wife, Katie Dean. “I was surprised our church was not utilizing that resource before,” Fletcher said. “We’re working with a zero budget; without that, there
wouldn’t be a program.” Miner has other suggestions to help churches reduce expenses – one is using a free resource such as Upper New York’s Africa University VBS titled Under the Acacia Tree. And, Miner said, VBS does not have to be an entire week. “Instead of doing a week-long program, do an all-day, one-day VBS,” she suggested. Pick one of the themes from a VBS kit, and have a five- to six-hour program with a meal. This is also a great option for churches that don’t have enough volunteers for the entire week. Churches that have purchased VBS materials can help the Resource Center by donating materials they are no longer using so that other churches can borrow them. During the summer, the Resource Center is open 7:30 to 4:30 Monday to Thursday. Visit the center’s
web page at www.unyumc.org/ resourcecenter to learn more or order resources.
Pictured are two of the more than 20 VBS themes that the Resource Center has available for lending.
Saratoga Springs UMC borrowed materials from the Media Resource Center for its 2014 VBS. Photo courtesy of Katie Igler unyumc.org 13
Certified Lay Ministers: Laity called and connected By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor
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hey provide pulpit supply, pastoral leadership and staff support in cooperative parishes. They lead Bible study, VBS, and children’s and older adult ministries. They perform funerals and make hospital or nursing home visits. They are Certified Lay Ministers (CLM). CLMs are laity who are called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. CLMs are assigned by the district superintendent, in many cases to pastor a small congregation. These differ from Certified Lay Servants, who complement and support, rather than replace, pastors. On June 21, 2014, the Harrisville United Methodist Church hosted a special service and lunch to celebrate the seven individuals who have completed the educational requirements for the role of CLM (some additional requirements have to be completed for full certification). Those being celebrated were: Barbara DeYear, Northern Flow District Linda Dunning, Northern Flow District Theresa Grescheck, Mohawk District (was unable to attend the service) Martha Helmer, Northern Flow District Lori Hickey, Northern Flow District Jane Neely, Northern Flow District David O’Neil, Northern Flow District The CLMs were presented with a lapel pin, the book Making Sense of the Bible by United Methodist pastor the Rev. Adam Hamilton and a letter of congratulations from Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb. 14 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
bethdicocco@unyumc.org “Certified Lay Ministers play a large role in our Church,” Bishop Webb wrote. “This category of ministry was created to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches, and share an expression of gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism.” This class began its training in October 2013. The certification process includes training, support, supervision and accountability. “These folks put in 60 contact hours, which is the same as licensing (for Licensed Local Pastors, who are considered clergy; CLMs are laity), so we wanted to celebrate that commitment,” said Northern Flow District Superintendent Rebekah Sweet.
ting self first at the expense of others because we have Jesus Christ to follow,” she said. Clergy and laity need one another, Rev. Sweet said. “Friends, in our efforts to serve Christ well while scaring away the bears that are knocking on our doors, we are most effective when we learn and serve together,” she said.
Methodism 101:
What’s a Certified Lay Minister ? http://tinyurl.com/CLMFAQs --What’s a Certified Lay Servant? www.unyumc.org/pages/detail/1013
Working together In her sermon at the CLM service, Rev. Sweet told a story of two rabbits who encounter a bear in the woods. As the one rabbit prepares to run, the other says: “You don’t think you can outrun that bear, do you?” To which the rabbit replies: “I don’t have to outrun the bear; I just have to outrun you.” Rev. Sweet said that the story “captures the cynical, self-centered individual notions” in both secular and sacred institutions that says: “As long as my needs are met and cared for, as long as I have made it, everything will be fine no matter what happens to you.” “We can do better, friends. We can rise above the isolation of put-
Need for CLMs The Rev. Frances Hemstreet, pastor at Natural Bridge and Harrisville UMCs, was the coordinator of the Northern Flow District CLM training and one of the instructors for this class, along with the Rev. Mark Pierce and the Rev. David Piatt. “I thought it was totally appropriate to have a celebration, a time of fellowship” Rev. Hemstreet said. “I especially wanted previous classes of CLMs to reconnect with one another and to start networking with the new class ... networking is critical.” As is the need for CLMs, she said. Many very small churches cannot afford to pay a pastor and there are cooperative parishes that need additional staff support. Their stories “I am delighted to do this work; it is my honor and my privilege,” Rev.
Hemstreet said. “I love hearing ‘the call’ stories, about how God is calling (folks) at various places in their life journeys and faith journeys.” The 2013-14 CLM class members shared their journeys to this point and their hopes for their ministry, as well as offered some advice for those considering becoming CLMs. Barbara DeYear DeYear said she became a CLM “for the people in my church.” Four years ago, Barnes Corners UMC “became another whole family for me” and helped her through a difficult time. She said the small church does important work in its community, and she wanted to be part of that. “I talk to God all the time,” she said. “I always knew He was there, but I didn’t know where my place was; I found my place, where I belong.” Linda Dunning Dunning said CLM training was a “natural progression” from the lay speaking courses she had taken. She said she would “like to be in a pulpit,” but also to write and research stories of faith – either through a blog or compilation of stories from the North Country. Dunning said she enjoyed learning more about Methodism’s history during the training, and would encourage anyone considering it to: “Try it. Jump right in with both feet – or stick a toe in; take the first module and see what you think.” Even those who don’t wish to be in the pulpit can develop their leadership skills through the training, she said. Martha Helmer Helmer, who currently serves the Dekalb and Dekalb Junction UMCs, began preaching before her husband, Adam, passed away but her experience after his death bolstered her faith. “(God) held me up when I could
not hold myself up, when even human love was not what I needed to sustain me,” Helmer said. “The Lord asked me to share the Word of God and the truth that Jesus is Lord and Savior.” Helmer said the training taught her a great deal, and learning is always worthwhile. “I really enjoyed what I learned,” she said. “... everything you can learn, no matter what is, that brings to light a piece of scripture that helps you on your journey or makes your heart more informed for the Lord (is beneficial).”
said, that she can help churches that can’t afford to pay a pastor. Neely said she just needs “gas money; I’m not looking to get rich.” She encourages others to consider this ministry. “It will be the second best thing that you have ever done, the first being going on the Walk to Emmaus,” she said. “I rank them both right up there.”
Lori Hickey Hickey, who plays guitar and led the CLMs in a song written by Dunning, hopes to continue to use music in her ministry Seven new Certified Lay Ministers were celebrated with through hospia special service at luncheon in the Northern Flow Distal and nursing trict. They are, from left: David O’Neil, Barbara DeYear, home visits and Jane Neely, Linda Dunning, Martha Helmer and Lori at funeral serHickey. Absent from photo Theresa Grescheck. Photo by vices. Beth DiCocco The CLM training gave her “a special connecDavid O’Neil tion with six other people ... a bond O’Neil, who lives in Redwood, said that will not ever be broken” – a feel- he came away from the CLM training ing expressed by her classmates. with “a quiet humbleness.” “My best advice: Go with an open He does not have an assignment, mind and be a sponge and gather it but feels he could serve by filling in all in,” Hickey said of the training. for pastors who are on vacation or “(Don’t) hold back; be open to the medical leave. relationships (that you) can have with the other members, instructors, Learn more mentors and coaches ...” The General Board of Discipleship has a brochure for those who Jane Neely want to learn more about Certified Neely said “God put a calling on Lay Ministry. You can download it at my life a long time ago,” but not to http://tinyurl.com/GBODCLM become a pastor. This is a way, she Brochure.
Learn about upcoming Lay Servant and/or Lay Speaker trainings at
www.unyumc.org/laycourses Classes are listed by district to help you find one in your area. unyumc.org 15
Next Hand to Plow Phase I lauches this October By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor
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ince 2012, congregations across the Upper New York Conference have been engaging in the Hand to Plow church revitalization process. In all, nearly 700 lay persons and clergy have journeyed together to learn how they can better live the Gospel and be God’s love with their neighbors. “Helping congregations continue to be effective and grow in their vitality is essential to living the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb. The next cycle of Phase 1 of the Hand to Plow process will launch in October 2014, and registration is open now. Phase 1 is the first year of the process in which clergy and laity gather for peer learning; clergy for nine sessions and laity for five sessions. Leading Hand to Plow is the Rev. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations for the Conference. He said congregations are beginning to change the way they view themselves. “The stories congregations tell about themselves have begun to include hope and possibility again,” he said.
bethdicocco@unyumc.org “stagnant and in need of vitalization” when they began the process. After that first year of Phase 1, Rev. Goff said, the congregation had “so much momentum and excitement for what we were learning” they were ready to go to Phase 2, the consultation phase. During the consultation phase, a congregation undergoes an in-depth exploration and intervention that will result in recommendations of how to move the congregation to greater vitality. Some congregations move to the consultation phase of the process after completing Phase 1, while others will continue in Peer Learning Groups for a second year. “It was almost as if they were able to hold a mirror up to our church,” Rev. Goff said of the report the consultants created for Auburn; it helped the congregation better see “things we knew, but we didn’t know.” “Auburn UMC has gone through a lot in the last six months,” said Rev. Goff. “(The congregation) should be commended for stepping out and taking these risks.” The congregation is now in the midst of working on the recommendations outlined by the consultants.
“... (We’re) just so thankful to have gone through this process,” Rev. Goff said. “I don’t know if it’s right for every church and I don’t know if every church is in the right place to be doing it ... but we learned a lot; there is now passion and there is excitement for our future. We have a vision and a way to carry out the mission that we all have to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The Auburn UMC has published an update its newsletter every month during its Hand to Plow journey. You can find the church’s newsletters at its website at www.auburnunitedmethodist.org/page/newsletter.
Register for Phase 1 Registration for the October 2014 Phase 1 is currently open; the deadline to register is Oct. A story of 1, 2014. momentum Laity can register One of those stories for Phase I at https:// was told by the Rev. unyumc-reg.brtapp. Richelle Goff during the com/HandtoPlowConference LeaderPhase1Laity, clergy at ship report at the 2014 https://unyumc-reg. AC session. Rev. Goff brtapp.com/Handtotalked about how the PlowPhase1Clergy. process has affected For more informaAuburn UMC. tion, visit the Hand to Auburn UMC was Plow page at www. the first UNY church unyumc.org/handto complete both the toplow or contact first and second phases Rev. Bouwens at (315) of Hand to Plow. 424-7878 ext. 338 or Rev. Goff said the by email at aaronbouYou can watch a video on YouTube to hear Rev. Goff’s rechurch was “not in a wens@unyumc.org. marks in full at http://tinyurl.com/GoffAC14. bad place,” but was 16 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
Wesleyan tradition a foundation for the future By Beth DiCocco, Writer/Editor
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School offers Wesleyan D.Min. program Wesley has valuable lessons to John teach the leaders of today’s United
Methodist churches, says Wesley scholar Dr. Richard Heitzenrater. But quoting Wesley is not enough. Fully and clearly understanding the context of his words is critical to extracting 21st-century guidance from an 18th-century leader, said Dr. Heitzenrater, who is the William Kellon Quick Professor Emeritus of Church History and Wesley Studies at Duke Divinity School in Durham, N.C. Dr. Heitzenrater was at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) in early June to teach a week-long intensive course for the newly created Wesleyan/Methodist Studies concentration in the Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) program. The first classes in the new Wesleyan/Methodist-focused degree were held in January 2014. The concentration was the idea of Upper New York elder Dr. John R. Tyson; Tyson is Professor of Church History and Director of United Methodist Studies at CRCDS and pastor at Arcade UMC. Dr. Tyson said the Church is in the midst of “an almost-Copernican revolution,” and United Methodists in local churches need to be equipped with a basis in their own tradition and history in order to move ahead in the 21st century. Vice President for Academic Life and Dean of Faculty Stephanie Sauvé said the CRCDS “wants to resource people’s ministry in ways that deepen their connection to their faith tradition as well as allow them to grow personally and professionally.” “Part of the fit for us is our historic relationship with The United Methodist Church; we have served
bethdicocco@unyumc.org many United Methodists in this region,” said Sauvé, “and we view this as an opportunity to bring nationally known scholars to campus for doctoral- and master’s-level students as well as to clergy in the region (seeking Continuing Education Credits).” That is an exciting part of the new concentration, Dr. Tyson said, students have the opportunity to learn from nationally-renowned scholars like Dr. Heitzenrater.
Neighborhood UMC in Maywood, Ill., near Chicago, to the program. “I didn’t attend a United Methodist seminary,” he said. “(This offers) the opportunity to learn much more, academically, than I had in my master’s program. I was intrigued with the experts coming through ... I could not have had a chance to articulate with (them) unless I was on their campuses.” He also appreciates the chance to talk with students who are from outside the “Midwest perspective.”
There are four students from across the connection, including one from Upper New York, enrolled in the Wesleyan/Methodist Studies concentration in the Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) program that began in January at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Photo by Beth DiCocco
Others who will be leading classes are Chris Evans, Boston University School of Theology; John Wigger, University of Missouri; Jennifer Woodruff Tait, United Theological Seminary; Tom Albin, Dean of the Upper Room; and Dr. Elaine Heath, Perkins School of Theology, SMU. Dr. Heath led a Conference workshop for new faith community planters on April 26, 2014 in Liverpool. She will be teaching at CRCDS in January 2015. A chance to learn from these experts is part of what attracted the Rev. Jacques Conway, pastor of the
Dr. Tyson said the fellowship among the students – for example everyone eats lunch together during the week – is indeed a benefit. People from different contexts can find common ground, he said. For example his small, mostly white church and Rev. Conway’s large, urban, mostly African American church differ in many ways, but “we have the same issues of congregational health;” it not only helps to learn from each other, he said, but to commiserate and bounce ideas off one another. And those relationships continue SEE CRCDS PAGE 20 unyumc.org 17
Ontario Street UMC grows with new Mizo members By Christian Vischi, Graphic Designer
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t a typical membership service, the congregation welcomes a few new members into its ranks. But during the June 22, 2014 service at the Ontario Street United Methodist Church in Buffalo, an entire new faith community of 45 members was welcomed into the family. The church’s newest members are Mizo. The Mizo people are an ethnic group native to northeastern India, western Myanmar (Burma) and eastern Bangladesh. “It is a real joy (having the Mizo congregation at Ontario Street),” said Local Pastor Nate Lange, who served the church for four years until being reappointed July 1. “There is definitely an unmet need in the city of Buffalo for people to reach out and connect with the refugee population.
christianvischi@unyumc.org … Until recently it was the only demographic within the city limits that grew every year.” Pastor Lange met Pastor Lalthuamluaia Ralte early in his tenure at Ontario Street. “Pastor Ralte was a pastor in the United Methodist Church in Upper Myanmar, who had come to the U.S. as a refugee. Within a week of his arrival he had been contacted by four or five home Bible study groups who had heard there was a pastor who spoke their language in the area,” Pastor Lange said. The two pastors discussed the prospect of hosting Mizo services at the Ontario Street UMC. Although Pastor Ralte relocated to Indiana to attend seminary, the all-Mizo worship service began at the church in
Pictured above is some of the Mizo congregation that was welcomed as new members of the Ontario Street UMC in Buffalo. Photos by Christian Vischi
CO-LEADERS Why a team of four co-led the welcoming service of new membership 18 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
Butler
Lange
Rotach
Thang
2011. Pastor Ralte currently leads a Mizo congregation of 40 members – primarily composed of refugees from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – at the Greenwood UMC in Indiana. Even with Pastor Ralte’s departure and no Mizo-speaking clergy leader, Pastor Lange said the worship service has continued, slowly, to build as the congregation welcomes new refugees into the area. Welcoming Service Finding a Christian in Myanmar, where the population is less than 4 percent Christian, is only slightly less difficult than finding a Mizo-speaking clergy member to appoint to a church in the city of Buffalo. “But we are working very hard to bring a Mizo pastor to this congregation,” said the Rev. Wayne Butler, Niagara Frontier District Superintendent, speaking to the newest members of the Ontario Street UMC. Rev. Butler was there on June 22, along with his wife, Marlene, as part of this celebration of new membership. But this was not a traditional membership service. “I am very excited to do this on my last week,” Pastor Lange said. “I cannot think of a more joyful way to spend my last Sunday here. Thank you for letting me participate in this.” But Pastor Lange was only onethird of the team that led worship. The Rev. Brian Rotach, pastor at the Seneca Street UMC in Buffalo – about 10 minutes to the south of Ontario Street along Interstate 190 – serves communion every first Sunday of the month to the Mizo congregation. Pastor Lange knows a few basic words of the Mizo language, but the
Niagara Frontier District Superintendent the Rev. Wayne Butler brought greetings from Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb; Local Pastor Nate Lange was appointed at Ontario Street UMC in Buffalo until July 1, 2014; the Rev. Brian Rotach, an elder appointed at the Seneca Street UMC in Buffalo, serves communion to the Mizo congregation once a month; and Ram Uk Thang is one of the congregants who leads worship in Mizo on a rotational basis.
Pictured at right, a member of the Mizo congregation receives his certificate of membership into the Ontario Street UMC at a service on June 22, 2014.
message each week is delivered by a different member of the congregation. On June 22, Ram Uk Thang, who is the secretary of the Mizo congregation, delivered the message. He is bilingual and offered two-way translation: in English for the song names and page numbers, in Mizo for the greeting by Rev. Butler and the membership celebration by Rev. Rotach. The service began with songs from Kristian Hla Bu, a Christian hymn book in Mizo, which is a combination of tradition songs translated from English into Mizo, and some original Mizo creations, Thang said. “Most (of the congregation) are from around here,” Thang said, with two families coming from Buffalo’s westside. They all share the Mizo language, and many of them speak very little to no English. On this particular Sunday there were approximately 10 youth. Many of them went to the altar to recite memory verses. The audience erupted in applause after one of the youngest members recited a onesentence verse; he only paused for few seconds to remember a name. That camaraderie, that strength of community is strongly needed in Buffalo, Pastor Lange said. “Unless the Church can adapt to that and reach out to the immigrant and refugees, we are not going to be effective in ministry,” Pastor Lange cautioned. But, Upper New York, he said is heading in the right direction, especially with work being done by New Faith Communities Director the Rev. David Masland. The Conference is taking “an active role” and that will pay dividends down the road, he said. Pastor Lange had one more week of service to the Ontario Street UMC before he was to begin his new appointment at the First UMC of Little Valley, a move for Pastor Lange of about 60 miles to the south. unyumc.org 19
CRCDS offers Wesleyan D.Min. program CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 even when these students are not on campus through email, phone or social media. Rev. Conway is one of four students – including the Rev. Joellyn Tuttle, pastor at the Skaneateles UMC – enrolled in the program. The other two students are from Williamsport, Pa., and Washington, D.C. Dr. Tyson admits he was hoping for a bigger start, but cites a tough economy as a factor. “It’s a difficult time to start a new program,” he said. “I was a little surprised it hasn’t kicked off bigger, but nothing starts big; it’s still very new. ... a mustard seed is all it takes to get started. He is confident that people will “catch on to the importance of retooling and preparing for this new future (facing The United Methodist Church).” Learning from Wesley In class on June 10, Dr. Heitzenrater was doing a little what he called “myth busting.” There are many quotes attributed to John Wesley that he didn’t say and others that are too often taken out of context, he told students. What Wesley meant, Dr. Heitzenrater said, by “the world is my parish,” was that he was willing to break parish boundaries and preach in another’s parish; “not world mission, which (Wesley) was opposed to,” he said. Another example: “There is no holiness but social holiness.” Wesley means Christian fellowship, Dr. Heitzenrater said; that Christians need to learn from each other and rely on one another, rather than worship in isolation, and recognize they are “all striving together to understand what
it’s like to be like Christ.” Wesley was not talking about social justice, though social justice was very important to Wesley. If you take John Wesley’s sayings and apply them as they stand – as what they appear to be without the context – and try to apply them today, you will probably “miss the boat,” Dr. Heitzenrater said. You need to know the context and what the meaning was in order to appropriate the message wisely and in a way that makes sense in the present day, he said. Historians appropriate from the past for the present, he said. The objective is to take what is best and apply it to the present situation with an eye toward the future. “Nobody takes old tradition and simply plops it down in the present,” he said. “Nobody who is concerned about the future tries to do that. The kids are going to say ‘that old stuff is old hat; what’s that got to do with today?’” “And some of the stuff you have to throw out,” he said. Wesley’s aversion to relaxation is one of those things Dr. Heitzenrater would toss. “He didn’t’ understand relaxation,” he said of Wesley. In his time, that was one thing, but in “the current hubbub, you cannot not survive unless you know how to relax.” The Rev. Michele Somerville, who serves in the Williamsport District of the Susquehanna Annual Conference, said she sees “a slow fade” happening: United Methodist churches that once had full-time pastors are now staffed by part-time clergy or certified lay ministers. “I feel that ... what Wesley has to offer us today offers a lot of hope for the churches we serve,” she said. Dr. Tyson, author of Assist Me
“IT’S A DIFFICULT time to start a new program,” given
the tough economy. “I was a little surprised it hasn’t kicked off bigger, but nothing starts big; it’s still very new. ... a mustard seed is all it takes to get started.” – Dr. John R. Tyson
20 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014
to Proclaim: The Life and Hymns of Charles Wesley, agrees. “We have become too segmented in our lives,” Dr. Tyson said, our church, family and work lives are separate, “and to have to segment our lives is not good for us in spirit; there are parts that starve for spiritual encouragement and opportunity. ... Charles Wesley (saw) all of life penetrated by the presence of God.” About the academics These students are only on campus for two weeks each year. The D.Min. programs at CRCDS, including the Wesleyan/Methodist Studies concentration, are taught in an intensive format during the first two weeks of January and June. The program is designed to take students three to six years to complete. Those not enrolled in the degree program can audit the classes for $190 each. Applicants must have a Master of Divinity degree and a minimum of three year’s ministry experience after earning their MDiv. Courses comprise three parts: • readings and responses, completed before the course is taught; • residency (the two weeks of classes); • a final course project. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ CRCDSDminReqs to learn more about admissions requirements. “I am excited about being on the front end of a new thing happening in the Church,” Dr. Tyson said of launching the new program. “A challenge, (but) also an opportunity when you are attuned to what God is doing,” and this new program is a way for Church leaders to “embrace this new future with resources from the United Methodist tradition.”
Remembrances W
endell Chamberlain died on Thursday, July 31, 2014. He was the father of the Rev. Carl Chamberlain, pastor at the Amsterdam UMC, and father-in-law of Pastor Heidi Chamberlain, who is appointed to the Fonda-Fultonville and Salem East Stone Arabia UMCs. Condolences can be sent to the family at 341 Golf Course Road, Amsterdam, N.Y. 12010.
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ev. Daniel Holmes Berry, 73, died on Saturday, July 26, 2014. He served several churches in the former Western New York Conference before retiring in 2003. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Neoma Berry, at 3057 Arborwood Blvd., Spring Arbor, Mich. 49283. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl. com/Berry072614.
“ ... 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
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uth E. Gray, 84, died on July 9, 2014. She was a retired local pastor who served the Eagle Bridge and South Cambridge UMCs from 1993 to 2001. Condolences can be sent to the family in care of Frederick Gray, 76 West Broadway, Salem, N.Y. 12865. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/Gray070914.
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ev. David L. Franke, 70, died on July 5, 2014. Most recently he served at the Wayland and Grand Island: Trinity United Methodist churches. Read the full obituary at http://tinyurl.com/Franke070514.
Reflections on the 47th annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal By Shirley Readdean
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lack Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) held its 47th annual meeting on March 28, 2014. Attending from Upper New York were Blenda Smith and Shirley Readdean, co-chairs of the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CORR), and CORR committee members Millie Mason (a lifetime member of BMCR) and Desiree Chaires. BMCR is Readdean a one of four United Methodist advocacy groups. BMCR was established when the Central Jurisdiction (a segregated jurisdiction) was dissolved; since, BMCR has worked for equality within the Church structure. The two-day meeting was extremely inspirational. Good preaching, singing, and fellowship. The membership voted on new strategic plan with an emphasis on advocacy from a Christian perspec-
tive within the Church and within the black community. There will also be collaboration with other advocacy coalitions. These advocacy efforts will address pertinent concerns such as: Mass incarceration: According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, based at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, the United States has the highest prison population rate in the world and is neck-and-neck with China in the number of its people behind bars. In 2013, about 2.24 million people in the United States – meaning 716 per 100,000 people – were in a penal institution. Violence: A number of members spoke with alarm about gun violence within the black community. They cited the deaths of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, two unarmed black teens killed in separate incidents. Voter rights: Eight states, since the start of 2013, have passed “restrictive voting” legislation, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University of School of Law. Laws include stricter photo identification rules, elimination of Election-Day registra-
tion, and a reduction of the number of days for early voting. Immigration reform: Group members, some of whom are immigrants themselves, also expressed an interest in supporting comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. BMCR is planning to establish Advocacy Councils in conferences and districts to provide assistance in addressing these concerns in specific communities. BMCR members in Upper New York are working to develop a local caucus. A local caucus is a subgroup of the national organization that relates to and represents persons who reside within a certain geographical area such as jurisdiction, annual conference or local church. It is also an advocacy organization that addresses the needs and concerns of those it represents. BMCR is looking to the future while acknowledging the past, honoring the foundations laid 47 years ago, and developing strategies relevant to the advocacy concerns presented in the cultural climate as it exists today. The BMCR’s 48th annual meeting will be April 16-18, 2015 in Orlando, Fla. 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 PO Box 590 – 54 Bay St. Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 480-4866 Email: AdirondackDistrict@unyumc.org
Finger Lakes District District Superintendent Jeffrey McDowell 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
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 Nancy Adams 65 E. First St. Corning, NY 14830 (607) 962-8047 Fax: (607) 962-8045 Email: Mountainviewdistrict@unyumc.org
Albany District District Superintendent Richard Weihing 568 Loudon Road Latham, NY 12110 Mailing: PO Box 511 Newtonville, NY 12128 (518) 608-1246 Email: AlbanyDistrict@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 AUGUST 2014
On the Conference calendar Aug. 17-21
Sept. 5-7
Special Session of AC
Director’s Invitational
Three Locations in UNY
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, Moravia
This five-day, spiritual leadership seminar was developed to help youth recognize their style of leadership and to develop their own unique God given gifts. www.unyumc.org/news/ detail/1897
Aug. 27-28
Living Well workshops Upper New York’s Second Half of Life Ministries and New Faith Communities teams are co-sponsoring a series of five Living Well workshops across UNY. There is also an online version of the workshop that can be taken anytime. www.unyumc.org/events/ detail/2667
Sept. 1
Labor Day
Conference Office Closed Sept. 2
Summer Hours End
The Conference returns to its regular business hours on Sept. 2, 2014. The office hours will return to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sept. 12-14
Mission u
Region I – Silver Bay Conference Center, Lake George Sept. 14 Mountain View DS Installation 4 p.m., Centenary UMC in Bath
Sept. 21 Finger Lakes DS Installation
4 p.m., Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
Sept. 6-7
Adirondog Retreat
Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center in Greig The inaugural Adirondog Retreat is a three-day retreat for dogs and their people to spend time enjoying the outdoors with other dogs and dog lovers, and to help people expand their sense of the presence of the Creator through their pets. http://tinyurl.com/Adirondog14
A special session of the Upper New York Annual Conference will be held in three locations to make a recommendation to the Conference Trustees about the potential purchase of a property located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool to serve as the Conference Center. The locations include Rush UMC (Sept. 6), Liverpool UMC (Sept. 6), and the Saratoga Springs UMC (Sept. 7). See pages 4-6 for full details.
Creative Worship Workshops To help churches in Upper New York Make Worship More Creative the Conference is hosting four oneday workshops led by creative worship specialist, author and worship coach Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions. • Niagara Frontier District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Springville UMC, 474 East Main St. • Oneonta District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Broad Street UMC, 74 North Broad St., Norwich • Northern Flow District: 1:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Sandy Creek UMC, 2031 Harwood Drive • Adirondack District: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Queensbury UMC, 460 Aviation Road The registration cost is $35 per person or $75 per church (up to four people); visit https://unyumcreg.brtapp.com/CreativeWorshipSeminar to register. See story page 9.
Oct. 4-5
Road T.R.I.P. The Upper New York Conference staff Road T.R.I.P. is an opportunity for pastors and local church leaders to participate in a series of workshops that will help support you as you carry on the vital work of making disciples for Christ. Similar to the workshops offered this spring, these learning opportunities are designed to be Transformative, Relevant, Innovative and Personal. Save these dates for the next Road T.R.I.P.: Oct. 4 – Batavia First UMC Oct. 5 – Bemus Point UMC See story page 10. unyumc.org 23
Is your church...
Visit www.unyumc.org/2014ministryshares to see if your church is on track to pay 100 percent of its 2014 Ministry Share benevolence. The on-track churches have been identified as those churches that have paid at least 65 percent of their Ministry Share requests as of July. The website will be updated monthly through November. Questions about Ministry Shares can be directed to the office of the Treasurer at (855) 424-7878. Help us celebrate these Churches on Track! 24 UNY ADVOCATE AUGUST 2014