2020 Upper New York Conference Journal, Volume I

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2

Table of Contents

3

Welcome Letter from Conference Lay Leader, Susan Hardy .................................................................... 4

4

Holy Conferencing Principles ................................................................................................................. 5

5

Organizational Motion .......................................................................................................................... 6

6

Consent Calendar .................................................................................................................................. 8

7

Tentative Agenda Virtual Annual Conference......................................................................................... 9

8

Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 11

9

Nominations ............................................................................................................................................... 13

10

Ministry Share Budget ................................................................................................................................ 37

11

Narrative Budget ........................................................................................................................................ 41

12

Recommendation from Equitable Compensation ..................................................................................... 61

13

Closure of a Local Church – Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango ................................... 63

14

Closure of a Local Church – Antwerp United Methodist Church ............................................................... 64

15

Closure of a Local Church – Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church ....................................... 65

16

Closure of a Local Church – Catlin United Methodist Church .................................................................... 66

17

Closure of a Local Church – North Creek United Methodist Church ......................................................... 67

18

Closure of a Local Church – North Petersburg United Methodist Church ................................................. 68

19

Closure of a Local Church – Oxford United Methodist Church .................................................................. 69

20

Closure of a Local Church – Prattsburgh United Methodist Church .......................................................... 70

21

Closure of a Local Church – Stanford United Methodist Church ............................................................... 71

22

Closure of a Local Church – Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church...................................... 73

23

Closure of a Local Church – Woodhull United Methodist Church ............................................................. 74

24

Reports (Conference Teams) ............................................................................................................... 75

25

Accessibility Concerns Team ...................................................................................................................... 77

26

Archives and History, Commission on ........................................................................................................ 78

27

Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) ............................................................................................................ 79

28

College Ministry Team................................................................................................................................ 82

29

Communications ........................................................................................................................................ 83

30

Episcopacy, Committee on ......................................................................................................................... 85

31

Equitable Compensation, Conference Commission on .............................................................................. 86

32

Finance and Administration, Conference Council of.................................................................................. 87

Letter from Upper New York Area Bishop Mark J. Webb ........................................................................ 3

1

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

Global Ministries, Board of ........................................................................................................................ 88

2

Laity and Conference Lay Leaders, Board of .............................................................................................. 89

3

Lay Servant Ministries ................................................................................................................................ 90

4

Native American Ministries, Committee on, (CONAM) ............................................................................. 92

5

Northeastern Jurisdiction Delegation ........................................................................................................ 93

6

Peace with Justice Grant Program ............................................................................................................. 96

7

Pensions and Health Benefits, Conference Board of (CBOPHB) ................................................................ 97

8

Religion & Race, Conference Commission on (CCORR) .............................................................................. 99

9

Safe SanctuariesÂŽ Team ........................................................................................................................... 101

10

Trustees, Board of .................................................................................................................................... 102

11

United Methodist Women (UMW) .......................................................................................................... 106

12

Vital Congregations .................................................................................................................................. 107

13

Volunteers in Mission (VIM)..................................................................................................................... 108

14

Reports (Connected Organizations) ................................................................................................... 111

15

Africa University ....................................................................................................................................... 113

16

Boston University School of Theology ..................................................................................................... 114

17

Duke University Divinity School ............................................................................................................... 116

18

Methodist Theological School .................................................................................................................. 118

19

United Theological Seminary ................................................................................................................... 119

2

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Letter from Upper New York Area Bishop Mark J. Webb Dear sisters and brothers of the Upper New York Area, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus the Christ!

As we prepare to gather for the 2020 postponed session of Annual Conference, we continue to journey through unprecedented days that require unprecedented ways. Due to safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic, we will gather together by remote communication. While this form of gathering is certainly not our preference, we can be confident that it is in compliance with both church law and New York state law as we care for the necessary and essential matters before us.

I am appreciative for the many who have worked tirelessly to assure that our gathering is possible and will support us during the time we are together. I thank each of you in advance for the spirit of patience and cooperation that we will offer one another, because we can truly say – “We have never done it this way before!” Despite our best efforts, there will be glitches. There will be aspects of what we do when we are physically together that we simply cannot do in a virtual setting - YET I know that together we will make it work as we celebrate the opportunity to focus on our mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” and the ways in which we will carry that mission out in this upcoming year.

Please be reminded that our agenda only includes the necessary business we must accomplish according to The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The pages in this workbook will prepare you to engage fully in that necessary business that we will consider on October 3rd. I hope you will take the time to read each report and every page. I urge you to surround your reading, preparation and consideration in prayer.

I am grateful to be a part of this place called Upper New York, and to share the journey of ministry with each of you. I continue to give thanks to God for the ways in which you have offered the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this season. It has been a hard season, yet you have been faithful, as you depend upon the faithfulness of God. I look forward to our virtual time together. You remain in my prayers.

31

32 33 34

Mark J. Webb Resident Bishop, Upper New York Area

3

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Welcome Letter from Conference Lay Leader, Susan Hardy

19

Susan Hardy, Conference Lay Leader

Friends, Amid challenges to our denomination’s structure and a global pandemic, please hold onto your identity as a beloved child of God, called to follow Jesus and courageously share God’s story.

Remember where you first heard about that gospel story of love, forgiveness, and transformation? Most of us probably met Jesus in our local churches, through the laity who invited us to “Come and see.” Those laity were family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Their ministries were caring for the youngest in our nurseries, teaching Sunday School classes, singing/ringing in choirs, ushering, greeting, working at our camp and retreat centers, and serving on teams and committees for fellowship times and mission opportunities.

Just as the gospel story affirms God’s love beyond time and physical constraints, so the practices and vitality of our local churches will be a continuing challenge. The mission is not going to change. We are called to be The Church! May God gift each of us with the courage to share God’s story with everyone!

4

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Holy Conferencing Principles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church Ephesians 4:3 [Make] every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace • • • • •

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 busyness.

Strive to accurately reflect the view of others.

5

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Organizational Motion 1. This is the eleventh session of the Upper New York Conference held on October 3, 2020.

2. Due to safety concerns associated with the Covid-19 global pandemic, the 2020 Upper New York Annual Conference will be held by remote communication via an online video platform consistent with New York State’s Religious Corporation Law, section 28.

3. For all purposes, this electronically conducted meeting is deemed to be the equivalent of an inperson meeting in accordance with applicable New York State law.

4. The bar of the Annual Conference shall contain all conference members who log in by electronic device or phone through the secure login information for the annual conference session provided by the Upper New York Conference.

5. Members of the Annual Conference are responsible for ensuring that all necessary technology on the member’s side of the meeting is in proper working order prior to the meeting.

6. The meeting will be conducted in a manner such that all participants are afforded a reasonable opportunity to participate. Only items in the published agenda will be considered. Due to the limitations of a virtual gathering, each report and recommendation will be presented to the Annual Conference session with provision for debate but not amendment. All participants will have the right to speak and address those in attendance during the meeting. Poll logs will be maintained for all votes.

7. To maintain an open meeting, the Annual Conference session will be livestreamed and recorded for playback.

8. The session shall be governed by the rules of General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Roberts Rules of Order 11th edition shall govern all procedural questions where the rules of General Conference cannot be applied.

9. Holy Conferencing affirms our covenant with God and one another. At any time during the proceedings, the Bishop may call for a moment of discernment and prayer before a vote is taken.

10. All reports without recommendations shall be placed on the Consent Calendar. Upon proper motion, any report may be lifted from the Consent Calendar and placed on the agenda by a onethird vote of the Conference body.

11. The roll call of attendance shall be taken from the login to the secure online meeting.

12. Lay members are those specified by the 2016 Book of Discipline, ¶32, Article I. Selection of Lay Equalization Members, as required in ¶32, Article I., was determined according to the Rules for Determining and Selecting Lay members to the Annual Conference, approved by the Annual Conference May 31, 2012.

13. Clergy entitled to vote are those specified by the 2016 Book of Discipline, ¶602, subject to the limitations contained in the same paragraph.

6

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

14. Securing the floor: Conference members wishing to speak to the Conference shall call the phone number for debate and discussion. They will then share their voting information and topic of debate/discussion with the operator. The operator will then place them in a queue; they will be called on by the Bishop. Upon being called on they will be given the floor. At this time, they should share the following information: • • • • •

Name Gender (male, female, non-binary) Clergy or laity Race/ethnicity (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic/Latinx; Multi-racial or White.

Church and district

15. No person shall speak more than once upon the same question and shall be limited to not more than three minutes, except the maker of the resolution or the chairperson of the agency submitting the resolution, who shall have up to five minutes to open and three minutes to close debate.

16. The Journal editor shall have sole authority to edit, condense, organize, and print the Upper New York Conference Journal/Yearbook. All material from this session must be submitted in writing no later than November 1, 2020.

17. The Director of Communications shall be responsible for reporting to the general periodicals of The United Methodist Church and secular news media. All references for printing by the Conference official publication shall be subject to editing and condensing by the editor.

18. These rules apply only to the 2020 Annual Conference virtual session. At the adjournment of the 2020 Annual Conference virtual session, the Rules of Order last approved at the 2019 Annual Conference session will once again become the Rules of Order until the 2021 Annual Conference session.

7

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3

Consent Calendar

4

Accessibility Concerns Team

5

Archives and History, Commission on

6

Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM)

7

Boston University School of Theology

8

College Ministry Team

9

Communications

Arica University

10

Duke University Divinity School

11

Episcopacy, Committee on

12

Global Ministries, Board of

13

Laity and Conference Lay Leaders, Board of,

14

Lay Servant Ministries

15

Methodist Theological School

16

Native American Ministries, Committee on, (CONAM)

17

Northeastern Jurisdiction Delegation

18

Peace with Justice Grant Program

19

Religion & Race, Conference Commission on (CCORR)

20

Safe SanctuariesÂŽ Team

21

United Methodist Men (UMM)

22

United Methodist Women (UMW)

23

United Theological Seminary

24

Vital Congregations

25

Volunteers in Mission (VIM)

8

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Tentative Agenda Virtual Annual Conference Friday, Sept. 18, 2020: 7 p.m.

Practice Session (open to lay and clergy voting members) Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020: 10 a.m.

Clergy Session Friday, Oct. 2, 2020: 7 p.m. (invitation only)

Service of Commissioning and Ordination (live streamed to Annual Conference) Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020: 9:30 a.m.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Welcome & General Instructions Opening Devotional Organizational pieces Business Leadership Report Board of Pensions Report & Recommendations Equitable Compensation Report & Recommendations Board of Trustees Report & Recommendations Committee on Nominations Recommendations Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Acknowledgement of Appointments

9

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

10

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Recommendations 11

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

12

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

Nominations 13

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

14

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

15

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

16

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

17

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

18

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

19

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

20

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

21

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

22

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

23

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

24

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

25

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

26

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

27

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

28

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

29

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

30

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

31

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

32

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

33

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

34

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

35

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

36

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

Ministry Share Budget 37

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 38

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 39

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

40

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Narrative Budget

41

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

42

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

43

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

44

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

45

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

46

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

47

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

48

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

49

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

50

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

51

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

52

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

53

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

54

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

55

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

56

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

57

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

58

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

59

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

60

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Recommendation from Equitable Compensation This year, we bring three recommendations for approval, although, all remain unchanged from 2019: The minimum base compensation, the increment amount for years of service, and the amount for a multiple pastoral charge.

Minimum Base Compensation 1. We recommend for 2021 that the standardized minimum base compensation that was established for the Upper New York Conference effective Jan. 1, 2017 stay the same. Those

minimum base salaries are set according to credential level, for all full-time clergy persons as noted below: (no changes) Base

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Full connection (elders & deacons):

$39,984

Provisional (elders & deacons):

$38,556

Associate:

$37,842

FT LP completed Course of Study or MDiv: FT Local Pastor:

$37,128 $35,700

(Less than full time appointments shall receive a base salary pro-rated according to the appointment.)

2. We recommend for 2021 that the yearly increment amount that was established for the Upper New York Conference effective Jan. 2020 stay the same. The yearly increment is equal

to 1 percent of the minimum base compensation for each credential level for up to 25 years of full-time equivalent service. (no changes)

Full connection (elders & deacons):

Increment $400

Provisional (elders & deacons): Associate:

$386 $378

FT LP completed Course of Study or MDiv:

$371

FT Local Pastor:

$357

These increments are based on full-time employment years for service up to 25 years.

3. We recommend that an additional $500 for each additional church on the pastoral

charge (over one), not adjusted for part-time appointments remain in place.

(Unchanged) 4. We recommend that no pastor’s salary can be decreased as a result of this policy, as long

as they retain their current appointment. (unchanged) 5. All churches are encouraged to offer a salary increase of no less than the 10-year average

61

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

increase in the Consumer Price Index in order to account for increases in the costs of living.

Churches are encouraged to consider further raises based on exceptional service.

There are no changes to the Clergy Housing Policy for 2020.

There are no changes to the Accountable Reimbursement Plan policy for 2020.

To the Moving Policy, we propose to add the following language: The Moving Coordinator must be notified in advance (two weeks minimum) of the need to change a scheduled moving date. If a move is cancelled, in absence of a crisis, the pastor (not the church) will be responsible for the costs incurred with the moving company.

The Commission currently has other matters under consideration and will report them as appropriate at the 2020 Upper New York Annual Conference session.

62

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango Whereas, Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango was organized in 1868, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 152 years; Whereas, on March 9, 2020, Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango vested in the Annual Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango from March 31, 2020 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby RESOLVED, that Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on March 31, 2020 are affirmed; and it is further RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020); and it is further RESOLVED, that the membership of the Abbott United Methodist Church of West Chenango be transferred to the Choconut Center United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

63

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Antwerp United Methodist Church Whereas, Antwerp United Methodist Church was organized in 1863, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 156 years; Whereas, on Oct. 16, 2019, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Antwerp United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Antwerp United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Antwerp United Methodist Church from Oct. 16, 2019, until this session of the Upper New York Annual33 Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Antwerp United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Oct. 16, 2019, are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Antwerp United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Antwerp United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Antwerp United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

64

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church Whereas, Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church was organized in 1894, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 125 years; Whereas, on Oct. 16, 2019, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church from Nov. 1, 2019, until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Oct. 16, 2019 are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Binghamton: Brookvale United Methodist Church be transferred to the Windsor United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

65

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Catlin United Methodist Church Whereas, Catlin United Methodist Church was organized in 1888, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 132 years; Whereas, on Feb. 27, 2020, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Catlin United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Catlin United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Catlin United Methodist Church from March 2, 2020, until this session of the Upper New York Conference Therefore, be it resolved that Catlin United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Feb. 27, 2020, are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Catlin United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Catlin United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Catlin United Methodist Church be transferred to the other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

66

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – North Creek United Methodist Church WHEREAS, North Creek United Methodist Church was organized in 1887, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 133 years; WHEREAS, on August 10, 2020, Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that North Creek United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the North Creek United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the North Creek United Methodist Church from August 10, 2020 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby RESOLVED, that North Creek United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on August 10, 2020 are affirmed; and it is further RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the North Creek United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Place for New People fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the North Creek United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020); and it is further RESOLVED, that the membership of the North Creek United Methodist Church be transferred to the Indian Falls United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

67

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – North Petersburg United Methodist Church WHEREAS, North Petersburg United Methodist Church was organized in 1899, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 121 years; WHEREAS, on August 10, 2020, Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Annual Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that North Petersburg United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and WHEREAS, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and WHEREAS, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the North Petersburg United Methodist Church vested in the Annual Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Annual Conference; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the North Petersburg United Methodist Church from August 10, 2020 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; it hereby RESOLVED, that North Petersburg United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further RESOLVED, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on August 10, 2020 are affirmed; and it is further RESOLVED, that the balance of the assets formerly of the North Petersburg United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the North Petersburg United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020); and it is further RESOLVED, that the membership of the North Petersburg United Methodist Church be transferred to the Petersburg United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

68

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Oxford United Methodist Church Whereas, Oxford United Methodist Church was organized in 1830, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 190 years; Whereas, on Jan. 8, 2020, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Oxford United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Oxford United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Oxford United Methodist Church from Jan. 8, 2020 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Oxford United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Jan. 8, 2020, are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Oxford United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Oxford United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred to Foundation UMC, Vestal; and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Oxford United Methodist Church be transferred to the Foundation United Methodist Church or other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

69

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Prattsburgh United Methodist Church Whereas, Prattsburgh United Methodist Church was organized in 1868, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 151 years; Whereas, on Feb. 5, 2020, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Prattsburgh United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Prattsburgh United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Prattsburgh United Methodist Church from Feb. 5, 2020 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Prattsburgh United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Feb. 5, 2020, are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Prattsburgh United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Prattsburgh United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Prattsburgh United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

70

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Stanford United Methodist Church Whereas, Stanford United Methodist Church was organized in 1905 and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 115 years; Whereas, Rev. Richard Weihing the Albany District Superintendent, comprehensively assessed Stanford United Methodist Church’s past, present and potential ministry, after prayerfully and extensively meeting with, listening to and guiding the congregation; Whereas, the members of the Stanford United Methodist Church convened at a duly noticed Church Conference held on Feb. 09, 2020 and voted in favor of closing the church pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; Whereas, the District Superintendent determined that Stanford United Methodist Church no longer serves the purpose for which it was organized and recommended that it be closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline; Whereas, in relation to the proposed closure, the District Superintendent recommended that control and possession of all real and personal property of the Stanford United Methodist Church vest in the Annual Conference Trustees, and all real and personal property of the Stanford United Methodist Church be transferred to the Annual Conference, and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference, and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Stanford United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2020); Whereas, the District Superintendent recommended that the membership of Stanford United Methodist Church be transferred other United Methodist churches as the individual members select; and Whereas, Bishop Mark J. Webb, a majority of the District Superintendents, and the Albany District Board of Church Location and Building received and consented to the District Superintendent’s closure recommendations; it is therefore Resolved, that Stanford United Methodist Church is closed June 30, 2020; and it is further Resolved, that control and possession of all real and personal property formerly held in trust by Stanford United Methodist Church is hereby vested in the Annual Conference Trustees, and that the Annual Conference Trustees are authorized to sell and convey the real estate in accordance with market conditions; and it is further Resolved, that following the sale of the real estate, the balance of the assets formerly of the Stanford United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference; and it is further

71

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Resolved, that all real and personal property of the Stanford United Methodist Church be and hereby is transferred to the Annual Conference, and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Stanford United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2020); Resolved, that the membership of the Stanford United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

72

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church Whereas, Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as the ROAD at West Genesee) was organized in 1839, and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 180 years; Whereas, on Jan. 8, 2020, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as the ROAD at West Genesee) was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as The ROAD at West Genesee) vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as The ROAD at West Genesee) from Nov. 1, 2019 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as The ROAD at West Genesee) is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Jan. 8, 2020, are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Syracuse: West Genesee United Methodist Church (operating as The ROAD at West Genesee) be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

73

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Upper New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference Resolution for the Closure of a Local Church – Woodhull United Methodist Church Whereas, Woodhull United Methodist Church was organized in 1846 and faithfully served its community in ministry for over 173 years; Whereas, on Nov. 1, 2019, Bishop Mark J. Webb and the District Superintendents of the Upper New York Conference Cabinet met and, upon full and deliberate consideration, declared that Woodhull United Methodist Church was no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship and no longer served the purpose for which it was organized and/or incorporated as members of Woodhull United Methodist Church have been worshiping at a different location at the Community Church of Woodhull; and Whereas, the Cabinet further determined and declared that exigent circumstances existed requiring the immediate protection of the local church's property for the benefit of the denomination; and Whereas, immediately upon the Cabinet's declaration of exigent circumstances, all real and personal, tangible and intangible, property of the Woodhull United Methodist Church vested in the Conference's Board of Trustees, with denominational authority to hold and dispose of the property in its sole discretion subject to the standing rules of the Conference; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees faithfully and diligently administered the real and personal property of the Woodhull United Methodist Church from Nov. 1, 2019 until this session of the Upper New York Annual Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that Woodhull United Methodist Church is closed pursuant to the provisions of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and it is further Resolved, that all actions taken by the Annual Conference Trustees following the Cabinet's declaration on Nov. 1, 2019 are affirmed; and it is further Resolved, that the balance of the assets formerly of the Woodhull United Methodist Church, including all net sale proceeds, shall be transferred to and administered in accordance with the New Beginnings Fund of the Upper New York Conference; and that the balance of the assets formerly of the Woodhull United Methodist Church, including the net sale proceeds, after administration by Conference Trustees be allocated and transferred in accordance with the standing resolutions and policies of the Upper New York Conference with respect to closed churches effective during the Quadrennium (Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2020); and it is further Resolved, that the membership of the Woodhull United Methodist Church be transferred to other United Methodist churches as the individual members select.

74

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Reports (Conference Teams) 75

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

76

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Accessibility Concerns Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

The Accessibility Concerns Team has been hard at work this year. We have been endeavoring to assist in making our yearly Annual Conference session a place where everyone is included and valued. We have shown some marked improvements over the last few years and will keep working towards full inclusion!

Thanks to our volunteers who help make it possible, and to everyone who is looking out for others during AC session. We have also worked on setting up a page on the Conference website so that people can find us, the grant application, and eventually resources (unyumc.org/resources/accessibility).

We continue to update and add information to our Facebook page. The grant application is complete now for 2020 and will be available again for 2021. Please remember that you must have celebrated Accessibility Sunday and must have taken an offering for the grant in order to be eligible to apply since it is a selffunding grant.

We have completed analysis of the accessibility surveys each church completed in 2017 and have collected the 2019 data from most of the districts. We will begin to process that in 2020.

We have also completed our mission statement, which you will find below: We believe that all people are created in the image of God and have sacred worth. We also believe that it is vital to the body of Christ to celebrate the spiritual gifts of people with all abilities so that we can best witness the beauty and diversity that God has created in our communities.

We are here to support, train and assist local churches of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church to best serve those with accessibility concerns.

Our goal is to make the community of Christ accessible to all people.

Next year, we plan to find out what tools/resources our local churches need in order to make their communities more welcoming for those with disabilities and to add these resources to our web page as we continue our work for Annual Conference session.

We look forward to hearing more from the Conference and districts to help us discover what accessibility challenges need to be met throughout the Conference (at Annual Conference session, district days, church services, etc.) and with suggestions as to how to meet some or all of those challenges. Please assist us in helping the world discover the most accessible United Methodist Church possible.

77

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Archives and History, Commission on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Highlights The tradition of awarding a historic 1854 Genesee Conference walking cane (inherited by the Western New York Conference) to the longest Conference member was referred by the Commission on Archives and History (CAH) to the Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry, as the last holder had died in late 2018. The new holder, L. Bradley Havens (admitted in 1942 to Wyoming Conference), was announced at Annual Conference session by the Rev. Matt Stengel of the board.

Three CAH members (plus a fourth person from Upper New York) attended the Northeastern Jurisdiction CAH annual meeting May 7-9, 2019, on “By Water and Spirit” in Johnstown, Pa. This was the site of the devastating 1889 flood and the nearby 911 Flight 93 crash and where the Evangelical United Brethren Church was formed by merger in 1946. Upper New York gave the New York Conference a family sewing box made of a piece of beam from the original 1768 Wesley Chapel in New York City, torn down in 1817.

This was passed along to the Finger Lakes District office after the death of the fourth generation Long Island daughter.

In the UNY archives, we have just started to organize the massive collection brought from the four former conferences. Following the advice from the General Commission on Archives and History and the Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) consultants who reviewed the archives in 2018, metal shelving units were purchased to replace the wooden shelving, which will be set up in 2020. Gaining and processing the appropriate records from closed churches is also a challenge. Local churches seem to lack understanding of the process and sometimes the records remain in the district buildings or elsewhere and do not get turned over to the archives. Also, it takes a lot of time to do the sorting, which is beyond what could be done by the staff and volunteer hours available in 2019.

The following was part of the 2019 CAH planning and action and will continue in 2020: •

May 19-21, 2020, the Commission was to have hosted NEJCAH representatives meeting in Auburn (Finger Lakes District) on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving the right to vote to women. Due to Covid -19, this event has been postponed until 2021.

•

CAH seeks to set policy and procedures for the Conference archives, to carry out the various recommendations from the two professional appraisals, and to ultimately obtain a part-time professional archivist. A Syracuse University student was hired as a part-time intern in Jan. and worked until early May, while the archivist position is again a request in the 2021 budget.

The associated Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society held a public meetings June 15 at the UNY Methodist Center on “UMC Historic Sites associated with Upper New York Conference” and Sept. 14 at the Corning UMC with a program on circuit riders. UNY-UMHS also communicates news and pictures, historical articles, and tips and policy through its quarterly e-newsletter UNY Historical News & Views and on its public Facebook site. facebook.com/groups/UNYUnitedMethodistHistoricalSociety/ Active members of the UNY Commission on Archives and History in all or part of 2019: Ken Jones (Chair), Nancy Rutenber* (Secretary), Karen Staulters* (VP), Rev. Betsye Mowry*, James Hare*, Rev. Don Hoff*, Rev. Cathy Lee, Rev. James Lesch*, Loreen Jorgensen, Tom Place, Susan Slenker, and Richard Ward* (* timed out or resigned so will not be on the 2020-2021 Conference-elected team)

78

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) is privileged to have the ministry of caring for the clergy of the Upper New York Conference from the first perception of a call through retirement. We work through the 12 District Committees on Ordained Ministry (dCOMs), and in close partnership with the appointive cabinet. BOM is the credentialing body for clergy seeking licensing, commissioning, and ordination in the Upper New York Conference. The Board of Ordained Ministry has a wide scope of responsibilities in cultivating and supporting excellent clergy leadership; these tasks are outlined in ¶635 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.

The board’s membership is made up of clergy (deacons, elders, local pastors, and associate members) and at least 20 percent laypersons, appointed by the bishop. Attention is paid to gender, ethnic diversity, age, and geography in the appointment of members. We work in six broad areas: standards and qualifications (of ordination candidates); clergy status; clergy effectiveness; dCOM coordination; recruitment/enlistment; and oversight of the provisional members program.

The co-chairs of the BOM serve overlapping four-year terms (e.g. 2016-2020 and 2018--2022). Rev. Sue Russell is ending her four-year term this year. Rev. Brian Fellows (elected in 2018) will continue to serve two more years with the newly elected BOM co-chair from the new BOM membership beginning July 1, 2020. The Rev. Carmen Perry has been nominated by this BOM to serve as co-chair pending election by 2020-2021 BOM. Stacy Taylor, a layperson from the Cornerstone District, is our vice-chair with responsibility for stewardship, new member orientation, and team building. Pastor Donna Martin is finishing the Rev. Brooke Newell’s term as secretary and is nominated to continue. The Rev. Richelle Goff will be replacing the Rev. Tom Pullyblank as registrar. The Rev. Ann Kemper is assisting the registrar in preparing the BOM section of the “Business of Annual Conference,” which is the official record of the status of every clergy person in the Conference and is published annually in the Conference Journal. Two more people will be nominated for the 2020-2022 quadrennium to replace The Rev. Glen Hardman coordinating the psychological assessments and the Rev. Leon VanWie coordinating our background checks. The Rev. Anne Cole coordinates our continuing education grants.

Leading the board’s divisions this year are: the Rev. Chuck Smith, standards and qualifications; the Rev. Carmen Perry, clergy status; the Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell, clergy effectiveness; the Rev. David Piatt, dCOM coordination; the Rev. David Hermann, provisional program; and the Rev. Lee Carlson and layperson Crystal Martin, recruitment and enlistment. The chairs of the order of elders (Heather Williams and Bob Kolvik-Campbell), the order of deacons (Sheila Price and Dee Finch not on BOM), and the fellowship of local pastors and associate members (Anne Cole and Timothy Middleton) serve on BOM as ex-officio members with vote.

Much of our work during the year builds toward the interview retreat in late February, when we interview candidates, and engage in discerning God’s movement and guidance in raising up future leaders for our Church. Throughout January and February, board members are hard at work reading candidate materials, watching sermon videos, and praying for the candidates and the BOM. This year we had six candidates for commissioning as elders, two candidates for commissioning as deacons, one candidate for ordination as deacon and three for ordination as elders. Those who have been approved by the BOM for commissioning, for associate membership, ordination, and recommendation of orders are recommended to the full members of the Conference for approval. The culmination of each Annual Conference session is the service of ordination and commissioning through the laying on of hands by the bishop and other full members of the Conference.

79

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

In September and January, the provisional division offers a retreat for those on the path toward ordination. Candidates for full membership must attend three of four retreats offered in two years of provisional membership. Retreat content focuses on spiritual formation and continued learning of knowledge and skills for ministry.

The BOM is responsible for coordinating a school to license local pastors. Rev. Caroline Simmons coordinates the school. The Upper New York Conference offers the opportunity for local licensed pastors to continue their mandated study in the Course of Study (COS) through classes offered in the United Methodist center facility through Wesley Seminary.

BOM officers participated in training provided by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in the areas of recruitment, enlistment and care of candidates, in the creation of evaluation programs to meet the requirements of the new provisions of ¶349.3 of the 2016 Book Discipline, and in psychological assessment.

The BOM is working with the cabinet on developing a formal review process for clergy, to take place every five years. This assessment process will be rolled out in 2020.

The BOM provides financial support for students in seminary, in the Course of Study (COS) for local pastors, and in doctoral studies. We also provide support for continuing education of active clergy and retirees serving churches. This is accomplished using Ministerial Education Funds (MEF) from United Methodist Student Day offerings, invested funds and bequests, and Shared Ministry monies. Many thanks are due to Genesee Valley District Administrative Assistant Betsy O’Flynn, who has handled COS registration and reimbursement, and Crystal Martin and Lee Carlson, who handle seminary financial aid.

The board executive committee meets with the cabinet at least twice a year. This is an excellent way to build community and communication, as we work in our different, yet complementary, ministry areas.

This group enjoyed a retreat at Casowasco in November 2019. A representative of the cabinet (the Rev. Suzanne Block) serves, ex-officio with vote, on BOM, and two other superintendents, the Revs. Nola Anderson and Carlos Rosa-Laguer, as members of the BOM. The Bishop’s Executive Assistant the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding is present with us for much of our work on an advisory basis. In the spring, we work with the cabinet to prepare the “Business of Annual Conference.” This task is handled ably and cooperatively between the Board Registrar the Rev. Tom Pullyblank, Rev. Ann Kemper, and the bishop’s office. Many thanks are due to Episcopal Office Manager Mary Bradley, who is a tremendous help to both the BOM and the cabinet.

The Rev. Brian Fellows is the representative of UNY Conference on the Northeastern Jurisdiction Board of Ordained Ministry. This body shares the best practices and approaches to common struggles of the nine annual conferences’ BOMs. We, the co-chairs, are immensely grateful for the time, energy, prayer, and faithful service given by every member of the board. It is a holy and humbling work that we share, and it is only possible through the loving effort of many faithful people working together. Thanks be to God! Submitted by: Susan Russell and Brian Fellows, UNY Board of Ordained Ministry Co-Chairs UNY Board of Ordained Ministry members, as of March 2019: Rev. Nola Anderson, Bill Barber, Rev. Suzanne Block, Rev. Denise Bowen, Rev. Anne Canfield, Rev. Lee Carlson, Rev. Yohang Chun, Rev. Anne

80

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Cole, Brooke Conklin, Rev. Greg DeSalvatore, Brian Ethington, Rev. Brian Fellows, Rev. Richelle Goff, Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding (advisory), Rev. Jennifer Green, Keith Grinnell, Rev. Glen Hardman, Rev. David Herrmann, Rev. Youngjae Jee, Rev. Ann Kemper, Rev. Bob Kolvik�Campbell, Rev. Rick LaDue, Crystal Martin, Pastor Donna Martin, Rev. Karen McCaffery, Rev. Timothy Middleton, Rev. Bill Mudge, Louise Ortman, Rev. Carmen Perry, Rev. David Piatt, Rev. Sheila Price, Rev. Diane Prentice, Rev. Tom Pullyblank, Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer, Rev. Sue Russell, Rev. Sundar Samuel, Lynn Shipe, Rev. Caroline Simmons, Rev. Chuck Smith, Rev. Steven Smith, Rev. Matthew Stengel, Rev. Jamie Stevens, Stacy Taylor, Pastor Michael Terrell, Rev. Leon VanWie, Denise Walling, Rev. Heather Williams

81

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

College Ministry Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

The 2019-2020 year has been relatively quiet for the College Ministries team. We began last summer by reviewing applications for the Lottie Brown Grant, funds which are designated for use by those who are pursuing higher education degrees with the intention of using their education for Christian vocational purposes.

We had many strong applicants, and they were all able to receive a portion of the grant to put toward college expenses. We have also been prayerfully considering the many possible changes The United Methodist Church will be considering. With so much uncertainty in the Church, the College Ministries team has been taking our work with a grain of salt, understanding that in a very short time all resources, as well as the context in which we are trying to do ministry, could change drastically. As we look ahead into 2020-2021, we are eager to see what God has in store for us and will continue to work with our neighbors of all ages to create disciples of Jesus Christ through our campus ministries and college ministry resourcing.

In the coming year, the College Ministries team will also be examining much more intentionally, the tasks laid out for us by the 2016 Book of Discipline. We will seek to organize into subgroups, each with its own responsibilities. It is our hope that by becoming better acquainted with the duties entrusted to us by the Upper New York Conference, we may best meet the needs of the college students of the Conference both in the Church and not.

Submitted by: Samuel Smith, Chair Members: Rev. Jeff Aiosa, Emily Allen, Katie Allen, Rev. Eunice Kim, Elyse Muder, Caleb Smith, Zach Stahlsmith, JJ Warren, Pastor Karen Woodworth, Pastor Rhonda Chester, Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Rev. Debbie Earthrowl

82

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Communications 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

It has been a year of adjustment and innovation for Conference Communications, but there has continued to be great success in sharing the story of what it means to be United Methodist in Upper New York with each other and with the world.

The Advocate has shifted formats somewhat as we continue to work toward being the best stewards of resources we can be. In 2019, there were fewer issues printed, and many of the feature articles that would have been shared through the Advocate were shared in other ways. In 2020, there will again be four issues of the Advocate published. However, not all issues will be printed. Some issues will be published digitally, and churches will receive postcards with links and QR codes to help members and visitors access those issues with ease.

There was an intentional reduction in special-print publications, as well in 2019. In many cases, this reduction resulted in creative alternatives, such as the Annual Conference app. However, there was feedback that a printed narrative budget booklet was missed. To balance the desire for a printed narrative budget booklet and the cost associated with producing print materials, a new approach to the Narrative Budget is being taken in 2020 and beyond. The new Narrative Budget Booklet is not specific to a single year. For timely or time-sensitive materials, the booklet will refer individuals to the Conference website.

This will allow a single-print run of the Narrative Budget Booklet to be a useful resource for multiple years going forward.

The Bridge also continues to serve its audience well, providing a sampling of Conference and United Methodist Church life to the people in the pews about twice a month. The goal of the stories in The Bridge is to connect churches to each other, to the Conference, and to The United Methodist Church.

UNY Notes and the Weekly Digest remain committed to informing church leaders about the important news and events taking place around the Conference.

Video ministry continues to supplement both events and news around the Conference in a dynamic and exciting way. In 2019, there were many successes including multiple campaigns for the Mission Central HUB, supporting New Faith Communities, Annual Conference coverage, and much more.

The Conference website reaches a variety of audiences with everything from motivational news items to blogs and church forms in an organized and user-friendly way.

There have been significant improvements over the last couple of years in improving the Conference’s social media presence. Engagement has increased exponentially, and the past stated goal of creating an online community rather than simply adding to news feeds has become a reality.

The District Communication Hubs have been put to great use over the last year and they continue to grow and improve.

The primary focus in the coming year will be for Communications to support and share information about the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. This is a season of change for The United Methodist Church, but the Communications Ministry Team stands ready to adjust as needed and support leaders through this challenging time.

83

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4

The Communications team is blessed to be able to lead the way in sharing our story and is excited for the ministry the lies ahead. Through God’s grace, we will have amazing stories to tell in the coming year.

Submitted by: Stephen J. Hustedt, Director of Communications

84

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Episcopacy, Committee on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

The Upper New York Committee on the Episcopacy (COE) is elected at the beginning and then serves for the entirety of the quadrennium. The current COE was elected in 2016 and is finishing it’s fourth and final year of duties. We are grateful to have been able to support Bishop Webb and his family.

The COE consists of the following: • Rev. Dr. Bill Allen, chairperson • Mr. Greg Forrester, vice-chairperson • Pastor Abigail Browka • Mrs. Kelli Farrell • Pastor Olga Gonzalez-Santiago • Mrs. Susan Hardy, UNY Conference Lay Leader • Pastor Dr. Scott Johnson • Rev. Dr. Sung Ho Lee • Mrs. Pat VanVleck The chair and vice-chair of the COE are determined as the result of their order of election to the General Conference delegation from UNY. The rest of the COE members are chosen by the bishop.

In 2019, the COE continued its pattern of meeting at least twice a year with Bishop Webb. We also met via conference calls on ZOOM when necessary. It is important to recognize that confidentiality is a fundamental element of the COE. The COE serves as a type of S/PPRC for the bishop. Therefore, we have made a solemn covenant with Bishop Webb to share neither specific content nor tone of COE meetings.

This environment creates a space for grace, trust, and honesty in all our interactions.

The role of the COE is to support the Bishop by praying for him and his family, by ensuring that the episcopal residence meets the needs of the family, by blessing the family with encouragement and hospitality throughout the year, by providing a listening ear for the bishop, and by assisting the bishop in receiving evaluative feedback concerning his leadership. Typically, some members of the COE will meet at least once at the episcopal residence to make sure all is well.

Following the 2021 Jurisdictional Conference, a new COE will be formed to support and encourage the UNY bishop and her/his family through the new quadrennium. We ask that the laity and clergy of the UNY Conference take seriously our privilege and responsibility of holding up the UNY bishop and her/his family in our prayers. We also ask that you keep the new COE in your prayers as they seek to do their duties faithfully.

Submitted by: Rev. Dr. Bill Allen, Chairperson 2016-2020

85

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Equitable Compensation, Conference Commission on 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

The mission of the Commission on Equitable Compensation is to help struggling local churches to establish sound financial footing, so they can build leadership capacity, make disciples, and transform the world.

The Commission on Equitable Compensation administers funds used to support clergy salaries for churches with pastors appointed full time where those churches are temporarily unable to meet minimum compensation standards.

It is our policy to support churches that demonstrate the potential for moving back to full self-funding.

The Commission on Equitable Compensation works with the Bishop’s Cabinet to encourage right–sizing appointments and other local church staffing, in order to prevent the need for Conference support. In spring 2019, we were able to provide support for seven churches totaling $32,000; in fall 2019, the support was for seven churches for $29,250. Spring 2020 was also for seven churches for $29,250. In these three periods, there were 11 churches that were helped. Each of these churches is participating in the Vital Signs Dashboard program. In addition, $9,250 was given for Missional Grants, $40,033 for Sustentation Grant,s and $20,000 for Appointment Grants.

We are responsible for bringing to the Annual Conference session, recommendations with respect to the minimum compensation base, the increment for years of service, and any other measures that would ensure that our clergy are fairly supported in their work.

This year, we bring three recommendations for approval although all remain unchanged from 2019: the minimum base compensation, the increment amount for years of service, and the amount for a multiple pastoral charge (see recommendations).

The members of the Commission on Equitable Compensation for 2019-2020 have included: Paula Kuempel (Chair), Penny Brink, De Dunn, Peggi Eller, Bill Hatfield, Robyn Hays, John Laskowski, Mitchel Smith, Marthalyn Sweet, Teddi Urriola and Ex Officio Members: Bob Flask, William Gottschalk-Fielding, Susan Latessa; Cabinet Representative: Rich Weihing, and Conference Staff Support: Julie Valeski and Tracy Rickett.

Submitted by: Equitable Compensation Committee

86

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Finance and Administration, Conference Council of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

The Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) continues working on policies and procedures with the finance staff, forming the narrative budget and the other Discipline-mandated tasks of CF&A. Milestones during 2019 have included: •

Publishing, again, a narrative budget booklet, to tell some of the stories of what is accomplished through the local churches’ payment of their Ministry Shares.

•

Although ministry share collections were down a bit over the past couple of years, your CF&A made the decision to pay our 2019 General Church Apportionments in full.

•

It has continued to be our pleasure to work with the Conference treasurer and the finance staff as we have all done our work in the financial and fiscal areas. We continue to care for our Discipline-mandated tasks but realize that more stewardship work needs to be done in the Conference, including, but not limited to, the relationship of discipleship with stewardship and all that that entails. We are making plans to move into this work soon.

•

We work to control Ministry Share budget spending, and have communicated with each of the teams, requesting their spending needs, what they have accomplished, and how their work supports the vision, mission, and primary task of the Conference. Some difficult decisions have had to be made, based on the income received through ministry share collections, because while many churches paid 100 percent of their Ministry Shares in 2019, some did not. That has resulted in those difficult decisions having to be made.

•

We continue to endeavor to meet our task of faithfully and prayerfully strengthening our financial resources through fervent prayer, fiscally sound policies, and faithful stewardship practices, providing the revenue and resources necessary for the financial support of vital ministries of The United Methodist Church here in the Upper New York Conference and worldwide.

I offer thanks to the members of CF&A (Rev. Naomi Annandale, Roger Cullen, Rev. Nancy Dibelius, Sue Godshall, Rich Griffin, Rev. Sunny Mauser, Pastor Jenni Piatt, Rev. Gerald Piper, Holly Roush, Rev. Grace Warren, Bob Flask, Rev. Jeff McDowell, and Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding) for their service and ministry, to the Finance Staff, Conference treasurer, and to the Boards of Trustees and Pensions and Health Benefits, Conference Leadership Team, Executive Staff, Bishop and the Director of Connectional Ministries for their continued support.

Submitted by: Rev. Susan M. Ranous, president

87

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Global Ministries, Board of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

The Upper New York Board of Global Ministries (UNYBGM) did not meet during 2019. In mid‐2018, the Board invested a significant half‐day with the Rev. Bill Gottschalk‐Fielding discovering how the many functions directed to the Conference Boards of Global Ministries in the 2016 Book of Discipline have been assigned within the new structure of the Upper New York Conference. We had found ourselves with overlapping assignments and needed to discover which were realistically assigned to the board. That process was left open ended with the invitation to return to look more closely at prioritizing those functions clearly assigned to the current structure and looking at best practices for visioning and implementing them. To this process the board wants and needs to return in 2020.

During 2019, several second‐term experienced leaders rotated out of office and/or off the BGM. They provided excellent leadership, investing years of leadership experience from preceding conferences – gratitude is expressed to each! Several new members have taken up roles. They, too, bring passion and experience with and for mission with them. Gratitude is offered to them as well.

As a board, we anticipate moving forward with increased focus and momentum in the coming months.

If you are, or know of a lay or clergy person with a passion for the expression of grace‐in‐engagement with others in life's pressing realities locally, nationally, and beyond mission, you are invited to make contact with the nomination team or the chair of global ministries.

Submitted by: Pastor Bob Long, chairperson

88

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Laity and Conference Lay Leaders, Board of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Our Upper New York Board of Laity are your Conference Lay Leader, Associate Conference Lay Leader, district lay leaders, officers for United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, Young Adults, Youth, Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, at-large members, and our UNY Director of Vital Congregations. These gifted members of The Church of God within the UNY Conference of The UMC come from local churches. They serve in those local churches, but they also answered God’s call to offer their spiritual gifts, their experience, and their time to serve on district committees and UNY Conference teams.

I cannot thank them enough for their leadership and service these past four years.

In 2019, our Board of Laity met six times via videoconferencing. We shared responsibilities for following the L3 format at each meeting: Loving, Learning, and Leading. This supports our service at local churches, district ministries, and conference teams. We planned for our annual laity sessions at Annual Conference session, sharing ideas for speakers and encouraging leadership actions. We discussed how various groups were teaching laity to identify individual spiritual gifts, as well as how to discern God’s calling to exercise those gifts. We shared our concerns over the 2019 General Conference proceedings and reported on attendance at available conferences.

I attended the Annual Association of Conference Lay Leaders (AACLL) from April 26-29, 2019, in Santa Fe, N.M. We were blessed to hear from many inspiring leaders, such as Rev. Dr. Jacqui King, Director of U.S. Conference Relationships at Discipleship Ministries; Dawn Wiggins Hare, attorney and former judge, now serving as General Secretary of COSROW; Rev. Pamela Pirtie, Director of Leadership Development and Accountability for COSROW; Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, Director for Men’s Ministries at the General Commission on United Methodist Men; and David C. Teel, Director of Laity and Spiritual Leadership at Discipleship Ministries. I was elected to serve on the AACLL legislative committee, along with four other conference lay leaders.

At the 2019 AC session, we elected our delegates to the 2020 General Conference. Our Associate Conference Lay Leader, Drew Griffin, was among those elected. He has exercised his leadership gifts preparing for that time to represent UNYAC. Drew Griffin and I carpooled Sept. 27-29 to Valhalla for the gathering of the North Eastern Jurisdiction (NEJ) of Conference Lay Leaders. Two highlights among many exceptional experiences were witnessing Bishop Bickerton’s sermon at the Valhalla UMC and hearing a jazz gospel group called The Shepherd’s Singers the evening before.

As your Conference Lay leader, I have represented laity by presence, voice and vote at extended cabinet meetings, petitions and resolutions, rules, sessions, conference leadership team, board of laity, and nominations. It has been both inspiring and exhausting, but Bishop Webb, our Conference staff, our pastors, and our laity bring their love of Christ to every meeting. At the district level, I serve on dCOM and district leadership team, and offered messages on 12 Sundays. In my local church, I serve as lay leader.

The only answer to God’s call is “Yes.” What, when, where, and how belong to God. We know our WHY. May God’s love and grace fill you with the courage to share God’s story. Thank you, each and every one, for your ongoing witness to the power and presence of Jesus Christ!

Submitted by: Susan Hollowell Hardy, UNYUMC Conference Lay Leader 2016-2020

89

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Lay Servant Ministries 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Lay Servant Ministries is the premier lay leadership development program already available within the United Methodist connection. Lay servants grow as disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples through their leadership.

Lay Servants are to serve within and beyond the local church in any way that will inspire the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship, including the interpretation of Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the church. They lead, assist, and support the program emphases of the church, lead meetings, facilitate small groups, teach Sunday School, conduct or assist in conducting services of worship, present sermons, provide leadership for congregational and community life, and foster caregiving ministries. They are the leaders who serve through leading, caring, and communicating ministries in their local church and beyond.

As we move forward into 2020, we are pleased to share there has been a noted increase in the understanding of the process and requirements for being a certified lay servant along with the additional requirements for those certified lay servants, who are called and equipped to serve the church in pulpit supply, certified lay speakers. The 2016 General Conference brought new legislation regarding the certification of certified lay ministers, and we are in process to bring our Conference into compliance.

As of Jan. 31, 2020, the Upper New York Conference had over 600 active lay servants, 39 lay speakers and 72 certified lay ministers. Among these numbers are newly affirmed Lay Speakers: • • • • •

Dara Lamphere – Albany District Bill Jones, Donna Morgan, John Wicklund, Karl Wood – Binghamton District Bill Butman, Mary Grant – Crossroads District Lucina Hallagan, Jeanne Stevens – Finger Lakes District Doris Ann Miner – Oneonta District

We also affirmed 18 new certified lay ministers: • • • • • •

Michele Cole, Nancy Goddard, Alden Miller, Barbara Pettengill, Joyce Royal, Ronald Talbott, Vicki Vanderveen, Cynthia Leonard – Albany District Jonathan Edwards, Robert Mueller, Diana Cordes – Crossroads District Peggy Beckwith, Andrea Simmons – Finger Lakes District Kernon Ransom – Genesee Valley District Kathy Warren, Mark Adsit, Parrish Lewis – Mohawk District Jennifer Stamm – Niagara Frontier District

There were approximately 85 courses offered across our Conference with over 650 lay lervants in attendance. These lay servants then go out and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ through a myriad of ministries including: VIM, Small Group Leaders, Trustees, SPRC members, Sunday School Teachers, Visitation Coordinators, Prayer Leaders, Pulpit Fill, and the list goes on.

We are dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ committed to serving in whatever ways we are called in the Upper New York Conference. Praise be to God.

90

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

District Directors: • Bruce Hazard – Adirondack • Nancy Goddard – Albany • Mel Patterson and Sally Vasquez – Binghamton • Cora Martin – Cornerstone • Jonathan Edwards and Ernest Warren – Crossroads • Jennie Young-Walczyk – Finger Lakes • Deb Clyde – Genesee Valley • Ken Guilfoyle – Mohawk • Marilyn Farwell and Peter O’Neill – Mountain View • Tracy Hagler and Linda Weatherall – Niagara Frontier • Donna Fitchett – Northern Flow • Cathy Honrath – Oneonta I have served Upper New York Conference for the past four years. It has been a true blessing to work with so many gifted and spirit-filled people across our Conference. I am not seeking to renew my term of office as Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries as I need to spend more time with my grandson, who lives on the West Coast! I hope to see everyone at the Lay Servant Ministries table, and if you tell me you read this entire report, then I will have a little surprise for you at the table!

May Jesus lead you to the Creator God’s embrace, May our Creator God fill you with the Holy Spirit, May the Spirit empower you to follow Jesus!

Submitted by: Lucina B. Hallagan, Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries

91

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Native American Ministries, Committee on, (CONAM) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

The Committee on Native American Ministries has had a very active and productive year in 2019. We offered our first-ever award presented at Annual Conference session, The Four Directions Humanitarian Award. We created this award because we wanted to bring special recognition to an individual who showed outstanding effort and compassion in dealing with the traditional Native community and thereby bringing to life the resolution passed in 2012 Healing Relationships with Indigenous Persons by Building Relationships. It is our intention to offer this award each year. The 2019 recipient was Darlene Papineau, the driver for the Native American Outreach Transportation program on the Onondaga Nation. Darlene has been a dedicated employee of the transportation program and often sits with her passengers as they wait for doctor appointments or even during minor surgeries.

In October 2019, CONAM hosted the Northeastern Jurisdiction Native American Ministries Committee (NEJNAMC) meeting. This three-day meeting was held at the United Methodist Center. We welcomed 40 guests from the 10 conferences in our jurisdiction. The keynote speakers were Rev. Dr. Thom White Wolf Fassett, of our Upper New York Conference, and Dr. Michael Martin, from the Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties. Both speakers brought insightful information and discussion. The week activities, of course, included wonderful food and a traditional Native American meal of corn soup and Indian tacos. Delicious!

Also, in October, after months of negotiating, we bought a new van for the Native American Outreach Transportation program. We had a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new van to our important work! A huge thank you to the finance staff for their work on our behalf.

An ongoing goal of CONAM is a retreat weekend to visit each of our three Native American churches with planned cultural activities. We hope to continue that goal in the future year. We continue to award grants to both Native American church initiatives and grants that reach out to the needs of community groups who are providing teaching opportunities of traditional ways.

CONAM is grateful to the conference center staff who have been supportive of our work, but especially to the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding for his presence and sincere interest in Native American people.

Submitted by: Kae Wilbert, chair of the Committee on Native American Ministries

92

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Northeastern Jurisdiction Delegation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

In November 2021 the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ) of The United Methodist Church will meet. The Upper New York Conference will send 10 lay and 10 clergy delegates, as well as two lay and two clergy alternates, to participate in the proceedings of this conference. A key facet of the Jurisdiction’s work during this time will be spent on filling one expected episcopacy vacancy. In accordance with the Book of Discipline: ¶¶ 46, 402, 403,405, 408, Bishops shall be elected by respective jurisdictional and every four years the five jurisdictions in the United States meet at the same time in July to elect bishops to fill vacated positions.

Annual Conferences within a jurisdiction may nominate candidates for election to the episcopacy by their Jurisdictional Conferences. The Upper New York Conference, through its rules committee, has established a procedure through which the members of the Upper New York Annual Conference, and the Annual Conference itself, may participate in the process of nominating candidates to the NEJ for the episcopacy.

This procedure says: During the months preceding the convening of the Jurisdictional Conference, the most recently elected delegates to the Jurisdictional Conference shall serve as a “nominating committee” for the nomination of candidates to the Annual Conference for nomination by the Annual Conference to the Jurisdictional Conference. The Jurisdictional Delegation shall solicit the membership of the Annual Conference (including the members of the Delegation itself) for recommendations and self-recommendations of persons eligible for election to and service on the episcopacy (¶¶ 402, 408). The Delegation, guided by The Book of Discipline (¶ 403) and using procedures of its own design, shall discern the gifts and graces of each and every person so recommended, and shall recommend to the Session of the Annual Conference immediately preceding the convening of the Jurisdictional Conference the nomination of persons discerned by the Delegation to have the gifts and graces for episcopal service. The Annual Conference may nominate none, any, or all of those persons recommended by the Delegation. The Annual Conference can also consider persons nominated directly from the floor. Candidacy is not limited to clergy members of The Upper New York Annual Conference; any person meeting disciplinary requirements (¶¶ 402 and 408.1) may be recommended. (pg. 177, lines 12-23, 2019 Upper New York Conference Journal Vol. II) On Nov. 1, 2019, and again on Dec. 7, 2019, the chairperson of Upper New York delegation sent a letter to the membership of the Conference, soliciting recommendations from the membership of the Conference for nominees for the episcopacy. That letter included the specific nature of the materials to be included, contact information, and a brief statement as to why they feel the person being recommended will, in their own words, bring the kind of Episcopal leadership that the Church needs at this point in time. In order to receive an invitation for an interview, an individual needed two separate nominations, not including themselves. This process yielded seven potential nominees for the episcopacy who met the threshold. The delegation, through its chairperson, invited these persons to submit formal documentation either rejecting or accepting their nomination and invitation to interview by Jan. 2, 2020.

Four of these individuals accepted the invitation, though one later discerned that they no longer wanted to continue in the process. This means that the delegation ultimately interviewed three candidates the following month.

From Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2020, the delegation met in Liverpool and Baldwinsville to finalize guidelines for the election of nominees and to interview those persons who had accepted their nominations. The delegation

93

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

had 45 minutes with each candidate. Thirty minutes were spent asking the candidate a predetermined set of five questions, crafted by the delegation. Each candidate had the same five questions to answer, and didn’t know what the questions were prior to arriving at their interview, and they addressed the following five themes and subject areas: leadership development and empowerment, systemic racism, selfreflection throughout their ministries, care of LGBTQ persons, and the mission and tasks of The Church.

The delegation and the candidate then spent 12 minutes having a more informal question and answer time based on the candidate’s responses to the five questions. Finally, the candidate was given three minutes to give the delegation any closing remarks they had. Of course, each interview opened and closed with a time of prayer over the candidate and the process.

Once all three candidates were interviewed, the delegation recessed for lunch and then moved into a time of prayerful deliberation. Prior to the interview day, the delegation decided that any candidate would need to receive three-quarters of the delegation’s support, via paper ballot, to receive the delegation’s nomination to the Conference for endorsement. This threshold was established because it’s the same threshold used for ministry candidates at every level of the candidacy and ordination process.

Furthermore, in order to ensure that any episcopal candidate endorsed by the Upper New York Conference would have the strongest support from our delegation in light of the fact that only one episcopal vacancy is expected to be filled, the delegation also determined that it would recommend no more than one person for endorsement of the Upper New York Conference. This decision was also made prior to the interview day.

The delegation had also determined that each person interviewed would receive a “yes” or “no” vote from each member of the delegation present, and that no member of the delegation would be compelled to only vote “yes” for one candidate. Each member of the delegation also covenanted to not abstain from voting on any of the three candidates. If two or more candidates received the same number of yes votes above the three-quarters threshold after the first round of balloting, the delegation would have held up to two more rounds of balloting in the same manner to see if any candidate garnered more support. If, after those two additional rounds of balloting took place the tie was not broken, the delegation would have decided to not recommend anyone.

In the end, though all three candidates possessed gifts and graces for the work of the episcopacy, no candidate received three-quarters of the delegation’s support in the first round of balloting. As a result of this process, the Upper New York 2020 Jurisdictional Delegation has prayerfully determined to not recommend any episcopal candidate for endorsement from our Annual Conference. If the body of the Conference wishes, nominees may be solicited from the floor of the 2020 Upper New York Annual Conference session for consideration.

In the lead up to the General Conference, the delegation continued to meet and hear reports from interested individuals and parties from around the Conference and connection, as it had also been doing throughout the year. As stated before, the delegation will also attend the NEJ in Hunt Valley, Maryland, in July, expecting to fill one episcopal vacancy in the Jurisdiction. It’s important to know that The Book of Discipline (¶ 405) specifically prohibits the binding of any delegate to vote for any specific candidate seeking election to the episcopacy.

Submitted by: Carmen FS Vianese, delegation chair

94

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6

Delegation members: Rev. William Mudge, Delegation Vice-Chair, JJ Warren, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, Ian Carlos Urriola, Rev. Beckie Sweet, Marthalyn Sweet, Rev. Carmen L. Perry, Sam Smith, Rev. Rachel Ann Barnhart, Samuel Mudge, Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost, Drew Griffin, Rev. Carlos Manuel Rosa Laguer, Rachel John, Rev. Martha Swords-Horrell, Linda Barczykowski, Rev. Drew Sperry, Melysa Acevedo, Rev. Rebecca Laird, Dan Fuller (Alternate), Rev. Dr. Bill Allen (Alternate), Rachel Giso (Alternate), Rev. Harold Wheat (Alternate)

95

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Peace with Justice Grant Program 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

This year was a busy year for the Peace with Justice grant program in Upper New York. One of the objectives of four of the five projects that we helped fund was to seek to “address the root causes of poverty and promote self-development of peoples and communities.” This is one of the criteria that the General Board of Church and Society uses as a measure for their Peace with Justice grant program. It is exciting to read the ideas for improving the lives of those on the margins and addressing the systemic changing necessary to making the world a better place.

Grants: • UMC Next: This grant gave scholarships to four participants from UNY, including two of our General Conference delegates. This conference, held in May in Kansas City, was held with the intention of bringing a diverse group of clergy and laity together to vision a way forward for the UMC. • Bellevue Heights UMC in Syracuse requested funding for a Young Adult Skills Building Group. This project aims to help 19-30-year-old young adults develop life skills (driving, resume writing, nutrition, budgeting, etc.).

• Engage! Tools for Ministry in the Community Workshops: Rev. Dana Horrell is developing workshops to be held in several locations around the Conference to help church leaders (clergy and laity) develop their own “how-to” guide to doing ministry in their context.

• The Hope Epidemic is a project of the Vestal UMC and designed to create relationships and connection through hands-on clean-up and revitalization of nearby neighborhoods. The report from their first day of action is very inspiring.

• People’s Forum on Housing and Homelessness in the Capital Region is a program of the LaborReligion Coalition of NYS that seeks to give voice to those on the margins by providing space for tenant and homeless unions to connect with emerging local leaders.

Please join me in praying for the ministries above and be in prayer for the ways you and your church could be in ministry in your community.

Each grant is no more than $2,000. We consider applications, which can be found on the Conference website, two times each year. All these grants are funded by 50 percent of the Peace with Justice Sunday offering that each congregation is required to take each year, typically the Sunday after Pentecost.

I look forward to reading your ideas in your grant applications.

Submitted by: Heather Smith, UNY Peace with Justice coordinator

96

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Pensions and Health Benefits, Conference Board of (CBOPHB) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

The Board of Pensions and Health Benefits of the Upper New York Conference is an active group of lay and clergy that is dedicated to faithfully serve the people and churches with compassion and responsibility. Our work is directed by The Book of Discipline, the laws of the Federal and State governments, as well as the actions of this Conference. Board members have a wonderful mix of attention for details and vision for present and future needs for pension and health benefits. We have representatives from the Cabinet and the Commission on Equitable Compensation, as well as the knowledge and skill of Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits, the Benefits staff, Bob Flask, Conference Treasurer, and Peter Hang, Wespath (General Board of Pension and Health Benefits) Liaison.

The board works to provide stability around essential matters of health and pension for the valued clergy and employees of UNY. Attention by the board continues to be given to these areas: • Developing and supporting effective leaders.

• The Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan.

• Funding of the Pre‐82 Plan.

• Education and information for Conference leadership, churches, clergy and employees.

• Updating policies and practices as needed to meet changing needs.

In Jan. 2021, the UNYAC will be moving from the traditional HealthFlex plan with Wespath to Wespath’s HealthFlex Exchange. This model will offer a wider variety of medical plan options and dental and vision coverage. Participants will be provided with a premium credit to use toward the cost of their premium(s).

This model was developed by Wespath to help keep costs to the churches in check and allow individuals to make choices around how they spend their personal health care dollars. To learn more about the Exchange and how it will work, please visit the table in the lobby. Webinars and other educational opportunities will be available leading up to annual election. Please keep your eyes open for communications from the benefits office We will continue to utilize the “small employer exception” Medicare rules, which allow small employers; aka churches, to enroll persons over 65 in Medicare Parts A & B and provide a supplemental plan for secondary insurance will remain in place. Doing so helps to keep costs down for the whole system due to our practice of spreading the overall costs of the plan to all eligible entities.

Investment Sub‐Committee: • Fiduciary responsibilities and the authority given by the 2016 Book of Discipline ¶1506‐ 1509 and ¶613.5, delineate the governance of the investment of the funds. All investment policies of the UNYAC shall comply with the policies related to conflict of interest and investment management of Conference funds under ¶1508 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.

• The recommendations approved by the 2017-2018 Annual Conference related to investment screenings and investment account recommendations has been referred to this sub‐ committee.

• Participation on the Upper New York Conference investment committee.

97

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Board Recommendations • The board continues its commitment to ensure short and long‐term sustainability of benefits provided to its active and retired clergy and laity, that must address many items that impact that sustainability. One of which is arrearages from full‐time local churches responsible for paying for benefits available to eligible full‐time pastors. Unpaid direct bills accompanied, by increasing benefit costs, has not only resulted in increasing costs to the church and personal premiums from clergy paychecks, it has resulted in difficult decisions to not provide cost of living increases and the reduction of some retirement benefits. The sustainability of active and retiree benefits is jeopardized, and harm is done when the connectional model is not supported, and full‐time churches do not pay their share of their benefits.

•

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, in consultation and partnership with the extended cabinet, the board implemented a new arrearage policy. Any full‐time church not paying their direct bill (HealthFlex) could cause their pastors benefits to be terminated, but the church is still going to be required to pay the amount due. Going into 2020, the arrearage amount from current and unpaid balance forward amounts was $631,980. Very few churches comprise most of these costs. The board and extended cabinet remain committed to working with one another, addressing the arrearage issue.

•

The board is recommending that the Past Service Annuity Rate (PSR) for the Pre‐82 pension plan for 2020 remain steady at ($645). Doing so ensures that the Pre‐82 remain funded for short and long‐term sustainability.

•

The board’s recommendation related to the housing allowance continues to be in order. While a federal district court judge ruled the exclusion from taxation of a minister’s housing allowance as unconstitutional while the ruling remains under appeal. Wespath’s legal department and the Church Alliance (a coalition of 37 religious entity benefits boards) are monitoring the case. The practical effect of the ruling will be delayed until the appeals are exhausted, which may take several more years.

•

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) amount for retiree spouses will be reduced to 50 percent of the retiree’s HRA amount.

With gratitude to an amazing group of individuals who are willing to share their God given gifts and talents as part of the Upper New York Conference and with deep faith in our creating, redeeming, and sustaining God, this report is presented to the Conference.

Submitted by: Rev. Mary Rublee, chair of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits

98

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Religion & Race, Conference Commission on (CCORR) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

The Conference Commission on Religion and Race is excited to share some of our progress—and the challenges we face—since Annual Conference 2019. There's lots to celebrate.

After Annual Conference 2019 we listened carefully to small group facilitators and reviewed additional feedback and evaluations. We revised the Imagine No Racism (INR) curriculum through dedicated work with the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR).

We made a stronger scriptural and biblical connection in the curriculum for a more powerful impact. We also simplified the language of the document, and part of the document itself. In our day-long trainings last fall for 83 facilitators, there was clear consensus that people felt very positive about what we'd done.

Forty-five facilitators agreed to lead INR small groups in their local areas.

The Board of Ordained Ministry has approved the Northern Flow District for one CEU for attending clergy as they complete Zoom INR. Also, INR 2.0 has been configured to serve as an Advanced Lay Servant Course.

We hope other districts will consider these opportunities as well.

We also improved the INR website. The resources section is expanded, easier to find, and more userfriendly. And everything is there: from the Bishop's Call to Action at the 2016 NEJ Conference to all INR videos, and a reference list of books, movies, and other media. The revised curriculum is available upon request.

Other new INR groups have formed, too. In the Oneonta District, the Imagine No Racism curriculum is the major focus of Norwich UMC's Sunday School class, both in person and via Zoom. Between 12 and 16 people have used materials from the revised curriculum as well a news items, current events, books, the 1619 project, and other media. They said that studying INR began to have a marked effect on sensitizing participants as to the problems of individual and systemic racism and white privilege. They're now looking for ways to reach out to the local African American population and the specific issues with which they struggle.

In the Albany District, a facilitator used the curriculum and other material for what he called his "rather advanced folks." He has brought several on-topic books to each class to be borrowed by participants. One class member who's an educator took a book focused on educators to her principal. The principal is planning a group in their school to focus on diversity.

At the same time, this year, COVID-19 has changed all our lives. The live conversations about racism and privilege are vital to INR, but because we need to socially distance, we have developed an alternative.

Groups can now access INR for Zoom applications that allow for small discussion groups—and about a dozen groups have taken advantage of this opportunity. Our two regional coordinators are available to guide and support facilitators and small groups.

However, all that we share is not celebratory in our efforts to dismantle racism.

First, police violence against African Americans has not abated. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, Ahmed Abrey, and Michael Anthony Harris—and closer to home, in New York, Kamal Flowers, Tyquarn Graves, Tyrell Fincher, Daniel Prude, and Earl Facy—underscore the continued need for imagining no racism.

99

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Second, the impact of COVID-19, globally, nationally, and right here in upstate New York.is being felt much more acutely by people of color. According to the NYS Department of Health, Blacks and Hispanics outside of New York City make up 21% of our state's population, but their death rate from COVID-19 is 31%. Also, a July 24, 2020 article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are several reasons that people of color are disproportionately affected by the virus. Racism in systems meant to protect well-being and health. These include health care, housing, education, finance, and criminal justice. Systemic racism can lead to chronic, toxic stress and shapes social and economic factors that put some people of color at increased risk for COVID-19.

▪

Healthcare access / utilization: People of color are more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic whites. Access can also be limited by other factors, such as lack of transportation, childcare, or ability to take time off work; communication and language barriers; and cultural differences.

▪

Occupation: People of color are disproportionately represented in essential work settings such as healthcare facilities, farms, factories, grocery stores, and public transportation. People who work in these settings have more chance of being exposed to the virus due to close contact with others, not being able to work from home, and not having paid sick days.

▪

Educational, income, and wealth gaps: Inequities in access to high-quality education for people of color can lead to lower high school completion rates and barriers to college entrance. This may limit future job options and lead to lower-paying or less stable jobs.

▪

Housing: Some people of color may live in crowded conditions that make it more challenging to follow prevention strategies. In addition, growing and disproportionate unemployment rates for people of color during this pandemic may lead to greater risk of eviction and homelessness.

These factors are associated with more COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in areas where people of color live, learn, work, play, and worship. They have also contributed to higher rates of some medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

In the next conference year, the Conference Commission on Religion and Race will be engaging directly with issues related to police violence and the impact of COVID-19 on people of color. Now, we encourage all who would see a new day of racial justice to take deliberate steps to address the challenges before us.

Here's what we can do: ▪

Educate yourself: use the resources on the CCORR website to learn more about the issues of racism.

Research these recent events and the extent of the issues.

▪

Speak up: interrupt racist jokes and comments. Stand up to racist attitudes and behaviors.

▪

Get involved: donate to, or work with, community groups and or leaders with clear goals and appropriate principles on any issue of racial justice.

By engaging in imagining no racism, we have an opportunity to open our minds and our hearts. Waking up to racism can be overwhelming. Yet if we don't see it, accept its truths, and make conscious decisions to act, we are part of the problem rather than part of the solution!

Submitted by: Blenda Smith, convener

100

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Safe Sanctuaries® Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

The Safe Sanctuaries Team (SST) addresses issues of policy making, training and accountability as related to Safe Sanctuaries. The SST establishes minimum standards and procedures, provides training programs and assists local churches and Conference ministry programs in reducing the risk of abuse to children, youth and vulnerable adults (2011 AC Safe Sanctuaries Resolution). We believe that reducing the risk of abuse in churches and ministries is essential. We believe there will be no vital congregations or new faith communities without leaders who are diligent in reducing the risks of abuse.

The Minimum Standards are reviewed as questions and concerns arise. During the past several years, there have been questions about who needs training and how often. Refer to The Minimum Standards plus other resources that are posted on the Conference website for clarification.

The standardized Safe Sanctuaries Training program of the UNYC is a large part of the SST’s work. The training consistently receives very positive evaluations from participants. The training is led by facilitators who have completed six hours of training – the three-hour basic course and a three-hour Training of Trainers (TOT). They are recertified annually. Four Training of Trainers opportunities were available in 2019. The SST thanks the Bemus Point UMC, South Glens Falls UMC, West Schuyler UMC and Kenmore UMC for hosting these opportunities. Thirty-six individuals were prepared to facilitate the standard, threehour Safe Sanctuaries training. Currently, there are over 100 certified trainers across the conference. Two TOT opportunities are planned for March 2020.

The SST is committed to face-to-face training, however, an on-line program that includes the screening of potential workers and training is being reviewed as a potential option for churches. For several years, a goal has been to have a new, UNY produced training video that portrays the disclosure or abuse and the response ready. We are getting close!

The team assists local churches in a variety of ways. Conference staff and team members address numerous questions during the year using email, phone calls and face-to-face conversations. Many questions relate to interpretation and implementation of the 2016 Minimum Standards. The Safe Sanctuaries display at Annual Conference session is an opportunity to connect with individuals from across the conference with resources and addressing situations.

2020 will be a year of transition for the Safe Sanctuaries Team as terms are ending for Carol Barnes, Glenda Schuessler, Charles Syms, and Matthew Williams.

Members continuing are Rev. Stephanie Brown, Rev. Deanna Finch, Pastor Christine Mitchell, and Arlene Schmidt. Ex-officio: Rev. Vonda Fossitt, Cabinet Rep, and Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding, DCOM. Support is provided by Judy Campany.

Submitted by: Carol Barnes, chair

101

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Trustees, Board of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

The 2016 Book of Discipline,¶2512.6 provides: “The board shall make to each session of the annual conference a full, true, and faithful report of its doings, of all funds, monies, securities, and property held in trust by it, and of its receipts and disbursements during the conference year.”

The activities of the trustees for 2019 include the purchase, sale and maintenance of Conference properties. The trustees also manage the Conference’s master insurance program. A brief explanation of the trustees’ activities for the past year follows.

Properties The board of trustees is currently managing 28 closed churches, two land-only properties, 11 district parsonages, one episcopal residence, one conference center, five camp and retreat centers, and seven legacy-issue properties.

Each property has two trustees assigned to oversee these properties and buildings. The trustees also work to market and sell the closed churches, land, and legacy properties. They coordinate their parsonage work with district parsonage coordinators to maintain and address issues at each parsonage. District boards of church location and building work to support the trustees on closed church properties within their districts. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP serve as our Conference chancellor as we work to sell these properties. Working with municipalities (tax exempt issues), private groups (cemetery associations, tenants), real estate brokers and others, we resolve the issues associated with these properties.

Insurance The Conference Board of Trustees formed an insurance subcommittee to monitor our Conference-wide insurance program. In 2019, the subcommittee met with our carrier as well as a potential new carrier.

After a series of meetings, the subcommittee recommended to the board of trustees that our carrier for 2020 be Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, represented by the American Church Group of New York. The board accepted and approved this recommendation and our coverage switched to this new provider effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Financial Report Trustee financial activity is accounted for and reported as a separate fund in the Conference.

Net Assets: Net assets are categorized in accordance with Conference or donor designations as follows: •

Unrestricted Net Assets: Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions.

•

Designated Unrestricted Net Assets: Net assets that are internally designated for a specific purpose or activity by the Conference.

•

Temporarily Restricted Net Assets: Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may or will be met either by actions of the Conference and/or the passage of time. Also includes camp and retreat centers, the Conference center and district parsonages.

•

Permanently Restricted Net Assets: Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may be maintained permanently by the Conference. Generally, the donors of these assets permit the

102

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Conference to use all or part of the income earned on related investments for program operations.

The unaudited total net asset position of funds under trustee responsibility incurred a slight positive increase for 2019 over 2018. The increase is due primarily to higher market value of investments held.

Commitments – There are currently three member churches with loan guarantees provided by the Conference with an outstanding loan balance of approximately $900,000.

Submitted by: Richard C Barling, chair of the Board of Trustees

103

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

United Methodist Men (UMM) Our goal for 2019 was to improve communication and connect men and young men from as many churches as possible. "Through Christ all things are possible!" Our charge continues to be to encourage spirit-led leaders in all our districts to share the gospel of Jesus through United Methodist Men ministry and hands-on mission work. Our website was totally re-built this past summer and we hope to continue to work to impact Methodist men throughout the Upper New York Conference. unyumm.org Highlights: • To date, we have six district presidents and are praying to acquire six more to provide each UNY district with UMM leadership and ministry/mission opportunities. We have a total of 40 UMM charters.

•

The UMM is committed to "share the gospel" throughout 2020 in the Upper New York Conference and the world. We are focused on leading others to Christ.

•

The UMM partnered with the Boy and Girl Scouts of A m e r ic a, to hold our second Bishop's Dinner for Scouting on March 24 and was hosted by Endwell UMC and the Binghamton district UMM. We continue to work to connect with our youth through the P.R.A.Y. programs.

•

Our brothers of the cross UMM held its third annual open classic car show on June 15 in Apalachin. The UMM sponsored a car show featuring a total of 96 antique cars, motorcycles, and trucks. The Brother of the Cross UMM received 25 donations of local support and distributed 18 trophies that were donated and awarded to all classes represented at the car show. Over 200 people were in attendance and they raised $4,200. All the funds were given to charities, veterans' organizations, and ministries throughout the Southern Tier of Upstate NY.

•

This year's UMM spring retreat was held May 3-4 at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center. The theme for this year was “Answering God's Call," and a total of 39 men and young men attended. The Rev. Bill Mudge was our keynote speaker and we enjoyed live music, skits, and spiritual growth through prayer and small group sharing at this 22-hour event.

•

Two nights sponsored by the UMM events were held this past summer. They served in bringing together church community for fellowship, singing the national anthem and raising funds for local charities, ministries, and hunger relief missions ▪ ▪

Five hundred people attended the Methodist Night at the Ballpark featuring the Binghamton Rumble Ponies AA team (NY Mets).

Four hundred people attended the Syracuse Mets AAA team and approximately $2,000 was raised by the two events.

Monies went to “ramp it up” ramp building program, “Feed My Starving Children” program and Kalis Club House Horse Therapy for helping the disabled.

•

The UMM have been active with hunger relief efforts within the Conference over the past 20 years. Thanks to our hunger relief advocate Dean Burdick and the Society of St. Andrew, we

104

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

held four potato drops in fall 2019 (Rose, Boonville, Endwell, Liverpool). Through fund raising, we were able to donate $3,095 to Society of St. Andrew.

•

We gave $500 on Giving Tuesday.

•

We held a "Share the Blessings Day" on Nov. 9, 2019 at the UNY Methodist Center Mission Hub to build wood blessing boxes to be distributed throughout Central New York and the Southern Tier. The wood boxes help to provide a 24-hour, non-perishable food resources for those in need. Ten boxes, approximately 3-feet-wide by 4-feet-tall, were built as a result of this event. A $100 suggested donation was requested per box for materials, transport and any remaining monies will be used for the building of future boxes.

•

We were able to hold two Amend Together Through Faith trainings in October 2019 at Baldwinsville UMC and Salisbury UMC. Our men’s ministry specialist, George Ramseyer created a scripture-based power point presentation for our trainings that followed the Amend Together Through Faith workbook. Our participants ranged from ages 15-80 years old. The conversation was powerful, and the honest sharing helped all of us to understand the serious problem of abuse and violence toward women in our local communities and churches. We included a two-part live skit "Out to Lunch" for this 16-hour event Friday into Saturday. We will work together to promote Amend Together Through Faith trainings throughout 2020 in all 12 districts in Upper New York.

Submitted by: Mark Jones, president of UNYUMM

105

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

United Methodist Women (UMW) 2019 was an exciting year for the United Methodist Women (UMW) of our Conference and across the connection, as we celebrated our 150th birthday year as a women’s justice and mission agency of The Church.

As called disciples, we continue our efforts in advocacy, education, immigration, maternal health, social justice, stopping the pipeline to incarceration, and spiritual growth, while attempting to produce a positive impact locally and globally.

The UMW Conference Projects Team approved 24 grants for a total of $39,875, which helped the recipients meet the needs of their outreach programs for the 2019-2020 programmatic year across the UNY territory.

The United Methodist Women of the UNY Conference continue to be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. We strive to develop creative and supportive relationships, while expanding our concepts of mission through participation in the local and global ministries of the church. Please come and join us in our work as we meet the needs of women, children, and youth through faith, hope, and love in action!

Submitted by: Carmen FS Vianese, UNY UMW president “Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this Ministry, we shall not lose heart!!” (2 Corinthians 4:1)

106

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Vital Congregations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Vital Congregations is in the midst of another full year of walking alongside leaders, clergy and laity, congregations, and districts to explore how to grow the capacity of Christ following transformational leaders and increase the vitality of local congregations. Primarily, this is a ministry of equipping, resourcing, and teaching through classes, workshops, and retreats.

This year brought about a shift in how programming from Vital Congregations would be offered. The previous four years, we offered the Leadership Academy to increase the capacity of Christ following transformational leaders. In order to do some deep evaluation, work it was determined to take a year off from Leadership Academy and employ Leadership Incubator groups. Incubators are groups of 10-12 clergy persons who invest one day per month for 12 months. During that time through a partnership with Spiritual Leaders Inc. (SLI), the leaders are taught through experience, the process of developing generative teams, designing action plans and living into an L3 culture. An L3 culture is one where people love, learn, and lead together for the sake of the mission. We have offered four incubators in connection with SLI, including one with our Hispanic/Latino leaders. Further, there is an incubator being facilitated by Dave Masland and myself for pastors and key leaders in congregations that might be looking to multiply their ministry through multi-siting, or by becoming a teaching church.

Through the Associate Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, Nancy Dibelius, exciting opportunities to cultivate the spiritual life of the leader are available. Through Nancy’s leadership, there is a team of trained Spiritual Directors ready to walk with people discerning God’s presence. Also, we are in the midst of offering the next cohort of Tending the Soul, which helps to develop leaders who are prepared to be a guide to others as they grow in their relationship with God. Various retreats, classes and curriculums are all part of this area of ministry within Vital Congregations.

One of the more exciting offerings this year has been in partnership with the Crossroads District, and Mosaix Network. Seven pastors in the Syracuse area have begun a 12-month cohort to gain in their ability to develop sustainable multi-ethnic congregations and ministries. I have worked with Mosaix in the past to introduce leaders to multi-ethnic ministry, however the time was right to begin this cohort. There is a possibility of future cohorts.

If you have questions, or would like to have a conversation about Vital Congregations, contact Rev. Dr. Aaron M. Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations, at 315-898-2014 or by email at aaronbouwens@unyumc.org .

Submitted by: Rev. Dr. Aaron M. Bouwens, Director of Vital Congregations

107

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Volunteers in Mission provide a listening, loving presence as Jesus called us; a presence that is fully present, wherever the neighbor lives, whatever the neighbor is experiencing. Luke 10:27-28 “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.

Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Highlights The Mission hub satellite established at the Upper New York Conference Center, expanded its vision in 2020. The hub provides the Conference with a center to gather volunteers of all ages to create and certify United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) kits. A “hub on the road” initiative introduced the UMCOR kits to congregations and district day gatherings. As the meeting place for conference teams, trainings, and events, many take the opportunity to bring materials and work at the hub. The hub is used to build ramp modules in collaboration with Operation Northern Comfort, a local volunteer organization, the annual Methodist Men’s shoe drive and potato drop, and the receipt and building of UMCOR kits.

Opportunities are offered via social media for scouts, junior firemen, and other groups to use the facilities and to partner with Volunteers in Mission (VIM) and United Methodist Men. Other training opportunities are also held at the hub, such as Safe Sanctuaries, Team Leader training, Early Response Training (ERT) and ERT Recertification classes. The focus at Annual Conference session display included simple ways to engage as well as information on Global Ministries initiatives.

Three men from the Rochester suburbs designed a program to rehabilitate housing in the city of Rochester for the refugee community. As part of the program they partner with refugees willing to work and mentor individuals to take on some of the projects.

VIM Teams The Conference grants supported six teams, five individuals and nine mission scholars. Destinations included Bosnia, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Ireland, Red Bird Missions in Kentucky, Puerto Rico, Mission Central in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Uganda, Peru, Guatemala, and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Academy. The Academy and young adult mission attendees were also supported.

Teams responded to Virginia, Alaska, Kentucky, West Virginia, New Jersey, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Individuals partnered with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to serve in Saipan and St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Responding to local community needs, volunteers serve in missions as both a church and as individuals.

This includes a community farmer’s market, providing laundry assistance, men’s groups doing odd jobs for the community, UMM collecting gently used shoes, partnering with the Society of St. Andrew to provide food, partnering with the Young Men’s Christian Association for a summer lunch program, working with Habitat for Humanity, community food banks and meal programs, scouting, Children’s Disaster Services, Rise Against Hunger, Red Cross, gleaning donated materials, rehabilitation of community homes, ramp building, and Christmas boxes. Volunteers are joining in the community faithbased project, Family Promise to provide a path out of homelessness. Volunteers in Mission led UMCOR kit projects, delivering hundreds of health kits and cleaning buckets to UMCOR depots. Connecting with community organizations continues to work well. Four churches sponsored teams to Red Bird Mission.

108

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Education Early Response Training (ERT) provided training sessions to UMCOR certify and recertify 92 persons for early response. There were six UMCOR certified trainers with an additional person in the process of completing trainer certification. In addition, an information sheet for hosts was created. There were 11 persons who were trained in the theology of mission and best practices for VIM team planning, organizing, and leadership through the VIM Team Leader Training. VIM presentations included workshops and displays which were presented at district events and at the HUB open house. Sermons and presentations including Red Bird Missions were also given at worship services throughout the Conference.

UMCOR/UMVIM Academy was planned and presented by Rev. Thomas Lank and the Northeastern Jurisdiction VIM coordinators. Nine UNY individuals attended the 4-day event in April sponsored by UMCOR and invited plenary speakers. Those wishing to expand training in disaster response and mission leadership are encouraged to attend this event which is held annually.

Disaster Response Trained ERTs and VIM joined community groups and Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster (VOAD) in responding to flooding in the state by providing leadership, assessments, and helping clean and replace mud-filled social halls, classrooms, and kitchens. Significant flooding in the Mohawk Valley and Adirondack areas on Halloween resulted in a response involving over 120 volunteers and 4000 hours labor. Over 80 homes were cleared of mud and debris in three counties. ERT and VIM teams responded throughout the United States and its territories.

Administration We continue to recruit and train leaders to teach and coordinate: • • •

Online course registrations improved accuracy in records.

A form redesign now provides a spreadsheet used to directly create the UMCOR ERT badge request.

Registration data flows into data fields for nametags and completion certificates including a business card size that volunteers can easily take on mission journeys.

We aim for consistency across UNY. UNY coordinators provide Jurisdiction UMVIM administration as members of the board of directors, treasury operations, and Jurisdiction Academy planning and hosting.

Communications The Conference web site provides current training information and team opportunities in mission and disaster response. Teams can apply for team grants and individual scholarships, obtain forms, and link to more information. The Conference Communications Team forwards information to subscribed church members, pastors, and superintendents via mission “notes.” Local church mission chairpersons are encouraged to subscribe to this important source of current mission training and opportunities information.

For upcoming teams and events, team reports, photos and videos please visit and like the UNYVIM Facebook page: facebook.com/UpperNewYorkVolunteersInMission.

Submitted by: Roger and Donna Cullen, UNY Volunteers in Mission Coordinators

109

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

110

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

Reports (Connected Organizations) 111

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

112

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Africa University In 2019, Africa University’s story was one of resourcefulness, steadfast investment and ministry growth. The university community extends its thanks and appreciation to Bishop Mark Webb, the Cabinet and the committed lay and clergy leaders who nurture vitality within the local congregations of the Upper New York Conference. The gracious support of the Upper New York Conference found tangible expression in a 100 percent investment in the Africa University Fund (AUF) apportionment in 2019. Thank you, Upper New York Conference for your prayers and gifts which affirm our United Methodist connection and global mission.

The generosity of Upper New York United Methodists helps Africa University to nurture, educate, and equip leaders who think for themselves, are contextually relevant, and have a passion to serve. Since opening in 1992, Africa University has trained more than 9,000 graduates who lead and serve across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. These young people are equipped to be ethical, responsible and responsive leaders who can discern their calling and determine how best to serve the needs of their communities.

Institutional Update: ▪ Africa University has a student population of more than 2,800. There are 25-30 African nations represented in the student body each year.

▪ The university’s three colleges operate as centers for teaching, research, innovation, community engagement and enterprise development. Africa University is still the only university in Zimbabwe accredited to offer online degree programs.

▪ Students, faculty, and alumni contribute effective solutions to Africa’s current challenges. Their interventions include graduate programs in migrant and refugee protection, articulated by refugee students, as well as doctoral level training for military chaplains in Africa. Why military chaplains? They are among the first responders in crisis situations in Africa who tend to immediate needs such as rescue, shelter, food and comfort for the bereaved as well as the longer-term challenge of healing shattered dreams.

▪ Africa University is transitioning to solar energy provision on its main campus. With the support of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, a residence hall for women and a new wing of the student union building — gifted to the university by the Dallas, Texas-based Highland Park United Methodist Church — will be the first solar-powered facilities on the campus.

Africa University affirms its commitment to The United Methodist Church, its Cross and Flame, and the denomination’s global mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, in every season and despite a shifting social landscape.

Through its faithfulness, the Upper New York Conference invites new partners to join in the mission and change the world. By giving freely, Upper New York United Methodists walk alongside their neighbors, participate in bringing dreams to life, and help to shape an abundant present and future for more of God’s people.

Upper New York Conference, thank you for your steadfast response of engagement and generosity. Thanks to your stewardship of God’s blessings, Africa University has gone beyond what some thought was impossible.

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’ Luke 18:27 NKJV Submitted by: James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Africa University Development Office - jsalley@gbhem.org

113

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Boston University School of Theology Dear Colleagues in Ministry: I am grateful to have one last opportunity to thank you for your moral, prayerful, and material support of the Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH), and also to highlight the promising future of the School as a new Dean joins our stellar faculty, staff, and students in summer 2020 to carry on the mission of the School in partnership with all of you.

Breaking News: • Students: We continue to increase and celebrate diversity in our student body, creating opportunities for in-depth exchanges and a rich community life.

• Faculty: We welcomed two faculty this year: Filipe Maia as Assistant Professor of Theology, and Luis Menéndez-Antuña as Assistant Professor of New Testament. Both are extraordinary teachers who delight in working with students.

• Scholarships: We continue to offer free tuition to UMC registered candidates for ordained ministry, and to build student scholarships and housing as key priorities. BUSTH also offers leadership fellowships to support students in ethnic, gender, and sexuality studies: Raíces Latinas, Sacred Worth, Howard Thurman, Indigenous Studies, Korean Studies, Women in Leadership, and African Studies.

• Two new Programs: Faith and Ecological Justice (FEJ) and Raíces Latinas Program in Theology, Leadership, and Research (RL). FEJ leads programs to build ecological awareness, theological research, church collaborations, and community activism in ecological justice. RL sponsors programs to expand Latin American and Latinx theological study and research, and to enhance the leadership of students, young people, and leaders in Latino/Latina communities.

• Online Lifelong Learning: We have launched an exciting new program, offering online minicourses, workshops, and reading groups for professional and spiritual enrichment.

• Theology and the Arts Initiatives: Exhibits highlight sacred spaces in Boston; wilderness photography; a 1619 visual lament of 400+ years of slavery; voices and faces of Colombia; and paintings of a gay man struggling with the church.

• Campaign: Our BUSTH development campaign concluded with the raising of $29.4 million to support students, faculty, and vital programs.

• Website and Viewbook: Check out our new BUSTH website (www.bu.edu/sth) and Viewbook.

Partnering for Ministry and Transformation: • Creative Callings: In partnership with local churches, we seek to create “a culture of call.”

• Engagement with the UMC: Many of our students are delegates, volunteers, and singers for General Conference 2021.

• Continuing Scholar Program: BUSTH courses are open to alums and local clergy for small lifelong learning fees.

• Doctor of Ministry: The DMin in Transformational Leadership flourishes with lively student cohorts that are broadly ecumenical, culturally diverse, and global. The model includes intensives, online courses, and faculty mentoring.

• Religion and Conflict Transformation Clinic: The Clinic provides internships in local churches and organizations that foster just peacebuilding.

114

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

• • •

Travel seminars: Immersion journeys open worlds to students in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico, Cuba, Peru, Israel-Palestine, Civil Rights landmarks, and centers for ecological-spiritual renewal.

Ecumenical partnerships: We now have four denominational Communities of Learning: Wesleyan/Methodist, Episcopal/Anglican, United Church of Christ, and Unitarian Universalist.

Partnership with Hebrew College: Together we are able to enrich interreligious learning through joint courses and public events, and also co-sponsor The Journal of Interreligious Studies and the State of Formation for emerging leaders.

Taking Action Globally and Locally: • Campus action: Work to improve accessibility and sustainability. BUSTH is the first certified Green School in BU and is active in the Green Seminary Initiative. We have also been named as one of the “Seminaries that Change the World.”

• Internships in global service and peacemaking: Students participate in apprenticeship ministries across the world.

Commitment to Justice: • Faculty and students have been active in UMCOR efforts to support victims of hurricanes and fires, and in collaborative services to support people suffering the consequences of immigration practices, disability inequities, or racial violence.

• In Town Hall meetings, the community has deep conversations on issues that divide, seeking to develop capacities for relating across difference and to create a community based on the dignity of all.

Boston University School of Theology looks to the future. We celebrate transformational leaders of the United Methodist Church, who love with their whole hearts and follow Jesus Christ with their whole lives.

Your legacy and witness give us hope and courage for the future.

Blessings and gratitude, Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dean

115

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Duke University Divinity School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Dean L. Gregory Jones, Dean of the Divinity School and Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. Distinguished Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry, had his term as dean extended for a full five years through 2023.

The Duke Endowment awarded Duke Divinity School a $12 million grant in support of DDS’s three core priorities and traditions: Thriving communities enlivened by healthy congregations and gifted pastors, embodied wisdom through rigorous intellectual vitality, and creative institutions that inspire imaginative and transformative leadership including the Thriving Communities Fellowship program, which will provide 52 new full-tuition scholarships over the next four years.

Duke Divinity School launched the Duke Divinity: Black Pastoral Leadership Collaboration, which will draw on original research in Black church traditions and historical examples of effective Black church leadership to train and build networks of effective leaders for the Black church of today and the future. The collaboration will be led by the Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, research professor of theology and Black church studies and director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School.

In 2019, Duke Divinity School welcomed 215 new students from 33 different states and seven other countries, including Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Zimbabwe. The Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Arts in Christian Practice (M.A.C.P.) degree programs received record enrollments of 35 students and 22 students respectively. The Master of Theology (Th.M., 14 students), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., 20 students), and Doctor of Theology (Th.D., four students) all had strong enrollment. The D.Min. program was named the top online program by TheBestSchools.org.

Duke Divinity’s new Certificate in Theology and Health Care will enroll 8 students, all of whom are fellows with the Theology, Medicine, and Culture (T.M.C.) Initiative at the school. The M.T.S. program also includes eight students who are T.M.C. fellows, for a record year of 16 total fellows. The M.Div. degree program gained 110 new students, with minority students comprising more than 32 percent of the incoming M.Div. class, and Black students comprising 18 percent of the incoming M.Div. class. Female students made up 44 percent of incoming M.Div. students, while males were 56 percent. There were 24 denominations represented in the M.Div. entering class, with 42 percent affiliated with The United Methodist Church.

Two new faculty members, Brent Strawn and Brett McCarty, joined the DDS faculty in July 2019. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, is an ordained elder in the North Georgia Conference. Strawn has a secondary appointment as a Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law. Prior to joining the Duke faculty, Strawn taught at Candler School of Theology at Emory University for eighteen years.

McCarty, Assistant Research Professor of Theological Ethics, is a theological ethicist whose work centers on questions of faithful action within health care. He is associate director of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School, and he holds a joint appointment in the School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health Sciences.

Randy Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, general editor of the Wesley Works Editorial Project, and elder in the Dakotas Conference, retires at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

116

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

United Methodist faculty member Brittany Wilson received tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor.

Tito Madrazo joined the administrative leadership of the Divinity School as Senior Strategist for the Hispanic House of Studies. He will also serve as a consulting faculty member.

The Hispanic-Latino/a Preaching Initiative is currently in its fifth year of providing high quality theological education to current and aspiring Hispanic-Latino/a ministers. Twenty-one students from multiple denominations are taking courses with us this year.

The Duke Endowment has also awarded Duke Divinity School a grant of $5.5 million over five years to cultivate meaning and purpose across diverse professional schools at Duke. The Lilly Endowment has also awarded grants to Duke Divinity School to coordinate initiatives on “Thriving in Ministry” and “Thriving Congregations” across the United States.

Duke Divinity School has a partnership with Huntingdon College and Virginia Wesleyan University to create streamlined admissions process and private campus events in order to better equip students from those institutions with a calling to serve the church. In an effort to expand access for quality theological formation to students, pastors, and lay leaders in the Nashville Episcopal Area, DDS is also partnering with the Turner Center at Martin Methodist College to offer theological training for innovative and entrepreneurial ministries.

117

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

Methodist Theological School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Full-tuition scholarships extended to those pursuing United Methodist candidacy MTSO and the school’s generous donors have pledged to extend a full-tuition pledge to all prospective students who are pursuing United Methodist elder or deacon candidacy. This pledge applies to qualified prospective students who applied by July 1 for the 2020-2021 academic year. The MTSO admissions staff is happy to answer questions at 800-333-6876 or admissions@mtso.edu.

Two young scholars appointed to faculty MTSO President, Jay Rundell has announced the appointment of Tejai Beulah and Kyle Brooks to the faculty, effective July 1. Beulah has been appointed assistant professor of history, ethics, and black church and African diaspora studies. She earned her doctorate in American religious history from Drew University; a Master of Theological Studies degree from MTSO; a master’s degree in African American and African studies from Ohio State University; and a bachelor’s degree in English, history and gender diversity studies from Xavier University. Brooks has been appointed assistant professor of homiletics, worship, and black church and African diaspora studies. He has served for two years as a Louisville Institute postdoctoral fellow at MTSO while completing his doctoral dissertation in pursuit of a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in homiletics and liturgics. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School, and an M.A. in Urban Education Studies and B.A. from Yale University.

Al Gore among participants at MTSO conference In June 2019, more than 100 religious leaders, scholars, scientists, and farmers gathered at MTSO for a three-day conference, “On Food and Faith: Ministry in the Time of Climate Change.” Former Vice President Al Gore, Founder and Chairman of the Climate Reality Project, participated in all three days of the conference, delivering a multimedia climate presentation during a plenary session.

Faculty offer reading recommendations MTSO’s faculty members, who are widely published themselves, have compiled a list of theological books that shaped their lives and work. Their brief reviews cover titles from Down in the Chapel: Religious Life in an American Prison to Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. They are available online at www.mtso.edu/goodbooks.

Submitted by: Danny Russell, director of communications

118

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

United Theological Seminary For nearly 150 years, United Theological Seminary (UTS) in Dayton, Ohio, has been preparing faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Students In the fall 2019 semester, UTS equipped 459 women and men for leadership in the Church, including 272 masters’ students and 187 doctoral students. An ecumenical community of many denominations, races and nationalities, United welcomed students from 11 countries, 42 states, and 37 denominations, with the student body comprised of 49 percent African American, 42 percent Caucasian, and 10 percnet ethnic/racial minorities.i The Seminary prepared 165 Course of Study students and served 36 students through the Hispanic Christian Academy, a three-year Spanish online course of ministry program for Hispanic/Latino lay pastors and leaders.ii Altogether, approximately 660 students followed God’s call through United Theological Seminary.

Alumni/ae United graduates are making an impact in their communities as they spread the Good News.

• 88 percent of alumni/ae are currently employed in or retired from ministryiii • 70 percnet serve in local parishesiv • Rev. Dr. Brad Kalajainen (DMin ’99) received the 2019 Effective Ministry Award for his transformative leadership of Cornerstone UMC in Grand Rapids, Mich.

• Rev. Dr. James Bushfield (MDiv ’79, DMin ’92) received the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his leadership and ministry in the Indiana Conference of the UMC. • Rev. Dr. Sandra Coley (DMin ’14) received the Outstanding Doctor of Ministry Award for her advocacy of organ donation among African American communities.

New at United UTS introduced a 36-hour Master of Arts (MA) degree, designed for those who wish to earn a degree while completing the requirements for Advanced Course of Study in pursuit of ordination in The United Methodist Church. The MA program is available fully online, on-campus or in a combination.

UTS continues to offer innovative learning through its Live Interactive Virtual Education (LIVE) environment introduced in 2018. In the first year, 59 students participated in LIVE courses, connecting with classmates on campus in Dayton, Ohio, and across the country by attending classes in real-time via simultaneous webcast.

Becoming Debt-Free UTS remains committed to becoming debt-free by the seminary’s 150th anniversary on Oct. 11, 2021.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, United has received more than $2.5 million toward its goal of raising $4 million to “burn the mortgage.” Becoming debt-free as an institution will enable United to focus on generating income for scholarships that lighten the load of student debt for seminarians.

In Romans 10:14, St. Paul writes: “How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? AND HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?” For 150 years, United has been preparing faithful and fruitful Christian preachers and leaders who proclaim the Good News of God’s unconditional love which has come to us in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

119

Eleventh Session of the Upper New York Conference - Virtual Session Oct. 3, 2020: Vol. I

1

Submitted by: Dr. Kent Millard, president

i

Data represents Fall 2019 headcount enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

Data represents unduplicated headcount enrollment in the 2018-19 academic year. iii United Theological Seminary 2019 Alumni/ae Survey, sent in April 2019 to alumni/ae who graduated with a degree or certificate from United in years ranging from the 1940s to 2018, for whom the seminary had email contact information. Data collected represents a 25% response rate (520 respondents) of the 2,043 alumni/ae contacted. iv Or if retired, were serving in this capacity at time of retirement. United Theological Seminary 2019 Alumni/ae Survey. ii

120