NCNY Conference Prayer Focus for January, 2009
Pray for Bishop Marcus Matthews, and the ministry of the New York West Area Office ~ Pray for the Rev. Dr. Sung Ho Lee and the ministry of the Mohawk District ~ Pray for all staff members of the Conference office ~ Pray for the appointment work of the Cabinet ~ Pray for peace
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| 2008 Prayer List |
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Mentor training
Mentor training will be offered on Wednesday January 7th at the Cicero UMC, gathering at 9:30 a.m. for coffee with the training beginning at 10 a.m. BOOM will offer training for the full spectrum of mentoring capacities currently required by our conference. At the end of the session, (we'll be done by 2 p.m.) participants will be qualified to serve as a candidacy mentor, a clergy mentor, mentor for a probationary member as they near ordination, and as a Certified Lay Minister's Equipping Pastor. All BOOM clergy members, DCOM clergy members, all elders, deacons, Associate members and full time local pastors who have completed the course of study are eligible and urged to attend. The material will cover all the changes in the 2008 discipline pertaining to candidacy and mentoring, so anyone previously serving as a mentor who trained more than 4 months ago needs to upgrade their status with this workshop . Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. To register contact Rev . Nora Jerzak immediately (no later than December 15) at 315-393-6693 or at njerzak@twcny.rr.com .
Major, life-saving relief and humanitarian services in Zimbabwe After months of careful planning, including the overcoming of political obstacles, The United Methodist Church, acting through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), has launched major, life-saving relief and humanitarian services in Zimbabwe, a country plagued by inflation, food shortages, and disease. Read about this significant breakthrough at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/newsroom/releases/archives08/umcorbringsfood. |
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| Several partners, as noted in the story, are engaged in this ministry. Considerable support is needed to take full advantage of this opportunity to share God's love. |
New bulletin insert available!
We have an inspiring new bulletin insert for our churches to use. "Faith Points" was written by Bishop Michael Coyner of the Indiana Conference. A "Faith Point," says Bishop Coyner, "is whenever we are not sure about the way, the next steps, and we have to rely upon our faith to point the way." He senses that today, for us, is one of those Faith Points. This insert is added to several others, highlighting our Connection, Congregational Development, Mission Opportunities, Lay Ministry, National Council of Churches and the Service Ministry Area. >>more
United Methodist bishops write to Obama
With tears, hymns and prayers, a jubilant United Methodist Council of Bishops celebrated the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, while affirming his vision of change for the nation "based on hope for all the people, especially those who are disinherited and disenfranchised." >>more |
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Baltimore-Washington Conference extends an inauguration invitation!
As the United States prepares for a change in presidential leadership, we in the Washington Area believe the inauguration will be one of the largest attended inaugurations in US history. Two weeks ago, we began to talk about this possibility and wanted to prepare for a United Methodist witness through radical hospitality, prayer services, special worship celebrations, a day of community service and teaching opportunities over the inauguration weekend. A number of our churches will also be opening their social halls for young people to sleep. We look forward to serving you and the United Methodists across our connection. >>more |
| Bishop John R. Schol of the Baltimore- Washington Conference |
Bishop Marcus Matthews elected President of General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry elected new officers, heard the general secretary's State of the Board Address, and attended a ministry fair during the Board's fall 2008 meeting. The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, GBHEM's general secretary, told new and returning Board members that they will be working with staff to answer the question of what it takes to form and nurture leaders with vision.
Bishop Marcus Matthews, resident bishop of the New York West Area, is the new president of the Board >>more
Bishop Marcus Matthews announces new dates for the 2009 North Central New York Annual Clergy Session and Annual Conference.
Recognizing that most laity and clergy will want to worship in their own local churches on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009, the dates have been changed. By posting these dates early on, local churches have ample opportunity to select Lay delegates to Annual Conference who can make arrangements to attend. >>more
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Ground Breaking at Casowasco
On a beautiful fall afternoon along the shores of Owasco Lake over 70 people from around the conference gathered to kick off a long awaited project at Casowasco. |
The ceremony began as CCRM Chairperson, Jackie Bellamy spoke about the Lord asking Abraham to look for a land he had not seen and relating this event to those that searched so many years ago for land that was eventually purchased and developed into a place called Casowasco. She spoke of the growth and changes which have taken place throughout the 60 plus years since the purchase and what it has meant to so many youth, and adults, that have visited these hallowed grounds. Jackie spoke of those that may have been “called to ministry or called to Christian service” here at “Casowasco, a place a part…”. Jackie shared that growth is very much a part of the continued vision for Casowasco and that Emmaus Commons is the building which is in need of expansion. She concluded her comments by saying that “Casowasco is a place where good things happen, where we meet our Creator in a natural setting”. Go to the blogspot for photos and go here for more information. |
Violet's Garden
Blooms
The need to foster spiritual growth in and with our children and youth is of paramount importance to the congregations of the North Central New York Conference. In honor of Bishop Violet Fisher's love and concern for children and youth, this NCNY Conference Advance Special #1075 was established to celebrate the Bishop's life and ministry among us and to continue her legacy of spiritually nurturing children and youth. Funds raised will provide grants/funds to promote spiritual growth and faith based experiences for children and youth in local settings in order to build disciples of Jesus Christ. To apply for a grant >>more
Board of Church and Society issues statement on the Financial Crisis
GBCS calls upon the U.S. Congress and the Bush Administration to “devise legislation that embraces our whole society” as it copes with the current financial crisis. >>more
Common Good Radio TM
Your faithful companion online for children and
those who love and care for them.
Music, scripture, prayer and talk speaking hope
into the world. Check it out, today!
www.commongoodradio.org |
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2008 Journal is online
Celebrate the 2009 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25, 2008)
invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” ( John 17:21 )
2009 Theme:
That they may become one in your hand (Ezekiel 37:15-19, 22-24a )
Go here to order materials. |
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Find out about NCNY Safe Sanctuaries
Together at Annual Conference 2007, we covenanted to have a Safe Sanctuary Policy in place with accompanying implementation procedures by Charge Conference 2008. Go to our webpage for more information about this important ministry, including training opportunities. If you desire assistance from our team, please feel free to contact us.
The new 2008-2009 Local Pastor Licensing School brochure and schedule is now available >>more
The 2008 - 2009 training dates for licensing men and women committed to holding God's people in their hearts and hands have been announced. A license is necessary for all persons not ordained as elder who are appointed to preach, conduct worship, and perform the duties of a pastor. The school is an eight month course of study comprising 80 contact hours over six educational modules. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Homan >>more |
| Guide to College and University Campus Ministries
From the NCNY Conference Board of Higher Education and Ministry comes a valuable new resource: The United Methodist Student's Guide to College and University Campus Ministries in our Conference >>more |
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Continuing Education
Check out the continuing education page to learn about many opportunities available to laity and clergy. Either click here, or go to Vision and Ministry Resource Ministry on the left hand navigational bar, then Continuing Education. If you know of an event that should be included, please email Lauren Swanson. |
Get Certified Lay Minister information here!
A certified lay minister is a United Methodist layperson called to congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson. They are qualified for CLM status after specific training and examination. Training days for the fall will be announced. >>more
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Looking for Information? about Disaster Relief (such as Conference drop off points for flood buckets), or Volunteer in Mission Opportunities? Click Volunteers in Mission and Disaster Relief on the navigational bar to the left. |
