NCNY Conference Prayer Focus for October, 2008

Pray for our new Bishop, Marcus Matthews ~ Pray for the Rev. Beth Benham and the ministry of the Northern Flow District ~ Pray for all the church conferences and the ministry decisions that shape the future of these churches ~ Pray for those in the path of hurricanes and other storms

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

Bishop Matthews issues call to daily prayer as New York West Area celebrates his assignment

United Methodists from congregations - small and large; rural, urban, and suburban; in areas of growth and areas of decline - of the New York West Area, joined together to welcome Bishop Marcus Matthews on Sunday, September 28.

The variety of choir robe colors in the celebration choir gave a visual aspect to the diversity represented, as the blending of voices – choir and congregation – gave a profound sense of a shared journey of faith.

Appreciation
It was with deep appreciation to family, friends, Episcopacy staff, and the Area, Bishop Matthews opened his meditation.

He thanked his wife Barbara for 34 good years, noting that he thanks God everyday he is able to look into her face at the start of each day.

He noted that members of the Episcopacy staff, Christine Doran and Mary Bradley, have gone well beyond their job descriptions in preparation for his move and this welcoming service.
Cited also was the hospitality the Matthews’ have received since arriving, especially the “delicious vegetarian soup.”>>more

United Methodists invited to help in Ike recovery efforts

Bishop Marcus Matthews has issued an appeal to United Methodists in the New York West Area to assist in recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike.

Bishop Matthews is calling for a special offering for Hurricane 2008 Recovery. The Advance number is #3019695, and funds will be used for hurricane recovery in Texas, Louisiana, Haiti and other parts of the United States. Ike Recovery continues in the Texas Annual Conference of the UMC and Bishop has asked for help. Just over a week ago Ike roared through Galveston, Houston and East Texas, and the news of Ike's impact has already disappeared from the national media. >>more

	Your gift to UMCOR Advance #3019695, Hurricanes 2008, helps provide immediate on-the-ground support to volunteers, annual conferences and interfaith response efforts. Give online, use a credit card at (888) 252-6174, or mail check to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO New York, N.Y. 10087-9068. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate of any United Methodist congregation.
Check the NCNY VIM page for news about teams going to this area. Join one if you can!

Board of Church and Society issues statement on the 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

President of the Council of Bishops issues statement on Cuba

The Methodist Church of Cuba, its leaders and people, and their fellow citizens, are the focus of this letter to you. They have been devastated by the recent storms named Gustav and Ike. The 243 congregations with nearly 20,000 members are engaged in cooperative relief efforts. Because of U.S. government policies, in particular the 2006 year action of non-renewal of a license to the General Board of Global Ministries, reported recently in our church press, we have not been able to send funds into Cuba. >>more

Great opportunity for clergy of small congregations

Twenty-five clergy and their spouses/partners from all Christian denominations will be invited to spend nine days at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, focusing on Body, Mind, and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening and Sustaining Clergy Wholeness in Small Congregations. The Summer Collegium takes place June 24-July 1, 2009, and applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2008 to be considered. All expenses are paid for by the grant. For more information and an application packet, visit www.vts.edu/education/collegium or call Marilyn Johns at 703-461-1760.

Clergy Registration is open for the Bishop's Convocation

Jesus, Wesley, and You: Some Insights from the Wesleyan Heritage October 13-15, 2008. The Rev. Dr. David Lowes Watson will be the keynote speaker for this first convocation with our new bishop.
Note: deadline for early registration is September 15
Go here for a brochure and registration form
Go here to register online

Conference supported missionaries arriving in NCNY Conference

Dr. & Mrs. Emmanuel and Florence Mefor, serving at Mutambara Hospital in Zimbabwe, will be in NCNY the week of November 10. Mrs. Mefor, a nurse midwife, is in a covenant relationship with the New Beginnings UMC (Finger Lakes District) in Elmira.

Watertown:First	November 11 - 7 pm
Sandy Creek	November 12 - 5:30 dish to pass, then program
Syracuse:Christ Community	November 13 - 7 pm
Elmira:New Beginnings	November 15 - 5-30 dish to pass and program
Elmira:New Beginnings	November 16 - 10 am at Sunday School
		- 11 am at Worship

That leaves Friday, November 14 open for other congregations (hopefully in the southern part of our conference) to take advantage of this fine couple.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear first hand about the struggles and faith of our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. Contact Sylvia Reimer to schedule Emmanuel and Florence - and it doesn't have to be an evening! Email Sylvia at marsyl5141@aol.com, or phone 315-788-5442.

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.

Order your 2008 Journals, 2008 Address Directories, and Clergy Photo ID Cards

Note: we have a limited number of copies left so have extended the deadline...order soon.

Go here to order online.

To order a yearbook, directory, or Clergy ID card offline: Click on “Print Order Form to Mail In.” This will open the Yearbook Order form in PDF format. You can type your information into the form (by clicking in the "Name" field then using the Tab key to move through the form) and then print the form to your local printer. OR you can print the form to your local printer and fill in by hand. Mail your completed form, with appropriate fees (checks made payable to NCNY Conference) to: NCNY Conference, PO Box 1515, Cicero NY 13039.

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.

Nothing but Nets nets over $18 million to date!! >>more		New Conference Goals - >>more
Looking for a VIM trip? >>more		New> Conference Advance Specials Go here for information about our NCNY Conference Advance Specials

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

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

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.