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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    Cornerstone District News

    Around the Corner Newsletter-June 8, 2023

    June 8, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    In Person ALL Annual Conference 2023 Issue 6

    May 30, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-May 25, 2023

    May 25, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    In Person ALL Annual Conference 2023 Information- Issue 5

    May 17, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-May 11, 2023

    May 15, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    In Person ALL Annual Conference Information-Issue 4

    May 4, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District

    Around the Corner Newsletter April 27, 2023

    April 27, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    In Person ALL Annual Conference Information-Issue 3

    April 27, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    In-Person ALL Annual Conference June Session Information-April 20, 2023 Issue 2

    April 20, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-April 13, 2023

    April 13, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    In Person ALL Annual Conference Information-April 10, 2023

    April 10, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-March 30, 2023

    April 3, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-March 16, 2023

    April 3, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-March 2, 2023

    April 3, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-February 16, 2023

    April 3, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    2023 All Annual Conference Newsletter for March Special Session-Last Issue 3

    March 22, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    2023 ALL Annual Conference March Special Session Information-Issue 2

    February 14, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-February 2, 2023

    February 9, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    2023 All Annual Conference March Special Session Information Newsletter-Issue 1

    February 6, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Crossroads District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-January 19, 2023

    January 19, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    2023 Equalization Members to Annual Conference Being Sought

    January 19, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Jan. 5, 2023

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Dec. 19, 2022

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Dec. 8, 2022

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Nov. 23, 2022

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Nov. 10, 2022

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Oct. 27, 2022

    January 12, 2023 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter Oct. 13, 2022

    October 13, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter-Sept. 29, 2022

    September 29, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Phising Emails Being Sent Out-Do NOT Open Them

    September 27, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Around the Corner Newsletter September 15, 2022

    September 15, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter September 1, 2022

    September 1, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter August 18, 2022

    August 30, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Registration for Annual Conference 2022 Open

    August 30, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Retire Announcement of Bishop Mark Webb

    August 30, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Around the Corner Newsletter August 4, 2022

    August 11, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter July 21, 2022

    August 11, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter June 23, 2022

    August 11, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter June 9, 2022

    June 22, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Around the Corner Newsletter May 26,2022

    June 22, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Announcement: New BSA Chartering Agreement Information

    June 14, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Bishop Webb Offering Virtual Conversation with UNY Laity-June 21

    June 2, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Message from Bishop Mark Webb-Texas School Shooting

    May 25, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Regional Laity Gatherings with Bishop Webb are CANCELED

    May 24, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Mission Opportunity to Help Your Neighbors

    May 18, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    May 12, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    May 12, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 28, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    April 28, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 14, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    April 28, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    All Annual Conference Issue 2-April 13, 2022

    April 13, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    All Annual Conference Information Issue 1- April 6, 2022

    April 6, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Adirondack District / Albany District / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Mohawk District / Mountain View District / Northern Flow District / Oneonta District

    March 31, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    April 5, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    March 17, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    March 21, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Districts in the Southern Tier Region-Trustee ZOOM Training

    March 21, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the details and how to register for the class

    Southern Tier Region = Mountain View, Binghamton, Cornerstone and Oneonta Districts

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    Districts in the Southern Tier Region-SPRC ZOOM Training

    March 9, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

     Click here for the details and how to register for the class

    Southern Tier Region = Mountain View, Binghamton, Cornerstone and Oneonta Districts

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Mountain View District

    March 3, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    March 8, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Feb. 17, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    March 8, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Feb. 3, 2022 Around the Corner

    March 8, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    January 20, 2022 Around the Corner Newsletter

    January 31, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    January 6, 2022-Around the Corner Newsletter

    January 20, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    December 16, 2021-Around the Corner Newsletter

    January 4, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    December 2, 2021- Around the Corner Newsletter

    January 4, 2022 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    November 4, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    November 8, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    October 21, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    November 8, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Announcement-Boy Scouts of America Charter Agreement Followup-Oct. 13, 2021

    October 13, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Announcement: Boy Scouts of America Charter Agreement Recommendations-10/11/2021

    October 11, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    October 7, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    October 7, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    September 23, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    September 9, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    August 26, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    A Workshop for Pastors and Church Leadership in the Southern Tier Region of UNYAC-August 25, 2021

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    August 12, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    July 29, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    July 15, 2021 Around the Corner Newsletter

    September 29, 2021 / By Patti Gridley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    July 1, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    July 1, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    June 24, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    June 24, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    June 17, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    June 17, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    News of the Southern Tier Region

    June 10, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Dear Pastors serving our Lord in the Southern Tier Region of our conference:

    The Southern Tier districts are Cornerstone, Mountainview, Binghamton and Oneonta. We have three superintendents now serving four districts and to do so, we are adjusting the lines of our districts.

    Beginning July 1, the following churches currently in the Mountainview District will become members of the Cornerstone District:Allentown, Bolivar, KonXions, Swain, Short Tract and Wellsville.

    The following churches currently in the Binghamton District will become members of the Mountainview District:Barton, Halsey, Litchfield, Lounsberry, Nichols, Smithsboro, Spencer, Tioga Center, and Waverly.

    Olean Christ will continue to be in the Cornerstone District and be supervised by Jeff McDowell from the Mountainview District.

    We hope this will clear up some of the confusion and help us keep a focus on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ across the land.

    In Christ with you,

    Jeff McDowell, Nancy Adams, and Suzanne Block, superintendents.

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    June 10, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    June 10, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of  Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    June 3, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    June 3, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    May 27, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    May 27, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    May 20, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    May 20, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    May 13, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    May 13, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    May 6, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    May 6, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 29, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    April 29, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 22, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    April 22, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 15, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    April 22, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 8, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    April 8, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    April 1, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    April 5, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    March 25, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    March 25, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest issue of Around the Corner!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    March 18, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    March 18, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Lenten Devotional #4, Rev. Suzanne Block

    March 15, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It is a blessing to be able to share this weekly devotional with you during this season of Lent.  We are asking ourselves this question throughout Lent, “How do we see God?”

    Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”  Can we become pure in heart?  If so, how do we do this? 

    Journeying through Lent includes times of: self–examination and repentance; prayer and fasting; self–denial; reading and meditating on God's Word.

    This fourth week of Lent our focus is on living our lives in the light. Living in the freedom that comes from following Jesus, who is the Light of the World.  Read John 12:35-36 and John 3:19-21

    Baker’s Biblical dictionary explains light as, “Light always involves the removal of darkness in the unfolding of biblical history & theology.” A Light to the World. God is light, who dispels the darkness of this world. Jesus came as the light of the world, breaking through the darkness of sin by his work on the cross. We as followers of Jesus are a light to the world as well. Jesus describes his disciples as light and light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16).”

    The opposite of light is darkness. With darkness we can experience fear (panic, distress & anxiety), condemnation (criticism or disapproval) & secrets (words & actions to be kept unknown or unseen by others – those skeletons in your closets). Living in the darkness can also mean living without following Jesus. 

    Proverbs 4:19 “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”

    Our journeys of faith are our own. God meets us right where we are. God’s grace, forgiveness and love are ready to fill and enfold us. Even when we stumble in the darkness. Even when we stumble with: unhealthy habits, wanting to be in control, expecting others to act in a certain way, enticing worldly temptations that are placed before us and not placing Jesus first in our lives. 

    Here is the hope! John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness.  Jesus is the Light of the World!  Our lives no longer need to be shrouded in darkness. 

    Our desire as faithful followers of Jesus are to be faithful, obedient and intentional in our prayers and in our lives as we seek to follow the Jesus, who is the Light of the World.      

    When we live with humility and purpose; when we give up our self-focus and aimlessness; when we seek God’s peace and not chaos; when we allow Jesus to invade our darkness (fear, condemnation and secrets) and live in the light of Christ, we live in obedience & faithfulness to God. Seeking God’s light develops our Christ-like character becoming pure in heart.

    So, over the next several weeks, I prayerfully challenge each one of us to continue a time of self-reflection & the ability to rid ourselves of the characteristics that hinder us from seeing God. 

    This week as you hold the nail during your prayer time, pray for the ability to receive God’s light for your life and to follow more closely Jesus, who is the Light of the World. This means ridding yourselves of fear, condemnation and secrets. Intentionally working on becoming “pure in heart.”

    So, “How do we see God?”  Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”   

    Questions for reflection:  Read John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”

    Take time in prayer and ask God to reveal the area(s) of “darkness” in your life that need(s) to be brought into the light. Write them down.

    What situations continue to cause you to stumble in your faith journey? Write them down.

    How will following Jesus, who is the Light of the World, give you freedom from fear, condemnation and secrets?

    In prayerful reflection identify the area(s) in your life where you have received the light of God. Write them down and write a prayer to God of thanksgiving.

    Journeying Together,

    Suzanne

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    Lenten Devotional #4, Rev. Suzanne Block

    March 15, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It is a blessing to be able to share this weekly devotional with you during this season of Lent.  We are asking ourselves this question throughout Lent, “How do we see God?”

    Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”  Can we become pure in heart?  If so, how do we do this? 

    Journeying through Lent includes times of: self–examination and repentance; prayer and fasting; self–denial; reading and meditating on God's Word.

    This fourth week of Lent our focus is on living our lives in the light. Living in the freedom that comes from following Jesus, who is the Light of the World.  Read John 12:35-36 and John 3:19-21

    Baker’s Biblical dictionary explains light as, “Light always involves the removal of darkness in the unfolding of biblical history & theology.” A Light to the World. God is light, who dispels the darkness of this world. Jesus came as the light of the world, breaking through the darkness of sin by his work on the cross. We as followers of Jesus are a light to the world as well. Jesus describes his disciples as light and light-bearers (Matthew 5:14-16).”

    The opposite of light is darkness. With darkness we can experience fear (panic, distress & anxiety), condemnation (criticism or disapproval) & secrets (words & actions to be kept unknown or unseen by others – those skeletons in your closets). Living in the darkness can also mean living without following Jesus. 

    Proverbs 4:19 “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”

    Our journeys of faith are our own. God meets us right where we are. God’s grace, forgiveness and love are ready to fill and enfold us. Even when we stumble in the darkness. Even when we stumble with: unhealthy habits, wanting to be in control, expecting others to act in a certain way, enticing worldly temptations that are placed before us and not placing Jesus first in our lives. 

    Here is the hope! John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness.  Jesus is the Light of the World!  Our lives no longer need to be shrouded in darkness. 

    Our desire as faithful followers of Jesus are to be faithful, obedient and intentional in our prayers and in our lives as we seek to follow the Jesus, who is the Light of the World.      

    When we live with humility and purpose; when we give up our self-focus and aimlessness; when we seek God’s peace and not chaos; when we allow Jesus to invade our darkness (fear, condemnation and secrets) and live in the light of Christ, we live in obedience & faithfulness to God. Seeking God’s light develops our Christ-like character becoming pure in heart.

    So, over the next several weeks, I prayerfully challenge each one of us to continue a time of self-reflection & the ability to rid ourselves of the characteristics that hinder us from seeing God. 

    This week as you hold the nail during your prayer time, pray for the ability to receive God’s light for your life and to follow more closely Jesus, who is the Light of the World. This means ridding yourselves of fear, condemnation and secrets. Intentionally working on becoming “pure in heart.”

    So, “How do we see God?”  Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”   

    Questions for reflection:  Read John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”

    Take time in prayer and ask God to reveal the area(s) of “darkness” in your life that need(s) to be brought into the light. Write them down.

    What situations continue to cause you to stumble in your faith journey? Write them down.

    How will following Jesus, who is the Light of the World, give you freedom from fear, condemnation and secrets?

    In prayerful reflection identify the area(s) in your life where you have received the light of God. Write them down and write a prayer to God of thanksgiving.

    Journeying Together,

    Suzanne

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District

    March 11, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    March 11, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    Lenten Devotional #3, Rev. Suzanne Block

    March 8, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It is a blessing to be able to share this weekly devotional with you during this season of Lent.  We are asking ourselves this question throughout Lent, “How do we see God?”

    Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”  Can we become pure in heart?  If so, how do we do this? 

    Journeying through Lent includes times of: self–examination and repentance; prayer and fasting; self–denial; reading and meditating on God's Word.

    This third week of Lent our focus is on living our lives with God’s peace; the peace that passes all understanding.  Read John 14:26-27

    The King James Version Dictionary’s definition of peace: In English, the word "peace" conjures up a passive picture, one showing an absence of civil disturbance or hostilities, or a personality free from internal & external strife. The biblical concept of peace is larger than that & rests heavily on the Hebrew root slm, which means "to be complete" or "to be sound." The verb conveys both a dynamic and a static meaning" to be complete or whole" or "to live well."

    The dictionary defines peace as, “freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.”

    The opposite of peace is discord, noise, agitation, conflict, distress, war.

    Before we talk about finding God’s inner peace, what are some of the things in your life that do not bring you peace?

    Here is a short list of some areas in our lives, community and world that do not lead to peace: Poverty, Violence, Bullying, Racism, War, Self-centeredness, Addictions, Homelessness, Mental Illness, Disease – Terminal Illness, Technology, Busyness, Elimination of faith and prayer in public arenas, Natural Disasters, Stress, Noise, Pollution, Not caring for the environment, Death, Aging and Uncertainty.

    This is a small list and you may have identified other areas in your life that do not bring you peace.

    Think about this - where do you find peace and how do you find peace?

    Isaiah 26:3 “God will keep you in perfect peace, anyone whose mind is focused on you, because they are trusting in you.”

    Our desire as faithful followers of Jesus are to be faithful, obedient and intentional in our prayers and in our lives as we seek God’s peace.  Why?   

    We are called to be peacemakers and as disciples we are to strive to live our lives with God’s inner peace.  Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    Does this mean there will be no challenges and life will always be “easy?” No. There will be challenges. Challenges and events that we will not understand; that we will question; that will cry out to God, “Why?” 

    The good news is this. Through all of life’s uncertainty and the absence of outer peace, God is with us. God is beside us. God goes before us. God is behind us. God is for us.  Even when we do not feel God’s presence or peace, God is there. It is only when we prayerfully reflect on the situations and events in our lives will we come to understand God’s presence and God’s peace with us. This is not easy, especially when we are in the middle of a crisis. Take heart, God’s peace is available to all who seek God’s peace.     

    When we live with humility & purpose, when we give up our self-focus & aimlessness, when we seek God’s peace and not discord, we live in obedience & faithfulness to God. Seeking God’s peace develops our Christ-like character becoming pure in heart.

    So, over the next several weeks, I prayerfully challenge each one of us to continue a time of self-reflection & the ability to rid ourselves of the characteristics that hinder us from seeing God. 

    This week as you hold a nail during your prayer time pray for the ability to receive God’s peace for your life and to become a peacemaker. This means ridding yourself of discord, unrest, noise and agitation. Intentionally working on becoming “pure in heart.”

    So, “How do we see God?”  Matthew 5:8 tells us, “the pure in heart see God.”   

    Questions for Reflection:  Read John 14:26-27

    What in your life is causing you discord? Write them down.

    What are the “challenges or situations” are you unable to let go of?

    In prayerful reflection see the area(s) in your life where you can receive the peace of God. Write them down and write a prayer to God of thanksgiving.

    Pray for God’s peace. Reflect on the areas of your life that were challenges and how did God walk with you. Write them down.

    Reflect on the hymn below and how we can begin to live and share God’s peace.

    Let There Be Peace on Earth, UMH #431

    By Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

    Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me, Let there be peace on earth

    The peace that was meant to be.  With God as our Creator, Children all are we, Let us walk with each other In perfect harmony.

    Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now. With ev'ry step I take, Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment and live Each moment in peace eternally,

    Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me.

    I hope you find this time of reflection a time of growing in faith as we journey to the cross together, seeking to become “pure in heart.”

    Journeying Together,

    Pastor Suzanne

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    March 4, 2021 Around the Corner newsletter

    March 4, 2021 / By Cathy Hall / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."