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


    Niagara Frontier District News

    In Person ALL Annual Conference 2023 Issue 6

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

    Click here

    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 2023 Information- Issue 5

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

    Click here

    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 Information-Issue 4

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

    Click Here

    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

    In Person ALL Annual Conference Information-Issue 3

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

    Click here

    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)

    Click here

    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 Information-April 10, 2023

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

    Click here

    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 Newsletter for March Special Session-Last Issue 3

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

    Click here

    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)

    Click here

    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 Newsletter-Issue 1

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

    Click here

    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

    September 1 E-Connection

    September 2, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Please click here for the current edition of our district newsletter, the E-Connection.  The next issue will go out around September 14.

    NOTE: Julie will be working by remote only beginning September 10. She will be unavailable Sept 10-13. Apologies for any inconvenience.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Aug 20 E-Connection

    August 24, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest edition of our district newsletter! The next one will go out August 31.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    August 3 E-Connection

    August 5, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    For those who may have missed my announcement in the July 13 issue, I will be leaving at the end of August. They are interviewing candidates and we hope that I'll have some time to train the new person before I leave. I will truly miss working with everyone in this wonderful district. Please remember to be kind to the new person!

    Here is the August 3 edition of the E-Connection. The next issue will go out on August 17. Please have your items in before then; you can e-mail them to niagarafrontier@unyumc.org

    Thank you.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    July 1 E-Connection

    July 6, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the current edition of our district newsletter, the E-Connection!

    The next issue will go out July 15. Be sure to send in your items to Julie in the district office before that date. We are especially looking for what your church is doing to encourage / help out your members or community. Send pictures!  

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    June 15 E-Connection

    June 18, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the latest E-Connection!

    The next edition will go out July 1. Please send any items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    June 1 E-Connection

    June 3, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest E-Connection for you! 

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Feb 28 E-Connection

    March 2, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest edition of the E-Connection, our district newsletter. 

    The next one will go out March 16. Please send any items you would like to have included to Julie in the district office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2020 Equalization Members Needed

    February 29, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It's time to start preparing for this year's Annual Conference in Syracuse, so that means we need to select our Equalization Members!  

     

    We need all ages - youth (12-17 years), young adult (18-30 years) and adult. Take a look at the information page to see what is involved. If you would like to apply, fill out the application form.

     

    Remember to fill in the name of the Lay Member who will attend Annual Conference from your church, sign it AND have your pastor sign it before sending to the District Office no later than March 20.

     

    DO NOT register for Annual Conference until you are notified that you have been selected.

     

    If you have any questions, contact Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    January 31 E-Connection

    January 31, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Our district newsletter, E-Connection, comes out around the 1st and 15th of each month. Here is the January 31 edition. 

    If you would like to receive this directly, please send Julie a message to add you!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Catch the Spirit

    January 17, 2020 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Catch the Spirit, Niagara Frontier District's workshop & training day, will be on Saturday, March 7 from 8:00am-3:30pm at Clarence UMC (10205 Greiner Rd., Clarence). There are 18 workshops for you to choose from that cover a wide range of topics. Cost is just $20 per person and that includes lunch! See the CTS Brochure for class descriptions and registration form.  Come on out and be part of this day of fellowship, worship and training. We are also collecting items and donations for UMCOR flood buckets; see last page of the brochure.

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    December 6 E-Connection

    December 10, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest edition of the E-Connection, our district newsletter. 

    The next edition will go out December 30. Please send items you want included to Julie in the district office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    School Supply Pantry needs your help!

    July 30, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Forget the fact that the temperature is close to 90, that we can almost bathe in the humidity – think of fall and school supplies!  Look at the ads in the paper – look at the stores touting fall and winter clothing.  No question that it’s time to think of Back to School! Niagara Frontier City Ministries is again asking for your help, while the sales are going strong, to replenish our School Supply Pantry for use during the long school year.  Last year our Pantry helped supply paper, pencils, backpacks and much more to Seneca Street UMC and the Seneca Street after school programs, St. James UMC, Central Park UMC and the many refugee families who have found a home at Central Park, among others. This year we want to target supplies for Community Church Jehovah Jireh IMU (formerly Primera Iglesia), which has had an influx of members fleeing the devastating hurricanes and floods from Puerto Rico and Central Park’s Clara’s Closet Refugee Services, Inc. With over 100 new refugee families arriving in Buffalo from the Congo, it is a sure bet that many will end up “visiting” Clara’s for clothing, household goods and school supplies. Please collect as many of the school supplies at the current deeply discounted prices as you can. You can contact Beth Buckley of NFCM (716-913-5010 or efb816@aol.com) to arrange for pick up. Bless our churches for their loving and giving spirits!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Disciple I Class

    July 30, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Pastor Jean Edmister will lead a Disciple I course at Trinity UMC in Amherst (711 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst) that will be held on Thursday evenings beginning September 12 at 6:30pm. If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Pastor Jean.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Certified Lay Minister Course

    July 30, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    If you are a Lay Servant or Lay Speaker and are interested in moving to a CLM, here’s your chance! District Lay Leader & CLM, Jessica White and Rev. Dr. Karen Grinnell will lead the course at Indian Falls UMC on the following dates: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9am-12pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1-5pm and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9am-12pm. You must attend all three sessions. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rev. Grinnell.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    July 29 E-connection

    July 30, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Find out what's going on around the Niagara Frontier District and all the news you need to know! Here's the July 29 edition for your perusal.

    The next edition will go out on August 16. Send any items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    UMW June Newsletter

    July 15, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    You can see our district UMW current newsletter by clicking here. It includes information about Mission u (retreat for everyone) that is July 25-27 at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center, their annual meeting that will be Saturday, October 5 at Eden UMC and all kinds of info about other activities/events and what they do.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Mission of Peace Trip for Ethan Stierheim

    June 24, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Ethan is a member of Williamsville UMC and the son of pastors, Heather and Gregg Stierheim. He has been selected to be part of the Mission of Peace delegation that will be going to India in December 2019. Each participant has to pay his or her own way, so he is asking for your help to raise the $5,500 he needs for this three week trip. See Ethan’s letter for more information about Ethan, the trip and how you can donate. Thank you!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Transforming Church Conflict training

    June 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    This is a two retreat series about Transforming Church Conflict and Creating Space for Authentic Community. There are actually two locations for these, but the closest to us is at Asbury Camp & Retreat Center on September 18 & 19 and October 9 & 10 (lunch Wed thru 5pm Thursday). These are geared toward Clergy and Servant Leaders and also count as continuing education. Feel free to share this info with anyone who might be interested! Here is more information about the locations and facilitators.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Family Systems Theory Training

    June 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    A Family Systems Theory 10 week Basic Training Course will be offered on Tuesdays (September 17-November 19) from 6-9pm at the Catholic Charities Admin Center (741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo). Cost for the training is $400. See the Family Systems Brochure for more information and registration form. You can also print a flyer.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Spanish Basic Lay Servant Class

    June 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    This class will be offered in Spanish only on Saturday, August 31 at the Community Church Jehovah Jireh IMU (former Primera Iglesia; 62 Virginia St., Buffalo) from 9am-5:30pm. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Participants should purchase the book and read before coming to the training. Here are the links for each different format: electronic version (Spanish) for EPub readers is $7.99; Kindle Spanish version is $7.99; Spanish print book is $10. They are available from The Upper Room Bookstore. Be sure you get the libro del participante. To sign up or for more information, contact Pastor Cesar Galarza at 716-939-6777 or COGCL62@gmail.com.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Disciple I Online Class

    June 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    An online Disciple I class will begin this summer! The class will run Monday, August 5-December 2 (17 weeks), then break for Advent, and continue Monday, January 6-May 4, 2020. Time will be 6:00-7:30 p.m. each week. Meetings will be done primarily through ZOOM (computer or other online device) with no requirement to meet in person. Cost TBA as there is a cost to use ZOOM. The more people that sign up, the less the cost will be! Register with Pastor Dave Pritchard & ask questions at email: pritchard.dave06@gmail.com. This class counts towards the candidacy requirement (working toward LLP, etc).

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    June 17 E-Connection

    June 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    There is a lot of new items in this edition of the E-Connection, the Niagara Frontier District newsletter! It goes out twice a month (around the 1st and 15th).

    Please send items you would like included to Julie in the District Office. The next issue will go out July 1.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    June 3 E-Connection

    June 3, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is all the latest and greatest news from Niagara Frontier Distict in the June 3 E-Connection!

    The next issue will go out June 17.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    May 3 E-Connection

    May 6, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the May 3 edition of our district newsletter, the E-Connection.

    The next issue will go out May 17. Please send any items you would like to be included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2019 Laity Banquet UPDATED

    April 4, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Please share this information with your church family! We will celebrate the significant ministry of the laity in our churches on Sunday, May 19 at our 15th Annual District Laity Banquet.

    This is a wonderful time to come together as a district for fellowship, food, music and worship.

    Everyone is invited, even if your church is not recognizing anyone this year. Remember to bring your noise makers!

    The chicken entree has been changed to Chicken Cordon Bleu. If you select the chicken entree, it will be Cordon Bleu, not Chicken Oscar.

    If you have questions, please contact Tracy Hagler.

    Information Letter      Menu

    Honoree Form word      Honoree Form pdf

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Advanced Lay Servant Course

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders  

    This course will guide lay servants seeking to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality, building on the congregational strategic planning resource, "Does Your Church Have a Prayer?" Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders will first define the three disciplines of Christian transformational leadership and the four qualities of Christian transformational leaders.

    Courses will be held Wednesday nights, June 12-July 17 (skip July 3) from 6:30-8:30pm at Bowmansville UMC (5344 Genesee St, Bowmansville). 

    If you are interested, please email Jessica White at jdgirl25@yahoo.com or call 716-536-1820. The cost of the course is $20.  Please make checks out to UNYAC and send to 175 Main St  Apt 3, Attica NY 14011. 

    Please purchase the book prior to the first class! “Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders” by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry, John Brigs. Particpant’s book: ISBN  978-0881778816  Available in paperback, epub and Kindle through www.upperroom.org or www.amazon.com.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    NYS & IRS Compliance Workshop

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Since October 2018 the NYS Labor Department has mandated that each employer of one or more employees, including church employers, adopt a specific Sexual Harassment Policy, which includes a complaint form. NOTE: This is not the same thing as a Safe Sanctuary policy. In addition, NYS is mandating Sexual Harassment Training for each employee. This must be completed by October 2019 and each year thereafter. Beth Buckley, Attorney at Law, will lead a workshop on these matters, including a Training Session, on Saturday, May 11 at Amherst: Trinity UMC. Seating will be limited. Contact Beth Buckley at efb816@aol.com to sign up and note the names of your church employees who will be attending. Please note: there will be a charge of $35 per church to cover copying costs. Click here for more information.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Camp & Retreat Ministries

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Our conference has a wonderful network of camp and retreat centers, why not check out what they have going on! Conference Retreats is a list of the retreats scheduled through December 2019. Page one is a list by date and page 2 is by location.  Camp & Retreat Open Houses lists the dates you can go and check out each of the locations in person!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Spiritual Formation Group

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    DS Carlos will lead a spiritual formation group that meets on certain Thursday mornings from 10am-Noon at Bowmansville UMC (5344 Genesee St., Bowmansville).

    This group is for anyone (clergy or lay) who wants to have a deeper relationship with Christ through consistent Bible study and prayer. This group will help you develop a system that works for you. It will also provide support and encouragement between the participants. Start at any time and come as you are able. The dates are listed below.

    April 4, 11, 18          No July Dates!
    May 16, 23              August 15, 22, 29
    June 13, 20             September 5, 12 

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Live Weekly Devotional Time with DS Carlos!

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Start your week off with a live, interactive 15 minute devotional time with DS Carlos on Facebook on Monday mornings at 7:30am beginning Monday, April 1. Go to the NiagaraFrontier District Facebook page.

    It will be a time of reading scripture, prayer with time for questions, prayer requests or comments via Messenger or text.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    April 1 E-Connection

    April 2, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    For all the latest news from Niagara Frontier, click here for the April 1 edition of  the E-Connection! It's no joke! 

    The next issue will go out April 15. Please send items you would like to be included to Julie in the District Office

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Bow Tie & Hat Day at AC

    March 19, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    We like to have fun at Annual Conference and you can be a part of it by wearing a bow tie or hat (or both!) on Friday, June 7. Go crazy! Be creative! Any type of headwear works – hat, head band, fascinator – you’ve got time to find the perfect accessory. (Last year, our District Lay Leader, Jessica, wore Minnie Mouse ears.) Looking forward to seeing all the different participants!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Nominations Needed for 2020 General Conference

    March 19, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Conference Committee on Sessions is now accepting applications from those who wish to be considered as candidates for the role of delegate to the 2020 General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference. The committee has expressed its hope that the pool of applicants will reflect the diversity of the Conference and The United Methodist Church. Men and women of all ages and ethnic, racial, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. To help members determine if they are called and able to serve in this vital role, the Committee on Sessions has created a "job description" for delegates. Click here to read the delegate guidelines and click here to learn more and apply.

    The deadline for clergy and laity nominations is May 1.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    March 15 E-Connection

    March 18, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    You can read the current E-Connection by clicking here.  

    The next issue will go out around April 1. Please send any items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    March 1 E-Connection

    March 4, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the newest issue of the E-Connection, our district newsletter.  

    The next issue will go out March 15. Please send any items you would like to be included to Julie in the District Office.

    If you would like to receive the E-Connection in your inbox, please notify Julie.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2019 Equalization Members Needed!

    February 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It's that time of year again when we ask for Equalization Members to attend Annual Conference. These are lay people who can vote to help balance (equalize) the clergy who are voting.

    You can read the information letter to find out what you need to know and how much it would cost. If you want to apply, return the application by March 15. The application must have your pastor's signature and the Lay Member from your church must be listed.

    We will notify those who have been selected by March 22. Do not register until you have been notified that you will serve.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Feb. 15 E-Connection

    February 21, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest E-Connection, our district newsletter.

    The next one will go out March 1. Send your news items to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Regional Gatherings with Bishop Webb

    February 5, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Regional Gatherings with Bishop Webb after Special Session 

    We do not know what to expect at the 2019 Special Session of General Conference (The Way Forward) taking place Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis, MO and this uncertainty can be uncomfortable. Whatever the outcome of Special Session is, our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world will continue. There may be a new reality that we will have to acclimate to so that we can continue to fulfill our mission as United Methodists.

    Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb invites you to attend a clergy gathering and/or one of six regional gatherings happening this March. These gatherings will include a time of worship, prayer, and Bishop Webb's explanation of decisions and actions that took place at Special Session.

    All clergy are expected to attend the clergy gathering on Saturday, March 9 at Rochester: Asbury First UMC from 10am-12:30pm.

    Laity and clergy are invited to attend one of  the other gatherings to be held around the conference. The closest to our district are on Sunday, March 17 from 4-6pm at Clarence UMC or Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30-8:30pm at Olean: Christ UMC.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    February 1 E-Connection

    February 5, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the current edition of our district newsletter, the E-Connection.

    The next issue will go out February 15. Please send any articles you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2019 Catch the Spirit

    January 15, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    This year’s theme for the Niagara Frontier District workshop day is Therefore Go and Make Disciples in My Name and is scheduled for Saturday, March 2 at Clarence UMC from 8am-3:30pm. Check out this year’s available workshops and remember your $20 cost includes lunch! See the Catch the Spirit brochure for workshop descriptions and registration form. Come and connect (or reconnect) with members of other congregations in our district!!

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    January 14 E-Connection

    January 15, 2019 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the first issue of the year for our district newsletter, the E-Connection! 

    If you have any items you would like to be included next time, send them to Julie before February 1 (when the next issue goes out).

    Have a great day!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Young Adult Event

    December 20, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The UNY Young Adult Committee is planning a gathering in January and would love your help in spreading the word.

    Please click here for a flyer

    The gathering will take place at Dave and Busters, Syracuse NY on January 12, 2019 at 1:00pm. 

     This is a free gathering for Young Adults ages 18-35.  

    Free food and games! 

    If you would like to join us please email at: unyyoungadults@gmail.com

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Dec. 14 E-Connection

    December 17, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Merry Christmas!

    Here is the December 14 issue of our district newsletter, the E-Connection. The next one is scheduled to go out on December 31.

    Please send any items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    informed to transform 10! Leadership Training Event

    November 29, 2018 / By Betsy O’Flynn / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Genesee Valley District Leadership Training Day 
    Registration is now OPEN for informed to transform 10!
    Saturday February 2, 2019
    8:30am - 3:00pm
    Asbury First UMC
    1040 East Ave
    Rochester, NY 14607
     
    We hope to see you all there!  This year we will be offering churches a chance to assist in assembling kits for Mission HUB.  Please contact the district office for more details on how you can help with this mission.
     
    Please click here for registration
     
    Please click here for a brochure to pass out to friends
     
    Please click here for workshop descriptions
     
    If you have any questions please feel free to contact 
    Betsy O'Flynn at 585-340-9525 or
    geneseevalleydistrict@unyumc.org 

    TAGGED / Binghamton District / Cornerstone District / Finger Lakes District / Genesee Valley District / Mountain View District / Niagara Frontier District

    Nov. 16 E-Connection

    November 19, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the November 16 edition of our E-Connection, the Niagara Frontier District newsletter. The next one will go out November 30.

    Please send items you would like to have included to Julie in the District Office.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Nov. 5 E-Connection

    November 6, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    For all the news around the Niagara Frontier District, you will want to read the Nov. 5 edition of the E-Connection! 

    The next one will go out on Friday, Nov. 16. Please send items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    Please pass this on to anyone who you think may be interested. If you would like to receive it directly in your e-mail, contact Julie.

    Have a great day!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    October 16 E-Connection

    October 17, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the October 16 E-Connection, the newsletter for Niagara Frontier District.

    The next edition will go out on October 30. If you have an item you would like included, please send it to Julie in the District Office.

    Feel free to share it with your friends.

    If you would like to receive the E-Connection directly in your e-mail, contact Julie.

    Have a great day!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Oct 1 E-Connection

    October 10, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the October 1 edition of the E-Connection, the newsletter for Niagara Frontier District.

    The next one will go out October 16. Please send items you would like included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Book Signing

    September 21, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Congratulations to Lori Jagow (CLM at Pendleton Center UMC) who has her story, A Musical Gift, published in the best selling Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Wonder of Christmas, that will be released on October 16. As a struggling single parent, Lori only wanted her son to perform in the Starpoint school band for Christmas, but an unforeseen problem threatened to prevent him. James is now looking forward to graduating with honors from Berklee College of Music in 2019. You can get a signed copy of the book on Friday, October 19 at the Pendleton Center Fish Fry or by contacting Lori directly. Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots and Pendleton Center UMC. Contact Lori (Loriannjagow@gmail.com or 716-909-8329) to pre-order your copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Wonder of Christmas for $15. You can read the press release for the book here.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Sept. 18 E-Connection

    September 21, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The E-Connection goes out around the 1st and 15th of each month. Here is the Sept. 18 edition.

    You may send items to be included to Julie in the District Office at any time!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Aug. 24 E-Connection

    September 12, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the August 24 edition of the E-Connection. Below is Carlos' message.

    15 minutes daily.... with a goal of one hour daily.

    Why can I not pray with the depth I desire? Because prayer is a spiritual discipline that directly attacks my innate inclination to self-justify and my resistance to spiritual disciplines. Our Lord and Savior presented prayer as the spiritual discipline that empowers us to handle and overcome temptation: Matthew 26: 41 "Stay alert and pray so that you won't give in to temptation. The spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak."The apostle Paul describes our resistance as an internal battle; Galatians 5:17 "A person's selfish desires are set against the Spirit, and the Spirit is set against one's selfish desires. They are opposed to each other, so you shouldn't do whatever you want to do."

    So, the first thing I do: recognize what distracts and inclines me not to pray. Most of all, I am, myself the biggest distraction. I am confessing: I am an expert at finding reasons not to pray. Why is this happening? I could quote dozens of articles and thousands of explanations, but I want to keep it simple. I summarize it in the following way: We do not pray because we do not have a definite goal of our discipleship in Christ Jesus. Therefore, praying is not a priority.

    We do not know where we are in HIM and consequently our final goal. The neglect of not knowing who we are in Christ clouds our understanding. We are not seeing the privilege we have of being the representation of the Body of Christ today, here and now on earth. Not knowing and clouded understanding of the goal had us out of focus and justifies our carelessness for a deep spiritual life.

    Carlos

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Systems Theory Voyagers Conference

    August 15, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen family systems theory and its application to congregations and leadership by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. We believe that the factual approach of Murray Bowen that underlies his theory and the creative and imaginative use of theory by Edwin Friedman provide a unique understanding of human functioning for life, leadership, coaching, and ministry. 

    On Wednesday, November 14 from 9am-3pm at the Westin Hotel in Buffalo, members of the Voyagers will present “Bowen Theory Introduction and Application.” Cost is $60 or $35 for students (with ID); price goes up after October 31.

    On Thursday, November 15 from 9am-4pm at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, Dr. Michael Kerr will present “Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families.” Cost is $95 or $65 for students (with ID); price goes up after October 31.

    Registration for both days is $125 or $80 student; price goes up after October 31. Lunch is included on both days.  For more information, click here. For information about the Voyagers group, go to www.voyagers.life.  To register, go to www.voyagers.life/buffalo-events.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Message from our Superintendent

    August 15, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    15 minutes daily.... with a goal of one hour daily.

    God has promised to transform us into the image of his son, Jesus Christ. Transformation that we can enjoy here and now. The goals of such a transformation are: help us to face the daily life situations by faith, model God's transformation here and now, and to be a living testimony of God's grace, love and power. Our intimate life in God's presence is one of the tools to accomplish such goals.

    An intimate life with God is built with: daily moments of prayer and reading of the Word of God, worship and acts of gratitude, identifying God's work on us. Intimacy with God is what sanctifies us. Sanctification is God's grace forming the character of Jesus Christ in us. The victory accomplished through our transformational process of sanctification gives us the evidence of God's work in our lives. Each testimony empowers us as witnesses of God's grace and power.

    God has the power to cancel and eliminate the storms and circumstances that make our lives difficult. However, God's goal is to transform our ability to face life to become more like Jesus Christ. That ability is only obtained when we invest with determination in our intimacy with God. The burdens of everyday life make us feel trapped in the middle of a turbulent sea. Confusion can lead us to feel internally tormented. Our response to the circumstances of life is the product of our intimate life before God. Let us invest consistently and properly in our intimacy with God.

    When was the last time you separated time just to sing to God? How often do you cancel your daily activities to reflect, meditate and contemplate the beauty of God in the Word? How many times have you found yourself praying for God's purpose for your life, agenda and daily life? Let us start with 15 minutes daily. Let us set a goal of one hour daily.

    Carlos

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    August 14 E-Connection

    August 15, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the August 14 edition.  The next E-Connection will go out Friday, August 24.

    Please note that Julie will be out of the office August 27-31. The District Office will be closed Monday, September 3.

    Any news items for the E-Connection should be sent to Julie at NiagaraFrontier@unyumc.org.

    Thank you.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    July 31 E-Connection

    August 1, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for the July 31 issue of the E-Connection, our district newsletter.

    The next edition will go out August 14. Please send any news items to Julie by August 13.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Lay Servant & Disciple I & III Classes (Updated!)

    July 18, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here are some upcoming opportunities for Lay Servant classes and Disciple I and III classes.

    Disciple is a program of disciplined Bible studies aimed at developing strong Christians. Disciple I, “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study,” is a 34 week course that provides an overview of the entire Bible. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. Disciple draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. Whether you're new to Christian faith or a long-time believer, this course offers the opportunity to strengthen and deepen your relationship with God and develop lasting friendships with fellow followers of Jesus Christ.

    Attica: Trinity UMC will offer this 34 week course beginning in the fall. The class must have at least 10 participants registered by September 1. Schedule to be determined by the group. You may register by calling the Trinity office at 585-591-1949 or contact Rev. Pam Klotzbach at 716-560-0290 or revpamumc@gmail.com.

    Pendleton Center UMC will offer the class on Thursday evenings from 6:30-9pm beginning September 13. (Registration deadline is Friday, September 6.) They will take a break for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Holy Week, completing the course in May. Child care will be available if needed.  Course materials are a Bible and the Disciple 1 study guide. Study Guides may be ordered at the time of registration. Questions or to Register, contact Pastor Lisa Taylor at LisaTaylor@pcumc.org or the church office at theoffice@pcumc.org or phone 716-625-8306.

    Disciple III, “Remember Who You Are,” will be offered at Wilson: Exley UMC on Tuesdays beginning August 28 from 6:30-8:45pm. This is a 32 week study led by Pastor John Loeser that includes the Old Testament prophets and the letters of the Apostle Paul. A study manual is required and can be purchased at Cokesbury.com. Please call the church office at 716-751-6057 for more information or to register.

    A Mission Journey – This 6-session Advanced Lay Ministry Course encourages short-term mission volunteers to reflect on the reasons why they engage in mission and how they plan and prepare to be more intentional. It helps volunteers shape the stories of their mission experiences in a way that enhances their personal and spiritual journeys. Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm beginning September 18 at Trinity UMC in Attica. To register, contact Rev. Pam Klotzbach at 716-560-0290 or revpamumc@gmail.org  The book may be purchased from Upper Room.   ISBN 9780835817868

    Fall Basic Lay Servant Course – Judy Johnson-Paonessa, CLM, will lead the Basic Lay Servant class on consecutive Wednesday evenings (September 12-October 10) from 6:30-8:30pm. The classes will be held at the Emmanuel UMC, 75 East Ave. in Lockport.  Please contact Judy (jljgesq@aol.com) for details and to register for the class. To register, please send your name, street address, phone and e-mail address by August 24. You may also mail the information to Judy’s attention at the church address.

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    2018 Church Conference Schedule

    July 18, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    This year Carlos will be doing individual church conferences so he can meet congregations in their own church. The schedule can be found here. Please plan now to attend your conference and meet our new District Superintendent.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2018 Fall Clergy Gatherings

    July 18, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    We will again offer two sessions of our Fall Clergy Gathering for worship, fellowship and to go over this year's church conference forms. All pastors currently serving a church should make plans to attend one of the gatherings. The first will be Wednesday, September 5 from 9:30am-Noon at Baker Memorial UMC in East Aurora. The evening session will be at Faith UMC in Lancaster on Thursday, September 6 from 7-8:30pm.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    July 17 E-Connection

    July 18, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest edition of our district newsletter.
    The next edition will go out July 31. Please send any articles to Julie by July 30.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    July 2018 District Clergy Changes

    July 18, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the list of pastoral changes for our district, effective July 1. Your prayers for everyone (pastors and congregations) are appreciated during this time of transition.

    Goodbye
    Pastor Jim Barnes from Clarence Center to retirement and to St. Johnsville (Mohawk District)
    Rev. Wayne Butler from District Superintendent to retirement (in Tucson, AZ!)
    Pastor Kevin Costner from Springville to Clymer (Cornerstone District)
    Pastor Renee Engels from W. Seneca: Covenant & New Hope to not appointed
    Rev. Tony Hipes from Medina to Perry: First (Genesee Valley District)
    Rev. Alan Howe from Eden to retirement
    Rev. Jan Hubbard from Hamburg to personal leave
    Rev. Sung Ho Lee from Grand Island: Trinity to Rochester: Aldersgate (Genesee Valley District)
    Pastor Beth Malone from Lyndonville to Auburn (Fingerlakes District)
    Pastor Bob Oyer from Johnsonburg to retirement
    Pastor Brian Scharf from Orchard Park: Emmanuel to retirement
    Pastor Grace Warren from Gowanda to Mexico (Crossroads District)

    Hello
    Pastor Rebecca Allis from North Carolina Conference to W. Seneca: Covenant & New Hope
    Pastor Linda Barczykowski as Lay Minister to Gowanda
    Rev. Matthew French from Genesee Valley District to Springville
    Pastor Ray Gilman from Cornerstone District to Clarence Center
    Pastor Olga Gonzalez from Crossroads District to Lyndonville
    Rev. Jim Laun from retirement to Orchard Park: Emmanuel
    Pastor Stephen Mannion as Lay Supply from Pittsburgh, PA to Lancaster: Faith
    Rev. David Nicol from Northern Maine Conference to Hamburg
    Rev. Kate Nicol from Northern Maine Conference to Eden
    Rev. Ann Robinson to Johnsonburg (with Nunda & Warsaw Cluster in Genesee Valley)
    Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer as District Superintendent from Genesee Valley District
    Rev. Kevin Slough from Genesee Valley District to Grand Island: Trinity

    New Appointment in our District
    Pastor Larry Eastlack from Amherst: Trinity to Medina
    Pastor Jean Edmister from Pendleton Center & Niagara Falls: First to Amherst: Trinity

    Newly Commissioned
    Provisional Elder Cheryl Brown at Amherst: Asbury UMC
    Provisional Deacon Jessica Glaser at Amherst: Asbury UMC
    Provisional Elder Lisa Taylor at Pendleton Center and Niagara Falls: First UMCs

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    May 1 E-Connection

    May 3, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    You are invited to read the current edition of the E-Connection, the newsletter for the Niagara Frontier District.

    The next edition will go out on May 18. Please send items you would like to be included to Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Rev. Butler Farewell

    April 13, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    As you are aware, Rev. Wayne Butler is retiring from the Superintendency on June 30. We would like to take an evening to celebrate with him throu worship and fellowship on Friday, June 8 with worship at 7pm and fun and fellowship to follow. Please come to share in this time with people from around our district and conference, along with our host church, Harris Hill UMC, 8495 Main St., Williamsville. All are welcome!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Charles Wesley Course at CRCDS

    April 5, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    “The Life and Thought of Charles Wesley,” (CF-200) is being offered at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester as a one week course running June 11-15. The course will be taught by Rev. John Tyson (former pastor in Niagara Frontier District) who has written four books and more than two dozen scholarly articles on Charles Wesley, and is considered an internationally known expert in this field. It is an in-depth study of Charles, “the other Wesley,” who was a major contributor and shaper of the Wesleyan tradition – in terms of his evangelism, hymns, and the challenges of living a happily married life in the midst of the relentless demands of ministry. Particular attention will be paid to the on-going relevance of his work for contemporary Christian practitioners in the Wesleyan theological tradition. If interested, you may contact Andrea Mason, Registrar, at amason@crcds.edu.

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    Basic Lay Servant Course

    April 5, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    A Basic Lay Servant Course will be offered at Amherst: Asbury UMC (850 Dodge Rd., Getzville) by Pastor Cheryl Brown and Nancy Moore, CLM.  Classes will be Wednesdays from 6:30-9:00pm on April 11 & 25 and May 9 &16. Dinner will be included. They need to have at least 5 or 6 people register to hold the class. You will need to purchase the "Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Book." It is currently on sale for $7.79 from Cokesbury.  Please email Pastor Cheryl at cheryla14094@yahoo.com to register for this class.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    April 3 E-Connection

    April 3, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here for our current edition of the newsletter!

    Also, look for the article on our webpage about the District Laity Banquet to be held on May 20.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    2018 District Laity Banquet

    April 3, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Niagara Frontier District will host its 14th Annual Laity Banquet, celebrating the significant ministry of the laity in our churches, on Sunday, May 20 at Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville.

    We know that each church in our district has joys to share and ministries to celebrate. Our hope is that you will want to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the marvelous things God is doing in our midst!

    Even if you do not wish to honor someone from your church, you are encouraged to attend the event as a church and celebrate the accomplishments of the Niagara Frontier District Laity as a whole.

    Since this is a celebration, some churches bring noisemakers to add to the fun - we look forward to lots of fun at this year's banquet.

    There is a change in the dinner reservation process this year! Reservations can be made by following this link. This opens up the opportunity to pay by debit card, credit card or PayPal.

    Here is the Information Letter, Honoree Form and Menu.

    Looking forward to seeing you on May 20!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Jason Moore Guest Readiness Seminar

    March 21, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Join us for a hands-on learning experience designed to help participants better connect and build lasting relationship with visitors led by Jason Moore. "5 Things Your Visitors Are Thinking But Won’t Ask" will be held at Kenmore UMC (32 Landers Rd., Kenmore) on Sunday, April 29 from 2-6pm. Cost is $5 per person. Click here to register.  See Guest Readiness Seminar for more information.

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Niagara Frontier District

    March 16 E-Connection

    March 20, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Welcome to Spring! At least the sun is shining . . .

    Here is the March 16 edition of the E-Connection, our district newsletter.

    The next one will go out April 3 so be sure to send in articles before then to have them included.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    March 2 E-Connection

    March 6, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the current edition of the E-Connection, our district newsletter.

    If you would like to be added to the e-mail distribution list, please contact Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Equalization Members Needed!

    March 6, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    We are again asking for interested persons to apply to be an Equalization Member. 

    What is an Equalization Member? They are lay people who are able to vote on business items at Annual Conference to have an equal balance of clergy and lay people.

    Please note that there are a couple of changes this year. ** Annual Conference will begin on Wednesday, May 30, so you will need to be able to arrive by that time.  ** Also, only one adult Equalization Member will be accepted from a church/charge. Any number of youth or young adults may be selected from a church/charge.  The final selection will be made by the District Superintendent and District Lay Leader.

    Do not register for Annual Conference until you receive notification from the District Office!  More details can be found by reading Are You Interested? The application form is available in two formats – Word application and PDF application.  

    Applications are due in the District Office by Friday, March 9. You will be notified by March 19 whether or not you have been selected.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Feb. 16 E-Connection

    February 20, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the February 16 edition of the E-Connection, the Niagara Frontier District newsletter.

    The next issue will go out March 2.

    If you would like to receive this via e-mail, please contact Julie in the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Catch the Spirit 2018

    January 22, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Catch the Spirit 2018 is next month! Our annual district workshop and fellowship day is called Catch the Spirit and it will take place at Clarence UMC on Saturday, February 24 from 8am-3:30pm.

    Information about the workshops offered this year and the registration form are in the CTS Brochure.   Registrations are due by February 16.

    Feel free to forward the information to any friends and family who may be interested. Note: only one registration form per person, but you can mail a group of registrations with one check. It is only $20 per person that includes two workshop sessions and lunch! (No discount for only taking one workshop.) There are a wide variety of workshops and we will all gather for worship and lunch in between the morning and afternoon sessions.

    New this year, we will have a free book table! Pastors can bring in books from their personal libraries that they wish to share with the laity or younger clergy. If you would like to donate books, you can drop them off at the District Office or bring them to Clarence UMC on Friday, February 23 between 7 & 8pm (night before Catch the Spirit).

    TAGGED / Cornerstone District / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    E-Connection

    January 22, 2018 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Below are links to the last few E-Connections. Everything should be working now - please contact Julie in the District Office if you have any questions or would like to be added to the distribution list.

    Dec. 19  edition

    Jan. 2  edition

    Jan. 16  edition

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Oct. 13 E-Connection

    October 24, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Please click here to access the current edition of the Niagara Frontier E-Connection. The next edition will go out Nov. 1.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Sept. 29 E-Connection

    October 3, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the newest Niagara Frontier newsletter!

    The next edition will go out Friday, October 13. Please send any items you want included to the District Office.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Sept. 15 E-Connection

    September 20, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the September 15 edition of E-Connection, our district newsletter.

    If you have a news item you'd like to have in the next edition, please send it to Julie in the district office (NiagaraFrontier@unyumc.org). The E-Connection goes out around the 1st and 15th of each month.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Disciple II Class Offered

    September 6, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Disciple II Bible Study at Exley United Methodist in Wilson. This is the full 34 week in depth study of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. The study begins on Tuesday, September 12, and will meet weekly from 6:30 to 8:45pm at Exley UMC, 338 Lake St. Wilson NY 14172. Pastor John Loeser will be the study facilitator.

    Participants will need to purchase the study work book for $39.99; it can be ordered through the Cokesbury website: Disciple II Into the Word Into the World: Study Manual.

    This study is open to anyone who desires to grow in faith, continue their Christian education, and seeks a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Please contact the Exley UMC office at 716-751-6057 for more info and/or to register.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Walk to Emmaus Events

    September 6, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Walk to Emmaus, a program created by The Upper Room, is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a short course in Christianity that runs from Thursday evening thru Sunday afternoon. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God's grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.

    This fall, Western New York (WNY) Walk to Emmaus Community Lay Directors, Lora and Jim Keiper, are hosting two Walk to Emmaus weekends.
    The WNY Emmaus men's walk is October 12-15.
    The women's Walk will be held November 2-5.

    These will take place at Faith UMC in Lancaster. For questions and registration information, contact Lora and Jim at 585-591-3121 or Keiper5@wildblue.net. To learn more about Walk to Emmaus, click here.  If you know of other Walk to Emmaus events that will be taking place in Upper New York, please send them to news@unyumc.org.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Sept. 1 E-Connection

    September 6, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Click here to see the September 1 edition of the E-Connection.

    The next newsletter will go out on September 15.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    April 17 E-Connection

    April 19, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the current edition of our E-Connection.

    Take a look for all the news you can use for Annual Conference, local church events, help wanted and much more!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Advanced Lay Servant Class

    April 13, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    An Advanced Lay Servant Class based on the book, This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion, will be offered at the Indian Falls UMC on four Monday nights from 6:00 - 8:30pm (April 24, May 1, 8 & 22). Rev. Dr. Karen Grinnell will lead this class. Please register for the class by calling the church office at 585-762-9105 or sending an email to karen.grinnell@gmail.com. Class members are to order the book on their own and bring to class the first night.

    TAGGED / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    UMCOR Early Response Team Training

    April 7, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Early Response Team Training and Recertification Class Scheduled at Fredonia: First UMC

    UMCOR Early Response Team Training and ERT Recertification class is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 at Fredonia: First UMC from 8am-4pm. UMCOR's Early Response Team (ERT) training equips United Methodists to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. When disaster strikes, Early Response Teams (ERTs) fill a specific need to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage. The work provides a caring Christian presence in times of disaster.

    ERTs are not a first-response group of emergency workers, nor are they recovery, rebuild, or repair teams. Under very specific guidelines, ERTs assist survivors, without causing further harm or being a burden to the affected community. On May 20, two Early Response Team classes are being offered at First UMC of Fredonia. Early Response Team (ERT) training, is being taught by Tom and Linda Cooper. This basic ERT course is eight hours.

    For current ERT members whose UMCOR badges are expiring (badge dated before 2014), a four-hour re-certification class is being taught by Brian Greenwald. All three trainers have been approved by UMCOR and are experienced ERT responders. The cost is $25. Those interested should register quickly, as space is limited. Registration deadline is May 8.  You can contact Linda Cooper at lindacooper47@gmail.com or Brian Greenwald at bngreenwald@windstream.net for more information or to register.

    What do UMCOR Early Response Teams Do?

    • Provide a Christian presence. This does not sound like a task… and is NOT, however, it can be the MOST important thing a team can do.
    • Take steps to prevent further damage to a family’s personal property (stabilize): Tarping, Debris removal, Cleaning out of flooded homes
    • Teams may be asked to manage donated materials, gather information or perform other tasks as deemed necessary by the community.
    • Observe survivor’s needs and report these to the local operations.
    • Be a part of the caring ministry of “listeners” who will help the survivor begin to heal.

    What will you learn in an ERT class?

    • The Who, What, When, and Why of Early Response Teams
    • Working with survivors
    • Seven important things to know about disaster spiritual and emotional care
    • Organizational structure for the relief stage
    • Team safety
    • ERT protocols
    • Safe sanctuaries
    • Equipping an ERT

    The cost is $25. This includes snacks, lunch, background check fee and an UMCOR badge. Checks should be made out to First United Methodist Church of Fredonia and brought the day of training. Contact UMCOR Trainers Linda and Tom Cooper at LCooper@netsync.net for additional information and to REGISTER NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 8.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    NFCM Accepting Grant Applications

    April 5, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    NFCM Grant Funding Available for Spring – Summer 2017 – NFCM is currently accepting grant applications for VBS, other summer, spring, early fall projects from urban churches in the Niagara Frontier District.  If your church wishes to apply for grant funding, please fill out the application.  A hard copy has been mailed to your church.  Please note that grants available to urban churches only, and in order to be eligible, your church must have completed an audit for 2016.  Deadline for grant funding is May 1, 2017. Please send hard completed applications, along with audit if not previously submitted, to NFCM, 5681 Main Street, Williamsville NY 14221 and send an electronic copy to Beth Buckley at efb816@aol.com.  Questions can be referred to Beth at this email address or you can call at 716-913-5010.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    March 31 E-Connection

    March 31, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the newest edition of the Niagara Frontier District newsletter!

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Safe Sanctuary Training (update!)

    March 17, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Grace UMC in Corning – Both basic and training the trainers sessions are being offered on Saturday, April 1. Click here for more details and registration information or see the Safe Sanctuary Training attachment. Please register by March 22.

     

    (New)  Batavia: First UMC – Saturday, April 22 from 9am-12:45pm.  Contact Amy at 585-356-7604 or oakfieldumc@gmail.com to register. See calendar at top of newsletter for address.

     

    (New)  Oakfield UMC – Saturday, May 6 from 9am-Noon.  Contact Amy at 585-356-7604 or oakfieldumc@gmail.com to register. See calendar at top of newsletter for address.

    TAGGED / Genesee Valley District / Niagara Frontier District

    March 15 E-Connection

    March 17, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the March 15 edition of the E-Connection.

    The next one will go out on March 31.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    March 1 E-Connection

    March 2, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the newest edition of the Niagara Frontier newsletter!

    The next edition will go out March 15. You may submit any new items for events that take place after March 15.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Lay Servant Classes

    February 17, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Lay Servant Training in Genesee Valley District – At our spring training offerings you will have the opportunity to take the Basic Course on Saturday, April 29 and May 13, both from 9am-2:30pm at Hilton UMC (both sessions required to complete the training requirements). 

    An advanced course on “The Art of Spiritual Practices” will be offered at Rochester: Covenant UMC on Mondays from 9:30-11am OR 6:30-8pm on March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 & 10. Please click here for more information of these courses and for registration information. Cost $20 per person and the registration deadline is March 1.

     

    Lay Servant Training in Olean!  Register now for the Lay Servant Ministries Training School, scheduled for Friday-Saturday, April 28-29 at Christ UMC in Olean. Click here for the brochure, which also is available on the Cornerstone website. An online registration form also is available on the website.

    In addition to the Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course, taught by District Lay Leader Richard Preston, Advanced Course offerings include:  Polity, taught by the Rev. Suzanne Block, pastor at Christ UMC in Olean; From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon, taught by District Superintendent Rev. Sherri Rood; and Afire With God: Becoming Spirited Stewards, taught by Ernie Warren, chair of Cornerstone's Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. Deadline for registration is Monday, April 17. Payment should be mailed to the Cornerstone District office, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, NY, 14701. Checks should be made payable to UNYAC.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    Equalization Members Needed for Annual Conference

    February 17, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    It's that time of year again when we ask for people to apply to be an Equalization Member at Annual Conference in Syracuse. If you would like to apply, please look at the information sheet that is with the application form. Applications are due no later than Friday, March 3. You will be notified if you have been accepted - do not register for Annual Conference until after you have been notified! Annual Conference is June 1-3 at the OnCenter in Syracuse.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    February 15 E-Connection

    February 17, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the February 15 edition of the E-Connection.
     

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District

    February 1 E-Connection

    February 6, 2017 / By Beth Holdridge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Here is the latest edition of the E-Connection.

    The next newsletter will go out on February 15.

    TAGGED / Niagara Frontier District


    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."