E-Advocate Jan. 12, 2012

E-Advocate

This newsletter of the Upper New York Annual Conference is published every Tuesday and Thursday.
www.unyumc.org

Don’t forget to be human this weekend

This Sunday is Human Relations Day. Human Relations Day strengthens United Methodist outreach to communities in the United States and encourages social justice and work with at-risk youth. This Sunday occurs during Epiphany, the season of manifesting God‘s light to the world. Human Relations Day calls the Church to recognize the right of all God‘s children to realize their potential as human beings in relationship with each other. The purpose of the day is to further the development of improved human relations. Your congregation’s extravagant generosity to the Human Relations Day offering helps bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream closer to reality. Be the difference in your congregation. Make it a day for all God’s children. Please give generously and thoughtfully.  DETAILS

Conference Center closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Upper New York Annual Conference offices, the Conference Center in Syracuse and the 12 district offices, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Methodists cooperate in Haiti’s recovery

For Methodists, the recovery process since the Jan. 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake can easily be measured by dollars raised, churches and schools repaired, volunteer teams sent. What is less measurable — but ultimately more important — are the new or renewed relationships forged among Haitian Methodists, Haitian communities, The United Methodist Church and other global partners, both large and small.  DETAILS

Conference to hold training sessions on church planting, development

Healthy faith communities don't just happen, they require training and resources. Those interested in church planting, congregational development or enhancing their ministries are invited to regional training sessions that will be held throughout the conference this month and next. The sessions are being conducted by the New Faith Community Development Team (Path One UNY). DETAILS

2012 AC Petition and resolutions guidelines released

The Upper New York Annual Conference Committee on Petitions & Resolutions has released its guidelines for those submitting petitions and resolutions. Resolutions should be e-mailed to AC2012@unyumc.org no later than Feb. 1. DETAILS

Reminder: 2012 Annual Conference Session registration open

There are two sets of guidelines for all registrants to review prior to completing the registration form. Click here to register.

Reminder: 2012 Annual Conference Session materials due Feb. 1

All conference departments, committees, teams and individuals must submit PowerPoint presentations, reports and presentation scripts etc. to AC2012@unyumc.org by Feb. 1. DETAILS

UNYAC delegation seeks input on potential Episcopal candidates

Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 1. DETAILS

Keep these conference calendar dates:

  • April 20-22 - UpWord Youth Conference

  • April 24-May 4 - 2012 General Conference - DETAILS

  • May 18 - Retirement Banquet - DETAILS

  • May 19 - Pre-Conference Briefing (AM), Clergy/Laity Session (PM) - DETAILS

  • May 31-June 2, 2012 - 2012 Annual Conference - DETAILS

  • July 18-20, 2012 - 2012 NEJ Conference - DETAILS

  • Oct. 8-10, 2012 - Bishop’s Retreat - DETAILS

Prayer Concerns

Please keep Upper New York Annual Conference Benefits Officer Vicki Putney in your prayers as she undergoes cardiac catheterization on Monday, Jan. 16. Vicki will be out of the office for a few days, but is expecting to return feeling better than ever.  She reminds us that February is Women’s Heart Awareness Month and that in women heart disease often presents itself in ways that can be interpreted as other ailments. Vicki was experiencing “heaviness” in her chest and arms while exercising, as well as some light-headedness, and was sure to mention it to her doctor during her annual physical. A stress test revealed a potential blockage and angina. 

Prayers are requested for the family of Mr. Stuart Smith, father of the Rev. Greg Smith of the Shrewsbury UMC in the Vermont District of the New England Conference and formerly of the Troy Conference, who passed away at home on Thursday, Jan. 12. Mr. Smith was a longtime lay member to the Annual Conference from the Dryden United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Dryden UMC. Condolences can be sent to his widow, Kay Smith, at PO Box 71, Dryden, N.Y. 13053.

Please continue to pray for Albany District Superintendent Brolin Parker. Brolin has returned home after a brief hospitalization. Doctors continue to adjust his treatment for Multiple Myeloma. Rev. Parker deeply appreciates and treasures your prayers and support for him during this time. You may send words or cards of encouragement to Rev. Brolin Parker at 22 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, N.Y. 12065.

We want to hear from you!

Here is how you can submit your information for publications in our newsletter, newspaper or website. DETAILS