BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Brick River Technologies//NONSGML v1.0//EN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120127T050000Z DTEND:20120130T045900Z SUMMARY:Asbury: Youth Winter Weekend DESCRIPTION:Join us for a weekend of worship and fun! Two days and two n ights of exciting activities for youth ages 12 and older.Enj oy music by "The Subject to Change" band from Webster UMC, c hallenge our youth group members to a Wii or Ping Pong tourn ament, or head out to go tubing/sledding and warm up with so me hot chocolate!Registration fee includes lodging, four mea ls, and all activities. Group registration only, no individu al registrations accepted, as we are encouraging youth and c hurch leaders to bring their youth groups. Each group must p rovide one adult of the same gender per eight youths.For mor e information  contact us at info@asburyuny.org or call 585- 237-5262. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120127T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:CCYM -NEJ DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120127T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:CCYM Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:Adirondack District Faith Journal DESCRIPTION:On January 28th I will host all pastors and lay people at th e Trinity UMC, 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort (Wilton) NY 12831 ,  for a discussion about making new places for new people a round our conference. Our Upper New York Conference is start ing to partner with Path One - a ministry from our General B oard of Discipleship - in finding ways to invite people into a faith journey. If you can join us from 10 AM to Noon on t he 28th, please contact Carrie at the district office (584-8 214, ext. 11 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org  and let her k now you will be attending.  I would like to gather pastor s and lay leaders together to brainstorm around the topic of church growth and revitalization. I think if we plan and pr ay together we will find resources among us that can help ch urches of every size improve their ministries and grow in nu mbers and in discipleship. I think our congregations need to make stewardship a priority every time we gather, not ju st a week or two in the fall. How can we intentionally teach and live stewardship all year long in 2012? If you a re interested in joining your brothers and sisters on this j ourney, give me a call at the office, or email me at billmud ge@unyumc.org and we'll set some dates to think together. I am excited about all I have seen in our district and I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for us! Serving Christ with you,Bill Rev. Bill MudgeDistrict Superintendent, Adirondack District END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:Crossroads District Training Day DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:Crossroads District Training Day DESCRIPTION:WorkshopsGeneral Workshop of the Morning (starting at 10:00 am) will be “The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” ( Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith D evelopment, Risk-taking Mission and Service, Extravagant Gen erosity) Presenter: Rev. Mark Kimpland Christian Education & The Sunday School: Come and find out how to solve some of t he concerns that you have with children, youth and adults in Christian Education.We will talk about different programs t hat you can do with different size Sunday schools, Bible stu dies, and any issues that you may have. Resources that are a vailable.  Target audience: Anyone with a passion to teach a nd reach children to build the Kingdom. Presenters: Judy She pherd and Shirley Pease, Bridgeport UMC Church Finance: This workshop is designed to provide information to the local ch urch finance teams. It will be a place to ask questions and discuss church financial record keeping, billing, auditing, filing, reporting, internal controls, statistical reporting and more. Target audience: Church treasurers, finance commit tee members, and clergy.Presenter: Kevin Domanico, Conferenc e Controller Church Promotion: Getting the message out about your church - its goals, activities, and attitudes - is cru cial in ensuring the public know what you do, what it believ es in and what it is working towards. Integral in getting th ose messages "out there" is a reliable Marketing/Communicati ons strategy.Target audience: Lay leaders and pastors - all others who have an interest. Presenter: Rebecca Lo Kohler, M arketing Associate, Upper New York Annual Conference Evangel ism: This workshop will focus on the importance of evangelis m in the local church and share ideas and information to hel p build this ministry area. Target audience: Anyone with a p assion to spread the Gospel and build the Kingdom.Presenter: Rev. Everett Bassett, and members of the Evangelism Team, C icero UMC, Cicero  Laity Care and Stephen’s Ministry: This w orkshop will train, equip and provide resources for a team o f lay care givers in the congregation to care for members of the congregation and the community.Target audience: Anyone who has a passion to make calls on those who are shut-in, in nursing homes, adult homes, etc.                                                                                                                            Presenters: Members of th e Stephen’s Ministry at Cicero UMC, Cicero  Lay Leader Train ing: The focus of this session is “Promoting Ministries and Empowering Laity” A roundtable discussion will be led with m embers of the panel being current or former Lay Leaders of D istricts and/or churches. The panel will talk about 3 topics with plenty of Q&A. 1. Attitude - how do we cultivate an at mosphere of trust and commitment; how do we begin to model t hat in ourselves and in our ministry? How do we train others ? 2. Spirituality and spiritual leadership - what is a spiri tual leader and how do we become this? How do we train other s? 3. Community - we need the community. How do we encourage the church to be out in the community?Target audience: Lay leaders and pastors - all others who have an interest   Pres enter: Rebecca Lo Kohler, Crossroads District Lay Leader Re- think Church:  This workshop will present some basic concept s of how we should Think Church as we Re-think Church. In ad dition, some creative and practical ideas will be shared.Tar get audience: Anyone interested in reaching inside and outsi de the church four walls.Presenter: Rev. Susan Townsend, Ira UMC Safe Sanctuary:  Here we will review the process to set up a safe sanctuary policy and receive guidelines to implem ent the policy. New updates from the Conference will be disc ussed. Target audience: Members of the Safe Sanctuary commit tees, Trustees, clergy and anyone interested in this area of concern.Presenter: Rev. Jack Keating, Brewerton UMC  Social Networking:This workshop will provide an introduction to We bsites, Social Media, the Conference Dashboard and an opport unity to ask questions. Website: Best places to go to build a website (best ones for free, best ones with some costs, et c.), What should be on the church website, Sample of a few g ood websites of churches in our conference. Social Media (Fa cebook/Twitter): Cautions/benefits, Where to get started. Co nference Dashboard: Why it's important, How to use it.                                                                                                         Target audience: Anyone interested in the area of exciting communicationPresenter: Ashley Van Sickle Multimedia/Web Coordinator, Upper New York Annual Conference S/PPRC:  This workshop will cover all of the information that is required for the members of this com mittee to know according to the Book of Discipline. Target a udience: Members of the local church S/PPRC committees.Prese nter: Rev. Darryl R. Barrow, Crossroads DS Stewardship: This workshop will present some basic concepts of stewardship pr ograms. In addition, some creative and practical ideas will be shared. This would include how a truck, a train, a banque t table, and a 16 month old Henry each were the focus of a s tewardship campaign.Target audience: Anyone interested in ex periencing new ways to present stewardship programs.Presente r: Rev. Bradford Hunt, Andrews Memorial UMC, North SyracuseT rustees: This workshop is designed to meet the Book of Disci pline guidelines for training the Board of Trustees for the local church. Target audience: Members of the local church B oard of Trustees. Presenter: UNY Chancellor, Scott DelConte  Youth: Howto get them involved and keep them involved.Target audience: Members of Christian Education Committees; those who work with youth and others. Presenter: Rev. Becky Laird, Calvary, Gethsemane and W. Genesee UMC, Syracuse END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development District Gathering DESCRIPTION:Trinity UMC, Gansevoort (Wilton); (518) 584-8214 (District O ffice)DETAILS END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Niagara Frontier District's Catch the Spirit Discipleship Tr aining DESCRIPTION:Full brochure attached! END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120128T050000Z DTEND:20120129T045900Z SUMMARY:Northern Flow Staff/Pastor Parish Relations CommitteeTrainin g DESCRIPTION:Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee Training: Members of Staff/Parish Relations Committees are invited to meet with Rev. Sweet on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Potsdam UMC to learn more about our ministry together. We'll gather at 9 :30 a.m. and share what it means to be in covenant with the congregation, the pastor, and the Conference. We'll talk abo ut what to expect when there needs to be a pastoral change, how to work out disagreements, how to support the pastor, an d how to use those compensation forms!! The meeting should l ast about two hours and, in case the weather is nasty, we've reserved February 4 as a snow date! Mark the date on your c alendar. Experienced and new S/PPR Committee members are all encouraged to come.   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120201T050000Z DTEND:20120202T045900Z SUMMARY:2012 AC Petition & Resolution Deadline DESCRIPTION:The Upper New York Annual Conference Committee on Petitions & Resolutions has released its guidelines for those submitti ng petitions and resolutions. Resolutions should be e-mailed to AC2012@unyumc.org no later than Feb. 1. DETAILS  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120201T050000Z DTEND:20120202T045900Z SUMMARY:2012 AC Session materials due DESCRIPTION:All conference departments, committees, teams and individual s must submit PowerPoint presentations, reports and presenta tion scripts etc. to AC2012@unyumc.org by Feb. 1. DETAILS  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120201T050000Z DTEND:20120202T045900Z SUMMARY:Episcopal Candidate input deadline DESCRIPTION:One of the major responsibilities of the 2012 Jurisdictional Conference Delegation of the Upper New York Annual Conferen ce is the nomination of candidates for the episcopacy. There will be at least three episcopal positions to be filled by the Jurisdictional Conference in July. Your UNY conference d elegation welcomes the application of candidates for nominat ion to the episcopacy. According to The Discipline (¶¶, 402, 408)), all elders in full connection in The United Methodis t Church who will not have reached the age of 68 on or befor e July 1, 2012 are eligible for nomination. Nominations from the Upper New York Annual Conference delegation are not lim ited to members of Upper New York Annual Conference. While t here are other procedures for candidates to enter the episco pal ballot at the Jurisdictional Conference, a candidate tha t wishes to be nominated by the delegation of Upper New York Annual conference must follow this process.  In this instan ce, an aspiring episcopal candidate would submit the Episcop al Candidacy Application. An online version of this applicat ion is available here. Those who need a paper version can re quest one from:  Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, UNY Director of C onnectional Ministries and Vice Chair of the UNY delegation, 324 University Ave, Syracuse NY 13210; or email DCMOffice@u nyumc.org. All submissions will be received and held in conf idence.All candidates must submit their Episcopal Candidacy Application forms to Bill Gottschalk-Fielding by 4:30 p.m. F ebruary 1, 2012. The delegation will review all submissions prayerfully. Selected individuals will be asked to meet with the delegation for a time of conversation on Saturday, Marc h 24, 2012. Scott Johnson, UNY Head of Delegation, will cont act these individuals as the time approaches.The delegation appreciates your assistance and participation in this vital process. We also ask for your prayers as we move forward in this important task of identifying episcopal candidates. We ask that this communication be shared among all members of t he Annual Conference: lay and clergy, by whatever means that are at your disposal. If you have any questions concerning this process, please feel free to contact any member of the Jurisdictional Conference Delegation.Episcopal Candidate app lication END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120203T050000Z DTEND:20120206T045900Z SUMMARY:Casowasco: SOLID: Youth Retreat DESCRIPTION:Attention Youth Leaders! We have designed the weekend, inclu ding the schedule, the speaker, the band, and the awesome ac tivities.  All you need to do is hang out with your teens, e ncourage them to dig deep into their walk with God, and help them learn what it means to have a SOLID faith. Dates: Febr uary 3-5, 2012Grades: 7 - 12 Cost: $96A Casowasco MYP Event (Ministry with Young People)Note: One Chaperone of the same gender is required for every 8 youth. One free chaperone per 8 youth. Cost is $96 for additional chaperones. Questions? Call us at 315-364-8756 or e-mail shelby@casowasco.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120203T050000Z DTEND:20120205T045900Z SUMMARY:Small Groups Leader and Pastor Training DESCRIPTION:Friday 6-9, Saturday 9-4Cost - $20 per person – includes lun chRush United Methodist Church6200 Rush Lima RdRush, NY 1454 3Registration - 585-340-9525 - by January 31Trainers - Dan a nd Karen FinchSmall Groups change lives. Trained and support ed small-group leaders are the key to having great small gro ups.  Questions?585-346-3511.Click here to download the bull etin insert. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120204T050000Z DTEND:20120205T045900Z SUMMARY:A day of 'growing together in the Spirit' DESCRIPTION:Clergy and lay members from churches throughout the Oneonta District will gather on Feb. 4 at the Broad Street United Me thodist Church in Norwich for a day of learning, sharing, wo rship and growing together in the Spirit and as missional ch urches. DETAILSA day of 'growing together in the Spirit'Cler gy and lay members from churches throughout the Oneonta Dist rict will gather on Feb. 4 at the Broad Street United Method ist Church in Norwich for workshops aimed to focus on the UM identity as missional churches. "We will gather for a day o f learning, sharing, worship, and growing together in the Sp irit and in our identity as missional churches," organizers note.Attendees are invited to register for two workshops fro m the following that will be offered in both the morning and afternoon sessions: ·         "Going to the Roots," a group discussion of the missional church led by the Oneonta Distr ict Superintendent the Rev. Jan Rowell (offered in the morni ng session only);·         "Weathering the Storms,” helping people begin spiritual recovery and rebuilding, led by the R ev. Lisa Jo Bezner, pastor of the Otego and Sand Hill United Methodist churches;·         Reconciling Ministries, led by members of the First UMC in Oneonta·         Worship in a M issional Church, led by the Rev. Nancy Hale, pastor of the B road Street UMC;·         Outreach Brainstorming, led by Wal t Forsythe·         Spirituality and Food, led by the Rev. R achel Morse, pastor of the Sidney Center and Unadilla United Methodist churchesRegistration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the workshops are expected to end by 3 p.m. Lunch will be p rovided. In case of acclimate weather, a snow date has been scheduled for Feb. 11. The registration deadline is Jan. 30. For more information or to register, contact the by e-mail  or by phone (607) 334-2895. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120204T050000Z DTEND:20120205T045900Z SUMMARY:Board of Laity Meeting DESCRIPTION:The meeting will be held in the conference room at the UNYAC  Conference Office (324 University Ave, 3rd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13210) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provid ed.Please RSVP by Jan. 30 to Rebecca Kohler by email: rebecc akohler@unyumc.org or by phone: (855) 424-7878 ext. 321.This event is for Conference and District Lay Leaders.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120204T050000Z DTEND:20120205T045900Z SUMMARY:GV District Informed to transform 3! DESCRIPTION:Click here to download a PDF of the registration form.Click here for a full description of all workships.Click here for  the small group bulletin. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120204T050000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Mohawk District Discipleship Workshop - Boonville UMC DESCRIPTION:"Do you serve on a committee in your church and not really u nderstand what your responsibilities are?  Do you wish you k new what being a United Methodist means?  Do you wonder wher e your apportionment money is going?  Do you wonder how your church can find a way to get out and be more mission focuse d when you are so overwhelmed with status quo?   If so, come to one of these discipleship events to learn more, meet wit h other UM people and learn from each other.   These worksho ps are being led by other lay people across our District.  C ome, learn and share."SaturdaysFeb. 4 - Boonville UMCFeb. 11 - Herkimer UMCFeb. 18 - Mohawk Valley Trinity UMCMarch 3 - Madison UMC END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120204T050000Z DTEND:20120205T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development District Gathering DESCRIPTION:Binghamton Area (contact District Superintendent Dave Maslan d at (607) 748-0662 for location)DETAILS END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120205T050000Z DTEND:20120206T045900Z SUMMARY:Albany District: Basic Lay Speaking Course DESCRIPTION:Perspective lay speakers are invited to take the Lay Speakin g Ministries Basic Course.  In this new basic course, indivi duals are encouraged to recognize and employ personal spirit ual gifts for the Church in order to use them as God fully i ntended.  Participants are invited to consider the importanc e of exercising servant leadership.The first opportunity wil l be at Amsterdam United Methodist Church, February 5, 12, 1 9, 26 and March 4, 2:30-4:30pm, with leaders Shirley Jay [sc otia8517@aol.com] and Bill Pacelli [mrbill@logical.net], cos t:  $26.00 payable to UNYUMC.Participants may also contact A lbany District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries Jerry Oli ver at bud7231993@yahoo.com, 518.861.5062. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120205T050000Z DTEND:20120206T045900Z SUMMARY:Souper Bowl Offering DESCRIPTION:Bring a donation of canned goods to the Warrens Corners UMC on "Souper Bowl" Sunday! The canned goods will be collected by the children and youth in worship.This is a canned food d rive to benefit the Newfane Area Food Pantry.Warrens Corners United Methodist Church                                                               5293 Stone Road                                                                                                             Lockport, New York 14094        END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120205T050000Z DTEND:20120206T045900Z SUMMARY:Young Adult Missionary applications due DESCRIPTION:The deadline for the 2012 class of mission interns and US-2s is February 5.or 60 years, Global Ministries has been sendi ng young people into service. Through the US-2 and mission i ntern programs, we have enriched the lives of thousands of y oung men and women, and through their witness touched uncoun table youth, adults, and communities. The US-2 and mission i ntern programs develop church leaders, as young people work in communities that face issues such as poverty, racism, or environmental justice.US-2s serve two years living out faith through social justice in the United States. They live, wor k, and make a positive impact working with a United Methodis t partner organization, boldly reexamining their role and pa rticipation in society to address systemic injustice. Missio n interns integrate the global and local by serving for thre e years, approximately half of the time in an international community and half in their home country. They respond to th e prophetic voice of communities and individuals working for systemic change around the world, walking the path of justi ce, mercy, and love.Please share the application with those in your networks and communities between the ages of 20 and 30 throughout our global connection, who are committed to ad dressing the root causes of injustice. The application is av ailable here:http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/youth/appli cations/Mission interns and US-2s are encouraged to engage i n disciplined theological reflection and are equipped to dis cern God’s calling for their lives. Thank you for partnering with us in shaping ethical, prophetic Christian leaders who are engaged firsthand in God’s mission in a world of injust ice and need.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120209T050000Z DTEND:20120210T045900Z SUMMARY:Free Webinar: Church website 10 Commandments DESCRIPTION:A website is the new front door to your church. The United M ethodist Board of Discipleship will offer a free one-hour we binar at 6:30 p.m. (Central Time) Feb. 9 on the “10 Commandm ents for Church Websites.” Patrick Steil, webmaster for the North Texas Annual (regional) Conference and owner of Church Buzz.org, will lead the session.http://www.gbod.org/site/c.n hLRJ2PMKsG/b.6505161/k.FBB2/Committee_Resources.htm(Please n ote: The webinars are located on the right hand side of the page.) END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120210T050000Z DTEND:20120213T045900Z SUMMARY:Sky Lake: Senior High Youth Retreat DESCRIPTION:A retreat for youth in grades 9-12. Spend the weekend with f riends old and new. There will be plenty of time to play in the snow, hangout, and deepen your relationship with God.htt p://www.skylakecenter.org/events.php?ID=12 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120211T050000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Mohawk District Discipleship Workshop - Herkimer UMC DESCRIPTION:"Do you serve on a committee in your church and not really u nderstand what your responsibilities are?  Do you wish you k new what being a United Methodist means?  Do you wonder wher e your apportionment money is going?  Do you wonder how your church can find a way to get out and be more mission focuse d when you are so overwhelmed with status quo?   If so, come to one of these discipleship events to learn more, meet wit h other UM people and learn from each other.   These worksho ps are being led by other lay people across our District.  C ome, learn and share."SaturdaysFeb. 4 - Boonville UMCFeb. 11 - Herkimer UMCFeb. 18 - Mohawk Valley Trinity UMCMarch 3 - Madison UMC END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120212T050000Z DTEND:20120213T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development District Gathering DESCRIPTION:Center Point UMC, Barneveld, 2-4 p.m.; (315) 896-5111DETAILS END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120215T050000Z DTEND:20120217T045900Z SUMMARY:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) DESCRIPTION:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) - "Unit ed Methodist Heritage".  Taught by Rev. Penni Farrington (pa stor of Manchester and Palmyra UMC) and Terry Ritter - a Cer tified Lay Minister from Manchester UMC.  Wednesdays, 7:00 p .m. at the Manchester UMC.  Registration Deadline: 1/20/2012 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120217T050000Z DTEND:20120220T045900Z SUMMARY:Findley: Snow Camp DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120217T050000Z DTEND:20120220T045900Z SUMMARY:Sky Lake: Family Winter Weekend II DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120218T050000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Mohawk District Discipleship Workshop - Trinity UMC DESCRIPTION:"Do you serve on a committee in your church and not really u nderstand what your responsibilities are?  Do you wish you k new what being a United Methodist means?  Do you wonder wher e your apportionment money is going?  Do you wonder how your church can find a way to get out and be more mission focuse d when you are so overwhelmed with status quo?   If so, come to one of these discipleship events to learn more, meet wit h other UM people and learn from each other.   These worksho ps are being led by other lay people across our District.  C ome, learn and share."SaturdaysFeb. 4 - Boonville UMCFeb. 11 - Herkimer UMCFeb. 18 - Mohawk Valley Trinity UMCMarch 3 - Madison UMC END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120218T050000Z DTEND:20120219T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development District Gathering DESCRIPTION:Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, Moravia; (315) 364-8756DETA ILS END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120220T050000Z DTEND:20120221T045900Z SUMMARY:President's Day - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120223T050000Z DTEND:20120227T045900Z SUMMARY:Hands4NY Youth Summit DESCRIPTION:The Albany District is hosting a HANDS4NY Youth Summit for y outh 14 and older, who will learn about hunger by working di rectly with the hungry.The event includes mission work as we ll as information offered by various presenters.The young pe ople who participate in this event will be helping prepare f ood packages for distribution from local and regional food b anks. They will also be helping at the Sunday morning free c ommunity breakfast at the host church, First United Methodis t Church in Schenectady, which is housing the summit.The sum mit begins on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 23, and continue s through noon Sunday, Feb. 26 at First UMC, 603 State St., Schenectady, N.Y. 12305; showers are available.Leaders of th e event will be the Rev. Phil Grigsby, of Schenectady Inner City Ministry, and Jay Godfrey, of General Board of Global M inistries.The cost is $25; $20 for commuters.Registration de adline is Feb. 13.Mail your registration information (name, address, e-mail) and fee (make checks payable to Youth Semin ar) to:Dave Suits5 Willoughby DriveAlbany, N.Y. 12205. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120225T050000Z DTEND:20120226T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development District Gathering DESCRIPTION:Unadilla UMC, Unadilla; (607) 369-2052DETAILS END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120229T050000Z DTEND:20120302T045900Z SUMMARY:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) DESCRIPTION:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) - "Unit ed Methodist Heritage".  Taught by Rev. Penni Farrington (pa stor of Manchester and Palmyra UMC) and Terry Ritter - a Cer tified Lay Minister from Manchester UMC.  Wednesdays, 7:00 p .m. at the Manchester UMC.  Registration deadline: 1/20/2012 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120302T050000Z DTEND:20120304T045900Z SUMMARY:Connectional Table Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120302T050000Z DTEND:20120304T045900Z SUMMARY:New Faith Community Development Gathering DESCRIPTION:A New Faith Community Development Gathering for training, un derstanding and imagining possibilities for a healthy future is planned for March 2-3 at the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Ce nter, Moravia. This is a 24-hour intensive event with three main sessions and additional focused breakout sessions.Sessi on leaders come from three diverse areas. All are focused on how United Methodists can move forward in New Faith Communi ty Development. Tom Sampley, missionary and church plante r, will work with us on missional communities. Sampley comes from the Ginghamsburg UMC. Jessica Stollings, founder of Re:Generations, will bring practical training to “educate, equip and engage us about the rising generation of Christian leaders.” Alan and Sarah Merrill will talk about church planting in the Northeast and things they have learned while planting and pastoring Hope.Gate.Way in Portland, Maine.Inf ormation and registration will be available at the regional meetings. The cost is $95.For more information or to registe r, e-mail DCMoffice@unyumc.org.Click here to register online for the New Faith Community Gathering. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120303T050000Z DTEND:20120304T045900Z SUMMARY:Mohawk District Discipleship Workshop - Madison DESCRIPTION:"Do you serve on a committee in your church and not really u nderstand what your responsibilities are?  Do you wish you k new what being a United Methodist means?  Do you wonder wher e your apportionment money is going?  Do you wonder how your church can find a way to get out and be more mission focuse d when you are so overwhelmed with status quo?   If so, come to one of these discipleship events to learn more, meet wit h other UM people and learn from each other.   These worksho ps are being led by other lay people across our District.  C ome, learn and share."SaturdaysFeb. 4 - Boonville UMCFeb. 11 - Herkimer UMCFeb. 18 - Mohawk Valley Trinity UMCMarch 3 - Madison UMC END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120303T050000Z DTEND:20120304T045900Z SUMMARY:Safe Sanctuaries Training Event DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120305T050000Z DTEND:20120306T045900Z SUMMARY:Missional Preaching with Al Tizon DESCRIPTION: NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY CONFERENCE ON MINISTRY SERIES    The ess entials of missional preaching ... fo cusing on the what, why, and to what end    In the sea-change of identity and life for the churches of   North America, preaching can never be the same. By bringing togeth er critical theological and pastoral insights in ways that s trengthen the call and practice of preaching, Al Tizon illum inates the integral relationship between preaching and the a ims of a missional church.   Tizon's honest, passionate, and experienced p astor's voice is strong and encouraging--a worthy partner in the conversation about the nature of Christian preaching, v ision, and community.  Schedule 10 :30 a.m.    R egistration 11 a.m.    Roberts Wesleyan College Chapel        What Does a Missional Church Look Like 12 p.m.    L unch, Lecture and Dialogue        Missional Preaching I 1:45 p.m.    Lecture        Missional Preach ing II   Cost $30 Location 2265 Westside Drive  Rochester, N.Y. 14624 Contact semina ry@nes.edu 585.594.6800 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120307T050000Z DTEND:20120309T045900Z SUMMARY:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) DESCRIPTION:Finger Lakes District Lay Speaking Course (Advanced) - "Unit ed Methodist Heritage".  Taught by Rev. Penni Farrington (pa stor of Manchester and Palmyra UMC) and Terry Ritter - a Cer tified Lay Minister from Manchester UMC.  Wednesdays, 7:00 p .m. at the Manchester UMC.  Registration Deadline: 1/20/2012 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120308T050000Z DTEND:20120313T035900Z SUMMARY:Candidate Interviews with Board of Ordained Ministry DESCRIPTION:Candidate Interviews END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120309T050000Z DTEND:20120312T035900Z SUMMARY:Casowasco: Women's Chocolate Getaway DESCRIPTION:Join us for a women’s weekend where we will experience oppor tunities to learn and connect with each other, create (and e at!) an array of chocolates, and have a time of spiritual re treat.  Diane Murdock, third generation chocolate dipper, wi ll bring her grandfather’s invention: the Hilliard’s Chocola te System.  We will sample a variety of everyday and gourmet chocolates to determine which type fits your pallet.  Use t he Hilliard’s Chocolate System to create homemade chocolates and decorate a gourmet box to take home.  Each chocolate lo ver will take home one pound of their homemade chocolates.  On Saturday, we will even have a visit from a massage therap ist.March 9-11, 2012Ages 18+For more information visit www.c asowasco.org or contact us at info@casowasco.org, 315-364-87 56. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120309T050000Z DTEND:20120311T045900Z SUMMARY:Sky Lake: Confirmation Retreat DESCRIPTION:Would you like to have your confirmands experience the conne ctionalism of the United Methodist Church first hand? Does y our confirmation class have less than fifteen youth? Do you want to take your confirmands on a retreat, but worry about planning the whole thing yourself? If you answered yes to an y question, then bring your confirmation class to Sky Lake t his March!http://www.skylakecenter.org/events.php?ID=15 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120310T050000Z DTEND:20120311T045900Z SUMMARY:Safe Sanctuaries Training Event DESCRIPTION:Click here to register.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120310T050000Z DTEND:20120311T045900Z SUMMARY:Safe Sanctuaries Training Event DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120312T040000Z DTEND:20120313T035900Z SUMMARY:Upper NY Trustee Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120317T040000Z DTEND:20120218T045900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120317T040000Z DTEND:20120318T035900Z SUMMARY:Safe Sanctuaries Training Event DESCRIPTION:Click here to register. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120323T040000Z DTEND:20120325T035900Z SUMMARY:Finger Lakes (but OPEN to all Districts): Lay Speaking Retre at DESCRIPTION:Finger Lakes (but OPEN to ALL Districts) District Lay Speaki ng Ministries Invites You to Join Our Lay Speaking Retreat f eaturing a choice of two advanced courses: Equipped for E very Good Work - Discover, Develop & Deploy Spiritual Gifts Right Here, Right Now - Everyday Mission for Everyday Peo pleFriday, March 23 at 6 pm – 7 pmSaturday, March 24, 2012*P lease note: A commuter rate is available!*Your retreat takes place at:Bethany Lodge-Casowasco Camp & Retreat Ctr158 Caso wasco Drive in Moravia, NY.Please arrive by 6 pm on Friday, March 23 and expect to stay through 7 pm on Saturday, March 24. The lodging cost includes overnight shared room plus bre akfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday.Please bring: Course book & Bible Snack to share on Friday Bed linens or s leeping bag suitable for a twin size bed/bunk Clothing, p ersonal items, medications, etc.PAYMENT & REGISTRAT ION Dead line is March 1, 2012Make Check Payable to:Clifton Springs U MCMail to:Lorrie Spence13 Pleasant St.Clifton Springs, NY 14 432Course BookThe book associated with the course you choose is required. Please order it from a bookseller or on the re gistration form. Checking the book option on the registratio n means a book is ordered and shipped to you for $20. This $ 20 should be included with your course registration payment. Should you choose to acquire your book from a bookseller, t he books are: Equipped for Every Good Work by Dan R. Dick and Barbara Miller. ISBN 0-88177-352-2 Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission for Everyday People by Alan Hirsch an d Lance Ford. ISBN 0-80107-223-9Please order your book in am ple time to receive and read it prior to the retreat. Please bring your course book to the retreat.Click here for more i nformation and the registration form. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120325T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Africa University Sunday DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120406T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Good Friday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120415T040000Z DTEND:20120416T035900Z SUMMARY:Albany District: Basic Lay Speaking Course DESCRIPTION:Perspective lay speakers are invited to take the Lay Speakin g Ministries Basic Course. In this new basic course, individ uals are encouraged to recognize and employ personal spiritu al gifts for the Church in order to use them as God fully in tended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership.The second opportunity will be at Pine Grove United Methodist Church, April 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13, 6:00-8:00pm, with leader David Suits [LDSuits @aol.com], cost: $26.00 payable to UNYUMC.Participants may a lso contact Albany District Director of Lay Speaking Ministr ies Jerry Oliver at bud7231993@yahoo.com, 518.861.5062. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120415T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Biblical Storytelling II DESCRIPTION:This course has been approved by the General Board of Discip leship as an advanced course in Lay Speaking Ministries.This workshop expands on the methods taught in Biblical Storytel ling I. It explores a number of storytelling genres as well as telling the Biblical text, including midrash, chancel dra ma, first-person storytelling, puppetry, and more. The works hop also offers specific ideas for learning tough passages, using and not abusing voice and body, and enhancing tellings with props, digital media and more, with children and adult s. It also suggests ways to deepen your practice of this art as a personal spiritual discipline. Anyone who is already p racticing the art of storytelling, Biblical or secular, is w elcome; Biblical Storytelling I is an excellent starting pla ce for those new to the art but is not required. In this thr ee-week workshop you will dive deeper into developing your u nique storytelling “voice,” expand your technique and polish your art.Biblical Storytelling I is not a prerequisite for Biblical Storytelling II, but previous storytelling experien ce is highly recommended.The workshop is offered by experien ced storyteller, Beth Galbreath.Access to all BeADisciple.co m courses begins at noon Central Time of the publicized star t day. You will receive an email containing web location and login information that morning, so please be sure to add th e email address BeADisciple@sckans.edu to your list of appro ved senders. If you have questions about how online workshop s work, please check our FAQ's page. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120420T040000Z DTEND:20120423T035900Z SUMMARY:UpWord 2012 DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120421T040000Z DTEND:20120422T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120424T040000Z DTEND:20120505T035900Z SUMMARY:General Conference 2012 - Tampa Convention Center, Tampa FL DESCRIPTION:April 24-May 4, 2012 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120429T040000Z DTEND:20120501T035900Z SUMMARY:Board of Ordained Ministry Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120505T040000Z DTEND:20120506T035900Z SUMMARY:Asbury: Work Day DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120513T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Casowasco: Mother's Day Brunch DESCRIPTION:Spend part of the day with your family along the shores of O wasco Lake in the beautifully renovated Emmaus Commons Dinin g Facility and enjoy a delicious brunch! For more informatio n go to www.casowasco.org or call (315) 364-8756. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120518T040000Z DTEND:20120519T035900Z SUMMARY:2012 Retirement Banquet DESCRIPTION:The luncheon – scheduled for 11:30 am to 2:00 pm on May 18 - - will be held at the Holiday Inn-Liverpool, which is locate d on Electronics Parkway. It is easily accessible from both Route 81 and the NYS Thruway. If traveling the Thruway, use Exit 37. The hotel is directly across from the exit. If trav eling from Route 81 north or south, exit at 7th North Street and turn right at the end of the ramp. At the end of 7th No rth Street, the Holiday Inn will be in front of you.The meal choices will include a breast of chicken in lemon butter sa uce (gluten free) or Portobello Mushroom stuffed with breadc rumbs, feta, roasted red peppers, black olives and broccoli; both served with red potatoes, vegetables and carrot cake f or dessert. If these choices do not meet with your dietary n eeds, please contact Martha Miller (MarthaMiller@unyumc.org) .To facilitate attendance at the Pre-Conference Briefing and Clergy/Laity Sessions on Saturday, May 19, we have made arr angements with the Maplewood Inn to provide rooms at a group rate of $99 per room. You will need to contact them directl y to make reservations BEFORE APRIL 18 (866-318-9937). PLEAS E NOTE: The weekend of May 18-20 is also Syracuse University graduation weekend. Rooms will definitely be hard to get if you miss the April 18 deadline. The Maplewood Inn is locate d about one mile from the Holiday Inn, just off 7th North St reet on Buckley Road.To register for the Retirement Banquet, click here. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120518T040000Z DTEND:20120521T035900Z SUMMARY:Casowasco: Guys with Grills DESCRIPTION:Charcoal or gas? BBQ sauce or dry rub? And what is mesquite, anyway? The Guys with Grills Retreat at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center gives you the perfect opportunity to invest i n your relationship with God and spend time around the grill and campfire with other men. Cook most of your meals outdoo rs as you learn new techniques for grilling an assortment of meat, the difference between cuts of beef, and how to use a smoker. Participate in a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, archery, and disc golf. F or more information go to www.casowasco.org or call (315) 36 4-8756.Ages 18+; Guys only END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120519T040000Z DTEND:20120520T035900Z SUMMARY:2012 AC Clergy/Laity Session DESCRIPTION:Laity will will be meeting in the War Memorial Area for the afternoon Laity Session. Clergy will move from the War Memor ial to the OnCenter for the Clergy Session.Box lunches – res erved via the registration form – will be available at multi ple stations around the perimeter of the War Memorial. There will be a variety of luncheon meat and vegetarian options.  Click here to register for AC 2012 or the Clergy/Laity sessi ons. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120519T040000Z DTEND:20120520T035900Z SUMMARY:2012 AC Pre-Conference Briefing DESCRIPTION:The day will start at 9:00 a.m. in the War Memorial Arena lo cated on State Street in Syracuse. Parking will be in the On Center accessible from both Harrison and State Streets. It i s a one block walk to the War Memorial. Box lunches – reserv ed via the registration form – will be available at multiple stations around the perimeter of the War Memorial. There wi ll be a variety of luncheon meat and vegetarian options. Lai ty will stay in that building for the afternoon Laity Sessio n. Clergy will move to the OnCenter for the Clergy Session.C lick here to register for AC 2012 and the Pre-Conference Bri efing. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120519T040000Z DTEND:20120520T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120520T040000Z DTEND:20120521T035900Z SUMMARY:Sky Lake: Open House DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120525T040000Z DTEND:20120529T035900Z SUMMARY:Findley: Memorial Day Family Getaway DESCRIPTION:Findley is offering a relaxing, low-key getaway to help your family transition into summer. This weekend won’t have an i ntensive schedule to follow. You can pick and choose what ac tivities, if any, you want to participate in. The swim area will be open and the slip-n-slide will be up and running. Yo u can take a hike in the woods or just sit and relax by the lake. There will be morning devotions and a service in the c hapel Sunday morning. There will also be a chicken barbeque picnic Sunday.   For more information go to www.campfindley. org or call (716) 769-7146. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120525T040000Z DTEND:20120529T035900Z SUMMARY:Sky Lake: Spring Fling DESCRIPTION:This weekend is designed for families and friends to spend t ime camping with fellow Christians. A variety of activities are offered. Start your summer on the right foot at Sky Lake .For more information go to www.skylakecenter.org or call (7 16) 769-7146. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120525T040000Z DTEND:20120529T035900Z SUMMARY:Skye Farm: Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp DESCRIPTION:Join Skye Farm’s popular Family Camp for fun filled weekends with family and friends. Come enjoy the Skye Farm facilitie s. We can assist you with campfires, swimming, boating, hiki ng, singing, playing games, crafts and worship. Meals will b e provided and families will have cabins or their own RV’s o r tents for housing. Come join us for marshmallows, meals, m eeting friends, merriment and music.For more information go to www.skyefarmcamp.org or call (315) 364-8756. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120528T040000Z DTEND:20120529T035900Z SUMMARY:Memorial Day Holiday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120531T040000Z DTEND:20120603T035900Z SUMMARY:2012 Upper New York Annual Conference - Syracuse, NY DESCRIPTION:May 31-June 2, 2012 Annual Conference SessionPlanting God's Future in Hearts and Neighbors: Called to TillClick here to register!ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Parking at the OnCenter Garage, which can be entered from Harrison or State Streets, will b e $4 per car per day paid by the participant at the time of exit from the garage.   In addition, there are free shuttles from the four “city” hotels as noted on the hotel registrat ion form. A shuttle schedule – in coordination with the Conf erence agenda -- will be posted at a later date. The shuttle s will drop passengers at the entrance doors to the OnCenter and may be a better option for those with mobility issues.  There will be a Hospitality Team to assist attendees in exit ing the shuttle and getting into the sessions room. Wheelcha irs will be available. To allow for greater flexibility and personal choices, there have been no arrangements made for b reakfast at the Annual Conference site. The hotel registrati on form indicates which hotels offer a complimentary breakfa st. The hotels which do not offer a complimentary breakfast do have restaurants. As well, Conference Youth Ministries wi ll be selling coffee OUTSIDE the OnCenter as a fundraising a ctivity. Meals provided with your registration will be plate d and served in the room adjacent to the main meeting room. Meals to be served are as follows:Friday Lunch - Jerk Chicke n Skewer entrée salad or Vegetarian option, served with brea d, beverages and dessert  Friday Dinner - Chicken Piccata wi th basmati rice and seasonal vegetables, beverages and desse rtSaturday Lunch - Spiced rubbed port tenderloin entrée sala d or Vegetarian option, served with bread, beverages and des sertIf these meals do not meet your dietary needs, please co ntact Martha Miller (MarthaMiller@unyumc.org) before May 1.  There will be no group or special meals facilitated by the S essions Committee. Any group (i.e. Alumni groups, or special interest groups) interested in an off-site gathering can co ntact the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau for inform ation on local restaurants that may be able to accommodate g roup meals. Pictures will be taken during the Annual Confere nce for an Upper New York Pictorial Directory. Olan Mills wi ll be set up on the lower level of the OnCenter. The Display Room will be in the Ballroom on the lower level of the OnCe nter.   Cokesbury will be present and has exclusive rights t o sell books at the Annual Conference. Request forms for exh ibitors desiring a table will be available in January and wi ll be granted on a first come/first served basis with a paid request form.  An estimated cost at this time is $25 per ta ble. Child Care will be offered on the lower level during al l official Conference Sessions, free of charge. Families MUS T pre-register for this service on the registration form and provide information about their children so that appropriat e numbers of child care providers can be secured, and approp riate equipment provided. All Annual Conference events will take place in the OnCenter, including the Memorial Service a nd Service of Ordination.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120602T040000Z DTEND:20120604T035900Z SUMMARY:Upper NY Trustee Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120610T040000Z DTEND:20120611T035900Z SUMMARY:Casowasco: Open House DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120610T040000Z DTEND:20120611T035900Z SUMMARY:Findley: Open House DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120612T040000Z DTEND:20120615T035900Z SUMMARY:Asbury: Primetime at the Lake DESCRIPTION:You are invited to our retreat setting on beautiful Silver L ake, NY, to join others in learning, exploring, and having f un. Our experienced facilitator, Barbara Bruce, will help yo u develop a skill set of mental/physical exercises and creat ive/critical thinking needed to maintain the fitness and fun ctioning of your brain. User friendly language and timely in formation will allow you to apply concepts for brain fitness to your daily life. Activities are designed to lift spirits , create knowledge, and deepen understanding of how successf ul aging enhances life.For one of our evening programs, Gret chen Murray Sepik will perform a theatrical characterization of Mary Jemison, a captured white woman who chose to remain with her Native American family and lived out her days in t he Letchworth area. Gretchen is an actress, author, illustra tor, playwright, and storyteller. She performs for schools, colleges, museums, conferences, and more all over New York S tate and Pennsylvania.For more information go to www.asburyu ny.org or call (585) 237-5262. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120616T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Aldersgate: Open House DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120616T040000Z DTEND:20120617T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120630T040000Z DTEND:20120701T035900Z SUMMARY:Skye Farm: Open House DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120704T040000Z DTEND:20120705T035900Z SUMMARY:Fourth of July Holiday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120713T040000Z DTEND:20120716T035900Z SUMMARY:School of Christian Mission: Region 2 DESCRIPTION:Region 2 will be held July 13-15 at Cazenovia College, Cazen ovia, facilitated by Dean Phyllis Doan (programs will be ava ilable for women, men, youth and children)Three studies will be offered at each region: "Immigration and the Bible," "Ha iti: Challenges and Hopes" and a study on the issue of "Pove rty."More information about each study can be found on the U pper New York Annual Conference's United Methodist Women's w ebsite.These lay faith educational offerings are an opportun ity to learn more about missions and being in mission.A PDF flyer can be downloaded here. More information about the Sch ool of Christian Mission and registration details are forthc oming. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120718T040000Z DTEND:20120721T035900Z SUMMARY:NEJ Jurisdictional Conference, Charleston, WV DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120726T040000Z DTEND:20120729T035900Z SUMMARY:School of Christian Mission: Region 3 DESCRIPTION:Region 3 will be held July 26-28 at the Asbury Camp & Retrea t Center, Silver Lake, facilitated by Dean Ruth ClevelandThr ee studies will be offered at each region: "Immigration and the Bible," "Haiti: Challenges and Hopes" and a study on the issue of "Poverty."More information about each study can be found on the Upper New York Annual Conference's United Meth odist Women's website.These lay faith educational offerings are an opportunity to learn more about missions and being in mission.A PDF flyer can be downloaded here. More informatio n about the School of Christian Mission and registration det ails are forthcoming. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120825T040000Z DTEND:20120826T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120903T040000Z DTEND:20120904T035900Z SUMMARY:Labor Day Holiday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120907T040000Z DTEND:20120910T035900Z SUMMARY:Christian Adventure Weekend at Letchworth State Park DESCRIPTION:The date of this weekend has been changed from May 11-15, 20 12 to September 7-9, 2012.  White water rafting, high ropes course, Bible study camping, food and games. Cost: $110 per personCall Tim Reed at 716-983-5715 to make your reservation .  Tim Reed is the Youth advisor at Christ United Methodist Church in Amherst, NY. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120914T040000Z DTEND:20120917T035900Z SUMMARY:School of Christian Mission: Region 1 DESCRIPTION:Region 1 will be held Sept. 14-16 at the Silver Bay YMCA (on Lake George), Silver Bay, facilitated by Dean Linda VanScha ickThree studies will be offered at each region: "Immigratio n and the Bible," "Haiti: Challenges and Hopes" and a study on the issue of "Poverty."More information about each study can be found on the Upper New York Annual Conference's Unite d Methodist Women's website.These lay faith educational offe rings are an opportunity to learn more about missions and be ing in mission.A PDF flyer can be downloaded here. More info rmation about the School of Christian Mission and registrati on details are forthcoming. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120922T040000Z DTEND:20120923T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121008T040000Z DTEND:20121011T035900Z SUMMARY:Bishop's Retreat DESCRIPTION:Featuring Mike Slaughter: http://mikeslaughter.com/Location: Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa1195 Arrowhead Rd., Ellenville, NY 12428www.honorshaven.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121013T040000Z DTEND:20121014T035900Z SUMMARY:Connectional Table Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121027T040000Z DTEND:20121028T035900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121122T050000Z DTEND:20121124T045900Z SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Holiday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121201T050000Z DTEND:20121202T045900Z SUMMARY:Conference Leadership Team DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121224T050000Z DTEND:20121226T045900Z SUMMARY:Christmas Holiday - Conference Office Closed DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR