METNews - March 2017

Rev. Dr. Denise Smartt Sears Dear Friends, There are so many women who have shaped and nurtured each of us.  This month I was drawn to the work and mission of Mary McCloud Bethune.  A Methodist, she served as a delegate to General Conference three times.  An educator and activist whose legacy lives on in countless museums and in the Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, one of the historically black colleges related to the United Methodist Church. There is a whole room dedicated to her work and legacy in the African American Smithsonian Museum.  One can sit at the large conference table and write about the societal concerns of the world today and how they would address them. This exhibit provides the opportunity to learn and be mindful of how important it is to advocate for others. Mary McCloud Bethune was the only child of seventeen to have a formal education. Born to parents who were former slaves, her family labored picking cotton. She attended Scotia Seminary in North Carolina and the Dwight Moody Institute for Home and Foreign Missions.  She founded the Daytona Normal Industrial Institute in 1904, which later became Bethune-Cookman College.  She also founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, which still exists through many chapters today. Ms. Bethune put her faith into action. She believed that education was a powerful tool; with five students she laid the foundation for an institution of higher education. I can only begin to imagine the dreams her parents had for her. Clearly, she paved the way for many, including Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for the presidency of the United States.  Serving as a government consultant to President Calvin Coolidge, guiding him on issues of child welfare. Under President Herbert Hoover, Bethune was called to serve on the Commission of Home Building and Home Ownership.  Bethune was later appointed to a committee on child health.  In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt, named Bethune as the special advisor to the president on minority affairs. That year she created the National Council of Negro Women, a civil rights organization that endeavors to address critical issues for black women.  In 1956 Bethune formed the National Youth Administration that helped young people find employment.   These words were Bethune’s philosophy of life: “I leave you a thirst for education. Knowledge is the prime need of the hour.”   May we continue to lead and be a part of God’s transforming work as we serve as witnesses, encouragers and trailblazers! In Faith,  Denise Smartt Sears

In This Article
 

Bishop's Day on the Metropolitan District

Boundaries and Sexual Ethics Training  

Bishop's Day on the Metropolitan District 

Please note: This evening's meeting is more for laity than clergy.

Boundaries and Sexual Ethics Training

 

 2017 HUMM Lenten Season Schedule

Bronx Cluster Joing Lenten Service Schedule

  The service for 3/15/17 has been cancelled due to inclement weather. 

The Elijah Challenge
 

    

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From the desk of Margaret Howe, Conference Secretary

3/1/2017

Greetings New York Annual Conference Community:

Preparations for our June 7 through 10, 2017 Annual Conference at Hofstra have begun…

If you are a District or Conference Committee/Commission Chair and are required to submit an annual report, it must be submitted to the Conference Secretary by Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

If you plan to submit a petition or resolution to be considered by Annual Conference, it must be submitted to the Conference Secretary by Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

Once the reports, petitions and resolutions are submitted they need to be proofed for correctness and prepared for inclusion in the Preliminary Reports, Petitions and Resolutions Book for the Plenary Session of Annual Conference.

It is critical that this material be submitted by the mentioned due date.
The references for these reports, petitions and resolutions are Rule 27 and 28: “All reports, resolutions and petitions to be considered by the annual conference shall be in the hands of   the conference secretary six weeks before the beginning date of the annual conference in order to be included in the Conference Program Booklet…”

“All resolutions or petitions for conference consideration shall be signed by at least five members of the conference, with the exception of petitions from local churches, which shall have been adopted by majority vote of the respective church’s Church Council (or equivalent structure) or Charge Conference…”

It is important that you prepare and submit your material in the format described.  Prepare your report as an editable WORD document (not more than 700 words), using this heading as a guide:
         Name of Report, Resolution or Petition
         Name of Person Preparing Document
         Number paragraphs beginning with 101 for reports. Ex.: 101.
Any report, petition or resolution not in WORD, will be returned for conversion.  

Late reports received between April 27 and May 31 must meet all requirements stated in Rule 27.  Note that “…Reports, resolutions and petitions failing to adhere to the five-day deadline shall not be considered by the annual conference.”

If you are new at this, please do not wait until the last minute.  Contact me and I will help you through the process - confsecy@nyac.com or call 914 615-2231 or 845 943-8962.
 
With gratitude and thanks,

Margaret Howe, Conference Secretary

Northeast Jurisdiction Disaster Training Academy

The NYAC Disaster Response Ministry is looking to sponsor up to 2 persons from each District to attend the Northeast Jurisdictional Disaster Response Academy, sponsored by UMVIM/UMCOR, March  26 to 29. The venue is the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in Casco, Pennsylvania.

Now, here comes the rub – to be eligible for this offer, persons should have a desire to know more about faith-based disaster response ministries, agree to meet ahead of time in preparation for the Academy, agree to serve on the Conference Disaster Administrative Committee (CDAC), and commit to working toward developing their District’s response capacity and capability.
For more information about the Academy please visit the NEJ VIM website (umvimnej.org) or contact Tom Vencuss (tvencuss@nyac.com) . Participants will be accepted on a first-come basis. Early-bird deadline is February 26.  Please contact Tom before registering.  

"When Disaster Strikes – the Church Responds”
A one-day forum on Disaster Response Ministries
April 22, 2017   NYAC Conference Center, White Plains
9 AM to 4 PM

Presentations:
   The Role of the Church in a disaster
   Understanding the Big Picture
   Caring for the Community – The role of the Church before, during and after a disaster

Break Out Sessions:
   ERT Recertification class
   Effective Leadership - Nuts and Bolts of Leading a Response Team
   Caring for the Community – Developing Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Teams 

Final Gathering -  Toward a District-based disaster response ministry
Key Note Speaker:
     Greg Forrester - President and CEO, National VOAD
     Formerly of UMCOR and the NEJ VIM Coordinator  

We will provide light breakfast foods, beverages, and snacks throughout the event.
Please bring a bag lunch to allow for a working-lunch.
Please register on the NYAC website and indicate a preference for one of the breakout sessions.
Contact Tom Vencuss (tvencuss@nyac.com) for more information or with questions.   

 
Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care "Basic" Training 
      Saturday,  April 29       9 AM to 4 PM       NYAC Conference Center

This seven-hour training provides an overview for the development of Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Teams. UMCOR-trained Disaster Response “Care Teams” are faith-based, ongoing teams with standardized training that provide spiritual and emotional care before, during, following, and ‘in-between” disasters. Working closely with their Annual Conference and District Disaster Response Ministries, “Care Teams” help survivors and others connect with spiritual, emotional, and basic life resources.

We will provide light breakfast foods, beverages, and snacks throughout the event. Please bring a bag lunch to allow for a working-lunch.

Please register on the NYAC website.  
Contact Wendy Vencuss (wvencuss@gmail.com) for more information or with questions. 

 
Disaster Response Ministry Retreat and Work Week-end(s)

Calling all ERTs, Long Term Recovery volunteers, DESC-trained personnel  –  join us for a retreat and work weekend at Camp Olmstead, Thursday, May 11 through Saturday, May 13. During the day we will put our disaster response skills to work, assisting with work projects, and during the evening spend time in fellowship and disaster response-related discussions and workshops. The camp will be hosting us so there is no cost to volunteers. In preparation, we are looking for several persons with construction/building backgrounds to visit the camp and begin to put together a scope of work for each project. Please contact Tom Vencuss (tvencuss@nyac.com) or 860-324-1424 if you are interested.  
We have also been in touch with Brooke and Justin at Quinipet and we are looking to put together a similar retreat/work weekend there. More details about this to come. 

Please click here to see upcoming ERT training events>>
Download an Emotional & Spiritual Care Brochure

 
Rev. Tom Vencuss
Coordinator Disaster Recovery Ministries
New York Annual Conference
860-324-1424 

Black Methodists for Church Renewal New York Caucus Weekend 2017

 Sister Monique Blount , BMCR NYAC, Coordinator,
Rev. Dr. William Smartt, Vice-Coordinator

 

The prevalence, incidence and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease are disproportionately high in African-American and Hispanic population, according to the Alzheimer’s Association®. To increase awareness of this disease and the importance of early detection, I would like to invite you and your Westchester District church family to join us in participating in the 3nd  Annual Alzheimer’s Association Purple Sunday on September 17, 2017.

To join in this initiative, we will ask churches to:

Select an individual who will represent your church and implement Purple Sunday. If you have more than one service that day, you can choose up to two representatives.:

• Wear purple on the day of the event 

• Host an educational table 

By participating in this initiative, each church will receive: 

Free Educational materials and other resources from the Alzheimer’s Association.    
Free assistance with a planning committee to guide each church through the event. 
Free educational presentation. 

We look forward to partnering with you on this initiative, further discussing the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on our community, and sharing my personal story with you.  

We can be reached by email addresses referenced above or by contacting Jonelle Ward at 914 253-6860. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jonelle Ward, MS
Outreach Director
Alzheimer’s Awareness Purple Sunday

Diane Aparisio, MSW
Health Committee Co Chair
Zeta Nu Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

*if your church wishes to participate in Purple Sunday (Sept. 2017) please send an email to the district office.
We will gather the group of participant churches/leaders for a Purple Sunday
presentation by the Alzheimer's Awareness Association.*

 2017 MET DISTRICT LAY SERVANT SCHOOL 

STATEN ISLAND

 Employment Opportunities 

	Kingswood Summer positions Do you like  -  waking up to birdsongs and grazing deer and going to sleep hearing bullfrogs and watching fireflies and the Milky Way? -   sharing your love of nature/outdoors with others?  -  making others feel welcome and at home in their campsite?  -  cooking over a campfire?  -  meeting interesting people of all ages? Then read more about the Kingswood Summer positions! Perhaps you would enjoy being Program Director.  In this position you would be:  -  engaging others while demonstrating crafts  -  leading hikes  -  developing programs that engage people  -  making homemade ice cream - yum! Perhaps being a lifeguard appeals to you. The lifeguard will be:  -  spending each afternoon at the beach  -  keeping the bathhouse clean and inviting  -  using equipment to maintain the waterfront area   If either of these positions interest you, please read the complete job descriptions:   Program Director    Lifeguard.   (If the links do not open, please see attached files.) Please contact me with any questions. Cheryl Winship, Kingswood Director cwin1@frontiernet.net
	EXECUTIVE FOR OFFICE OF DEACONESS AND HOME MISSIONER (Candidacy) Summary of Responsibilities The Executive for Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner (Candidacy) serves the Office of Deaconess, Home Missioner and Home Missionary focusing on personnel management and resourcing for the candidacy process.   Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years’ experience conducting advocacy work in a nonprofit organization or religious institution; Membership in the United Methodist Church as a Deaconess, Home Missioner or Home Missionary is desirable but not required while knowledge or experience in working with issues specific to women, children and families is preferred; Understanding and experience with polity and doctrine of the United Methodist Church is desirable.  Experience in human resource management, supervision of personnel, spiritual formation and United Methodist theological studies is desirable.  Ability to communicate and collaborate with unlikely partners and grassroots organizations.  Ability to work with confidentiality and integrity in all aspects.  Successful candidate must be able to speak and write clearly and concisely in English with the ability to relate to people of various cultures and to interpret concerns to UMW national office and United Methodist Women; Previous work experience which would enable employee to meet with confidence and expertise Congressional leaders and other national leaders; Past experience in managing a budget for the work assigned preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office including PowerPoint and Publisher; Ability to speak an additional language other than English and a sense of humor is a plus.   For additional details about the position go to  http://www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/About-Global-Ministries/Careers  (click on positions for UMW).
	The Office of the General Secretary is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Assistant About Us United Methodist Women - National Organization is the policy-making body that manages and oversees the programs and projects of United Methodist Women (UMW).  We accomplish this by equipping women and girls around the world to be leaders in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments and churches and to advocate for the oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children.  UMW builds supportive communities among women through membership in the organization; engages in activities that foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education, and Christian social involvement, while working for justice through compassionate service and advocacy to change unfair policies and systems while providing educational experiences that lead to personal change in order to transform the world.   About the Office of the General Secretary The Office of the General Secretary brings together the General Secretary, along with staff members in the areas of Events Management, Organizational Development and Board Recording Secretary. The Office communicates around the organizational vision and direction, develops and maintains connection to members and the larger church, maintains contact database and archives of historical data, and program and production management for Assembly and smaller conference events and helps to improve the information flow between the Board of Directors, the Program Advisory Group and Conference Leadership Teams and the national office. Summary of Responsibilities The Executive Assistant supports and maximizes the efficiency of the General Secretary/CEO and the Office of the General Secretary. The Executive Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on matters pertaining to the Office of the General Secretary. The Executive Assistant also serves as a liaison to the General Secretaries of other United Methodist agencies, Conference UMW Presidents, Jurisdiction Leaders, Membership, Cabinet and staff, Board of Directors, PAG and donors. The Executive Assistant organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts and when necessary oversees special projects. The Executive Assistant must be creative and enjoy working within an environment that is mission-driven and community-oriented. The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations utilizing strong written and verbal communication, and organizational skills. The ability to maintain attention to detail with shifting priorities. The Executive Assistant will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. This position is not static and will be revised as the needs of the organization evolve.   Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree required. Eight to ten year's administrative/secretarial experience at an executive administrative level, preferably in a religious nonprofit or community-based organization. Familiarity and general knowledge of polity of the United Methodist church. Familiarity and general knowledge of UMW Mission and Structure. Strong work tenure: five to 10 years of experience supporting C-Level Executives, preferably in a non-profit organization. Experience and interest in internal and external communications, partnership development, and fundraising. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms. Experience operating advanced software (MS Office). Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the online portal by sending a resume/cover letter/writing sample and salary requirement at  http://www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/About-Global-Ministries/Careers.   For more information on the position or to apply, go to  http://www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/About-Global-Ministries/Careers.   (*) Internal candidates are asked to notify Human Resources of their intent to apply.

Part-Time Custodial Personnel Both male and female persons are encouraged to apply.  The work week will consist of 20 hours and include Saturday, Sunday and some holidays.   Please submit resume to:                    Salem United Methodist Church                                                             2190 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.                                                             New York, NY 10027                                                              ATTN.: Carolyn McNair, Trustee

COMING EVENTS

 

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For more information: https://nomanleftbehind.org/event/new-york-city-no-man-left-behind-3d/
 

Jamie Turco, Training & Programs Manager - Man in the Mirror
407-472-2100 x 148

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"Changing Churches: 

Saying Goodbye and Saying Hello” 

2-day workshop led by Jim Griffith,
Sponsored by Michigan Area & Griffith Coaching.
http://www.umnewchurch.org

April 18-19, 2017, Cornerstone UMC, Caledonia, Michigan
This workshop focuses on helping pastors & church leaders manage the “pastoral transition.”

1) How the departing pastor says “goodbye” to his/her existing congregation.
2) How the incoming pastor says “hello” to his/her new congregation.

The workshop is divided into parts: 
Who to tell and when; Managing the emotions of five groups;
The incoming/ departing pastor dance; The First 100 Days; Conducting a “Listening Tour”;
Strategic Preaching in the 1st YearIt will address issues related to pastoral transition; 

FEE
       $25.00 for Michigan residents
     $149.00 for out of state residents

Session Schedule
     April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
     April 19, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

     Arrange your travel plans so that you can attend the ENTIRE event.

Location:    
Cornerstone UMC (1675 84th St. SE. Caledonia, MI 49316)
Registration: http://www.umnewchurch.org (online with payment through PayPal or by credit card.)
Food & Lodging are not provided. 

No child-care will be are available onsite. No meals will be are available onsite.
Lite snacks & drinks will be provided during the workshop.

Cancellation Policies
Participant Cancellation/Transfer

If you cannot attend a Griffith Coaching workshop for which you are registered, you must cancel no later than two (2) weeks prior to the course date to receive a full refund. If you cancel less than two (2) weeks before the workshop start date, you will not receive a refund.

If you register for a Griffith Coaching workshop and need to transfer to a different course date, you can do so by contacting Griffith Coaching at least two (2) weeks prior to the course date you originally registered for. Griffith Coaching will not accept any transfer requests less than two (2) weeks before the workshop start date.

 

Register today at: http://www.umnewchurch.org

 RECURRING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

 

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