The Service of Commissioning and Ordination 
New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Sunday, November 15, 2020 
Streaming Live at 4:30pm 
from
Bible United Methodist Church (Dix Hills, NY)  

    This year's service will be held in person, but in accordance with our own established Covid-19 safety protocols, attendance is limited to our candidates for ordination and commissioning, working NYAC staff, and a very limited number of invited guests.
    To allow those who can not be present in person to be a part of the service, an open livestream of the service will be available for viewing on the NYAC Facebook page  and also on the Bible UMC YouTube channel.  The full service will also be added to nyac.com at the conclusion of the day’s service.
    We hope you will be able to watch this sacred service, and offer your virtual and prayerful support for this class of ordinands. 

Our Laity Celebration has been postponed until Saturday, January 16, 2021  10AM - 2PM   We will be studying the book Black & White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, by Teesha Hadra & John Hambrick.  We no longer have copies available at the Conference Center for purchase, but you may order a copy from one of these vendors: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, etc.  You may register here.  Note: because this will be a virtual event, there will be no registration fee. If you have questions, you may contact Roena Littlejohn at 203-331-9653 or Roena.Littlejohn@nyac-umc.com. You will receive a link to join the meeting a few days prior to the event. "And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.?" Colossians 3:14 (CEB)

Don’t miss Bishop Thomas Bickerton’s
address to the Laity at this special event! 

You are invited to explore how White Pastors in predominantly White congregations can effectively Interrupt Racism through Preaching Thursday, November 19 9:30am-Noon Discuss how and why clergy can be part of interrupting unjust racist systems. Share sermon models that address racism and strategies for holding the tension of congregational responses Prepare an Advent sermon through an anti-racist lens. Led by United Methodist Clergy:  Melissa Boyer, Doug Cunningham, Melissa Hinnen,  & Ed Horne. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

• Invite a Missionary to your church for a virtual visit !!! 
  They can join your women’s group, study group, worship service or special event. Simply fill out the form and you’re on your way.

“Self-care for clergy and spiritual caregivers”

A webinar presented by NYDIS (New York Disaster Interfaith Services) in collaboration with the NYAC Missions office November 16, 10 to 11:30  No cost, but registrations close November 15
Registration information:
Anyone with the link can access the Eventbrite registration page: https://selfcareforspiritualcaregivers.eventbrite.com
Registration will close Sunday, November 15 at 5pm.
Everyone who has registered by Friday, November 13 will receive an email with the Zoom link that day. Anyone who registers over the weekend will receive the email with the Zoom link on Monday morning at 9am.

About this Event
    The United States continues to experience the spread of COVID-19, including spikes of infections in some NYC neighborhoods. This free webinar offers guidance on how to care for ourselves as we continue to lead our congregants through this crisis. 
    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have experienced an increase in stress and trauma. This is especially felt by those of us who provide care to others, including clergy and spiritual caregivers. This webinar will share best practices and tools for self-care so we can continue to serve our communities and maintain our own emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness. 
    This webinar is offered by New York Disaster Interfaith Services and cosponsored by the Presbytery of New York City and the New York Conference of The United Methodist Church.
    NYDIS is supported by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Fund for Public Health in New York City.

• Council urges no new US bishops for 4 years.  Read story.
• #GivingTuesday is December 1.
• Ask the UMC offers information about denominational beliefs, structure, history, ministries and celebrations.
• UMC-branded cloth face masks and T-shirts are ready to order - just in time for Christmas! Shop now.
  

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