NEW YORK/CONNECTICUT DISTRICT

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1 NEW YORK/CONNECTICUT DISTRICT A publication of The New York/Connecticut District, of the New York Annual Conference, of the United Methodist Church Marilyn McCarter, editor 34 Kelly Lane Pine Island, NY mccarte@optonline.net Rev. Elizabeth J Ott, District Superintendent Chan Gillham, Administrative Assistant P.O. Box 3007 Stamford, CT nyctdistrict@nyac-umc.com January 2016 Edition You re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God s kingdom. Not only that count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens give a cheer, even! for though they don t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are i n good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (Matthew 5: The Message version) I noticed a new person had begun attending the church I was serving. You know how it is. The person who slips into the same part of the sanctuary, usually just as the service starts or perhaps during the announcements, eyes focused to the front of the worship space, not pausing to smile or greet anyone because everyone is still unfamiliar to them and they are a stranger to the regular members of the congregation. But the worship leader, the pastor, notices. Maybe not the first week (unless the congregation is quite small) but by the second or third visit surely the pastor notices a new face in what is becoming a regular spot. And so, I noticed this woman who began attending sometime around the first of the year and who arrived as the service was starting and left so quickly I never had time to greet her with even a handshake and a word of welcome. Until one Sunday, she lingered around the back of the sanctuary, obviously waiting to talk with me. It turned out she had questions and wanted to make an appointment to meet with me. So we set something up for later in the week and went on with the remainder of the Sabbath day. The day of the meeting, she arrived at my office, introduced herself, told me she d been looking for a church for a while, mentioned she liked the service and the preaching, felt a warm presence in the congregation and stated, This might be the church for me. I just have a few questions. Go ahead, I answered, I ll see if I. Continued next page

2 The Traveling Preacher continued... can answer them. (Thinking to myself, questions about what? Church structure? United Methodist beliefs? Some key question on the Book of Discipline, perhaps?) Her questions, it turned out were directed specifically to me. She wanted to know did I believe in the virgin birth, the literal resurrection of the body, and was I a liberal or a conservative? And so, there I sat in my office, wondering to myself, How do I answer? In my head, I was thinking through the possible responses. Was she interested in a theological debate? Did she want a nuanced biblical interpretation of the virgin birth or resurrection? And at the core would my answer do any harm? Would I, in answering the questions she posed hurt or damage her faith? Would I do good through my answer in some way strengthening her belief? Would I demonstrate my love for God in what I said? Finally, from somewhere within me came this reply, I believe that all things are possible through God who has the power to bring a child into the world through a virgin birth and who also can bring about a physical resurrection of the body if it is God s will and desire for that to happen. And this I truly believe. Do I know the actual answer to these questions? No. I have yet to speak with Mary about her conception and the birth of Jesus and I wasn t there to see Christ resurrected with my own eyes. So I don t know. Not for sure. But I believe that all things are possible for God. And this makes me neither liberal nor conservative. On some matters there are people who would say, based on my belief about a particular matter - that I m liberal. On other matters, I might be judged a conservative. But in truth, what I am is Christian. Neither to the left or to the right but centered in Christ whose example and teachings I try to follow wherever they lead me. The woman laughed and said I had found a safe answer but she stayed in the church and became an active member. I still remember how her questions challenged me to think about what it means to live in God s kingdom where we are not always directly asked about what we believe, but are each trying to live out our belief with our actions. Jesus preached the Beloveds or The Beatitudes to people who were trying to learn how to live in God s kingdom on earth which is as challenging proposition in our time as it was in theirs. What Jesus taught that day is living in God s kingdom means being different from the rest of the world. We will see things in different ways. We will at times feel spiritually empty, we will mourn and grieve the wasted opportunity to know God of those who choose to neglect that relationship, we will become known as people who seek justice, show mercy, are loving and open-hearted, and who work and strive for healing and peace in a world of broken hearts and lives. This means, we reject the greed, violence and twisted justice of a world that rewards power and abuses the weak. It means that we join our voices with those who cry out for new ways of living and being. We welcome the wounded, create homes for the refugee, and assure there is food for the starving and care for the sick. And when we do this, we will be criticized as too liberal or too conservative. We may lose friends over our positions. We may at time appears out of step with the masses of people who are following another way of living. Jesus knew about this and said it was a reality for anyone who chose to follow him and live in God s kingdom here on earth. But the reward in believing that all things are possible for God even healing and restoring a world that at times seems hopelessly lost? Priceless. Peace, Betsy I want to express my thanks and the thanks of my family for the thoughtful cards, messages and greetings which many of you sent during the Christmas Season. I cherish your many kindnesses, especially your prayers. Please know that you are in my prayers and that my hope is for 2016 to be a year of comfort, peace, hope, joy, love, and grace for each of you! Shalom! NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~2~

3 NY/CT UPCOMING DATES NY/CT Leader-to-Leader Training: two opportunities: Darien UMC, Sunday January 24 th, 3pm OR Poughkeepsie UMC, Saturday January 30 th, 9:30am The Lenten Schools -- Newburgh Grace UMC and Greenwich First UMC, Sundays February. 21, 28, March 6, 13 & 20. The DS is in the office, schedule permitting, on Monday through Thursday. Cabinet Meetings change from week to week. Friday is her customary day off. To reach Betsy, you may her at or call the district office at s and phone messages are answered at the earliest opportunity. NYAC upcoming events of note: 2016 Bishop s Convocation - The Pastor as Coach at Villa Roma Resort, January NYAC PRAYER VIGIL FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE January 30 January 1 will lead off 131 days of continual prayer for the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which meets May 10 20, 2016, in Portland, Oregon. The quadrennial legislative event begins 131 days after the New Year. By coincidence, there are 131 annual conferences in The United Methodist Church. The Council of Bishops has invited each of the annual conferences to host a 24-hour prayer effort on a specific date, with the intent of creating a groundswell of prayer in the days leading up to the General Conference. The New York Annual Conference date is January 30; go to nyac.com for details. The New York Annual Conference through the grace of God embodies a beloved community of hope, building up a healthy Body of Christ, with heart-warmed United Methodists in mission for the transformation of the world. NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~3~

4 two opportunities: Sunday January 24 th, Darien UMC 345 Middlesex Rd Darien, CT or Saturday January 30 th, Poughkeepsie UMC 2381 New Hackensack Rd Poughkeepsie, NY Workshops will include: SPRC I Basics SPRC II Trustees Church Finance Evangelism Age-Related Ministries Lay Leader Basic Skills & Meeting Fundamentals PLENARY SESSION NY/CT District Superintendent Rev. Betsy Ott Stravinsky s The Rite of Spring and Dissonance Do you serve in a new position in your church this year? Are you serving on a committee that you've never been on before? Are you curious about the workings of some of the committees in the United Methodist church and do you want to know more about how we do the business of being church? Then don't miss this year's District Lay Training Events! Choose between two dates/ locations. Bring a carload or two from your congregation! There is NO CHARGE for this training. NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~4~

5 OUT & ABOUT the District Rhinebeck UMC participated in the annual Sinterklaas Festival at Rhinebeck on December 5th. This event celebrates Christmas in the Dutch tradition featuring Saint Nicholaas, the saint for children. Nicholas Sinterklaas was born in the 4th century in Myra, Asia Minor, and there became a bishop of the Greek Church. He was known for his love for the children. Rhinebeck UMC housed activities for middle and high school young people. The festival began mid-morning and continued throughout the day, ending with a street parade at 6 pm. In October, GOSHEN UMC held a Generosity Challenge for their congregation: to find a creative way to reach out and share the love of Christ and practice generosity. After preaching on Mark 10:17-31, Pastor Susan Chapungco handed out $5 dollar bills with instructions: find a creative way to reach out and share the love of Christ and practice generosity. The challenge took off and made a big impact in the Goshen community. In one response to the challenge, the $5 seed grew to more than $900: A congregant asked 98 Facebook friends to add their $5 and 170 people did, with the proceeds given to various charities, including the Middletown Times Herald-Record s People-to-People Fund. Some chose to give to charities like the Wounded Warrior Project, to the Goshen food pantry, or do things like buying coffee for the next person in line at Starbucks. while others reached out in love one-on-one to individuals in need. The results of the project were featured in a story in the Times Herald-Record. Pastor Susan said the lesson is, When you spend money on yourself it doesn t change you. But when you spend money on others, it brings you joy. The experience continues to spread, with others taking up the challenge. The Bangall UMC had a very emotional All Saints' Sunday. As each congregant was so moved, they stood up and walked to the Communion rail. Once there they named one or more of their departed loved ones as they picked up a floating candle and placed it into the tub of water. Then they lit the candle. During this time the song, I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin was playing in the background. The cross was donned with sheer fabric that gently moved with the breeze of a fan that was placed nearby. There was a crown with carnations and baby's breath placed on the cross. When the last person to light a candle had returned to their seat, Pastor Greg Higgins handed out carnations as a remembrance of the dearly departed loved ones. Members of Poughquag UMC generously provided a merry Christmas to the children of some families from the Union Vale Middle School by answering their wish list. NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~5~

6 OUT & ABOUT the District continued Each year the community in Pawling joins in a tradition of The Epiphany Walk, this year held on Sunday, January 3 rd. The faithful join in stopping at each of Pawling's six Christian churches for a sampling of each faith's Christmas and Epiphany traditions. Those on the Walk visited Christ Church on Quaker Hill, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Pawling Central Baptist Church, and St. John's Roman Catholic Church before the final stop at Pawling UMC, where the service was followed by a buffet dinner. The combined choir being conducted by Ken Pick and accompanied by Elissa Zahn On Sunday, November 1st, Grace UMC, Newburgh, hosted a concert honoring veterans called "Voices of Freedom" The concert was the brainchild of Elissa Zahn, Minister of Music at Grace and included choir members from Grace, Vails Gate UMC and Gardnertown UMC. Ken Pick from Vails Gate was the choir conductor and Carolyn Topliff from Gardnertown was flute soloist. The program also included readings, instrumental and vocal solos and a color guard provided by a local Veteran's Group. The audience was also invited to sing "America", "America the Beautiful" and "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "they sang their little hearts out", Zahn said. Donations were received at the door for Veterans Build, an initiative of Habitat for Humanity and the the amount received totaled over $2500! First UMC Newburgh was blessed to receive an EVANGELISM GRANT from the NY/CT District DCOM. The funds helped to purchase a banner and new brochures that publicize the work of the church and its role as a strong community institution within the greater Newburgh area. The new church brochure, that includes a mission statement, the church history and a list of ministries, is given out or mailed to visitors and others who come to the church for various programs. Also, the brochure and banner are displayed at events such as the summer and holiday bazaars and community celebrations on and off church property. Gift packets consisting of a church brochure, Christian bookmark and pen are given to those visiting the church for the first time. These tangible products complement the electronic publicity offered through the church s website and Facebook page. (The reception table with packets, brochures and a banner at Newburgh First s August Bazaar.) NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~6~

7 OUT & ABOUT the District continued Pound Ridge Community Church filled 243 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child The Pound Ridge Community Church choir performed at Pound Ridge Business Association s Annual Tree Lighting in December in Scotts Corners. Pound Ridge Community Church Lifenotes During the Christmas season East Avenue UMC collected white dress shirts for the men of Pivot Ministries. The men of Pivot are working hard to transform their lives. The shirts help them look nice when they go out into the world to show their transformation. The also gathered gloves, hats, scarves for individuals in need at the Open Door Shelter. EAUMC Events Congregants at Poughkeepsie UMC have served the for many years, and this year had more than 120 names angel by picking a tag from the Angel Tree and sweat suit. Poughkeepsie UMC The Journey homeless children at Hudson River Housing to choose from. Participants became an purchasing a gift and a pair of pajamas or a Mt Hope UMC (part of the NOW Cooperative Parish of Brewster, Drew, Holmes, Lake Mahopac, Mount Hope & Purdys UMCs) is now HOPE SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER. The mission is to offer spiritual disciplines and experiences to those both within and outside the "Church" saints, seekers, the "spiritual but not religious","nones", and "dones", and those of faith traditions that differ from our own. The Center is Interspiritual by design. Sunday services are still being held each week at 9am and are mostly a traditional Methodist service The NOW! News The NOW Cooperative Parish collected 55 boxes for Operation Christmas Child, supplying gifts to children in needy countries Purdys UMC (also part of part of the NOW Cooperative Parish) gathered new hats, gloves, scarves and mittens for the Northern Westchester Community Center's Share the Warmth program; collected items for the Bedford Hills Women s Correctional Prison for the mothers to select Christmas gifts for their children; delivered used clothing for the Women s Shelter in Yonkers; and participated in the Brewster Emergency Shelter (housed at First UMC Brewster) by providing and serving a meal, as well as distributing a bag lunch on a Friday in December. The NOW! News Trinity-Boscobel UMC youth sponsored their first Fill the Truck event on November 21 st, and it was a great success. They filled two trucks and collected over $ between 8am and 1pm, with the generous support of ShopRite on Route 6 in Cortlandt Manor who allowed the youth to set up their truck and tables. The fundraiser/service roject was to support the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry. Trinity-Boscobel UMC The Tower IS NEWS FROM YOUR CHURCH MISSING? Send articles and pictures for publication in the Connector to: mccarte@optonline.net and add to your newsletter distribution list. Deadline for submissions for next issue: January 23rd NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~7~

8 The Lenten Schools are coming--- Mark your Calendars!!! This year the NY/CT Lay Servant Committee is pleased to announce that there will be TWO Lenten Schools held in 2016: NEWBURGH GRACE UMC in Newburgh, NY will once again host 3 courses, including the Basic Lay Servant, and advanced courses in Introducing the Bible (Leading Bible Study) and the New Testament ** and FIRST UMC of GREENWICH in Greenwich, CT will host a Lenten School for the very first time, offering 3 courses; the Basic Lay Servant Course, and advanced courses in Spiritual Gifts and the Old Testament. ** These courses are open to ALL who are seeking to continue to grow in their faith journey. The dates of the Lenten School are: Sundays February 21, 28, March 6, 13 & 20. (A follow up snow date is scheduled for Sunday April 3 rd if needed) A light meal beginning at 4:30 will be available for a free will donation classes run from 5pm-7pm. There is a $20.00 registration early bird fee or $25.00 at the door fee. For the Newburgh school please contact Dale Borchert at: daleborchert@gmail.com, For the Greenwich school please contact Marie Bell at: bell541721@aol.com ** Reading from the course book will be required for those attending before the first class. SEE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS and REGISTRATION FORMS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES Registration deadline February 15, 2016 NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~8~

9 Course Title: Lay Servant Ministries BASIC Course Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6,13 &20,2016 Make up snow date April 3,2016. Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Grace UMC, 468 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Mail Form and Application fee to: Warren Whitlock, P.O. Box 670 Glenham, NY Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Description: This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. Signature of Applicant IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Date Book: Lay Servant Ministries, Jackson & Jackson, $11 Book may be purchased from Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

10 Course Title: Introducing The Bible William Barclay Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6,13 &20,2016 Make up snow date April 3,2016. Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Grace UMC 468 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Mail Form and Application fee to: Dale Borchert, 141 Simone Dr. Poughkeepsie, NY Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course description: William Barclay testifies to the Bible's unique value as an inspired book and gives clear advice on the best way to read it. He tells how the biblical writings came into being and finally gained acceptance as Scripture. And he explains the significance and the status of the Apocrypha. Most important of all, William Barclay presents the Bible as a book to be read and enjoyed today - a light in the darkness of a world that has lost its way. Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Book: Introducing the Bible, William Barclay, $11.75 Book may be purchased from Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

11 Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Grace UMC 468 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Mail Form and Application fee to: Warren Whitlock, P.O. Box 670, Glenham, NY 12527, Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchase BEFORE the course begins as reading for the 1 st class is required. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Course Title : Invitation to The New Testament A Short Term Disciple Bible Study Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6, 13 & 20, 2016, Make up snow date April 3, Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Description: Explore the writings of the New Testament using the storey of Jesus as the starting point.participants find a deeper conversation with the writers of the New Testament and a renewal of our commitment to be shaped personally and communally by the storey of Jesus. story. Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Book: Invitation to the New Testament, A Short Term Disciple Bible Study, $ Book may be purchased from Cokesbury.com, Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter s 1&2 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

12 Course Title: Lay Servant Ministries BASIC Course Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6,13 &20,2016 Make up snow date April 3,2016. Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Greenwich First UMC 59 E. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT Mail Form and Application fee to: Marie Bell, 230 Henry St., Buchanan, NY 10511, Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchase BEFORE the course begins as reading for the 1 st class is required. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Description: This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Book: Lay Servant Ministries, Jackson & Jackson, $11 Book may be purchased from Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

13 Course Title: Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6, 13 &20, 2016, Make up snow date April 3, Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Greenwich First UMC 59 E. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT Mail Form and Application fee to: Marie Bell, 230 Henry St., Buchanan, NY Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchase BEFORE the course begins as reading for the 1 st class is required PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Description: Dr Charles Bryant gives in-depth description and solid biblical foundation for thirty-two spiritual gifts found in scripture. More importantly, he provides ways for each reader to discover his or her spiritual gift(s). Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Book: Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts by Charles Bryant, $12.75 Books may be purchased from Cokesbury.com, Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

14 Class Location: Lenten School of Religion, Greenwich First UMC 59 E. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT Mail Form and Application fee to: Marie Bell, 230 Henry St., Buchanan, NY Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door, payable to NY/CT Lay Speaking Ministries plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchase BEFORE the course begins as reading for the 1 st class is required. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Course Title: Invitation to the Old Testament A Short-term Disciple Bible study. Dates: Sundays: February 21, 28 & March 6, 13 &20, 2016, Make up snow date April 3, Time: 4:00 7:00 PM Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Description: This study approaches the Hebrew Scriptures by inviting the participants to hear the story of God and God s calling of the people of Israel through the many voices of the biblical text. Narrative, poem, history and prophetic utterance all have their own distinctive characteristics and purpose, arising out of a particular historical social and cultural setting.. Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Book: Invitation to the Old Testament, A Short Term Disciple Bible Study, $ Book may be purchased from Cokesbury.com, Upper Room Bookstore or Also available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter s 1&2 prior to the first class on February 21 Deadline for Application is February 15 A light meal (soup, sandwiches and beverage) will be provided. NY/CT Connector January 2016

15 J O IN U S Saturday Jan 9 Thousands of immigrants are required to check-in regularly with ICE as they fight their deportation cases. In many cases, close family and friends cannot accompany them to their check-ins for fear of being detained, because they may be undocumented as well. Come learn how YOU can be someone s support system at check-ins and help ensure a fair process for all! 10 AM - 12 PM Chinese United Methodist Church 69 Madison Street NY, NY NEW SANCTUARY MOVEMENT NEW YORK The Chrysalis Project, a new partnership program between New York JFON and the New Sanctuary Coalition of NYC, will bring together immigrants who are under threat of deportation and detention with volunteers who will accompany them to their required, periodic check-ins with immigration officials. This event will cover the current immigration crisis and show how volunteers can make a difference. If there is enough time, there will be role-plays to train volunteers how to respond to immigration officials.

16 2016 Bishop s Convocation for clergy and spouses January 12-14, 2016 The Pastor as Coach FEES Double Occupancy $605 Early Bird by Jan 4 $575 Single Occupancy $385 Early Bird by Jan 4 $355 Childcare is free Please indicate your need when registering. Transportation Available Manhattan White Plains Sign Up when registering. Register: BishopsConvocation Guest Facilitators Deb Clifford Clergy Session WHERE Villa Roma Resort 356 Villa Roma Road, Callicoon, NY FEATURING Deb Clifford, founder of Inspired Church Dr. Mackie Norris, health and wholeness workshop facilitator Worship with Bishop Jane Allen Middleton Talent Show* Free Time *contact Enrique Lebron to participate lefam2k2@yahoo.com Mackie Norris Spouse Session

17 ! Join%the%journey%to%become%an%Immigrant%Welcoming% Community%where%churches%will%be%equipped%to%travel%from% mercy%to%justice,%from%service>only%to%incarnational%friendship,% from%ministering%to%being%transformed%alongside%of.% % Saturday, February 20, am-4pm New York Annual Conference Center Breakfast and Lunch will be provided Please register by February 8, 2016 Register online at: Sponsored by The NYAC Immigration Task Force For more information contact: Bruce Lamb Assistant Coordinator, Social Justice, Engagement and Advocacy Bruce.lamb@nyac-umc.com

18 NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~18~

19 Explore the missionaries ( ) with your congregations, and consider choosing one to support. NY/CT Connector January 2016 ~19~

20 The Advance Covenant Relationship Form Type of Covenant Relationship: (check one) Church $2,500 or $5/member) Individual ($500) Other ($5/member, e.g., Youth Group, Campus Ministry) Total Commitment Amount Per Year: $ (required) Length of Covenant Relationship commitment: 3 years 1 year Indefnite Beginning: Month / Year Ending: Month / Year NOTE: It is only necessary to renew your acceptance form at the end of your commitment. Missionary: Advance #: Please indicate missionary previously supported (if different): Please note that while your covenant is with the missionary above, your gift will support the entire missionary community. Contact Information: Name of Church/Individual/Group/Organization (to receive credit): Address: Telephone: Street City State Postal Code Church Information: (if applicable) Name: Pastor: Annual Conference: District: Contact Person: (if applicable) Name: Address: Telephone: Street City State Postal Code Send form to: The Advance, General Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 350, New York, NY, Tel: , Fax: , covenant@umcmission.org For church credit, send financial support to your conference treasurer or to the Advance GCFA. For individual/group/organization credit, send gifts directly to Advance GCFA. Please clearly designate the missionary's Advance number. Mail gifts to: Advance GCFA PO Box 9068 New York, NY The Advance is a part of the General Board of Global Ministries