New York Annual Conference

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1 NEW YORK - CONNECTICUT DISTRICT New York Annual Conference UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JANUARY 2018 NY/CT DISTRICT REV. ELIZABETH J. OTT, SUPERINTENDENT CHAN GILLHAM, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 42 CROSS ROAD STAMFORD, CT PHONE: NYCTDISTRICT@NYAC-UMC.COM NY/CT CONNECTOR PATTI COHEN-HECHT, EDITOR UMCCONNECTOR@GMAIL.COM UPCOMING EVENTS January 20 Leader to Leader Training 9:00am- 1:00pm Shrub Oak UMC January 28 Leader to Leader Training 2:00-6:00pm UMC Danbury January 31 David Gilmore Workshop 9:00am-3:00pm at Pleasant Valley UMC and February 3 9:00am-3:00pm at Peekskill UMC. February 10 Leader to Leader - Snow Date 9:00am-1:00pm March 3 MBTI Step 2 Workshop 9:00am - 3:00pm Stamford First UMC April 29 NYCT District Conference The Traveling Preacher a word from our district superintendent rev. elizabeth j. ott Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6) METHODIST SPIES?! THE MOVEMENT GROWS.. Part XIV in a series on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism During the time when Methodism was spreading in England, there was an effort among Scottish Patriots to revolt from their British rulers and place Charles Edward Stuart ( Bonnie Prince Charles ) on the throne. As Methodist preachers traveled the roads of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales holding meetings with the members of the growing Methodist Societies, political and military leaders in England began to look at the group with suspicion. From their perspective, Methodist who were largely working-class and the poor, were being secretly organized by supporters of Charles Stuart so that members of the societies would rise up against England and the monarchy under cover of being a religious association! Methodists were being accused of participating in a rebellion and acting as spies! Wesley who was a Loyalist was horrified! When Prince Charles invaded Scotland in 1745, Wesley immediately went to the Mayor of New Castle and pledged his support to the crown. He even wrote several hymns of Thanksgiving when the prince was defeated in In the end, Wesley was able to save Methodism from false accusations and attack during this time of political unrest. Continued on page 2) 1

2 (continued from page 1) The Traveling Preacher With the potential crisis over, John turned his attention to organizing the traveling preachers by grouping the societies together into seven circuits. Preachers were assigned in groups of two or three for a month at a time to one of the circuits and then moved the following month to another. At the 1747 Conference, the following rules for preaching were adopted: 1. Be sure to begin and end precisely at the appointed time. 2. Sing NO hymns of your own composing. 3. Endeavor to be serious, weighty, and solemn in your whole deportment before the congregation. 4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 5. Take care not to ramble from your text, but to keep close to it, and make out what you undertake. 6. Always suit your subject to your listeners. 7. Beware of allegorizing or spiritualizing too much. 8. Take care of anything awkward or affected, either in your gesture or pronunciation. 9. Tell each other if you observe anything of this kind. As Methodism continued to grow because of field preaching and the nurturing of faith in new disciples through Methodist Societies, John looked for ways to redevelop the ministry and mission which had started in the early Oxford Methodism. In 1746 he called on Methodists to make a weekly contribution of all ye can spare towards a common stock. This fund became a short-term small business loan program which helped 250 members in the first year. Wesley, long interested in medicine and convinced by his own observations that regular physicians do exceeding little good, also opened a medical dispensary which provided services to anyone in need of care each Friday at the Foundry, the Methodist meeting-house in London. A school was started at the Foundry for children who Wesley wrote, roamed the streets like wild ass s colts and at the same time, the Kingswood School near Bristol which had been founded by Whitefield and Wesley was reorganized. Two leased houses near the Foundry operated as the Poorhouse which provided a home for widows, the blind, and homeless children. Continued growth created a need for new preaching houses and older meeting places were remodeled and enlarged. Under Wesley s vital leadership, Methodism in England was rapidly becoming a force for religious and social change. Next Time: The Call for Separation and Methodism Goes to America. Peace, Betsy If You're Going to Fish You Need the Right Bait! NYAC Director of Revitalization and Congregational Development, Rev. David Gilmore presents: Training in demographics and how to access information specifically for your church location. This will include specific ways to reach people living in your community through relational ministries. This training is NOT to be missed!! Pleasant Valley - January 31 from 9:00am-3:00pm (register on or before 1/24) Peekskill - February 3 from 9:00am-3:00pm (register on or before 2/1) Lunch will be provided. You MUST preregister at the district office and include the primary Zip Code for your local church. If you are serious about growing your congregation you need to be there! 2

3 NY/CT DISTRICT EVENTS Leader-to-Leader Training Saturday, January 20-9:00am to 1:00pm at United Methodist Church at Shrub Oak Sunday, January 28-2:00pm to 6:00pm at United Methodist Church of Danbury The New York-Connecticut District is happy to once again offer Leader-to-Leader training in January, We are all leaders in ministry in our congregations, so the training is for everyone...whether you are a chairperson, new to a committee, or have been on the same committee for several years in a row. The same training will be held at both locations, so come to whichever location or day is most convenient for you. Both days will start off with a plenary led by our D.S., Betsy Ott before you move to your breakout sessions. We will offer our usual sessions on Trustees, Finance, SPR 1 (Working with the Pastor) and SPR 2 (Working with Church Employees), with some new sessions on alternative community church structures, and more! Please contact the District Office (NYCTdistrict@nyac-umc.com) with how many people will be coming from your congregation, on which day, and what sessions they plan on attending. Thank you! Peace and greetings to you, As I am writing this message to you, we are in the midst of the advent season. As we all know, it is a season of preparing our hearts for the birth of the baby Jesus who was sent by God to be the light to the world. As we await the celebration of his birth, it also becomes a time for us to reflect how we can be that light in both good times and troubled times. I ask you to seriously ask yourself what is God calling you to not only do, but more importantly to be. Are you being called to deepen your relationship with God and the community of faith? Are you open to really stop and listen to what God is calling you to do? Here are a few available options for you to consider. The upcoming Lenten School will be offering Lay Servant courses at Diamond Hill, CT, Fishkill, NY, and Cornwall, NY. There are Basic courses offered in each of the locations to help get your feet wet, as well as Advanced courses on praying, social justice principles, spiritual gifts, and conflict resolution to mention a few. There will also be Basic course offered in Spanish for the first time during the spring as well. I urge you to brighten the light of the world in yourself and in your community. Look for the registration forms in the Connector for dates, locations and specific course selections. Truly, take the time to listen to your heart. The Lay Servant Committee looks forward to your presence in the classes and supporting your call to this important ministry. Jackie White-Garman District Chair 3

4 NY/CT 2018 Lenten School The NY/CT District will present Lenten School this year in 3 different locations; Diamond Hill UMC, Cos, Cobb, Ct, Fishkill UMC, Fishkill, NY & Cornwall UMC, Cornwall, NY. There will be the traditional 5 Sunday evening classes and also announcing a 2 Saturday morning class. The list of courses and locations: Diamond Hill United Methodist Church, 521 E Putnam Avenue, Cos Cobb, Connecticut 5 Sunday Evenings 4:30pm to 7:00pm February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, and March 18 The Basic Course - This course encourages people to recognize Gods call in their life and examine their Spiritual gifts for the work of the local church and the world. Advanced Course - Let The Whole Church Say Amen: This course seeks to relieve the anxiety of all who are called to lead in public prayer and yet hesitate. It is a practical guide to the art of praying. Advanced Course - Justice in Everyday Life: Takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church the church's attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. Fishkill United Church, 38 Broad Street, Fishkill, New York 2 Saturday Mornings 8:30am- 2:30pm February 24 and March 10 The Basic Course - This course encourages people to recognize Gods call in their life and examine their Spiritual gifts for the work of the local church and the world. Advanced Course - Just Say Yes: is a valuable resource and learning tool for Gods children who are feeling called to make a difference in the their personal walk of faith, their church s life and in the mission field Cornwall United Methodist Church,198 Main Street, Cornwall, New York 5 Sunday Evenings 4:30pm to 7:00pm February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, and March 18 The Basic Course - This course encourages people to recognize Gods call in their life and examine their Spiritual gifts for the work of the local church and the world. Advanced Course - Spiritual Gifts: This is a practical look at how the gifts of the Holy Spirit can change and renew the lives of each person. As a result it will not only revitalize them personally but also it can awaken a new church relationship and work in the world. Advanced Course - Conflict Resolution: The Lay Servant Book "The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation" by Thomas Porter, explores different ways of dealing with constructive ways of resolving conflict. Please complete the registration form for your choice of the location. 4

5 Diamond Hill UMC LENTEN SCHOOL East Putnam Avenue, Cos Cob, CT Time: 4:30 7:00 PM Dates: Sundays: Feb.18, 25, March 4, 11, & 18, 2018 Mail Form and Application fee to: Gary Gomes, 5 Nelson Street, Goshen, NY registrar@gomesofgoshen.net Questions: Sandy Gardinier: lilybel56@aol.com Registration cost: $15.00 payable to Lay Servant Committee NY/CT District plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchased by registrant and the first chapter read for the first class. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Selection: (check your choice) The Basic Course - S.& B. Jackson Advanced Course - Let the Whole Church Say Amen L. Stookey Advanced Course - Justice in Everyday Life -N. Christie Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Books may be purchased from Cokesbury and also may be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 18 Deadline for Application is February 14,2018 5

6 Fishkill Hill UMC LENTEN SCHOOL Broad Street, Fishkill, NY Time: 4:30 7:00 PM Dates: 2 Saturdays: Feb.24, 2018 and March 10, 2018 Mail Form and Application fee to: Gary Gomes, 5 Nelson Street, Goshen, NY registrar@gomesofgoshen.net Questions Marie Bell: mebgib4951@gmail.com Registration cost: $15.00 payable to Lay Servant Committee NY/CT District plus cost of the book. This is a 2 session course offering. Please purchase your books and come prepared having read the first 3 chapters prior to the first class. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Selection: (check your choice) The Basic Course - S.& B. Jackson Advanced Course - Just Say Yes - R. Schnase Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Books may be purchased from Cokesbury and also may be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. For the Basic Course and the Advanced course please Read Chapters 1-3 prior to the first class on February 18 Deadline for Application is Feb 14,2018 Light snack & beverage will be available, please bring a lunch, as time will be provided. 6

7 Cornwall UMC LENTEN SCHOOL Main Street, Cornwall, NY Time: 4:30 7:00 PM Dates: Sundays: Feb.18, 25, March 4, 11, & 18, 2018 Mail Form and Application fee to: Gary Gomes, 5 Nelson Street, Goshen, NY registrar@gomesofgoshen.net Questions: Betty Miles: bettymiles@gmail.com Registration cost: $15.00 payable to Lay Servant Committee NY/CT District plus cost of the book. The book for this course must be purchased by registrant and the first chapter read for the first class. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY Name Home Phone # Cell Phone Address: Street Address: City/Town: State Zip Church Membership: District Course Selection: (check your choice) The Basic Course - S.& B. Jackson Advanced Course - Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts - C. Bryant Advanced Course - The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation - T. Porter Signature of Applicant Date IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Books may be purchased from Cokesbury and also may be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Read Chapter 1 prior to the first class on February 18 Deadline for Application is February 14,2018 Light food and beverage will be available 7

8 december events at our local churches Pound Ridge Community Church On Sunday, December 3, the Pound Ridge Community Church invited the community to "Keepsake Christmas". Kids and their families decorated their own nativity sets and watched as the nativity came alive with stories from Mary, Joseph and the Angel. In addition to many church families who attended, 5 new families came as well. Pound Ridge Community Church also held a shoe box packing party to fill shoe boxes with toys and goodies for Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child on November 19. They filled 243 shoe boxes that were sent all over the world to show the love of Jesus, and to bring children to God. This is a great hands-on activity for children as they really are the hands of Jesus. 8

9 december events at our local churches Darien United Methodist Church A group from Darien United Methodist Church, including Pastor Tom Kim, worked at Habitat in Bridgeport on Saturday, December 16th. United Methodist Church of Danbury The United Methodist Church of Danbury held their annual Christmas pageant. The cast and crew braved the snowstorm to rehearse and present a wonderful production. 9

10 The Newspaper of The New York Conference of The United Methodist Church For the Latest Version of THE VISION CLICK HERE NEW YORK/CONNECTICUT DISTRICT New York Annual Conference UNITED METHODIST CHURCH REV. ELIZABETH J. OTT, SUPERTENDENT CHAN GILLHAM, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 42 CROSS ROAD, STAMFORD, CT PHONE: JANUARY 2018 NY/CT CONNECTOR editor: patti cohen-hecht DEADLINE FOR THE FEBRUARY CONNECTOR IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY