New York Annual Conference

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1 NEW YORK - CONNECTICUT DISTRICT New York Annual Conference UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY 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 February 10 Leader to Leader Training 9:00am-1:00pm Peekskill UMC February 28 MissionInsite Workshop with Rev. David Gilmore and Rev. Dr. Bill Pfohl 9:00am-3:00pm Location TBA March 3 MBTI Step 2 Workshop with Rev. Dr. Bill Pfohl 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 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11) THE CALL FOR SEPARATION AND METHODISM GOES TO AMERICA Part XV in a series on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism In 1748 there were nine circuits for Methodist preachers in Great Britain and Wesley began to concentrate more of his attention to their training. This was partly because of the theological differences among preachers which has been mentioned in prior articles. However, there was another reason for Wesley s concern which was that many Methodist preachers were laity. The use of lay preachers (non-ordained) was necessary because of the very rapid growth of Methodism at the beginning, as well as the revival spirit of the Methodist reform movement. Before the First Methodist Conference, Wesley had written a series of pamphlets and short publications to provide guidance on doctrine and basic theology to preachers. In 1746 he published the first of his Sermons on Various Occasions. A second volume was published in 1748 and the third (and final) volume was completed in These sermons were intended to be read and used as a guide for learning Methodist belief, particularly Wesley s doctrine of grace. In 1749, Wesley began to write his fifty volume, A Christian Library, which contained extracts and abridgements from the choicest pieces of practical Divinity which have been published in the English tongue. Continued on page 2) 1

2 The Traveling Preacher (continued from page 1) As early as 1746 questions had been prepared by the conference for the examination of new preachers. At the conference of 1750, John and Charles began a strategically designed examination of the preachers to determine if they had sufficient gifts for preaching. John, however, told Charles he would still consider grace over gifts which might have been because he was concerned that he would still have the forty preachers needed to maintain the circuits once the examinations were complete! The questions asked in the meetings with the preachers were: 1. Do they know in whom they believe? Have they the Love of God in their Hearts? Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they Holy in all manner of conversation? 2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work? Have they in some tolerable degree a clear, sound understanding? Have they a right judgement in the things of God? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? 3. Have they success? Do they not only so speak as generally either to convince or affect the hearers? But have any received remission of sins by their preaching? And a clear and lasting sense of the Love of God? As long as these three marks undeniably concur in any, we allow him to be called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient reasonable evidence that he is moved there to preach by the Holy Ghost. (In a somewhat different format these are questions still asked of Methodist preachers today.) The Wesley s now had a movement that was a recognized religious force in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Methodist zeal for preaching and spiritual renewal was matched by a commitment to address the social problems of the day while at the heart of Methodism was the fresh understanding of the power of God s forgiving and empowering love. Preachers were becoming better trained and the organizational structure of Methodism was very strong. Ironically, everything the Wesley s had done to develop a reformation of the existing church had led to a movement that was now able to stand independently. Although Methodists were still under attack, especially by those who saw the members as fanatical, and particularly in Ireland where there was tremendous friction between Protestants and Roman Catholics, Methodism now entered a time of maturity in England. It was during this time of relative stability that the calls came out from some Methodist preachers to separate from the Church of England. Methodists wanted their lay preachers to be allowed to provide sacraments as well as to preach. A number of preachers led the movement for change and began to administer sacraments on their own. In 1754 when Charles complained to John about two preachers who were reported to be offering Communion, John began to search the scriptures for an answer and finally declared, We have in effect ordained already (by allowing them to preach). Charles was firmly set against any kind of ordination within Methodism which he feared would lead to separation and did not hesitate to ask others to help him convince his brother to hold firm. Finally in 1755, convinced by Charles and his friends, John presented arguments against separation to the Methodist preachers who were leading the movement. Included in his statements were the results of research on the leaders of the early church who, he said, Preached, but were not Priests. Although the debate continued, Methodism would remain a reform movement within the Church of England in Great Britain until Wesley s death. The licensing of preachers who do not consecrate the sacraments continues to be part of Methodist practice to this day. This potential crisis blossomed and ended just as the cries of Methodist leadership began to be heard from across the Atlantic in the Colonies where John and Charles had tried and failed so many years ago. Next Time: What to do? Who will go? Peace, Betsy 2

3 NY/CT DISTRICT EVENTS If You're Going to Fish You Need the Right Bait! NYAC Director of Revitalization and Congregational Development, Rev. David Gilmore and Rev. Bill Pfohl present: 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!! Location TBD - February 28 from 9:00am-3:00pm Rev. Bill Pfohl will be co-leading this session with Rev. David Gilmore 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! Leader-to-Leader Training RE-SCHEDULED Saturday, February 10-9:00am to 1:00pm at Peekskill United Methodist Church The New York-Connecticut District is happy to once again offer Leader-to-Leader training. 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 day will begin 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), Coop Parish/Visioning/Alternative Church Structures and "Beyond Children's Sunday School"/Inter-Generational Worship. 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! 3

4 A NYCT District-Wide Call to 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! If you recall, at the church conferences held last fall, I extended a call to 40 days of Prayer and Fasting to each congregation on the district. There is a great need for us to be in prayer for one another, our communities and the world at this time. The needs for healing, reconciliation and peace that Christ brings to all are greater than at any time I can remember. Racism, genderism, polarization, violence, opioid and other addictions, wars and rumors of wars, ethnic and religious cleansing, the plight of refugees and immigrants fill our news reports. Add to this the environmental changes caused by abuse to mother earth and the resulting storms and destruction of habitat and it is clear that we must pray to ask God to guide us through these challenging times. Even as we pray for these things, we also recognize that the church is struggling to survive. Membership is dwindling and those who remain loyal to the church find themselves overwhelmed with building structures that need fixing, financial challenges, wearing too many hats, and spiritual depletion. The average faithful church participant attends 1.5 times every six-eight weeks 25% of the churches in the NY Annual Conference worship with fewer than 30 people 50% of our churches worship with an average of 50 people in attendance Most of our churches report 0 participation in Sunday School, Youth Group, and adult Bible Study groups Friends, if there was ever a time to pray this is the time! And so, I am calling the district to prayer intentional prayer and fasting using the Wesleyan model found in the General Rules of John Wesley. The General Rules state that we should: Do No Harm Do Good Obey the Ordinances of God: regularly attend church, receive Communion, pray with our families and alone, read the Bible, search and study the scriptures (alone and with others) to seek guidance and direction, fast and abstain. I am urging you to use these faith practices regularly over the 40 day period of prayer and fasting! (continued on next page) 4

5 (continued from page 4) A NYCT District-Wide Call to 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. To meet the challenges of this time we must be spiritually well-nourished/fed. This can t happen if we depend on one spiritual meal a week (or 1.5 times in a month or more). Wesley s spiritual practices offer us a way to be spiritually fed every day nourishment we need to spiritually survive and thrive! Imagine what your church would be like if everyone who was able came to church wellfed with daily prayer! Imagine the spiritual energy there would be if people didn t rely on church services to fill them up and strengthen them so they can make it through another week So, here is the challenge: Commit as a congregation to 40 days of prayer and fasting - you decide when you will do this but be sure to let me know so that I can join with you in my own prayers You can agree to pray at the same time or times during the day, or individually Commit yourself to fasting or abstinence (fast one day a week, one meal a week, or abstain from a part of your regular diet by eating soup for lunch instead of your usual meal). Or give up an activity or TV show that is something you always do. Then use the time to focus on prayer. Pray for the world, for the nation, for the community you live in, for other churches/faith communities, for your church, for the people you know, for your family, for yourself..and ask God to speak to you and to reveal to you God s plan for you and those you pray for. Ask God to lead and guide and direct in every situation. Listen to God in prayer and be attentive to God speaking in your life. Celebrate after the 40 days have ended and plan and way for your congregation to share what they discovered through the 40 days. You may want to have a Visioning Day or a time of during the offering to commit to God in new ways. Have altar calls during and after the 40 days and see what God does! Be bold, take risks, and let God enter in to your life and ministries! And after the 40 days have ended? Plan the next 40 days of prayer and fasting.. I look forward to hearing from you soon with the dates your church sets aside for the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Be certain that you are all in my prayers as we pray together for God s direction. Lovingly in HIS service, Betsy Rev. Betsy Ott, NYCT District Superintendent 5

6 NY/CT DISTRICT EVENTS Attention all Laity who attended the November 11, 2017 Laity Convocation! If you wish to receive advanced course certification for participating in an Advanced Lay Servant course, Holy Habits, please read the following instructions which were distributed at the convocation. Remember to pay close attention to # 7 and the submission deadline of 5/31/18. Please your report to Jackie White-Garman, chair, NY/CT District Lay Servant Committee. Her address is ahgjlw@comcast.net Many thanks for your participation and we look forward to hearing from you. ADVANCED LAY SERVANT COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR LAITY CONVOCATION November, 11, 2017 Lay Servants may earn an Advanced Course Certification for successful completion of all requirements pertaining to the Laity Convocation at Stamford Hilton Hotel on November 11, All day attendance and full participation in the events of the Convocation. Read the book, Holy Habits by Andrew Roberts in its entirety. Write or type a report with your replies to all questions at the end of each chapter under SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER ACTION AND REFLECTION beginning with Part 2 of the book. Each section of your report should be set up by according to Part 2, Chapters 8 through 17. You should reply to the questions for each chapter separately under four sections pertaining to each chapter: Personally, Locally, Globally and A Biblical Passage to Reflect On. Your report set up might look something like this for each chapter: Chapter 8 Biblical Teaching Personally (answer questions) Locally (answer questions) Globally (answer questions) A Biblical Passage to Reflect On (answer questions) NOTE: You may not be in a position to actively participate in some of the ministries mentioned under each of the Reflections. If that is the case, please describe ways you (or your church) might be supportive of the various ministries. You must send your completed report to your District Director of Lay Servant Ministries via or mail it to your District Director of Lay Servant Ministries in care of your District Office. Report is due no later than May 31, 2018 for review by your District Director for certification that you may include in your Lay Servant Annual Report for IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BEGIN, OR CALL YOUR DISTRTICT DIRECTOR OF LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES. 6

7 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 - 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. 7

8 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 - 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 8

9 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. 9

10 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 10

11 JANUARY EVENTS AT OUR LOCAL CHURCHES FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BREWSTER, NY The FUMC, Brewster part of the NOW cooperative larger parish had their second annual MLK Jr. Day prayer walk for communities of peace and justice. It is the only MLK Day event in Putnam County. For next year, they hope to invite and collaborate with other United Methodist churches in Putnam County. The dream goes on as we continue to seek ways of being God s shalom! 11

12 FEBRUARY EVENTS AT OUR LOCAL CHURCHES FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GREENWICH The First United Methodist Church of Greenwich will be hosting a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. A free will donation will be taken to support the mission and ministries of the church. The church will also present: Ashes to Palms - A Lenten Journey A drop-off activity for children ages 4 and up from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on the same day. For more information please contact the church at or office@fumcgreenwich.com Each month you have an opportunity to share a highlight of an event that just happened or announce an upcoming event to your fellow United Methodist Churches. This newsletter is named THE NY-CT CONNECTOR, because it is meant to connect our local church communities to each other. However, it will only be truly a connector if we all participate in sharing your good news and events. Please send your information by the 15th of each month for publication in the following month's newsletter. The new address is : umcconnector@gmail.com 12

13 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: FEBRUARY 2018 NY/CT CONNECTOR editor: patti cohen-hecht DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH CONNECTOR IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY