NYUCC Happenings

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST My Thoughts My mother was born in Toledo Ohio in 1918. She was a consummate reader and lover of poetry language and literature. Although life circumstances preempted her pursuit of a Library Sciences degree from University of Toledo, they did not dampen her passion for books. She was a founding member, librarian, and book restorer of the Children’s Library of the Women’s Club in Zurich Switzerland, where I was raised. She established a bindery for the library of the Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium. At her passing in 1994, I inherited books from her childhood, her Greek Mythology and Latin Dictionary from her university days, her Confirmation Bible from Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, and her passion for books. We lived in Zollikon, a suburb of Zurich. Our rooftop apartment located at end of a tram line, overlooked a cemetery, several small, private gardens, and the Zurich skyline. Every Sunday morning and evening the sound of cathedral bells wafted up the hill muffled in the damp morning and evening air. Much as I tried, I was never able to make sense of the pattern-less rhythms, not because none existed but because to me it was chaotic. And my attempts to ignore the bells only amplified the sound increasing my uneasiness. But one day when I decided listening would be a better course of action, for the first time I heard the overtones and bass notes combine into one unified undertone – the natural phenomenon when two separate tones combine to create a third tone called sympathetic vibration. My mother’s favorite Scripture was 1 Corinthians 13. Whenever my world got out of control and chaotic and I needed consolation, she would speak calmly in reassuring tones about love’s patience, kindness, and humility. Like a verbal sympathetic vibration, I heard an unspoken unified message of unimaginable love. I felt reassured of God’s goodness. And no matter what happened, if God is an author, I am a story. If God is a composer, I am a song. If God is a mother, I am a child. If God is an artist, I am a painting. If God is a lover, I am a beloved. The life lessons of the bells and my mother’s gentle catechism, still give me strength to know and love myself completely as the transgender woman God knows, loves, and made me to be, “flavored with life / doused in grace / grateful for the day god has made / heaven sent*”. *Excerpt from “Grateful” by Ebony Jenae – Rev. Valerie Meyer Rev. Valerie Meyer Board Member, New York Conference, United Church of Christ Genesee Valley Association   REMEMBRANCE During the Annual Meeting, we took time to pause, reflect, and remember all of those who we hold dear to us that have transitioned in the last year or more. It is important for us all to allow for space to mourn, and to know that we are not alone in our moments of sorrow. If you feel you need a helping hand in grieving/mental health wellness, please email: sestilley@uccny.org From First Congregational Church: Celebrating the Life of Shirley Reinhardt   The Sueli Alves Gaewsky Memorial Service Streaming SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 1PM If you would like to attend the memorial service via Zoom, please see details to follow: us02web.zoom.us/j/81195897611?pwd=aUljYnlPbjNjcWdxcVF1R1VFaFdXdz09 Meeting ID: 811 9589 7611 | Password: 112674 In memory of Sueli Alves Gaewsky, a fund for youth has been established in her honor. You may make a donation via check or online. For fund details visit uccny.org/sueli Checks should be made out to UCCNY and sent to UCCNY, PO Box 487, Syracuse, NY 13209, Attn: Sueli Fund. Gifts may be given online at Sueli Alves Gaewsky Cross Cultural Youth Experience Fund. NY UCC Conference Connection What’s Happening at Your Local Church? ~ New York Conference Happenings now delivered on Fridays! ~ Have your church happenings included and shared throughout the New York Conference. Please email details, preferably with links and pictures to communications@uccny.org. Please note items received by Tuesday will be posted in that Friday’s mailing. Anything received after may be pushed to the following week. The New York Conference may not publish all submissions received. CONFERENCE TRANSITIONAL CORNER WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! As our conference moves forward in this time of transition, your Transitional Conference Minister (TCM) and your Board are eager to hear from you as our transitional “plan” would not be complete without the input and insight of you, the members of the New York Conference. To facilitate meaningful and manageable dialogue, TCM Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams and Conference Moderator, Rev. Judy Van Kennen, are hosting Association-wide Town Hall Zoom meetings. This will be your opportunity to share your ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future of our conference. Where are we headed? What are the challenges before us? What ministries should we prioritize in the coming years? Please see the schedule of upcoming Town Hall gatherings. If you don’t see your association listed, DON’T PANIC! We are scheduling time with every association which will be announced soon. Mark your calendars and plan to join Marsha and Judy for faithful and fruitful conversation. Association Town Hall Gathering Dates & Zoom Information: September 7, 2022 – 6:00 pm Hudson-Mohawk Association September 13, 2022 – 6:00 pm Western Association September 20, 2022 – 6:00 pm Suffolk Association Join Zoom Meeting uccny-org.zoom.us/j/81397321342 Phone: 1-646-876-9923 Meeting ID: 813 9732 1342 One tap mobile +16468769923,,81397321342# US (New York) +16469313860,,81397321342# US   LOCAL NY NEWS United Church of Bristol Henrietta United Church of Christ Join us in welcoming Union Congregational Church [NY, NY] as a newly-certified Open and Affirming congregation in the New York Conference! Have You Heard? Rev. Adriene Thorne Voted Senior Minister at The Riverside Church Journey United Church of Christ Worship & Potluck Picnic in the Park Sunday, August 14 ANNUAL MEETING 2022 REWIND! See our full listing of videos conta.cc/39w2B2s and connect to business meeting details from the Annual Meeting www.uccny.org/annualmeeting Full announcement for Annual Meeting 2023 in Buffalo, New York to come. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Ryan Henderson at rhenderson@uccny.org   REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR BOUNDARY AWARENESS TRAINING AND RETIREE BAT www.uccny.info/BAT2022 Click on the link for the calendar, then click on each training for more information and to register. If you have questions regarding scheduling for an online BAT session please contact Lisa Delgado at lisadelgado@uccny.org. Culturally Responsive Ministry Training [CRMT] Module 1 – Culture & Race CRMT Calendar & Registration ATTN: ALL AUTHORIZED MINISTERS Dates listed for Each 6-hour CRMT session. Conducted online via Zoom. Questions? Please contact your association Committee on Ministry. Should you have registration questions, contact Lisa Delgado at lisadelgado@uccny.org. Scholarships available! Contact Rev. Marjorie Purnine, at mpurnine@uccny.org before registering. Registration is Open for NYSOM’s Fall Core Courses Two core ministry courses beginning September 2022 “Introduction to Christian Theology” Wednesdays 7-9pm beginning Sept. 7th with Rev. Steve Johnson “Liturgy & Worship” Thursdays 6:30-9pm beginning Sept. 15th with Rev. Michael Sloan NEW registration system and link! For course details and to register: www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/new5575212?tab=home Should you have registration questions, contact Lisa Delgado at lisadelgado@uccny.org. Scholarships available! Contact Rev. Marjorie Purnine, at mpurnine@uccny.org before registering. WIDER UCC NEWS   Celebrate 50 years of Open and Affirming Ministries! Join us Aug. 5-7 for our first National ONA Gathering since 2019! Our virtual event will celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the ONA Coalition and Bill Johnson’s ordination as the first openly gay man authorized to serve an historic Christian church as a minister of word and sacrament. Leaders include the Rev. Rhina Ramos (worship leader), Bishop Yvette Flunder (closing address and charge), the Rev. Bill Johnson and the Rev. Anne Holmes, and the Rev. Andy Lang (State of the ONA Movement). Details Here Overdue: Environmental Justice for All UCC Webinar—Water and Environmental Justice For the UCC’s next Creation Justice webinar, our special guest will be Lynn Thorp who serves as the National Campaigns Director for Clean Water Action. She will discuss how we can make effective and equitable strides in reducing water pollution, including exposure to toxic substances such as the highly toxic “forever” chemicals found in almost everyone’s blood in the U.S. Even if you can’t make the scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Wednesday, August 10th, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!   UCC Disaster Ministries Disaster Update, How to Help Event: Major Flooding and Severe Weather from Missouri to Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia Full Details Here Connect for news and updates: News – United Church of Christ (ucc.org), Disaster Ministries – United Church of Christ (ucc.org) Facebook One Great Hour of Sharing (UCC) Twitter @OGHS_at_UCC For more information, please contact Lesli Remaly (remalyl@ucc.org), Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, or your Conference Disaster Coordinator.   Justice and Peace Action Network [JPANet] The Justice and Peace Action Network (JPANet) is our denomination’s grassroots advocacy network composed of individual members and local UCC congregations across the country. The JPANet both educates and engages its members in shaping public policy and keeping with God’s vision of a just and loving society. Our work is grounded in General Synod resolutions, consonant with historic UCC witness, and formed by a biblical understanding of prophetic ministry. Details Here   Practical Resource Center Everyone Has a Calling – Ours Is Helping You! More Info   The Space Between: The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World Registration is now open for a major United Church of Christ summit “to imagine a church alive and vital in the world.” It will be held Sept. 19-21, online and in-person in St. Louis. Our ACM Rev. Shernell Edney Stilley has been a contributor to this event, and will be on site! Read More… Registration and More Info   UCC NEWS General Synod 34 Next Synod, will be in person; hybrid aspects being explored. Delegates and visitors will meet June 30 through July 4 at the Indianapolis Convention Center A basic website for the meeting is now in place. People will eventually be able to register for Synod and find agenda and other details there. One key document is already there: the Standing Rules, which guide Synod business and name important deadlines. There’s also a place there to sign up for Synod updates. Click here for General Synod site and details. or visit www.generalsynod.org United Church of Christ National Ministries General Council This year we have received a number of questions about third party use of property—both leasing and one-time or short-term use by individuals and groups. Check out the General Council Blog for articles addressing these concerns and more. – Leasing Church Property to a Tenant: What Churches Need to Know. (Leasing inquiries) – Allowing Third Parties to Use Church Property: What Churches Need to Know. (Facilities use) Additional articles on using photos of others in church media, and how to be political but not partisan. — Heather E. Kimmel (she/her) General Counsel United Church of Christ, National Ministries UCC.org   Continue to stay safe during gatherings this summer! Monitor your health daily Wash your hands often Test if you feel unwell or after attending big gatherings Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands If you feel unwell, stay home and seek medical care Stay current on vaccination and boosters If you must be around others and not feeling well, wear a mask FREE TESTS AVAILABLE www.covid.gov/tests VACCINES and BOOSTER Finder www.vaccines.gov/search Get Medication for COVID-19 covid-19-test-to-treat-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com Find FREE MASKS (N95 respirators) at a participating location near you. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/free-masks.html Or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)   CONNECT WITH YOUR ACM All Are Invited An Associate Conference Minister is available 2nd Wednesdays 11am – 12noon Virtual Office Hours via Zoom uccny-org.zoom.us/j/86851669770 Meeting ID: 868 5166 9770 Passcode: UCCNY We are here to listen, to have you bounce ideas off of us, to ask for specific resources, to pray and perhaps even to laugh together. CALL US We are small, but mighty! Your New York Conference staff continues to work hard to provide you the resources and information you need. Please note our LIVE coverage phone hours Monday-Friday 10am-Noon 315-446-3073 All other times, you can reach us via our 24-hour voice operated service. Please leave a message, and we will get back to you! NEW YORK CONFERENCE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Officers & Board Members   NEW YORK CONFERENCE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Today… Tomorrow… Together NY UCC Capital Campaign Video Here Support the New York Conference Amazon Smile Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the New York Conference of United Church of Christ whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Click to sign up: Amazon Smile Donate Directly Contribute to the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ today with an online contribution. Join us in ministry: Donate Directly New York Conference | United Church of Christ P.O. Box 487 Syracuse, New York 13209 315-446-3073 | office@uccny.org | www.uccny.org   THANK YOU!   UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 315-446-3073 | www.uccny.org PLEASE NOTE: CLICKING UNSUBSCRIBE BELOW WILL REMOVE YOU FROM ALL NY CONFERENCE COMMUNICATION!   New York Conference UCC | PO Box 487, Syracuse, NY 13209 Unsubscribe ldcvkvzs@uccny.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by communications@uccny.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!