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What's Happening in the Binghamton/Oneonta Districts December 4, 2025 The New Vision Statement for The United Methodist Church “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ, who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” Welcome Friends, To the Binghamton/Oneonta District's Newsletter! Please share this with your church members, staff, teams and organizations. We hope that you will find this an invaluable resource as we work to promote the missions, ministries and events of the Binghamton/Oneonta Districts. May you have a blessed week! Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell, District Superintendent Rosemary DiIorio - Superintendency Administrative Assistant Rev. Jeff Hale - Binghamton District Superintendency Associate Rev. George Gallandorm - Oneonta District Superintendency Associate  Tara Barnes - Binghamton District Lay Leader Rick Fisher - Oneonta District Lay Leader We in the Binghamton/Oneonta Districts are... "Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places." “The Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14) Dear siblings in Christ, Greetings in the name and with the love of our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ, this Advent. I invite you to watch and share this year’s Episcopal Advent Message video. Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year and centers us on hope—remembering Christ’s birth, awaiting his return, and recognizing his presence among us today. In this message, I reflect on how Advent proclaims God’s empathy and compassion made flesh in Jesus Christ, and how empathy shapes our discipleship, our leadership, and our witness in the world. Please take a few moments to view the video, and I encourage you to share it with your family, friends, and congregations as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. May it inspire us all to embody God’s love with empathy and compassion in our communities. Thank you for the many ways you make the love of Jesus Christ visible and tangible. May you have a blessed Advent, a joy-filled Christmas, and a hopeful New Year. Click here to watch the video and read a transcription of the message.  Peace of God be with you, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez The United Methodist Church Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area Binghamton/Oneonta Districts Office mailing address P.O. Box 5546 Endicott, NY 13763-5546 RosemaryDiIorio@unyumc.org Office - (607)748- 0662 or (607) 785-5672 District Parsonage - (607) 217-4467 The Binghamton/Oneonta Districts Home Office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm. All calls and e-mails received after Thursday at 5:00 pm will be answered on the following Monday. If you have an emergency from Friday until Monday, call the district parsonage at (607) 217-4467 and leave a message The District Office is closed on Fridays, and the District Superintendent is unavailable Your prayers and support for all those who are ill and pained in body, mind and heart. Your prayers for those countries who do not yet know peace from war, and the divisiveness and turmoil in our own country Updated list of Feeding Ministries Available In response to last week’s call, many United Methodist churches across Upper New York have shared information about their food pantries and community meal programs—thank you! As the government shutdown continues to create food insecurity in communities across the state and nation, the Missional Excellence Team is actively compiling and updating this list. The public directory will help connect those in need with nearby United Methodist food ministries and available resources. Use the links below to access the three lists of feeding ministries: Community Meals Food Pantries 24/7 Pantries  If your church hosts a food pantry or feeding ministry, and they are not listed in the link above, let us know. Also, make sure your pantry information is up to date with your local 211 system, where families often turn for food assistance. A representative from your church should contact your regional 211 office to update this information. If you’re unsure how to do so, email Kristina Clark at [email protected] for guidance. Tell us about your feeding ministry Please Update Your Church/Committee information If a committee chair position, or their contact information has changed this information needs to be updated, please e-mail the district office at [email protected] to update this information. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Statistics for 2025- The “ACStats” site will open on January 2, 2026, to enter the church statistical data. The 2025 Statistical data will be due by February 15, 2026.  Please refer to the attached “ACStats” Information Letter (click below) for helpful information. You may also contact Autumn Wells (315)898-2004 or [email protected] with any questions. Information Letter 2025 Statement Payments- With the year end fast approaching, the Conference Finance Team is making plans to complete this year’s cycle of collecting, remitting, and reporting your 2025 ministry share payments to the General Church. The final 2025 Conference Payment Remittance Report is due to the General Church by the third week of January 2026. To meet the General Church deadline and for payments to be applied to your 2025 ministry shares percentage paid, payments must be received at the Conference Office by Thursday, January 8th, 2026. Introducing Portico We’re excited to announce the launch of UNY Portico, a brand-new online resource platform created to support Upper New York congregational leaders. UNY Portico will be regularly updated with new videos, training materials, and other tools to equip you in your ministry. It joins Amplify Media (on-demand faith-based content) and MissionInsite (community demographic insights) to complete your trio of digital ministry resources. Learn more and register for an account here Introducing Church Chat Watch Church Chat, the place where we chat about all things Finance, Benefits, and Human Resources. Church Chat is a new original video resource series for United Methodists of Upper New York. It was created specifically for clergy and congregational leaders in Upper New York, and each episode offers practical guidance and timely updates on topics like finance, human resources, and benefits—helping you stay informed and supported in your ministry. To submit a Church Chat topic idea e-mail [email protected] View resource library Church Chat episode focuses on the shift to Compass As the Conference transitions to Compass, a new account-based defined contribution retirement plan, many questions have surfaced. In this latest episode of Church Chat—the place where we talk about all things Human Resources, Benefits, and Finance—Conference Treasurer Bob Flask sits down with Conference Benefits Officer Julie Valeski to explain the reasons behind the shift to Compass—and how this change will benefit you. Watch the episode Explore more episodes of Church Chat CONFERENCE NEWS & INFORMATION Stay up to date with all the news coming from the conference office. Subscribe to the Weekly Digest here December's Opportunities December offers a few special opportunities to learn, gather in worship, and celebrate together. Take a look at what’s happening around Upper New York next month—you won’t want to miss these meaningful moments. More information on upcoming events Join Pastor Phil on this Devotional Journey! The last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm 12/17 Phil will offer a ZOOM Check-In for those interested in participating. Sign up with Diane P. at [email protected] Awakened is a unique devotional structured around 13 themes with four weeks on each theme. Themes include renewal, diversity, eco-spirituality, mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, science, and more... Purchase book at chalicepress.com  Themes and their seasons: Christmas—December, Christmas Register for Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being Ready to take control of your finances—and strengthen your faith along the way? Join the next Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being training. Rooted in Wesleyan and Biblical principles, Saving Grace is a six-session journey toward faithful financial living. You’ll learn to balance earning, saving, giving, spending, and managing debt with greater purpose and peace. The training beginning February 4th will be held via Zoom from 5:30 pm –7:30 pm Learn more and register now Stewardship with Susan Ranous WHAT SHOULD I DO? I wanted to write about some resources that are the United Methodist Upper New York Conference’s website (unyumc.org). There are two additional videos under the Church Chat section of the conference website: one on Finance and one on Stewardship. Each is about half an hour. I think, as we have just finished our church’s Charge Conference or just finishing it up, that there are new people joining your finance committee or there’s a new Finance chair, or a new Treasurer, bookkeeper or Financial Secretary, now is the time to become more informed. Some of this stuff can be difficult to understand, particularly for new people. I encourage a couple of things for your new folks (and even your current people): 1. Print the pdf (or buy a booklet) of the Finance and Stewardship Guidelines. The information is informative, and the new guidelines are out for the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline. 2. Encourage your folks to watch the Finance and Stewardship Leadership Videos under the Church Chat section of the Conference website. 3. There are also several very short (3 – 5 minute) videos on several topics, i.e. W-2s, 1099s, UMPIP withholding, etc. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered in the videos, or the Guidelines, please feel free to contact me. Feel free to contact me [email protected] or [email protected] with any thoughts or questions. Stewardship with Susan Ranous HOW IS YOUR CHURCH’S GIVING? Click the link below for her latest blog. https://www.susanranousstewardship. com/2025/10/how-is-your-churchs-giving-in-my-last.html Save the Date: 2026 AI for Ministry Webinars with Jason Moore Following the in-person AI for Ministry training with Jason Moore on November 5, the Upper New York Conference will offer three additional webinar training courses in 2026. Please “Save the Date” in your communications, with registration details to be shared soon. 2026 webinar schedule: AI 101 - Monday, January 12th 7:00 pm –8:30 pm Sermon Design with AI Support - Tuesday, February 10th 7:00 pm –8:30 pm AI 101 (Recorded Session) - Monday, March 9th 7:00 – 8:30 pm Recording available March 9th – June 9th These online trainings will continue the learning from Jason Moore’s visit, offering practical guidance for integrating AI tools into ministry, worship planning, and sermon preparation. Lay Servant Classes offered around the Conference Northern Flow District Leading Public Prayer Facilitator - Pastor Beth Monnat Offered via Zoom 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, January 10th Saturday, January 17th Saturday, January 24th Please register with the district office at [email protected] The book can be purchased at Amazon here Crossroads/Finger Lakes Districts Basic Lay Servant Course (via Zoom Meetings) Dates: Wednesdays - January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 2026 Times: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (sign in begins at 5:45 pm) Attendance in all classes is required in order to receive credit. CLICK HERE for all the details CLICK HERE for the Registration form Walk in the Footsteps of the Wesley's Join Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, along with the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences, on a Wesley Heritage Tour through England, September 30th thru October 8th, 2026. This nine-day pilgrimage will take you to Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, London, and more - exploring the places that shaped John and Charles Wesley and the Methodist movement. Along the way, you'll grow in spiritual formation, connect with the roots of our Wesleyan faith, and share in community with fellow clergy and laity. All-inclusive pricing covers international airfare, first-class hotels, guided tours, meals, and more. Space is limited—reserve your spot now and be part of this unforgettable journey of faith and history! Click here to watch Bishop's video invitation. Watch Bishop Héctor's Video Invitation Learn more and Register here Oneonta District News/Church Events Church of Christ Uniting Richfield Springs Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Services around the District Church of Christ Uniting Richfield Springs - December 24th – 7:00 pm Church of Christ Uniting Choir Cantata – December 14th On Sunday, December 14th, our Chancel Choir will offer The Wondrous Story, a beautiful cantata that proclaims the miracle of Christ’s birth through music, narration, and scripture. This is one of the highlights of our Advent journey each year, and I encourage you to invite a friend or neighbor to share in this inspiring morning of worship. Bible Study Every Tuesday night 6:30 pm WUMC Fellowship Hall Studying the Book of Acts Richmondville UMC meets every week for Bible Study 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall with drop bible style study Any information contact Pastor Russ @ (518) 763-9004 Bible Study Wednesday nights 6:00 pm Oriskany Falls Church. The study will be on the book of ACTS, I will be using the Book: ACTS: The Birth of The Church by Dr. David Jeremiah I have purchased a set already for anyone interested and the cost will be $10.00 Please, if you are interested e-mail me at [email protected] Lighthouse Cancer Support Group Join us the second Sunday of each month from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm For as time of fellowship, sharing, prayer and music at the East Guilford Presbyterian Church Route 8 (3miles north of Sidney at the blinking light) Anyone of any faith who has been diagnosed with any type of cancer at any time in their life is welcome to attend.  Come every month or once in a while. Our purpose is to share encouragement, inspiration, and information For more information call (607) 563-7713 Binghamton District News/Events Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Services around the District Centenary Chenango Street UMC - Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 pm Vestal UMC - Blue Christmas Evening Service- December 21st The Binghamton District Facebook page is back up and running! Be sure to visit Facebook.com/BinghamtonDistrict If you have news or an event, you'd like us to share, e-mail district lay leader Tara Barnes at [email protected]. Kirkwood United Methodist Church Wednesday's at 7:00 pm beginning November 12 Friday's at 4:00 pm beginning November 14 Contact Pastor Barbara Lamoree for more information at (607) 775-3785 Troop 225 Annual Christmas Tree Sale Vestal Public Library - Vestal Parkway East All trees are $75.00 (Cash or Check ONLY) Starting Sunday, November 22nd Fridays - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm TODAY!!!! Johnson City Parade This Sarah Jane Johnson event is free and open to the community, immediately following the Johnson City Holiday Parade! If anyone is able to make cookies or help serve/set-up/clean-up at this event, please contact Linda Guile as soon as possible. The United Women in Faith Annual Christmas Tea Sunday, December 7th 2:00 pm Vestal UMC The entire congregation is invited! Our entertainment this year will be the Empire Saxophone Quartet, playing both sacred and secular music for your enjoyment in the sanctuary. Following the program, all are invited down to the dining room for refreshments at the festive, beautifully decorated tables.  This event is free and open to all! All things Christmas!!! Christmas Craft Show & Bake Sale Saturday, December 13th 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Lunch available Vestal Center United Methodist Church 478 West Hill Road, Vestal Center, NY Centenary Chenango Street UMC invites you! Please join us on Thursday, December 18th 7:00 pm 438 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY As we host a Candlelight Christmas Hymn Sing-along with Music Director Ü Lee Please invite friends and family, all ages are welcome! Sing a long or just sit back and rejoice in the sounds of the season. Followed with Refreshments and Fellowship Church in the Wild Feeding Ministries Fairview United Methodist Church 252 Robinson Street, Binghamton, NY 13904 Hours: First and third Mondays of the month, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm First and third Wednesday of the month 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Contact information: Fairview UMC office (607) 724-6886 Food is chosen in the pantry and carried out by customers. Bring bags. Eligibility Requirements: None Join Us for Soup, Salad & Fellowship 5:00 pm– Fellowship Hall Every 2nd Thursday of the month Many different homemade soups and Fresh Salads First United Methodist Church of Windsor 56 Chapel Street Sponsored by United Women of Faith (free will offering accepted) Soup - Salad & Conversation (Every 3rd Wednesday of the month) 5:00 pm-7:00 pm In Fellowship Hall  First United Methodist Church of Chenango Bridge 740 River Road, Binghamton For the Community All are welcome!  Donations are Gratefully accepted Tabernacle UMC Hosts a community meal every Wednesday at 5:00 pm Organized by R&B Soul Food  Stop by for takeout food Volunteer any time between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to help prepare and distribute meals or wash dishes. It takes a village! Apalachin UMC FREE CLOTHING CLOSET!  □ □ □ □ Come see us for your clothing needs Tuesdays (only) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 303 Pennsylvania Avenue, Apalachin NY We accept clean, gently used clothing that is for the current season. Announcements & Resources Course of Study Students The Course of Study (COS) application is open for the 2026 calendar year. Follow this link to apply before the March 2, 2026 deadline. As a reminder, you still need to complete a new application if you are a returning student. GBHEM requires confirmation from your District Superintendent (DS) and Local Pastor Registrar (LPR), as well as a newly completed "Financial Responsibility Form," on a yearly basis. Please reach out if you have any questions. Blessings, Course of Study Team Save the Date for LPLS The Upper New York Conference Local Pastors' Licensing School May 19-24, 2026 Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center, 501 William Law Road, Windsor, NY The Local Pastors Licensing School experience provides an opportunity to learn with other students about the basics of ministry. Approval of the District Superintendent is required for the student to attend this important milestone in becoming a Licensed Local Pastor. Registration information will be coming soon. Course of Study Students, The Course of Study (COS) application is open for the 2026 calendar year.  Follow this link to apply before the March 2, 2026, deadline. As a reminder, you still need to complete a new application if you are a returning student. GBHEM requires confirmation from your District Superintendent (DS) and Local Pastor Registrar (LPR), as well as a newly completed "Financial Responsibility Form," on a yearly basis. Please reach out if you have any questions. Blessings, Course of Study Team Apply Today! Video Application Instructions Video Registration Instructions Estudiantes de la Escuela del Curso de Estudio, Las solicitudes para la Escuela del Curso de Estudio (ECE) para el año 2026 están abiertas. Le invitamos a completar su solicitud siguiendo este enlace antes del 2 de marzo del 2026. Como recordatorio, si usted es un estudiante que continua o regresa, aún deberá completar una nueva solicitud de admisión para el año 2026. La Junta de Educación Superior (GBHEM) requiere la confirmación de su Superintendente del Distrito (DS), y de su Registrador de Pastores Locales (LPR), así como completar un nuevo "Formulario de Responsabilidad Financiera", ya que estos documentos son requeridos anualmente. Agradecemos se comunique con nosotros si tiene alguna pregunta o si requiere más orientación.  Bendiciones, El Equipo de ECE Matricúlese Hoy! Video con instrucciones para completar la solicitud Video con instrucciones para inscribirse a las clases 2026 COURSE OF STUDY SCHOOL OF OHIO SCHEDULE: Registration is open for all 2026 COSSO classes. Our 2026 schedule is posted at https://cosohio.org/2026-schedule. In 2026, we are planning to continue to meet fully online for the Winter, Spring, and Summer terms and in a hybrid format for the Fall term, with one weekend in-person. Campus housing is available to reserve for the Fall term, at $60/Friday night. All classes in all terms will have asynchronous work on Populi, our online learning management system. Our next term is the 2026 WINTER ONLINE TERM, registration deadline 12/16/25. Meeting on Zoom February 13-14 and March 13-14: COS 124: Transformative Leadership COS 222: Theological Heritage II: Early Church COS 323: Congregational Care (FULL—students may register for another class in the term and/or join the waitlist) COS 421: Bible IV: Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom Lit COS 524: Theological Reflection: Practice of Ministry The following term is the 2026 Spring ONLINE TERM, registration deadline 2/17/26. Meeting on Zoom April 17-18 and May 8-9: COS 121: Bible I: Introduction COS 223: Worship & Sacraments COS 324: Preaching (FULL—students may register for another class in the term and/or join the waitlist) COS 422: Theological Heritage IV: Wesleyan Movement COS 523: Evangelism More information and any updates can be found on the COSSO website, https://cosohio.org/ (registration info can be found on the Registration and FAQ page under the About COSSO menu) and current students can register on Populi, https://cosohio.populiweb.com/. Please contact Grace Wallace at [email protected] / (740)362-3120 with any questions. Free Advent resources with Amplify Media Start planning for your Advent journey. Amplify Media—an online resource center available at no cost to UNY churches—is now streaming the newest Advent offerings, including companion books to enrich group discussions or personal reflection, Bible studies, resources for children, videos, and more. Help your church engage in this sacred season that explore new studies that invite you to experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ’s coming. Amplify Media offers hundreds of video-based studies and resources to help your congregation grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Access Amplify Media Study Leave for Ministry Professionals: Now enrolling for Spring 2026 Registration opens October 1st for Duke Divinity School’s Spring 2026 Study Leave for Ministry Professionals. This unique program offers pastors, Christian leaders, and laity five to seven days of self-directed study, worship, and renewal on Duke’s campus. With only 12 spots available per session, participants are encouraged to register early for one of four spring sessions (January–April). Whether seeking rest, focused research, or preparation for ordination, Study Leave provides time and space to meet your ministry goals.  Learn more and register today Bring The UMC Vision to your Congregation Church leaders are invited to amplify The UMC’s Vision—crafted around Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously—using a full toolkit available at ResourceUMC. Tools include a printable Local Church Reference Guide, short videos for both leaders and members, branding materials, and promotional products to help your congregation embody this vision through prayer, teaching, and action. Download resources Learn more about the new UMC Vision Monthly Ministry Planner The Monthly Ministry Planner from ResourceUMC offers targeted tools and tips to help churches plan monthly ministry activities throughout the year. Now is a great time to use the planner to get ahead on Advent and 2026 planning, ensuring your congregation is prepared for the seasons of hope, celebration, and new beginnings. View resource The UNY Sermon Bank The UNY Sermon Bank is available at https://www.unyumc.org/resources/uny-sermon-bank. This webpage hosts ready to use video sermons from Upper New York, like “What Is Your Attitude?” with Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. The UNY Sermon Bank is a collection of sermons crafted to renew, restore, and inspire through the art of preaching. These sermon videos are intended to support congregations and preachers when their pastor is on vacation, sabbatical, on circuit, sick, or on leave. Each sermon is designed to stand alone and can be seamlessly incorporated into your church’s existing worship life. Churches can download each sermon from Vimeo to play on their preferred equipment or watch the sermon directly online. The UNY Sermon Bank is a resource provided by UNY’s Compelling Preaching Initiative Record Retention handbook Click here for a document titled "Guidelines for Managing Records of the Local Church." It is a handbook on record retention. Contact Information for United Methodist of Upper New York United Methodist of Upper New York 7481 Henry Clay Boulevard, Liverpool, NY 13088 1(315) 898-2000 Toll-Free (855) 424-7878 UNY Conference Website: http://www.unyumc.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Binghamton/Oneonta District Offices mailing address P.O. Box 5546, Endicott, NY 13763-5546 Office - (607)785-5672 or (607)748-0662 District Parsonage - (607 217-4467 [email protected]

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