In this issue:
Dates to Remember
- Thursday, March 11: Upper NY Information Session - Clergy oriented 9 AM @ Endwell UMC
- Thursday, March 11: Upper NY Information Session - Laity oriented 7 PM @ Calvary: Vestal UMC
- Saturday, March 13: Spiritual Life Retreat Registration deadline
- Monday, March 15: Upper NY Information Session - Clergy oriented 1:30 PM at Afton UMC
- Monday, March 15: Upper NY Information Session - Laity oriented 7 PM at Elm Park: Oneonta
Friday, March 26 – Saturday, March 27: Spiritual Life Retreat @ Fatima
- Monday, March 29: Licensing school registrations due
- Wednesday, March 31: Pre-Conference material deadline
- Wednesday, March 31: Denman Award Nominations deadline
- Saturday, April 10, 2010: Green Churches Forum @ Elm Park: Scranton
Tragedy Strikes Conference Staff Member
Nancy Conklin, a member of the Wyoming Conference Center staff, received word Monday that her sister had been murdered in Dickson, Tennessee. Faye Lynn was shot in her home, allegedly by a man she and her family had been trying to help. Reports indicate that she died, apparently trying to protect her quadriplegic son, who suffered head injuries from a beating during the attack. Faye's husband, Bill Lynn was working in a shop in their back yard and discovered what had happened upon returning to the home. Doug Lynn is receiving treatment at Vanderbilt Medical Center. A suspect in the case was captured early this morning.
We ask that you keep Nancy and John Conklin and their family in your prayers as they struggle to come to grips with what has happened. Please also remember the people and leaders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dickson, where Faye was a faithful and highly involved member.
One Great Hour of Sharing is March 14
Next Sunday churches across the United Methodist connection will celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing. The special offering taken that day is especially important this year for the General Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez, Interim, General Secretary GBGM, says, "For 70 years, the United Methodist Church has responded to the Micah challenge through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. With the recent major earthquakes in Haiti and Chile combined with the losses of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, the General Board of Global Ministries, and specifically, UMCOR have weathered quite the storm this year. I am thankful to you for your outpouring of prayers and gifts while encouraging the church to respond in a powerful way to the needs of those most affected throughout the world."
The gifts to UMCOR supporting Haiti relief efforts is expected to be more than $25 million. 100% of the donations made to the UMCOR Haiti Emergency advance will benefit Gods most vulnerable children in Haiti. The same will be true of gifts for the Chile Earthquake response. As you know, UMCOR is able to make this promise because administrative expenses are covered through the One Great Hour of Sharing.
Because UMCOR does not receive World Service funds or any other apportionments, the costs of doing business are underwritten by The One Great Hour of Sharing. Bishop Martinez says, "I encourage you to please highlight March 14th with your Annual Conference as a day to lay the foundation for UMCOR to seek justice and mercy for suffering people everywhere."
Order your free offering envelopes or posters by calling 888-346-3862 or clicking here.
That link can also be used to find worship materials and a video presentation in support of this important offering. Gifts to this fund can be made all year long.
Spiritual Life Retreat Registration Due Saturday
Don’t forget to register for the Spiritual Life Retreat by March 13, 2010. Send your registration form and deposit to Diane Geer, 431 Chapel Hill Rd., Hancock, NY 13783. Call her at 845-887-6447, if you have questions.
Diane Geer and friends will lead the retreat at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton, PA on March 26-27, 2010. Cost is $60 total for the 2 days including deposit of $20. If you need a registration form, check with your local unit UMW President or call the Conference Center at 607-757-0608 or 800-799-9664. You can also e-mail RoseMarie Schlock atrmschlock@wyomingconference.org for a registration form to be e-mailed to you..
Fly Creek & Schuyler Lake Pastor Featured on Radio Broadcast
Rev. Thomas Pullyblank, pastor of the Fly Creek and Schuyler Lake United Methodist Churches will be featured in an interview on Tuesday, March 16th with Bill Jaker, host of WSKG Public Radio's "Off the Page." They will discuss Pullyblank's first novel, Cornflower's Ghost: An Historical Mystery.
You can hear the broadcast live from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on WSKG and call in or email questions. A tape of the interview will be rebroadcast at 7:00 pm that night. If you are interested and live outside the stations broadcast area, you can hear it live or from the archives of WSKG.org.
Mission Appalachia – The Story of Red Bird
There is a new documentary about the history and ministry of Red Bird Mission and is coming to our area. The film will be followed by a conversation with the filmmaker, Todd Scoggins, and Red Bird Mission’s executive director, Chris Klimecko. The showtimes are Saturday, March 27, 7 p.m. at Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center, 42 Delphine Street, Owego, NY and Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m. at Spool Mfg, 138 Baldwin Street, Johnson City, NY. The cost is $5 (for either showing). For more information, contact Eric Yetter at 607-221-3193.
If you have information that should be included in an iVoice, please send it to Don Perry at dperry@wyomingconference.org or Nancy Conklin atnconklin@wyomingconference.org. Please do not send information on fundraisers such as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, yard sales, etc.
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