Training

Acolytes

What is an acolyte?
Acolyte comes from a Greek word meaning companion, attendant, or helper. In our church, an acolyte helps with the worship service by lighting the candles and extinguishing them after the service.


What does it mean to be an acolyte? 
As an acolyte, you will light and extinguish (put out) the candles on the special table that we call the altar. On special occasions, you may also light other candles, such as the candelabra. This is an important job because you help to set the tone for worship.  Click HERE for more specific information.

Ushers and Greeters

It is a privilege and an honor to serve our Lord as an usher or a greeter for a worship service.  You are the first face friends and visitors see when they arrive at our church.  This gives you a unique opportunity to act as a welcoming presence on behalf of God, the congregation, and Pastor Brian.  It is a critical part of the ministry at CSUMC,  Click HERE to see more information about duties and requirements.  

Early Response Team (ERT)

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) certifies volunteers to be the hands and feet of Christ in times of disaster. An 8-hour ERT training prepares workers to tarp roofs, remove water damaged building materials, sanitize flood damaged surfaces and be a listening presence for individuals in their time of need following a disaster. Contact UNY Volunteers-in-Mission at unyvim@unyumc.org to request a training be scheduled.

Safe Sanctuaries

Safe Sanctuaries, as recognized by Upper New York UMC, establishes a set of best practices designed to protect the safety and well being of children, youth and vulnerable adults. Training is offered periodically. Contact Stefanie Fellows for more information. Link to Local Safe Sanctuary Information HERE 

Team Leader

Team Leader Training provides leadership tools to experienced mission team members. The intent to equip team leaders with information on forming teams, selecting mission locations, sharing the love of Christ with the people you are with and those you work alongside incorporates information useful to all team members. Contact the Upper NY Volunteers-in-Mission Coordinator at unyvim@unyumc.org to set up a training.