News Stories from February 2016
Three pastors create a sermon song
February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“My remembrance of sin, aches in my heart Bruised and confused, unable to start I feel stuck in a rut, unable to be a righteous reflection, a likeness of Thee made from ashes, and dust to dust made from ashes, and dust to dust” The Rev. Brian Fellows, the Rev. Abigail Browka, and the Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell have worked hard over the past two years to build relationships …more
Forum to discuss human sexuality and Biblical interpretation
February 16, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference's Human Sexuality Task Force will host a forum on "Human Sexuality and Biblical Interpretation" from 1-4 p.m. on March 5 at the Liverpool First United Methodist Church. In addition to on-site seating, the event will be live-streamed. "Live video streaming can be accessible worldwide, allowing a large audience from all over the nation to attend from the comfort and convenience of their own home, …more
Finger Lakes District Day postponed
February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to predicted inclement weather in the Finger Lakes region today (Feb. 16), the Finger Lakes District Day with Bishop Mark J. Webb has been postponed to March 2. Times and locations will remain the same for the March 2 event. Should there be any further developments, a notice will be sent though Conference and District communication channels. …more
IRS deadline extended for health coverage mandate form
February 11, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The IRS has extended the due date to March 31 for mailing Form 1095-B to individuals for 2015 tax returns. As part of Section 6055: Reporting under the Affordable Care Act, Form 1095-B verifies the "individual mandate" for minimum essential health coverage. The General Board of Pension & Health Benefits will provide these forms to HealthFlex participants before the March 31 IRS deadline. In order to leverage the …more
Finger Lakes District welcomes new administrative assistant
February 11, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Finger Lakes District Superintendent the Rev. Jeff McDowell is pleased to announce that Pamela Deckard will now serve as the Finger Lake District Administrative Assistant. "Pam brings to this work a high level of competence, commitment, and experience," he said. "As a lifelong United Methodist, she understands well the strength of our connection. Pam's interpersonal skills and pleasant demeanor will help support the work of Christ through the churches …more
Rush UMC hosts mosquito golf fundraiser for Africa 360
February 9, 2016 / By the Rev. Cathy Hall Stengel
On Jan. 27, more than 100 children and adults showed up at the Rush United Methodist Church to help eradicate malaria and support Africa University. We played nine holes of what we called “Mosquito Golf,” the non-official name of our nine-hole miniature golf course. The holes were all made by the congregation, some incredibly elaborate and others simple but fun. Between this and another fundraiser, we exceeded our initial pledge …more
Item of interest: Binghamton District to host children’s church ministries workshop
February 9, 2016 / By Lynne Kimpland
I was recently asked by the Binghamton District Leadership Team to develop and conduct a workshop on how to implement or recharge children's ministries and programs in the life of our churches. This would include Christian education programs such as Sunday school and children's church, children's choirs, seasonal community events, and special programs. The free workshop is called “Fruitful Game Plans for Implementing Children's …more
Albany District congregants learn Christian caring skills
February 9, 2016 / By Pastor Denise Gisotti
On Feb. 1-2, disciples of Jesus Christ from five different congregations in the Albany District gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Delmar to learn Christian caring skills for outreach and visiting the sick and homebound. This model, entitled “Sharing Your Hope,” was designed and administered by the Rev. Rebecca Naber, pastor at the Baker Memorial UMC in East Aurora and Chair of the UNY Conference Older …more
Alabama-Basom UMC’s Quilting Ministry makes big impact
February 2, 2016 / By Matt Wiltrout
On a mild day in mid-December 2015, I sat down to coffee and cookies with the women who make up the Prayer Quilt Ministry at the Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church. Under the commotion of the small crowd that gathered for the church’s Christmas fellowship party, they shared the history and successes of their small ministry that has touched people around the globe. The ministry began in October 2004, when a …more