News Stories from June 2016
Upper New York 2016 Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Wrap-Up
June 13, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Table is set In the Opening Worship Service at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church (AC16), Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb reminded us of two promises God has made: “Through Jesus Christ we are chosen by God” and “Through Christ we are given power for the plan.” The theme of opening worship …more
Conference budget passes even among concerns
June 13, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Discussion of the 2017 Upper New York Conference Budget took place across three plenaries: the Friday afternoon plenary, an added Friday evening plenary (which was made possible but cutting time out of the dinner break and starting the Celebration of Ministry later), and Saturday morning’s plenary. The Rev. Larry Lake, the Chair of the Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CF&A), opened the budget discussion with the …more
Bishop Mark J. Webb releases statement on shootings in Orlando, Fla.
June 12, 2016 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s note: Bishop Mark J. Webb has released the following statement about the tragic shootings in Orlando, Fla. Once again we are witnesses to unimaginable and horrific violence that has claimed the lives of over 50 people and injured dozens more. This time it has happened in Orlando, Fla. I invite you to join me in prayer for the families and friends of those killed, that God would bring …more
Support materials available for local church reports on AC
June 9, 2016 / By Stephen J. Hustedt
As lay and clergy voting members of the Upper New York Annual Conference prepare reports for their local churches, the Communications ministry area has provided a variety of support materials. The full video wrap-up of Annual Conference is now available here. This video can be used in support of an oral report or even serve as the report itself. Daily notes from all three days of Annual Conference are available …more
More than $773,000 raised for Africa 360
June 6, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Over the past two years, this Conference has been a part of a grand narrative,” said Laurel O’Connor, Africa 360 field coordinator. “In 2014, we took the unprecedented step of combining the stories of Imagine No Malaria and Africa University, seeking to raise funds to not only save children’s lives but raise up new leaders that are bringing peace and health to their home countries. …more
Saturday morning worship gets crowd to ‘Do Something’
June 6, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Booming music, dancing youth parading down the center of Exhibit Hall A, and a mock Annual Conference session marked the morning worship led by young people June 4 at the 2016 Annual Conference session. J.J. Warren served as “bishop” with his panel, Ian Urriola, Riley O’Flynn, and Emily Allen. “We, the young adults of the Upper New York Conference, seek to bring to life the reality …more
Annual Conference 2016 concludes with the Service of Commissioning and Ordination
June 4, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2016 Upper New York Annual Conference session ended on June 4, with the Service of Commissioning and Ordination. "God is not calling us to be professional Christians," said Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb. "God is calling us to be people who are radical in our pursuit of God and because of that pursuit, God will use us to radically change the world in the name of Jesus." …more
Budget Brief
June 4, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference budget discussion spread across three plenaries: Friday’s afternoon plenary, an added Friday evening plenary, and Saturday’s morning plenary. Following Friday’s shortened dinner break, there was discussion about how the Conference budget reflects our priorities. Two amendments were proposed that would shift funding to ministry areas that saw budget cuts with the proposed budget and spending plan. Both amendments were not supported. Discussion …more
Petition and resolution results from AC16
June 4, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Discussion and voting for the petitions and resolutions brought to the 2016 Annual Conference session began in the afternoon plenary on June 2 and continued in the morning plenary on June 4. Here are the results of each resolution. UNYAC2016.1 – Local Church Right to Choose Insurance Provider, withdrawn This resolution called for each local church within the Upper New York Conference to be given the opportunity to seek and contract with its …more
Rev. Hamilton wraps up Study Sessions at AC16
June 4, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Why do people need Jesus Christ? Why do people need the Church? Why do people need our particular church? According to the Rev. Adam Hamilton, founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., these are three important questions pastors and congregations must ask themselves. Rev. Hamilton’s final Study Session at the 2016 Annual Conference session included tips for churches on how to prepare for …more