News Stories from August 2016
Save the Dates: Times of prayer and conversation for the United Methodist Church
August 29, 2016 / By Ashley Riddell / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
With uncertainty and great anxiety about the state of the United Methodist Church and what the future holds, The Upper New York Conference is organizing times of prayer and conversation across the Conference. Agenda and structure are still being determined, but plan now to attend one of the three times. These times are open to all: Oct. 3 at Liverpool UMC - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Saratoga Springs UMC - 6:3 …more
Mission Night: A gathering of 30 Oneonta District Church members gather for mission work, fellowship
August 29, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, August 21, seven United Methodist churches from the Oneonta District gathered at the YMCA for a time of fun and fellowship, and to assemble UMCOR school kits. They put together 106 kits with a couple of boxes of left-over items that will be donated to local schools. Their goal had been 100 kits. Each of the churches spent the summer collecting the items and sewing the bags. A couple of women …more
UMVIM team to Zimbabwe is forming now!
August 23, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A UMVIM team will visit Zimbabwe in July of 2017 and interested individuals are invited to learn more. The team will be visiting Africa University as well as spending time at Mutambara Methodist Mission. They will be doing light construction projects, participating in activities in the preschool and primary school, and working on sewing and cooking projects with the pregnant women who stay at Mutambara Methodist Mission for a month awaiting …more
Trina Obrist fills Accounts Receivable vacancy
August 23, 2016 / By
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Trina Obrist will now be working with the Finance Ministry Area. Trina’s primary position is Accounts Receivable, which means she will be handling the processing of the daily cash receipts, monthly billing to the churches, and other entities; data entry into the Accounting software; assistance with monthly reconciliations and other necessary functions; and more. Trina has an Associate …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Louisiana flooding
August 23, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: Following is a letter from Upper New York Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, asking Upper New York Conference Churches to use the United Methodist Connection to respond to the devastating flooding in Louisiana. Sisters and brothers in Christ, Words cannot describe the severe flooding that the residents of Louisiana have suffered through. The flooding has brought devastation to countless people in the Louisiana Conference of The …more
The Revitalization of Hilton United Methodist Church
August 22, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In May of 2013, Hilton UMC, under the leadership of the Rev. Jennifer Green, began their revitalization journey through, Hand to Plow, a process employed by the UNY Conference to come alongside local congregations to help them make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you desire to revitalize your church, Hilton UMC’s story of how Hand to Plow helped them is one you will want to read. In the first …more
The UNY shower trailer repaired and sent to West Virginia
August 15, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 23, 2016, after over eight hours of torrential downpours, West Virginia faced one of the worst flash floods in the state’s history and the devastation of 23 lost lives, several injuries, and the damage of hundreds of homes and businesses. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responded to this natural disaster immediately with cleaning buckets and health kits until later when volunteer opportunities were coordinated. The West …more
Prayers for Sameer
August 11, 2016 / By Evelyn A. Woodring
Editor’s Note: Evelyn Woodring, pastor of South Park United Methodist Church, recently shared with UNY Communications, a moving story about a boy named Sameer. Her story spoke to both a need in the community and how she was attempting to help address parts of it on a small scale. She was invited her to share her story on the UNY Conference website so that others may be moved …more
Will Green raised funds that built a well in Nicaragua.
August 10, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eleven-year old Will Green is responsible for providing clean water to a community in Nicaragua. His story is an inspiring one. It all began two years ago when Will was working on his required summer inquiry project for school. He decided to focus on water, and he learned about that many communities do not have access to clean water. He felt God was calling on him to do something about …more
Progress made at the future home of the UNY Conference
August 8, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Demolition and construction has begun at the future UNY Conference Center at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. It is early, but this is the start of a whirlwind of activity that has been years in the making for the Upper New York Conference. Rev. Barbara Brewer, Chair of the Design/Construction Oversight Team, is excited about the start of renovations at the new building. She said, “I am …more