News Stories from February 2017
We are moving!
February 28, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference office will be moving to the new United Methodist Center at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd in Liverpool, N.Y. 13088, March 17-21. To accommodate the move, the office will be closed. The office will be reopening on Wednesday March 22 at the new location. Upon reopening, the Conference office hours will remain the same (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). The new phone number for the …more
Sue Russell named Director of Asbury Camp and Retreat Center
February 27, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The UNY Conference is pleased to announce that Sue Russell has been named Director of Asbury Camp and Retreat Center. Having served as the Interim Director of Asbury since the spring of 2016, Sue’s history at Asbury is notable. Sue was hired in June of 2011 at Asbury as the Guest Services Coordinator. In February of 2015, she became the Assistant Director. The UNY Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, Mike …more
United Methodist Men hosting Conference-wide shoe drive
February 22, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team
The Upper New York Conference United Methodist Men is sponsoring “Shoes For Service,” a shoe drive that will benefit Upstate New York Veterans, from March 1-31. UM Men is working with Funds2Orgs, which gives organizations money based on the total weight of the shoes gathered during shoe drive campaigns. UM Men will collect all types of shoes, including boots and flip flops, as well as shoes for …more
Cross-cultural appointments in the United Methodist Church
February 21, 2017 / By Rev. Ewart Morris
My guiding principle and mandate, both in the call and practice, of the ordained and pastoral ministry has been Jesus’ commission to his disciples. He directed them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you and remember, I am …more
My journey as pastor at Four Corners UMC
February 21, 2017 / By Pastor David Rood
I remember the first day I walked into Four Corners UMC when the District Superintendent notified them that I was getting appointed to their church. I was greeted with very friendly smiles and welcomes, which is the way that I would expect to be welcomed at any church. We talked and they gave me a bulletin and they informed me of the way their service was laid out. We sing …more
Review of Being Poor: The Cycle of Injustice
February 21, 2017 / By Linda Hughes
For some reason, I have avoided exploring and educating myself about the racial injustice problem of mass incarceration. Maybe I’m not ready for the weight of yet another racial issue. I’ve had the book The New Jim Crow for over a year, but have yet to read it. When I was flipping through the TV stations recently, I came upon a documentary on WCNY (our …more
Summer Camp & Retreat registration is now open
February 15, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 2017 Summer Camp & Retreat programs. Program details are available online and brochures were mailed this week! Brochures were sent to past participants and campers as well as all Upper New York Annual Conference churches. “We are excited about the high quality and excellent variety of programs being offered this summer, …more
Diversity and Social Media: Q & A with Sophia Agtarap and Hannah Bonner
February 15, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sophia Agtarap is a transplant to the South from the West Coast. Her background in education and digital media has helped her be a shepherd of sorts to digital immigrants, and she enjoys working with diverse groups to help them better understand today's communication tools and uses for ministry and outreach. She is currently works in communications and marketing for The Village--a new church start in Nashville, TN. Rev. …more
Registration is now open for UP!WORD ‘17
February 14, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Spread the word to all youth in grades sixth through 12th-UP!WORD is the spring event held by the Upper New York Conference's Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM). The theme this year, short and to the point, is "God is." UP!WORD 2017 is an opportunity for youth from all over the Upper New York Conference to experience community and grow in their spiritual …more
Fairview UMC-a growing urban church
February 14, 2017 / By Blenda Smith
An urban church in a “changing” neighborhood— how many local churches in Upper New York Conference would fit that description? Fairview UMC in Binghamton, NY, is just that. We are also a growing church with baptisms, confirmations, and other new members in the last six to seven years. We don’t measure the strength of our beloved community with metrics. Rather, we have come to …more