News Stories from July 2017
First program meeting of the Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society
July 12, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The purpose of the Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society is to work with UNYCAH in preserving Methodist materials related to the Upper New York conference and antecedents and to promote knowledge of Methodist history and skills for preserving and disseminating it. The Society and guests met in its first program meeting June 17, 2017 in the community building of Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church. Tables full of resources on Schoharie …more
Rev. Natalie Hanson on the impact of compassion
July 12, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“You sweep humans away like a dream;” these words were part of a Call and Response in the June 1 Memorial Service at the 2017 Annual Conference session. Bishop Webb thanked the members who supported the clergy and clergy spouses who have passed away since the 2016. He said, “Thank you for supporting the ways in which you supported the ones that we celebrate tonight…I pray that you …more
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: A response to the flooding in Upper New York
July 12, 2017 / By Mark J. Webb
Dear sisters and brothers of Upper New York, Grace and peace to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ! Over the last several weeks, severe weather has caused significant flash flooding in several communities throughout Upper New York. Individuals and families have been greatly affected. Communities within the Mohawk District have been the most severely impacted. Residents of 300 homes have had to evacuate. Seventeen homes were completely destroyed and …more
Young People Worship reflects AC17 theme
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Young People Worship reflects AC17 theme By Kathleen Christiansen At the Young People Worship on June 3, various young adults emphasized the phrase, “God is enough” as well as trusting in God, which are part of the 2017 Annual Conference session’s theme: “Together in Prayer: Trusting that God is Enough.” The service began with a bilingual Call to Worship, led by Ian Urriola and Julio …more
Study session two guides churches in making change
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, the 2017 Annual Conference session study leader, held her second study session “Doing a New Thing: The Church of No Excuses” in the afternoon on June 2. During this session, she focused on new spiritual communities and how churches can be open to change and adapt. Rev. Dean mentioned 1 Chronicles 12:32, saying “the children of Issachar, who understood the times, with knowledge of what …more
First study session covers missional entrepreneurship
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean watched lobsters molt in Maine. For a lobster to molt, it takes on extra water to bloat, cracks the shell, turn itself inside out — and goes blind while doing it — and flips itself before breaking free of its tail. Now a blind, squishy blob, the lobster can easily be eaten, but it has become something new. “I think this is …more
Rekindling the love of God and each other
July 5, 2017 / By Pastor Scott Rogers, Whitehall UMC
Editor’s Note: The Adirondack District Superintendent, the Rev. Bill Mudge informed the UNY Conference about the pastor of Whitehall UMC; he said, “Pastor Scott Rogers came to us as a missionary - he agreed to take on a congregation that admitted they could not offer much in the way of financial support because he was following the call of God on his life. The …more
UNY AU Scholarship recipient graduated June 10
July 5, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Africa University celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. This institution, which was developed by United Methodist bishops, enables young men and women from dozens of nations throughout Africa to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees on the Africa University campus. Africa University students are supported primarily through endowed scholarships. The UNY Conference has an Africa University Endowed Scholarship Fund that helps support specific students at Africa University. According to the Africa …more