News Stories from October 2017
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: God’s love in all places
October 31, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
The fall 2017 edition of the Advocate is available on our website and has also arrived at local churches. This issue focuses on Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places. In this issue, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb reflects on a blog he read by Rich Robinson, who describes what it means to be m.i.s.s.i.o.n.a …more
UNY Communication Department staffing changes
October 26, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Over the next few months, the Upper New York Conference Communications Ministry Area will be undergoing some staffing changes. Karen Campolieto, Administrative Assistant for Communications, New Faith Communities, and Vital Congregations, has been promoted to Media Resource Coordinator and Archives Assistant. In this role, she is taking on the tasks that Resource Center Director Diane Miner (who is retiring next month) fulfilled and she will also be helping to …more
Rev. Michael L. Weeden celebrated as Superintendent of the Northern Flow District
October 24, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson
On October 15, 2017, nearly 200 people gathered together at the Gouverneur First UMC to celebrate the appointment of the Rev. Mike Weeden as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow District and to worship with each other on this joyous occasion. When Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb introduced Rev. Weeden, he first described what he looks for when he is appointing a new District Superintendent. He said, “We …more
Introducing the Upper New York Conference Communication Hubs
October 24, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson
Shortly after the UNY Conference was formed, with the large geographical size of the Conference in mind, a promise was made to create Communication Hubs across the UNY Conference to strengthen our connection. And now this promise has been fulfilled. In the beginning of 2017, the Conference Leadership Team (CLT) and the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) decided to designate some Conference funds toward creating Communication …more
revitup! for a Lifetime in Ministry—Scholarship Opportunities and Childcare This Year!
October 18, 2017 / By UNY Communications
Wespath is hosting a revitup! for a Lifetime in Ministry educational event for young clergy ages 39 and under November 13-15, 2017 in Pensacola Beach, Florida. This event serves to strengthen personal, financial, and leadership skills in order to sustain a lifetime in ministry. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APPROACHING! Use the link above to register. New this year, are scholarship opportunities available to first-time attendees of revitup! …more
How to Grow with God, Tend the Soul, and become certified in Spiritual Formation in Upper New York
October 18, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson
To become a disciple of Christ for the transformation of the world, the UNY Conference has identified 16 leadership competencies. The first competency emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual walk as a leader; a leader must tend to their soul and life. This includes a vital and vibrant devotional life encompassing engagement with the Scriptures, time for prayer, and additional spiritual disciplines. Also, the spiritual life of a leader …more
CLT offers a bible study video for local churches
October 10, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
How can members of local churches feel more connected to each other and more connected to other churches in their Conference? The Upper New York Conference Leadership Team is working diligently to strengthen these connections. Recently, the CLT developed a new Purpose Statement and one of the key points of their new purpose is to create alignment on all levels throughout the Conference. One way that the CLT hopes to …more
My trip to the Holy Land, Article 3 of 4
October 10, 2017 / By Theresa Eggleston
Today I am writing about my visit to the Church of the Annunciation. Growing up, I never thought much of Mary. She was the mother of Jesus and nothing more. I remember teachers saying things like, “Mary is not to be lifted higher than Jesus.” “Mary is just a character, Jesus is more important.” But nothing prepared me for what was revealed to me at the …more
A glimpse of the 2017-2018 District Days
October 6, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The focus for the 2017-2018 District Days is on the denomination’s impasse regarding homosexuality. Bishop Webb enlisted the Upper New York Human Sexuality Taskforce that he formed in 2012 to help conduct the District Days, which are much more discussion-oriented than in years past. The theme of the District Days is “A Way Forward.” Earlier this year, the United Methodist Commission on a Way Forward sent questions …more
Bishop’s taskforce is called to eliminate racism
October 4, 2017 / By Stephen J. Hustedt
The 2016 Northeastern Jurisdiction overwhelmingly supported a Call to Action to end racism in a bold proclamation that it would work to end racism both in ourselves and in the world. However, the real work would begin when leaders returned to their individual Conferences. Many asked how to even begin working on such an enormous goal. Bishop Mark J. Webb explained, “The NEJ Call to Action invites us first to …more