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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    News Stories from November 2017

    Missionaries share update from Estonia

    November 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team

    The Rev. Jeff Childs, pastor at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, was the chair of the Upper New York Conference Global Ministries team when he was first contacted by the Rev. Doug Childress – who has served as a pastor in the Upper New York Conference and predecessor conference, the Western New York Conference – about his feeling a call into the mission field. And Rev. Childress’ wife, …more

    Stand out from the crowd

    November 28, 2017 / By Rev. John Matin, FoundationUMC

    Too small, too busy, too tired, too much to be done. These are just a few of the things many of us point to when confronted with a world that is indeed broken. The truth is, as members of a mainline denomination in the United States, we are also a part of rapidly declining (some would suggest dying) breed. Statistics and anecdotal information both confirm this reality, and yet there …more

    Reflection on INWARD 2k17

    November 27, 2017 / By Kristian J. Snyder, CCYM Member 2017-2018

    INWARD 2k17 Conference Youth Gathering were held on November 10-11 in Latham at Calvary UMC, and November 17-18 in Penn Yan at the Penn Yan UMC. There were youth groups from all 12 districts present at one or the other event, including some new youth groups that haven’t been at a CCYM event before, such as Pine Valley UMC and Bluff Point UMC.  Each event was attended by …more

    Turning refugee “basement churches” into thriving congregations

    November 27, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Advocate, which featured stories that showcased the theme of “Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places.” Onondaga County welcomes many refugees each year; for example, in 2014, Onondaga County had the third largest intake of refugees in the country. Many of these refugees settle in Syracuse’s North Side; in …more

    The mission of the New York State Council of Churches

    November 22, 2017 / By The Rev. Peter Cook

    Infused with a spirit of ecumenism and hospitality, the New York State Council of Churches lives into God’s call to do justice and to love our neighbors. We point to the Kingdom of God on earth where the marginalized are freed from poverty, where prisoners can be restored to live happier and healthier lives, and where we help people of all ages grow in their Christian discipleship. The …more

    Safety and security at your organization

    November 20, 2017 / By Richard Poirier President and CEO Church Mutual Insurance Company

    In the wake of the recent tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas, many of you may be looking for information to help make your facilities safer. At Church Mutual, your safety is our concern as well. We offer a wealth of information to help organizations stay safe. Information about armed intruders and emergency response planning is available at churchmutual.com under “Trending Topics.” Here are quick links to relevant …more

    Fresh, local food offered to the Sodus community

    November 20, 2017 / By Sandy Hall, Manager, Sodus Farmers’ Market

    Ten years ago, a Sodus United Third Methodist Church member, Nancy Ransley, attended our outreach Team meeting to share a vision she had for the community. Her vision has come to fruition! She could see the need and benefits to the community having a farmers’ market. Nancy spent several winters in Florida. She said, “There were farmers’ markets all over the place (in Florida). And I couldn …more

    Vicki Swanson to retire, resulting in position changes

    November 15, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Vicki Swanson (formerly Vicki Putney) has decided to retire effective July 1, 2018. Few people have been as connected to the Upper New York Conference as long as Vicki has. She started working for the Central New York Conference 35 years ago—she was hired by Robert McCune and Vernon Lee as the Administrative Assistant to the Conference Executive. Her first major project was a pension-campaign fund. Little did she know that …more

    Latest UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries’ newsletter available for viewing

    November 14, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson

      The Fall 2017 UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries’ newsletter, Xenia News, is now available to view on our website. The issue includes a note from Mike Huber (the Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries), staff updates, and news about each of the sites. Click here to read this informative issue and see how your Ministry Shares support the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Centers. …more

    Sharing God’s love on the highway

    November 14, 2017 / By Chaplain Bruce Maxwell, Deacon of Upper New York, serving in Susquehanna Conference

    “Compassionate hospitality can reveal Christ in God moments...” The Breezewood, PA Trucker and Traveler Ministry is a highway workplace ministry at a crossroads in South Central Pennsylvania. We endeavor to live out a gospel witness in a very public setting guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Chaplaincy is a Christian outreach of prayer, presence, counsel, hospitality, and emergency assistance to truck drivers, their families, travelers, …more



    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."