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


    News Stories from October 2018

    Do No Harm urges The UMC to lead in combating sin of sexual misconduct

    October 30, 2018 / By Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries

    “I have a dream that the United Methodist Church will be the leading prophetic voice in combating sexual misconduct.” Bishop Sharma Lewis (Virginia Conference) shared this vision during worship the last day of the “Do No Harm” sexual ethics training event sponsored by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (https://www.gcsrw.org/DNH2018.aspx) and held earlier this month in San …more

    Clergy appointments in Upper New York

    October 29, 2018 / By the Rev. Brian Fellows, Clifton Springs UMC

    Editor's Note: This article was first published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on itinerancy in the United Methodist Church. The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) is privileged to have the ministry of caring for the clergy of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference from the first perception of a call through retirement. BOM works through the 12 District Committees on Ordained Ministry (dCOMs), and in close …more

    Baldwinsville First welcomes 600 community children to their annual trunk-or-treat

    October 29, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Sunday Oct. 28 was rainy and cold in Central NY, but that did not stop Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church from putting on an awesome trick-or-treating alternative event. For nearly a decade, Baldwinsville First UMC has put on a trunk-or-treat event and has welcomed the community to come to the church for trick-or-treating at decorated car trunks in their parking lot. When the weather calls for rain, they simply change plans …more

    The Culture of Call

    October 29, 2018 / By Rev. Mark Kimpland, Endwell UMC

    Editor's Note: This article was first published in the Fall 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on itinerancy in the United Methodist Church. Over 40 years ago, while attending a youth retreat at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center, I encountered the very presence of God calling me into ministry. I only wish I had comprehended the event as a call, but the best I could conjure was simply an occurrence …more

    Dr. Clif Christopher unravels how to increase giving at the 2018 Bishop’s Retreat

    October 29, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    At the 2018 Bishop’s Retreat, held Oct. 23-25 in Syracuse, Dr. Clif Christopher, founder of Horizons Stewardship Company, provided inspiring insights to Upper New York clergy on how they can improve stewardship in their congregations. Dr. Christopher emphasized the fact that people are bombarded with messages from the media that they need the next new car or gadget. He explained, “The greatest sin your people have is their …more

    UNY completes a successful medical mission trip in Vieques, Puerto Rico: Article 2 of 3

    October 23, 2018 / By Pastor Sharon Rankins-Burd

    Editor’s Note: A 12-person team from the Upper New York (UNY) Conference went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico, on the island of Vieques in Sept. Team members included seven people from Fly Creek and Schuyler Lake UMCs in the Oneonta District as well as three additional medical staff from the Northern Flow District. Drs Sylvia and Marv Reimer of Watertown, NY led the team. …more

    Become a spiritual entrepreneur-Nov. 15 workshop

    October 23, 2018 / By UNY Communications

    Starting a New Faith Community (and keeping it going!) is in many ways like building a business from scratch. We may never have the financial payoff of a Silicon Valley software firm, but we'd all like to see new churches succeed in disciple-making! How can we as planters adopt and adapt the best practices of private-sector start-ups? How do entrepreneurs identify their customers plan for success? How do they …more

    Rev. Cathy Stengel on itinerancy

    October 23, 2018 / By Rev. Cathy Stengel, Rush UMC

    Editor's Note: This article was originally published in The Fall 2018 (2018, issue 4) of teh Upper New York Advocate, which focused on intinerancy in the United Methodist Church. Imagine having the same pastor from when you were born until you are on the verge of graduating from high school. Imagine having the same pastor who baptized your children preside at their weddings and then baptize your grandchildren.Rev Maybe you can …more

    Bishop Webb on itinerancy

    October 23, 2018 / By Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb

    Editor's Note: This article was originally published in The Fall 2018 (2018, issue 4) of teh Upper New York Advocate, which focused on intinerancy in the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist system of itinerant ministry is rooted in John Wesley’s vision of spreading scriptural holiness across the land and utilizing both clergy and laity in the fulfillment of this mission. In the days of Francis Asbury, the first of …more

    UNY response to Hurricane Michael

    October 15, 2018 / By Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Editors Note: The following is a letter that was written by Mike Block, Director of Missional Engagement, about the response to Hurricane Michael and sent to the Upper New York Conference on Oct. 15, 2018.  Dear Friends, It’s going to be a long road of recovery and rebuilding following Hurricane Michael, the most powerful hurricane in nearly 50 years to hit the continental U.S. The Florida Panhandle was hit …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."