News Stories from March 2019
Bishop Webb announces AC2019 speakers
March 22, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2019 Upper New York Annual Conference will be held June 5-8, 2019 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY. The quadrennial theme of Together in Prayer continues with an emphasis on Moving beyond our comfort zones. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is pleased to announce this year’s speakers. This year, the study leader will be the Rev. Dr. Vance Ross; the Memorial Service speaker will be …more
Employee Assistance Programs available
March 20, 2019 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Did you know that The Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit for its employees? There are two EAP plans offered. Both plans are confidential and are provided at no cost to the participant. The EAP plan you are enrolled in depends on your employment status and whether you are enrolled in HealthFlex. Employee Assistance Program for employees enrolled in Healthflex …more
UNY Recap and Reflections of Special Session 2019 gathering
March 19, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On March 17, 2019, hundreds of members of the Upper New York Conference gathered together across 12 District Communication HUBS for a livestreamed Recap and Reflection after the Special Session of General Conference. District Superintendents presided at their District’s HUB—they played the livestream and led communion at the end. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, introduced the gathering by expressing how he wished that everyone could …more
Special Session recap and reflection gatherings
March 11, 2019 / By Upper New York Communications
Post Special Session conference-wide livestream gathering locations announced Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and Upper New York Conference leadership understand that many people are grieving after the results of Special Session. They believe that now it is more important than ever to gather together as a Conference and fill our hearts with faith in Jesus Christ. All clergy and lay members of the Conference are invited …more
Special Session 2019 delegates’ letter to the UNY Conference
March 6, 2019 / By Rev. Bill Allen and Greg Forrester
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As the leaders of the Upper New York delegation to General Conference 2019, we write with heavy hearts concerning the pain and anguish that our beloved Church is experiencing at this time. We have witnessed the division and disunity among those who are Christ followers, members of the same UMC family, yet who disagree about the future direction of the church. It is hard to …more
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: A video message to the Conference
March 5, 2019 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has recorded a special message for the members of the Upper New York Conference following the Special Session of General Conference. Click here to hear his message. …more
Nominations being accepted for Conference leadership vacancies
March 5, 2019 / By Rev. Tony Hipes
Editor’s Note: The following letter from the Chair of the Upper New York Conference Committee on Nominations was shared on Mar. 5. Dear Friends, I am serving as the chair of our Conference Committee on Nominations, the team responsible for identifying and recruiting persons to serve on Conference ministry teams. We are beginning our work of developing a list of nominees for consideration at our upcoming Annual Conference …more
Important Announcement: Clergy and regional gatherings now a Conference-wide event
March 4, 2019 / By UNY Communications Team
Having heard concerns about separate gatherings for lay and clergy following the Special Session of Annual Conference as well as concerns about the distance that some individuals would have to travel, Upper New York leadership has decided to replace the clergy gathering and the six regional gatherings with a single event that will be held remotely in all 12 districts. Mark your calendars now for this Conference-wide time of worship, sharing, …more