News Stories from June 2019
Anti-racism workshops continue the education of Imagine No Racism
June 7, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson
During lunch on Friday, June 7, at the tenth session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, the Conference Commission on Race and Religion (CCORR) held four workshops on ways to address racism. This was an effort to continue the work that began with the Imagine No Racism initiative launched in April 2018. Over 300 people participated in these workshops. “Let’s be real for a second – there is no …more
CF&A’s budget is the toolbox of our Conference
June 7, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
On June 7 during the 2019 Upper New York Annual Conference session, Chair of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A), the Rev. Susan Ranous, told the crowd that a budget does nothing more than tell stories that show how it can support the ministries of the local churches of the Upper New York Conference by offering tools for ministry. She asked everyone to picture a toolbox, one that …more
Conference Leadership Team devotes Friday morning to lectio divina
June 7, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Upper New York Conference Leadership Team led a Devotional Friday morning devoted to scripture reading for lectio divina. In his introduction, the Rev. Harold Wheat shared some information from, “our friends at the Upper Room.” “One of our most central and ancient practices of Christian prayer is Praying the Scriptures (lectio divina, or divine reading),” he said. “We read unhurriedly so that we can …more
Hat challenge at AC2019 raises $5,600 for New Faith Communities
June 7, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Jeffrey Aiosa, pastor of the Elmgrove UMC, had a question Friday, June 7, at the 2019 UNY Annual Conference session for Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb: If Rev. Aiosa could raise $500 for New Faith Communities, would Bishop Webb wear Rev. Aiosa’s hat? Bishop agreed, but only if Rev. Aiosa could raise $1,500. Challenge accepted. Before lunch, Rev. Aiosa announced they had raised double the original …more
Remembering clergy, clergy spouses, and lay members
June 7, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson
On Thursday June 6, a Memorial Service was held at the 2019 Upper New York Annual Conference session to remember clergy and clergy spouses who have passed away since the 2018 AC session. In both Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s introduction and Cornerstone District Superintendent the Rev. Sherri Rood’s Memorial Service message, they were able to bring about a spirit of positivity. Bishop Webb referred …more
Study Leader emphasizes the power of praying together in session 2
June 6, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Study Leader Vance Ross 2019 Part 2 from Upper New York Conference on Vimeo. Study Leader the Rev. Dr. Vance Ross returned for a second session Thursday afternoon during the 2019 Annual Conference. “I know you were blessed this morning,” said Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb. “And now you will be blessed again.” Similar to the first study session, Rev. Ross discussed a Bible reading …more
Board of Pension and Health recommendation supported
June 6, 2019 / By Tara Barnes
The report and recommendation of the Upper New York Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, presented by board chair Mary Rublee, were both approved by the annual conference session Thursday, June 6. The report from the board can be found on pages 160-161 of the Journal. The recommendation is on pages 45-46. The recommendation allows retired and disabled clergy to claim their church pension, severance or disability income as a …more
Trustee report presented, Trustee election delayed
June 6, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The trustees shared their report in the morning plenary on June 6, 2019 at the tenth session of the Upper New York Annual Conference. President of the Upper New York Board of Trustees Rich Barling began by discussing how successful the work of mission and ministry has been at both the Conference Office and the Camp & Retreat Centers throughout the Conference. He then shared some financial highlights, including the fact that …more
Study Leader Rev. Dr. Vance Ross teaches AC session attendees how to pray
June 6, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Study Leader Vance Ross 2019 Part 1 from Upper New York Conference on Vimeo. The Upper New York Conference was blessed to have the Rev. Dr. Vance Ross as the 2019 Annual Conference Study Leader in the morning on June 6. “What you need to know most about Rev. Ross is he is a passionate lover of Jesus Christ,” said Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb. “He is …more
Report, testimonials affirm work of UNY delegation to 2019 General Conference Special Session
June 6, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Dr. Bill Allen, pastor at the Bemus Point United Methodist Church, delivered the Delegation Report on Wednesday during the 2019 Upper New York Annual Conference session. Rev. Allen served as the Head of the Delegation from the UNY Conference to the 2019 Special Session of General Conference, held in February in St. Louis. “I know that every person who served on our delegation felt a deep gratitude to all …more