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


    news article

    Service of Blessing and Anointing at the 2017 AC

    June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The song Turn, Turn, Turn was the perfect song for InsideOut to perform at the Service of Blessing and Anointing on Friday June 2 at the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference session. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose, under heaven;” these lyrics portrayed the rejoicing over retired clergy and clergy spouses, newly ordained and commissioned deacons and elders, and new church appointments.

    Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb first recognized the retired clergy and clergy spouses; click here to view the complete list of retirees and their videos on our website.

    “The future looks bright,” Bishop Webb said as he recognized the large group of commissioned deacons and elders and ordained deacons and elders. He called special attention to the deacons; he said, “This is the largest group of deacons the Upper New York Conference has ever ordained.”

    Bishop Webb then had each District Superintendent mention the new church appointments in their District; there were dozens. Dave Masland, Director of New Faith Communities, also mentioned the new church plants across the Conference.

    Bishop Webb recognized Beckie Sweet who served as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow District and is now appointed at Kenmore United Methodist Church. He also recognized the Rev. Mike Weeden who will be the new District Superintendent of the Northern Flow District effective July 1.

    Once all of the new appointments were recognized, Bishop Webb said, “I declare that, by the grace of God, these appointments are fixed, that Christ may be glorified in the Upper New York Annual Conference and wherever the love of these congregations may reach. As we seek to be partners of Christ in birthing God’s reign on earth, may the many ministries represented by the laity and clergy here, be fruitful in reconciling humanity to our gracious Creator God.

    A unique blessing and anointing took place during the service; everyone attending the service received anointment with unscented olive oil (if they chose) and all received a blessing for their season of life or ministry,

    The service ended with the song Oceans, which lyrics were also so fitting considering the new journeys that many will travel on in the coming weeks, years, and lifetimes. “Sprit lad me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”

    TAGGED / Annual Conference 2017


    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."