news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
Lent throughout Upper New York
February 27, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Churches in Upper New York (UNY) are living into our vision of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loving their neighbors in all places this Lenten season. Many of the Ash Wednesday services planned throughout the Conference last Wednesday were canceled due to extreme weather, but local churches were quick to change gears and offer their services remotely through Zoom or Facebook. Churches are continuing their community meals and …more
Clara’s Closet supports thousands of refugees
February 27, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clara’s Closet is far more than a closet—this clothing, bedding, hygiene, and home goods ministry takes up the entire basement of Buffalo: Central Park UMC. Set up like a department store, racks upon racks of clothing are arranged by gender and size, including a large room dedicated to baby and children’s clothing. There is also a room of particularly trendy clothing with tweens and …more
Realignment for Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
February 22, 2023 / By UNY Communications
Over the past six weeks, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, has assessed the UNY executive staff structure and portfolios. After much prayer and discernment, Bishop Héctor is excited to announce two realignments in the executive team, effective March 1, 2023. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding will be appointed as Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper New York Area of …more
We are community
February 22, 2023 / By Pastor Daniel J. Bradley, Faith Journey United Methodist Church
Community is at the heart of everything we do as the Church of Jesus Christ. Faith does not happen in a vacuum. Faith happens when we walk the road of life with the people God has placed on the path with us. We don’t get to pick and choose who is on road. What we do with those individuals is integral to their faith and ours. Scripture tells …more
Conference leaders tour Buffalo churches impacted by the Christmas blizzard
February 15, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: Jehovah Jireh Community Church is also a church that was severely damaged by the Christmas blizzard; while this church was not included on the tour, Bishop Héctor had already connected with the Jehovah Jireh congregation by preaching at their service held at a local community center where they are meeting until their church is restored. You can click here to watch the service. Almost …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Superintendency Coverage for 2023-24
January 27, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following letter was emailed to clergy and laity in the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 27, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 Dear United Methodists in Upper New …more
Cady Grant applications now available
January 24, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Ercil Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to a fund ministry, program or experience that benefits or provides education to, preferably but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Awards may be up to $5,000. Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, and District or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York. …more
Warnerville UMC warming center reopens
January 10, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Warnerville UMC pastor, Maryellen (Mel) Moore, was compelled to help a single mother with four children in her congregation as they faced homelessness. She worked with the local Department of Social Services (DSS) and Catholic Charities to find services and housing for this member. Because of the housing shortage in Schoharie County, DSS and Catholic Charities find motel or hotel rooms for those needing assistance. When one thinks about homelessness, …more
Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Part II—The work ahead
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This is part II of an article about conversations had at a Zoom meeting hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos To read about the devastation Buffalo-area churches experienced and God sightings, click here to read Part I. During Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s blizzard of the century …more
The ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Zoom gathering Part I—The devastation and God sightings
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, expected 30-40 people to participate in his Jan. 6, 2023, Zoom gathering to address the impact of the Christmas 2022 weekend blizzard, identified as the “blizzard of the century.” What was expected to be a few dozen people turned into a virtual gathering of over 150 people. The hour spent together was filled with encouraging stories …more