<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[United Methodist of Upper New York]]></title><description><![CDATA[United Methodists of Upper New York]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/news-articles</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 06:00:56 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.unyumc.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Do your part at Annual Conference to help make the world a little cleaner]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Justice Chair / Email Do you remember 2020? Amidst the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a strange, silent miracle. The unending rivers of cars and trucks in our streets vanished. The 8:00 a.m. traffic jam dissolved into thin air. The world didn’t stop spinning; instead, the birds sang a little louder, and for the first time in decades, the horizon over our cities didn’t look like a smudged charcoal drawing. For the first time in decades, the...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/do-your-part-at-annual-conference-to-help-make-the-world-a-little-cleaner</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f90595a09b06483d3e4e2c</guid><category><![CDATA[Creation Justice]]></category><category><![CDATA[Annual Conference]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 20:49:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_1a452f67773a41378188ba099d7f4450~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Host a missionary this spring ]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rev. Bob Long, United Methodist of Upper New York Itineration Coordinator / Email The values shaping current United Methodist mission engagement are intentionally inclusive and shared, reflecting Jesus’ call to love God and all creation. The guiding posture is “with,” not “for”: with God, with people in every place, in mutuality, collaboration, and cooperation. All are affirmed with equal dignity and recognized as bearers of God’s blessings and gifts—each one both blessed and a blessing....]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/host-a-missionary-this-spring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f36dacc99eb1cb510b255e</guid><category><![CDATA[Missionaries]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:07:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_35ea3d085cbb41b7935c21b62822f854~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Solar incentives for churches expire soon]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rev. Merle Showers, UNY Creation Justice / EMAIL If your church has even considered installing solar panels, the window to receive significant federal financial support is closing faster than it may appear and waiting much longer could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in missed reimbursement. Financial help is available through the IRS solar “Elective Pay” program, but key deadlines are approaching quickly. To qualify, your project must be registered with the IRS by July 4, 2026. That...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/solar-incentives-for-churches-expire-soon</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ea433fa4befc7c9f39d742</guid><category><![CDATA[Creation Justice]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:07:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_c68182fbfc224eee8aa7825605dcb461~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating a decade of creation care with EarthKeepers]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications / email  Today is Earth Day, a moment to reflect on how we care for creation and one another. As the Global Ministries EarthKeepers program  marks its 10th anniversary, United Methodists across Upper New York are engaging in meaningful, community-based efforts to care for God’s creation.   Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips United Methodists in the United States to develop and lead environmental sustainability projects in their communities....]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/celebrating-a-decade-of-creation-care-with-earthkeepers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7a4f5a96d49e56ec8d60a</guid><category><![CDATA[Creation Justice]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa2f3d_2ee1ab990ace4115a8ae03dec691c337~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reaching others through "Clean Clothes Connection"]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications / Email Rome First United Methodist Church  has a new mission initiative aimed at meeting a practical yet deeply meaningful need in the community through access to clean clothing. The program, called Clean Clothes Connection , is rooted in the belief that small acts of care can restore dignity, build relationships, and open doors for connection.  Rome First UMC purchased $20 laundry gift cards that can be used at any self-service Colonial Laundromat location. The church...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/reaching-others-through-clean-clothes-connection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e7628787a5c2e7c13637d3</guid><category><![CDATA[Districts]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:51:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_2235d11fdf6c4e1286a6bb83977101c5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Workbook]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/_2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69de482fc87c857db1f65fea</guid><category><![CDATA[Journals]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:05:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_8e2b67866b6043afa28662b73c6659b3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Georgia Harkness]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent …” By Tara Barnes Have you ever opened your United Methodist Hymnal  to #178 and sang those words? They were written by the Rev. Dr. Georgia Harkness, a big name in Methodism: The first woman to become a full professor at a U.S. seminary, author of more than 30 books, six-time General Conference delegate, teacher, preacher, pacifist, poet, trailblazer, and human rights advocate. She even once...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/celebrating-georgia-harkness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dd81bce72e8bb038a8dc3a</guid><category><![CDATA[Archives]]></category><category><![CDATA[Communications]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:54:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fb738_93f3ca0d4cbd43ff954ec956cd4be74b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: An Easter Message of Hope]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications / Email Editor's Note: The following Easter message was sent to United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!  Today, Christians around the world proclaim the heart of our faith: death does not have the final word. The tomb is empty. God’s love has overcome the grave and new life has begun.  On that first Easter morning, the women came...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/from-the-desk-of-bishop-burgos-an-easter-message-of-hope</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e765f08e63193b95d5d807</guid><category><![CDATA[Bishop Burgos]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://vimeo.com/1166071773/eb0dc9f9f3?fl=pl&amp;fe=sh" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Peace with Justice Grants available to support ministries ]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications, Email The Upper New York Peace with Justice Grant is now available. Individuals, local churches, and faith-based organizations across the Upper New York Conference are invited to apply by  April 30, 2026 . Click to download the application.   Peace with Justice Grants provide an opportunity to support ministries that work toward justice, reconciliation, and peace in local communities. Funded through the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, these grants provide up to...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/peace-with-justice-grants-available-to-support-ministries</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cbf3224c31bb6f64bd0e69</guid><category><![CDATA[Social Holiness]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:23:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_b1e3249e729e4458a899ca37d99c1afb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Miracle Sunday Resources Available]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications, Email Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 24 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the release of Miracle Sunday resources. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."  Luke 10:2  Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders of Upper New York,  Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.  Last December, I shared with you about a Spirit-led movement inviting all United Methodist...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/from-the-desk-of-bishop-burgos-miracle-sunday-resources-available</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1a4778f0e652aaa2c77c6</guid><category><![CDATA[Bishop Burgos]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:39:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa2f3d_43a35d14a3ad4fe4a5ba322c2168cf24~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Clarifying the Decision Regarding Casowasco]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications, Email Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 12 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez following the announcement regarding the closure of Casowasco Camp &#38; Retreat Center. Since the  announcement of the closure  of Casowasco Camp &#38; Retreat Center on March 5, we have heard from many who are grieving this loss. Casowasco has been a place where people experienced God, formed lifelong friendships, and grew...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/from-the-desk-of-bishop-burgos-clarifying-the-decision-regarding-casowasco</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b95caabae3e800161d818d</guid><category><![CDATA[Bishop Burgos]]></category><category><![CDATA[CRM]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/485b51_0bb745d81e2c469a8d053484b3d5c296~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Apply now for the Lottie Brown Scholarship]]></title><description><![CDATA[March 11, 2026 / By UNY Communications / Email Each year, the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships to undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. The scholarship enables young people to fulfill the path God is calling them to take. Applicants must be an active, full member of a United Methodist Church within the UNY Conference for at least one year prior to applying, must be accepted in an...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/apply-now-for-the-lottie-brown-scholarship</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b165cb22bc04bb87fb8e83</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:54:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fb738_37cf7a82b8c24c0e92dfd4eace35cc14~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_752,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Call to Prayer, Reflection, and Faithful Witness]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rev. Alan Kinney, UNY Social Holiness Team Chair As United Methodists, we share a long and faithful tradition of witnessing to the presence of God in our midst and responding to Christ’s call to work for peace and justice in the world. At times, this witness calls us to prayer, reflection, and action in moments that are complex and difficult.  Recent acts of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran remind us of the profound human cost of armed conflict. Families are displaced,...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/a-call-to-prayer-reflection-and-faithful-witness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b02fc800ff578fc8e93c51</guid><category><![CDATA[Social Holiness]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:53:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_dd22ac81a6ea43e6b88799f974def695~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Annual Conference MEM Grant and RELC Grants available]]></title><description><![CDATA[March 6, 2026 / By UNY Communications / Email The General Board of Global Ministries Annual Conference Multiethnic Ministries Grant and the Racial/Ethnic Local Church Grant applications are open until March 31 . This year, all grant applications are online .  Annual Conference Multiethnic Ministries Grant ($20,000) – Up to 5 Grants Available   Multiethnic Ministries (MEM) grants are provided to assist annual conferences with conference-wide programs  focusing on racial/ethnic leadership...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/2026-annual-conference-mem-grant-and-relc-grants-available</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69aebdd56b9018dbd07029cf</guid><category><![CDATA[Vital Congregations]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:39:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fb738_db9db20dc5634eb8afea1fce5b354327~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_792,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez: Permanent Closing of Casowasco Camp &#38; Retreat Center]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications, news@uynumc.org Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 5 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the permanent closing of Casowasco Camp &#38; Retreat Center. “For everything there is a season…”  Ecclesiastes 3:1  Dear United Methodists in Upper New York,  Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, who accompanies us in every season of ministry.  In June 2024, the Conference Leadership...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/from-the-desk-of-bishop-h%C3%A9ctor-a-burgos-n%C3%BA%C3%B1ez-permanent-closing-of-casowasco-camp-retreat-center</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a9e5c3b5dd05873347113a</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:30:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa2f3d_991461649c6f447aad2aa014bbe7728e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_976,h_347,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Faithful Resistance Across the Northeast: United Methodists mobilize in prayer, witness, and action for immigrant justice ]]></title><description><![CDATA[By NEJ Communicators As hundreds of United Methodists and partners gathered in Washington, D.C., for Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice , a powerful, parallel movement unfolded across the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ). From New England to Upper New York, Western Pennsylvania, and the Baltimore-Washington &#38; Peninsula-Delaware Area, congregations and communities joined in coordinated acts of prayer, worship, hospitality, and public witness demonstrating that faithful...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/faithful-resistance-across-the-northeast-united-methodists-mobilize-in-prayer-witness-and-action</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a5b0a2f00dba1e6537e9eb</guid><category><![CDATA[NEJ]]></category><category><![CDATA[Social Holiness]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:56:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa2f3d_d9e2f7e4461b4c1d98c6f8de67700fcf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_720,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Belize mission journey: a week of gentle grace]]></title><description><![CDATA[By the Rev. the Rev. Dr. Robin Blair From February 8–14, 2026, nine volunteer missioners from the Upper New York Annual Conference traveled to Corozal, Belize, where we were warmly welcomed by missionary Rev. Charles Mulemena, pastor, and Volunteers in Mission (VIM) coordinator, missionary Sandy Raasch.  Belize is home to numerous Methodist congregations and schools, and we were received with extraordinary hospitality. Our time together reflected the deep joy of connectional ministry —...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/belize-mission-journey-a-week-of-gentle-grace</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a069c5aac6e7cda913fa2d</guid><category><![CDATA[VIM]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:46:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fb738_4c9a4eebf7bb4571b7dd7b03f3ec253c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[United Methodists from across the connection join together in a Faithful Resistance  ]]></title><description><![CDATA[By NEJ Communicators  Faith calls people not only to believe, but to act. On Wednesday, February 25, United Methodists and faith partners gathered in Washington, D.C., for  Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice , a day of worship, prayer, and advocacy calling for compassion and due process for immigrants.   Among them were United Methodists from across the Northeast Jurisdiction who traveled hours by bus, car, train, and plane, to stand together in the nation’s capital,...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/united-methodists-from-across-the-connection-join-together-in-a-faithful-resistance</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cbfd20c6f6bb14a90d65dc</guid><category><![CDATA[Social Holiness]]></category><category><![CDATA[Bishop Burgos]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_7fec10eaaafa41ba9b65dd5bc5072e6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Auburn UMC paying it forward]]></title><description><![CDATA[By UNY Communications/ Email Beginning this year,  Auburn UMC  will sponsor one student at  Africa University (AU)  each year through a fully endowed scholarship. The church will not select the recipient; instead, AU will choose the student annually based on its own criteria. The endowment is funded through the Starbucks Foundation—unrelated to the coffee company—which awarded Auburn UMC money to use not for church operations, ministry shares, or salaries, but solely to “pay it forward” in...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/auburn-umc-paying-it-forward</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69961acd658df599f4fc2a7d</guid><category><![CDATA[Districts]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:09:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa1ebe_89eea7afb64f4e199eac5d69529bcab8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What churches and employees need to know about New York’s Secure Choice savings program]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Julie Valeski, Conference Benefits Officer / Email What is Secure Choice? Secure Choice is a New York state-sponsored retirement savings program structured as an automatic-enrollment Roth IRA. Employees are automatically enrolled but may opt out at any time. Contributions are funded through payroll deduction, and unlike a 401(k), employers do not contribute, manage investments, or assume fiduciary responsibility. Their role is limited to facilitating access. Upper New York United Methodist...]]></description><link>https://www.unyumc.org/post/what-churches-and-employees-need-to-know-about-new-york-s-secure-choice-savings-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6990a228a816bdca356f0f12</guid><category><![CDATA[Human Resources]]></category><category><![CDATA[Benefits and Administrative Service]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:30:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3fb738_d0162711b16047369084a987831817ae~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>UNY Communications</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>