mission
Conference Advance Specials
The Advance Special began in 1948 and is an official church program for voluntary financial giving. Through the Advance Special, United Methodist individuals and groups support specific, approved mission programs or personnel with their financial gifts. Click here for additional information on the Advance, including different projects, missions, or ministries.
Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
Anti-Poverty Initiative (University UMC: Syracuse) #904
Beechwood Continuing Care/Pastoral Care #3124
Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Buffalo 10 Scholarship #528
Campership Fund #912
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
Children's Home (CHOW) #919
Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
Haiti Partnership #936
Mission Central UNY HUB #951
Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Protestant Cooperative Ministry at Cornell #958
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
Southern Sudan Health Project #966
UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
Watertown Urban Mission #990
Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
As the Upper New York Annual Conference came together, Bishop Marcus Matthews called a team together to help raise awareness and one million dollars to permanently endow eight scholarships to Africa University. Under the leadership of Shirley Drake Byers, the team worked for several years to raise that awareness and those funds. Over the years the first four scholarships have been named for those who have been strong supporters of Africa University and the scholarship fund. In 2021, through the generous donations and the interest gained by the fund, the million-dollar goal was reached, and the additional four scholarships will be named at this year’s Annual Conference.
Funds are still being collected in the anticipation that more scholarships will be made available to students and the scholarships named into the future. Churches and individuals can help support the scholarship program through this advance special.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Africa University Endowed Scholarships #300
Contact Info:
Roger Ellis
285 Beecher Rd.
Granville, NY 12832
Phone: (518) 744-4288
Email: rgellis6@gmail.com
Anti-Poverty Initiative (University UMC: Syracuse) #904
University UMC: Syracuse University Church in Syracuse, New York has, in many ways, redefined itself to meet the needs of nearby residents, the City of Syracuse, and its congregation throughout the pandemic and the residual effects of this crisis. University UMC's outreach efforts have increased exponentially and strives daily to meet the diverse needs of all Syracuse City residents.
At the core of everything University UMC does, their mission of “Feeding God’s people body, mind and spirit.” In a very literal interpretation of their mission, within University Methodist Church they include an Interfaith Food Center that provides Emergency Foods and services to 1000 people each and every week. The Food Center @ 324 University Ave. is a model site created by the Food Bank of CNY and University UMC. Neighbor food pantries joined University UMC in creating an Emergency Food Access site for all Syracuse city residents which includes: diverse food distributions, to-go hot meal distributions, to-go breakfast distributions at 2 separate sites simultaneously, free clothing/outerwear access, baby diaper/supply distributions, personal hygiene access, pet food distributions, vaccine (COVID and Flu) distributions, health assessments, health information and medical appointment securing, voter registration, census participation, teaching/internship and field work opportunities for area university students.
As University UMC is called to support Syracuse city and its residents in COVID recovery, they consider themselves fortunate to have a committed, interfaith, intergenerational volunteer work force, food from the Food Bank to feed many, a network of generous and mindful supporters, and a physical home that is bound to their efforts and to the people of Syracuse.
Pictured is the The Food Center @ 324 University Ave. University United Methodist Church, Syracuse, NY Emergency Food Distribution work crew (inclusive of Outreach & Food Center Coordinator, Galyn Murphy-Stanley) taken in October 2021.
Pictured is University UMC To-Go Sunday Community Breakfast distribution work crew (inclusive of Pastor Alicia Wood) taken in July 2021.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Anti-Poverty Initiative (University UMC: Syracuse) #904
Contact Info:
Galyn Murphy-Stanley
University United Methodist Church
1085 East Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 475-7277
Email: outreach@uumcsyracuse.org
Website: uumcsyracuse.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UUMCSyracuse
Beechwood Continuing Care/Pastoral Care #3124
Beechwood and its Pastoral Care Department maintain a comprehensive program of care that addresses the spiritual needs of the diverse, interfaith, resident community. Beechwood is exploring creative ways of providing spiritual care in the new, and continually growing, Culture Change movement of which Beechwood and the Welcome Home center in Western New York. Residents live in households, sharing a kitchen, dining and living rooms, in addition to enjoying their individual bedrooms with private baths – smelling the aroma of food cooking; hearing the sounds of dishwasher, washer and dryer – just as they did in their own homes. This way of living opens so many new possibilities for Bible studies, chaplain chats, worship, and other celebrations. Please join Beechwood in breaking new pastoral ground!
The full-time Director of Pastoral Care/Chaplain provides supportive, compassionate, spiritual care in the day-to-day as well as crisis times – for residents, their families, and staff. In addition, the chaplain supervises the in-facility work of pastoral volunteers and non-employee clergy – Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Beechwood Continuing Care/Pastoral Care #3124
Contact Info:
Rev. Ken Keenan, Chaplain
2235 Millersport Hwy.
Getzville, NY 14068
Phone: (716) 810-7109
Email: kgkeenan3@gmail.com
Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Brown Memorial is a mission church in the Conference, located on the Near Westside of Syracuse. The 13204-zip code is one of the poorest zip codes in the United States. The neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity, low homeownership, high transiency, poor graduation rate from high school, high poverty, illiteracy, drug/alcohol abuse, and crime (75% of shots fired calls in Syracuse are in our zip code.)
The church’s mission statement is to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” Brown Memorial UMC does this by offering a free community meal every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (cooked and served by multiple congregational partners). Dinner is designed to build connection with the community. The weekly worship is held immediately following dinner on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Browm Memorial UMC offers homework help on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the church upgraded its Wi-Fi during the pandemic to create a space for children to access the internet for homework purposes. Brown Memorial UMC has hosted Lay Servant training, National Grid fairs, a clothing closet, and multiple small groups. They fund the community food pantry, legal aid, AA, NA, and the facility is used as a community resource.
The pandemic has been especially hard for Brown Memorial UMC. Pre-COVID, the congregation had grown to 45 people in their Sunday worship celebrations. Post-COVID, the congregation is now 12 to 15. Brown Memorial continues to serve between 75 and 140 people every week at their community meals – but COVID restrictions required them to serve “take-out” only. In April 2022, Brown Memorial resumed their dine-in meals. There have been two dozen children in the tutoring programs and nearly 25 adults and youth in the life skills groups.
Brown Memorial hosts mission groups, confirmation classes, youth groups, and VIM teams who are looking for local mission opportunities. They partner with the Syracuse United Methodist Ministries for winter break “Safe Space” for kids and other city-wide projects.
Fundraising Goal: $8,000
Click here to donate to Brown Memorial UMC: Syracuse #910
Contact Info:
Rev. Dr. B.J. Norrix
228 Davis Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 726-2815 or the church (315) 478-5074
Email: bjnorrix@gmail.com
A white supremacist committed a horrific mass murder in Buffalo on May 14, 2022. Ten innocent people lost their lives by simply being at the grocery store and being Black. The shooter wounded three others and left countless others in the area traumatized. United Methodist leaders in the city remain committed to addressing the underlying manifestations of structural racism that made this attack possible. We are determined to confront the history of residential, economic, and social segregation based on race that created these circumstances. We choose love, and we are resolved that acts like this should never happen in any community.
This scholarship represents one small step toward building a better tomorrow. A disproportionate number of families in the area live beneath the poverty line. The world needs everyone to work for meaningful changes necessary to dismantle the remaining manifestations of racial, economic, health, and educational inequality. At its 2022 session, the Upper New York Annual Conference established a scholarship in the name of the Buffalo 10 for students from the 14208 zip code attending college. The hope being that these students will demonstrate a commitment to resolving these enduring problems and helping to heal the community. This offering will allow the gift received to be transformative, not only for the individual recipient, but potentially for those in the community as this individual will contribute to the efforts to build the beloved community.
For more information, read this article by Shannon Hodson on the UNY Conference website: https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/the-buffalo-10-scholarshipjust-the-beginning
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to Buffalo 10 Scholarship #528
Contact Info:
Dr. Scott Johnson
310 Baynes Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Phone: (716) 444-9320
Email: scottjphd@gmail.com
Camp and Retreat Ministry creates environments of Christian hospitality and learning designed to help people affirm and expand their faith in God, learn spiritual practices of Christian discipleship, grow in wisdom and in healthy self-esteem, establish lifestyles of loving interdependence with one another and all God's creation, and develop as spiritual leaders who serve to enhance the common good.
The campership fund enables children coming from families who cannot afford to pay the full amount of the summer camp fee, to receive a campership from the annual conference for the purpose of attending one week of summer camp at a Upper New York Camp & Retreat owned facilities: Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Skye Farm, and Sky Lake.
Fundraising Goal: $12,000
Click here to donate to Campership Fund #912
Contact Info:
Shari Mudge
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2026
Email: sharimudge@unyumc.org
Website: www.unyumc.org
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc (CCRM) began in the mid-1950’s and is an interfaith, non-denominational human service agency based on the belief that all people are deserving of adequate food, clothing, shelter and work opportunity by which to acquire basic needs. CCRM encourages self-determination and development, empowering clients to become contributing members of society. Currently operating 15 programs, which includes a soup kitchen, emergency food pantry, thrift store, book shop, gleaning project, food recovery program, advocacy, community gardens, cooking and nutrition workshops, Furniture Gallery, Nourish NY Food Distribution Program, Thanksgiving Holiday Program, Christmas Gift and Food Baskets, Muriel’s Closet (a higher end thrift store), Seed Starting Program, Emergency Housing Crisis, and Supervised Visitation Program. Below are some statistics for the programs for the year 2021.
- Friendly Kitchen – 38,974 meals served
- Emergency Food Pantry/Nourish NY Program – 174,732 meals distributed
- Gleaning Project: gleaned 42,030 pounds of food that otherwise would have been left in the fields to waste
- Cooking and Nutrition Workshops – held 12 Cooking and Nutrition workshops to assist families in eating healthy foods
- Food Recovery Program: received 159,000 pounds of food through local businesses, academic institutions and private donations which were in turn offered to those in our community as well as other emergency food relief organizations.
- Thanksgiving Holiday Program – provided 155 families with a Thanksgiving basket
- Christmas Gift and Food Baskets – provided 250 children with gifts and 175 families with a Christmas basket
- Supervised Visitation Program – this program provides supervision of families whose children are in foster care with the hopes that the families can be reunited if it is in the best interest of the children. In 2021, CCRM supervised over 40 families whose children were in the foster care system.
- Seed starting program – provided 50 families with seeds or plants for their own home use
- Emergency Housing Crisis – sheltered 23 families that were in homeless status or suffering a housing crisis
CCRM is supported by New York State Department of Health which provides a portion of the salaries for 6 of the 9 staff, which allows donations to go into direct service. CCRM’s management and fundraising costs is .03%. Other supporters include local churches, individuals from the community, and United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.
In 2018, CCRM moved to 319 Washington Avenue in Dunkirk so all of the programs are located in one site. CCRM is overseen by a board of directors consisting of up to 18 members who assist in fundraising and policy making. The goal is to give a “hand up, not a hand out.” COVID – 19 was very challenging, however, all of the emergency programs were kept open as staff were considered essential workers.
Fundraising Goal: $3,000
Click here to donate to Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc. #916
Contact Info:
Kathleen G. Peterson
127 Central Ave.
P.O. Box 362
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Phone: (716) 366-1787
Email: ccrmkp@gmail.com
The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
The Children’s Center for the Common Good™ has as its primary ministry an Internet radio station and missional web site ministry, www.commongoodradio.org. This website and radio ministry is devoted to the goals of arts as valid expression of faith; that expression claiming fruits of the spirit. The Center uses media as a tool with this aim in mind reaching children and families, demonstrating good, faithful practices of media and its messages. This missional ministry uses digital tools of communication to be a presence for and with children and their families in a media saturated culture. They lift diverse styles of music, sounds of voices and interpretations of God’s amazing love. Music and arts as valid faith expression contributes to the well-being of our lives in community.
Common Good Radio™ (CGR) invites children to the unique experience of speaking their faith through Common Good Radio Club™ where they are invited to create digital media. This creation process contributes to the programming of the Common Good Radio project by affirming and nurturing leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills in children as it builds loving character, faithful disciples and persons who are encouraged to speak God's presence into their life experience contributing to the common good. By creating media, children and families are embracing media literacy skills that enable them to participate in a media culture with a lens of faith. As a result, we all listen to the children. Galatians 5:22 and 1 Corinthians 12:7 are some of the scriptural and theological inspirations for this spirit driven ministry. Presentations at your church are available. By partnering with CGR you do your part to stand in faithful resistance to the exploitation of children in a consumer and media driven culture.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to The Children’s Center for the Common Good #917
Contact Info:
Rev. Dr. Robin Blair
5164 St. Rt 89
Romulus, NY 14541
Phone: (315) 729-4485
Email: revrobinblair@gmail.com
Website: www.commongoodradio.org
The mission of the Children’s Home is to enhance the safety, stability, and well-being of children, families, and their communities. Located in Greater Binghamton, New York, it is a not-for-profit organization offering four primary care areas to help children and their families: Residential, Educational, Preventive, and Therapeutic Care. Employees and foster families are dedicated to and trained in providing quality services to vulnerable children with mental health issues and emotional problems.
The Children’s Home began in 1912 by the Deaconesses of the Wyoming Annual Conference, serving needy and abandoned children and their families. In 1918, after outgrowing their original facilities, the Children’s Home moved to its present site in Hillcrest, New York.
The Children’s Home retains its Methodist heritage with relationships with both the former Wyoming Annual Conference and New York Annual Conferences. Donations help support those areas not paid for by the state such as: holiday and birthday gifts, and startup costs for programming to serve the children. A full-time Spiritual Life Director conducts chapel services, teaches character education, and serves as a chaplain to staff.
A mentor family is pictured here.
Today, the Children’s Home provides a continuum of daily care for approximately 500 children in residential and foster care as well as children living at home with family members, through 15 programs and additional support of educational, medical, religious, and recreational services.
As they continue growing and expanding, the Children's Home remains flexible and responsive to programs and changing views of care. Care is given to children and families as well as coordination with schools and related community programs. They offer six areas of assistance:
- Behavioral & Emotional Health
- Therapeutic Intervention & Clinical Treatment
- Leadership & Development
- Physical Health & Wellness
- Community Outreach & Civic Engagement
- Academic Success & Career Readiness
Many of the children and families they serve have experienced painful or troubled lives. They may not feel safe, secure, or successful in their home, school, or community environments. Consistent exposure to trauma can alter a person’s perception making it seem like the world is a threatening place. Their job is to help these children and family members overcome such feelings and inspire them to see that a better life is possible. The Children's Home teaches skills that help the children and families they serve make better choices by emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with others.
Here's a picture from the 2022 Mission Trip to West Virginia.
Their job is to help these children and family members to overcome such fears and to inspire them to see that a better life is possible. Teaching skills that will help them to make better choices for their lives is crucial. Children’s Home emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with others.
This is a picture from a fundraiser the youth held for Ukraine around Easter.
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to the Children’s Home (CHOW) Fund #919
Contact Info:
Margaret Tatich
1182 Chenango Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Email: mtatich@chowc.org
Phone: 607-772-6904
Website: www.chowc.org
Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
The Gary Bergh Scholarship is intended to increase contact with and awareness of life in Palestine/Israel. “We join with Palestinian Christians as well as our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters in feeling a deep sense of rootedness to the land that has special meaning for our three religious traditions.” The purpose of the Gary Bergh Scholarship Fund is to further the United Methodist stance that, “We seek for all people in the region an end to military occupation, freedom from violence, and full respect for the human rights of all under international law.”
The preceding quotes from Res. #6073 in the 2008 Book of Resolutions are echoed in spirit by the 2016 Holy Land Tours Res. #6031, found in the 2016 Book of Resolutions. In addition, the 2021 UNY “Because We Care” petition urges all to “come and see.”
This purpose will be advanced by a) sending young adults, (though not limited to that age group) on trips to Palestine/Israel to witness the situation there. And b) sending young adults to attend U.S. conferences related to Palestine/Israel, in which their awareness of peace and justice issues will be increased.
After their trip or conference, scholarship recipients will be expected to make presentations to United Methodists and to other faith and community groups/Congressional offices. This will give more people an exposure to the current situation and allow ideas and actions toward peace and justice to move forward.
The Reverend Gary Bergh had been active in peace and justice issues for many of his 36 years in the ministry. The scholarship was created upon his death in 2007 to honor his passion for peace and justice and with the hope of sparking the next generation.
When Gary Bergh visited Bethany in January 2006, the wall that now separates it from Jerusalem was under construction. Loui Alawawda, whose family hosted Gary, explained how the wall separates the village from commerce and services, including medical. Shortly after this picture was taken, the wall was extended to where Gary and Loui were standing. Gary hoped that young people in the UNY Conference could meet young Palestinians like Loui to break the isolation felt by the creation of the wall. The Gary Bergh Scholarship Fund will carry out the dream.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Gary Bergh Scholarship (Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine and Israel) #932
Contact and scholarship applications:
Karen Peterson
116 Greenridge Dr.
Horseheads, NY 14845
Phone: (607) 739-3141
Email: dpeterson1@stny.rr.com
Linda Bergh
116 Edna Road
Syracuse, NY 13205
Phone: (315) 492-8507
Email: lindagarybergh@gmail.com
The Haiti Partnership is a partnership between churches in the Upper New York Conference and the Susquehanna Conference and the Methodist Church of Haiti. This partnership began in 1995 by the Wyoming Conference. Although, due to the pandemic and current civil unrest in Haiti, the Haiti Partnership has not been able to send VIM teams in recent times, but they have been able to continue their support of the many missions to the people of Haiti. The Haiti Partnership has sent several thousand dollars in earthquake relief, following the August 14, 2021 earthquake in SW Haiti. They have also been able to send support to the Leon circuit in the SW to aid with transportation for lay ministry, support for the Leon School, and to provide a discretionary fund for the Methodist Superintendent so he can provide some much-needed aid and relief. Your donations also provide ongoing support to the Hermitage School that was built in 2005-06, enabling dozens of children to attend school who otherwise could not afford to do so.
The goal for the Haiti Partnership Advance Special #936 this year is $10,000, which will enable them to continue to do all of the above and, once the country reopens to Volunteer in Mission teams, will provide project money for each team.
Pictured is the Hermitage Methodist School students with school supplies.
Also pictured is a motorcycle purchased so lay pastors in the Leon Circuit can ride to their churches in remote villages all supported by the Haiti Partnership.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Haiti Partnership #936
Contact Info:
Roger G. Richards
733 Partridge Place
Endwell NY 13760
Phone: (607) 761-7340
Email: rrichards52@gmail.com
Website: www.haitipartnership.com
In partnership with Mission Central of the Susquehanna Conference, the UNY Mission Central HUB helps our local churches bring hope and assistance across the Northeast and around the world. It is a resource for becoming the hands and feet of God in service.
The UNY Mission Central HUB not only assembles cleaning, hygiene, and menstrual hygiene kits but also is engaged in many other ministries such as blessing boxes, ramp building, training the Volunteers in Mission and the Early Response Team, and so much more. The UNY HUB is supported solely by donations. Your church or group can help fill and drop off cleaning, hygiene, or menstrual hygiene kits.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Mission Central UNY HUB #951
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Built in 1848, the Onondaga Nation United Methodist Church was the first church on the Onondaga Nation Indian Territory near Nedrow, New York. Ministry focuses on worship, spiritual growth, mission, hospitality, and fellowship. Onondaga Nation UMC serves the Nation with their Linen Closet, which provides gently-used blankets, sheets, and more. Annual events such as a Fall Turkey Dinner, Native American Ministries Sunday Open House, and June Strawberry Festival provide opportunities for fellowship with brothers and sisters on the Nation and in the larger community. Members welcome visits from youth groups to mission teams and seek to be an active part of the UNY Conference. In cooperation with the Onondaga County Office of Aging and Youth, the Upper New York Conference, and the Committee on Native American Ministries, the church participates in a van ministry which provides transportation for Native American elders on the Onondaga Nation to the greater Syracuse area. Support for the Onondaga Nation UMC through the Advance Special enables the church to continue its mission and ministry as part of the United Methodist connectional system, celebrate its diversity as Native Americans, and maintain a presence on an ancient land, demonstrating Christian love for all.
Fundraising Goal: $500
Click here to donate to Native American Mission, Onondaga Nation UMC #948
Contact Info:
Rose Kingsbury
105 Kellogg Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Email: waterfallrosek.rk@gmail.com
Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
The Native American Outreach/Transportation Program provides transportation to Native Americans sixty years and older who live on the Onondaga Nation and in the surrounding Syracuse area. While the majority of rides are for medical appointments and treatments, services also include transportation to pharmacies, nutrition sites, food pantries, the post office, banks, shopping, and other necessary places.
As there is no bus service on the Onondaga Nation Indian Territory, this program insures elders are able to keep medical appointments and obtain necessary medical treatments on a timely basis. Support for this Advance Special provides funds for needed maintenance and repairs of the present bus and for future vehicle replacement. This ministry is made possible through a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long-Term Care Services.
Pictured is Darlene Papineau, van driver and outreach worker beside the van.
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Click here to donate to Native American Outreach/Transportation Program #950
Contact Info:
Rose Kingsbury
105 Kellogg Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Email: waterfallrosek.rk@gmail.com
New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Since 2012, the Upper New York Conference has been actively planting New Faith Communities (NFCs). Well over 150 New Places for New People have been started in rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout the Conference! In each case, these NFCs have started as the seed of a dream in the heart of God’s people. Potential planters have been supported through discernment conversations with experienced planters, extensive training, group and individual coaching, and in some cases, financial support via a grant process. There are now thousands of new followers of Jesus because of the new places United Methodists have planted in Upper NY. Most significantly, the Upper New York Conference is much more diverse than it was ten years ago!
The good news is, God is still putting dreams in the hearts of God’s people! God is still calling gifted folks to plant new communities of faith! Many of them will need seed money to get started. Any gift to the New Places for New People Fund gets used to support the work of new church planters and their teams!
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to New Places for New People (New Faith Communities) #664
Contact Info:
Rev. David Masland
Phone: (607) 435-3048
Email: davidmasland@unyumc.org
Protestant Cooperative Ministry at Cornell #958
The Protestant Cooperative Ministry encourages the members of the Cornell community to seek God’s transforming power and struggle with the dynamic tensions of a life of Christian faith. It strives to follow the will of God by:
- Fostering spiritual search and growth in a relationship with a loving, living, life-giving God.
- Providing opportunities for friendship, fellowship, and fun.
- Building an inclusive and compassionate community, breaking down the walls that divide us.
Opening avenues of witness and service as a part of the world-wide community of the faithful.
Pictured is the Protestant Cooperative Ministry at Cornell from the Fall 2021 Retreat at Casowasco Retreat Center.
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to Protestant Cooperative Ministry at Cornell #958
Contact Info:
Taryn Mattice, Chaplain
P.O. Box 7052
Ithaca, NY 14851
Phone: (607) 255-4224
Email: protestant_coop@cornell.edu
Website: https://scl.cornell.edu/osmm
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc (RISSE) was founded in 2007 as an outreach project of Emmaus UMC in Albany, NY to help one family from the Congo get established in their new home. Fast-forward to 2022. Emmaus, First Methodist Delmar, Jonesville UMC, Burnt Hill – Ballston Spa UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and First Methodist East Greenbush are vital partners with RISSE. They actively support RISSE with their time, talent, and treasure.
RISSE incorporated in 2012 and has helped hundreds of people over the past decade. The mission is to help refugees and newly arrived immigrants create safe and sustainable lives. RISSE provides comprehensive, year-round English Language instruction and support services to the refugee and immigrant community. RISSE operates After-School and Summer Youth Programs, Adult English Literacy/Language Program, civics classes, life skills orientation, Job Search Assistance, Family Helpers, and more.
RISSE works directly with about 250 families a year utilizing one or more of their services. Their families are originally from more than 25 different countries, so they demonstrate racial and religious diversity. 98% of their family incomes are below national poverty levels. Some newcomers are victims of human trafficking; almost all suffer from some degree of PTSD. They come from war-torn or famine-stricken areas around the world. Families can spend up to 10 years in refugee camps. All families follow the established legal channels to become productive, tax-paying community members.
Volunteer opportunities are as varied as the RISSE families. Some volunteers work in our After-School classes to help with English as New Language, math tutoring, or listening to or reading to students. Others participate in our Adult Literacy Program where they can be one-on-one tutors online with students, many of whom are new arrivals from Afghanistan. Here’s one volunteer’s input: “I loved my time at the school. It is so full of energy, engagement & community spirit.” - Cindy, volunteer
Some congregants from the churches already mentioned make sure ALL the After-School students have Christmas gifts, warm coats, and mittens each year. A new community playground was built at RISSE in 2019. It was a love letter to their children from an ecumenical team of these churches, Jewish temples, Roman Catholic Deacons, and individuals from many faith communities.
The churches also created a free bike program in 2021 to help families with transportation to work or the store. Congregants interact with RISSE clients to help purchase bikes and deliver to their homes. Often, it is the first-time church members from the suburban areas are able to meet refugee families. This program was funded by a Mustard Seed grant from UMCOR to help establish connections and convey the message that refugees are welcome.
Here is an example how RISSE impacts clients’ lives. R. and her family originally came from Sudan as refugees. She has four daughters, and her son has special needs. RISSE found an appropriate after-school program for her son so she could work. She is the sole support of the family because her husband suffers from severe depression and is unable to work. Mental health problems, particularly PTSD, are common among our families. Two of her daughters still attend RISSE. R. attended English and civics classes at RISSE (where she also works). She achieved American citizenship and therefore, so have her younger children. She has learned how to drive and now owns a car. This family is an excellent case study of how RISSE helps the whole family with multiple services.
RISSE is now seeing an increased demand for services in 2022. The Federal Government increased the cap for accepting newcomers from 15,000 people to currently 125,000 per year. US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants anticipates 1-4 new families per month in the Capital Region and possibly more later in year. 300 people from Afghanistan have settled in the Capital District in the last six months. RISSE is the lifeline for new families to bridge the cultural and language gap between their lives in dire circumstances and new lives in the US.
RISSE thanks their church partners for their generosity and loyalty. Christ told us to love one another. Our UMC partners live out that commandment in so many ways. We are very grateful.
Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Click here to donate to Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) #423
Contact Info:
Cheryl Lasher, Development Director
715 Morris St.
Albany, NY 12208
Phone: (518) 621-1041
Email: cheryl.lasher@risse-albany.org
Website: www.risse-albany.org
Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
The Seneca Street UMC is an inner-city mission for children and their families. It's in the second generation of making a difference in South Buffalo in New York State. People in the neighborhood need social and emotional support and the church is engaged with them. The Church, together with the non-profit Community Development Corporation staff, work with volunteers to provide activities for all ages. Seneca Street UMC assists children and youth with educational support, basic services, and adequate nutrition. Children and youth participate in the extensive, free after-school program, which along with homework help and mentoring, provides science, exercise, musical instrument lessons, cooking classes, yoga, health workshops, field trips, computer access, guidance, recreation, gardening, and an evening meal. A seven-week long summer program features theme weeks.VBS, and a two-week Reading Camp along with fun weeks, and a field trip.
Sunday dinner was provided for 50-75 neighbors every week along with baked goods, household items, furniture, and much more. With COVID, Seneca Street UMC now offers take-out meals and continues to give over 200 meals a week.
Over the course of the year, more than 150 children are served by the 100 volunteers. The church ministry has evolved to empower people as leaders and to love our neighbors. Women attend retreats with other church women and weekly Bible chat over lunch invites all who attend to put the scripture into life. This church continues to be a safe haven and a beacon of hope. It's exciting so many people from the neighborhood now helping out others with the assistance of many churches.
This mission is entirely supported by the grace of God and the financial gifts of United Methodist churches and individuals.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Seneca Street UMC: Buffalo #964
Contact Info:
Rev. Dee Finch
1218 Seneca St.
Buffalo, NY 14210
Phone: (585) 330-2710 or the church at (716) 368-7914
Email: pastordeefinch@gmail.com
Southern Sudan Health Project #966
Southern Sudan Health Project’s (SSHP) Mission Statement says, “For the Glory of God we will strive to enable the development of community-based health systems and the holistic quality of life in Southern Sudan.” The project currently supports a total of eight Home Health Promoters (HHPs) in four villages around Malek, South Sudan. Four men and four women comprise the HHPs and are residents in the villages they serve. All received very basic training in effective health practices and in treatment of preventable diseases prevalent there. They address problems such as a lack of clean water, childhood vaccinations, and good hygiene practices as well as little access to latrines and safe childbirth practices. The HHPs provide medications for malaria, diarrhea, eye infections, and upper respiratory infections along with assessing and recommending more medical treatment for other health issues. Additionally, they provide educational trainings in preventive health care to groups such as pregnant women, school-aged children, independent families, women’s groups, youth and others. The HHP's are supervised by the local Bor County Health Department's supervisor who coordinates the project in South Sudan.
Pictured are Home Health Promoters Nhial and Rebecca meeting with villagers to diagnose and treat them.
The HHPs collect data for all their interactions and then submit the data to both the county health department and to the SSHP Committee in Syracuse, New York. Data show reduction in the cases of malaria, diarrhea and respiratory problems along with other prevalent health issues. Each month approximately 1,000 villagers receive health service through the HHPs. The workers report they see better hygienic practices by those they serve which helps reduce preventable health issues. Additionally, they find that villagers line up at their homes each morning because they value the HHPs’ services.
Pictured is an elderly man discussing his health concerns with his Home Health Promoters.
Before South Sudan became independent in 2011, many years of war resulted in the worst health care in the world. Some improvements were being achieved until war broke out again in 2014, halting improvements and progress. The HHPs fled their villages along with nearly all other residents, eventually going to displaced persons or refugee camps. The HHPS continued to provide their services even in these difficult living conditions. As peace gradually returned, they are returning to their villages and resuming their work back at home.
The annual cost for each HHP is $1500, which includes a monthly salary and supervision.
Pictured is Gai, a Home Health Promoter, using the clinic building to meet with villagers and to distribute medications as needed.
This model has improved health care in these Southern Sudanese villages. People in other villages as well as people living in refugee camps respect and value the services SSHP provides and consequently request expansion of the project. Even the county and state governments have requested that this program expand. SSHP wants to expand its services because the need is great and yield results in the improvement of villager’s health. SSHP sees its vision and mission becoming a reality as the HHPs continue their service to people who are in great need of loving and compassionate care as they face their harsh environment and difficult health issues. It is for the glory of God that SSHP works to raise the holistic quality of life for the villagers in Malek, South Sudan.
Fundraising Goal: $20,000 |
Contact Info:
Pastor Brad Hunt
8 Alicia Circle
Churchville, NY 14428
Phone: (315) 525-6859
Email: revbhunt@gmail.com
UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
To assist with the transportation of the Cleaning Kits (formerly called Flood Buckets), Health Kit,s and School Kits, UMCOR has asked that $2.00 per bucket be donated to help transport each Flood Bucket due to their heavier weight and $1.00 per kit be donated to help ship the other kits. These dollars are not to go in the kits, so this Advance Special was added to offer a way for churches to send their contributions through the Conference office. UMCOR has asked that information on what to pack in each kit or bucket can be found on the UMCOR web site at: www.umcor.org.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to UMCOR Kits Shipment Dollars #974
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
This Upper New York scholarship fund provides funds to volunteers engaged in mission. Persons can apply for financial support for taking in Volunteers In Mission (VIM) education courses, participating in VIM academy, and leading or participating in mission journeys led by trained leaders. The fund supports volunteers leading and engaging in mission.
Fundraising Goal: $2,000
Click here to donate to Volunteers in Mission Scholarship Fund #988
Contact Info:
Kristina Clark
7481 Henry Clay Blvd.
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: (315) 898-2000 ext. 2066
Email: kristinaclark@unyumc.org
The Watertown Urban Mission begins is an ecumenical interfaith venture to provide food for the hungry (averaging 530 households per month), clothing for those in need (Impossible Dream Thrift Store), help for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, independence/self-sufficiency for the working poor (Wheels for Work), and fellowship with spiritual supports at our drop-in center. All of their programs are seeing increased numbers of participants who are finding it difficult to make ends meet with the high cost of energy and rent.
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
Click here to donate to Watertown Urban Mission #990
Contact Info:
Dawn Cole, Exec. Director
247 Factory Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 782-8440
Email: dcole@watertownurbanmission.org
Website: