News Stories from December 2017
The New York State Council of Churches meets at the United Methodist Center
December 19, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The United Methodist Center hosted the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCOC) on Thursday Dec. 14 for their executive committee’s quarterly meeting. This meeting was attended by the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and the Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell of the Upper New York Conference; the Rev. Gideon Jebamani and Bishop Mary Glasspool of the Episcopal Church; Phil Garvey of the Presbyterian Church; chair of the committee, the Rev. Dustin Wright …more
Annual Conference petitions, resolutions, and reports due Feb. 15, 2018
December 18, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team
The Committee on Petitions and Resolutions is charged with overseeing the submission, review, and presentation of petitions and resolutions to the Annual Conference. All resolutions and petitions for the 2018 Annual Conference session must be submitted to the Committee no later than Feb. 15, 2018. Submissions should be emailed to the Director of Connectional Ministries Office at DCMOffice@unyumc.org. Click here for writing and submission guidelines as well as a petition …more
Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer to become Niagara Frontier DS
December 18, 2017 / By UNY Communications
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is pleased to announce his intention to appoint the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer as superintendent of the Niagara Frontier District, effective July 1, 2018. Rev. Rosa-Laguer currently serves as pastor of the Emmanuel and Churchville congregations of Rochester, NY, having served Emmanuel since 2000. Carlos has been involved in various leadership positions in Upper New York, as well as a predecessor conference. He has …more
Engaging with the UNY Conference through social media
December 13, 2017 / By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Some significant changes have taken place in the Upper New York Conference Communications ministry area recently, which has given the Conference Communications team the opportunity to think strategically about how to continue to improve the ways we tell our story. In assessing our communications channels’ strengths and weaknesses, one means of telling our story was clearly in need of work. That area was social media. In the coming weeks …more
Judy Campany hired as Administrative Assistant to Connectional Ministries
December 13, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Judy Campany joins the UNY Conference as Administrative Assistant to Connectional Ministries. This position opening resulted from budget-neutral staffing changes that included Vicki Swanson’s imminent retirement, Susan Latessa becoming the Director of Human Resources and Benefits, Cherish McGowan becoming the Office/Connectional Ministries Manager, and Karen Campolieto’s position changing to Media Resources Coordinator and Archives Assistant. Cherish will be supervising Judy. Judy not only brings …more
Empowering women and children in Colombia
December 12, 2017 / By Gracie Lynn Besse, Former Global Mission Fellow
I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the General Board of Global Ministries’ mission as an International Global Mission Fellow. I was placed in Bogotá, Colombia as media and program facilitator/instructor working with CEPALC, the Latin American Center for Inclusive Communication. CEPALC’s team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about helping women and children realize their full potential. They do …more
Bishop Mark J. Webb’s 2017 Christmas/Advent message
December 11, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
I love the words of the advent hymn entitled “Send Your Word:” Send your word, o Lord, like the rain falling down upon the earth. Send your word. We seek your endless grace, with souls that hunger and thirst, sorrow and agonize We would all be lost in dark without your guiding light. Send your word, o Lord, like the wind, blowing down upon the earth. Send your …more
Called to be a Hospice chaplain
December 6, 2017 / By Rev. Becky Naber, Baker Memorial UMC
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Advocate, which featured stories that showcased the theme of “Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places.” My first eight months as a Hospice chaplain have been full of wonder, surprise, and joy. How is this possible given that my patients are at the end of their lives? As Christians, …more
Important dates for 2018
December 6, 2017 / By UNY Communications
Be sure to mark your calendars for these important dates and deadlines set for 2018. Jan. 2: EZRA system opens Jan. 10: Final day to submit Ministry Shares Mid-End Jan.: Narrative Budget Booklet becomes available Feb. 15: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline for reports and action items from Conference teams Feb. 15: Final date to update statistics in EZRA system Early …more
Mike Block hired as Director of Missional Engagement
December 5, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mike Block has been hired as the Director of Missional Engagement of the Upper New York Conference. This position opening was made possible by a donation from Earlville UMC—their vote to discontinue included donating enough money to the new Upper New York Mission Central HUB to allow it to start operations, which included enough money to cover the salary of a Director for at least two years. Click …more