News Stories from January 2018
What’s new with the UNY Historical Society
January 22, 2018 / By UNY Historical Society Committee
The UNY Historical Society has created a newsletter that shares fascinating and useful information. The UNY Historical Society News & Views Issue 1 of 2018 has been released. This issue reveals some interesting historical stories from places throughout the Conference, dating back to the mid-1800s. This issue also provides guidance on what to keep and what to toss at local churches. If you are interested in joining the UNY Historical Society, …more
A Christmas Eve truck stop church service
January 16, 2018 / By Sandra Brands
Just off Exit 28 on the New York Thruway, I-90, there are three truck stops. The largest, TA Truck Stop in Fultonville, was where the Fonda-Fultonville United Methodist Church held Christmas Eve Services. Accompanied by members of the community, many who had been associated with the church in the past, the pastor and 51 others held services the evening of Dec. 24. At least half of them were not members of the church, …more
My second day in Puerto Rico for humanitarian relief
January 16, 2018 / By Thaddeus Pinckney
Not, how much of my money will I give to God, but how much of God's money will I keep for myself. -John Wesley On the second day of a trip to Puerto Rico to witness the humanitarian and disaster relief efforts by the United Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and UMCOR after Hurricane Maria, Pastor Carmelo Tosado Moya, Jr. graciously volunteered to not only show the gorgeous charm …more
My first day in Puerto Rico for Humanitarian Relief
January 10, 2018 / By Thaddeus Pinckney
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” John Wesley Good-works, inspiration, persistence are all qualities that describe Pastor Yeika Huertas as she is trying to lead her church in storm-struck Carolina Puerto Rico. …more
Called to help displaced Puerto Ricans now living in Rochester, NY
January 10, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma swept across Puerto Rico, killing 16 people, destroying homes, and leaving many residents without electricity. Just two weeks later, an even more destructive Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, leaving a much higher death toll, and this time, hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced. UMCOR and other mission teams are traveling to Puerto Rico and engaging in continuous disaster relief. If you are unable to or untrained …more
Upcoming District Training Days
January 9, 2018 / By UNY Communications Team
In the coming weeks, several Districts are offering the following leadership trainings. Jan. 20: The Albany District’s District Leadership Team will be hosting a workshop entitled “Creating an L3 Environment” from 9 a.m. to noon at Calvary UMC. The registration deadline is Jan. 15. Click here for more information. Jan. 27: The Mohawk District strongly encourages participation in a Leadership Summit taking place at Centerpoint Christian Fellowship from 10 a …more
An Opportunity to Serve: Imagine No Racism District Volunteer Advocate
January 8, 2018 / By Teressa Sivers, Chair of the Bishop's Taskforce on Eliminating Racism
Editor’s Note: In the video above, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb invites members of the Upper New York Annual Conference to become an Imagine No Racism District Volunteer Advocate. An article describing this position follows. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 [Jesus] said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your …more
Social Holiness concerns: From the inside out
January 2, 2018 / By Richard Gianzero
In 2017, New York State stopped housing minors inside adult prisons. I was convicted of attempted murder and spent 14 years in maximum security at Wende, Elmira, and Coxsackie Correctional Facilities. I grew up in prison. I became a Christian in prison. Shortly after my 30th birthday, the parole board released me – 11 years ago now. When I walked out of Coxsackie, I carried a towel with me. If released, I promised …more