News Stories from December 2019

Celebrating Carol Barnes for over 20 years of work with Safe Sanctuaries

December 16, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When Carol Barnes retired from teaching in 2006, she turned to God, pondering and praying about what she was to do next. The answer was Safe Sanctuaries®, primarily trainings. At the time, Carol was in the former Wyoming Conference. When the Wyoming Conference was transitioning to become part of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference in 2010-2011, Carol was selected as the Training Coordinator and Manager of Safe Sanctuaries for …more

Sessions Team continues work on Annual Conference 2020

December 11, 2019 / By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On Tuesday, Dec. 10 the Sessions Team gathered at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool to continue their work of planning for the 2020 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference. They shared both their ongoing work and new tasks that need to be completed to make Annual Conference happen. There were several important decisions made, including: The special offerings at Annual Conference will include offerings for Mission of Peace, the …more

Upper New York Imagine No Racism through preaching contest

December 9, 2019 / By Rev. Harold Wheat

Early in the New Year, Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2020, the Upper New York Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will welcome submissions of sermons designed to call out and dismantle racism. A panel of judges will recognize the sermon that most effectively engages and motivates listeners to imagine and build a world free of racism. The Pastor, Lay Preacher, or Deacon preaching this sermon will be honored at Annual Conference. …more

Minimum wage, salary, and arrearage policy changes for 2020

December 4, 2019 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Greetings! Your Conference staff sincerely hopes that you are well and receiving the blessings that the Season of Advent brings to us as followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Enclosed you will find your monthly billing statement along with important information pertaining to the new minimum wage and salary requirements and a new direct bill arrearage policy. Information on both items are detailed below. Minimum wage/salary requirements …more

Nominations Committee accepting nominations for UNY ministry teams

December 4, 2019 / By Rev. Tony Hipes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for almost all Upper New York Conference ministry teams. Their team has begun its work of developing a list of nominees for consideration at our upcoming Upper New York Annual Conference session (May 28-30, 2020). While each Conference ministry team has a focus, all exist to equip clergy, laity, and their churches to live our mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. …more

Discipleship Systems resources

December 3, 2019 / By UNY Communications

Editor’s Note: The 2019 Issue II of the Advocate focused on Discipleship Systems. These are the resources that were suggested for more reading on the topic. Online: See all the People: www.seeallthepeople.org From the resource Center: Three Simple Rules for Christian Living By Reuben P. Job A Wesleyan Way of Living-Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay In Love With God. This study is designed to help …more

Conference Office closed

December 2, 2019 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool will be closed today, Dec. 2. It is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, Dec. 3. …more