News Stories from March 2020
Ministry by Mail at Endicott Central United Methodist Church
March 31, 2020 / By Laurel O’Conner, Director of Christian Education Central United Methodist Church
Responding to the Coronavirus outbreak has been like being put into a blender and trying to figure out what comes out. I know of clergy colleagues who have been stretched to the limit and beyond. I've spent time talking to colleagues about how we can possibly emerge from this time with even greater capacity to do good in the world, and have also spent time talking to colleagues about …more
Jason Moore/Midnight Oil April 6 Webinar: Tell the Old Story in a New Time
March 30, 2020 / By By UNY Communications
Almost overnight, we find ourselves in a new and unfamiliar world. The COVID-19 virus has changed everything about our lives, including how we worship. What is the church to do in such a time as this? With the social distancing practices preventing our physical gatherings, how do we connect and make our message resonate with a world in chaos? Now more than ever, the church can lead the charge in …more
Important information for UNY retirees
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Benefits
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to UNY retirees from the UNY Benefits office on March 25. Given the current uncertainty of how the COVID-19 virus will affect planned face to face meetings, we are deciding to be proactive in our planning. We are not, at this time, cancelling our May 1st Retiree Seminar. However, there are things that you can do to get all of the …more
Connectional Table Issues Statement on Allocations
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Editor's Note: The following statement was relased on March 25, 2020. In response to the recent decision by the Commission on the General Conference to delay General Conference because of the coronavirus, the Connectional Table Executive Committee, following the recommendation of the CT Allocations Team, has affirmed postponing any decision about changing budget allocations based on GCFA’s recent recommendation to reduce the budget by an additional $80.4 million. Click here …more
Saratoga Springs UMC outstandingly shows how to “Be the Church” on Facebook
March 25, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Several local churches in Upper New York have been hosting dynamic livestreamed services on Facebook in place of their normal Sunday services. This has helped their communities remain connected during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some churches have also offered support through Facebook in other, creative ways. Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church (SSUMC) is just one of Upper New York’s churches “being God’s love …more
Wesley Theological Seminary Course of Study Program moves online
March 24, 2020 / By UNY Communications
The Spring Upper New York Satellite School for the Course of Study is being moved to a fully online format. Assignments will be posted in Blackboard. Please log on through the Wesley Theological Seminary webpage https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/my-wesley/ You must have your login information for the Wesley system in order to access Blackboard. Please be in touch with COSregistration@wesleyseminary.edu if you do not have your information. …more
Guidance on Governor Cuomo’s executive order
March 24, 2020 / By UNY Communications
On Friday, March 20, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating 100% of the workforce to stay home, excluding essential services. Through the Governor’s Office for Faith Based Initiatives we’ve learned the Governor has clarified his guidance about the mandate that 100% of the workforce to stay home as it relates to houses of worship: Faith leaders can continue to record …more
General Conference to move to 2021
March 23, 2020 / By Commission on the General Conference
Editor's note:The United Methodist Commission on the General Conference released the below announcement on March 23, 2020. Subsequent to the announcement by the Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference that the 2020 General Conference will be postponed, the full Commission met March 21, 2020 to determine next steps to take in setting a new date. After hearing recommendations from Sara Hotchkiss, Business Manager of the General …more
Preregister for the HealthFlex Exchange webinar
March 23, 2020 / By Julie Valeski, Benefits Administrator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to members of the Upper New York Conference on March 23, 2020. Wespath will be hosting a webinar Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT on HealthFlex Exchange. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. HealthFlex Exchange uses a …more
Adjustments to Local Church Bill Arrearage Policy, recent legislation to help ease financial burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic, Employee Assistance Program information
March 23, 2020 / By Susan Latessa, UNY Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 With the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the United States, especially here in New York State, updates, legislation, orders from national, state and local officials have been constantly changing, leaving people nervous, and wondering what is available to them to help manage the disruption and get through this unprecedented time. I am …more