News Stories from April 2020
Relief efforts from Wespath and the CBOPHB during the COVID-19 Crisis—Amendment to Arrearage Policy Enforcement Delay
April 28, 2020 / By Susan Latessa, UNY Director of Human Resources/Benefits
The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) amended its former decision to delay the enforcement of the new arrearage policy until June 15, 2020. The only change is the date - the delay of the enforcement of the new arrearage policy is in effect until July 1, 2020. In an effort to support Annual Conferences who would like to provide assistance to local churches that may be struggling to meet their monthly …more
New Form I-9 effective May 1, 2020
April 23, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
A new version of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form is available and is mandatory for use effective May 1, 2020. The new form is available here. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publishes a paper I-9 Form and an electronic, fillable I-9 Form. The new version of the paper form has no changes from the prior version. The form is used to verify the identity …more
CARES Act Update
April 22, 2020 / By Bob Flask and the Rev. Susan Ranous
The following statement was sent to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference on April 22, on behalf of UNY Treasurer, Bob Flask, and Chair of the UNY CF&A, the Rev. Susan Ranous. As I am sure most of you have seen, the funding for the Paychex Protection Plan (PPP) and the EIDL Loan under the CARES Act has been fully exhausted. However, there is another stimulus package that is …more
Why I am grateful for VIM work
April 21, 2020 / By Janet Huston, Schenectady First UMC
Editor’s Note: The Spring 2020 issue of the Advocate will be available electronically in May 2020. The issue will focus on mission work. Mission work has been an enriching part of many peoples’ lives across Upper New York. Below, you will be able to delve into Janet and Peter Huston’s experience with mission work that spans over 50 years. I am very grateful for the United Methodist …more
Now more than ever! Faith community support for those experiencing abuse
April 14, 2020 / By Rev. Dr. Anne Marie Hunter, Elder New England Annual Conference Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
Last week, in downtown Boston, a sign appeared in an apartment window that is visible from the adjoining apartment where older adults live. The sign says, “Call me if you need help,” and provides a name and phone number. As COVID-19 spreads in our families, congregations, and communities, we are all reaching out to those we know and love - even to complete strangers. During this difficult time, …more
Christian Stewardship live conversation with Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and Rev. Susan Ranous
April 9, 2020 / By UNY Communications
We believe in a God of abundance, not scarcity. But how do we translate this belief into effective stewardship practices in a time of pandemic, social distancing, and economic insecurity? On Tuesday April 14 at 2 p.m. and Thursday April 16 at 7 p.m., the Rev. Bill Gottschalk Fielding, Upper New York (UNY) Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, and the Rev. Susan Ranous, Chair of the …more
Enhance your Easter service with Casowasco resources
April 9, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center is first and foremost an extension of and resource to the local church. As congregations venture into uncharted waters during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Casowasco staff is seeking new ways to be in ministry with the churches and congregations of the Upper New York Conference. With Easter Sunday approaching, they want to help churches enhance their Holy Week experience with a variety of resources, including …more
The UNY Cabinet and Bishop Webb urge congregations to avoid gatherings of any kind
April 7, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb and UNY Cabinet
Editor's Note: On Tuesday April 7, 2020, The Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet and UNY Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the UNY Conference. Dear Pastors and Laity of the Upper New York Conference: Grace is yours and peace through Jesus Christ! Almighty God, hear our prayers for the Church and for the world. Grant that all who confess your name may be united in …more
Chaplaincy in a COVID 19 World
April 7, 2020 / By Rev. Cathy Hall Stengel
- “I just pray,” responded an RN when asked how she got through the code and death of a young man. - “I imagine it’s my brother because it might be next week,” said a provider caring for a man in his 50s. - “He’s my daddy; I know he’s sick, but he’s the only daddy I will …more
Broad Street UMC Face Mask project
April 7, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The coronavirus pandemic is a frightening time and many people feel inclined to help, but do not know how. Many UNY Methodist churches are helping in ways permissible with the social distancing mandates. Broad Street UMC is one of them! Broad Street UMC has started a face mask project for area hospitals and medical centers. One of the church’s members works in the ER at a local hospital …more