News Stories from July 2020

Central UMC’s free clothing bazaar a success

July 27, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: In August 2020, the Upper New York Conference will publish the Summer issue of the Advocate, which focuses on Keeping Connected. In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, churches have had to be creative in keeping connected, especially when they were unable to hold in-person worship services for months. The story below is one example of how an Upper New York Church creatively connected with its community. Keep …more

UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually

July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more

Introducing the UNY Conference Regional and District Associates

July 15, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

July 1 is always significant in the life of the United Methodist Church in Upper New York—it’s the start date for new appointments. This year, July 1 also marked the start date for Regional and District Associates across Upper New York. As this new way of ministry together begins, each Region has been given a name: The Northeast Region includes Adirondack, Albany, Northern Flow, and the Mohawk Districts. …more

Teen Challenge workers showing a true heart of Jesus at Manlius UMC ramp project

July 14, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Manlius UMC recently learned that their ramp was not up to code, and it had to be removed and replaced. The missions leader at Manlius UMC, Andrew Harding, contacted Mike Block, the Upper New York Conference Director of Missional Engagement about helping plan a ramp installation. Mike has directed several UMC teams on ramp installation sites with the help of Operation Northern Comfort, a local volunteer organization that helps those …more

Upper New York Red Bird Mission Shoebox Campaign 2020 seeking drop-off locations

July 14, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Dave Alexander and the mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church are again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission is a poverty-relief organization that serves a remote, impoverished population in Bell, Clay, and Leslie counties in southeastern Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist Missionary Conferences in the United States. It is the most …more

Register now for fall HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops

July 6, 2020 / By UNY Conference Benefits Office

The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops this fall. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting for January 1, 2021, all eligible, under 65 participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. In the HeathFlex Exchange, participants are given a monthly allowance, called a Premium Credit, with which to “shop” …more

Paycheck Protection Program Extended

July 1, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as …more