News Stories from August 2020
Vacation Bible School goes Virtual
August 31, 2020 / By By Gayle M. Kryger,
Editor’s Note: The following article, which originally appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate, showcases how strong the United Methodist Connection can be. Virgil UMC, a very small church in the Upper New York Conference, partnered with a very large church, Zionsville UMC in the Indiana United Methodist Conference, to put on a successful virtual Vacation Bible School. At Virgil United Methodist Church, during April, it …more
Caring for children amidst COVID-19 and beyond
August 31, 2020 / By By Deacon Carrie Wolfe, Olean: Christ UMC
Editor's Note: The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate focused on the theme "Keeping Connected." The following article was featured in that issue. Click here for the full issue. In Matthew 18:6 (GNT), Jesus says, “If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around their neck and be drowned …more
How Pastor Hoyt provides spiritual warmth digitally
August 20, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed digital discipleship for many churches throughout the Upper New York Conference. The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate highlights many ways that churches have grown disciples digitally and through other creative ways.The following story about the Rev. Hoyt Brown is one of the stories featured in this Advocate issue. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rev. Hoyt Brown, the pastor at Livonia …more
Betsy Schuessler invites you to participate in Manna in the Wilderness
August 20, 2020 / By Betsy Schuessler, UNYCRM Executive Assistant
Editor’s Note: Many people in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference may know Betsy Schuessler as the Executive Assistant for Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM). She has actually been connected to the UNY CRM since she was only 3 years old. Below Betsy shares what camp has meant to her and why she feels the Manna in the Wilderness campaign is so important. Our family moved to Gouverneur when …more
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
August 20, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As previously communicated, New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer’s sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and during each …more
Tentative AC2020 agenda
August 19, 2020 / By UNY Communications
As previously published, the 2020 Upper New York Annual Conference will be abbreviated and livestreamed on Oct. 3, with the clergy session taking place on Sept. 19 and the ordination (attendance by invitation only) taking place on Oct. 2. The tentative schedule is below with an added practice session for the logging in process. Registration and voting details will be released as soon as they are available. Friday, Sept. 18: 7 p.m. Practice Session (open …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Keeping connected
August 18, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: The following letter is Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb’s introduction to the Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate, which highlights stories of unique ways that churches across the UNY Conference have been keeping connected since being faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the issue. “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will …more
Valerie Clark elected to UMW Board of Directors
August 18, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 16, 2020, Valerie Clark sat nervously at her dining room table. She was watching the livestream of the Northeastern Jurisdiction elections. A recognized leader in the Upper New York Conference, Valerie is a member of both the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team and the Genesee Valley District Leadership Team. Valerie is also a strong leader at the national level, serving on the program advisory group for United Methodist Women …more
Why I am supporting the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
August 17, 2020 / By Rev. Bill Mudge
As you may be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family, and group retreats and gatherings. While these sites have begun opening some opportunities, the pandemic will continue to limit what is possible for a long time. These precious ministries have entered a “wilderness time” of …more
Social media—the perfect place to begin digital discipleship
August 7, 2020 / By Lori Jagow, Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister
Editor's Note: The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate focuses on "Keeping Connected;" the issue focuses on stories similar to this. Be sure to click here to read the issue and learn about the many ways that the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for churches across Upper New York to keep connected with their communities and congregations, and even expand their reach. A wonderful example of tapping into the …more