News Stories from March 2021
Updated COVID-19 guidelines
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
As of Feb. 2, 2021, New York State (NYS) allows any church not in a restricted cluster to worship at 50% capacity. Click here for details. All other COVID protocols remain in place: Social distancing of 6 ft/12 ft for singers Masks required Disinfecting required Based on current guidance from the NYS and CDC, vaccination status does not change the requirements. Effective April 1, 2021, NYS will no longer require domestic travelers without symptoms to quarantine …more
The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner April 8 Virtual Discernment event
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
If you are laity in the United Methodist Church and feel called by God to a full-time vocation in service for those who are marginalized and in need, you are invited by the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner to attend a Virtual Discernment event Time Thursday, April 8,2021 at 8 p.m. EST Click here to register. Click here for a flyer. For more information, contact Megan Hale at …more
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more
The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner invites all to a Virtual Discernment Event
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
If you are laity in the United Methodist Church who and feel called by God to a full -time vocation in service for those who are marginalized and in need, consider attending a Virtual Discernment event hosted by the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner Time: Thursday, April 8,2021 at 8 p.m. EST Click here to register. Click here for a flyer. For more information, contact Megan Hale at …more
UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race Statement on Racism Directed at our Asian Brothers and Sisters
March 23, 2021 / By UNY Conference Commission on Religion & Race
Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? While we know that some racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by COVID 19, our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) brothers and sisters face a particularly cruel consequence of this virus. Crimes targeting AAPI have …more
Being a Methodist as a Native American
March 23, 2021 / By Kae Wilbert and Marilyn Anderson, CONAM
Marilyn Anderson has spent her life living on the Seneca Territory, surrounded by family and friends, both Traditional (Longhouse) and Christian. She is an enrolled Seneca. Her father was a product of the Thomas Indian Boarding School. She has been a devoted member of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) for 5+ years, driving 3 hours one-way to attend CONAM meetings held at the Upper New York (UNY) Conference center. She …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Violence in our country
March 23, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: In response to the recent Atlanta shootings and other acts of violence throughout our country the past week, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb sent the following letter to the UNY Conference on March 23, 2021. Last week, we witnessed the violent and senseless killing in Atlanta of eight individuals, six of whom were of Asian descent. Yesterday, the news reported another shooting in …more
Special Session of General Conference cancelled
March 23, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church met on Monday, March 22, 2021 in an additional meeting to consider pressing matters related to the Council’s work. After much conversation, the bishops reached a decision that in the best interest of the church at this time, they would cancel the Special Session of the General Conference which was set for May 8, 2021. The bishops announced that they will …more
New York State Employees entitled to paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations
March 22, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022. The new law provides that: All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. In other words, employees may be entitled to up to eight …more
Best wishes to Ryan Siver in his new endeavor
March 19, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A week from today will be the last day that Ryan Siver will serve as Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center’s Site Director. Ryan has served as Skye Farm’s Site Director for five years and will miss his home nestled in the Adirondacks as well as his position. Ryan said, “I have really enjoyed getting to know the volunteers over the years and will miss …more