News Stories from April 2021

The grace to admit fragility

April 27, 2021 / By Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell

“The Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power can rest on me.   Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, …more

Bishops call for dismantling systematic racism in aftermath of George Floyd verdict

April 21, 2021 / By UNY Communications

Editor's Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on April 20, 2021  after a jury convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, nearly a year after a viral video of the Black man gasping for breath pinned beneath the White officer’s knee sent millions into the streets demanding justice and forcing a national reckoning on …more

District Leadership Training offered starting next month

April 21, 2021 / By UNY Communications

Leadership trainings are underway throughout the Upper New York Districts. Two trainings that will be starting soon are being hosted by the Albany District and the Crossroads District. The Albany District is offering a two-day workshop (May 7-8, 2021) led by the Rev. Bill Mudge and the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, entitled “Developing and Maintaining an Outward Heartset & Mindset.” This workshop is open to laity and clergy. The registration …more

Upper New York New Faith Communities Team’s empowering new structure

April 20, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In his seven years as Director of New Faith Communities, the Rev. Dave Masland helped church planters create dozens of New Faith Communities (NFCs) across Upper New York (UNY). Dave retired in December 2020, but still works with the UNY Conference part time, supporting planting efforts in the Conference. In that time, he has been equipping a team of New Faith Communities allies that anybody in the Conference can contact about …more

Fraudulent Unemployment Claims in UNY

April 14, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Upper NY Conference office has seen an increase in fraudulent unemployment claims for Conference staff. We have received a few calls from churches who participate in unemployment insurance that they have as well. Please note: Churches are not required to participate in unemployment insurance but some voluntarily do for their lay staff. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A FRAUDULENT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM?   If the church, as the …more

Launchpad Spring 2021 starts April 22

April 13, 2021 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Do you want to reach New People? Or plant a new ministry or even a new church? Launchpad is the training for churches and church planters looking to create New Places for New people. Over 6 Sessions, your team will learn How to engage new people outside of your church How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship How to establish a 6-month plan with 1 year of …more

Peace with Justice grant deadline quickly approaching

April 9, 2021 / By Heather Smith, Peace with Justice coordinator

As we look toward our next Peace with Justice Grant application deadline – April 30 – I wanted to highlight the ministries that received Peace with Justice Grants in 2020. In May, the Social Holiness Team awarded Niagara Frontier City Ministries a grant to help them support their work to provide masks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products to the underserved in their area around Buffalo and Niagara Falls. This area and especially …more

Newark Emmanuel UMC growing a small congregation through successful ministries

April 7, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When Pastor Della Ludwig was appointed to Newark: Emmanuel UMC in 2018, she was delighted and ready to take on a challenge. Her District Super Intendent, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell said to her, “This is a very mission-oriented church.” That it was and that it still is—only then there were seven to 10 members of the church and today there are over 20. Della said, “When I …more