News Stories from August 2021

Engaging in small group ministry on Facebook

August 30, 2021 / By UNY Communications

Upper New York Conference’s very own Lori Jagow (Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister) shared with Resource UMC many ways that you can engage your parishioners in small groups using Facebook. In her article, Lori mentions some of the following ways to engage with your Facebook community: • Comment on posts made by followers • Host weekly Facebook Live sessions with Q&A. Avoid one-way communication. Remember, people …more

But God—How Harris Hill UMC triumphed through the pandemic

August 23, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When COVID-19 swept the globe starting in March 2020, churches in UNY scrambled to start services in new ways. Like many churches, Katie Zettle, the pastor at Harris Hill UMC and her leadership team began connecting with congregants digitally. Katie said, “We had to find ways to reach the people of church without gathering, and what we thought would be two or three weeks turned into months of quarantine and …more

Digital discipleship catalyzes positive trends in UNY

August 17, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When COVID-19 swept the world in March 2020, we were forced to change the way we connect with God, the way we worship, and the way we serve. The Rev. Joungjae Jee, pastor at Jonesville UMC in the Albany District, said, “The pandemic mandated us to move our services online.” Interestingly, digital discipleship provided a silver lining during a devastating global pandemic—worship attendance increased for many churches …more

Praise and Pizza-a Friday night service at Baldwinsville UMC

August 16, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

“People need to remember that there are six-and-a half other days of the week.” This is what Albany and Adirondack District Superintendent, the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl said about the opportunity to worship at Baldwinsville UMC’s “Praise and Pizza” Friday night worship services that began in July. Praise and Pizza is a casual service offered in Baldwinsville UMC’s chapel and is hosted by …more

How Bridgeport UMC connects with its community

August 9, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

When the question, “What does this community need?” was posed at a ministry meeting at Bridgeport UMC in 2019, the team members weren’t expecting an idea that would keep them awake at night...for many nights. They wanted something fresh, something new, yet something needed. The pastor at the time, the Rev. Diane DiLuzio, answered, “Maybe a farmer’s market.” Ministry team member Judy …more

Grants available for local church racial/ethnic ministries

August 2, 2021 / By Discipleship Ministries

Grants up to $10,000 will be available this fall from Discipleship Ministries to strengthen leadership training, small groups, worship, stewardship and spiritual formation in ethnic local United Methodist churches. The application deadline for Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns (RELCC) grants is Sept. 1. “Discipleship Ministries is grateful to be able to serve The United Methodist Church by offering support to ethnic local churches and other entities that develop disciples and promote …more