News Stories from December 2021

My experience as a mentor

December 13, 2021 / By Rhonda Chester, MDIV, United Methodist Ecumenical Chaplain Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University

Editor's Note: The following article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on mentorship. Click here to access the issue.  I am looking at a power outlet on the wall here in my office. Reflecting on mentoring, I realize that it is all about tapping into the power that is available to you. Mentoring is about plugging into the right sources to access the …more

From isolation ministry to collaboration in UNY

December 13, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens

Editor's Note: The following article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on mentorship. Click here to access the full issue. It has been said being a servant who is leading in the church is lonely work. Often there is a hesitation to reach out to fellow leaders within the congregation and in neighboring congregations. This isolation breeds burnout and frustration with ministry. Over the …more

From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Why I encourage mentoring

December 7, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb

Editor's Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate focused on how mentors help pave the way into individuals’ ministries. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb introduced this issue with this article, sharing several examples of mentorship in the Bible. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the …more

Celebrating the retirement of three phenomenal staff members

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

With combined service of close to 50 years, Upper New York celebrates the Dec. 31, 2021 retirement of Karen Campolieto (Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant), Pat Toukatly (Property Specialist), and Alma Mailkow (Accounts Payable/Payroll Specialist). Karen has been with the Conference for 26 years between the former North Central NY (CNY) Conference and the Upper New York (UNY) Conference (15 years CNY and 11 years at UNY). Karen plans to spend retirement by …more

Vote NO on BSA bankruptcy plan

December 1, 2021 / By The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and UNY Director of Connectional Ministries

The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee has notified Conferences that it recommends all churches reject the BSA bankruptcy plan, i.e., vote no: After months of mediation to achieve a settlement in the BSA bankruptcy and working with annual conferences about voting on the plan, the United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee recommends voting NO on the plan. We do not have a signed settlement that would bring healing to the …more