News Stories from March 2022
How University UMC is tackling the food insecurity crisis in Syracuse
March 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Syracuse has the highest poverty rate in the country among cities with at least 100,000 residents, and almost half of all children in Syracuse are living in poverty. This makes food security essential in the city of Syracuse. Further complicating the need, the COVID-19 pandemic hit those already in poverty, the hardest. In this environment, University UMC saw the need and enhanced their existing ministry to make an even greater difference. …more
Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC
March 30, 2022 / By UNY staff
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some …more
From attending a Bible study to becoming a pastor
March 29, 2022 / By Pastor Maryellen Moore, Middleburgh UMC and Warnersville UMC
Teresa was 10 years old when her mom took her to see Billy Graham. It was an experience she’ll never forget: “I felt the Spirit” for the first time. A few years later her step-father took her to a non-denominational church, where she responded to an alter call, confessed that she believed in Jesus Christ, and, again, she felt the Spirit, this time as though she was …more
Because we Care: We must do something to help Palestinians
March 22, 2022 / By UNY Palestine-Israel Task Force
Conflict between Jews and Palestinians arose as a tragic choice, occasioned largely by European experiences. In spite of decades of hostility, divine impulse calls people of faith to an inclusive human identity. The Palestine-Israel Task Force believes we are called to care about every person in Palestine-Israel: the land between “the River and the Sea.” Peace cannot come for any people alone until it comes for all …more
How the 2014 District Days helped us to define the UNY Conference focus
March 22, 2022 / By The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and UNY Director of Connectional Ministries
When it comes to seeing ourselves, its often helpful to hear from an outsider. An outsider can have fresh eyes and share observations which are “eye opening,” even startling. For example, in a recent document prepared by the law firm working with the Conference on legal matters, the Upper New York Conference was described as a “flat organization,” with power and authority disbursed among clergy and …more
Holy Land trip 2023
March 22, 2022 / By Syracuse United Methodist Ministries
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, February 14 - February 24, 2023. This trip will expand your knowledge of the Bible and the sacred land. A journey following in the footsteps of Jesus will change the way you read the Bible. We will explore, learn, and fellowship …more
Members stepping into leadership roles at Carthage UMC
March 21, 2022 / By Rev. Fran Hemstreet, Carthage UMC pastor
Worship planning had been part of the Administrative Council monthly agenda for years. When the pandemic started in 2020, the worship team began to meet separately from the Council. The members became more active in helping to plan worship services with the Certified Lay Minister. Doing services over Zoom and Facebook was a challenge. The Carthage UMC church family includes two people whose secular work requires digital expertise, and the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: NEJ Bishops issue message of vision and recommitment
March 18, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Webb to the Upper New York Conference on March 18, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb and the rest of the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops has issued a ten-minute video sharing their vision of recommitment and hope even in these times of fear, illness, division, grief, greed, and unbridled abuses of power. Click here to see this moving …more
Launchpad training starts next month
March 15, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(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 six Zoom 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
Developing the Intentional Discipleship System at Panama UMC
March 14, 2022 / By Tory Irgang, Growth and Vision Team Leader, Panama UMC
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20 As the foundation of our Christian faith, this verse has compelled followers 2,000 years with the same urgency that fueled the disciples who heard it commanded by Jesus himself. At the Panama …more