News Stories from June 2022
How the Sacred Sites program helps preserve UNY churches
June 28, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Many of the local churches in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference are considered landmarks; several of our churches are over 100 years old. Over time, these church buildings face structural damages from the foundation to the roof, from the stained-glass windows to the steeples. Our churches are more than just buildings; they are gathering places not only for congregations, but also, communities. These churches evoke meaning for Scouts groups or …more
Meet Kristina Clark, the new UNY Director of Missional Engagement
June 21, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is excited to announce the hiring of Kristina Clark as the new Director of Missional Engagement. She will start this role on July 5, 2022. Kristina grew up in the former Wyoming Conference where her family attended the South Gibson United Methodist Church in rural Northeastern PA. Though the congregation was small, Kristina was part of an active youth group that focused on mission and outreach. …more
UNY Mission Central HUB seeking volunteers
June 17, 2022 / By MaryBeth Ingalls Upper New York Conference Mission Volunteer Coordinator
Since the COVID-19 outbreak The Upper New York Conference Mission Central HUB has been struggling to receive donations and volunteers are few. I hope this article brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high. Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. I have been seeing this phrase a lot …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: District Superintendent appointments extended
June 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to the Upper New York Conference on June 16, 2022 on behalf of Bishop Webb. Dear Friends, As we continue to mourn the loss of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Vonda Fossitt, we celebrate the life, ministry, and witness to Christ that she lived among us and the new life in Christ she now experiences. I know you join me in continuing to pray …more
New BSA Relationship Agreement Information
June 14, 2022 / By UNY Communications
The United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have mutually developed and agreed to a new relationship agreement govern the relationship between local UMC congregations and BSA troops and packs. To help orient congregational scouting leaders, an information webinar will be held this Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend this meeting, a video link and FAQ will be made available following the …more
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Summer Camp-a place to unwind
June 14, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center is unique in that it offers programming for both the special needs community ages 18-65 as well as school-aged children. While sessions for both groups used to happen concurrently, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in three weeks of camp devoted to the special needs community (July 4-July 22) and three weeks of camp devoted to school-aged children and youth (July 24-Aug. 12). Sky Lake staff decided …more
Members of University UMC of Buffalo discover connection to Methodist minister Daniel Coker
June 14, 2022 / By Kathleen Christiansen
While honoring Black Methodists in February 2022 for Black History Month, the University United Methodist Church of Buffalo made a shocking discovery. A family who belongs to the church has ties to prominent Methodist minister and missionary Daniel Coker. About 15 years ago, Sierra Leone immigrant Jimmy Mackay came to the University UMC of Buffalo, which helped him attain his U.S. citizenship. Mackay, who passed away four years ago, was an …more
Making progress because of Jesus
June 14, 2022 / By Chaplain Bruce Maxwell, Deacon of Upper New York, serving in Susquehanna Conference
Billy and his mom can’t live together. Billy is rough around the edges and knows how to move on when the staying is too much. Billy loves his mom; she lives in St. Louis and gets a visit from Billy every few years. She gave birth to Billy at age 15 and was dealing with her own adolescent issues. Billy nearly died as a toddler, being poisoned with hair …more
Boundless opportunities at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center this Summer
June 7, 2022 / By Jillian Pietruch
Those of us who have experienced the blessing of Aldersgate know the deep, unerring sense of peace that can be found onsite. We carry these memories with us – triggered throughout our lives by a warm breeze off a pine tree, the sounds of nature, a hymn, or a hug from a lifelong friend. For a couple years now, the only way for most of us to reexperience camp has …more
The 2022 Lottie Brown Scholarship recipients announced
June 7, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year the Upper New York Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. This year’s recipients are Dakota Stott, Joshua Chun, Jonathan Smith, Will Allen, and Amethyst Gardener. Dakota is majoring in Youth Ministry at Eastern University. She plans to go to seminary after graduating on the path to become a full-time …more