News Stories from January 2023
UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel update
January 31, 2023 / By Dianne Roe, UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel
Sabri and Heather Al Awawda hosted me (Corning First UMC member Dianne Roe) for five weeks in the fall of 2022 in their home in Al Eizariya( Bethany). I first met Shefa, Sabri’s Grandmother, in 1990 while on a Holy Land trip with Bishop Forrest Stith and laity and clergy from the NY West Area. Sabri became like a grandson to me after he moved here and married Heather, …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Superintendency Coverage for 2023-24
January 27, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following letter was emailed to clergy and laity in the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 27, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 Dear United Methodists in Upper New …more
Spiritual restoration in the wild
January 24, 2023 / By Rev. Henry Frueh, UNY Spiritual Director
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. The Rev. Frueh is a retired clergy member of the Upper New York Conference and a former hospice chaplain. He continues his ministry as a Spiritual Director. Nature saved Jesus from burnout. Overwhelmed by pastoral demands, he retreated “to a deserted place,” had soul-talk with …more
Cady Grant applications now available
January 24, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Ercil Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to a fund ministry, program or experience that benefits or provides education to, preferably but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Awards may be up to $5,000. Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, and District or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York. …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – 2023 Appointments Season
January 23, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following letter was emailed to clergy and laity in the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 23, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “Christ gave some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all …more
Ways to support your pastor across five dimensions of well-being
January 13, 2023 / By Wespath
Editor's Note: This article appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Good health is a foundation for effective pastoral leadership. The following “ways” are suggestions the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee and the congregation can use to support their pastor’s health and well-being in all its dimensions—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial—and thereby …more
Dr. Laura LeCours helps support pastors’ wellbeing
January 13, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Volume II edition of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. While congregants rely on pastors to help support their wellbeing, pastors are appreciative when members of their congregation look out for them and help them to take Sabbath, to take care of their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Many congregations throughout the Upper New York Conference have members in …more
Mothers in the Workplace Act amended
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective June 7, 2023, the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act is amended to provide specifications for lactation rooms and new policy requirements for employers. Among other provisions, employers will be required to provide affected employees with a location to express breast milk that is in close proximity to their workspace, well lit and shielded from view, and free from intrusion of other persons. The room must include a chair, a working …more
NYS exemptions increase now in effect and pay transparency law in effect this Sept.
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the salary threshold for employees classified as “exempt” under New York’s executive and administrative exemptions has increased to $1,064.25 per week, up from $990.00 per week. Allowances for meals, lodging, and utilities, as well as tip credits and uniform maintenance pay have all changed as well. Effective Sept. 17, 2023, all employers with four or more employees will be required disclose the compensation range in advertisements …more
NYS Human Rights Law update
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
Effective Dec. 23, 2022, the New York State Human Rights Law has been amended to add “citizenship” and “immigration status” to the list of covered protected categories in employment, and employers should update their policies accordingly. …more