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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    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

    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

    Updated workplace posting requirements

    January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist

    There are two new laws reflecting workplace required postings at the workplace. Effective Dec. 16, 2022, employers must post all required federal and state workplace postings (such as EEO, unemployment, minimum wage) electronically, either by placing them on its website or by emailing them to employees. Employees must also be informed that the posters are available electronically. Penalties start at $100 and increase for every subsequent violation under this law. Effective Jan. …more



    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."