News Stories from June 2023
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Affirmative Action
June 30, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on June 30, 2023. “Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out.” Isaiah 1:17a (MSG) Dear siblings in Christ, As United Methodists, we are called to work for peace and justice for God’s children. The construct of …more
Monitoring report at AC2023
June 30, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At each Annual Conference in Upper New York, the speakers on the floor are asked to state their name, race/ethnic identification, gender identification, whether they are laity or clergy, what church they represent, and their district. This information allows the Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) to report back to United Methodists of Upper New York as well as the General Conference, the dynamics of …more
Expecting the unexpected guest
June 28, 2023 / By Daniel J. Bradley, Pastor at Faith Journey UMC
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that bit did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that …more
District contact information beginning July 1
June 27, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beginning July 1, United Methodists of Upper New York will begin a new structure for District Superintendents and Administrative Assistants. Six District Superintendents (DS) will serve two districts and each will have a Superintendency Administrative Assistant (SAA). You can read about the structure previously announced here. Use the following information to contact your DS or SAA beginning July 1. Click here to print a copy. Adirondack and Albany Districts DS: Rev. …more
The importance of Advance Specials
June 26, 2023 / By The Rev. Jeff Childs
Each year at the United Methodists of Upper New York Annual Conference we vote on a list of the Conference Advance Specials. What are they? There are three different types of Advance Specials in the Book of Discipline for the General Church, Annual Conferences, and Districts. Currently we do not have any District Advance Specials but hope to encourage and develop some this coming year; we have 21 Conference Advance Specials …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Safe Haven Congregations
June 26, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on June 26, 2023. “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I thank God for the joy and hope I experienced as United Methodists of …more
Six steps to building a successful Discipleship Pathway
June 22, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, attendees were inspired by the Rev. Trey Wince’s engaging learning session on “Building a Discipleship Pathway.” Rev. Wince began his time with some humorous personal stories to connect with the audience. One story involved getting a shot at the doctor’s office, which happened to be located within a teaching hospital. His shot was administered in front of 30 …more
A good year for the Conference Commission on Religion and Race
June 19, 2023 / By Georgia Whitney, Co-Convener CCORR
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race is making good progress in its mission to challenge, lead, and equip The United Methodists of Upper New York to become interculturally competent, ensure institutional equity, and facilitate vital conversations. Here’s what we’ve been up to in the last year: Imagine No Racism (INR) At least five new groups experienced the INR 2.0 curriculum, and we have a total …more
Clergy recognized, commissioned, and ordained at AC2023
June 19, 2023 / By Tara Barnes, Director of Denominational Relations, United Women in Faith
A Service of Commissioning and Ordination was held Friday June 2 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, part of the 14th Annual Conference of the United Methodists of Upper New York. Five people were commissioned and 10 ordained, and the orders and full membership were recognized for four clergy members transferring to The United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. Presiding Bishop, Héctor Burgos Nuñ …more
Betsy O’Flynn named the 2023 Denman Award for Laity
June 19, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We are pleased to announce that the Conference Leadership Team has selected Betsy O’Flynn, Genesee Valley District Administrative Assistant, as the recipient of this year’s Harry Denman Evangelism Award, an award that honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Betsy’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her title. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect with …more