News Stories from January 2024

Transforming lives through compassion in Uganda

January 31, 2024 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and …more

The importance of church statistics

January 19, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

There are many reasons why church statistics are so important and why they need to be up-to-date. First and foremost, they are there to help your church mission. Statistics allow a church to see trends such as growth or decline in membership, revenue, expenses, attendance, membership makeup, amount of youth, and more. These trends can help a church plan for the future. There are many distinct groups who view and …more

2024 Bishop’s Retreat focuses on wellness

January 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Fellowship, worship, times of learning, and a little bit of magic happened at the 2024 Bishop’s Retreat. This was the first Bishop’s Retreat since 2019, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first retreat hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez.   “This year’s retreat provided a time for reconnecting with God and …more

New York State Minimum Wage / Salary Increase, Effective January 1, 2024

January 11, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, New York State increased the minimum wage for hourly (non-exempt) employees as well as the minimum salary amount for salaried (exempt) employees. The new amounts for New York State (excluding New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) are: HOURLY (Non-exempt): $15.00/hour  SALARY (Exempt): $1,124.20 per week / $58,458.40 per year Employers within the Upper New York Conference, regardless of the number of employees, must pay non-exempt staff the minimum wage. …more

From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: 2024 Appointment Season

January 11, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodist of Upper New York via email on Jan. 11 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the 2024 appointment season.                                                                …more

Steve Alexander named new Site Director at Casowasco

January 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s newest site director is no stranger to Upper New York. Steve Alexander is a member of Lansing United Methodist Church and a former certified Early Response Team leader. Steve stepped into the role on Jan. 8 following an extensive search. He replaces the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, who has served as the Acting Site Director since October 2022. Rev. Dr. Harris will remain in the …more

Imagining No Racism during Lent

January 9, 2024 / By Georgia Whitney, Co-Convener of the Conference Commission on Religion & Race / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lent is a season of introspection and awareness, a great time to reflect on some of the challenging realities of our society. So, if you’re looking for a good Lenten study next month, please think about being part of the next Imagine No Racism class.   The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer this a six-session small group study on Zoom, from Feb. 16 through …more

Tax workshops geared for clergy

January 5, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

A new year means it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming tax season. Did you know clergy are treated differently under the tax code than virtually anybody else in the country?   Filing your taxes can be overwhelming. Let the Rev. Susan Ranous help guide you through the process. Rev. Ranous is an ordained deacon and Certified Public Accountant. She is hosting a two-hour workshop in …more

From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Happy New Year

January 2, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Tuesday, Jan. 2.  Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, Happy New Year 2024! I thank God for the countless blessings we received in 2023! I am also grateful for the faithful witness, ministry and generosity of UNY’s disciples, servant …more

Ministry loaning free medical equipment for more than 50 years

January 2, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In 1970, Raymond Welker put a cane he wasn’t using in a closet at Dresden United Methodist Church. His hope was that anyone could use it if they needed it. What started with one cane more than 50 years ago has turned into a three-car garage full of medical equipment for others to borrow, free of charge.    “We found that insurance typically does not cover items …more