News Stories from August 2024
Pastor takes the plunge to raise funds for mission of youths’ choice
August 29, 2024 / By Mary Dalglish / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The sounds of splashing and cheers of children can be heard for blocks at First United Methodist Church of Mexico. Here, the phrase “together in mission” rings throughout its congregation and projects loudly through their youth. The mission–raising funds for a local organization of the kids’ choice. This year, they chose Victor Transformation, a men’s homeless shelter in Oswego County, and raised over $200 …more
UNY to launch new Charge Conference Forms Platform on September 3
August 28, 2024 / By Bill Gottschalk-Fielding / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Though the annual charge conference is required by The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline, it is more than an administrative requirement. It allows a church to share and celebrate its story, align its work with God’s vision, and remain accountable to commitments members have made to each other and to God. Starting September 3, United Methodist clergy and congregational leaders of Upper New York …more
Gouverneur First UMC expands “We’ve Got Your Back” Program amid evolving community needs
August 28, 2024 / By Tina & Hannah Kingsley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a desire to help alleviate the overwhelming cost of school supplies, the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church began their in-person “We’ve Got Your Back” program in 2011 to help minimize the burden facing families. Though they had donated items to their local district in previous years, this event brought the community into their building and allowed students to “shop” for their own supplies. The …more
One donation keeps things hot at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center
August 22, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past summer, Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center experienced one of its largest camping seasons in recent years. Having reliable equipment to prepare and serve meals is crucial. Early in the summer, the ovens used to make meals stopped working altogether. “The staff was being quite creative in providing hot meals. A few examples were hot dogs cooked on the campfire with cold salads. They also had "floating …more
New resource from Missional Excellence: Healthy Church Academy
August 20, 2024 / By Missional Excellence Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York have been investing time, energy, other resources in growing the wellness of our leaders, clergy and laity. Until now much of the focus has been on walking with clergy so that together we can grow in our wellness. It takes healthy clergy to lead churches to a healthy place. We also know it takes a partnership between clergy and lay leaders …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: New Superintendent announcement
August 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 18, 2024 announcing the new superintendent of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts. Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you. Last week, I shared with you that the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer stepped down from the …more
Mid-year stats checkup
August 15, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s a great time to gather your leadership team for planning for the yearly statistical report beginning in January. Now that we are halfway through the year, take the time to do a quick look at how your church has changed in the last six months and your plans for the rest of the year. As you are engaging with new areas in our community, remember to jot …more
New interim director at Casowasco
August 14, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter is the new interim director at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. He is a retired Elder in the California-Nevada Conference with ties to Upper New York. “When Pam Harris approached me about serving at Casowasco, I was truly honored. I remembered all the life-changing events I was part of at this beautiful place. As I pondered the possibilities of working there, I felt …more
Passing the cup: How one communion tray continues to serve
August 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As the saying goes, “when one door closes, a window opens.” In Fall 2023, Morrisonville UMC made the difficult decision to close. When a church officially closes, church leaders are required to surrender all official and legal papers, including contents of the cornerstone to the district superintendent as stated in ¶ 2549. Disposition of Property of a Closed Local Church in the Book of Discipline. Items from …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Charge Conference season
August 8, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to appointed clergy of United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 8, 2024 about the upcoming Charge Conference season. Dear Upper New York clergy, I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. I am grateful to God for …more