News Stories from September 2024
Churches take on Operation: Home Repair for second year in a row
September 30, 2024 / By Cobleskill UMC / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Schoharie Mosaic, a Cooperative Parish of ten United Methodist churches in and around Schoharie County in the Oneonta District, recently completed its second annual Operation: Home Repair. This local mission project took place over two weeks in July, however planning and preparation for the mission projects began back in January 2024. Operation: Home Repair provides no-cost critical home repairs to homeowners in and around Schoharie County by bringing neighbors together …more
United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave policy
September 27, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As approved at the 2024 Annual Conference, there is a new Parental Leave policy for all clergy and laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference or any of its funded extension ministries. This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status, and lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours. This policy was effective …more
Protecting your church in time for winter
September 27, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s only the start of the fall season, but winter will be here before you know it. There are several things you should take into consideration when it comes to protecting your church and church property for winter weather. Want to know when there’s going to be extreme freezing weather or emergency info alerts in your area? Sign up to receive free text alerts …more
UNY Greenhouse Days: Sparking innovation and reimagining ministry
September 24, 2024 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, UNY New Faith Communities Initiative / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last weekend, 100 people gathered for UNY Greenhouse Days both at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool and at Penn Ave UMC in Pine City. Local church leaders came together to explore new ways of reaching people and reimagining ministry for today’s world. Michael Beck, a dynamic pioneer in Fresh Expressions, served as the keynote speaker. He shared real-life examples of how small, inherited churches can spark fresh …more
Offering back-to-school support at Massena First UMC
September 23, 2024 / By Kathy Perry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Massena First United Methodist has been involved in a community program for approximately 20 years. The program offers a hot nutritious dinner on Thursday evenings for anyone who wishes to have a meal. We currently serve approximately 150 meals per week, all prepared and served by volunteers. As we got to know our guests, we realized that many of them needed help with personal care, household cleaning, and …more
Creation Care Ministry weighs in on solar panels
September 20, 2024 / By Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists know that caring for God's Creation is a part of honoring God and loving our neighbors. Many want to reduce air pollution associated with heating and cooling while still generating electricity for their homes and expressed interest in shifting from coal, oil, and gas to clean solar power. Yet, to some, the cost of solar panels puts solar energy out of reach, even with the …more
UMC bishops denounce political violence, authoritarianism
September 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following statement was released by the Council of Bishops on Thursday, September 19 on denouncing political violence and authoritarianism. Beloved Community - An Antidote to Extremism A Pastoral Letter to All United Methodists Christ is our peace. . .With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. Ephesians 2:14 CEB Dear United Methodists: Polarization and hatred are dividing nations, communities, and even families. We …more
UNY Leadership Summit
September 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly 50 lay and clergy leaders from around the conference gathered at the United Methodist Center for a leadership summit on Saturday, September 14. This specific group was identified as people who were called to carry out servant leadership in Upper New York to move the mission of the annual conference together. Cabinet members, executive staff, along with members from different ministry teams including the Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Laity, …more
Equitable Compensation Grant applications for January to June 2025 are now available
September 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period January to June 2025. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full time appointment. To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the …more
Creating a visible offering of healing and wholeness
September 16, 2024 / By The Rev. Nancy Dibelius / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As part of worship at the Bishop’s Retreat in January, individuals were invited to trace their hand on a piece of colored paper, cut it out and then, prayerfully consider a single word, a single gift that they believed they possessed and could offer for the well-being and healing of another and write it on their hand. They were then invited to offer their hand to the table …more