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


    News Stories from October 2024

    From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Update on General Conference changes and disaffiliations

    October 29, 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 Tuesday, October 29 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez as an update from the postponed 2020 General Conference held in Spring 2024.  May grace and peace from Christ be with you.   First, I want to thank all UNY clergy/ pastoral leaders for their faithful servant leadership. …more

    New York State’s Clean Slate Act and Impact on Employers

    October 28, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    New York State’s Clean Slate Act is effective November 16, 2024, and will have a significant impact on employers who conduct pre-employment criminal background screenings. Churches should review their onboarding and background check processes prior to November 16, 2024, to ensure compliance with the new law. Background The Clean Slate Act will automatically seal an individual’s criminal record after a waiting period, which is three years for a …more

    Celebrate United Methodist Student Day and Campus Ministries in Upper New York

    October 24, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Editor's Note: The following was sent to clergy and church lay leaders on Thurday, October 24 on behalf of the Rev. Jee Hae Song, United Methodist Chaplain, Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University and Associate Director of Missional Excellence, about United Methodist Student Day on November 24, 2024. “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years draw near when you …more

    Help UMCOR restock cleaning buckets

    October 21, 2024 / By Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida before moving north, releasing 30 trillion gallons of water across western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western Virginia, leading to catastrophic flooding. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck Florida again, further devastating homes and communities. The UMCOR Relief Supply Network has distributed thousands of cleaning buckets to those affected, but it has left warehouses depleted. UMCOR is asking for our help to restock. The Neighborhood …more

    UNY Resource Center going fully digital

    October 21, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    In a quiet corner of 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., where United Methodists of Upper New York house their Conference Offices, Mission HUB, and the Upper New York Episcopal Offices reside, sits the UNY Resource Center. The Center is home to hundreds of resources for Bible studies, book studies, and other items to support the ministry of local churches. From the shelves of material, items are packaged and mailed to local churches, …more

    From the desk of Bishop Héctor: Enhance your new member classes with the Belong series

    October 15, 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 on Tuesday, October 15 about a new Discipleship Ministries resource. Dear claity (clergy & lay leaders) of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area,   May grace and peace from Christ be with you.   Understanding and celebrating who we are as followers of Christ …more

    Guidelines for Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Minister, and Certified Lay Speaker honoraria changes

    October 14, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Lay persons providing short-term pulpit supply while a pastor is away should take note of honoraria changes, beginning January 1, 2025. The Upper New York Cabinet approved the changes in August 2024 following the 2024 UNY Annual Conference session.  The honoraria changes do not apply to persons who are lay supply, hired by the district superintendent (DS), to serve long-term and functioning as a worship leadership.   The changes are as follow: …more

    New York State minimum wage and salary increase effective January 1, 2025

    October 10, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Effective January 1, 2025, New York State is increasing the minimum wage and minimum salary amounts. The new amounts for New York State (excluding New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) are: MINIMUM WAGE: $15.50/hour MINIMUM SALARY: $1,161.65 per week / $60,405.80 per year Employers within the Upper New York Conference, regardless of the number of employees, must pay non-exempt staff minimum wage. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay under the state and …more

    Upper New York Property Insurance Update

    October 8, 2024 / By Jack Keating / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Over this past summer the Insurance Subcommittee of our Annual Conference Board of Trustees has met several times with representatives from Lightwell Insurance (formerly American Church Group) as we look at coverage and pricing options for the future of our conference-wide insurance program.    While the commercial insurance market continues to struggle with increased losses and pricing fluctuations, we are pleased to report that our Annual Conference insurance …more

    Important dates leading up to AC2025

    October 7, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Mark your calendars as there are several important dates you should add to your calendar as we look forward to as we prepare for the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference session.   January 6: Petitions/Recommendations/Reports submissions accepted  March 1: Last day to submit Petitions/Recommendations/Reports  March 14 – April 15: Register for Annual Conference  April 1: Presenter scripts due for closed captioning purposes  April 15: 2025 UNY Pre-Conference Workbook …more



    United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of 677 local churches and active 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."