News Stories from March 2025

Update on CRM in Upper New York

March 19, 2025 / By Office of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Over the past 12 months, the Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) of United Methodists of Upper New York have experienced significant activity and movement. Each site has been actively involved in discerning the next steps to enhance their ministry's impact. Summer Preparations and Group Hosting Skye Farm, Sky Lake, and Aldersgate have been gearing up for the summer camp season while also hosting groups. Asbury Retreat Center has been continuing …more

Nominate outstanding laity in Upper New York for evangelism award

March 17, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Upper New York Conference is now accepting nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award. This award honors laity with exceptional evangelistic ministries that bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, encourage continued discipleship, and emphasize living out one’s faith in daily life. Each annual annual conference of The United Methodist Church and across other Wesleyan-tradition denominations present one award annually.   In previous …more

A new era of snowshoe ministry at Skye Farm

March 13, 2025 / By Hannah Lasher, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center Assistant Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Getting people outside and connected to Creation during summer camp can be as simple as stepping out the door. Doing the same during a snowy Adirondack winter, however, requires a bit more gear. And now, thanks to the generosity of Burnt Hills UMC, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center once again has snowshoes for retreat guests to use to get outside and explore during the winter months. Each fall, Burnt …more

Important reminder regarding Form I-9

March 13, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

All employers must complete and retain Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for every person they hire for employment after Nov. 6, 1986. Employers must use the 08/01/23 edition of Form I-9. This edition will have an expiration date of either 07/31/2026 or 05/31/2027. Starting August 1, 2026, employers should use the Form I-9 version with the 05/31/2027 expiration date. Employers that don't complete and retain I-9 forms may face penalties.  To assist employers to meet compliance …more

Upper New York welcomes Chelsea Connor

March 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Chelsea Connor joins Upper New York as a part-time Administrative Services Assistant, supporting the Finance, Benefits, and Human Resources Ministries. Chelsea began her new role on Monday, March 10.   A graduate of Keuka College with a degree in Communication, Chelsea brings a wealth of administrative experience to UNY, most recently as an Office Administrator in Rochester. With years of experience managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth office operations, …more

Susquehanna & Upper New York Conferences: Partnering for lay leadership growth

March 5, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Upper New York and Susquehanna Conference Boards of Laity recently met via video conferencing to collaborate on strengthening lay leadership and expanding ministry opportunities in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Area. "The meeting was extremely blessed," said Jessica White, Upper New York Lay Leader. "We met to see how we can walk together in ministry. Collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen leadership and enhance ministry opportunities. Regular meetings and a …more

Africa University Pilgrimage Log

March 5, 2025 / By Rev. Jeff Childs / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's note: On February 12-21, 2025, a group of 31 United Methodists flew across the globe for Africa to see and experience a ministry born of the radical generosity and faithfulness of United Methodists and others. The following blog was submitted by the Rev. Jeff Childs as he shares his experiences during this pilgrimage to Africa University. Day 1 and 2: February 12-13, 2025 Despite considerable snow on the roads and at Dulles airport, 31 …more

From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: 2025 Lent Message - A Call to Holiness

March 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The following message was shared with United Methodists of Upper New York and Susquehanna Episcopal Area on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2  Dear siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One, be with you.  Throughout history, Christians …more