news article
Growing in Faith, Giving in Love: Middleburgh UMC’s Transformative Journey
November 18, 2025 / By UNY's Missional Excellence Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Since 2023, Middleburg UMC under the leadership of Pastor Maryellen Moore has been engaging Upper New York’s New Faith Communities initiative to build more collaboration and intention in their ministry.
Middleburg UMC is a rural church, averaging 10-20 people in worship, with 3,500 people in the immediate community—who through their Mission Store shared thousands of dollars and lots of valuable secondhand items with their community in 2025.
As they began their New Faith Communities coaching in 2024, the core leaders said their goal was to “build relationships and connect to the community.” Through coaching with the Rev. Abigail Browka, Director of New Faith Communities, Middleburg wrestled with, “What do we want people to experience through this Church ReStart?”
Pastor Moore reflects on the journey so far, sharing, “There’s a lot to celebrate! Our identity is largely based on our Mission Store and community service orientation. While being called to welcome, accept, and support people who need it, we’ve also developed partnerships with nonprofit organizations to do the same. This year we’ve been able to sponsor eight organizations in their efforts to serve. Among them are the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Warming Station at Warnerville UMC, the Schoharie Fire Department, and Marathon for a Better Life. It’s as though our mission wings have spread farther and wider into the region. Hallelujah!”
Rev. Browka celebrates the confidence and intention she has seen grow in the core team over the past two years. “They worked hard to create a new and clear identity they can share with their community focused on nourishing their neighbors through a compelling Mission Store and spiritually nourishing gatherings and classes.”
Oneonta District Superintendent Bob Kolvik-Campbell also praised the congregation’s steadfastness, noting, “The Middleburgh community lived courageously into finding a new reality, with God’s leadership. It was not done quickly nor without risk, but Nourished has produced the fruit of ministry and care of the Middleburgh community.”
In October, Nourished—A New Faith Community at Middleburgh UMC—was delighted to present a check for $1,200.04 to the Joshua Project, the selected recipient of Twice Is Nice mission store’s September donation. The gift represents 10% of the store’s proceeds for the month.
Twice Is Nice has supported a number of local organizations, including the Schoharie Fire Department Training Center. William Bivona, Jr., president of the Schoharie County Fire Chiefs Association, expressed his appreciation, writing, “On behalf of all the fire departments in Schoharie County, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generosity. Your support helps us continue developing a safe, state-of-the-art training facility where our dedicated volunteers can learn, grow, and better serve our community.”
Twice Is Nice mission store is located inside Nourished at Middleburgh UMC, 281 Main St., Middleburgh, NY, and is open Wednesdays 12–6 p.m., Fridays 9–3, and Saturdays 9–3. Sunday worship is held at 12:30 p.m.
Follow Nourished at Middleburg UMC on Facebook here.
Learn more about the New Faith Community’s Church ReStart process here.