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


    news article

    Lottie Brown Scholarship Recipients announced

    June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Each year the Upper New York Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service.  This year’s recipients are Elyse Muder, Emily Allen, and Katherine (Kate) Bobsein.

    The three recipients are all active in their churches and excel academically.  In their applications, each recipient not only included remarkable letters of recommendation, but also, wrote strong statements of how their academic studies will help prepare them for a career in Christian service.

    Elyse is attending the State University of New York at Fredonia. She is pursuing a career in Social Work. One day, she hopes to run a Christian-faith based social work office. She said, “I think encouraging people with a Christian attitude will help many with the daily life struggles people must cope with. Learning how to help people of any kind to me is a similar life to what Jesus led in the Bible. In my faith journey, I plan to live as Christ-like as possible and I believe Social Work will help me to fulfill this.”

    Elyse attends the First United Methodist Church of New Hartford; her senior pastor, Brad Chesebro recommended Elyse for the Lottie Brown scholarship. He said, “Elyse is very respectful, helpful, and compassionate about the needs and feelings of everyone she meets. She is faithful in her dedication to honoring God with her time, talents, and treasures. She always cheerfully interacts with others with the love of Christ by offering acceptance and affirmation. Her involvement in local and overseas mission work is a testament to her love of helping others. Elyse is a young woman with great character and a positive, bold witness for the Church.”

    Emily is attending Houghton College. Like both of her parents did, Emily is on the path to become a clergy member. She Is a Theology major.  Emily said, “As a Christian I believe I am called to share the Good News of Christ with others. I have been influenced by both my parents and other pastors in my life to be involved in ministry in my future…I think I have a gift for teaching and being a pastor is one way in which this could express itself.”

    Steve Atwater, Director of Youth at Bemus Point United Methodist Church recommended Emily, who attends the church. He said, “Emily is a great leader, excels academically, but most important to me, is wonderful working with people. She has the ability to bring many personalities with different viewpoints together and serve for a greater purpose. She is able to do this with a humble yet confident strength that draws people to her.”

    Kate attends Ithaca College where she studies Music Education. Kate said, “As a music educator, I hope not only to be a high school chorus teacher, but also, I would like to have a leading role in many of the music ministries at my church. I hope someday to be the director of our church choir. I would also like to be part of the regular worship band on Sundays and would like to start a choir for middle and high-school aged students.”

    Kate attended Pendleton Center United Methodist Church (PCUMC) her whole life. Her pastor at PCUMC, the Rev. Tom Kraft said, “Kate has provided leadership in a variety of areas including our children, youth, music, and fundraising ministries, Kate is the type of young person the Church should encourage as an example of faith and commitment. I expect she will have a bright future in the Church.”

    Elyse, Emily and Kate’s scholarships will help support their not only their education goals, but also their life-long goals to apply their gifts to Christian service.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and 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."