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


    news article

    Worship Leaders for the INWARD Conference Youth Events Named

    October 3, 2017 / By Eleanor Collinsworth

    It’s time to register for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries Fall Gathering, now called INWARD. At these two gatherings (East and West), CCYM is putting aside the theatrics in favor of a truly profound, God-filled experience. With a focus on small-group time and prayer, they aim to make an event from which you can leave saying you've experienced God.

    The Worship Team of the CCYM is happy to introduce the Worship Leaders for this fall’s INWARD Youth Events.

    At the East event on Friday-Saturday, November 10-11 at Calvary UMC in Latham, the Worship Speaker is Brandon Hatch.

    Brandon Hatch grew up in Western New York and went to college at Cedarville University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Worship with a minor in Biblical Studies.  While at Cedarville, he had the opportunity to travel around the Midwest playing electric guitar with the group Heartsong. This is where he met his incredible wife, Heidi.

    After college, Brandon returned to his hometown to begin serving as the Director of Contemporary Worship and Technical Arts at Bemus Point United Methodist Church while pursuing a master’s degree in Biblical Studies through an online program. When Brandon finds free time, he likes to spend it outdoors whether cycling or playing sports, but on a rainy day you can catch him reading a good book and hopelessly cheering on the Bills and the Knicks.

    Brandon and his wife, Heidi, will also be the Worship Leaders.

    Heidi Hatch grew up in West Michigan and went to college at Cedarville University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health with a minor in Biblical Studies. While in college, Heidi toured as a vocalist for three years with the worship band Heartsong. She is currently the Director of Children’s Ministry at Bemus Point United Methodist Church. Heidi is passionate about seeing the lives of children and youth transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Heidi is not busy with the children’s ministry, she enjoys playing sports, playing board games, and trying out new recipes.

    At the West event on Friday-Saturday, November 17-18 at Penn Yan UMC, Brandon and Heidi Hatch will again be the Worship Leaders.

    The Worship Speaker is Bob Schooley. Bob and his wife, Karen, recently celebrated 30 years of marriage! They have four children and two grandchildren. Bob pastors Centerville United Methodist Church and teaches at Pioneer Central High School where he enjoys the energy of the students! He's journeyed to Uganda, East Africa, 15 times and was there this summer partnering on wells, health care issues, agricultural concerns, church and school construction and many other things.

    Click here to register for either the East or West INWARD event.


    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."