news stories
Support children by distributing UMCOR School Kits to a local organization
August 16, 2022 / By Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a …more
From the desk of Bishop Webb: Retirement announcement
August 15, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
After a season of prayer and discernment, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, has made the decision to retire from the active episcopacy on Dec. 31, 2022. He submitted his request for retirement to the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Council of Bishops on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. Click here to read Bishop Webb’s Aug. 15, 2022, letter to the UNY Conference, announcing his retirement. …more
#BeUMC
July 28, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We are looking for positive stories to share about what it means to #BeUMC. If you can take a video of yourself explaining why you are proud to be a United Methodist, we’d love to share your story. Email us at news@unyumc.org. The Upper New York Conference is launching our #BeUMC campaign, highlighting clergy and laity in the Conference describing why they love being United …more
Casowasco LIT program is a success
July 26, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
They have matured, built friendships that may last a lifetime, increased their confidence, deepened their relationship with God, and gained top-notch leadership skills in just one month. The Leaders in Training (LITs) at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center completed their one-month training on July 22, 2022. Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, site director, David Weber Jr. offered this program for the first time this summer and it’s the first time …more
UNY CONAM 2022 Four Directions Humanitarian Award winners announced
July 19, 2022 / By CONAM
Each year the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) recognizes one or more individuals who exemplify the qualities of service and advocacy in Native churches and communities. This year we are honored to recognize two individuals: Marilyn Anderson and Dan Cook. Marilyn Anderson has been an important voice on Upper New York CONAM since 2013. Her advice and input has been invaluable in many decision making situations. …more
“Because We Care” Gary Bergh Scholarships fundraiser in honor of Leah Mae Carlisle
July 18, 2022 / By Linda Bergh
The Gary Bergh Scholarship Fundraiser is a tribute to Leah Mae Carlisle (10/14/38 - 6/21/22), Peace with Justice Taskforce Co-Chair, and the Palestinian Dinner (imagined) Fundraiser in her honor As though staying around to encourage her beloved UNY Taskforce on Peace w/ Justice in Palestine/Israel, Leah Mae died in the late evening following the June 21st morning Taskforce Zoom meeting which only her husband, Tom, was able to attend due …more
Introducing the Autism Friendly Family Camp at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center
July 7, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Emily Huyge, pastor at Geneva First United Methodist Church, and her family are deeply connected to the summer camp experience in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. She and her husband, Dana, met each other as staff at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Her 8-year-old daughter goes to camp at Casowasco and loves it. Earlier this year when Pastor Emily registered Sarah for summer camp at Casowasco, her …more
How the Sacred Sites program helps preserve UNY churches
June 28, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Many of the local churches in the Upper New York (UNY) Conference are considered landmarks; several of our churches are over 100 years old. Over time, these church buildings face structural damages from the foundation to the roof, from the stained-glass windows to the steeples. Our churches are more than just buildings; they are gathering places not only for congregations, but also, communities. These churches evoke meaning for Scouts groups or …more
Meet Kristina Clark, the new UNY Director of Missional Engagement
June 21, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is excited to announce the hiring of Kristina Clark as the new Director of Missional Engagement. She will start this role on July 5, 2022. Kristina grew up in the former Wyoming Conference where her family attended the South Gibson United Methodist Church in rural Northeastern PA. Though the congregation was small, Kristina was part of an active youth group that focused on mission and outreach. …more
UNY Mission Central HUB seeking volunteers
June 17, 2022 / By MaryBeth Ingalls Upper New York Conference Mission Volunteer Coordinator
Since the COVID-19 outbreak The Upper New York Conference Mission Central HUB has been struggling to receive donations and volunteers are few. I hope this article brings a ripple of volunteers to the HUB again. The need is high. Most of what we do here at Mission Central HUB is based on faith. Listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on it. I have been seeing this phrase a lot …more