news stories
Launchpad Spring 2021 starts April 22
April 13, 2021 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you want to reach New People? Or plant a new ministry or even a new church? Launchpad is the training for churches and church planters looking to create New Places for New people. Over 6 Sessions, your team will learn How to engage new people outside of your church How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship How to establish a 6-month plan with 1 year of …more
Peace with Justice grant deadline quickly approaching
April 9, 2021 / By Heather Smith, Peace with Justice coordinator
As we look toward our next Peace with Justice Grant application deadline – April 30 – I wanted to highlight the ministries that received Peace with Justice Grants in 2020. In May, the Social Holiness Team awarded Niagara Frontier City Ministries a grant to help them support their work to provide masks, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products to the underserved in their area around Buffalo and Niagara Falls. This area and especially …more
Newark Emmanuel UMC growing a small congregation through successful ministries
April 7, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Pastor Della Ludwig was appointed to Newark: Emmanuel UMC in 2018, she was delighted and ready to take on a challenge. Her District Super Intendent, the Rev. Dr. Jeff McDowell said to her, “This is a very mission-oriented church.” That it was and that it still is—only then there were seven to 10 members of the church and today there are over 20. Della said, “When I …more
Updated COVID-19 guidelines
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
As of Feb. 2, 2021, New York State (NYS) allows any church not in a restricted cluster to worship at 50% capacity. Click here for details. All other COVID protocols remain in place: Social distancing of 6 ft/12 ft for singers Masks required Disinfecting required Based on current guidance from the NYS and CDC, vaccination status does not change the requirements. Effective April 1, 2021, NYS will no longer require domestic travelers without symptoms to quarantine …more
The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner April 8 Virtual Discernment event
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
If you are laity in the United Methodist Church and feel called by God to a full-time vocation in service for those who are marginalized and in need, you are invited by the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner to attend a Virtual Discernment event Time Thursday, April 8,2021 at 8 p.m. EST Click here to register. Click here for a flyer. For more information, contact Megan Hale at …more
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more
The Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner invites all to a Virtual Discernment Event
March 29, 2021 / By UNY Communications
If you are laity in the United Methodist Church who and feel called by God to a full -time vocation in service for those who are marginalized and in need, consider attending a Virtual Discernment event hosted by the Order of Deaconess and Home Missioner Time: Thursday, April 8,2021 at 8 p.m. EST Click here to register. Click here for a flyer. For more information, contact Megan Hale at …more
UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race Statement on Racism Directed at our Asian Brothers and Sisters
March 23, 2021 / By UNY Conference Commission on Religion & Race
Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? While we know that some racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by COVID 19, our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) brothers and sisters face a particularly cruel consequence of this virus. Crimes targeting AAPI have …more
Being a Methodist as a Native American
March 23, 2021 / By Kae Wilbert and Marilyn Anderson, CONAM
Marilyn Anderson has spent her life living on the Seneca Territory, surrounded by family and friends, both Traditional (Longhouse) and Christian. She is an enrolled Seneca. Her father was a product of the Thomas Indian Boarding School. She has been a devoted member of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) for 5+ years, driving 3 hours one-way to attend CONAM meetings held at the Upper New York (UNY) Conference center. She …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Violence in our country
March 23, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: In response to the recent Atlanta shootings and other acts of violence throughout our country the past week, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb sent the following letter to the UNY Conference on March 23, 2021. Last week, we witnessed the violent and senseless killing in Atlanta of eight individuals, six of whom were of Asian descent. Yesterday, the news reported another shooting in …more