news stories
A sacred space dedicated: Consecration of the Columbarium and Memorial Garden
September 29, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 21, the Asbury First UMC community gathered for a moving consecration ceremony, marking the official dedication of the Columbarium and Memorial Garden. This meaningful addition to the campus has been several decades in the making, born out of a deep desire to provide a sacred space of remembrance, reflection, and hope for generations to come. The Rev. Kathy Thiel presided over the ceremony, guiding the congregation through words …more
New York State Unemployment Benefits Increase Effective October 1, 2025
September 25, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective October 1, 2025, New York State unemployment insurance benefits will increase from $504 per week to $869 per week. More information regarding this change is available here. As a reminder, in general, virtually all employed people in New York are covered by unemployment insurance. However, New York State’s Unemployment Insurance law provides exclusions from coverage for certain people rendering services to not-for-profit corporations. Exclusions applicable only to nonprofit religious organizations: Duly …more
Fresh vision for ministry takes root at Greenhouse Days
September 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On September 20 and 21, United Methodists from across the Upper New York Conference came together for UNY Greenhouse Days, with gatherings held at Kenmore UMC near Buffalo and the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. Greenhouse Days are annual one-day events hosted by the Upper New York Conference’s New Faith Communities and Innovation Initiative. Clergy and laity joined in a shared experience of learning, conversation, and visioning as they explored …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Jesus’s life is not an Option
September 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following pastoral letter was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York and Susquehanna on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Dear Beloved Family of God, In the past week, I have received many requests for statements about the pressing issues confronting our nation and world. Your desire for clarity, courage, and leadership is …more
Reminder regarding New York State New Hire Reporting Requirements
September 23, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder for all churches regarding New York State’s new hire reporting requirements. Who must report new hires All employers in New York State must report certain identifying information about each newly hired or rehired employee working in New York State. A newly hired or rehired employee means an employee: previously not employed by the employer, or previously employed by the employer but separated from such …more
Back to Church Sunday celebrates faith, friendship, and community
September 22, 2025 / By Gayle Denning, Akron First United Methodist Church
This past Sunday, Akron First United Methodist Church joined thousands of congregations across the country in celebrating National Back to Church Sunday, a movement designed to reconnect people with their faith communities and welcome new faces into the life of the church. At a time when our nation and community have faced heartbreaking tragedies and uncertainty, the invitation to gather, pray, and walk together has never been more important. …more
Building Unity and Vision: SUS and UNY Missional Cabinets Gather for Joint Retreat
September 22, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Upper New York Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Missional Cabinets from both the Susquehanna (SUS) and Upper New York (UNY) Conferences gathered in Corning, NY, in early September for a multi-day retreat. Over four days, leaders from both conferences engaged in worship, learning, and collaboration with a focus on team building and moving forward together. The last time the Missional Cabinets from both conferences met was January 2025. You can read about that collaborative missional meeting here. …more
Transforming pastoral transitions through intentional ministry
September 16, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When United Methodist churches experience pastoral loss—whether through death, illness, misconduct, chronic conflict, or retirement following a long pastorate—some congregations may need intentional time to heal and prepare for new leadership. While the standard practice is immediate pastoral appointment, the Cabinet may determine that certain circumstances warrant an interim appointment. Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists (TIIMS) provides specialized training for pastors who may be called …more
Dr. Scott L. Johnson Honored with Excellence in Social Justice Award
September 15, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Annual Conference is delighted to announce that Dr. Scott L. Johnson has been honored with the Excellence in Social Justice Award from the New York State Council of Churches, comprised of nine partner denominations working together for justice and ministry across New York State. Dr. Johnson, who serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church of Buffalo and Pendleton Center United Methodist Church, was recognized …more
From INR to DRIA: A new name, the same mission
September 15, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and the Rev. Dr. Holly Strickland / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Seven years ago, the Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) launched an innovative anti-racism ministry, Imagine No Racism (INR). Combined with CCORR’s dedication to addressing both systemic and personal manifestations of racism, this ministry has catalyzed essential conversations and concrete actions throughout our communities. However, we at CCORR have heard concerns about the name of this ministry. People of Color in UNY have rightly said that since …more