news stories
A New Season Begins for the Conference Leadership Team
September 20, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) The Conference Leadership Team (CLT) has a new membership configuration. The new configuration is part of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez efforts to eliminate silos and …more
Pinwheels spin cash for camp
September 15, 2023 / By Sarah Walker, Ohio UMC
The pinwheel spins when the breeze blows. The breeze is a reminder that although you cannot see the air moving, it is always present. Just like the air is always present, so is the Holy Spirit. Fundraisers are an important way to keep the Ohio United Methodist Church going. We needed funds for our children going to camp. The Sunday school and youth group wanted to do something fun, …more
Bishops in Africa vow to stay in The United Methodist Church
September 15, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodist Church bishops serving the church in Africa have issued a statement declaring their intention to stay in the denomination despite differences on the issue of human sexuality. “Notwithstanding the differences in our UMC regarding the issue of human sexuality especially with our stance of traditional and biblical view of marriage, we categorically state that we do not plan to leave The United Methodist Church and will continue …more
Conference Commission on Religion and Race: What’s up for 2024
September 11, 2023 / By Dr. Scott Johnson, Rev. Harold Wheat, and Georgia Whitney
As our area continues to heal from the loss and trauma of the racist attack in Buffalo last May, a new example of racist hatred taken to the most violent extremes has just happened in Jacksonville, Florida. A White supremacist gunman killed Angela Michelle Carr, Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre Jr., and Jerrald Gallion for no reason other than his hatred of Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). The …more
Register now for October’s virtual Special Session
September 9, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Registration is now open for the virtual October Special Session of Annual Conference. This Special Session will focus on Upper New York churches looking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. There is a $10 registration fee for eligible voting members, with the exception to equalization members, to participate in the Special Session, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Oct. 14. Click here to register by Wednesday, Sept. 27. Late …more
Grow New Ministries, Reach New People with Launchpad Fall 2023
September 8, 2023 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you ready to embark on an inspiring journey to reach new people, cultivate innovative ministries, or even establish a brand-new church? If so, Launchpad Fall 2023 is the training for you. Launchpad is designed for churches and church planters seeking to create fresh, vibrant spaces for new individuals to find faith and community. This intensive training program spans six insightful sessions that will equip your team with the tools, …more
NYS Wage Transparency Law
September 6, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective Sept. 17, 2023, all private sector employers with four or more employees must post a range of pay on job advertisements pursuant to New York State (NYS) Wage Transparency Law. In addition, pay ranges must be placed on all advertisements for promotions or transfers. The wage range requirement applies to postings that are both internal and external to the employer. The wage range must be included on all postings for jobs …more
New Faith Communities Policy for New Beginnings Fund Grants
September 5, 2023 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Apply now for Year 1 New Beginnings Fund Grant. The core goal of New Faith Communities in Upper New York is to intentionally reach new people in contextual ways to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Eligibility Criteria: To apply for the Year 1 New Beginnings Fund, ministries must be: 1. A New Ministry: The NFC should represent a newly …more
United Methodists encouraged to focus on love
September 5, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton is calling on United Methodists to focus on love because the Church’s greatest success depends upon mutual love and meaningful relationships throughout the world. “The quality of our love for one another among Christians makes the church an effective witness for the gospel because it is what the human spirit longs for, dreams of and desired, …more
Connecting with Jesus and journey in faith at Massena First UMC
September 5, 2023 / By Rev. Cori Louden, Pastor and Kathy Perry, Missions, Outreach, and Hospitality Chair
As the summer ends, the activities at Massena First UMC pick up. Our Missions, Hospitality, and Outreach Team has planned many events and activities to end the summer season and welcome fall while fulfilling our mission to Serve Massena, Connect with Jesus, and Journey in Faith. Our first activity was to continue our Monday night book/Bible group to study a Max Lucado book entitled Life Lessons from …more