news stories
Missional Excellence and staffing
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly eighteen months ago, I was invited to serve as the Director of Missional Excellence for United Methodists of Upper New York. In that time, some have asked what it means to be Director of Missional Excellence, or more specifically what is Missional Excellence? In short, Missional Excellence is about equipping leaders and congregations so they can make a missional impact in their communities and around the world. Missional …more
Commentary: Loving neighbor in deed and truth, through the storms
July 25, 2024 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Care Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley on behalf of the UNY Creation Care Ministry. The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Creation Care Ministry, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. How much do you know about our purpose for being here, on this earth, according to the …more
Commentary: Peace movement revived in Israel
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Gary E. Doupe / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by the Rev. Dr. Gary E. Doupe on behalf of the UNY Task Force for Palestine-Israel. The views expressed in this article are of the task force, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. Hope is the thing with feathers. That perches in the soul. And sings the tune without the words. And …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor: Summer storm response
July 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 18, 2024 in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities. “If one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it…” 1 Corinthians 12:26 …more
Youth make an impact at NEJ Conference
July 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Youth often remark that they are seen, but not heard. That was not the case at the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference, held July 8-12 in Pittsburgh, PA. Nineteen youth representatives took part in the NEJ Conference. It was the only jurisdiction in 2024 with youth representation. “The presence and participation of youth at the jurisdictional conference was vital to the continuing presence of The United Methodist Church in …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New NEJ apointment announcement
July 12, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Friday, July 12 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Beloved Siblings in Christ, Greetings in the …more
Bishops assigned at 2024 NEJ Conference
July 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference came to a close on Friday, July 12 with the revelation of six new reconfigured areas and the assignment of bishops to supervise those areas. On Wednesday, the conference voted to reduce the number of episcopal areas from nine to six. The six new episcopal areas with the assigned bishops include: Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware- Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater …more
Bishop Alfred Johnson preaches hope at NEJ
July 12, 2024 / By Rev. Erik Alsgaard, Daily Christian Advocate contributor / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The Rev. Erik Alsgaard is a Daily Christian Advocate contributor and serves as the pastor at the Community United Methodist Church of Crofton. Bishop Alfred Johnson, who proved that he is retired in name only, delivered a powerful morning message on hope yesterday as the NEJ began its day with worship. Preaching from Romans 5:1-5, Bishop Johnson, who retired 20 years ago but has …more
SEJ to share Bishop Wallace-Padgett with NEJ
July 11, 2024 / By Beth DiCocco, Daily Christian Advocate contributor / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: Beth DiCocco is the Director of Communications for the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church After the necessary organizing motions and approval of the Rules of Order, the NEJ Committee on Episcopacy (COE) was the first to give its report to the delegates as the plenary sessions got under way. Judi Kenaston, chair of the COE, offered her appreciation for the committee who, while …more
NEJ reduces episcopal areas to six
July 11, 2024 / By John Coleman, Daily Christian Advocate contributor / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: John Coleman served on the Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey staff before retiring on June 30 and is a Daily Christian Advocate contributor. The announcement of the assignment of bishops by the Jurisdictional Committee on the Episcopacy along with the new names of episcopal areas will be made on Friday, July 12. The 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference reduced its episcopal areas from nine to six on Wednesday …more