news stories
Social media—the perfect place to begin digital discipleship
August 7, 2020 / By Lori Jagow, Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister
Editor's Note: The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate focuses on "Keeping Connected;" the issue focuses on stories similar to this. Be sure to click here to read the issue and learn about the many ways that the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for churches across Upper New York to keep connected with their communities and congregations, and even expand their reach. A wonderful example of tapping into the …more
Join me in the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
August 7, 2020 / By Rev. Sherrri Rood
As you may know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family and group retreats and gatherings. In addition to the loss of these life-changing ministry opportunities, these cancellations have resulted in over a million dollars in lost revenue. Though each site has begun to reopen, the pandemic will continue …more
COVID-19 inspires Broad Street UMC to start house churches
August 5, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted stay-at home orders and churches had to shut their doors, pastors across the Upper New York Conference had to think quickly about ways to reach their congregations. Quickly, pastors were livestreaming their services on Facebook Live and YouTube, among other platforms, but this was not a solution that would work for all churches. Rev. Rachel Barnhart’s church, Broad Street UMC, didn’t …more
Central UMC’s free clothing bazaar a success
July 27, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: In August 2020, the Upper New York Conference will publish the Summer issue of the Advocate, which focuses on Keeping Connected. In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, churches have had to be creative in keeping connected, especially when they were unable to hold in-person worship services for months. The story below is one example of how an Upper New York Church creatively connected with its community. Keep …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more
Introducing the UNY Conference Regional and District Associates
July 15, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
July 1 is always significant in the life of the United Methodist Church in Upper New York—it’s the start date for new appointments. This year, July 1 also marked the start date for Regional and District Associates across Upper New York. As this new way of ministry together begins, each Region has been given a name: The Northeast Region includes Adirondack, Albany, Northern Flow, and the Mohawk Districts. …more
Teen Challenge workers showing a true heart of Jesus at Manlius UMC ramp project
July 14, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Manlius UMC recently learned that their ramp was not up to code, and it had to be removed and replaced. The missions leader at Manlius UMC, Andrew Harding, contacted Mike Block, the Upper New York Conference Director of Missional Engagement about helping plan a ramp installation. Mike has directed several UMC teams on ramp installation sites with the help of Operation Northern Comfort, a local volunteer organization that helps those …more
Upper New York Red Bird Mission Shoebox Campaign 2020 seeking drop-off locations
July 14, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dave Alexander and the mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church are again coordinating the collection and delivery of shoeboxes for the Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission is a poverty-relief organization that serves a remote, impoverished population in Bell, Clay, and Leslie counties in southeastern Kentucky. The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three United Methodist Missionary Conferences in the United States. It is the most …more
Register now for fall HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops
July 6, 2020 / By UNY Conference Benefits Office
The Upper New York Conference Benefits Office will be hosting multiple HealthFlex Exchange Zoom workshops this fall. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting for January 1, 2021, all eligible, under 65 participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. In the HeathFlex Exchange, participants are given a monthly allowance, called a Premium Credit, with which to “shop” …more
Paycheck Protection Program Extended
July 1, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as …more