news stories
NYS leave law updates
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State has extended the COVID-19 vaccination leave, has added sibling under the Paid Family Leave law, and has a new amendment to a law that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for taking legally protected absences. The NY COVID-19 vaccination leave, which requires employers to provide up to 4 hours of paid leave (separate from Paid Sick Leave or paid time off) to their employees to receive a COVID-19 …more
Warnerville UMC warming center reopens
January 10, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Warnerville UMC pastor, Maryellen (Mel) Moore, was compelled to help a single mother with four children in her congregation as they faced homelessness. She worked with the local Department of Social Services (DSS) and Catholic Charities to find services and housing for this member. Because of the housing shortage in Schoharie County, DSS and Catholic Charities find motel or hotel rooms for those needing assistance. When one thinks about homelessness, …more
I am enough
January 10, 2023 / By Daniel Bradley, Faith Journey UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the issue. I am enough. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? I am enough. This is a hard concept to master in this world in which we are continually told we are not enough. If we could just sit with this simple phrase, …more
Intentionally tending to the wellbeing of our clergy and clergy families
January 10, 2023 / By Rebekah Solar, Licensed Local Pastor at Three Mile Bay UMC and Point Peninsula UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the issue. Something new has come to the Northern Flow District. Well, not really something new, but certainly something different. I am Bekah Solar. I am a licensed local pastor, serving the congregations and communities of Three Mile Bay and Point Peninsula. I am also moonlighting …more
Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Part II—The work ahead
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This is part II of an article about conversations had at a Zoom meeting hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos To read about the devastation Buffalo-area churches experienced and God sightings, click here to read Part I. During Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez’s blizzard of the century …more
The ‘Blizzard of the Century’ Zoom gathering Part I—The devastation and God sightings
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, expected 30-40 people to participate in his Jan. 6, 2023, Zoom gathering to address the impact of the Christmas 2022 weekend blizzard, identified as the “blizzard of the century.” What was expected to be a few dozen people turned into a virtual gathering of over 150 people. The hour spent together was filled with encouraging stories …more
Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After already experiencing a late-November blizzard that dropped over 50 inches of snow in the Buffalo region, an even more life-threatening storm swept through Christmas weekend. The blizzard began on Dec. 23, 2002, with heavy snowfall and up to 70 mph winds. The snow and wind kept falling relentlessly overnight. Snowbanks and drifts were up to seven feet high. Not only were people stranded in their homes, but thousands were trapped in their cars, …more
Blizzard of the century response
January 4, 2023 / By Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez,
Editor's Note: On Jan. 4, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference about the recent winter storm that impacted the Niagara Frontier and Northern Flow Districts. Dear partners in ministry, Like you, my thoughts and prayers have been with all the communities affected by the blizzard, the residents …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos - Mark Webb
January 4, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: On Jan. 4, 2023 the following letter was emailed to the Upper New York Conference. “The Lord is our rock and our salvation. The Lord is our fortress, we will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:6, par Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, Grace and peace from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you. On Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023, retired Bishop Mark Webb surrendered his credentials as an …more
Evidence of clergy’s declining wellness
January 4, 2023 / By The Rev. Drew Sperry, UNY Conference Leadership Team, UNY Clergy Wellness Team
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the full issue. I’m overweight, on blood pressure medication, a workaholic—and a pastor. For most of my career, my personal wellness has come second to my call as a servant leader in the church. The result has been a decrease not only …more