news stories
Certificates of Insurance
April 28, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If your church is seeking certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 120.1) and/or workers’ compensation insurance coverage (C105.2), the following information will be helpful to you. Requests for DB 120.1 Certificates of insurance for disability insurance coverage (DB 102.1) are issued by the disability insurance carrier, Guardian. The following information will be needed from you to request the certificate of insurance. You can email …more
Rest. Work. Play. How we’re shaping a healthier future for preachers
April 22, 2025 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, Associate Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What do you get when you ask a group of preachers to slow down? You get revelation. That’s exactly what happened when our first cohort of Preachers: Rest. Work. Play. gathered for their Opening Renewal Trip in Belize earlier this year. Click here to read about the experience and click here to watch a video documenting it. What many thought would be a quiet week of …more
From Upper New York to Costa Rica: A shared call to serve
April 21, 2025 / By Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 In The United Methodist Church, the Spirit moves through our connection—quietly weaving lives together in awe-inspiring and unexpected ways. This winter, two mission teams from the Upper New York Conference—living just over an hour apart …more
New security measures in place at Oncenter
April 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The last time United Methodists gathered at the Oncenter in Downtown Syracuse for Annual Conference was in 2019. Next month when onsite, you’ll notice some significant changes. There are new meeting rooms upstairs, a revamped ballroom downstairs, and new security measures. The Oncenter is now equipped with EVOLV security systems at all entrances. This non-invasive, walk-through technology is designed to detect weapons efficiently and discreetly. This shouldn&rsquo …more
Passing of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025 / 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 on Monday, April 21, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the passing of Pope Francis. Dear Siblings in Christ, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. It is with hearts heavy yet full of hope that we …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Easter 2025 video message
April 20, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Click here to download the extended version of the video. Click here to download the short version of the video. Click here to download a printable transcript. 2025 Easter Message: Christ Is Our Hope Greetings in the name and love of the Risen Christ! Celebrating Easter, as followers of Christ and United Methodists, is a sacred and profound experience. Easter lies at the very heart of our Wesleyan heritage: …more
Steve Ranous receives national UMM award
April 14, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Steve Ranous, a regular attendee of the national gathering of United Methodist Men (UMM), made his way to Myrtle Beach this March for the annual event—just as he always does. As the current Treasurer of the United Methodist Men Foundation, his attendance was a priority. What he didn’t expect was to be honored for his outstanding work, witness, and leadership within the organization. “I …more
CRM Sunday is April 27
April 9, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York are invited to celebrate the excellent ministry being shared by our Camp & Retreat Ministries on Sunday, April 27. The Conference Leadership Team invites congregations to lift up the ministries of the sites to increase awareness of the vital work happening with our partners at Camp & Retreat Ministries. Congregations are also asked to receive a special offering for camp scholarships so that …more
Clergy Care Fund: A lifeline for clergy in crisis
April 8, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The demands of ministry are many—and sometimes, life’s unexpected financial burdens can make it difficult for clergy to be fully present to both their appointment and their families. That’s where the Clergy Care Fund steps in. This fund exists to assist active clergy under appointment who are experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis. The Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry’s (BOM) …more
Caring for God’s Creation at Buffalo University UMC
April 8, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, Creation Care Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
University UMC in Buffalo has chosen to be concerned about being a GOOD Steward of God's Creation. We want to do all in our power to do as little harm and as much good to the great gift God has given us. In 2013, our gas bill for the year was $10,179.82 and our electric bill was $3,706.53. That was very alarming as far as our budget was concerned, but for …more