news stories
A Blessing for Students, Teachers/Professors and Staff
September 9, 2020 / By Rhonda Chester / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
May children, youth and young adults everywhere be open to the blessing of a brand new school year. May the radiance of your soul light up all opportunities to do good work and to be good humans. As you enter the virtual and in-person spaces, may you do so with anticipation for the new discoveries of your ability to adapt and learn. May your minds and hearts be excited to …more
Bishop Webb’s message to the UNY Conference Sept. 8
September 8, 2020 / By UNY Communications
On Sept. 8, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, sent a video message to the Upper New York Conference. In his message, he expresses gratitude for every clergy person, lay person, and participant in any of the UNY churches for the faithful ministry they continue to offer in the name of Jesus Christ at this difficult time. Bishop Webb expresses sorrow for the UNY Conference as they …more
Rev. Dr. Duane Priset’s reimagining of the Pilgrim’s Progress available
September 8, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For over 40 years, the Rev. Dr. Duane Priset, who served Lockport: Emmanuel UMC in the Upper New York Conference and several churches in the former Western New York Conference, has been teaching lessons from John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress to Sunday School classes, congregations, seminar attendees, and even his seminary students. Introduced to The Pilgrim’s Progress as a senior in high school, Dr. Priset …more
Department of Labor issues New FAQs on FFCRA Leave and return to school
September 8, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published new frequently asked questions (FAQs) about whether employees qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in different school reopening situations, including those that blend in-person with distance learning. A new “Return to School” section was added to the DOL’s existing FFCRA FAQs on August 27, 2020. The new section’s three …more
Donors reminisce about their times at UNY Camp & Retreat Centers
September 7, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Manna in the Wilderness campaign to support Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries is going strong. Individuals who have had moving experiences at one of Upper New York’s Camp & Retreat Centers are stepping forward to make donations to a ministry that means so much to them. The Rev. Thanna Howell, pastor at Plymouth UMC, designated her donation to go to Sky Lake Camp & Retreat …more
Voting at the 2020 UNY Annual Conference
September 1, 2020 / By UNY Communications
As previously published, the 2020 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference will be held virtually. Both the clergy session (to take place on Sept. 19) and the Annual Conference session (to take place on Oct. 3) will be livestreamed. Click here to see the agenda. Those who are eligible to vote must provide a login email and create a password to access the virtual meetings when they register for the clergy session and …more
Vacation Bible School goes Virtual
August 31, 2020 / By By Gayle M. Kryger,
Editor’s Note: The following article, which originally appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate, showcases how strong the United Methodist Connection can be. Virgil UMC, a very small church in the Upper New York Conference, partnered with a very large church, Zionsville UMC in the Indiana United Methodist Conference, to put on a successful virtual Vacation Bible School. At Virgil United Methodist Church, during April, it …more
Caring for children amidst COVID-19 and beyond
August 31, 2020 / By By Deacon Carrie Wolfe, Olean: Christ UMC
Editor's Note: The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate focused on the theme "Keeping Connected." The following article was featured in that issue. Click here for the full issue. In Matthew 18:6 (GNT), Jesus says, “If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around their neck and be drowned …more
Annual Conference registration open
August 27, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2020 Annual Conference registration is open. The Annual Conference will take place on Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. through a secure livestream. Click here to see the full agenda. All eligible voting members must preregister by Sept. 25. Click here to register. Clergy members will need to register for both the Clergy Session and the full Annual Conference Session. Any clergy looking to be excused must fill out and submit this request …more
Virutal pre-retirement seminar scheduled for Oct. 9
August 21, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There will be a virtual pre-retirement seminar on Oct. 9 to highlight and explain the benefits available through The United Methodist Church to retiring clergy. In the past, the event has been held at the United Methodist Center. Due to the coronavirus, this year's seminar will be held virtually. This seminar is intended to assist persons in their later years of ministry understand the current pension plan, health insurance options, …more