news stories
Learning what mission means from Grandma Ruffo
June 9, 2020 / By Carmen Vianese, Chair of Finance for GBGM and UMCOR
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of the Upper New York Advocate, which focused on being the hands and feet of Jesus. Carmen Vianese has been engaged in impressive mission work in Africa. Carmen’s passion for mission stems from her Granma Ruffo, whose mission work took place in her own backyard in Western New York State. My first example of ministry &ldquo …more
Central United Methodist Church, Endicott launches hope@central
June 8, 2020 / By Rev. Dr. Michelle Michelle Bogue-Trost
Who says you can’t launch a New Faith Community in a pandemic? hope@central just did, and the story of it getting there is a wild ride—at least as experienced by its Core Team. First, the backstory: More than two years ago, the leadership of Central UMC in Endicott (Binghamton District) began talking with me, their pastor, about crafting a vision for the future. Located in …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Pastoral Letter from the NEJ College of Bishops
June 8, 2020 / By Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops
Editor’s Note: The following letter was released by the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops on Monday June 8, 2020. We, the College of Bishops of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, prayerfully stand with our pastors, members and churches during the aftermath of the recent deaths of unarmed African American people at the hands of law enforcement officers and citizens across our nation. We decry the murders …more
UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race Statement on recent racial violence and subsequent demonstrations
June 8, 2020 / By The UNY Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Amid the ongoing challenge of a pandemic that manifests several examples of racial inequities in our society, a wave of high-profile incidents of racial violence has challenged us in new ways. The killing …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: The injustice of racism
June 2, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: On June 2, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, reflecting on the death of George Floyd, sent the following letter to the UNY Conference urging both clergy and lay to be committed to increasing their efforts against the virus of racism. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to …more
Mission of Peace: Letters from India
June 1, 2020 / By Leah Stucke, 12th Grade, East Aurora UMC and Sam Lasher, 11th Grade, Cobleskill UMC
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the Spring 2020 issue of the Advocate, which focused on mission work locally, nationally, and internationally. Click here to see the issue. Radical Hospitality--Leah Stucke's reflection: Radical Hospitality. If there is one phrase that can describe India it is radical hospitality. Before I left, I was told, by someone who has been to India many times, that the people …more
An Appeal to Our Better Angels
June 1, 2020 / By Deacon Carrie Wolfe, Christ UMC/Olean, NY
The reality of free-will is both exhilarating and terrifying. Accepting that I was created with the dignity to choose requires me to accept that the potential for both good and bad exists in me. Will I choose the original goodness God declared at the creation of humanity or will I choose the original sin of Adam and Eve, who decided to do things their way instead of God&rsquo …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Missing AC2020
May 27, 2020 / By
Editor's Note: U.pper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the UNY Conference on May 27, 2020. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15.13 Dear Friends, On most of our calendars, tomorrow, May 28, was marked as the beginning of …more
UMC Bishops announce dates for postponed 2020 Jurisdictional Conferences
May 26, 2020 / By Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops (COB) has announced new dates for the 2020 Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States which have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States will be held November 10-12, 2021. The days prior to and after can be used at the discretion of each Jurisdictional Conference. In the call letter to Jurisdictional Conferences secretaries and heads of delegations, COB President Bishop Cynthia …more
Commission sets dates for postponed General Conference; will explore new uses of technology
May 26, 2020 / By Commission on the General Conference
The Commission on the General Conference has announced new 2021 dates for General Conference following the postponement of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quadrennial legislative event will take place on August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. "We're grateful that we were able to secure new dates while keeping the site of General Conference in Minneapolis. Nearly seven years of pre-planning and …more