news stories
UNY Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries pursues new role at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
January 14, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mike Huber, the UNY Director of Camp & Retreat ministries has submitted his letter of resignation to the Upper New York Conference. Mike has been offered an opportunity to become the Vice President of Group Sales and Programming at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. Mike said, “After a great deal of prayer and discernment, I will be leaving my position in Upper New York at the end …more
Help restore hope for survivors of natural disasters
January 9, 2020 / By Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement
We have all heard of various natural disasters which have occurred across the country such as floods, tornados, and other severe storms. What we often don’t hear about is how survivors struggle to recover during the following days, weeks and often months after the disaster. We don’t think of people who have no power, no heat, no water, even though it is during winter …more
New federal W-4 tax form for 2020
January 9, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective Jan, 1, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) redesigned the Federal W-4 Tax Form which instructs employers how much tax to withhold. The redesign is a result of the changes to the federal tax code from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which took effect in 2018. The new federal W-4 tax form is meant to be a more accurate paycheck withholding for employees. The new form uses …more
Bishop Webb responds to Bishops’ Protocol Statement
January 8, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
On Jan. 6, 2020, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb sent a letter to the Upper New York Conference explaining how the media took an independent team of United Methodist Bishops’ Protocol Statement out of context, leading many people to ask the question, “has the United Methodist Church split? Has the decision been made?" Bishop Webb explained that the simple answer to those questions is no and …more
Exploring the intersections of my identity
January 6, 2020 / By Alonzo D. Turner
Editor's Note: The United Methodist Ecumenical Campus Ministry at Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University applied for and received the Ercil Cady Grant in 2019 and they put on a spirituality writing contest that was geared towards students of Black/African American and Native American descent. Alonzo D. Turner won the contest with the following essay. One of the most rewarding opportunities that I have been afforded as a …more
Celebrating Carol Barnes for over 20 years of work with Safe Sanctuaries
December 16, 2019 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Carol Barnes retired from teaching in 2006, she turned to God, pondering and praying about what she was to do next. The answer was Safe Sanctuaries®, primarily trainings. At the time, Carol was in the former Wyoming Conference. When the Wyoming Conference was transitioning to become part of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference in 2010-2011, Carol was selected as the Training Coordinator and Manager of Safe Sanctuaries for …more
Sessions Team continues work on Annual Conference 2020
December 11, 2019 / By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, Dec. 10 the Sessions Team gathered at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool to continue their work of planning for the 2020 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference. They shared both their ongoing work and new tasks that need to be completed to make Annual Conference happen. There were several important decisions made, including: The special offerings at Annual Conference will include offerings for Mission of Peace, the …more
Upper New York Imagine No Racism through preaching contest
December 9, 2019 / By Rev. Harold Wheat
Early in the New Year, Jan. 15-Feb. 29, 2020, the Upper New York Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will welcome submissions of sermons designed to call out and dismantle racism. A panel of judges will recognize the sermon that most effectively engages and motivates listeners to imagine and build a world free of racism. The Pastor, Lay Preacher, or Deacon preaching this sermon will be honored at Annual Conference. …more
Minimum wage, salary, and arrearage policy changes for 2020
December 4, 2019 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Greetings! Your Conference staff sincerely hopes that you are well and receiving the blessings that the Season of Advent brings to us as followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Enclosed you will find your monthly billing statement along with important information pertaining to the new minimum wage and salary requirements and a new direct bill arrearage policy. Information on both items are detailed below. Minimum wage/salary requirements …more
Nominations Committee accepting nominations for UNY ministry teams
December 4, 2019 / By Rev. Tony Hipes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for almost all Upper New York Conference ministry teams. Their team has begun its work of developing a list of nominees for consideration at our upcoming Upper New York Annual Conference session (May 28-30, 2020). While each Conference ministry team has a focus, all exist to equip clergy, laity, and their churches to live our mission of making disciples for the transformation of the world. …more