news stories
Saving Grace: Finding financial peace through faith
November 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For many people—including those in ministry—money can be a quiet source of stress. Balancing budgets, managing debt, and planning for the future often carry a weight that feels more burdensome than blessed. But for Pastor Wendy Morrison of Sherrill: Christ UMC, Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being turned that stress into peace—and faith into action. “I actually took Saving Grace twice, …more
C3 Tour 2025: Clergy gather across Upper New York to embrace chaos and cultivate hope
November 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More than 200 clergy from across Upper New York came together last week for the 2025 C3 Tour—a three-stop worship and visioning experience at Clarence Center UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and Fayetteville UMC. Centered on the theme of navigating chaos with faith, the tour created sacred space for pastors to pause, connect, and imagine what a Spirit-led future for ministry might look like. Worship Rooted in Creation and Pentecost …more
A Holy Invitation: Joining together in Anti-Racism Ministry for Licensed Local Pastors serving in Upper New York
October 28, 2025 / By Rev. Raquel Alston, dCOM chair, Niagara Frontier District & Georgia Whitney, Regional Coordinator, DRIA / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." — Micah 6:8 You know this journey well, the sacred, sometimes uncertain path of discernment you're walking as a licensed local pastor. It's the early morning study sessions, the late-night prayers over sermon notes, the hospital visits that stretch your heart, the difficult conversations that demand your wisdom. You've said yes to God's call on your life, …more
Faith in Action: Helping feed our neighbors in need
October 27, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, it did more than stall legislation—it put millions of Americans at risk. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 unless funding is restored. The impact of this decision will be deeply felt. Thousands of individuals and families who depend on these benefits may soon face …more
Honoring a lifetime of faith
October 27, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ministry doesn’t end with retirement at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. The church is keeping connection alive through a thriving Older Adult Ministry, led by Pastor Kathy Thiel. It’s allowing faith and fellowship to continue to bloom well into the later chapters of life. What began decades ago as a few seasonal gatherings has become a year-round ministry that touches the lives of 60 to 100 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A Call to Compassion and Action – Government Shutdown
October 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown on October 24, 2025. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 Dear partners in ministry, Grace and peace to you in the …more
Council of Bishops Pastoral Letter on U.S. Government Shutdown
October 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in response to the ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown. Click here to download a PDF of the statement. Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As a people called United Methodists, who proclaim God’s justice, peace, and care for all people, we lament the ongoing government …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Input Sought for New Superintendent
October 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editors note: The following letter was sent to United Methodist of Upper New York on October 23 in response to the recent announceent regarding the end of District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowls tenure. Dear Upper New York clergy community, Grace and peace from Christ be with you. On Tuesday, I shared with the Conference that the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will conclude her tenure in the cabinet on June 30, 2026. …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: UNY Cabinet Transition
October 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the UNY Cabinet Transition to take place on June 30, 2026. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a Dear Upper New York clergy and laity community, Grace and peace to you in Christ. The …more
The BibleKing Ladies: A whopper of a Bible study
October 20, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eight years ago, three women from Oswego: Trinity United Methodist Church hesitated to join a traditional Bible study. “They felt that they didn’t know enough,” recalls longtime member and SPRC Chair of Oswego: Trinity UMC, Sheila Buske. “I responded that I would be willing to run a class for just the three of them, so that they would feel comfortable and not intimidated.” …more