news stories
Leadership Report presented comically, but discussion gets serious
May 31, 2018 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Leadership Report was presented on a fun note, with Conference Lay Leader Susan Hardy describing how she thought her first meeting would go through a video of Conference Leadership Team members saying one-liners, sharing their opposing views as stats, and posing next to those stats. Then the Rev. Steve Taylor, of the Panama UMC, and the Rev. Andrew Sperry, of the Saratoga Springs: UMCWest, delighted the crowd with some …more
Bishop Webb opens worship at AC18 with a message to acknowledge Christ
May 31, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Are you persistent in your pursuit of God, or is it a hobby? Do you strive to experience and claim the things of God with the same diligence that you strive to experience and claim the things of the world? ... What is your response when Jesus says ‘Who do you say I am?’” These are just a few of the questions Upper New York Area Resident …more
Session shares examples of laity boldly living their call
May 31, 2018 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Laity Session for the 2018 Upper New York Annual Conference session kicked off promptly at 7 p.m. May 30 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Upper New York Conference Lay Leader Susan Hardy started the evening with an introduction of Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb, noting how he has equipped and empowered other leaders in UNY. Bishop Webb took the stage, thanking laity for …more
Being God’s love in downtown Syracuse
May 30, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To many people leaving work in downtown Syracuse, it may have seemed like an ordinary, hot and humid late May Wednesday—until they heard a Christian rock band jamming out with a crowd around them. Wednesday May 30, 2018 marked the second annual Celebrating Christ in the City, an outdoor worship event held in Syracuse’s Columbus Circle. The event, open to the public, was sponsored by the Syracuse United …more
Mission Central HUB hosts UMCOR kits event
May 30, 2018 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Before the start of the 2018 Upper New York Conference session, dozens of UNYC members gave back to the community. The UNY Mission Central HUB hosted an event May 30 in which volunteers helped assemble hygiene kits and flood buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. UNY Director of Missional Engagement Mike Block said the UMCOR kits are important because if a disaster happens, these are the first things homeowners receive. …more
Whitney Point UMC’s Sew ’n Sews ministry makes a difference in the lives of 10,000 girls
May 23, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture 10,000 vibrant dresses in bright blues with checkered trim, or fuchsia a with floral trim, purple with paisley trim, or entirely floral in bright pinks, reds, turquoise, or yellow—gorgeous dresses. These dresses are for little girls in impoverished communities all over the world—dresses that were once sheets and pillow cases, or quilting patterns found when cleaning out attics of loved ones who have either passed away …more
Inviting and Inspiring Worship: Highlight on Asbury First UMC
May 23, 2018 / By Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady II, Asbury First UMC
In the United Methodist tradition, worship is ultimately about “an encounter with the living God through the risen Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Or, so says our Book of Worship. Unfortunately, many people (including some clergy) are more likely to experience boredom in worship than God. To our credit, we have known that there is a problem for several decades and have done …more
What else you need to know about Annual Conference
May 22, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every week for the past few months, articles have been published about specific Annual Conference details that you need to know about. Now, with being just over a week away from Annual Conference, we have a few more details to share with you. Livestream If you are unable to attend Annual Conference—no worries! You can watch all the services and plenaries through the Annual Conference livestream. Simply go …more
Bishops clarify statement on Commission on a Way Forward recommendation
May 18, 2018 / By Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops is issuing the following statement, written by the bishops who served on the Commission on a Way Forward, and approved by the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops this week. The Council of Bishops has voted by an overwhelming majority to share the work done by the Commission on a Way Forward on the three plans and to recommend the One Church Plan. The …more
What are the five markers of vitality?
May 16, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Spring 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on developing vital congregations. Through the study of thousands of congregations in various contexts, there are five markers that have been consistent with high-vitality congregations: Inviting and Inspiring Worship Weekly worship services continue to be a primary place of connection with those who are already connected with the church as well as those who are …more