news stories
Fighting for food justice: A Methodist call to action
February 11, 2025 / By Deaconess Susan Silhan, Healing and Wholeness Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past Sunday on February 9, 2025, Home Missioner Robert Pessolissi, Director of the Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN), shared a powerful message “Holiness and Wholeness: Looking at Public Health through a Methodist Lens” at Odessa-Catharine UMC in the Mountain View District. Bob is a native of Syracuse but resides in Poughkeepsie and is commissioned to the IPHN in the New York Conference. His message reminded those in attendance …more
CCORR offers prayer sessions
February 11, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney, CCORR Co-Convener / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The work of confronting racism can be bruising for the soul. Knowing this, your Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) seeks to offer inspiration, a listening ear, and the opportunity to come together in prayer on a regular basis. Beginning Tuesday, February 18, members of CCORR will open a Zoom meeting room at 12 p.m. using this link. In these 15-minute sessions, we’ll offer a short prepared …more
Conference Office closed on February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool is closed today, February 6. It is scheduled to reopen on Friday, February 7. …more
Cady Grants applications now being accepted
February 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Could you or your ministry qualify for a Cady Grant? The Cady Grant is a valuable funding opportunity available to local United Methodist churches, individual United Methodists, and district or conference ministry teams within the Upper New York Conference. This grant supports educational initiatives that foster growth, learning, and leadership development within the church and community. Cady Grants have supplemented, supported, and financed many creative projects. In the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: A pastoral response to the current immigration crisis in the US
January 30, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodist clergy in Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Thursday, January 30, 2025 about how to respond to the current immigration crisis in the U.S. as a pastor. "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." – Matthew 25:35 Ver versión en español abajo. …more
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and United Methodists
January 29, 2025 / By Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Rev. Jee-Hae Song, and Georgia Whitney / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. - 1 Corinthians 12:12, 26 As children of God, and disciples of Jesus Christ, this scripture reminds us that we share in the joys and sufferings …more
Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets come together for missional collaboration
January 29, 2025 / By Matt Shineman, Susquehanna Conference Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in the ministry. …more
Conference office closed on January 29 due to weather
January 28, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to inclement weather forecasted, the Conference Office in Liverpool will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29 and staff will be working remotely. The building is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, January 30. …more
Preachers find time to rest and play while on renewal trip to Belize
January 28, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the early morning hours of January 14, eleven Upper New York clergy boarded a plane from Syracuse, NY to Central America. They traded in their winter jackets, boots, and freezing cold temperatures for sandals, sunscreen, and a chance to embark on a journey that promised to be full of rest and renewal. This was the first renewal trip planned for preachers serving United Methodists of Upper New York, designed solely …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: The 2025 appointment season
January 28, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Tuesday, January 18, 2025 about the 2025-26 appointment season. “Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so God’s people are equipped to serve, and the Body of Christ would grow strong.” -Ephesians 4:11-12 …more