news stories
Project Christina: Grief turned into joy for others
November 14, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Sarah Bieling and her husband met 5-and-a-half-year-old Christina in March 2013, it was "love at first sight." Christina, a foster child, was being cared for by the Bielings' daughter in Florida. Though they were separated by distance, the Bielings became very close to their foster granddaughter. Like many foster children, Christina suffered emotional trauma. She often experienced night terrors, but foster parents are forbidden from sleeping in the same room …more
135,000 pounds of potatoes ‘dropped’ by UMM
November 10, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York United Methodist Men, in conjunction with the Society of St. Andrew, held Potato Drops at three locations around the Conference and distributed 135,000 pounds of potatoes to food pantries, service groups and individuals.Unloading potatoes at the Nov. 1 drop in Campville. Photo courtesy of John Conklin. The potatoes are delivered in 50-pound bags; the cost of the potatoes and transportation is covered by the Society of St. …more
Skye Farm honored as community partner
November 7, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pictured above, from left: Brent Azaert, 4-H participant and master of ceremonies for Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Dinner; Skye Farm Director Jim Daly, and James Seeley, Warren County CCE executive director. Photo by Amy Sabattis, CCE. Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center was recognized as a "community partner" by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County (CCE) for Skye Farm's "support of the (Warren County) Campership Program." The …more
Churches plan Charge Conference mission project
November 6, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Churches in the Oneonta District have participated in joint, regional Charge Conferences for the past couple of years. But this year, one group of churches is trying something new: Using part of that time to do a mission project together. The 12 churches that call themselves Gospel Hills Ministries will be creating "care packs" for distribution in their communities. The care packs will include personal-care items such as soap, tissues, Band …more
Conference Leadership Team looks at outcomes
October 30, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Leadership Team (CLT) began its fall work by watching the video How Wolves Change Rivers. The video tells the story of the dramatic changes that occurred from reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. The introduction of a small number of wolves changed the behavior of deer and other species, which allowed vegetation to grow along rivers, more species to thrive, and new ecological niches to emerge. Eventually, …more
The Church is still alive: Forecasted ‘death tsunami’ just another exaggeration
October 28, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
You can read about the question and answer session with Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb that followed this message by clicking here. One of the “stark realities of the denomination” is that The United Methodist Church has weaknesses, “but God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.” That was the opening message of the Rev. Jacob Armstrong’s third appearance …more
Q&A with Bishop Mark J. Webb
October 28, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To read about the Rev. Jacob Armstrong's message during the Bishop's Retreat that preceded this Q&A, click here. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb followed the Rev. Jacob Armstrong’s third message during the 2014 Bishop’s Retreat in Lake Placid with a question and answer session. Although Bishop Webb said he was open to tackling almost any question, he acknowledged that …more
Trustees to pursue purchase of Liverpool building as Conference Center
October 23, 2014 / By
Read the version published Oct. 18, 2014 Members of the Upper New York Annual Conference have approved a recommendation from the Trustees to purchase a new Conference Center. The vote took place during a special session on Oct. 18, 2014. As a result, the Trustees will pursue the purchase of a one-story, 33,000-square-foot building at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. The Trustees have signed a letter of intent with the sellers to pay $895,000 …more
Bishop Webb shares UMC response to Ebola
October 20, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a letter to the members of the Upper New York Conference Bishop Mark J. Webb shares about the United Methodist Response to the Ebola epidemic. “The United Methodist Church is bringing hope to individuals and families affected by Ebola,” he wrote. “Over 300 United Methodist hospitals, clinics and health outposts are engaged in the response effort. Hospital clinics have been re-purposed as Ebola holding centers. Doctors and …more
Members approve new Conference Center
October 18, 2014 / By
Read the expanded story Members of the Upper New York Annual Conference voted to approve the Trustees' recommendation to purchase a building to serve as the new Conference Center. With the approval of the recommendation, the Trustees will pursue purchasing a 33,000-square-foot building at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool with an option to consider other properties should that purchase not come to fruition. The vote authorized up to $3.4 million be …more