news stories
Finger Lakes District welcomes DS McDowell
September 21, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia was the setting of the Welcome Service for new Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Jeff McDowell. "Why did I hold it here?" Rev. McDowell asked. He answered that it was because he first met God there as a camper years before (and it was also where he met his wife, Barbara). "That's why I came here today," he said. He suggested …more
Valeski to be Administrative Assistant for Finance and Benefits
September 17, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Julie Valeski has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant for Finance and Benefits. Valeski has served as the Conference Receptionist/Support Services Clerk since Sept. 10, 2013. Valeski will remain in her current position until a replacement is hired. "I am pleased that Julie has demonstrated the skills necessary to move into this position and has the desire to serve in these …more
New ‘Spirituality Infusion Project’ receives $100,000 grant
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beechwood Continuing Care has received a $100,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to support the development of Beechwood’s Spirituality Infusion Project for long-term care professionals, which aims to integrate spirituality into care planning. Director of Spiritual Care/Chaplain at Beechwood Continuing Care is the Rev. Mary Ann Pula, a member of the Upper New York Conference. Beechwood, in Getzville, is one of six elder care facilities that …more
‘Courageous and prophetic’ Bishop McLee mourned by thousands
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
NEW YORK CITY – In song, dance and words, thousands of mourners, including dozens of bishops, celebrated the life of New York Area Bishop Martin D. McLee during a moving service at the Riverside Church in New York City on Monday, Sept. 15, 2014. Bishop McLee, 58, died Sept. 6 after an illness, just over two years after he was elected a bishop of The United Methodist Church. Led by the Northeastern Jurisdiction College …more
Conference retirees learning about new health insurance
September 16, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Conference Benefits Officer Vicki Putney has been traveling around the Conference to help retirees and their spouses prepare for a significant change to their health benefits. As of January 2015, Conference retirees – clergy and lay – age 65 and older will receive health insurance through Medicare along with a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to help them pay for their insurance and health-care expenses. Since there are a number …more
Bishop Webb issues new call for special session
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced that a special session of the annual conference will be convened as outlined in The Book of Discipline, paragraph 603.5. The purpose and call of the special session is to discuss and vote on a recommendation from the Conference Board of Trustees to purchase the property located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool as a new Conference Center. The special session will be held from …more
DS Adams: We are all apple pickers
September 14, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"Friends, it’s time to go apple-picking.” With that last line the Rev. Nancy Adams, giving the sermon during a Welcome Service in her honor as the new superintendent for the Mountain View District, received a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 100 in attendance. Members of the Upper New York Cabinet lay hands on the Rev. Nancy Adams during her Welcome Service as the Mountain View …more
Thirteen Upper New York ministries awarded 2014 RON MOT grants
September 12, 2014 / By
The Reaching Our Neighbors Mission Oversight Team (RON MOT) has awarded $59,776 in grants to 13 Upper New York Conference ministries in its latest round of grant funding. RON MOT members met on Sept. 4, 2014 at the Fayetteville First UMC along with four members of the Spiritual Leadership MOT and the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries. After fixed costs were paid, RON MOT had $60,000 of 2014 funds available to …more
Africa 360 Challenge: Some creative ideas
September 12, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In August 2014, Bishop Mark J. Webb challenged the congregations of the Upper New York Conference to raise $1 million for Africa 360, a combined effort to support the ministry of Africa University and Imagine No Malaria. For the Africa 360 Challenge, churches are asked to raise $1,000 each and bring those donations to the 2015 Annual Conference in Syracuse. Ministry with our brothers and sisters in Africa is on the hearts of many across the …more
Conference Council on Youth Ministries seeks Co-Coordinator
September 8, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Attention adults who work with youth: The Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) is seeking applicants for the position of adult co-coordinator. If you love working with teenagers, guiding them as they learn and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, encouraging their leadership skills, and exploring opportunities for youth in The United Methodist Church, then this might be the role for youThe CCYM team is a partnership of youth and …more