news stories
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
Nominations and Leadership Development Team seeks individuals to serve our conference
January 24, 2025 / By Ian Carlos Urriola / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The work of our Annual Conference can not be done without the dedicated presence of lay and clergy leaders who go above and beyond to volunteer their time and energy to serve on our various Annual Conference teams and committees. A list of each of these teams and a brief description of their work can be found here. The task of the Nominations and Leadership Development Team is to seek …more
United Women in Faith offer grants that support women, children, and youth
January 24, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference United Women in Faith is dedicated to fostering positive change in communities by offering annual grants to non-profit and church-based organizations. These grants aim to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ by directly addressing the needs of women, children, and youth within the Conference boundaries. The grant program, running from July 1 to June 30 each year, provides vital support for projects that promote well-being, equality, …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: The ongoing California wildfires
January 10, 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 Friday, January 10, 2025 in response to the ongoing wildfires in California. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:15 (ESV) Dear siblings in Christ, As United Methodists, we are called to love and …more
Answering the call: Serving during Hurricane Helene and beyond
January 9, 2025 / By Jan Rothfuss, Aldersgate United Methodist Church / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It was a Friday in September 2024, and I was visiting my son and his family, who live near Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene was heading through our area, and schools were closed. We found safe places for the three grandchildren, my son went to work, and I stayed at the house, watching the weather reports. Luckily, we had three inches of rain with high winds but no property damage or …more
COSROW invites all women of faith to come “in from the wilderness”
January 9, 2025 / By Rev. Dr. Robin Blair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The COSROW (Committee on the Status and Role of Women) invites all women of faith to join in a time of listening, sharing, and belonging, while we come "in from the wilderness.” And so, what is the wilderness? Good question. Is wilderness only about 40 days and nights in isolation and temptation as Jesus experienced? (Matt 4:1) Or, is wilderness an experience with many vistas? Is it something that isolates …more
Climate Change Superfund Act: Great news from the UMUNY Creation Justice Team
January 9, 2025 / By UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Governor Kathy Hochel has signed the Climate Change Superfund Act. This Act requires the largest gas and oil companies who do business in New York State to pay the State $25 billion over ten years, $3 billion each year. The money will be used to help municipalities pay for the damage caused by the climate crisis. In addition, the Act will require at least 35% of the monies received be directed to protecting …more