news stories
NYS paid breastfeeding breaks
June 18, 2024 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources and Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Monday, June 17, 2024, the New York State (NYS) Department of Labor (DOL) released its guidance on paid breaks for breastfeeding. Beginning on June 19, 2024 and as part of the state budget passed earlier this year, paid breastfeeding breaks become law and take effect. Click here to read the full guidance. The guidance provides some much-needed clarification, particularly on the following points: An employee is entitled to as …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Dean of Cabinet, Renewal Leaves, Disaffiliations
June 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 18 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I thank God for the spirit of hope and joy that permeated the 2024 session of the UNY Annual Conference, held from May 30 to June 1 in Syracuse, NY. United Methodists …more
2024 Annual Conference survey results
June 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The results are in. More than 700 people attended the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session from May 30-June 1 in Syracuse and more than half of those in attendance provided valuable feedback on their experience. All results and remarks provided are anonymous to allow for full transparency of the person completing the survey. “It was a blessing to get together and see sisters and brothers that we haven&rsquo …more
Commentary: Learning the true meaning of “life-changing” from Mission of Peace
June 13, 2024 / By Grace Steirheim / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Disclaimer: Upper New York Communications may include commentaries in the Weekly Digest that reflects a variety of voices and viewpoints. They are the opinions of the writers or ministry team, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. Editors note: The Mission of Peace (MOP) is a yearly journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community sponsored by the …more
Statement from The Northeastern College of Bishops: Embracing Theological Diversity and Moving Forward
June 11, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM BISHOP BURGOS NÚÑEZ: I am grateful that the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops is of one voice on these matters. United Methodists of Upper New York are moving forward as a theologically diverse Conference united in our love for Christ and our shared desire to live the gospel and embody God's love with as many people as possible while doing no …more
Commentary: The woman at Rafah
June 11, 2024 / By Noelle Stevens / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary is by Noelle Stevens, a wife, mother, and palliative care physician in northern New York. The views expressed in this reflection are her own, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member or team. On February 6, 1993, during a visit to Gaza with the Near East Council of Churches, Noelle Stevens captured a photograph of a woman in Rafah …more
Commentary: Lessons from Puerto Rico
June 10, 2024 / By Noah Stierheim / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by Noah Stierheim about his recent Mission of Peace trip. Mission of Peace (MOP) is a yearly journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community sponsored by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Council on Youth Ministries of The United Methodist Church. The most recent MOP trip was to Puerto Rico in February 2024. The Mission of Peace (MOP) trip to Puerto Rico was a …more
UNYAC Creation Justice Team’s composting efforts at 2024 Annual Conference
June 10, 2024 / By Andrew Hartley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Three 95-gallon containers of food-associated waste were diverted from landfills to composting at the 2024 Annual Conference at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College from May 30 to June 1. The composting was a labor of love arranged by the conference organizing committee and supported by the UNYAC Creation Justice Team (CJT). Items for composting included food scraps, paper plates, and napkins. This AC meeting was the first such …more
Youth voices matter: Bridging generational divides in church leadership
June 6, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Let our youth have a say. In his passionate plea to United Methodists of Upper New York, Victor Giso from First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush asked the annual conference body to include youth in the life and decisions of the church. “Churches must create platforms for meaningful participation and leadership opportunities. By valuing our insights and fostering an environment of inclusivity, religious institutions can harness …more
Dr. Ashley Boggan offers lessons in history at Annual Conference 2024
June 4, 2024 / By Tara Barnes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For the Friday afternoon learning session United Methodists of Upper New York heard from “full-blown Wesleyan Metho-nerd” Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, during the conference’s 2024 annual meeting. But first she took issue with the gathering’s scriptural focus, Philippians 3:13-14. “Here, we are encouraged to forget the past and strive forward to what …more