news stories
Immigration Justice Cohort: Equipping justice-centered leaders in Upper New York
August 19, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York were awarded a $9,000 Action Fund Grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to launch an Immigration Justice Cohort. This grant is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of United Methodist congregations around the world who faithfully participate in our shared giving. The Immigration Justice Cohort is an initiative of Missional Excellence. It is a ten-month journey that will prepare six regional …more
2026 UMC Leadership Gathering to be held in Alberta, Canada
August 11, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2026 Council of Bishops (COB) Leadership Gathering is headed to Alberta, Canada from October 20–24, 2026. The inspiring gathering will take place at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Originally planned for April, the event has been rescheduled to October to better accommodate The United Methodist Church’s evolving priorities and schedule. This global gathering of bishops, church leaders, clergy, and laity will serve as …more
Casowasco Discern & Design Summit update
August 5, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 18-19, a group of leaders, alumni, and supporters gathered at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center for a Discern & Design Summit. Guided by consultants Scott Pontier and Heather Kenny from Ministry Incubators, the goal wasn’t to solve every problem—but to listen and imagine what a renewed future for Casowasco could look like. The summit was designed to celebrate Casowasco’s legacy, …more
Unlocking the power of AI for ministry
August 5, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you a church leader, pastor, or conference staff member wondering how Artificial Intelligence (AI) fits into your ministry? This fall, don’t miss this one-time training, AI for Ministry: A Practical Training on Wednesday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Conference Center in Liverpool. Led by Jason Moore, a nationally recognized expert in digital ministry and worship design, this hands-on workshop is tailored specifically …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Endorsement of political candidates
August 5, 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 Tuesday, August 5, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding the endorsement of politican candidates or parties. …more
Increase to Jury Duty Pay and expiration of NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
August 1, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, HR Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Increase to Jury Duty Pay The daily rate for jury duty for all New York State Courts and for Town and Village courts increased effective June 8, 2025, from $40 to $72. Employers of more than 10 employees must pay employees the daily rate of $72 or the employee’s wage (whichever is lower) each day for the first three days of jury service. If the employee’s daily wage is less than the …more
Delivering comfort one blanket and hat at a time
July 31, 2025 / By Sharon Clairmont-Long, Christ UMC in Johnsonville / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture a car filled to the brim—delivering warmth, comfort, and love to children who need it most. The purpose is simple yet powerful, and the effort has been a true community collaboration. I'm a member at Christ UMC in Johnsonville. I also serve as a High Priestess of Airoc Court No. 42, based in Rutland, VT and am part of the fraternal organization inspired by Shriners International …more
Flood Insurance: Is your church protected?
July 29, 2025 / By Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States—impacting 99% of U.S. counties since 1998. Yet many property owners, including churches, remain uninsured against this major risk. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Board of Trustees is urging all congregations to assess their flood risk and consider whether they have adequate coverage. Many churches are surprised to learn that typical policies do not cover …more
Answered Prayer: Rush UMC’s journey of compassion and connection
July 28, 2025 / By Erma Perkins, Rush UMC
On May 29, 2025, Rush United Methodist Church commissioned a missionary team to Empangeni, South Africa, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than two decades with Zululand Hospice and MusaweNkosi Orphanage. This year’s mission once again deepened relationships and offered lasting hope to all who participated. Erma Perkins, who has faithfully led the team for most of those years, described the experience as “a true moment of answered …more
A city church in vibrant ministry
July 28, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, University United Methodist Church in Buffalo / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What do you do when you have a large city church building—but only a handful of United Methodist members? You ask for God’s guidance. And be ready: when you ask sincerely, you just might get an unexpected answer That answer began to take shape when people started approaching us at University United Methodist Church in Buffalo with a simple question: “Do you have space …more