news stories
Developing Developers brings people across The Connection to UNY
August 16, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
From Sunday, Aug. 13 to Tuesday, Aug. 15, an extraordinary event unfolded primarily at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY. United Methodists of Upper New York had the distinct honor of hosting the 2023 Developing Developers event—an annual affair orchestrated by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church’s Path 1 team. Path 1 is a team of leaders drawn from global, national, regional, and local levels of The United Methodist …more
IRS Employee Retention Credit
August 15, 2023 / By Rev. Susan Ranous, Certified Public Accountant / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If you haven’t already started the process of applying for an Employee Retention Credit (ERC), you need to do so now. You may have received telephone calls, letters, or emails from people/companies that are promising they can help you apply for these credits and you can receive “$28,000 per employee.” While that could be true, the amount most churches would be entitled to is most likely …more
YOUTH 2023—an incredible experience for Upper New York youth
August 14, 2023 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: Many youth from Upper New York attended Youth 2023. Here are some commentaries from youth that attended. Youth 2023 was an event held Tuesday, July 25 through Friday, July 28, by the sandy beaches of Daytona Beach, Florida. Discipleship Ministries sponsored the event, which occurs every four years. This year’s theme was an acronym, BOLD, Being Ourselves, Living Differently. Over the course of the four days, youth and …more
IGNITE conference for youth and young adults
August 4, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The IGNITE conference is just around the corner. IGNITE is an opportunity for youth and young adults to ignite hearts, spark connections, and fuel the passion for Christ among the next generation of leaders. The event is from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Wildwoods Convention Center in Wildwood, NJ. Click here to register, view the schedule, learn about the artists and speakers, get lodging information, and …more
Bishop Héctor and District Superintendents provide guidance for charge conferences
August 1, 2023 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: On Monday, July 31, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez sent a letter to clergy across Upper New York (UNY) about charge conference details and deadlines. The same day, UNY District Superintendents(DSes) sent a note that reiterated the charge conference deadlines and explained why not every clergy will be selected for one-on-one conversations with their DS. The …more
Updated Form I-9 effective August 1, 2023
July 28, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF, 899.28 KB). Employers may continue to use the older Form I-9 (Rev. 10/21/19) through Oct. 31, 2023. After that date, employers will be subject to penalties if they use the older form. The new version will not be available for downloading until Aug. 1. The U.S. Department …more
Operation: Home Repair, a success
July 27, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Seventy-three-year-old Shirley Slater has spent over half her life in what was once a humble one-room schoolhouse, nestled in Schoharie County. Despite the house showing signs of wear, Shirley cherishes her home and diligently searches for grants to support its upkeep. After three persistent attempts, her optimism paid off when she recently secured a New York State grant for weatherization. Last spring, during a fierce thunderstorm, one of Shirley's …more
Service Information for Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
July 21, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 21, 2023. Since distribution of this email, we have learned the service will begin at 11 a.m. and will be livestreamed. The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Devadhar's family on August 7, 2023: My family and I offer our …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Notice of Passing - Bishop Devadhar
July 19, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 19, 2023. The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Devadhar's family on August 7, 2023: My family and I offer our deepest thanks to you for your warm expressions of sympathy after the unexpected passing of Suda. The outpouring of …more
Help for churches and communities experiencing natural disasters
July 17, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you may have seen in recent news broadcasts, severe flooding has impacted much of the Northeast, including the Long Lake area in the Adirondack District. Last December, a brutal winter blizzard devastated Buffalo and churches in the Niagara Frontier District. United Methodists of Upper New York can help when your church or community is impacted by a natural disaster! There is a simple protocol to follow in these …more