news stories
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez - Safe Haven Congregations
June 26, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following email was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on June 26, 2023. “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I thank God for the joy and hope I experienced as United Methodists of …more
Six steps to building a successful Discipleship Pathway
June 22, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference, attendees were inspired by the Rev. Trey Wince’s engaging learning session on “Building a Discipleship Pathway.” Rev. Wince began his time with some humorous personal stories to connect with the audience. One story involved getting a shot at the doctor’s office, which happened to be located within a teaching hospital. His shot was administered in front of 30 …more
A good year for the Conference Commission on Religion and Race
June 19, 2023 / By Georgia Whitney, Co-Convener CCORR
The Conference Commission on Religion and Race is making good progress in its mission to challenge, lead, and equip The United Methodists of Upper New York to become interculturally competent, ensure institutional equity, and facilitate vital conversations. Here’s what we’ve been up to in the last year: Imagine No Racism (INR) At least five new groups experienced the INR 2.0 curriculum, and we have a total …more
Clergy recognized, commissioned, and ordained at AC2023
June 19, 2023 / By Tara Barnes, Director of Denominational Relations, United Women in Faith
A Service of Commissioning and Ordination was held Friday June 2 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, part of the 14th Annual Conference of the United Methodists of Upper New York. Five people were commissioned and 10 ordained, and the orders and full membership were recognized for four clergy members transferring to The United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. Presiding Bishop, Héctor Burgos Nuñ …more
Betsy O’Flynn named the 2023 Denman Award for Laity
June 19, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We are pleased to announce that the Conference Leadership Team has selected Betsy O’Flynn, Genesee Valley District Administrative Assistant, as the recipient of this year’s Harry Denman Evangelism Award, an award that honors United Methodists who bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Betsy’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her title. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect with …more
New Superintendency Administrative Assistant structure to begin July 1
June 14, 2023 / By UNY Communications
As previously announced, United Methodists of Upper New York will begin a new structure for District Superintendents and District Administrative Assistants (AAs) on July 1, 2023. Each of the six District Superintendents (DSes) will serve two Districts and each will have an Administrative Assistant. Additionally, all District AAs will transition to working remotely (within the next six months) and collaboratively with one another. The phone numbers and emails for the District offices …more
Save the Date: August 17 United Methodist Friends Night at the Ballpark
June 13, 2023 / By UNY Communications
The year, Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (SUMM) will be sponsoring our 43rd annual United Methodist Family and Friends Night at the Ballpark scheduled for Thursday, August 17 at 6:35pm-Syracuse Mets vs. Columbus Clippers, Ohio. There will be no tailgate party this year. Like last year, we will have 200-level assigned seats (not 300-level benches). We will gather on the field at 6.15 pm to sing the National Anthem from Home Plate, and …more
Upcoming Safe Sanctuaries Trainings for the rest of 2023
June 12, 2023 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York Conference is offering the upcoming Safe Sanctuaries® training opportunities. Registration for each event opens one month prior to the training date. If you have questions, email safesanctuaries@unyumc.org. Click here for a flyer with all details. …more
Proposed 2024 Budget Approved at Annual Conference
June 12, 2023 / By Tara Barnes, Director of Denominational Relations, United Women in Faith
On June 2, the proposed 2024 Ministry Share Budget was presented to the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference by Holly Roush, chair of the Upper New York Conference Council on Finance and Administration. “Since we last met, CFA has continued to be very active. We have created the 2024 budget, formulated a plan to pay for the Child Victims Act settlements and legal fees, revised our 2022 spending plan, and worked to ensure …more
Board of Trustees Reports to Annual Conference
June 12, 2023 / By Tara Barnes, Director of Denominational Relations, United Women in Faith
The Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees presented its 2023 report to the Annual Conference on Thursday June 1. The Rev. Pamela Klotzbach, president of the board, presented an overview of the board’s work, which includes the purchase, sale, and maintenance of Conference-owned properties, conference legal matters, the disaffiliation process, and managing and selling church buildings that have closed. The Trustees also manage the Conference’s master insurance …more