news stories
The Rev. Nola Anderson will be this year’s Memorial Service speaker
April 25, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We are thrilled to announce that the Rev. Nola Anderson, District Superintendent of the Crossroads and Finger Lakes districts will be the speaker for the Memorial Service at the 2023 Annual Conference Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. on June 2, 2023, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse, NY.At each Annual Conference, the Memorial Service honors clergy and clergy spouses, as well as Upper New York members who have …more
Speakers announced for the 2023 Annual Conference
April 18, 2023 / By UNY Communications
The 2023 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference will be held June 1-3 at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse. In addition to the business of Annual Conference, there will be uplifting times of worship and great learning sessions! On June 1, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, will deliver the Opening Worship message at 10:30 a.m. and the …more
Blueprint for Wellness screenings at UNY Annual Conference
April 18, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Wespath Benefits and Investments have again teamed up with Quest Diagnostics to offer "Blueprint for Wellness," a free health screening program for eligible participants* in the Upper New York Conference. Quest Diagnostics will be at the Upper New York Annual Conference event at Onondaga Community College (SRC Arena/Allyn Hall Room A182) on Thursday, June 1, 2023, and Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Blueprint for Wellness (BFW) …more
What is the Doctrine of Discovery: an anti-Christian theology of “chosenness”
April 17, 2023 / By UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel
The Papal Bull "Inter Caetera," issued by Pope Alexander VI on May 4, 1493, played a central role in the Spanish conquest of the New World. The Bull stated that any land not inhabited by Christians was available to be "discovered," claimed, and exploited by Christian rulers and declared that "the Catholic faith and the Christian religion be exalted and be everywhere increased and spread, that the health of souls be cared …more
Sunrise Easter fish breakfast at Hope UMC
April 12, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Years ago, before the Rev. David Martin started serving in the former Troy Conference, he attended an indoor sunrise service at his wife’s parents’ Presbyterian church in Burlington, VT. A congregant at the church had prepared a baked fish dish for “coffee hour” after the service. “It was really good,” Rev. Martin exclaimed. He continued, “A reference was made to the third …more
Easter message from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
April 9, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's note: The following message was sent electronically on April 9, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methoidsts of Upper New York. “The angel said to the women, 'Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said …more
Resources for supporting CONAM
April 5, 2023 / By Kae Woodruff Wilbert, Chair. Committee on Native American Ministries Upper New York Conference
We are grateful for your faithfulness in working with us to educate others regarding the past, present, and future of our Native brothers and sisters. Easter is fast approaching which means Native American Ministries Sunday (NAMS) is not far behind (April 23, 2023). Although this special worship can be celebrated on any Sunday, it is designated for the second Sunday after Easter. What a fitting time to recognize and celebrate the restoration …more
Staying Connected Part II—Living our Baptismal Covenant
March 30, 2023 / By Daniel J. Bradley, Pastor at Faith Journey UMC
Editor’s Note: The following is the second part of an essay written by Pastor Daniel Bradley about why it is essential in this season of renewal to connect with Christ and the Church. Click here to read Part I. The Baptism vows that my parents took for me when I was an infant were confirmed when I made my public declaration of faith when I was 13. They have …more
Being a church home, finding a church home
March 29, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a challenging season for the United Methodist Church (UMC)—some churches throughout the denomination are disaffiliating. In the Upper New York (UNY) Conference, 26 local churches have disaffiliated since October 2022 and dozens more are exploring the disaffiliation option. If you are a local church that is not disaffiliating, consider welcoming members from disaffiliating churches who would like to remain United Methodist. Here are some tips for welcoming new …more
Superintendency Administrative Assistants reconfiguration
March 29, 2023 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York Extended Cabinet shared today, March 29, its plan to reconfigure how administrative support is provided to its districts. Beginning July 1, 2023, the current structure of eight part-time and two full-time administrative assistants serving districts will be replaced by six full-time Superintendency Administrative Assistants, each serving two districts as well as working collaboratively on the superintendency support team. The new configuration of district administrative staff aligns with the …more