news stories
Bishop Héctor Burgos Núñez’s Installation Service Message
March 16, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following is a transcript of the message shared by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez at his Service of Installation held on March 11, 2023 at Liverpool First United Methodist Church. The scripture lesson shared was Isaiah 43:1-2; 16-25. Watch the message below or click here for a link to the video on our Vimeo channel. Click here to watch a recording …more
Upper New York Disaffiliation Policy updated
March 15, 2023 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York Conference disaffiliation policy has been updated. This update clarifies the fact that local churches interested in exploring disaffiliation must take an Administrative Board/Church Council vote to authorize this request. If the vote is affirmative, the Administrative Board/Church Council must submit the application to explore to the Bishop’s Office for Bishop/Cabinet approval. This update also clarifies the Cabinet&rsquo …more
God is doing something new
March 14, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: A transcript and video of the message shared by Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez at his Service of Installation is available by clicking here. On Saturday, March 11, the Upper New York (UNY) Conference celebrated the installation service for Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez at Liverpool First United Methodist Church. Nearly 100 people attended this service in …more
New York State Pay Transparency Law
March 14, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
As communicated in a prior news article, the New York State (NYS) Pay Transparency law goes into effect on September 17, 2023. A bill amending the NYS Pay Transparency law was signed into law on March 3, 2023. Covered Employers The law covers employers located in New York State with four or more employees, as well as agents and recruiters. Only temporary help firms are exempt. Employer Obligations Covered employers …more
The Conference Center’s post-COVID open doors
March 14, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
COVID is not as scary as it once was. While COVID is still around, the mutations are becoming weaker. It is nice to be together again and many people feel safe doing so. The thriving work of ministries and staff in Upper New York is evident as more people feel safe coming together and using the beautiful Conference Center in Liverpool. We understand that some people feel safer wearing masks …more
Celebrating and continuing to support UNY’s Camp & Retreat Ministries
March 14, 2023 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence
Transforming lives! That is the heartbeat and purpose of the Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. This mission is carried out at the five Camp & Retreat Centers found across the Conference. Like local churches, the impact of COVID-19 has prompted CRM to be innovative and inspired them to be more creative in living out their mission. Additionally, like local congregations, CRM has had …more
Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding and Rev. Dr. Bouwens acclimating to new roles
March 8, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, recently announced the realignment of two executive staff positions at the Conference effective March 1, 2023. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding is now the Assistant to the Bishop, and the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens is the Director of Missional Excellence. Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding’s new role Since forming the Upper New York Conference (UNY), Rev. Gottschalk-Fielding has …more
Lincoln Memorial UMC feels the power of the Connection
March 8, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lincoln Memorial UMC’s food pantry serves dozens of members in their community every week. They now have reusable bags thanks to the help of Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, securing the donation of 2,500 bags from United Methodist Communications (UMCOM). On March 5, Kristina attended Lincoln Memorial’s Sunday morning service. “She didn’t come to see us. She came to see God, …more
There is power in the Connection
March 8, 2023 / By Pastor Daniel J. Bradley, Faith Journey United Methodist Church
¶ 121 of the Book of Discipline: Rational for Our Mission—The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment of God&rsquo …more
Clergy inspired at Auburn UMC Regional Gathering
March 3, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Wednesday March 1, dozens of clergy members were greeted with radical hospitality at Auburn UMC in the Lakes Region of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. This was one of the six gatherings with Bishop Héctor held throughout the Conference this winter. Pots of coffee, crudities, charcuterie boards, and baked goods were beautifully displayed in the fellowship hall. Auburn UMC pastor Donna Taylor Martin urged the guests to …more