news stories
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
Eighteen churches disaffiliate at the March 2023 Special Session of the UNY Annual Conference
March 29, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The first 2023 Special Session of the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference was held virtually on Saturday, March 25. This was the first time that Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez presided over a Conference. GNTV was the audio-visual provider. This Special Session included a brief worship service followed by voting on the agenda, equalization members, organizational motion, and local church disaffiliations. …more
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez calls for change after Nashville school shooting
March 29, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: After the March 27 mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennesee, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, sent the strong message below to United Methodists of Upper New York on March 29, urging them to take action. Dear siblings in Christ, My heart aches as senseless violence once again claimed the lives of innocent individuals, three of …more
The Upper New York Committee on Native American Ministries asks Gov. Hochul to sign Senate bill S630
March 28, 2023 / By CONAM
On March 24, 2023, the Upper New York Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) sent a letter to NY State Governor, Kathy Hochul, regarding her veto of The Unmarked Burial Site Protection Act on Dec. 30, 2022. This bill had been approved unanimously. CONAM explained that if she does not sign it, or opts to veto it again, they urge both the NY State Assembly and NY State Senate to override her veto and …more
UNY Camp & Retreat sites seeking volunteers
March 28, 2023 / By UNY Communications
All Upper New York (UNY) Camp & Retreat sites have scheduled workdays this Spring. In addition to Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s April 1 and April 15 scheduled workdays (most work to be done outdoors), they could also use some extra hands in the dining room and with linen laundering. Volunteers are needed in the dining room for serving meals and helping to clean up (vacuum after meals, wipe …more
Launchpad Spring 2023 starts April 19 on Zoom
March 28, 2023 / By UNY Communications
If you have a team of people interested in planting a church, the Launchpad course is for you. Over six weeks, you will learn how to engage new people outside of your church, how to clarify vision, and contextualize your discipleship, how to create a six-month plan with one year of monthly support from Upper New York’s New Faith Communities, and how to gather support for your new …more