news stories
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
Joining God’s mission
February 27, 2023 / By Rev. Olga E. Gonzalez, Racial Ethnic Missionary
Are you feeling a call to be a missionary? My call to missions goes back to when I was a child. I grew up listening the testimonies of my uncle Miguel Gonzalez, who has been a missionary for more than 50 years. He’s now a missional pastor in Costa Rica along with his wife Sara. He was always receiving pastors and friends at my grandmother’s house, where …more
Lent throughout Upper New York
February 27, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Churches in Upper New York (UNY) are living into our vision of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loving their neighbors in all places this Lenten season. Many of the Ash Wednesday services planned throughout the Conference last Wednesday were canceled due to extreme weather, but local churches were quick to change gears and offer their services remotely through Zoom or Facebook. Churches are continuing their community meals and …more
Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church set for March 2
February 27, 2023 / By Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications Council of Bishops
Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton will deliver a Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address on March 2, 2023, at 1pm EST. The video presentation will launch on the official United Methodist denominational website at UMC.org/Renew and be shared on Facebook.com/UnitedMethodistChurch. The news comes on the heels of Bishop Bickerton’s Ash Wednesday message in which he encouraged …more
Clara’s Closet supports thousands of refugees
February 27, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Clara’s Closet is far more than a closet—this clothing, bedding, hygiene, and home goods ministry takes up the entire basement of Buffalo: Central Park UMC. Set up like a department store, racks upon racks of clothing are arranged by gender and size, including a large room dedicated to baby and children’s clothing. There is also a room of particularly trendy clothing with tweens and …more
Realignment for Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
February 22, 2023 / By UNY Communications
Over the past six weeks, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, has assessed the UNY executive staff structure and portfolios. After much prayer and discernment, Bishop Héctor is excited to announce two realignments in the executive team, effective March 1, 2023. The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding will be appointed as Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper New York Area of …more