news stories
2022 Statistical Reports due March 17
February 15, 2023 / By Bob Flask, UNY Treasurer
This is a reminder that the deadline for your local church 2022 statistical report is due no later than March 17, 2023. In addition, this process is now done through the new General Council on Finance and Administration (GCF&A) system called ACStats. EZRA is no longer being used; however, it will still contain prior year data that has also been migrated over to the new ACStats platform. If you have not …more
Conference leaders tour Buffalo churches impacted by the Christmas blizzard
February 15, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: Jehovah Jireh Community Church is also a church that was severely damaged by the Christmas blizzard; while this church was not included on the tour, Bishop Héctor had already connected with the Jehovah Jireh congregation by preaching at their service held at a local community center where they are meeting until their church is restored. You can click here to watch the service. Almost …more
New Esperance-Sloansville UMC youth group’s unique Valentine’s fundraiser
February 15, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Esperance-Sloansville UMC (ESUMC) has only recently started a youth group and they did an amazing job selling Valentine's Chocolates this month. It was their first activity to support their group that started last year with a youth group leader, Brandi Kerber. The four children in the youth group did their first project with three parents. They sold 64 Valentine's Chocolates (chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls, milk/dark …more
My occupied life
February 6, 2023 / By Heather Ann
Editor's Note: On January 31, we published an article about the relationship that Dianne Roe, Upper New York Taskforce for Palestine-Israel member, developed with a Palestinian family Click here to read that article. Below, the mother of the family, an American, writes about her life in Al-Ezariya, Palestine. My name is Heather Ann; I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. I am 36 years old, and I graduated …more
UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel update
January 31, 2023 / By Dianne Roe, UNY Taskforce for Palestine-Israel
Sabri and Heather Al Awawda hosted me (Corning First UMC member Dianne Roe) for five weeks in the fall of 2022 in their home in Al Eizariya( Bethany). I first met Shefa, Sabri’s Grandmother, in 1990 while on a Holy Land trip with Bishop Forrest Stith and laity and clergy from the NY West Area. Sabri became like a grandson to me after he moved here and married Heather, …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Superintendency Coverage for 2023-24
January 27, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following letter was emailed to clergy and laity in the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 27, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 Dear United Methodists in Upper New …more
Spiritual restoration in the wild
January 24, 2023 / By Rev. Henry Frueh, UNY Spiritual Director
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. The Rev. Frueh is a retired clergy member of the Upper New York Conference and a former hospice chaplain. He continues his ministry as a Spiritual Director. Nature saved Jesus from burnout. Overwhelmed by pastoral demands, he retreated “to a deserted place,” had soul-talk with …more
Cady Grant applications now available
January 24, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Ercil Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to a fund ministry, program or experience that benefits or provides education to, preferably but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Awards may be up to $5,000. Cady Grants are available to individual United Methodists, local churches, and District or Conference ministry teams within Upper New York. …more
Ways to support your pastor across five dimensions of well-being
January 13, 2023 / By Wespath
Editor's Note: This article appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Good health is a foundation for effective pastoral leadership. The following “ways” are suggestions the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee and the congregation can use to support their pastor’s health and well-being in all its dimensions—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial—and thereby …more
Dr. Laura LeCours helps support pastors’ wellbeing
January 13, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Volume II edition of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. While congregants rely on pastors to help support their wellbeing, pastors are appreciative when members of their congregation look out for them and help them to take Sabbath, to take care of their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Many congregations throughout the Upper New York Conference have members in …more