news stories
Coming together to help those impacted by the ‘Blizzard of the Century’
January 9, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After already experiencing a late-November blizzard that dropped over 50 inches of snow in the Buffalo region, an even more life-threatening storm swept through Christmas weekend. The blizzard began on Dec. 23, 2002, with heavy snowfall and up to 70 mph winds. The snow and wind kept falling relentlessly overnight. Snowbanks and drifts were up to seven feet high. Not only were people stranded in their homes, but thousands were trapped in their cars, …more
Blizzard of the century response
January 4, 2023 / By Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez,
Editor's Note: On Jan. 4, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference about the recent winter storm that impacted the Niagara Frontier and Northern Flow Districts. Dear partners in ministry, Like you, my thoughts and prayers have been with all the communities affected by the blizzard, the residents …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos - Mark Webb
January 4, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: On Jan. 4, 2023 the following letter was emailed to the Upper New York Conference. “The Lord is our rock and our salvation. The Lord is our fortress, we will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:6, par Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, Grace and peace from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you. On Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023, retired Bishop Mark Webb surrendered his credentials as an …more
Evidence of clergy’s declining wellness
January 4, 2023 / By The Rev. Drew Sperry, UNY Conference Leadership Team, UNY Clergy Wellness Team
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on spiritual wellness. Click here to access the full issue. I’m overweight, on blood pressure medication, a workaholic—and a pastor. For most of my career, my personal wellness has come second to my call as a servant leader in the church. The result has been a decrease not only …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Welcome
January 3, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 3, 2023. “I [we] can do all things through Christ who strengthens me [us].” Philippians 4:13, par Dear siblings in Christ, May the grace and peace of God be with you in the New Year! I thank God for the …more
Boy Scouts of America Affiliation and Building Use Agreements
December 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications
BSA/UMC agreements between troops and local congregations will not be extended past December 31, 2022. Troops and local congregations seeking to continue or start a relationship will need to complete a new “BSA Affiliation Agreement” and “Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement.” Click here to download the BSA Affiliation Agreement. Click here to download the Facilities Use & Indemnity Agreement. All UNY local …more
Save the Date for March Special Session
December 15, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference’s March 2023 Special Session of Annual Conference to consider disaffiliation requests will take place remotely on March 25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration will open on Feb. 1, 2023, and close on March 10, 2023. …more
No new elections needed for GC2024
December 15, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The United Methodist Church’s highest court ruled that new delegate elections “are not required” for the long-delayed and potentially pivotal General Conference, now set for 2024. There is no need for new elections. The location and dates for the 2024 General Conference have also been announced—the event will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from April 23, 2024 to May 3, 2024. Click here to read more. …more
Save the Date for regional meetings with Bishop Héctor
December 15, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Click here to watch a recording of the laity regional gathering from Christ United Methodist Church in Olean on March 15. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, Bishop Héctor Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Héctor, will be the new bishop of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. Bishop Héctor is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates …more
Nature connects us to God
December 9, 2022 / By Laura Buchanan UMC.org
Time spent outdoors can strengthen our faith and reveal a deeper meaning in our daily life. God equipped us with five senses to help us discover and better appreciate the natural world – it’s up to us to step outside, engage and explore. Few could say they’ve experienced this more than Jack Layfield. In 2019, at age 67, Layfield served as a chaplain on the Appalachian Trail, hiking 2,192 …more