news stories
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
World Council of churches debates Israel apartheid
December 8, 2022 / By Rev. Dr. Gary Doupe, UNYAC Task Force on Peace with Justice in Palestine-Israel
A political system that separates and discriminates among people based on their ethnic heritage is known as apartheid. The word, in the Dutch-derived language, Afrikaans, means “apartness.” That system came to worldwide attention as South Africa, early in the 20th century, hardened its laws of racial separation, denying indigenous Africans any political power. The party of Dutch settlers (known as Afrikaners) consolidated white power, playing on the fears …more
Youth 2023 in Daytona Beach this July
December 5, 2022 / By Tony Hipes
Every four years, youth from throughout the United States have gathered at a special event for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship. This youth event is always in a different fun-filled spot and is jam-packed with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and fellowship time. Adults who bring youth to the event can expect inspiration and support. While you are at this event, you will grow closer to …more
Bishop Webb’s farewell gathering
November 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dozens of people across the Conference attended the Nov. 19 gathering to bid farewell to Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, and his wife, Jodi. Bishop Webb’s official retirement date is Dec. 31, 2022. Folks across the Conference were able to connect for a time of fellowship before and after a one-hour formal farewell. The Rev. Dr. Bill Allen, Chair of the UNY Episcopacy Committee MCed the …more
Asbury First of Rochester’s new Community Outreach Center
November 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Food distribution, community meals, medical services, haircuts, laundry, and clothing. These are ministries that Asbury First United Methodist Church has offered to the Rochester community for decades. Now, these services and more will be offered more frequently and will be housed under one roof, at the newly renovated and expanded Community Outreach Center, across the street from the church at 1010 East Avenue. The Community Outreach Center Dedication service On Sunday …more
Updated New York State short-term disability forms
November 29, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State recently updated the short-term disability claim forms. There are now two separate disability claim forms that need to be completed and submitted together to Guardian within 30 days of the start date of disability. Form #1 – Employee and Health Care Provider form Form #2 – Employer Form There are several options to submit the completed disability claim forms to Guardian. Mail to: Guardian State Disability Claims P.O. …more