news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Endorsement of political candidates
August 5, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding the endorsement of politican candidates or parties. …more
Increase to Jury Duty Pay and expiration of NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave
August 1, 2025 / By Tracy Rickett, HR Manager / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Increase to Jury Duty Pay The daily rate for jury duty for all New York State Courts and for Town and Village courts increased effective June 8, 2025, from $40 to $72. Employers of more than 10 employees must pay employees the daily rate of $72 or the employee’s wage (whichever is lower) each day for the first three days of jury service. If the employee’s daily wage is less than the …more
Delivering comfort one blanket and hat at a time
July 31, 2025 / By Sharon Clairmont-Long, Christ UMC in Johnsonville / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture a car filled to the brim—delivering warmth, comfort, and love to children who need it most. The purpose is simple yet powerful, and the effort has been a true community collaboration. I'm a member at Christ UMC in Johnsonville. I also serve as a High Priestess of Airoc Court No. 42, based in Rutland, VT and am part of the fraternal organization inspired by Shriners International …more
Flood Insurance: Is your church protected?
July 29, 2025 / By Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States—impacting 99% of U.S. counties since 1998. Yet many property owners, including churches, remain uninsured against this major risk. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Board of Trustees is urging all congregations to assess their flood risk and consider whether they have adequate coverage. Many churches are surprised to learn that typical policies do not cover …more
Answered Prayer: Rush UMC’s journey of compassion and connection
July 28, 2025 / By Erma Perkins, Rush UMC
On May 29, 2025, Rush United Methodist Church commissioned a missionary team to Empangeni, South Africa, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than two decades with Zululand Hospice and MusaweNkosi Orphanage. This year’s mission once again deepened relationships and offered lasting hope to all who participated. Erma Perkins, who has faithfully led the team for most of those years, described the experience as “a true moment of answered …more
A city church in vibrant ministry
July 28, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, University United Methodist Church in Buffalo / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What do you do when you have a large city church building—but only a handful of United Methodist members? You ask for God’s guidance. And be ready: when you ask sincerely, you just might get an unexpected answer That answer began to take shape when people started approaching us at University United Methodist Church in Buffalo with a simple question: “Do you have space …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Call to Prayer about Visioning Process
July 22, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 22 about the 2025 Strategic Visioning and Planning Process approved at the 2025 Annual Conference. More information can be found here. Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders in the Upper New York Conference, Grace and peace to you in the …more
Safe Sanctuaries training now requires renewal every five years
July 21, 2025 / By Rev. Jennifer Stamm, Vice Chair Safe Sanctuaries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Safe Sanctuaries team has announced an important change to the minimum standards for Safe Sanctuaries training across Upper New York churches and ministries. Effective immediately, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be required to renew their Safe Sanctuaries training every five (5) years in order to remain in compliance. This update is designed to ensure that everyone serving in our ministries …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Recent shooting in Albany, NY
July 15, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the Independence Day shooting in Albany, NY. Dear Family of God, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As many gathered in Albany to celebrate Independence Day, the …more
Cornerstone District Day builds bridges and sparks connection
July 15, 2025 / By Kristian Snyder, Cornerstone Superintendency Associate / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 21st, the Cornerstone District once again gathered for a meaningful day of worship, learning, and connection—this time hosted at Crossings at South Dayton: New Faith Community (NFC). This year’s District Day was thoughtfully planned and led by the Cornerstone Lay Servant Team and Superintendency Associates to deepen ties within our district and build bridges with our neighbors in the Niagara Frontier District. 52 people were …more