news stories
Autism Friendly Family Camp pilot a success
September 7, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rainy weather did not stop 10 children and seven parents from thoroughly enjoying the inaugural Autism-Friendly Family Camp at Upper New York’s Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center, which took place Aug. 21-24. This camp was the brainchild of the Rev. Emily Huyge, pastor at First Geneva United Methodist Church. She wanted her seven-year-old son Jacob, who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to be able to experience a …more
Jonesville UMC recognizes National Recovery Month
September 6, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. Jonesville UMC’s STAHL (Stigma takes away hope and life) committee has a lot of great happenings to celebrate recovery …more
Introducing Autumn Wells as Administrative Accounting Services Specialist
August 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is pleased to announce that Autumn Wells has been hired for the Administrative Accounting Services Specialist position. Autumn has over 20 years of experience in diverse areas of administration, including positions such as an Events Coordinator, an Office Administrator, and a Human Resources Director. Autumn’s education includes an associate degree in Business Administration from Adirondack Community College and coursework in International Management at …more
We laughed, we pushed, we dreamed about the plans God has for us
August 24, 2022 / By Georgia Whitney, CCORR member
The Upper New York Conference CCORR Team gathered at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center on July 28th for prayer and conversation about where we go from here as we partner with the Holy Spirit and the people of the Upper New York UMC to dismantle racism. We laughed; we pushed; we dreamed about the plans God has for us. First, we took time to celebrate the accomplishments of the last …more
“Because We Care” Gaza in 2012
August 24, 2022 / By Karen Peterson
Editor’s Note: The following article is part of the "Because We Care" series, published monthly on the Upper New York website. With Gaza recently in the news, I was reminded of my trip to Gaza. In 2012, the Reverend Gary Doupe and I took an Eyewitness Palestine trip for two weeks in Palestine/Israel and then extended a third week to travel to Gaza. If we had been allowed …more
Support children by distributing UMCOR School Kits to a local organization
August 16, 2022 / By Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a …more
From the desk of Bishop Webb: Retirement announcement
August 15, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
After a season of prayer and discernment, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, has made the decision to retire from the active episcopacy on Dec. 31, 2022. He submitted his request for retirement to the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Council of Bishops on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. Click here to read Bishop Webb’s Aug. 15, 2022, letter to the UNY Conference, announcing his retirement. …more
#BeUMC
July 28, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We are looking for positive stories to share about what it means to #BeUMC. If you can take a video of yourself explaining why you are proud to be a United Methodist, we’d love to share your story. Email us at news@unyumc.org. The Upper New York Conference is launching our #BeUMC campaign, highlighting clergy and laity in the Conference describing why they love being United …more
Casowasco LIT program is a success
July 26, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
They have matured, built friendships that may last a lifetime, increased their confidence, deepened their relationship with God, and gained top-notch leadership skills in just one month. The Leaders in Training (LITs) at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center completed their one-month training on July 22, 2022. Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, site director, David Weber Jr. offered this program for the first time this summer and it’s the first time …more
UNY CONAM 2022 Four Directions Humanitarian Award winners announced
July 19, 2022 / By CONAM
Each year the Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) recognizes one or more individuals who exemplify the qualities of service and advocacy in Native churches and communities. This year we are honored to recognize two individuals: Marilyn Anderson and Dan Cook. Marilyn Anderson has been an important voice on Upper New York CONAM since 2013. Her advice and input has been invaluable in many decision making situations. …more