news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: District Superintendent appointments extended
June 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to the Upper New York Conference on June 16, 2022 on behalf of Bishop Webb. Dear Friends, As we continue to mourn the loss of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Vonda Fossitt, we celebrate the life, ministry, and witness to Christ that she lived among us and the new life in Christ she now experiences. I know you join me in continuing to pray …more
New BSA Relationship Agreement Information
June 14, 2022 / By UNY Communications
The United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have mutually developed and agreed to a new relationship agreement govern the relationship between local UMC congregations and BSA troops and packs. To help orient congregational scouting leaders, an information webinar will be held this Thursday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend this meeting, a video link and FAQ will be made available following the …more
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Summer Camp-a place to unwind
June 14, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center is unique in that it offers programming for both the special needs community ages 18-65 as well as school-aged children. While sessions for both groups used to happen concurrently, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in three weeks of camp devoted to the special needs community (July 4-July 22) and three weeks of camp devoted to school-aged children and youth (July 24-Aug. 12). Sky Lake staff decided …more
Members of University UMC of Buffalo discover connection to Methodist minister Daniel Coker
June 14, 2022 / By Kathleen Christiansen
While honoring Black Methodists in February 2022 for Black History Month, the University United Methodist Church of Buffalo made a shocking discovery. A family who belongs to the church has ties to prominent Methodist minister and missionary Daniel Coker. About 15 years ago, Sierra Leone immigrant Jimmy Mackay came to the University UMC of Buffalo, which helped him attain his U.S. citizenship. Mackay, who passed away four years ago, was an …more
Making progress because of Jesus
June 14, 2022 / By Chaplain Bruce Maxwell, Deacon of Upper New York, serving in Susquehanna Conference
Billy and his mom can’t live together. Billy is rough around the edges and knows how to move on when the staying is too much. Billy loves his mom; she lives in St. Louis and gets a visit from Billy every few years. She gave birth to Billy at age 15 and was dealing with her own adolescent issues. Billy nearly died as a toddler, being poisoned with hair …more
Boundless opportunities at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center this Summer
June 7, 2022 / By Jillian Pietruch
Those of us who have experienced the blessing of Aldersgate know the deep, unerring sense of peace that can be found onsite. We carry these memories with us – triggered throughout our lives by a warm breeze off a pine tree, the sounds of nature, a hymn, or a hug from a lifelong friend. For a couple years now, the only way for most of us to reexperience camp has …more
The 2022 Lottie Brown Scholarship recipients announced
June 7, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year the Upper New York Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. This year’s recipients are Dakota Stott, Joshua Chun, Jonathan Smith, Will Allen, and Amethyst Gardener. Dakota is majoring in Youth Ministry at Eastern University. She plans to go to seminary after graduating on the path to become a full-time …more
South Glens Falls UMC receives $1,500 grant from Common Roots
June 7, 2022 / By Penny Brink
The vision of the newly created Creation Care Team here at South Glens Falls UMC is based on our belief that “Fostering Care of God’s Creation Starts Here.” Pastor Penny is currently attending Seminary of the Wild, which embraces the education of "Deepening our commitment to a suffering earth by falling in love with it" (Victoria Loorz-Director), attending the Association of Nature Forest Therapy program and …more
2022 UNY PALESTINIAN DINNER (Imagined) in honor of Co-chair Leah Mae Carlisle
June 7, 2022 / By Linda Bergh
IMAGINE!! Imagine, if you can, gathering at a downtown Syracuse church, smelling the enticing odors of chicken, rice, and spices as you enter; filling your plate from the rice, chicken, cauliflower dish (maqlouba = “upside down”), vegetarian rice with lentils, topped with carmelized onions, Palestinian salad, fresh pita bread and hummus, and having tempting pieces of baklava waiting for you at your table. And, imagine Shirley Stevens singing &ldquo …more
Reaching the marginalized and oppressed: Berlin UMC
June 7, 2022 / By UNY Communications
For the past 10 years, Berlin UMC has hosted "Hand me down days,” a clothing giveaway. The church members erect a tent in the parking lot and for 2-6 weeks, depending on the year, the tent is open for people to come and take whatever clothing they can use. When the event is complete, the remainder of the clothing is divided among other ministries handing out clothing. Some is kept …more