news stories
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
Summer Camp at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
June 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
From day camp to residential camp; from kayaking to white-water rafting; from the lakeside to the highlands; from arts and crafts to creating gadgets; from archery to riding rollercoasters, this summer, Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center has exciting summer-camp opportunities for children of all ages! David Weber, the site director for Casowasco is excited to report that camper registration has more than doubled since this point in time last year. …more
Youth speak truth
June 1, 2022 / By Kitty Dates
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in teh 2022 Issue I of the Advocate, which focused on children and youth. Click here to access the Advocate. Sometimes, congregations showing up to worship in the local church have a magical idea of how it all happens. There is a whole process of planning, learning, researching, and praying that goes into the preparation of every worship service. Generally, this …more
Attracting young families to church with puppets
June 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally arreared in the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate, which focused on children and youth. Spark, Goldie, Jimmy, Samuel, and “Big E” are responsible for growing the children’s ministry at Saranac Lake First United Methodist Church. These individuals are “The Not So Perfect” puppets, and “Big E” is Saranac Lake First UMC pastor, the Rev. Eric …more
Accountability groups healing souls in UNY
May 31, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Asbury First UMC of Rochester is one of the larger congregations in UNY. Over the last year Asbury First UMC has started Class Meeting accountability groups through The Discipleship Project. They have 8 groups from 8-12 members, and 10 commissioned lay Class Leaders, coordinated and led by clergy leader, the Rev. Rachel Dupont. Asbury uses a process that shepherds people through group spiritual formation toward mutual accountability. Their participation and retention rates …more
Celebrating the life of DS Vonda
May 29, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“The teacher,” Pastor Stephen McKnight said, pointing to the Rev. Vonda Fossitt’s casket. “The student,” he said pointing to himself. This is how, Pastor McKnight opened the Celebration of Life service for DS Vonda on May 26, 2022, at New Light United Methodist Church, where Pastor McKnight serves. DS Vonda was District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley District in the Upper New York Conference. She died …more