news stories
A snapshot of Asbury First UMC’s children’s ministries
May 25, 2022 / By Paula Dugan, Asbury First Children’s Ministries Director
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate, which focused on children and youth throughout the UNY Conference. Click here to access the Advocate. Asbury First UMC, in Rochester, NY, endeavors to create an open, supportive, and lively environment for our children and youth. These ministries thrive due to the enthusiasm and passion of the leaders and the hard work of the …more
Tending to your soul so you can tend to others’ souls
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you feeling an inkling to become closer to God? Do you feel like your life is like a hamster wheel or are you riddled with anxiety and yearn to feel God’s love deep in your soul? Do you feel a draw to help others feel God’s presence whether it be friends, family, your congregation, or people in your workplace or community? If your answer is …more
Justice in Israel–Palestine: Travel for Awareness! through the Gary Bergh Scholarship
May 24, 2022 / By NY Task Force on Peace w/ Justice in Palestine/ Israel
Editor’s Note: This is available for youth, young adults, young clergy, and people of all ages who long for peace and want to act for justice in the Holy Land: “Come and see!” is the cry that echoes through worldwide invitations sent by our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters, from the 2009 Kairos Palestine document, to the more recent “Cry for Hope.” The story of …more
Celebrating the life of Bishop Joseph Yeakel
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Joseph (Joe) Yeakel died July 4, 2021, at the age of 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which at the time included three Conferences (Western New York Conference, Northern New York Conference, and Central New York Conference) from 1972-1984. The Upper New York Conference, as well as Methodists across the Connection, mourn his death. Bishop Yeakel’s Memorial Service was held Friday May 20, 2022, at …more
Skye Farm offering summer programming that will appeal to all
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Whether your child loves sports and games, diving deep into God’s natural creation, or doing wacky things like having ice cream for breakfast, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center has something to offer them. Robyn Vernon, the new site director of Skye Farm, said, “I am really excited to see Skye Farm come alive with campers having fun and making memories all summer long.” The COVID …more
UNY blessed to have Charlie Camp as Finger Lakes Administrative Assistant
May 17, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last week, the Finger Lakes District welcomed their new Administrative Assistant, Charlie Camp. In addition to being a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Charlie has over 15 years of experience in administrative roles. Since 2019, she has worked as a part-time administrative assistant for Newark First United Methodist Church. A couple of months ago Charlie realized that her part-time position at the church was not enough to pay the bills and support …more
Reflecting on Confirmation
May 17, 2022 / By Rev. Alison Schmeid, pastor of Lansing United Methodist Church
Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the Advocate 2022 Issue I, which focused on children and youth in UNY. Back in the last century, I loved confirmation class because it met in a relaxed environment. Our pastor wore blue jeans and sat in a rocking chair and talked with us as if we were thinking adults, not children. Today, a pastor in blue jeans is not an anomaly, and …more
How UNY CRM shaped lives
May 17, 2022 / By Matt Williams, Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center Site Director
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2022 Issue I of the Advocate. Click here to access this issue, which focuses on children and youth. It is always fascinating to see the number of hands that are raised when a group of clergy women and men are asked if they received their call to ministry in a camp and retreat setting. What is it about time spent at …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Prayers for Buffalo
May 14, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: On the evening of May 14, 2022, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference after learning of the racially-motivated mass shooting that took place at a Tops market in Buffalo, earlier that evening. Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I join with the people of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Death of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Rev. Vonda Fossitt
May 12, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Mark J. Webb to clergy in the Genesee Valley District on May 12, 2022. On May 17, the Upper New York Conference learned that Rev. Vonda J. Fossitt's Celebration of Life and Resurrection is planned for May 26 at New Light UMC, located at 2009 Dewey Ave. in Rochester, NY. The wake begins at 11 a.m. followed by a service at 12 p.m. …more