news stories
Skaneateles UMC’s unique ministry to help Ukrainians
April 6, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If you would have told Justin Hood, pastor of Skaneateles UMC, that he would one day spend several hours making pierogies, he would have looked at you as though you were crazy. But when there is a need, Justin and his congregation do whatever it takes to meet that need. When Russia first invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the members of Skaneateles UMC felt driven to help the Ukrainians as …more
What I have learned about God at Endwell UMC
April 6, 2022 / By Winston Rockefeller. Endwell UMC
Hello…my name is Winston Rockefeller. I am in eighth grade at JFS middle school. My confirmation mentor is Dave Alexander. From my Children’s Church classes, I’ve learned how important it is to help others, like Jesus did. I’ve also learned how important it is to have a connection with people to help me along the way to learn about …more
Lament for Ukraine
April 5, 2022 / By Melanie Simmons
“Like stampeding buffaloes, tanks roll in a path of destruction; roads are paved with destroyed vehicles and ruin. Bombs fly like diving birds of prey, destroying homes; rubble is strewn across the city. Striking like lightning, drones shoot missiles into communities; children cry out in fright as their homes are destroyed – who shall comfort them? Streams of refugees flee on broken roads; where are the hungry to find …more
UNY Communications Team wins two first-place UMAC awards
April 4, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) held its annual award ceremony virtually on March 31, 2022. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications Team won two first-place awards, both related to the Advocate. One first-place award was for special publications in the Annual Conference/Local Church Division; the Celebrating Who We Are (2021: Issue 1) issue of the UNY Advocate won this award. The stories in this issue featured different size congregations as …more
How University UMC is tackling the food insecurity crisis in Syracuse
March 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Syracuse has the highest poverty rate in the country among cities with at least 100,000 residents, and almost half of all children in Syracuse are living in poverty. This makes food security essential in the city of Syracuse. Further complicating the need, the COVID-19 pandemic hit those already in poverty, the hardest. In this environment, University UMC saw the need and enhanced their existing ministry to make an even greater difference. …more
Disaffiliating from the UNY Conference and the UMC
March 30, 2022 / By UNY staff
During the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference held virtually in June of 2021, the body passed Resolution UNYAC2021.7 which created a Study Commission to examine the readiness in the UNYUMC for the Implementation of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. Last fall, the UNY Study Commission issued surveys to clergy and congregations in the UNY Conference about the Protocol. Despite there only being a 30 percent response rate, some …more
From attending a Bible study to becoming a pastor
March 29, 2022 / By Pastor Maryellen Moore, Middleburgh UMC and Warnersville UMC
Teresa was 10 years old when her mom took her to see Billy Graham. It was an experience she’ll never forget: “I felt the Spirit” for the first time. A few years later her step-father took her to a non-denominational church, where she responded to an alter call, confessed that she believed in Jesus Christ, and, again, she felt the Spirit, this time as though she was …more
Because we Care: We must do something to help Palestinians
March 22, 2022 / By UNY Palestine-Israel Task Force
Conflict between Jews and Palestinians arose as a tragic choice, occasioned largely by European experiences. In spite of decades of hostility, divine impulse calls people of faith to an inclusive human identity. The Palestine-Israel Task Force believes we are called to care about every person in Palestine-Israel: the land between “the River and the Sea.” Peace cannot come for any people alone until it comes for all …more
How the 2014 District Days helped us to define the UNY Conference focus
March 22, 2022 / By The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and UNY Director of Connectional Ministries
When it comes to seeing ourselves, its often helpful to hear from an outsider. An outsider can have fresh eyes and share observations which are “eye opening,” even startling. For example, in a recent document prepared by the law firm working with the Conference on legal matters, the Upper New York Conference was described as a “flat organization,” with power and authority disbursed among clergy and …more
Holy Land trip 2023
March 22, 2022 / By Syracuse United Methodist Ministries
The clergy team of Syracuse United Methodist Ministries (Revs. Andy Anderson, B.J. Norrix, Jee Hae Song and Alicia Wood) invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, February 14 - February 24, 2023. This trip will expand your knowledge of the Bible and the sacred land. A journey following in the footsteps of Jesus will change the way you read the Bible. We will explore, learn, and fellowship …more