news stories
Storytelling in a distracted world
February 15, 2022 / By Jee Hae Song
I will tell you a story. A few months ago, I was contacted by an independent reporter in Syracuse, NY, who wished to write an article about me. He was doing profiling of Asian Americans, as he was Asian American himself, and believed that telling stories was transformational. I said yes, and after several interviews of myself and people around me, he came up with a beautiful story about me. …more
What the end of the NY state mask mandate means for local churches
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Feb. 15, NYS Commissioner of Health extended the Hero Act through March 17, 2022. Click here to read more. Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship …more
Wespath to offer Mental Health webinars March 10 and 24
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
One in every five Americans (52.9 million people) experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected and therefore undiagnosed and untreated. It’s important to not only recognize these signs in ourselves but in our family, friends and colleagues so that we can give them the support they need when they need it. Recognizing this gap in care …more
UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries Update
February 9, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As was announced last week, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center has welcomed Robyn Vernon as the new Site Director. Earlier last month, Ben Mudge transitioned from assistant director to Site Director at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center. Through their consulting practice, Run River Enterprises, former Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center Directors, Pam Harris and Garrie Stevens, will be coaching and training Ben and Robyn in their new roles. This …more
Because we Care: Opposing Anti-Semitism
February 8, 2022 / By UNY Peace with Justice Task Force
“Because We Care,” a resolution passed at the 2021 Annual Conference, asked churches across the Upper New York Conference to engage in study and discussion of the “Cry for Hope,” a document from Palestinian Christians asking the world to relieve their suffering. We noted burdens imposed on Palestinians by military occupation, arbitrary restrictions, theft of land and water, brutal beatings and arrests, and expulsion from their homes. …more
Upper New York pays 100 percent of General Church apportionments
February 1, 2022 / By Bob Flask, UNY Treasurer
Ministry Shares payments from local churches and General Apportionment payments at the Conference level represent the connectional support that the United Methodists strive to always achieve. Connectionalism is about how we as people connect and support each other and is the essence of the Church. In 2021, Upper New York (UNY) churches still faced financial struggles and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many churches still found ways to support full …more
2022 Cady Grant applications now available
February 1, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to fund ministries, education, programs, or experiences that provide benefit or education to preferably, but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Priority will be given to proposals that have not recently been funded by the Cady Grant. Salaries and stipends will not be awarded from this grant. Awards may be …more
UNY Conference welcomes Robyn Vernon as Site Director for Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center
February 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference is pleased to welcome Robyn Vernon as Site Director at Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center. Robyn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation & Leisure Studies from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Public Administration from Binghamton University. Robyn has held leadership positions related to camping since 2019. In 2019, Robyn served as Waterfront Director at Sky Lake Camp & …more
How Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church Part II
February 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: We recently highlighted how Endwell UMC works to feed the hunger through its mobile food pantry and its Monday night dinners. Click here to read that story.Below, we feature how Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church by serving children, multicultural communities, and communities outside of their local area Endwell Preschool Endwell UMC has offered a Preschool to the community …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Bishop Appoints Interim District Superintendent
January 25, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following information was shared with the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 25, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb announces that he has appointed the Rev. Ted Anderson as an interim District Superintendent assigned to the Genesee Valley District, effective immediately. The current District Superintendent, the Rev. Vonda Fossitt has begun a six (6) month medical leave to care for her physical health and to have a season of …more