news stories
Rev. Matsimbe attributes church-planting success in Tanzania to the Rev. Harold Wheat
January 4, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on the theme of mentorship. Click here to access the full issue. When clergy across the Upper New York Conference were asked to share who has mentored them and helped them to become successful in their ministries, many responded with the upmost gratitude about the mentoring they received from the Rev. Harold Wheat. …more
Welcome Suzanne Duquette (Sue)
January 4, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Last month, we announced Upper New York (UNY) staff member Alma Malikow’s retirement. Alma handled the Accounts Payable and was a vital member of the UNY Finance Ministry Area We would like to welcome Sue Duquette as Alma’s replacement. Sue comes to UNY with more than 28 years of experience in the Finance arena. She resided in FL for many years until 2007 when she moved to …more
Not even a manger
January 4, 2022 / By Diane Roe
Editor's Note: The following uses an excerpt from an article first published in December 1999 issue of NCNY Connections. “And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 On my last day in Hebron before returning to the states in late October, I …more
Changes to Paid Family Leave in 2022
January 4, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
After a successful four-year phase-in, New York State Paid Family Leave is now fully realized, with benefits at their target levels. Please read the information below on details for Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits. Up to 12 Weeks of Leave New York State Paid Family Leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job protected, paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a …more
My experience as a mentor
December 13, 2021 / By Rhonda Chester, MDIV, United Methodist Ecumenical Chaplain Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse University
Editor's Note: The following article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on mentorship. Click here to access the issue. I am looking at a power outlet on the wall here in my office. Reflecting on mentoring, I realize that it is all about tapping into the power that is available to you. Mentoring is about plugging into the right sources to access the …more
From isolation ministry to collaboration in UNY
December 13, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
Editor's Note: The following article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue II of the Advocate, which focused on mentorship. Click here to access the full issue. It has been said being a servant who is leading in the church is lonely work. Often there is a hesitation to reach out to fellow leaders within the congregation and in neighboring congregations. This isolation breeds burnout and frustration with ministry. Over the …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Why I encourage mentoring
December 7, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate focused on how mentors help pave the way into individuals’ ministries. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb introduced this issue with this article, sharing several examples of mentorship in the Bible. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the …more
Celebrating the retirement of three phenomenal staff members
December 7, 2021 / By Shannon Hoson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
With combined service of close to 50 years, Upper New York celebrates the Dec. 31, 2021 retirement of Karen Campolieto (Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant), Pat Toukatly (Property Specialist), and Alma Mailkow (Accounts Payable/Payroll Specialist). Karen has been with the Conference for 26 years between the former North Central NY (CNY) Conference and the Upper New York (UNY) Conference (15 years CNY and 11 years at UNY). Karen plans to spend retirement by …more
Vote NO on BSA bankruptcy plan
December 1, 2021 / By The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and UNY Director of Connectional Ministries
The United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee has notified Conferences that it recommends all churches reject the BSA bankruptcy plan, i.e., vote no: After months of mediation to achieve a settlement in the BSA bankruptcy and working with annual conferences about voting on the plan, the United Methodist Ad Hoc Committee recommends voting NO on the plan. We do not have a signed settlement that would bring healing to the …more
How mentorship creates and equips leaders
November 30, 2021 / By The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
Editor’s Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate explores the meaningfulness of mentorship in helping people fulfill their call and their ministries throughout Upper New York (UNY) and beyond. Leading up to the publication of this issue, the Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, explains how a mentoring relationship provides an exceptional opportunity for growth. Click here to read the “mentorship” issue …more