news stories
Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center welcomes Ben Mudge as Assistant Director
May 11, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center has been without a full-time, year-round staff person since 2014. On May 3, 2021, that changed when Aldersgate Director Pam Harris welcomed Ben Mudge as the full-time Assistant Director. This position became possible because of Aldersgate’s growth and momentum over the past year. Pam said, “This past summer when we were able to host family retreats, we reconnected with families who we haven’t …more
UNY Mission Central HUB needs financial contributions to sustain its operations
May 4, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB was made possible through a gift that Earlville UMC gave to the UNY Conference in 2017. The primary mission of the UNY Conference Mission Central HUB is to equip local Church and Conference leaders to be the “Hands and Feet of Jesus,” providing help and hope to people in times of distress and disaster. Mike Block, UNY Director of Missional Engagement …more
2021 UNY Lottie Brown Scholarship recipients announced
May 4, 2021 / 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 Katie Allen, Nicole DelConte, Amethyst Gardner, Rachel John, Jonathan Smith, Samuel Smith, and Dakota Stott. Katie Allen, attending her third year at Houghton College, is majoring in Theology. Though she is uncertain what career she will …more
New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
May 4, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder that New York State employers must adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide training on sexual harassment prevention to their employees on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy Each New York State employer is required to have a sexual harassment prevention policy in place. The employer’s sexual harassment prevention policy must be provided to the employee at the time of hire and …more
The grace to admit fragility
April 27, 2021 / By Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell
“The Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power can rest on me. Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, …more
Bishops call for dismantling systematic racism in aftermath of George Floyd verdict
April 21, 2021 / By UNY Communications
Editor's Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on April 20, 2021 after a jury convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, nearly a year after a viral video of the Black man gasping for breath pinned beneath the White officer’s knee sent millions into the streets demanding justice and forcing a national reckoning on …more
District Leadership Training offered starting next month
April 21, 2021 / By UNY Communications
Leadership trainings are underway throughout the Upper New York Districts. Two trainings that will be starting soon are being hosted by the Albany District and the Crossroads District. The Albany District is offering a two-day workshop (May 7-8, 2021) led by the Rev. Bill Mudge and the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, entitled “Developing and Maintaining an Outward Heartset & Mindset.” This workshop is open to laity and clergy. The registration …more
Upper New York New Faith Communities Team’s empowering new structure
April 20, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In his seven years as Director of New Faith Communities, the Rev. Dave Masland helped church planters create dozens of New Faith Communities (NFCs) across Upper New York (UNY). Dave retired in December 2020, but still works with the UNY Conference part time, supporting planting efforts in the Conference. In that time, he has been equipping a team of New Faith Communities allies that anybody in the Conference can contact about …more
Fraudulent Unemployment Claims in UNY
April 14, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper NY Conference office has seen an increase in fraudulent unemployment claims for Conference staff. We have received a few calls from churches who participate in unemployment insurance that they have as well. Please note: Churches are not required to participate in unemployment insurance but some voluntarily do for their lay staff. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A FRAUDULENT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM? If the church, as the …more
Launchpad Spring 2021 starts April 22
April 13, 2021 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you want to reach New People? Or plant a new ministry or even a new church? Launchpad is the training for churches and church planters looking to create New Places for New people. Over 6 Sessions, your team will learn How to engage new people outside of your church How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship How to establish a 6-month plan with 1 year of …more