news stories
Best wishes to Ryan Siver in his new endeavor
March 19, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A week from today will be the last day that Ryan Siver will serve as Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center’s Site Director. Ryan has served as Skye Farm’s Site Director for five years and will miss his home nestled in the Adirondacks as well as his position. Ryan said, “I have really enjoyed getting to know the volunteers over the years and will miss …more
I live in two worlds
March 16, 2021 / By Rev. Holly Strickland, Conference Commission on Religion & Race
As an African American woman, I live in two worlds. One world has modeled and shaped for me the culture of my ancestors. Even though I do not have a family tree where the lineage can be traced to generations of military, businesses, and/or land acquisitions, I do have a heritage. Many people know a great deal about where their family is from or at least have a general …more
UNY Conference communications team reaps three awards at the 2021 UMAC Awards
March 16, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2021 United Methodist Associations of Communicators (UMAC) Annual Awards Gala took place virtually on Wednesday March 10 on Zoom. The theme of the gala was “Embracing Hope.” Each year, UMAC recognizes excellence in communication through an awards program, the United Methodist Association of Communicators Awards Contest. The contest recognizes excellence in print publications, digital publications, writing, internet communications, video production, audio, photography, visual design, publicity/advertising, and media presentations. …more
Ministry Share credit opportunity
March 2, 2021 / By Bob Flask, UNY Treasurer
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Share credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement. To qualify for this credit, CHURCHES MUST PAY 100% OF THEIR CURRENT MONTH APRIL CHARGES (BOTH MINISTRY SHARES AND DIRECT BILLS). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward Ministry Shares in prior months. A church will also receive the …more
Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team meet to love, learn, and lead
March 1, 2021 / By Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team
On Feb. 19 and Feb. 20, the Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team met through Zoom using the L3 model of loving, learning, and leading The two teams meet together at least twice a year to experience each team in their primary roles. The Operational Team is focused on developing strategies to embody the mission, vision, purpose, and goals of the Conference. While the Conference Leadership Team is focused on ensuring …more
General Conference 2020 postponed to 2022
February 25, 2021 / By Commission on the General Conference
Meeting on February 20, the Commission on the General Conference made a decision to further postpone the 2020 General Conference until August 29 – September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minn. as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the safety of mass gatherings and travel. It is the Commission’s responsibility to select the site and set the dates of General Conference. Further, The Book of Discipline requires the Commission on the General …more
Bishops call Special Session for May 8
February 25, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021. According to the call letter signed by COB President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the Special Session will be held in accordance with Division Two - Section II - Article II of The …more
God provided a miracle for Faith Journey UMC
February 24, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Twenty-twenty was a tough year financially for many churches not only in the Upper New York Conference, but also, around the world. Still, churches became creative in making ends meet so that they could at least pay their Direct Bills, expenses such as health benefits and pension.The pandemic could have especially financially exacerbated churches who were already behind in Direct Bills. Faith Journey UMC in Liverpool, NY is one …more
Black History Jeopardy
February 16, 2021 / By Rev. Holly Strickland and Georgia Whitney, Conference Commission on Religion and Race
Knowledge equals power and understanding! As we move through Black History Month, here's a fun way to deepen and enrich your knowledge of African American history. You might do this as a team event—or just to increase your familiarity on a variety of African American topics. Think of it as Black History Jeopardy! 1.) Question: Who was the first black woman to travel in space? Answer:: Dr. Mae …more
Recognizing your white privilege
February 15, 2021 / By Georgia Whitney, Conference Commission on Religion & Race
Last week, I described what white privilege means and what disadvantages People of Color have because of their skin color. Click here to read that article. What's a white person to do once they recognize their privilege? I'm reminded of the words of the late poet Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." When you hear the …more