news stories
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
August 20, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As previously communicated, 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 during each …more
Tentative AC2020 agenda
August 19, 2020 / By UNY Communications
As previously published, the 2020 Upper New York Annual Conference will be abbreviated and livestreamed on Oct. 3, with the clergy session taking place on Sept. 19 and the ordination (attendance by invitation only) taking place on Oct. 2. The tentative schedule is below with an added practice session for the logging in process. Registration and voting details will be released as soon as they are available. Friday, Sept. 18: 7 p.m. Practice Session (open …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Keeping connected
August 18, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: The following letter is Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb’s introduction to the Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate, which highlights stories of unique ways that churches across the UNY Conference have been keeping connected since being faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the issue. “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will …more
Valerie Clark elected to UMW Board of Directors
August 18, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 16, 2020, Valerie Clark sat nervously at her dining room table. She was watching the livestream of the Northeastern Jurisdiction elections. A recognized leader in the Upper New York Conference, Valerie is a member of both the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team and the Genesee Valley District Leadership Team. Valerie is also a strong leader at the national level, serving on the program advisory group for United Methodist Women …more
Why I am supporting the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
August 17, 2020 / By Rev. Bill Mudge
As you may be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family, and group retreats and gatherings. While these sites have begun opening some opportunities, the pandemic will continue to limit what is possible for a long time. These precious ministries have entered a “wilderness time” of …more
Social media—the perfect place to begin digital discipleship
August 7, 2020 / By Lori Jagow, Pendleton Center UMC Online Minister
Editor's Note: The Summer 2020 issue of the Advocate focuses on "Keeping Connected;" the issue focuses on stories similar to this. Be sure to click here to read the issue and learn about the many ways that the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for churches across Upper New York to keep connected with their communities and congregations, and even expand their reach. A wonderful example of tapping into the …more
Join me in the Manna in the Wilderness Campaign
August 7, 2020 / By Rev. Sherrri Rood
As you may know, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake and Skye Farm to cancel an entire summer camp season as well as numerous church, family and group retreats and gatherings. In addition to the loss of these life-changing ministry opportunities, these cancellations have resulted in over a million dollars in lost revenue. Though each site has begun to reopen, the pandemic will continue …more
COVID-19 inspires Broad Street UMC to start house churches
August 5, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted stay-at home orders and churches had to shut their doors, pastors across the Upper New York Conference had to think quickly about ways to reach their congregations. Quickly, pastors were livestreaming their services on Facebook Live and YouTube, among other platforms, but this was not a solution that would work for all churches. Rev. Rachel Barnhart’s church, Broad Street UMC, didn’t …more
Central UMC’s free clothing bazaar a success
July 27, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: In August 2020, the Upper New York Conference will publish the Summer issue of the Advocate, which focuses on Keeping Connected. In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, churches have had to be creative in keeping connected, especially when they were unable to hold in-person worship services for months. The story below is one example of how an Upper New York Church creatively connected with its community. Keep …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more