news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: UMC Bishops call for justice in wake of Ahmaud Arbery’s death
May 14, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: On May 14, the Council of Bishops of the UMC released the following statement about the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. The Bishops of The United Methodist Church are calling for justice and the eradication of racism and white supremacy in the aftermath of the killing of an unarmed Black man, Ahmaud Arbery, in Brunswick, Georgia. In a statement released today and signed by Council of Bishops President Cynthia …more
Central United Methodist Church delivers dozens of Packets of Love
May 13, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Central United Methodist Church in Endicott, NY, has always been missionally-focused. They have a clothing center that their neighbors rely on. Due to COVID-19, they had to close it and only open it during emergency situations (like house fires). Their Sheppard Supper every Thursday night is an opportunity for neighbors to come in and connect over warm meals; it has now been converted to take-out meals following social distancing guidelines. …more
Important Announcement Regarding UNY Summer Camp 2020
May 12, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a very challenging decision for the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (UNY CRM) lead team. After consultation with the Upper New York Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries and after several meetings with experts in the medical and camping fields, the UNY CRM lead team has decided to suspend all UNY-hosted summer programs at each of the CRM sites: …more
Mission work in Costa Rica
May 12, 2020 / By The Rev. Beth Bouwens, Retired elder of the UNY Conference
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the 2020 Issue 11/Spring issue of the Advocate, which has the theme of "Being the hands and feet of Jesus." Click here to read the issue. Costa Rica is often thought of as a vacation destination. However, I find it to be a place where I can serve with others to show the love of Jesus and help alleviate the …more
“No matter what, no matter when…God is” worship service
May 7, 2020 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York (UNY) Communications team has prepared a timely worship service video featuring the UNY Cabinet and other UNY leaders. This video, entitled “No matter what, no matter when…God is” offers messages of hope and assurance during the COVID-19 pandemic in just under one hour. The video also includes uplifting worship songs with Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center staff member and singer Nairobi O. …more
What mission work means to me
May 6, 2020 / By Walt Mathias, Honeoye Falls UMC
Outreach is a critical component to being an active, engaged Christian. Most of us really enjoy and make a difference by working on the church’s rummage sale, chicken BBQ, or a mission opportunity. My “thing” is construction and rebuilding, typically after a natural disaster. I have done this locally, within New York State, within the USA, and internationally. All geographies offer the opportunity to be the …more
New Form I-9 effective May 1, 2020
April 23, 2020 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
A new version of the I-9 employment eligibility verification form is available and is mandatory for use effective May 1, 2020. The new form is available here. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publishes a paper I-9 Form and an electronic, fillable I-9 Form. The new version of the paper form has no changes from the prior version. The form is used to verify the identity …more
CARES Act Update
April 22, 2020 / By Bob Flask and the Rev. Susan Ranous
The following statement was sent to the Upper New York (UNY) Conference on April 22, on behalf of UNY Treasurer, Bob Flask, and Chair of the UNY CF&A, the Rev. Susan Ranous. As I am sure most of you have seen, the funding for the Paychex Protection Plan (PPP) and the EIDL Loan under the CARES Act has been fully exhausted. However, there is another stimulus package that is …more
Why I am grateful for VIM work
April 21, 2020 / By Janet Huston, Schenectady First UMC
Editor’s Note: The Spring 2020 issue of the Advocate will be available electronically in May 2020. The issue will focus on mission work. Mission work has been an enriching part of many peoples’ lives across Upper New York. Below, you will be able to delve into Janet and Peter Huston’s experience with mission work that spans over 50 years. I am very grateful for the United Methodist …more
Now more than ever! Faith community support for those experiencing abuse
April 14, 2020 / By Rev. Dr. Anne Marie Hunter, Elder New England Annual Conference Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
Last week, in downtown Boston, a sign appeared in an apartment window that is visible from the adjoining apartment where older adults live. The sign says, “Call me if you need help,” and provides a name and phone number. As COVID-19 spreads in our families, congregations, and communities, we are all reaching out to those we know and love - even to complete strangers. During this difficult time, …more