news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: COVID-19, Holy Week, and Easter
April 3, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference on Friday April 2, 2020. "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but …more
Upper New York Annual Conference Session postponed until Oct. 3
April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, April 2, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, after consulting with the Sessions Committee and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, recommended to the Upper New York Cabinet that the Upper New York Annual Conference session, originally scheduled for May 28 – 30, 2020, be postponed. This recommendation was approved unanimously. October 3, 2020, a date previously …more
Three Ecumenical Organizations Release Unprecedented Letter
April 1, 2020 / By National Council of Churches
The National Council of Churches (NCC) joins with Christians Uniting in Christ (CUIC) and Christian Churches Together (CCT) in sending a letter to congregations across the United States. The letter issues “an invitation to join together in witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus for all in the United States to see.” The letter states, “Holy Week is April 6-12 for Western Christians and April 13-19 for Orthodox …more
Ministry by Mail at Endicott Central United Methodist Church
March 31, 2020 / By Laurel O’Conner, Director of Christian Education Central United Methodist Church
Responding to the Coronavirus outbreak has been like being put into a blender and trying to figure out what comes out. I know of clergy colleagues who have been stretched to the limit and beyond. I've spent time talking to colleagues about how we can possibly emerge from this time with even greater capacity to do good in the world, and have also spent time talking to colleagues about …more
Jason Moore/Midnight Oil April 6 Webinar: Tell the Old Story in a New Time
March 30, 2020 / By By UNY Communications
Almost overnight, we find ourselves in a new and unfamiliar world. The COVID-19 virus has changed everything about our lives, including how we worship. What is the church to do in such a time as this? With the social distancing practices preventing our physical gatherings, how do we connect and make our message resonate with a world in chaos? Now more than ever, the church can lead the charge in …more
Important information for UNY retirees
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Benefits
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to UNY retirees from the UNY Benefits office on March 25. Given the current uncertainty of how the COVID-19 virus will affect planned face to face meetings, we are deciding to be proactive in our planning. We are not, at this time, cancelling our May 1st Retiree Seminar. However, there are things that you can do to get all of the …more
Connectional Table Issues Statement on Allocations
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Editor's Note: The following statement was relased on March 25, 2020. In response to the recent decision by the Commission on the General Conference to delay General Conference because of the coronavirus, the Connectional Table Executive Committee, following the recommendation of the CT Allocations Team, has affirmed postponing any decision about changing budget allocations based on GCFA’s recent recommendation to reduce the budget by an additional $80.4 million. Click here …more
Saratoga Springs UMC outstandingly shows how to “Be the Church” on Facebook
March 25, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Several local churches in Upper New York have been hosting dynamic livestreamed services on Facebook in place of their normal Sunday services. This has helped their communities remain connected during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some churches have also offered support through Facebook in other, creative ways. Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church (SSUMC) is just one of Upper New York’s churches “being God’s love …more
Wesley Theological Seminary Course of Study Program moves online
March 24, 2020 / By UNY Communications
The Spring Upper New York Satellite School for the Course of Study is being moved to a fully online format. Assignments will be posted in Blackboard. Please log on through the Wesley Theological Seminary webpage https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/my-wesley/ You must have your login information for the Wesley system in order to access Blackboard. Please be in touch with COSregistration@wesleyseminary.edu if you do not have your information. …more
Guidance on Governor Cuomo’s executive order
March 24, 2020 / By UNY Communications
On Friday, March 20, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating 100% of the workforce to stay home, excluding essential services. Through the Governor’s Office for Faith Based Initiatives we’ve learned the Governor has clarified his guidance about the mandate that 100% of the workforce to stay home as it relates to houses of worship: Faith leaders can continue to record …more