news stories
Shelby Winchell hired as Conference Social Media/Web Specialist
December 5, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Shelby Winchell joins the Conference Communications Team as the Social Media/Web Specialist for the Upper New York Conference. She replaces Karen Campolieto and Ashley Riddell who were both part-time communicators with additional responsibilities in other ministry areas. Karen was promoted to the Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant; Ashely Riddell is relocating later this winter and will be helping to train Shelby in the website functions she …more
Shenendehowa UMC’s Mission Possible 3 a success
December 5, 2017 / By Michele Carlson, Shenendehowa UMC
For the past three years, Shenendehowa United Methodist Church has hosted a “Mission Possible” day. This outreach event reaches out through the church to the community and the world through service. The theme this year for Mission Possible 3 was “Better together.” Due to the recent natural disasters, two of the focuses were flood buckets and health kits to help replenish UMCOR’s supply. The Mission …more
Missionaries share update from Estonia
November 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team
The Rev. Jeff Childs, pastor at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, was the chair of the Upper New York Conference Global Ministries team when he was first contacted by the Rev. Doug Childress – who has served as a pastor in the Upper New York Conference and predecessor conference, the Western New York Conference – about his feeling a call into the mission field. And Rev. Childress’ wife, …more
Stand out from the crowd
November 28, 2017 / By Rev. John Matin, FoundationUMC
Too small, too busy, too tired, too much to be done. These are just a few of the things many of us point to when confronted with a world that is indeed broken. The truth is, as members of a mainline denomination in the United States, we are also a part of rapidly declining (some would suggest dying) breed. Statistics and anecdotal information both confirm this reality, and yet there …more
Reflection on INWARD 2k17
November 27, 2017 / By Kristian J. Snyder, CCYM Member 2017-2018
INWARD 2k17 Conference Youth Gathering were held on November 10-11 in Latham at Calvary UMC, and November 17-18 in Penn Yan at the Penn Yan UMC. There were youth groups from all 12 districts present at one or the other event, including some new youth groups that haven’t been at a CCYM event before, such as Pine Valley UMC and Bluff Point UMC. Each event was attended by …more
Turning refugee “basement churches” into thriving congregations
November 27, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Advocate, which featured stories that showcased the theme of “Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places.” Onondaga County welcomes many refugees each year; for example, in 2014, Onondaga County had the third largest intake of refugees in the country. Many of these refugees settle in Syracuse’s North Side; in …more
The mission of the New York State Council of Churches
November 22, 2017 / By The Rev. Peter Cook
Infused with a spirit of ecumenism and hospitality, the New York State Council of Churches lives into God’s call to do justice and to love our neighbors. We point to the Kingdom of God on earth where the marginalized are freed from poverty, where prisoners can be restored to live happier and healthier lives, and where we help people of all ages grow in their Christian discipleship. The …more
Safety and security at your organization
November 20, 2017 / By Richard Poirier President and CEO Church Mutual Insurance Company
In the wake of the recent tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas, many of you may be looking for information to help make your facilities safer. At Church Mutual, your safety is our concern as well. We offer a wealth of information to help organizations stay safe. Information about armed intruders and emergency response planning is available at churchmutual.com under “Trending Topics.” Here are quick links to relevant …more
Fresh, local food offered to the Sodus community
November 20, 2017 / By Sandy Hall, Manager, Sodus Farmers’ Market
Ten years ago, a Sodus United Third Methodist Church member, Nancy Ransley, attended our outreach Team meeting to share a vision she had for the community. Her vision has come to fruition! She could see the need and benefits to the community having a farmers’ market. Nancy spent several winters in Florida. She said, “There were farmers’ markets all over the place (in Florida). And I couldn …more
Latest UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries’ newsletter available for viewing
November 14, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson
The Fall 2017 UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries’ newsletter, Xenia News, is now available to view on our website. The issue includes a note from Mike Huber (the Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries), staff updates, and news about each of the sites. Click here to read this informative issue and see how your Ministry Shares support the Upper New York Camp & Retreat Centers. …more