news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Response to mass shooting in Las Vegas
October 3, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s note: On Oct. 3 Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following letter about the tragic violence that took place in Las Vegas. Sisters and brothers in Christ, We have watched in horror as once again a mass shooting, the most deadly in American history has claimed the lives of at least 59 innocent people and injured hundreds more. Pray for the victims, family members, first responders, and others in …more
Worship Leaders for the INWARD Conference Youth Events Named
October 3, 2017 / By Eleanor Collinsworth
It’s time to register for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries Fall Gathering, now called INWARD. At these two gatherings (East and West), CCYM is putting aside the theatrics in favor of a truly profound, God-filled experience. With a focus on small-group time and prayer, they aim to make an event from which you can leave saying you've experienced God. The Worship Team of the CCYM is …more
Centerpoint Christian Fellowship reaches its neighbors with a day of music and fun
October 2, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nine years ago when Pastor Wayne Clemens was serving at Van Hornesville United Methodist Church, a lay person approached him with the idea to have a “Gospel Fest” at a beautiful park across the street. Pastor Wayne said, “We invited the community and had a great time.” Fast-forward six years later and Pastor Wayne is serving at Centerpoint Christian Fellowship, which is on 50 acres of land; …more
Peace with Justice Grant Application Deadline Approaching
October 2, 2017 / By Heather Smith
The deadline to apply for the next round of grants this year is Nov. 1. Find the current Peace with Justice grant application here. The Social Holiness Team looks forward to hearing what ministries may be emerging around our Annual Conference! In May, the Social Holiness Team approved three grants. Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS for a series of Truth Commissions on Poverty in New York State during the summer and fall …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Response to Hurricane Maria and those affected in Puerto Rico
September 28, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following letter requesting prayer and support for Puerto Rico and all those impacted by Hurricane Maria and the other recent devastating storms. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, It is hard to believe that I am writing to you about devastating destruction from a hurricane for the third time in just a few weeks. As I am sure you know by now, Puerto Rico in …more
Naomi Hartnagel named Assistant Director of Asbury Camp & Retreat Center
September 27, 2017 / By Joan Newlon, Executive Assistant Camp & Retreat Ministries
Camp & Retreat Ministries is pleased to announce the hiring of Naomi Hartnagel as Assistant Director of Asbury Camp & Retreat Center. Naomi is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College with a degree in Religion and Philosophy. She has had two-and-a-half years program experience with Infuzion Team Ministry where she was a part of a team bringing a retreat weekend on the road to a number of different places. Naomi …more
God always has a plan
September 26, 2017 / By Manoj Chapagai
Editor’s Note: The fall 2017 issue of the Advocate, features stories centered on the theme of “Being God’s love with our neighbors in all places.” One of the stories in this issue profiles Pastor Sean Chanthasone, who has helped form a New Faith Community for Bhutanese and Nepalese refugees as well as a New Faith Community for Karrenni refugees who live on the Northside of …more
Upper New York Helps Children in Texas and Florida: Interview with the Rev. Cathy Hall-Stengel
September 25, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists have a long history of responding to communities in the midst of disaster though the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM), and Conference and District disaster response teams, and partnerships with other organizations. One organization that UNY Methodists are regularly involved with helps children impacted by natural disasters. Through Children’s Disaster Services, which historically has been connected to the United Methodist Church, a number …more
UNY Conference Board of Pensions & Health Benefits to remove billings from 2014 and years prior
September 25, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Over the past several years, the UNY Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, Board of Trustees, Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) and the Cabinet have discussed what to do about local churches’ unpaid bills and the negative impact these unpaid bills have to the clergy benefits program of the Conference. All of the above teams have gleaned helpful information from these discussions and have …more
Earlville UMC will leave a lasting legacy in Mission Central HUB
September 21, 2017 / By
Earlville United Methodist Church has spread the love of Jesus and changed lives for 202 years, but with a recent vote to close, that is changing. Like many small churches, Earlville UMC was in ministry to a community that was shrinking. The members of the Earlville UMC realized that the church was becoming unsustainable and they decided to be proactive about the legacy of their church. As a part of their …more