news stories
How Danyal Mohammadzadeh became a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ
December 20, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Danyal Mohammadzadeh came to the United States in 2011, he was “exhausted, destroyed, and disappointed.” Today, Danyal is joyfully on the path to become a United Methodist elder. This is a story of how one individual invited Danyal to Delmar UMC and how the congregation and leadership of the church transformed Danyal’s life. This is a story of inspiration. An Iranian citizen, Danyal’s journey …more
The importance of Peace with Justice for the UNY Conference
December 20, 2016 / By Heather Smith
With all the turmoil surrounding that past several weeks - election results, increased racial and religious intolerance, numerous shootings, etc. - now is the time for those of us who call ourselves United Methodist to take action. Prayer, study, and justice work are more important than ever. One way connect to this work is to support the Special Sunday offerings outlined in the Book of Discipline. As your Peace with …more
Connectionalism and mutual trust drive giving at Champion Second UMC
December 13, 2016 / By Pastor Sung Ah Choi, MSW, MDiv, PhC, Champion Second UMC and Carthage UMC
Editor’s Note: In 2015, Champion Second UMC increased their Ministry Shares by 81 percent. In 2016, Champion Second UMC has paid 100 percent of their Ministry Shares. Pastor Sung Ah Choi is the pastor of Champion Second UMC and Carthage UMC; both are small rural churches in the Northern Flow District that have accomplished the great work of increasing their Ministry Shares. Here is the story of how Champion Second UMC accomplished …more
Why Carlton UMC values Ministry-Share giving over half-time appointment
December 7, 2016 / By Rev. Melanie Ollett
Editor’s Note: Carlton UMC improved their Ministry Shares in 2015 by almost 80 percent. At the time of this writing (October, 2016), they have already surpassed 100 percent of their Ministry Shares for 2016. Despite the very difficult transition from a half-time pastor to a quarter-time pastor, Carlton UMC has found a way to pay our Ministry Shares in full. I am a new pastor at Carlton and I entered an environment …more
Together we can do more: A worship series at Homer First UMC
December 7, 2016 / By Rev. Rachel Morse
At Homer First, our stewardship campaign barely addresses the question, “Why should Christians give?” I know, I know. I know that we’re supposed to explain every year why God wants us to commit to give. We did that last year and our pledges increased by 30 percent! But there is still resistance to giving generously in the offering plate. It’s strange, because we have a …more
Mission church values their Ministry Share giving over comfort
December 2, 2016 / By Rose Kingsbury
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10 Many Christians leave monetary stewardship to other people. I am no different in that respect. Yet the need to pay our bills and provide for the work of ministry is at the heart of ministry. Until I …more
CONAM: What it is and how Ministry Shares support it
December 2, 2016 / By Blenda Smith
By Blenda Smith CONAM, the Committee on Native American Ministries, is part of the Upper New York Conference and receives Ministry Shares to function effectively. Native peoples need community in order to connect, build relationships, work together, and move forward. Because of the regular connections through our CONAM meetings, we are able to worship together, hearing Christian biblical teachings from a Native perspective. What a gift to …more
Philadelphia UMC embraces creative fundraising
November 29, 2016 / By Beth Johnston, Philadelphia UMC
Editor’s Note: In 2015, Philadelphia UMC (located in the Northern Flow District) increased their Ministry Shares by 45 percent. In 2016, Philadelphia UMC has paid 100 percent of their Ministry Shares. The Philadelphia UMC is a small church composed mainly of people over 50 years young. Our local area is impoverished with no industry and few if any employment opportunities available locally. Our younger families have moved from the area to seek employment …more
GBHEM to award $5 million to more than 2,300 students
November 28, 2016 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry’s Office of Loans and Scholarships will award more than 2,300 students a total of $5 million in financial assistance for 2016. Of those students, 25 are from the Upper New York Conference. “Thank you for your support in recognizing United Methodist Student Day, World Communion Sunday, and Native American Sunday, which all help fund a portion of our scholarships,” wrote Allyson …more
Africa University—what’s next?
November 28, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: On Saturday evening, November 19, Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey was the featured speaker at a dinner at Drumlin’s Country Club in Syracuse, celebrating Africa University. Bishop McCleskey served for 45 years as an active United Methodist clergyperson, including 12 years as a bishop. Today, in his retirement, he volunteers part-time for Africa University and serves as the Executive Vice President of Development. While in Syracuse, he educated …more