news stories
Bellevue Heights UMC helps to feed 50 children from Delaware Academy through Blessings in a Backpack
October 11, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Jeanie Brown, member of Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church in Syracuse, learned of Blessings in a Backpack from her dear friend Karen Nicholas who was involved in the program with her church, Resurrection Episcopal Church in Oswego, NY, Jeanie’s heart was touched. She knew she had to get involved. Blessings in a Backpack is a national program that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on …more
Bishop Webb hosts time of Prayer and Witness
October 10, 2016 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Editor's Note: The three Evenings of Prayer and Witness offered encouragement to many. There is now a video available of the Evening of Prayer and Witness that took place at Liverpool UMC. Click here to view it. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb held an evening of Prayer and Witness from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Liverpool United Methodist Church, which was also livestreamed. The …more
Finance Ministry Area welcomes Erica Wentworth
October 7, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Erica Wentworth will now be working with the Finance Ministry Area. Erica will be assisting the Finance Ministry Area with day-to-day tasks and some clerical work. Some of her daily tasks include: performing data entry and maintaining organized files and logs of daily receipts, treasurer information, and financial documents. She also helps with monthly invoices, arrearage notices, and handle …more
Rev. Vonda Fossitt ignites excitement at the Genesee Valley Installation Service
October 4, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, October 2, over 200 people, young and old with great diversity, attended a service at the United Methodist Church of Webster to celebrate the Rev. Vonda Fossitt’s appointment as the Superintendent of the Genesee Valley District. In addition to the Covenant Service that takes place when a superintendent is appointed to a district, this evening service was comprised of exceptionally energizing performances. The theme of Rev. Fossitt …more
The 2016 UNY Conference Journal Directory now available for purchase
October 4, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2016 Upper New York Conference Journal Directory is now available. This directory contains up-to-date contact information of all UNY churches, clergy, members to Annual Conference, and surviving spouses for the 2016 Upper New York Annual Conference Session. There are two ways to receive the Journal Directory: Click here to purchase a hard copy from online publisher Lulu.com OR Click here to download a free PDF version If you order directly …more
Panel discusses poverty and inequality at the 2016 Faith for a Fair New York Conference
September 28, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The structural inequality of the impoverished that John Wesley spoke about in the 18th century still persists today. In his time, for example, too much grain had been used for distilling liquor, leaving a shortage of grain to make bread, which drove up the price and especially hurt the poor. From Wesley’s point of view, everyone who was able to work was indeed working, yet people were still …more
Israeli Peace Activist, Miko Peled, speaks for Palestinian justice
September 28, 2016 / By Linda Bergh, co-chair, UNY-UM Task Force on Peace w/Justice in Palestine/Israel
Miko Peled, Israeli Jewish peace activist and advocate for Palestinian justice, spoke about the need for people of good will to work for freedom and justice for the Palestinian people. As has been said by others, he said that to know of injustice and to remain silent is to be complicit. Growing up in an Israeli Jewish home, with a father who served as an Israeli military officer and eventually …more
Livestreaming and satellite livestreaming details for the Evenings of Prayer and Witness
September 27, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past summer, the UNY Conference announced the Evenings of Prayer and Witness taking place across the Conference. Last week, further details were provided, noting that the three large gatherings led by Bishop Mark J. Webb in cooperation with the Order of Elders, the Order of Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will be held: Oct. 3 at Liverpool UMC - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb, Prayers for Charlotte
September 22, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following statement about the unrest and violence in Charlotte was released by Bishop Mark J. Webb on Sept. 22. Once again, pain and anger are leading to violent protests and division in our nation. This time it is happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we strive to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and proclaimers of the Gospel, let us engage one another and invite others …more
Evenings of Prayer and Witness to take place throughout UNY
September 21, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt
Details have been released on the times of prayer and witness that were announced over the summer. The three large gathering that will be led Bishop Mark J. Webb in cooperation with the Order of Elders, the Order of Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will be held: Oct. 3 at Liverpool UMC - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Saratoga Springs UMC - 6:30-8:30 p …more