news stories
Trina Obrist fills Accounts Receivable vacancy
August 23, 2016 / By
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Trina Obrist will now be working with the Finance Ministry Area. Trina’s primary position is Accounts Receivable, which means she will be handling the processing of the daily cash receipts, monthly billing to the churches, and other entities; data entry into the Accounting software; assistance with monthly reconciliations and other necessary functions; and more. Trina has an Associate …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Louisiana flooding
August 23, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: Following is a letter from Upper New York Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, asking Upper New York Conference Churches to use the United Methodist Connection to respond to the devastating flooding in Louisiana. Sisters and brothers in Christ, Words cannot describe the severe flooding that the residents of Louisiana have suffered through. The flooding has brought devastation to countless people in the Louisiana Conference of The …more
The Revitalization of Hilton United Methodist Church
August 22, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In May of 2013, Hilton UMC, under the leadership of the Rev. Jennifer Green, began their revitalization journey through, Hand to Plow, a process employed by the UNY Conference to come alongside local congregations to help them make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you desire to revitalize your church, Hilton UMC’s story of how Hand to Plow helped them is one you will want to read. In the first …more
The UNY shower trailer repaired and sent to West Virginia
August 15, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 23, 2016, after over eight hours of torrential downpours, West Virginia faced one of the worst flash floods in the state’s history and the devastation of 23 lost lives, several injuries, and the damage of hundreds of homes and businesses. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responded to this natural disaster immediately with cleaning buckets and health kits until later when volunteer opportunities were coordinated. The West …more
Prayers for Sameer
August 11, 2016 / By Evelyn A. Woodring
Editor’s Note: Evelyn Woodring, pastor of South Park United Methodist Church, recently shared with UNY Communications, a moving story about a boy named Sameer. Her story spoke to both a need in the community and how she was attempting to help address parts of it on a small scale. She was invited her to share her story on the UNY Conference website so that others may be moved …more
Will Green raised funds that built a well in Nicaragua.
August 10, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eleven-year old Will Green is responsible for providing clean water to a community in Nicaragua. His story is an inspiring one. It all began two years ago when Will was working on his required summer inquiry project for school. He decided to focus on water, and he learned about that many communities do not have access to clean water. He felt God was calling on him to do something about …more
Progress made at the future home of the UNY Conference
August 8, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Demolition and construction has begun at the future UNY Conference Center at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. It is early, but this is the start of a whirlwind of activity that has been years in the making for the Upper New York Conference. Rev. Barbara Brewer, Chair of the Design/Construction Oversight Team, is excited about the start of renovations at the new building. She said, “I am …more
Church on the Island: Worshipping God outdoors in the summer
August 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Strolling along Rt. 48 in Baldwinsville, NY, just before 8 a.m., on a summer Sunday morning, few sounds are heard. The traffic is very light. Shops are not yet open. Once you reach the lock on the scenic Seneca River, a small sign directs you to Church on the Island. It simply reads “CHURCH ON THE ISLAND SUN. 8 AM.” Adults and children of all age ranges, carrying lawn chairs, …more
The Commission on a Way Forward
August 2, 2016 / By UNY Communications
Meeting in Chicago July 19-20, the Council of Bishops' Executive Committee approved a framework for implementing the Commission on a Way Forward and took a step toward a called session of the General Conference in 2018. The Executive Committee acknowledged that the landscape of the church has changed dramatically since the General Conference approved the Council's proposal in May, but re-affirmed their commitment to lead the church forward. The Council …more
Charge Conference Forms and Clergy Compensation Package information available
August 1, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Forms required for this fall's upcoming Charge/Church Conferences are now available on the Upper New York Conference website's Forms page. There is a checklist that can be printed to help track the completion of these required forms. Please note that most forms are due two weeks prior to your charge conference. The forms are largely the same as last year with some minor revisions including the addition …more