news stories
Bishop Webb reflects on recent shootings
July 10, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: On July 10, 2016 Bishop Mark J. Webb shared the following reflection about the recent shooting deaths in Baton Rouge, St. Paul, and Dallas. Sisters and Brothers in Christ My grandfather died on July 4th. Yesterday I participated in the celebration of his life. He lived 97 years and today, July 10, he and my grandmother would have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. My grandfather taught me much …more
The Principles of holy conferencing
July 8, 2016 / By UNY Communications
The 2016 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference will be held July 10-July 15. Many decisions will be made during this conference. Much like the Upper New York Conference, the Northeastern Jurisdiction reiterates the principles involved in holy conferencing. These principles allow for the celebrating of diverse points of view and promote a coming together to agree on and value decisions made in a spiritual and unprejudiced way. All delegates and participants at the Jurisdictional …more
The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference theme: Quilted by Connection
July 8, 2016 / By UNY Communications
The theme of the 2016 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference is: Quilted by Connection. This year’s conference takes place in Lancaster, PA, which is rich in the heritage for the United Methodist Church and predecessor denominations. Lancaster is in the center of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, well-known for Amish quilts. Like the iconic quilts, the people of the United Methodist Church are a collection of spiritual and cultural expressions …more
The Function and role of the Jurisdictional Conference
July 7, 2016 / By Tom Salsgiver
There are five United Methodist Jurisdictions that make up the jurisdictions in the United States. The 2012 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, defines the role and function of the jurisdictions. The five jurisdictions all convene on the same day. The beginning date is set by the Council of Bishops. The ending day and time is up to each jurisdiction. The Discipline names six main functions and duties of …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Prayers and support for West Virginia
June 29, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(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 West Virginia. Sisters and brothers in Christ, By now you have likely heard about severe weather and flash flooding that the residents of West Virginia have suffered through since late last week. The …more
Penny Proper walks from Newark, NY to Africa University
June 27, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
From concerts to a hoagie drive-through, the creative ways in which local churches have raised funds for Africa 360 have been astounding. Penny Proper, a member of Newark First United Methodist Church, has a very interesting story about how she raised funds. Penny is 53 and has been a member of Newark First United Methodist Church since she was a small child. She faithfully attends worship every Sunday. Penny has special …more
The Rev. Cathy Hall Stengel and the Rev. Beckie Sweet to be considered for bishop vacancies
June 24, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every four years, United Methodist laity and clergy delegates gather regionally (in five Jurisdictions in the US and in Central Conferences outside the US). One of the key roles of Jurisdictional Conference is to elect new bishops to fill vacancies created by retiring bishops. Bishops are required to retire if they reach the age of 68 by July 1 in the year of the Jurisdictional Conference. In support of the Jurisdictional Conference …more
Offerings received at Upper New York’s 2016 Annual Conference Session
June 24, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference would like to thank all of those who contributed to the offerings at the 2016 Annual Conference. The offering total for Africa 360, during Opening Worship, was $127,261.67. The offering total for Africa 360, during the Ordination Service was $4,099.22. The offering total contributed to the Clergy Care Fund, was $5,453.85. The offering total for Helping Hands Fun, during the Laity Worship Service, was $1,601.01. The Mission of Peace offering was $6,956.00. The …more
Rev. Wayne Butler to fly on Darien Lake’s Redhawk Bungee Jump
June 24, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the fall of 2015, The Rev. Wayne Butler, District Superintendent of the Niagara District, set a challenge for the district’s churches to raise $20,000 for Africa 360. He said that if they met the challenge, he would do the bungee jump at Darien Lake. The churches more than surpassed his challenge! Rev. Wayne will be going to Darien Lake for the payoff - he will fly on the Redhawk …more
Susan Hardy elected as laity leader
June 20, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 3, during the afternoon plenary at the 2016 UNY Annual Conference, Susan Hardy, Cornerstone District Lay Leader was elected as the Conference Lay Leader. Susan brings with her decades of leadership skills. On June 2, during the laity session, she shared her sentiment about the Annual Conference for laity, expressing, “What do the scriptures tell us about discipleship? It takes courage; it takes trust; it will take us to new …more