news stories
Markus McKinney thanks the Black College Fund
June 3, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the afternoon plenary of the 2016 Annual Conference session, Markus McKinney, a rising senior at Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., thanked the Conference for the opportunity the Black College Fund afforded him and affords many others. McKinney quoted Nelson Mandela, who said, “Education is the most powerful method that you can use to change the world.” He explained how his experience thus far at Rust College has …more
Leadership Report aims to upgrade the experience at the table
June 3, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The banquet table of the Upper New York Annual Conference session is set – and it’s no ordinary meal. “It is a table filled with delicacies you can’t even imagine,” a narrator recites at the opening of the Leadership Report. “The blessing is before us.” “No matter what your gift is, no matter who you are; you are invited to the …more
First session with Rev. Adam Hamilton focuses on effective leaders
June 3, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Day two of the 2016 Annual Conference session began with Study Session leader the Rev. Adam Hamilton, founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. He led the Conference in three 90-minute training sessions throughout the day on June 3. Rev. Hamilton started the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in 1990 with three other people – his wife, LaVon, and their two daughters, Danielle and Rebecca. It …more
Rev. Nola Anderson encourages grievers not to despair
June 3, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Crossroads District Superintendent the Rev. Nola Anderson spoke at the Memorial Service on June 2 at the 2016 Annual Conference session. Her speech focused on the theme, “A Reason to Hope.” Rev. Anderson exposed the lesson “The Book of Lamentations” can teach people when they are faced with intense grief. “Lamentations’” five chapters are considered funeral hymns; it is Jeremiah’s response to …more
Pastor leads Thursday dinner blessing in Korean, English
June 3, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pastor Jae Hee Song, serving at the Hope Korean United Methodist Church in Syracuse, led the Thursday dinner blessing at the 2016 Annual Conference session in both her native tongue – Korean – and English. She said she wished to say the blessing in both languages because her native tongue led her to ministry and she wanted celebrate the diversity in the Upper New York Conference. "Thank you for this …more
CORR announces partnership in report
June 2, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Blenda Smith, chair of the Conference Commission on Race and Religion (CORR), presented the CORR report. During the report, Smith announced the Upper New York Conference’s partnership with Kaleidoscope Institute, which strives to provide resources to equip church leaders to create sustainable churches and communities. Kaleidoscope Institute will come to Upper New York this fall to help equip Conference leadership to be “culturally competent.” Smith …more
Organizational Motion, agenda, Consent Calendar approved
June 2, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Following Opening Worship, the 2016 Annual Conference session commenced as any other – with an explanation of the rules and votes for the approval of the Organizational Motion, agenda, and Consent Calendar. However, before any approval could be made, Pastor Nate Lange, serving at the First United Methodist Church in Little Valley, made a motion to suspend all business until 10 a.m. plenary session on June 3 to allow for time for …more
Bishop Webb proclaims we are chosen, given power by God
June 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Opening Worship on June 2 at the 2016 Annual Conference session began with a combination of video, music, and spoken word. The video showcased young people preparing to gather at a table. As the video came to an end, a diverse group of individuals – old and young, male and female, representing multiple ethnicities –preparing place settings at a large table on the stage. The band Inside Out simultaneously performed the …more
The table is set at the AC16 laity session
June 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb greeted the crowd at the laity session at the 2016 Annual Conference session by reminding them, “With our movement as United Methodists, the laity has always lead the way.” Before introducing Conference lay leader Dr. Scott Johnson, Bishop Webb emphasized how important it is for the laity to continue to “lead us in ministry and lead us in …more
UNY United Methodist Historical Society announces Historical Society member dues for 2016
May 25, 2016 / By Nancy Rutenber
The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society announces membership dues. For those who join in 2016, the dues this year will be $5. Society membership includes access to the UNY United Methodist Historical Society Facebook closed group. As a closed group, reading and adding posts on the Facebook site is restricted to qualifying members. While joining Facebook is necessary for access, each person can choose his/her own Facebook privacy settings. …more