news stories
2016 ministry grant announcement
February 23, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The board of directors at the United Methodist Frontier Foundation has announced the initiation of the foundation’s 2016 Rev. Keith Muhleman Ministry Grant. Named in honor of the foundation’s former president and executive director, the grant encourages and supports creative and vital ministry in the local church. One or more grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded to a local church or churches where initiative, creativity, and commitment to …more
Participate in Day of Prayer on April 23
February 23, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On April 23, members of the Upper New York Conference will observe a 24-hour day of prayer for the 2016 General Conference session, which meets May 10-20 in Portland, Ore. In a statement late last year, the Council of Bishops “invited each of the annual conferences to host a 24-hour prayer effort on a specific date, with the intent of creating a groundswell of prayer in the days leading up to …more
Serving up supper & scripture in Salem
February 22, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Debbie Earthrowl, pastor at the Salem United Methodist Church and planter of Thursday Nights, said it all started with a conversation in early May 2014. Three young mothers approached Rev. Earthrowl, saying they wanted to experience church with their children, but were discouraged by previous church experiences. Rev. Earthrowl wondered what it would be like to have an hour one night a week to gather for dinner and worship. …more
CLT and CFA announce changes to 2016 spending plan
February 22, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: The following letter was released by the Conference Leadership Team and the Conference Council on Finance and Administration on Feb. 22. Sisters and brothers in Christ, We want to share some challenges, concerns, and, by the grace of God, opportunities for our Conference in the area of financial stewardship. As we finalized the total of Conference Ministry Shares collected in 2015 from local churches, we became aware …more
General Conference Delegation to hear group presentations
February 17, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The General Conference Delegation is hosting a meeting on April 2 at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia. It will meet with any group that wants to present a message to the delegation prior to General Conference, held May 10-20 in Portland, Ore. Currently, there are four groups that want to meet with the delegation. Each group will have approximately 30 minutes for its presentation. The delegation will consider any request …more
Conference Communications Ministry Area undergoing transition
February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After more than a year of working for the Upper New York Conference, Kathleen Rubino will be leaving her position as Conference Writer/Editor. She will be joining her fiancé in moving to Orlando, Fla., where he was recently hired for a new position. “Kathleen has been a great asset to our team and has helped us to get even better at sharing our story with each other …more
Three pastors create a sermon song
February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“My remembrance of sin, aches in my heart Bruised and confused, unable to start I feel stuck in a rut, unable to be a righteous reflection, a likeness of Thee made from ashes, and dust to dust made from ashes, and dust to dust” The Rev. Brian Fellows, the Rev. Abigail Browka, and the Rev. Robert Kolvik-Campbell have worked hard over the past two years to build relationships …more
Forum to discuss human sexuality and Biblical interpretation
February 16, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference's Human Sexuality Task Force will host a forum on "Human Sexuality and Biblical Interpretation" from 1-4 p.m. on March 5 at the Liverpool First United Methodist Church. In addition to on-site seating, the event will be live-streamed. "Live video streaming can be accessible worldwide, allowing a large audience from all over the nation to attend from the comfort and convenience of their own home, …more
Finger Lakes District Day postponed
February 16, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to predicted inclement weather in the Finger Lakes region today (Feb. 16), the Finger Lakes District Day with Bishop Mark J. Webb has been postponed to March 2. Times and locations will remain the same for the March 2 event. Should there be any further developments, a notice will be sent though Conference and District communication channels. …more
IRS deadline extended for health coverage mandate form
February 11, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The IRS has extended the due date to March 31 for mailing Form 1095-B to individuals for 2015 tax returns. As part of Section 6055: Reporting under the Affordable Care Act, Form 1095-B verifies the "individual mandate" for minimum essential health coverage. The General Board of Pension & Health Benefits will provide these forms to HealthFlex participants before the March 31 IRS deadline. In order to leverage the …more