news stories
Praying Together, Giving Together
April 14, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 Dear Colleagues in Ministry, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Risen Christ. District Online Pastoral Leaders Gatherings I write with a grateful heart. When I invited us to gather each week, …more
Celebrating Rev. Dr. Georgia Harkness
April 14, 2026 / By Tara Barnes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“Hope of the world, thou Christ of great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent …” Have you ever opened your United Methodist Hymnal to #178 and sang those words? They were written by the Rev. Dr. Georgia Harkness, a big name in Methodism: The first woman to become a full professor at a U.S. seminary, author of more than 30 books, six-time General Conference delegate, teacher, …more
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: An Easter Message of Hope
April 5, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following Easter message was sent to United Methodists in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Today, Christians around the world proclaim the heart of our faith: death does not have the final word. The tomb is empty. God’s love has overcome the …more
Peace with Justice Grants available to support ministries
March 31, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Peace with Justice Grant is now available. Individuals, local churches, and faith-based organizations across the Upper New York Conference are invited to apply by April 30, 2026. Click here for an application. Peace with Justice Grants provide an opportunity to support ministries that work toward justice, reconciliation, and peace in local communities. Funded through the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, these grants provide up to $1,500 for …more
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Miracle Sunday Resources Available
March 24, 2026 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 24 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the release of Miracle Sunday resources. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Luke 10:2 Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders of Upper New York, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. …more
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Clarifying the Decision Regarding Casowasco
March 12, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 12 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez following up on last week's announcement regarding the closure of Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Since the announcement of the closure of Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center on March 5, we have heard from …more
Apply now for the Lottie Brown Scholarship
March 11, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year, the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships to undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. The scholarship enables young people to fulfill the path God is calling them to take. Applicants must be an active, full member of a United Methodist Church within the UNY Conference for at least one year prior to applying, must be …more
A Call to Prayer, Reflection, and Faithful Witness
March 10, 2026 / By Rev. Alan Kinney, UNY Social Holiness Team Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As United Methodists, we share a long and faithful tradition of witnessing to the presence of God in our midst and responding to Christ’s call to work for peace and justice in the world. At times, this witness calls us toprayer, reflection, and action in moments that are complex and difficult. Recent acts of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran remind us of the …more
2026 Annual Conference MEM Grant and RELC Grants available
March 6, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The General Board of Global Ministries Annual Conference Multiethnic Ministries Grant and the Racial/Ethnic Local Church Grant applications are open until March 31. This year, all grant applications are online. Annual Conference Multiethnic Ministries Grant ($20,000) – Up to 5 Grants Available Multiethnic Ministries (MEM) grants are provided to assist annual conferences with conference-wide programs focusing on racial/ethnic leadership development and racial/ethnic church growth and development. The MEM …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez: Permanent Closing of Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
March 5, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, March 5 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the permanent closing of Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. “For everything there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dear United Methodists in Upper New York, Grace and peace to you in the name of …more