news stories
Rev. Vonda Fossitt ignites excitement at the Genesee Valley Installation Service
October 4, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, October 2, over 200 people, young and old with great diversity, attended a service at the United Methodist Church of Webster to celebrate the Rev. Vonda Fossitt’s appointment as the Superintendent of the Genesee Valley District. In addition to the Covenant Service that takes place when a superintendent is appointed to a district, this evening service was comprised of exceptionally energizing performances. The theme of Rev. Fossitt …more
The 2016 UNY Conference Journal Directory now available for purchase
October 4, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2016 Upper New York Conference Journal Directory is now available. This directory contains up-to-date contact information of all UNY churches, clergy, members to Annual Conference, and surviving spouses for the 2016 Upper New York Annual Conference Session. There are two ways to receive the Journal Directory: Click here to purchase a hard copy from online publisher Lulu.com OR Click here to download a free PDF version If you order directly …more
Panel discusses poverty and inequality at the 2016 Faith for a Fair New York Conference
September 28, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The structural inequality of the impoverished that John Wesley spoke about in the 18th century still persists today. In his time, for example, too much grain had been used for distilling liquor, leaving a shortage of grain to make bread, which drove up the price and especially hurt the poor. From Wesley’s point of view, everyone who was able to work was indeed working, yet people were still …more
Israeli Peace Activist, Miko Peled, speaks for Palestinian justice
September 28, 2016 / By Linda Bergh, co-chair, UNY-UM Task Force on Peace w/Justice in Palestine/Israel
Miko Peled, Israeli Jewish peace activist and advocate for Palestinian justice, spoke about the need for people of good will to work for freedom and justice for the Palestinian people. As has been said by others, he said that to know of injustice and to remain silent is to be complicit. Growing up in an Israeli Jewish home, with a father who served as an Israeli military officer and eventually …more
Livestreaming and satellite livestreaming details for the Evenings of Prayer and Witness
September 27, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past summer, the UNY Conference announced the Evenings of Prayer and Witness taking place across the Conference. Last week, further details were provided, noting that the three large gatherings led by Bishop Mark J. Webb in cooperation with the Order of Elders, the Order of Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will be held: Oct. 3 at Liverpool UMC - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb, Prayers for Charlotte
September 22, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following statement about the unrest and violence in Charlotte was released by Bishop Mark J. Webb on Sept. 22. Once again, pain and anger are leading to violent protests and division in our nation. This time it is happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. As we strive to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and proclaimers of the Gospel, let us engage one another and invite others …more
Evenings of Prayer and Witness to take place throughout UNY
September 21, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt
Details have been released on the times of prayer and witness that were announced over the summer. The three large gathering that will be led Bishop Mark J. Webb in cooperation with the Order of Elders, the Order of Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will be held: Oct. 3 at Liverpool UMC - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Saratoga Springs UMC - 6:30-8:30 p …more
Celebrating the Appointment of the Rev. Everett J. Bassett as Superintendent of the Oneonta District
September 21, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture Morris UMC’s performance of Sister Act or the 40 Easter baskets they put together for local children. Visualize firemen joining the Unadilla UMC for Halloween or Schuyler Lake UMC’s Mittens in Mission Ministry and Crockpot Food Ministry. Imagine the Mount Upton UMC at the Chenango County Fair or the Hartwick UMC’s Christmas ride. These are just some of the dozens of photos shown in …more
Genesee Valley’s Oct. 2 Installation, to be an Excellent Celebration
September 21, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Members of the Genesee Valley District will celebrate Rev. Vonda Fossitt’s appointment on Sunday Oct. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at the Webster United Methodist Church. During this service, which is open to everyone, Rev. Fossitt brings with her, members of several of the congregations and ministries where she has served. They will be helping to make the celebration spectacular. The service will begin with Praise and Worship with …more
Join the Developing Intentional Discipleship Workshop on Saturday Oct. 1
September 14, 2016 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: Please distribute this article to UNYUMC Sunday School Teachers, Small Group Leaders, and others interested in a day of sharing together and learning how to move forward BEING the Church. In the church today, we need to create discipleship systems to: Connect people exploring Christ Grow people who are new in Christ Encourage people to go deeper in Christ The Developing Intentional Discipleship event can help …more