news stories
How to be a part of the 2016 General Conference
April 26, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a matter of weeks, the Upper New York Conference delegation to General Conference will leave for Portland, Ore., to join hundreds of other United Methodists from around the world in worship, decision-making, and countless other activities. As the top decision-making body of The United Methodist Church gathers, there will be news and information coming out that will directly and indirectly impact your local church. Unfortunately, locating this information can …more
Golden Cross Sunday offering supports chaplaincy programs
April 20, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Golden Cross Sunday offering is an annual appeal to the members of the Upper New York Conference to help support benevolent services. In Upper New York, the offering is traditionally received in May, giving congregations the flexibility to designate any date in the month that best suits their schedule. Across the denomination, these Conference-wide offerings are used to support health and welfare ministries, such as chaplaincy programs, disability awareness …more
Bishop Webb completes 2015-2016 District Days tour
April 19, 2016 / By
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb completed his 2015-2016 District Days tour with visits to the Finger Lakes, Genesee Valley, Mountain View, and Northern Flow districts in March and the Oneonta District in April. The theme of his tour was “Increasing Our Capacity: A Time of Conversation and Encouragement,” and it provided conversation sessions for clergy (in the morning and afternoon), district leadership committees (over …more
Sign up now for the Conference’s Day of Prayer Vigil
April 15, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nancy Dibelius, who is coordinating the Upper New York Conference's Day of Prayer on April 23, is organizing a prayer vigil for the entire Day of Prayer. There will be events going on throughout the day at local churches, so the critical time slots are in the early morning and late evening. Each slot is for one hour. Those interested in participating in the vigil - particularly for the hours …more
UNY makes prayer beads for General Conference
April 15, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nancy Dibelius - coordinator of the Upper New York Conference's Day of Prayer on April 23 - has made 20 sets of prayer beads on behalf of the Conference, which will be given to delegates at the 2016 General Conference session, May 10-20 in Portland, Ore. Since the deadline to receive prayer beads for General Conference is April 30, these beads will not be prayed over during Day of Prayer, but …more
Apply now Violet’s Garden grants
April 12, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The need to foster spiritual growth in and with children and youth is of paramount importance to the congregations of the Upper New York Conference. In honor of Bishop Violet Fisher’s love and concern for children and youth, Violet’s Garden (Advance Special #3075) was established in the former North Central New York Conference to celebrate Bishop Fisher’s life and ministry among us and to continue …more
‘Take a Bite Out of Malaria’ on World Malaria Day
April 5, 2016 / By Laurel O’Connor / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Churches of and communities within the Upper New York Conference can “Take a Bite Out of Malaria” on World Malaria Day, April 25. Conference-wide, churches are asked to work with local restaurants to receive a portion of their revenue on April 25 – which will go toward Imagine No Malaria, an integral part of Africa 360 – and then encourage members and friends to eat out that day. Participating businesses will …more
Director’s Invitational accepting nominations
April 5, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nominations of young leaders are now being accepted for the 2016 Director’s Invitational at the Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia. Director’s Invitational is a spiritual leadership seminar developed to help youth recognize their style of leadership and develop their own unique, God-given gifts. The five-day program begins Aug. 7. Youth will explore many different ways they can use their talents in service. This …more
You have Health Care Reform tax forms, we have information
March 30, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Below is information on Health Care Reform related tax forms you may be receiving for the 2015 tax year: Section 6055 Reporting – Minimal Essential Coverage (IRS Form 1095-B) All HealthFlex participants will receive a letter and Form 1095-B from Businessolver on behalf of The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. This form verifies the “individual mandate” for health coverage under Affordable Care Act provisions, which requires most U …more
Celebrate with Africa 360 in April
March 29, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
April is Africa 360 Month, with celebrations all month long throughout the Upper New York Conference that will help raise funds and awareness for Africa 360 – the Upper New York Conference’s holistic plan for health and education initiatives in Africa that benefits Imagine No Malaria and Africa University. “Hopefully, these ideas inspire other congregations to action,” said Laurel O’Connor, Upper New York’s Africa 360 …more