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UNY Greenhouse Days: Sparking innovation and reimagining ministry
September 24, 2024 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, UNY New Faith Communities Initiative / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last weekend, 100 people gathered for UNY Greenhouse Days both at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool and at Penn Ave UMC in Pine City. Local church leaders came together to explore new ways of reaching people and reimagining ministry for today’s world. Michael Beck, a dynamic pioneer in Fresh Expressions, served as the keynote speaker. He shared real-life examples of how small, inherited churches can spark fresh …more
Offering back-to-school support at Massena First UMC
September 23, 2024 / By Kathy Perry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Massena First United Methodist has been involved in a community program for approximately 20 years. The program offers a hot nutritious dinner on Thursday evenings for anyone who wishes to have a meal. We currently serve approximately 150 meals per week, all prepared and served by volunteers. As we got to know our guests, we realized that many of them needed help with personal care, household cleaning, and …more
Creation Care Ministry weighs in on solar panels
September 20, 2024 / By Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Care / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists know that caring for God's Creation is a part of honoring God and loving our neighbors. Many want to reduce air pollution associated with heating and cooling while still generating electricity for their homes and expressed interest in shifting from coal, oil, and gas to clean solar power. Yet, to some, the cost of solar panels puts solar energy out of reach, even with the …more
UMC bishops denounce political violence, authoritarianism
September 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following statement was released by the Council of Bishops on Thursday, September 19 on denouncing political violence and authoritarianism. Beloved Community - An Antidote to Extremism A Pastoral Letter to All United Methodists Christ is our peace. . .With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. Ephesians 2:14 CEB Dear United Methodists: Polarization and hatred are dividing nations, communities, and even families. We …more
UNY Leadership Summit
September 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly 50 lay and clergy leaders from around the conference gathered at the United Methodist Center for a leadership summit on Saturday, September 14. This specific group was identified as people who were called to carry out servant leadership in Upper New York to move the mission of the annual conference together. Cabinet members, executive staff, along with members from different ministry teams including the Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Laity, …more
Creating a visible offering of healing and wholeness
September 16, 2024 / By The Rev. Nancy Dibelius / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As part of worship at the Bishop’s Retreat in January, individuals were invited to trace their hand on a piece of colored paper, cut it out and then, prayerfully consider a single word, a single gift that they believed they possessed and could offer for the well-being and healing of another and write it on their hand. They were then invited to offer their hand to the table …more
Announcing AC2025
September 11, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2025 annual session of the Upper New York Conference will be held May 22-May 24, 2025, at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. In July, the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference assigned Bishop Héctor to serve at two conferences, Upper New York and Susquehanna, effective September 1. In that role, he will preside over two annual conference sessions. Anticipating this change, both conferences postponed setting dates for their respective 2025 annual conference …more
BeLoVeD is moving to Liverpool UMC
September 10, 2024 / By BeLoVeD Core Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Starting Sunday, September 15 from 6-8 p.m., BeLoVeD is moving to a new home at Liverpool First United Methodist Church, located at 604 Oswego St. in Liverpool and continuing under the leadership of the Rev. Bill Mudge. BeLoVeD is a New Faith Community serving United Methodists of Upper New York. Whether you’re already part of a church or just curious about faith, you’re invited to be …more
From New York’s North Country to Zambia: Stories from a mission trip
September 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dr. Donald and Glenda Schuessler are no strangers to helping others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Dr. Schuessler is a longtime North Country pediatrician who has been treating patients for more than four decades. Outside the office, the Schuesslers are active members of First UMC in Gouverneur. Together, they’ve visited, participated, and led mission trips local and abroad to places like India; the …more
UMC bishops call for Leadership Gathering instead of Special Session in 2026
September 5, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
UPDATE: Orginally planned for April 2026, the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering is being rescheduled to October 20–24, 2026. Read more here. The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church (UMC) is announcing a Leadership Gathering for 2026 that will advance the positive momentum of the 2020/24 General Conference and prepare the denomination for the 2028 General Conference. The bishops will hold the Leadership Gathering instead of calling a …more