news stories
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Charge Conference season
August 8, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to appointed clergy of United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 8, 2024 about the upcoming Charge Conference season. Dear Upper New York clergy, I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. I am grateful to God for …more
UM Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University
August 8, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song, Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The term “chaplain” has an origin from the story of St. Martin. On a rainy day in 337, St. Martin ran into an impoverished man at the gate to the city of Amiens, France. While the crowd ignored this half-naked man, he took pity, took out his sword, removed his cloak, and sliced it into two pieces to give half to the poor man. Being moved by this powerful …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Summer 2024 storm next steps
August 6, 2024 / 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 from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 6, 2024 on taking the next steps in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:12a Dear partners in ministry, …more
Susan Latessa to leave role as Director of Human Resources and Benefits
July 31, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Susan Latessa, Upper New York’s Director of Human Resources and Benefits is vacating her role to pursue other work in ministry. Susan joined the Upper New York Conference in 2017. “I’m leaving to answer a new call to ministry. I’ve been praying for a while to become closer to Jesus and I feel like He answered my prayers with this new opportunity,” …more
Missional Excellence and staffing
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly eighteen months ago, I was invited to serve as the Director of Missional Excellence for United Methodists of Upper New York. In that time, some have asked what it means to be Director of Missional Excellence, or more specifically what is Missional Excellence? In short, Missional Excellence is about equipping leaders and congregations so they can make a missional impact in their communities and around the world. Missional …more
Commentary: Loving neighbor in deed and truth, through the storms
July 25, 2024 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, UNY Creation Care Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley on behalf of the UNY Creation Care Ministry. The views expressed in this article are of the UNY Creation Care Ministry, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. How much do you know about our purpose for being here, on this earth, according to the …more
Commentary: Peace movement revived in Israel
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Gary E. Doupe / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary was written by the Rev. Dr. Gary E. Doupe on behalf of the UNY Task Force for Palestine-Israel. The views expressed in this article are of the task force, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. Hope is the thing with feathers. That perches in the soul. And sings the tune without the words. And …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor: Summer storm response
July 18, 2024 / 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 from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 18, 2024 in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities. “If one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it…” 1 Corinthians 12:26 …more
Youth make an impact at NEJ Conference
July 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Youth often remark that they are seen, but not heard. That was not the case at the 2024 Northeastern Jurisdictional (NEJ) Conference, held July 8-12 in Pittsburgh, PA. Nineteen youth representatives took part in the NEJ Conference. It was the only jurisdiction in 2024 with youth representation. “The presence and participation of youth at the jurisdictional conference was vital to the continuing presence of The United Methodist Church in …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New NEJ apointment announcement
July 12, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Friday, July 12 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Beloved Siblings in Christ, Greetings in the …more