news stories
Successful meal: School supplies, letters of encouragement headed to Middle East
September 1, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly 3,900 backpack kits are on the way to Israel and Gaza, thanks in part to the generosity of Upper New York’s attendees at the 2015 Palestinian Dinner on May 29. According to UNICEF, children in Gaza were exposed to unprecedented levels of violence and destruction in summer 2014. In response, one facet of this year’s Palestinian Dinner gave attendees a tangible opportunity to make a difference in the life …more
NFC update: Where we are on the journey to realizing our vision
August 25, 2015 / By the Rev. Dave Masland / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Our mission as United Methodists is always to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. And, in Upper New York, we believe one of the most effective ways to do that is to plant new faith communities! When the Upper New York Conference formed a few years ago, we committed ourselves to creating a planting culture where laity and clergy across the Conference would feel free …more
Participate in World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel
August 25, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the week following the International Day of Prayer for Peace, Sept. 20-26, church organizations, congregations, and people of faith are encouraged to make a common witness by participating in worship services, educational events, and acts of advocacy in support of peace for Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches and faith-based communities to join together for a week …more
Israel/Palestine missionaries to speak in Schenectady
August 25, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Alex Awad and his wife Brenda Awad – both United Methodist missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries – have invested the greater part of their life in a reconciling ministry within Israel/Palestine. The couple will provide a 45-minute adult forum starting at 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 30 at First United Methodist Church in Schenectady. There will also be a more focused discussion with the Awads …more
Commentary: Social holiness urges dialogue about racism
August 25, 2015 / By Social Holiness Team
Many have celebrated the vote to remove the Confederate flag from the grounds of the capital of South Carolina, Columbia. This symbol has flown over the capital and on its grounds for many years. There have been mixed reactions to the removal of this symbol. While many may celebrate this vote, I urge us all to consider the work of The United Methodist Church to be incomplete in this area. …more
Do Something this year with CCYM
August 19, 2015 / By Katie Shumway*
The Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) has been hard at work preparing for the events of the upcoming year. With two Fall Gatherings and our largest event of the year, UP!WORD 2016, there is a lot to be done. Spending a week in June at the Asbury Camp & Retreat Center in Perry, the CCYM learned about being disciples of God, and in doing so, came up with this …more
CRM announces staff transitions
August 19, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This summer, thousands of children, youth, and adults have enjoyed a summer camp program, a family camp program, or a retreat program at one of the Upper New York Conference’s six camp and retreat centers. Even as the summer season winds down, CRM has begun welcoming guests to many of its facilities and is preparing for a busy fall season of hosting guests at the six sites. The …more
UNY provisional elders visit NYC
August 18, 2015 / By The Rev. Nancy Raca*
Twelve curious and intrepid Provisional Elders from the Upper New York Conference gathered for two days this month in New York City to learn about The United Methodist Church’s international work. Accompanied by four members of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and covenant group leaders the Rev. Tom LeBeau and the Rev. Lauren Swanson, the group visited the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) headquarters, the national …more
Come celebrate ‘Our Legacy’ at UMW annual meeting
August 11, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The annual meeting of the Upper New York Conference United Methodist Women will take place Oct. 2-3 at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 345 Main St., Malone. This year’s theme is “Our Legacy.” The agenda includes the treasurer’s report, a proposed budget and Pledge to Mission for 2016, election of officers, recognition of outgoing officers, a legacy presentation, and more. In addition to the business portions …more
Creative summer fundraisers for Africa 360
August 5, 2015 / By Laurel O'Connor / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s easy to fundraise – and “friend-raise”– in the summertime. On mild evenings, your neighbors are already spending time outside. In the heat of the day, they’re looking for indoor activities they can do with their kids. You might have a chance to meet them at a local festival or parade. Don’t let this opportunity slip by! Here are a few …more