news stories
Discerning my call into ministry
August 28, 2018 / By Paul Winkelman
Editor’s Note: This article was written in April 2018 before Winkelman was ordained. My calling to pastoral ministry was not discerned by a specific moment or encounter with God - it occurred more gradually. Since I was very young, I began seeing and experiencing the grace of God through Jesus Christ, by the things that I saw in the world and in nature, through the love of Christ that …more
2018 UNY Conference Journal Directory now available for purchase
August 27, 2018 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2018 Upper New York Conference Journal Directory is now available. The directory is a compilation of clergy, church, and laity contact information. There are two ways to receive the Journal Directory: Click here to purchase a hard copy from online publisher Lulu.com. Click here to view online or to download a free PDF version on Issuu. If you order directly from Lulu.com, you can have it delivered to …more
Reflection on the Global young People’s Convocation 2018
August 27, 2018 / By Rachel John, Emmaus UMC
This past July, I attended the Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. At this enlightening convocation, youth and young adults from about 40 different countries gathered together to assess different issues facing each of us in our own communities. This convocation was able to give each and every one of us a voice so that we can see change happen right before our eyes. At GYPC, …more
Summer Fun Retreat 2018
August 27, 2018 / By Jan Rothfuss, Co-Chair of the Genesee Valley District Leadership Team
The purpose of the Summer Fun Retreat 2018 was to provide a faith-based camping experience for our city youth who may not have an opportunity to attend a Christian camp. One goal was to help the participants mature in their self-worth and explore models of community that empower the young people to share their faith. By providing a time away from their day-to-day urban environment, the participants interact with peers and …more
How my past impacted my journey into pastoral ministry
August 20, 2018 / By Pastor Mike Kelly, Newfield UMC
We all have interesting stories when it comes to answering our call to ministry. Like many, I was but a sinner who God decided to use for His purpose. After college, I went into law enforcement for nearly 10 years. Although I loved law enforcement, because of many factors, I lost my zeal and passion for it. My life took an odd turn when I decided to change careers and attend …more
Here I am… is it where you are?
August 20, 2018 / By Becky Priest, New Faith Community Planter & member of Fairport UMC
Let’s just start with this-I’ve been lucky in my life. No one has ever asked much of me. Most of what I had done up until this has been asked of me by the toughest expectant I’ve ever encountered, myself. I knew what I wanted to do, and why I wanted to do it, and let’s just say that few things could …more
Building relationships and strengthening faith through Workcamp 2018
August 16, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past July, Central New York United Methodists were both on the supporting end and receiving end of amazing ecumenical mission work – Syracuse Workcamp 2018. This mission work involved over 300 youth from all over the country of several different denominational backgrounds coming together to work on repairs needed in 54 homes in Syracuse. How did Syracuse Workcamp 2018 come about? Syracuse Workcamp 2018 came out of a partnership between Onondaga Hill Presbyterian …more
How God has been calling me into pastoral ministry
August 14, 2018 / By Gavin Hill, Eden United Methodist Church
Editor's Note: The article below was featured in the Summer 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on churches and individuals that are boldly living their call. Read how young Gavin Hill, not even out of high school has already been called to pursue a career path into pastoral ministry. It’s important to know this when discerning God’s call—God whispers, he doesn&rsquo …more
Becoming disciples through confirmation
August 14, 2018 / By Heidi Gran, Director of Christian Education, First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush
Editor's Note: The following article was published in the summer 2018 issue of the Advocate. This issue focused on ways in which churches and individuals are boldly living their call. Living boldly into a call can start as early as confirmation. In this article, Heidi Gran describes how successful their confirmation model has been in growing the faith of youth at First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush. Our church …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Imagine no Racism engagement
August 13, 2018 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: Below is a letter that Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb sent to the Upper New York COnference on Tuesday August 14. Dear Imagine No Racism Group Participants, I am grateful to each of you for your participation in Upper New York’s Imagine No Racism ministry. You are engaging in the urgent work of addressing racism in ourselves, our Church, and …more