news stories
Engaging with the UNY Conference through social media
December 13, 2017 / By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Some significant changes have taken place in the Upper New York Conference Communications ministry area recently, which has given the Conference Communications team the opportunity to think strategically about how to continue to improve the ways we tell our story. In assessing our communications channels’ strengths and weaknesses, one means of telling our story was clearly in need of work. That area was social media. In the coming weeks …more
Empowering women and children in Colombia
December 12, 2017 / By Gracie Lynn Besse, Former Global Mission Fellow
I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the General Board of Global Ministries’ mission as an International Global Mission Fellow. I was placed in Bogotá, Colombia as media and program facilitator/instructor working with CEPALC, the Latin American Center for Inclusive Communication. CEPALC’s team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about helping women and children realize their full potential. They do …more
Bishop Mark J. Webb’s 2017 Christmas/Advent message
December 11, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
I love the words of the advent hymn entitled “Send Your Word:” Send your word, o Lord, like the rain falling down upon the earth. Send your word. We seek your endless grace, with souls that hunger and thirst, sorrow and agonize We would all be lost in dark without your guiding light. Send your word, o Lord, like the wind, blowing down upon the earth. Send your …more
Called to be a Hospice chaplain
December 6, 2017 / By Rev. Becky Naber, Baker Memorial UMC
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Advocate, which featured stories that showcased the theme of “Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places.” My first eight months as a Hospice chaplain have been full of wonder, surprise, and joy. How is this possible given that my patients are at the end of their lives? As Christians, …more
Important dates for 2018
December 6, 2017 / By UNY Communications
Be sure to mark your calendars for these important dates and deadlines set for 2018. Jan. 2: EZRA system opens Jan. 10: Final day to submit Ministry Shares Mid-End Jan.: Narrative Budget Booklet becomes available Feb. 15: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline for reports and action items from Conference teams Feb. 15: Final date to update statistics in EZRA system Early …more
Mike Block hired as Director of Missional Engagement
December 5, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mike Block has been hired as the Director of Missional Engagement of the Upper New York Conference. This position opening was made possible by a donation from Earlville UMC—their vote to discontinue included donating enough money to the new Upper New York Mission Central HUB to allow it to start operations, which included enough money to cover the salary of a Director for at least two years. Click …more
Shelby Winchell hired as Conference Social Media/Web Specialist
December 5, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Shelby Winchell joins the Conference Communications Team as the Social Media/Web Specialist for the Upper New York Conference. She replaces Karen Campolieto and Ashley Riddell who were both part-time communicators with additional responsibilities in other ministry areas. Karen was promoted to the Media Resource Center Coordinator and Archives Assistant; Ashely Riddell is relocating later this winter and will be helping to train Shelby in the website functions she …more
Shenendehowa UMC’s Mission Possible 3 a success
December 5, 2017 / By Michele Carlson, Shenendehowa UMC
For the past three years, Shenendehowa United Methodist Church has hosted a “Mission Possible” day. This outreach event reaches out through the church to the community and the world through service. The theme this year for Mission Possible 3 was “Better together.” Due to the recent natural disasters, two of the focuses were flood buckets and health kits to help replenish UMCOR’s supply. The Mission …more
Missionaries share update from Estonia
November 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team
The Rev. Jeff Childs, pastor at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, was the chair of the Upper New York Conference Global Ministries team when he was first contacted by the Rev. Doug Childress – who has served as a pastor in the Upper New York Conference and predecessor conference, the Western New York Conference – about his feeling a call into the mission field. And Rev. Childress’ wife, …more
Stand out from the crowd
November 28, 2017 / By Rev. John Matin, FoundationUMC
Too small, too busy, too tired, too much to be done. These are just a few of the things many of us point to when confronted with a world that is indeed broken. The truth is, as members of a mainline denomination in the United States, we are also a part of rapidly declining (some would suggest dying) breed. Statistics and anecdotal information both confirm this reality, and yet there …more