news stories
How to Grow with God, Tend the Soul, and become certified in Spiritual Formation in Upper New York
October 18, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson
To become a disciple of Christ for the transformation of the world, the UNY Conference has identified 16 leadership competencies. The first competency emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual walk as a leader; a leader must tend to their soul and life. This includes a vital and vibrant devotional life encompassing engagement with the Scriptures, time for prayer, and additional spiritual disciplines. Also, the spiritual life of a leader …more
CLT offers a bible study video for local churches
October 10, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
How can members of local churches feel more connected to each other and more connected to other churches in their Conference? The Upper New York Conference Leadership Team is working diligently to strengthen these connections. Recently, the CLT developed a new Purpose Statement and one of the key points of their new purpose is to create alignment on all levels throughout the Conference. One way that the CLT hopes to …more
My trip to the Holy Land, Article 3 of 4
October 10, 2017 / By Theresa Eggleston
Today I am writing about my visit to the Church of the Annunciation. Growing up, I never thought much of Mary. She was the mother of Jesus and nothing more. I remember teachers saying things like, “Mary is not to be lifted higher than Jesus.” “Mary is just a character, Jesus is more important.” But nothing prepared me for what was revealed to me at the …more
A glimpse of the 2017-2018 District Days
October 6, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The focus for the 2017-2018 District Days is on the denomination’s impasse regarding homosexuality. Bishop Webb enlisted the Upper New York Human Sexuality Taskforce that he formed in 2012 to help conduct the District Days, which are much more discussion-oriented than in years past. The theme of the District Days is “A Way Forward.” Earlier this year, the United Methodist Commission on a Way Forward sent questions …more
Bishop’s taskforce is called to eliminate racism
October 4, 2017 / By Stephen J. Hustedt
The 2016 Northeastern Jurisdiction overwhelmingly supported a Call to Action to end racism in a bold proclamation that it would work to end racism both in ourselves and in the world. However, the real work would begin when leaders returned to their individual Conferences. Many asked how to even begin working on such an enormous goal. Bishop Mark J. Webb explained, “The NEJ Call to Action invites us first to …more
Resource Center Director, Diane Miner to retire
October 3, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Diane Miner, Director of the Upper New York Conference’s Resource Center will retire next month. She has played a very valuable role in the UNY Conference ever since its formation and prior to that, she served as the Resource Center Director for the Wyoming Conference. When the four Conferences in Upper New York merged to become the Upper New York Conference in 2010, Diane, along with Sheila Rader facilitated …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Response to mass shooting in Las Vegas
October 3, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s note: On Oct. 3 Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following letter about the tragic violence that took place in Las Vegas. Sisters and brothers in Christ, We have watched in horror as once again a mass shooting, the most deadly in American history has claimed the lives of at least 59 innocent people and injured hundreds more. Pray for the victims, family members, first responders, and others in …more
Worship Leaders for the INWARD Conference Youth Events Named
October 3, 2017 / By Eleanor Collinsworth
It’s time to register for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries Fall Gathering, now called INWARD. At these two gatherings (East and West), CCYM is putting aside the theatrics in favor of a truly profound, God-filled experience. With a focus on small-group time and prayer, they aim to make an event from which you can leave saying you've experienced God. The Worship Team of the CCYM is …more
Centerpoint Christian Fellowship reaches its neighbors with a day of music and fun
October 2, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nine years ago when Pastor Wayne Clemens was serving at Van Hornesville United Methodist Church, a lay person approached him with the idea to have a “Gospel Fest” at a beautiful park across the street. Pastor Wayne said, “We invited the community and had a great time.” Fast-forward six years later and Pastor Wayne is serving at Centerpoint Christian Fellowship, which is on 50 acres of land; …more
Peace with Justice Grant Application Deadline Approaching
October 2, 2017 / By Heather Smith
The deadline to apply for the next round of grants this year is Nov. 1. Find the current Peace with Justice grant application here. The Social Holiness Team looks forward to hearing what ministries may be emerging around our Annual Conference! In May, the Social Holiness Team approved three grants. Labor-Religion Coalition of NYS for a series of Truth Commissions on Poverty in New York State during the summer and fall …more