news stories
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Response to Hurricane Irma
September 12, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
On Sept. 12 Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following letter about how to respond to Hurricane Irma to members of the Upper New York Conference. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Once again, we have seen the incredible destruction a powerful hurricane can bring. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean, Florida and the other places along Irma’s storm path. Just as with Harvey, we know recovery …more
UNY staff welcomes Betsy Schuessler
September 11, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We extend a warm welcome to Betsy Schuessler who has been hired as Administrative Assistant to the director of Camp & Retreat Ministries. Betsy grew up as a camper at Aldersgate and served on summer staff ultimately filling the role of interim director from the fall of 2006 through the spring of 2009. She has continued to serve in a volunteer role for CRM many times throughout the year and …more
When God takes over
September 5, 2017 / By The Rev. Gary Kubitz, First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville
Editor's Note: For the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate, we asked members across the UNY Conference to share stories of when they have had to trust that God is enough. Rev. Gary Kubitz, of the First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville, responded with a story. If you have a story of when you had to trust that God is enough, submit it to news@unyumc.org. During my first …more
Carrying out my mission to help thousands in South Africa
August 29, 2017 / By Erma Mae Perkins, Zululand Hospice Partnership, Member Rush UMC
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate; all article sin this issue were centered on the theme Trusting that God is Enough. I have had an interest in the continent of Africa for as long as I can remember. My friend Judy spent several terms as a nurse in Ethiopia. Judy adopted an abandoned child before returning to the U.S. When …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Flooding from Hurricane Harvey
August 29, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
(Editor’s note: On Monday, August 28, Bishop Mark J. Webb released the following letter about the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.) Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As you are aware, Hurricane Harvey continues to cause tremendous devastation to the greater Houston area, forcing thousands to evacuate. When the waters subside, many people will return to discover their homes and businesses have been destroyed. Rebuilding will take weeks, months, even …more
How the UMC is denouncing racism
August 28, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As a response to the racist events that took place in Charlottesville, August 12-13, 2017, the UMC is taking action. Here are just a few of the ways the UMC has responded to what took place in Charlottesville, VA. They placed a full page ad in The New York Times and USA Today on Aug. 16. Together, these two papers reach about 2 million people. They developed several articles, which cover the …more
Overcoming the challenge of a part-time pastoral appointment
August 22, 2017 / By Lori Bruno-Taylor. Owl's Head UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate. A pastor is called to serve God in all settings, at all times. Part-time does not change what we are called to do, it just challenges us to trust that God is enough when time, schedules, and resources do not appear to be enough. God has a way of teaching us to work as the Body …more
Love, Grow, Serve, The story of Centerpoint Christian Fellowship
August 21, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Notw: This article was previously published in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate, which had the theme of Trusting that God is enough. The story of Centerpoint Christian Fellowship (CCF) in the Mohawk District showcases how a New Faith Community becomes a success by trusting that God is enough. Starting in 2008-2009, the initial meetings of CCF took place from at the old Trenton Town Hall in Barneveld, …more
What to expect at the 2017-2018 District Days
August 18, 2017 / By
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb will be visiting each of the Districts in the Upper New York Conference during his 2017-2018 District Days tour. The theme of the tour will be “A Way Forward.” This year’s District Days is set up in such a way that will facilitate active discussion. In each District, conversations will be had in small groups based on …more
Rowing toward shore after my husband’s death
August 15, 2017 / By By Jan Rothfuss
My husband’s death was not completely unexpected but I was holding on to the thought that we would be together a while longer. After all, he had survived his initial bought with cancer in 2013 and 2014 was a great year, including the birth of our first grandchild and a road trip together out to Colorado. But in June of 2015, he was called home. While I had experienced the death …more