news stories
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: A response to the flooding in Upper New York
July 12, 2017 / By Mark J. Webb
Dear sisters and brothers of Upper New York, Grace and peace to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ! Over the last several weeks, severe weather has caused significant flash flooding in several communities throughout Upper New York. Individuals and families have been greatly affected. Communities within the Mohawk District have been the most severely impacted. Residents of 300 homes have had to evacuate. Seventeen homes were completely destroyed and …more
Young People Worship reflects AC17 theme
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Young People Worship reflects AC17 theme By Kathleen Christiansen At the Young People Worship on June 3, various young adults emphasized the phrase, “God is enough” as well as trusting in God, which are part of the 2017 Annual Conference session’s theme: “Together in Prayer: Trusting that God is Enough.” The service began with a bilingual Call to Worship, led by Ian Urriola and Julio …more
Study session two guides churches in making change
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, the 2017 Annual Conference session study leader, held her second study session “Doing a New Thing: The Church of No Excuses” in the afternoon on June 2. During this session, she focused on new spiritual communities and how churches can be open to change and adapt. Rev. Dean mentioned 1 Chronicles 12:32, saying “the children of Issachar, who understood the times, with knowledge of what …more
First study session covers missional entrepreneurship
July 5, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean watched lobsters molt in Maine. For a lobster to molt, it takes on extra water to bloat, cracks the shell, turn itself inside out — and goes blind while doing it — and flips itself before breaking free of its tail. Now a blind, squishy blob, the lobster can easily be eaten, but it has become something new. “I think this is …more
Rekindling the love of God and each other
July 5, 2017 / By Pastor Scott Rogers, Whitehall UMC
Editor’s Note: The Adirondack District Superintendent, the Rev. Bill Mudge informed the UNY Conference about the pastor of Whitehall UMC; he said, “Pastor Scott Rogers came to us as a missionary - he agreed to take on a congregation that admitted they could not offer much in the way of financial support because he was following the call of God on his life. The …more
UNY AU Scholarship recipient graduated June 10
July 5, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Africa University celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. This institution, which was developed by United Methodist bishops, enables young men and women from dozens of nations throughout Africa to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees on the Africa University campus. Africa University students are supported primarily through endowed scholarships. The UNY Conference has an Africa University Endowed Scholarship Fund that helps support specific students at Africa University. According to the Africa …more
Service of Blessing and Anointing at the 2017 AC
June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The song Turn, Turn, Turn was the perfect song for InsideOut to perform at the Service of Blessing and Anointing on Friday June 2 at the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference session. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose, under heaven;” these lyrics portrayed the rejoicing over retired clergy and clergy spouses, newly ordained and commissioned deacons and elders, and new church appointments. Upper …more
2017 CF&A Report shares positive news
June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every year at Annual Conference, the UNY Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) present their proposed budget for the next calendar year and also discuss where their focus has been since the last Annual Conference. This year, CF&A did not get the opportunity to present their report because of a surprising action that took place…there was a motion to put the budget report on …more
The 2017-2018 Illuminate Preaching Academy begins in September
June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Built around the characteristics of bright spot preaching, Illuminate Preaching Academy seeks to come alongside good preachers and help them grow toward being great preachers. Time is given to exploring methods of sermon writing, series development, delivery of the sermon, and connecting with the community to whom we are preaching. “Every year we try to gather guest faculty from across the Connection to provide insight and instruction for Illuminate …more
Lottie Brown Scholarship Recipients announced
June 28, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year the Upper New York Annual Conference College Scholarships Committee offers Lottie Brown Scholarships for undergraduate students who are intending to enter a career in Christian service. This year’s recipients are Elyse Muder, Emily Allen, and Katherine (Kate) Bobsein. The three recipients are all active in their churches and excel academically. In their applications, each recipient not only included remarkable letters of recommendation, but also, …more