news stories
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
Conference supports 2017 budget
June 21, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Budget discussions at the 2017 Annual Conference started a day earlier than scheduled on June 1 thanks to a surprising and historical motion to the Consent Calendar. Pastor Nate Lang of the Cornerstone District made a motion to move the budget report to the Consent Calendar. After discussion and debate, his amendment was supported. As there was a question as to whether or not this amendment is or is not in constitutional …more
Petition and Resolution Results at the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference
June 21, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Discussion and voting for the petitions and resolutions brought to the 2017 Annual Conference session began in the afternoon plenary on June 2 and continued through the June 3 morning plenary. After a few resolutions had been brought to the floor, discussed, and voted on during the June 3 plenary, there was a motion to suspend rules and eliminate discussion for the remainder of the resolutions. This motion was supported. Here are the …more
Service of Commissioning and Ordination at the 2017 UNY Annual Conference
June 21, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When addressing the individuals to be commissioned for the work of a deacon or elder and the individuals to be ordained for the work of a deacon or elder at the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference during the Service of Commissioning and Ordination, Bishop Webb said, “Remember you are called to serve rather than to be served, to proclaim the faith of the church and no other, to look …more
UNY members can “Walk to Emmaus” this fall
June 21, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Walk to Emmaus, a program created by The Upper Room, is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with the prayerful discernment and invitation from a sponsor. …more
How racism cannot be blamed on the South
June 21, 2017 / By By Linda Hughes, CORR
For most of my life, I thought the majority of the racism blame was owned by the South. The Southerners of earlier America were the slave-holding plantation owners and the Northerners were the noble abolitionists. My eyes were opened when I learned the vast majority of slave trading ships were launched from New England; about half of them from Rhode Island. The Trade Triangle was New England, to West Africa, …more
Trusting that God is enough to make my half-time pastoral appointment effective
June 21, 2017 / By By Pastor Bob McCarthy
Editor’s Note: The Summer 2017 Issue of the Advocate will focus on the theme “Trusting that God is Enough.” This 40-page issue will highlight many amazing things that can happen at an individual level, the church level, and even on a global level when you trust that God is Enough. Here is one example of how Pastor Bob McCarthy trusted that he could have an effective ministry …more
Bishop Webb proclaims when you know your WHY, your WHAT will have more impact
June 14, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Opening Worship at the eighth session of Annual Conference took place June 1. Through music, video, a unique Holy Communion, and a powerful sermon, the service zeroed in on the Conference’s theme, “Together in Prayer: Trusting that God is Enough.” Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb’s sermon focused on the importance for members and churches of the Conference to focus on their …more
United Methodist Center opens doors to public
June 14, 2017 / By Kathleen Christiansen
Before the start of the 2017 Upper New York Annual Conference session, the Conference opened its doors — literally — May 31, to any and all who wanted a tour of the new United Methodist Center of Upper New York, located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool Visitors from across the Conference received guided tours of the new facility from 3:30-7:30 p.m. during the Open House. “I’m really …more
The Black College Fund thanks the UNY Conference for its support
June 9, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A dreamer, a leader, a believer, and a seminarian…these are the words that the Rev. Dee Finch used to introduce James L. Cogman, this year’s Black College Fund speaker on Friday June 2 at the 2017 UNY Annual Conference session. Currently a Certified Lay Servant in the Baltimore Washington Conference, James is pursuing his Masters of Divinity at Yale University. James’ enthusiasm lit up the room as …more