news stories
Review of Being Poor: The Cycle of Injustice
February 21, 2017 / By Linda Hughes
For some reason, I have avoided exploring and educating myself about the racial injustice problem of mass incarceration. Maybe I’m not ready for the weight of yet another racial issue. I’ve had the book The New Jim Crow for over a year, but have yet to read it. When I was flipping through the TV stations recently, I came upon a documentary on WCNY (our …more
Summer Camp & Retreat registration is now open
February 15, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 2017 Summer Camp & Retreat programs. Program details are available online and brochures were mailed this week! Brochures were sent to past participants and campers as well as all Upper New York Annual Conference churches. “We are excited about the high quality and excellent variety of programs being offered this summer, …more
Diversity and Social Media: Q & A with Sophia Agtarap and Hannah Bonner
February 15, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sophia Agtarap is a transplant to the South from the West Coast. Her background in education and digital media has helped her be a shepherd of sorts to digital immigrants, and she enjoys working with diverse groups to help them better understand today's communication tools and uses for ministry and outreach. She is currently works in communications and marketing for The Village--a new church start in Nashville, TN. Rev. …more
Registration is now open for UP!WORD ‘17
February 14, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Spread the word to all youth in grades sixth through 12th-UP!WORD is the spring event held by the Upper New York Conference's Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM). The theme this year, short and to the point, is "God is." UP!WORD 2017 is an opportunity for youth from all over the Upper New York Conference to experience community and grow in their spiritual …more
Fairview UMC-a growing urban church
February 14, 2017 / By Blenda Smith
An urban church in a “changing” neighborhood— how many local churches in Upper New York Conference would fit that description? Fairview UMC in Binghamton, NY, is just that. We are also a growing church with baptisms, confirmations, and other new members in the last six to seven years. We don’t measure the strength of our beloved community with metrics. Rather, we have come to …more
Pastor Yohang Chun and his ministry with college students at SUNY Oswego
February 14, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Living a mere three blocks away from a college campus presented the perfect opportunity for a pastor to begin a ministry for college students. When he was appointed to Oswego First UMC in 2011, Pastor Yohang Chun began a Friday-night meal and bible study at the church parsonage for international students from SUNY Oswego. The program has continued each year with new students who learn of the small group primarily through …more
How can I keep from singing?
February 14, 2017 / By Stephen Cady
A little over a year ago, Asbury First had a conversation about caroling as a congregation. We thought it would be fun to get together and walk through the neighborhoods surrounding our church to spread a little Christmas cheer. Then, we thought that it would be more fun with more people, so we considered inviting other churches to carol with us. Next, we thought about all of the brokenness and …more
UNY UMHS announces institutional membership and optional joint dues with the HSUMC
February 14, 2017 / By UNY Communications Team
The United Methodist Historical Society for the Upper New York Conference (UNYUMHS) announces that institutional membership is now available in the organization. Also, an option has been added for reduced joint membership in the Historical Society of the United Methodist Church (HSUMC). UNY-UM Society membership includes access to the private UNY United Methodist Historical Society Facebook closed group. As a closed group, viewing photographs, files, etc. (as well as adding …more
Conference Office closed today, Feb. 13
February 13, 2017 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Syracuse will be closed today, Feb. 13. It will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 14. …more
How Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial UMC uses basketball to reach diverse youth
February 6, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At 5 p.m. on a Wednesday night, a diverse group of youth, ages 9-14, begin gathering into Sarah Jane Johnson UMC; they are there to play basketball! This is no ordinary basketball league; its purpose is not only to develop the children’s basketball skills, but also to teach the children about God’s love for them. Before hitting the gymnasium, the children gather into the chapel to …more