news stories
Will Green raised funds that built a well in Nicaragua.
August 10, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eleven-year old Will Green is responsible for providing clean water to a community in Nicaragua. His story is an inspiring one. It all began two years ago when Will was working on his required summer inquiry project for school. He decided to focus on water, and he learned about that many communities do not have access to clean water. He felt God was calling on him to do something about …more
Progress made at the future home of the UNY Conference
August 8, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Demolition and construction has begun at the future UNY Conference Center at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. It is early, but this is the start of a whirlwind of activity that has been years in the making for the Upper New York Conference. Rev. Barbara Brewer, Chair of the Design/Construction Oversight Team, is excited about the start of renovations at the new building. She said, “I am …more
Church on the Island: Worshipping God outdoors in the summer
August 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Strolling along Rt. 48 in Baldwinsville, NY, just before 8 a.m., on a summer Sunday morning, few sounds are heard. The traffic is very light. Shops are not yet open. Once you reach the lock on the scenic Seneca River, a small sign directs you to Church on the Island. It simply reads “CHURCH ON THE ISLAND SUN. 8 AM.” Adults and children of all age ranges, carrying lawn chairs, …more
The Commission on a Way Forward
August 2, 2016 / By UNY Communications
Meeting in Chicago July 19-20, the Council of Bishops' Executive Committee approved a framework for implementing the Commission on a Way Forward and took a step toward a called session of the General Conference in 2018. The Executive Committee acknowledged that the landscape of the church has changed dramatically since the General Conference approved the Council's proposal in May, but re-affirmed their commitment to lead the church forward. The Council …more
Charge Conference Forms and Clergy Compensation Package information available
August 1, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Forms required for this fall's upcoming Charge/Church Conferences are now available on the Upper New York Conference website's Forms page. There is a checklist that can be printed to help track the completion of these required forms. Please note that most forms are due two weeks prior to your charge conference. The forms are largely the same as last year with some minor revisions including the addition …more
The Rev. Wayne Butler takes flight for Africa 360
July 26, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Africa 360, the initiative that the UNY Conference set forth to raise funds for Africa University and Imagine No Malaria was a huge success, raising $773,000. The ways in which districts and local churches raised these funds are awe-inspiring. Many challenges were set forth and answered for this great work. For instance, if someone in a leadership role, perhaps a District Superintendent, told you that if you and other church members in …more
Cave Quest Vacation Bible School kids show their generous spirit
July 26, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Vacation Bible School season is in full-swing. Several churches in Upper New York host VBS. Visit our Facebook album to see photos of VBSs all throughout The UNY Conference. We will continually update this album as photos come in. Here is one account of the United Methodist Church of Webster’s VBS: During the week of July 18 through July 22nd, the United Methodist Church of Webster had an awesome …more
Invitations now accepted for Bishop Webb to preach in your church
July 21, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Webb is now establishing his preaching schedule for the months of January 2017 through June 2017. If you wish to extend an invitation to Bishop Webb to preach in your church, please contact Mary Bradley at bishopsoffice@unyumc.org or at 324 University Ave., 3rd Floor, Syracuse, New York, 13210. The deadline to receive requests for the bishop's 2017 preaching schedule is August 22, 2016. Click here to read the letter from the bishop. …more
First UMC Oneonta’s mission work in Jamaica
July 19, 2016 / By UNY Communications
The First UMC Oneonta congregation is sending a mission team to Jamaica from July 23 to August 3. The church has been in partnership with the people of St. Thomas Parish in Jamaica for over 15 years. St. Thomas Parish is in the far southeastern corner of Jamaica, the poorest section, far removed from the popular resort areas. St. Thomas' primary means of income are the sugar cane plantations. In 2000, First UMC …more
NEJ delegates vow to fight racism in church, community
July 19, 2016 / By Maidstone Mulenga
Delegates to the 2016 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, meeting in Lancaster on Thursday July 14, pledged to work together as United Methodists to fight the scourge of racism. The pledge was made after the conference unanimously approved a resolution that called for the church to do more to fight discrimination, to confront racism, and to affirm that all lives matter in God's eyes. In the resolution brought to the floor by the …more