news stories
CORR announces partnership in report
June 2, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Blenda Smith, chair of the Conference Commission on Race and Religion (CORR), presented the CORR report. During the report, Smith announced the Upper New York Conference’s partnership with Kaleidoscope Institute, which strives to provide resources to equip church leaders to create sustainable churches and communities. Kaleidoscope Institute will come to Upper New York this fall to help equip Conference leadership to be “culturally competent.” Smith …more
Organizational Motion, agenda, Consent Calendar approved
June 2, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino
Following Opening Worship, the 2016 Annual Conference session commenced as any other – with an explanation of the rules and votes for the approval of the Organizational Motion, agenda, and Consent Calendar. However, before any approval could be made, Pastor Nate Lange, serving at the First United Methodist Church in Little Valley, made a motion to suspend all business until 10 a.m. plenary session on June 3 to allow for time for …more
Bishop Webb proclaims we are chosen, given power by God
June 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Opening Worship on June 2 at the 2016 Annual Conference session began with a combination of video, music, and spoken word. The video showcased young people preparing to gather at a table. As the video came to an end, a diverse group of individuals – old and young, male and female, representing multiple ethnicities –preparing place settings at a large table on the stage. The band Inside Out simultaneously performed the …more
The table is set at the AC16 laity session
June 2, 2016 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb greeted the crowd at the laity session at the 2016 Annual Conference session by reminding them, “With our movement as United Methodists, the laity has always lead the way.” Before introducing Conference lay leader Dr. Scott Johnson, Bishop Webb emphasized how important it is for the laity to continue to “lead us in ministry and lead us in …more
UNY United Methodist Historical Society announces Historical Society member dues for 2016
May 25, 2016 / By Nancy Rutenber
The Upper New York United Methodist Historical Society announces membership dues. For those who join in 2016, the dues this year will be $5. Society membership includes access to the UNY United Methodist Historical Society Facebook closed group. As a closed group, reading and adding posts on the Facebook site is restricted to qualifying members. While joining Facebook is necessary for access, each person can choose his/her own Facebook privacy settings. …more
My experience in the Leadership Academy
May 25, 2016 / By Rev. Dr. Karen Grinnell
I saw the flyer for the Leadership Academy in last year’s Annual Conference session packet of materials. It sounded like a good program, and I really did plan to follow up on it after I got home. But, the good intentions were soon forgotten. I was busy, and the packet of materials was filed away and forgotten. In the fall, my district superintendent invited me to participate in …more
Council of Bishops follows tradition with letter to the church
May 24, 2016 / By United Methodist Council of Bishops
Washington, D.C.: Reviving a tradition that is more than a century old, the United Methodist Council of Bishops sent this letter today to the people of The United Methodist Church following the 2016 General Conference, held in Portland, Oregon, May 10-20. The letter reads as follows: “To the people of The United Methodist Church: The Council of Bishops brings you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior …more
Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries pens letter
May 23, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Committee on Camp & Retreat Ministries has been discerning how Upper New York’s camp and retreat centers and its ministry outreach can best live out its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Committee Chair David Little has released a letter that states the committee has voted and recommends the sale of Findley Camp & Retreat Center. The committee has assessed …more
United Methodist General Conference calls on Israel to end unjust practices toward Palestinians
May 23, 2016 / By Chris Hazou of Institute for Middle East Understanding
Despite fierce opposition, which included calls to delegates from Israeli ambassadors and consulates, the United Methodist General Conference passed strong measures calling for an end to Israel’s unjust practices toward Palestinians. One of these measures, Resolution 60206, calls on Israel to correct the unequal distribution of water in the West Bank, where illegal Israeli settlers receive four times as much water as the indigenous Palestinians. It also demands that …more
GC2016 wrap-up: Farewell, Portland. Thanks for the doughnuts.
May 23, 2016 / By Joey Butler
Believe it or not, General Conference 2016 spent more than twice as much time debating a Rule of Order than the hot topic of human sexuality. After almost three days of considering an alternative method for discussing legislation, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body referred its most difficult subject – sexuality — to a study commission and moved on to other matters. A move to adjourn at 6:30 every …more