news stories
From the Advocate: Why camp? The question should be: Why not camp?
May 4, 2016 / By Mike Huber
Over my 47 years of life I have seen numerous examples of lives transformed by experiences at a camp. I was a family camper at Aldersgate and Casowasco. I was a summer staff member at two Mennonite camps while in college; and as a professional camp and retreat staff member, I have listened to, prayed with and walked with many who, through the transformative power of Christ have been renewed and …more
From the Advocate: Summer camp: A rare opportunity for underprivileged youth
May 4, 2016 / By Anita Leitgeb
It continues to be a privilege to partner with the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) to provide summer camp opportunities for children served by the Rescue Mission in Syracuse, Auburn, Binghamton, and Ithaca. Summer camp provides a much-needed respite from the many challenges these children face daily. It’s an opportunity for them to be a kid for a …more
From the Advocate: Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center a family affair for the Mantles
May 4, 2016 / By Jennie Mantle
John and I grew up in The United Methodist Church, so it seems like camp has always existed. His family – including his grandfather, the Rev. Miles Hutchinson – encouraged attendance, so John was at camp every year from the time he was eligible at 10 years old until he was 17, the summer between his junior and senior years of high school. John looks back at it now as “a …more
From the Advocate: God uses camp staff and campers to teach life lessons
May 4, 2016 / By the Rev. Nancy Adams
My first experience at the Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center was as a camper when I was 12 years old. It was the first time I had ever been away from my family and was not at least with a grandparent. I went with a friend, although he was in a different cabin/family group. I had a great time! Our cabin challenged another cabin to a canoe race, and …more
From the Advocate: Camp scholarships a priority for Sherburne First UMC
May 4, 2016 / By Terry McNeil
Over the years, I have personally witnessed many youth – including my two daughters – have great experiences and “God moments” from attending camps of the Upper New York Conference. The Sherburne First United Methodist Church is located in a small, rural village in Central New York. We have on average 40 to 50 people in attendance weekly for Sunday worship. We are proud to say we sent eight youth …more
From the Advocate: Camp Culture 101
May 4, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center – The ring and hook game Walter Stacy, service manager at the Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center from 1965-1980, remembered playing the ring and hook game as a child, probably on the farm in Phelps, where he spent some of his early teen years. Sometime in the late ’60s, he saw the game again, remembered how much fun it was when he was a …more
From the Advocate: Because of Camp & Retreat Ministry, I ...
May 4, 2016 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
The history of Camp & Retreat Ministry of The United Methodist Church is rich and filled with testimonies of lives changed by the amazing grace of God offered to and working through people of all ages and stages of life. Amazing things happen at camp and retreat settings around the world. Because of Camp & Retreat Ministry, individuals have heard the good news of the Gospel and placed their faith …more
UMC General Conference 101
May 2, 2016 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2016 General Conference session is fast-approaching, scheduled for May 10-20 in Portland, Ore. So what exactly is General Conference and how does it impact the everyday United Methodist? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more. What is General Conference? General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. It is an international body of nearly 1,000 delegates. The …more
Legacy Ministry website has launched
April 26, 2016 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Legacy Ministry website is now available. The website will introduce people to Legacy Ministry and what it’s about so they can see if it is something they want to explore. Legacy Ministry seeks to help congregations that are “having trouble staying in operation and who express that they’re having trouble extending their mission and ministry” determine in which direction the congregation should move …more
How to be a part of the 2016 General Conference
April 26, 2016 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a matter of weeks, the Upper New York Conference delegation to General Conference will leave for Portland, Ore., to join hundreds of other United Methodists from around the world in worship, decision-making, and countless other activities. As the top decision-making body of The United Methodist Church gathers, there will be news and information coming out that will directly and indirectly impact your local church. Unfortunately, locating this information can …more