news stories
Palermo UMC aims to help its community one class at a time
October 2, 2015 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It all started with a research project for a class taught by the Rev. Craig French, retired, at the Course of Study Extension School of Wesley Theological Seminary in Buffalo. Rev. French challenged his students to discover the needs of their communities by interviewing key leadership individuals. Pastor Tammie Chawgo-Nipper, serving at the Palermo and North Volney United Methodist churches, took the project seriously. She began by interviewing a school …more
GBGM missionaries make a difference in Israel and Palestine
October 2, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
General Board of Global Ministries Missionaries the Rev. Alex Awad and his wife, Brenda, have volunteered in Israel/Palestine for the past 26 years. The couple recently returned to the Upper New York Conference – the couple served as peace and justice educators in upstate New York from 1990 to 1991 – to share their experience through the years in Israel/Palestine. Both teachers from Georgia, the two have dedicated their time …more
HealthFlex participants: Excellus shares about unauthorized access incident
September 29, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Aug. 5, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield learned that unauthorized users gained access to its systems. Excellus, a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association that operates in upstate New York, is a claims processor for Upper New York’s HealthFlex plan. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) made the announcement of the information breech on Sept. 9: As you know, the privacy of our members is a …more
See, Know, Love World Communion Sunday Worship Liturgy available
September 28, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
While not everyone can be in attendance for the See, Know, Love Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ) Transformational Leadership Conference’s World Communion Sunday service – which closes the Hershey, Pa., event – churches across the NEJ can unite by using the same worship liturgy. Below are links to worship materials that can be used on World Communion Sunday (Oct. 4). The materials include a bulletin insert, the full text of The …more
Staples rebate program exceeds $17,000 contribution to UMCOR for 2015
September 28, 2015 / By the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) and Staples introduced a purchasing program at the end of 2012 with a financial component that would benefit ministries of The United Methodist Church. Through Staples Advantage, United Methodists can use the many services and products offered by Staples and generate donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – the general agency that reaches people in more than 80 …more
Furniture program in Troy continues, in part, due to RON MOT grant
September 28, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What do these groups of people have in common? Families who have lost their home to a fire Women leaving a violent situation People who were homeless and have found a place to live People who have been released following time served in jail Anyone starting out in a new home So, what’s the common thread? These individuals usually lack a furnished place to live. Through various means, …more
Jurisdictional bishop count could be reduced in two US jurisdictions
September 28, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) notified the leadership of the North Central and Northeastern jurisdictions that the number of bishops representing the two areas could be reduced based on reported membership numbers. GCFA – responding to the responsibilities and membership formulas outlined in ¶404.2 of The Book of Discipline as well as its responsibility for the administration of the Episcopal Fund that pays …more
Face-to-face conversation: Another way people are learning about AU
September 23, 2015 / By Shirley Drake Byers
Are you the “U” in Africa University? The Albany and Adirondack districts invite congregations from across the Upper New York Conference to its Africa University event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Latham. The event is a day for United Methodists to get together with something great to celebrate: the United Methodist relationship with Africa University (AU), and AU living …more
Columbus Day resources now available
September 22, 2015 / By Ashley Riddell / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the 2015 session of the Upper New York Annual Conference, eligible voting members approved Resolution UNYAC2015.10: Fruits of Repentance: An End to the Celebration of Columbus Day. Among other items, the resolution called for Conference members to no longer recognize Columbus Day, by which the Conference offices and local churches “will either not observe this holiday or will initiate organizational conversations designed to rename and re-purpose this holiday in …more
Maximize your potential with the help of a coach
September 22, 2015 / By the Rev. Helen Beck
Are you beginning a new ministry? Are you seeking to maximize your gifts? Do you sometimes lose resolve or focus when pursuing a goal? Can you see where you want to be, and are you unsure about how to get there? A coach can help. Coaching is the art of partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, according …more