news stories
Golden Cross Sunday offering supports Chaplaincy programs
May 8, 2015 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Golden Cross Sunday offering is an annual appeal to the members of the Upper New York Conference to help support benevolent services. In Upper New York, the offering is traditionally received in May, giving congregations the flexibility to designate any date in the month that best suits their schedule. Across the denomination, these conference-wide offerings are used to support health and welfare ministries, such as chaplaincy programs, disability awareness …more
Mother’s Day resources for ‘Imagine No Malaria’ available
May 6, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Imagine No Malaria, part of the Upper New York Conference’s Africa 360 campaign, has resources available for Mother’s Day including mission moment materials and worship materials, which include suggestions for opening and offering prayers. You can also view a video of a mission moment here. …more
‘Blessed’ volunteers build home for family
May 6, 2015 / By Tim Norton
The windows and doors were worn away – to shreds. On the day I visited the Blair family in February, the four inches of fresh snow that had fallen overnight was whipping around their trailer home like children on a fast-moving merry-go-round. I was well-insulated with my thick winter coat and weather-proof gloves – not to mention a few extra pounds – but my preparations for the cold had done …more
Bishop Webb shares about Camp and Retreat Ministries
April 29, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a recent video, Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb shared the story of how Camp and Retreat Ministries helped to form his faith. He went on to encourage others to engage in Camp and Retreat Ministries. “There are so many opportunities available in the world in which we live today for children, youth, and adults to experience adventure, relaxation, community, and purpose, but I cannot think …more
Biking and walking for AU Endowed Scholarship Fund
April 29, 2015 / By The Rev. Jeff Childs / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last year, as part of the fundraising and awareness-raising efforts for the Africa University Scholarship Endowment Fund, a half dozen people rode their bikes or hiked their way to Annual Conference session. I was blessed to ride a bike to that session with current Finger Lakes District Superintendent the Rev. Jeff McDowell. Two years ago I tried walking the 72 miles from the Penn Yan United Methodist Church to Syracuse, …more
Need to connect? Try online Pastor’s Wives Group
April 28, 2015 / By Kelli Farrell / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
We have sat in a crowded auditorium and felt completely alone. We’ve needed someone to talk to but have been isolated. We have needed advice and prayer and have had no idea who to turn to. Have you been there? Are you there now? Well, you don’t have to do life and leadership alone. “We could talk until we’re blue in the face …more
Reflections on ‘Church in a Diner’
April 28, 2015 / By The Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox
Never, in my wildest dreams, have I envisioned myself as a “church planter.” So how did I find myself mingling with a group of passionate church planters at the New Faith Communities event April 24-25 at the Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in Moravia? Years ago I received a call from God to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. I can, and do, tell people of God …more
Utica Neighborhood Center opens its doors to new facility
April 28, 2015 / By Kathleen Rubino / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On April 24, hundreds of people came to The Neighborhood Center, Inc. on Elizabeth Street in Utica to celebrate “110 years of building a stronger community” with the unveiling of phase one of the Dr. Marie A. Russo Neighborhood Center Community Building and the new Mario J. Mannella Memorial Child Care Playground. “While my name is on the building, it is the work of many people,” said Dr. …more
Bishop Webb urges prayer for Baltimore
April 28, 2015 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Earlier this week Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following note to the Upper New York Conference: Once again, we are witnesses of violent protests in one of America’s cities. As followers of Christ, we must stand on the side of justice and continue to offer a voice and solutions that address racism, discrimination and broken systems. We must also offer a voice of peace and a …more
Bishop Webb asks Upper New York to support Nepal
April 28, 2015 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: Earlier this week, Bishop Mark J. Webb sent out the following note to the Upper New York Conference: Please keep the people in Nepal in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred on April 25. More than 4,000 are dead, more than 6,500 people are injured, and thousands are living in tents as their homes have been destroyed. May the peace …more