news stories
For new DS Roy, ministry is about helping others
February 12, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Abel Roy (top left) is pictured with his family (clockwise from top right): daughter Abigail, 17; wife, Rebecca; and daughter Priscilla, 11. Submitted photoThe Rev. Abel Roy has a heart, a passion for evangelism. In fact, Rev. Roy’s enthusiasm was recognized in 2003 when he received the former Western New York (WNY) Conference’s Denman Award for Evangelism. “Everything we do reflects the love of Christ in …more
‘Piece Corps’ at Delta UMC challenged by Wildlife
February 12, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Paul Phister* On Nov. 13, 2005, members at the Delta United Methodist Church started a small group called the “Puzzle Fellowship,” or, more affectionately: the “Piece Corps.” The first puzzle chosen was an 18,000-piece puzzle titled “St. Columbia Altarpiece” based on a painting from 1455 by Rogier van der Weyden. The puzzle represents three events in the life of Jesus Christ: Annunciation, Gifts of the Magi, …more
Team at the ready to respond to congregational crisis
February 11, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb arrived in the Conference in 2012, he brought with him experience of responding to the care of a congregation dealing with betrayal, anger and grief. Knowing that even with the most stringent safeguards in place, sexual and financial misconduct can happen, Bishop Webb wanted to have a response team in place, ready to deploy to a congregation in crisis. He also wanted …more
A look at the FACT process and final report
February 11, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Susan Ranous* As you may have read, the Upper New York Conference has begun the Financial Advisory Consulting Team process, affectionately known as the FACT process. Despite the word “financial” in the title, this process is not just for accountants, treasurers and “numbers people.” This is a process that is for all of us. According to the outline provided by the team, this process comes …more
Help meet the needs of a Palestinian child in Gaza
February 11, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Palestinian children walk to school past a spent teargas canister. Flickr photo by CPT PalestineThere is a massive ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting nearly 800,000 children in Gaza. According to UNICEF, children there were exposed to unparalleled levels of violence and destruction last summer with 539 children killed and 2,956 injured, leaving many struggling with life-long disabilities. The United Nations News Service estimates that more than 370,000 Palestinian children are in need of “psycho-social …more
Sky Lake’s Krager to retire after 45 years
February 5, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A simple love for God, the forest and camping led Jim Krager into a 45-year career. Come June 30, 2015, Krager, Director at the Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Windsor, will retire and turn his attention to his wife, children and grandchildren. He said he’s looking forward to his first Fourth of July off in decades. “One of our college staff members asked me what I did …more
Williams to serve as interim director at Sky Lake
February 5, 2015 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mike Huber, Upper New York Conference Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, has announced that Matt Williams, Program Director at the Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Windsor, will serve as the camp’s interim director. Williams’ service comes during a time of leadership transition at the camp following the retirement of current Director Jim Krager after more than 45 years of ministry. “Matt’s skill …more
Young Pastors Network: Dream bigger
February 4, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By the Rev. John Martin* Editor's note: This article is part one of a six-part series. This past year, I was a part of a small group of young clergy gathered from across the United States to spend some time in community and mentoring alongside the Rev. Mike Slaughter and the Rev. Adam Hamilton. This opportunity included trips to both the Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church (Rev. Slaughter’s …more
Bishop names new district superintendent
February 2, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Abel Roy as a Conference Superintendent assigned to the Mohawk District effective July 1, 2015. Rev. RoyRev. Roy currently serves the Springville First United Methodist Church in the Niagara Frontier District. Born in Sri Lanka, Rev. Roy received his Master of Theology and Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky and was …more
Bridging the class divide between church and low-income neighbors
January 29, 2015 / By The Rev. Dana Horrell / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bridging is a simple metaphor for overcoming barriers to good relationships. Church leaders often express the desire for more “young families” in church. How about inviting low-income neighbors to worship? Likewise, many volunteers say they want not only to help others but also to make real connections with their low-income neighbors. Unfortunately, this rarely happens without intentional planning. It all starts with paying attention. As background, let&rsquo …more