news stories
Emmanuel Faith Community is reaching out and growing
December 3, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Sunday worship service at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Rensselaer takes place in the basement. Straight-backed chairs on a linoleum floor. No soaring architecture, no fellowship hall. On this particular Sunday, the room is stacked with furniture, lamps and other household items. But as she looks out onto the congregation, Pastor Mariana Rodriguez tells them: "This is a picture of what heaven is going to be – every nation, …more
UNY Leaders continue work with FACT team
December 2, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Once again leadership from around the Upper New York Conference gathered with some of the brightest minds in the general agencies of The United Methodist Church on Nov. 22, 2014 as a part of the Financial Advisory Consulting Team (FACT) process. The previous meeting was Sept. 13 following a series of one-on-one phone interviews over the summer. At the Nov. 22 meeting all the other work that had been done be …more
DiCocco to helm communications for New England Conference
December 1, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar left Upper New York when he was elected to the episcopacy in July 2004; he was assigned to the New England Conference in 2012. The New England Conference Office will take another Upper New York transplant when Beth DiCocco begins her new role as that conference’s Director of Communications starting Jan. 5, 2015. “We are very proud of Beth, and I’m personally thrilled that she will …more
Seneca Street UMC offers thanks for holiday generosity
December 1, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Seneca Street UMC Pastor Brian Rotach offered the following message of appreciation to the "many churches that responded to the food emergency at Seneca Street Church in Buffalo, following record-breaking snow fall." Pastor RotachGOD IS GOOD! Tons of food came in from every direction! Only 20 turkeys and 30 meal boxes had been committed before the storm – down more than half from last year. After Niagara Frontier District Superintendent …more
Bishop Webb calls for prayers for the Buffalo area in wake of record snowfall
November 20, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As the Buffalo area continues to deal with record snowfall, I thank you for your prayers for all affected as they move through this and offer support to neighbors. Other areas of Upper New York have also seen significant snow, and we pray for those residents as well. Niagara Frontier District Superintendent the Rev. Wayne Butler has shared with me that there are about 25 congregations located in the …more
Jason Moore shares with young clergy the five questions that visitors won’t ask
November 18, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In that long line at the mall this Christmas shopping season, there may be a few mystery shoppers. These covert consumers are paid to provide details on all facets of their shopping experience – from prices to customer service. Jason Moore, who is a creative worship specialist, author and worship coach, has been a "mystery guest" at many churches over the past several years, and encourages local churches to heed …more
Project Christina: Grief turned into joy for others
November 14, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When Sarah Bieling and her husband met 5-and-a-half-year-old Christina in March 2013, it was "love at first sight." Christina, a foster child, was being cared for by the Bielings' daughter in Florida. Though they were separated by distance, the Bielings became very close to their foster granddaughter. Like many foster children, Christina suffered emotional trauma. She often experienced night terrors, but foster parents are forbidden from sleeping in the same room …more
135,000 pounds of potatoes ‘dropped’ by UMM
November 10, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York United Methodist Men, in conjunction with the Society of St. Andrew, held Potato Drops at three locations around the Conference and distributed 135,000 pounds of potatoes to food pantries, service groups and individuals.Unloading potatoes at the Nov. 1 drop in Campville. Photo courtesy of John Conklin. The potatoes are delivered in 50-pound bags; the cost of the potatoes and transportation is covered by the Society of St. …more
Skye Farm honored as community partner
November 7, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pictured above, from left: Brent Azaert, 4-H participant and master of ceremonies for Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Dinner; Skye Farm Director Jim Daly, and James Seeley, Warren County CCE executive director. Photo by Amy Sabattis, CCE. Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center was recognized as a "community partner" by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County (CCE) for Skye Farm's "support of the (Warren County) Campership Program." The …more
Churches plan Charge Conference mission project
November 6, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Churches in the Oneonta District have participated in joint, regional Charge Conferences for the past couple of years. But this year, one group of churches is trying something new: Using part of that time to do a mission project together. The 12 churches that call themselves Gospel Hills Ministries will be creating "care packs" for distribution in their communities. The care packs will include personal-care items such as soap, tissues, Band …more