news stories
Conference Leadership Team looks at outcomes
October 30, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Leadership Team (CLT) began its fall work by watching the video How Wolves Change Rivers. The video tells the story of the dramatic changes that occurred from reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. The introduction of a small number of wolves changed the behavior of deer and other species, which allowed vegetation to grow along rivers, more species to thrive, and new ecological niches to emerge. Eventually, …more
The Church is still alive: Forecasted ‘death tsunami’ just another exaggeration
October 28, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
You can read about the question and answer session with Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb that followed this message by clicking here. One of the “stark realities of the denomination” is that The United Methodist Church has weaknesses, “but God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.” That was the opening message of the Rev. Jacob Armstrong’s third appearance …more
Q&A with Bishop Mark J. Webb
October 28, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To read about the Rev. Jacob Armstrong's message during the Bishop's Retreat that preceded this Q&A, click here. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb followed the Rev. Jacob Armstrong’s third message during the 2014 Bishop’s Retreat in Lake Placid with a question and answer session. Although Bishop Webb said he was open to tackling almost any question, he acknowledged that …more
Trustees to pursue purchase of Liverpool building as Conference Center
October 23, 2014 / By
Read the version published Oct. 18, 2014 Members of the Upper New York Annual Conference have approved a recommendation from the Trustees to purchase a new Conference Center. The vote took place during a special session on Oct. 18, 2014. As a result, the Trustees will pursue the purchase of a one-story, 33,000-square-foot building at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool. The Trustees have signed a letter of intent with the sellers to pay $895,000 …more
Bishop Webb shares UMC response to Ebola
October 20, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a letter to the members of the Upper New York Conference Bishop Mark J. Webb shares about the United Methodist Response to the Ebola epidemic. “The United Methodist Church is bringing hope to individuals and families affected by Ebola,” he wrote. “Over 300 United Methodist hospitals, clinics and health outposts are engaged in the response effort. Hospital clinics have been re-purposed as Ebola holding centers. Doctors and …more
Members approve new Conference Center
October 18, 2014 / By
Read the expanded story Members of the Upper New York Annual Conference voted to approve the Trustees' recommendation to purchase a building to serve as the new Conference Center. With the approval of the recommendation, the Trustees will pursue purchasing a 33,000-square-foot building at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool with an option to consider other properties should that purchase not come to fruition. The vote authorized up to $3.4 million be …more
Extended Cabinet and ethnic minority pastors have honest conversation
October 16, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sept. 19, 2014, the Upper New York Conference Extended Cabinet gathered together with ethnic minority pastors from around the Conference for a time of fellowship, conversation, and worship. The time was led by Bishop Ernest Lyght, retired, and had been planned for over a year. “We’ve been planning this for a long time,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb, "but this was not the end of something, …more
UNY Trustees elect new officers
October 15, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At its most recent meeting on Oct. 6, 2014, the Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees elected new officers, including a new board president, Pastor John A. Jackson. He replaces Deborah Byers, who chose not to seek another term. Jackson is semi-retired, maintaining a limited solo law and dispute-resolution practice. He is also a local licensed pastor who serves quarter time at the North Harmony United Methodist Church. Jackson began his …more
District AAs create guiding principles for their work
October 15, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York's 12 District Administrative Assistants, or AAs, do the same job – though perhaps in different ways, and certainly in different places. As part of a "continuing effort to have districts operate in similar ways and to keep communication open for best practices," the Conference hosts meetings each quarter where the AAs can come together as a group, said Christine Doran, Executive Assistant to the bishop. The meetings …more
Conference hosts Path 1 coaching training
October 15, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What do Pat Summit, Don Shula and your pastor have in common? Well, the first two were coaches – and your pastor may be one as well. Planting a new faith community or revitalizing an existing church requires many gifts and graces. While the planters, pastors and church leaders who are called to this ministry almost always have the strengths and experiences they need, they may not always realize it …more