news stories
Church celebrates its connection to Africa
October 15, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pictured above: Ashley Riddell, Conference Multimedia/Web Coordinator, with Privilege, then 11, who Riddell met on a 2013 mission trip to Zimbabwe. It was fitting that on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, the Port Byron UMC was celebrating The United Methodist Church's connection to Africa. Specifically, the morning service was focused on the Upper New York Conference's campaign Africa 360, which supports the ministries of Africa University and Imagine No Malaria. Pastor …more
Schuyler Lake UMC celebrates rebuilding after fire
October 3, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"Good morning, church; it's great to be here for a party," Oneonta District Superintendent Jan Rowell told those gathered on Sept. 27, 2014 at the Schuyler Lake United Methodist Church. The congregation of "The Little White Church" and others who gathered that Saturday were indeed in a festive spirit. In December 2010, a fire devastated the church, leaving it a mere shell with no roof or windows. But four years later, the …more
Funding for youth ministries available through Violet’s Garden
October 3, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Congregations are invited to apply for funding from Violet's Garden, a grant program designed to further the spiritual development of children and youth at the local-church level. Grants are awarded twice per year, in May and November, and congregations can apply for up to $2,000. These are one-time start-up grants. The application deadline for this round is Nov. 1, 2014. In 2013, the following ministries were among those to received grants: …more
UNY begins the FACT process
October 3, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Over the summer, leaders from around the Upper New York Conference began laying the foundation for the Conference's participation in the Financial Advisory Consulting Team or FACT process. In short, the FACT process offers guidance and expertise from the General Church to Conference leaders, and gathers both General Church and Conference leaders to think, share, pray and discern steps toward greater generosity in funding the ministries we share with …more
Bishop poses big questions in small groups
September 25, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb wants to ask clergy some big-picture questions, and he's doing it by meeting in small groups. The bishop is hosting a series of gatherings in an effort to get to know clergy, let them build relationships with each other, and to talk about some larger issues in the Church and the Conference. One clergy person from each of the Conference' …more
Moore: Metaphors are like the glue that holds a good sermon together
September 25, 2014 / By Christian Vischi / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There is a common fallacy out there: "If you want a more creative worship service, add a screen. Or two. Just follow that trend and you’ll add the technological pizzazz that your worship desperately needs." Jason MooreBut creative worship specialist, author and worship coach Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions is here to dispel that notion. “Installing screens in worship might be the biggest trend …more
Finger Lakes District welcomes DS McDowell
September 21, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center in Moravia was the setting of the Welcome Service for new Finger Lakes District Superintendent, the Rev. Jeff McDowell. "Why did I hold it here?" Rev. McDowell asked. He answered that it was because he first met God there as a camper years before (and it was also where he met his wife, Barbara). "That's why I came here today," he said. He suggested …more
Valeski to be Administrative Assistant for Finance and Benefits
September 17, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is pleased to announce that Julie Valeski has accepted the position of Administrative Assistant for Finance and Benefits. Valeski has served as the Conference Receptionist/Support Services Clerk since Sept. 10, 2013. Valeski will remain in her current position until a replacement is hired. "I am pleased that Julie has demonstrated the skills necessary to move into this position and has the desire to serve in these …more
New ‘Spirituality Infusion Project’ receives $100,000 grant
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beechwood Continuing Care has received a $100,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to support the development of Beechwood’s Spirituality Infusion Project for long-term care professionals, which aims to integrate spirituality into care planning. Director of Spiritual Care/Chaplain at Beechwood Continuing Care is the Rev. Mary Ann Pula, a member of the Upper New York Conference. Beechwood, in Getzville, is one of six elder care facilities that …more
‘Courageous and prophetic’ Bishop McLee mourned by thousands
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
NEW YORK CITY – In song, dance and words, thousands of mourners, including dozens of bishops, celebrated the life of New York Area Bishop Martin D. McLee during a moving service at the Riverside Church in New York City on Monday, Sept. 15, 2014. Bishop McLee, 58, died Sept. 6 after an illness, just over two years after he was elected a bishop of The United Methodist Church. Led by the Northeastern Jurisdiction College …more