news stories
UNY United Methodist Center to open July 26
July 19, 2021 / By UNY Communications
Upper New York (UNY) Conference staff members have been working at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY, throughout the pandemic following CDC guidelines. Now that the CDC and New York State have issued guidelines allowing indoor gatherings for vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals (so long as they wear masks and social distance), the UNY Conference executive staff team has made the decision to open the UNY United Methodist …more
NYS HERO ACT: Protecting New York Workers from Airborne Diseases
July 14, 2021 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: On Feb. 15, 2022, the NYS Commissioner of Health announced the continuation of the NYS HERO Act through March 17, 2022. This classifies COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health." Click here to read more about the latest extension of the NYS HERO Act. On May 5, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights …more
UNY CONAM advocates and educates about missing and murdered indigenous women and girls
July 13, 2021 / By UNY CONAM
The Upper New York (UNY) Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) seeks to advocate for ministry with and by Native Americans and educate all regarding the rich and diverse culture, history, and traditions of Native Americans. There are three Native American United Methodist churches in the Upper New York Annual Conference: Four Corners United Methodist Church, located on the Cattaraugus Territory Hogansburg United Methodist church located on the St. Regis …more
Being a Korean Pastor in Caucasian Congregations
July 13, 2021 / By The Rev. Dr. Moon Ho Kim
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the 2021 Issue 1 of the Advocate, which focused on the theme “Celebrating who we are.” Click here to access this issue. One day I went to a restaurant to have dinner soon after I came to this country more than four decades ago. A waitress came to take an order, "What would you like to have for dinner?" I chose …more
Help Casowasco overcome obstacle of damaging flood
July 12, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Monday July 12 at 2:20 a.m., during heavy rain, David Weber, the Site Director at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center received a call from a neighbor alerting him that there will likely be severe flooding. At 6 a.m., David went around the site and noticed that there was extensive damage from the substantial rain. He said, “We have roof damage, flooding damage, vehicle damage, but praise God, no people …more
UNY mourns Bishop Joseph Yeakel’s death
July 7, 2021 / By UNY Communications
Bishop Yeake'ls memorial service has been rescheduled for May 20, 2022. Click here for more information. The Upper New York Conference as well as Methodists across the Connection mourn the death of Bishop Joseph Yeakel who died this past Sunday at the age of 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which at the time included three Conferences (Western New York Conference, Northern New York Conference, …more
Offerings at Annual Conference 2021
July 7, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Throughout the Upper New York Annual Conference, those attending had also been given the opportunity to donate to five funds. The Clergy Care Fund assists clergy who need financial support. The total donation at this year’s Annual Conference was $1,825.77 (compared to $4914.48 in 2019). The Helping Hands Fund raises money to be used by the Upper New York Cabinet to assist congregants in need of financial support. The total donation …more
Rensselaer United Methodist Church reopens first with outreach
July 7, 2021 / By Thaddeus Pinckney
Bags of produce, including potatoes, carrots, and onions are soon to be given to Rensselaer and Capital Region residents. To combat economic issues caused by COVID-19, and spread a ray of hope through healthy food, the Rensselaer United Methodist Church will distribute free potatoes and produce to the community from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday morning, starting July 10,, 2021. The food will be distributed on a first come, first serve …more
All are radically welcomed at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center
July 6, 2021 / By Theresa Eggleston
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in the 2021 Issue I of teh Advocate, which focused on the theme "Celebrating who we are." Click here to read the whole issue. Turning into the driveway filled with green pine trees, guests drive down a winding hill to the welcome center to hear the words, “Welcome Home.” The Upper New York Annual Conference is home to several wonderful …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: 2021 Advocate Issue I
July 6, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: Issue I of the 2021 Advocate focused on the theme “Celebrating who we are” as a Conference. It highlighted the beautiful tapestry of churches and members we have in the Upper New York Conference. Below is Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb’s introduction to the issue. Click here to read the entire issue. Jodi and I frequently walk a section …more