news stories
Being a Methodist as a Native American
March 23, 2021 / By Kae Wilbert and Marilyn Anderson, CONAM
Marilyn Anderson has spent her life living on the Seneca Territory, surrounded by family and friends, both Traditional (Longhouse) and Christian. She is an enrolled Seneca. Her father was a product of the Thomas Indian Boarding School. She has been a devoted member of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) for 5+ years, driving 3 hours one-way to attend CONAM meetings held at the Upper New York (UNY) Conference center. She …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Violence in our country
March 23, 2021 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor’s Note: In response to the recent Atlanta shootings and other acts of violence throughout our country the past week, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb sent the following letter to the UNY Conference on March 23, 2021. Last week, we witnessed the violent and senseless killing in Atlanta of eight individuals, six of whom were of Asian descent. Yesterday, the news reported another shooting in …more
Special Session of General Conference cancelled
March 23, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church met on Monday, March 22, 2021 in an additional meeting to consider pressing matters related to the Council’s work. After much conversation, the bishops reached a decision that in the best interest of the church at this time, they would cancel the Special Session of the General Conference which was set for May 8, 2021. The bishops announced that they will …more
Best wishes to Ryan Siver in his new endeavor
March 19, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A week from today will be the last day that Ryan Siver will serve as Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center’s Site Director. Ryan has served as Skye Farm’s Site Director for five years and will miss his home nestled in the Adirondacks as well as his position. Ryan said, “I have really enjoyed getting to know the volunteers over the years and will miss …more
I live in two worlds
March 16, 2021 / By Rev. Holly Strickland, Conference Commission on Religion & Race
As an African American woman, I live in two worlds. One world has modeled and shaped for me the culture of my ancestors. Even though I do not have a family tree where the lineage can be traced to generations of military, businesses, and/or land acquisitions, I do have a heritage. Many people know a great deal about where their family is from or at least have a general …more
UNY Conference communications team reaps three awards at the 2021 UMAC Awards
March 16, 2021 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2021 United Methodist Associations of Communicators (UMAC) Annual Awards Gala took place virtually on Wednesday March 10 on Zoom. The theme of the gala was “Embracing Hope.” Each year, UMAC recognizes excellence in communication through an awards program, the United Methodist Association of Communicators Awards Contest. The contest recognizes excellence in print publications, digital publications, writing, internet communications, video production, audio, photography, visual design, publicity/advertising, and media presentations. …more
Ministry Share credit opportunity
March 2, 2021 / By Bob Flask, UNY Treasurer
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration has created an opportunity for local churches to receive a Ministry Share credit of 50% on your May 2021 statement. To qualify for this credit, CHURCHES MUST PAY 100% OF THEIR CURRENT MONTH APRIL CHARGES (BOTH MINISTRY SHARES AND DIRECT BILLS). A church will qualify for this credit even if it has not paid toward Ministry Shares in prior months. A church will also receive the …more
Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team meet to love, learn, and lead
March 1, 2021 / By Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team
On Feb. 19 and Feb. 20, the Conference Operational Team and Conference Leadership Team met through Zoom using the L3 model of loving, learning, and leading The two teams meet together at least twice a year to experience each team in their primary roles. The Operational Team is focused on developing strategies to embody the mission, vision, purpose, and goals of the Conference. While the Conference Leadership Team is focused on ensuring …more
General Conference 2020 postponed to 2022
February 25, 2021 / By Commission on the General Conference
Meeting on February 20, the Commission on the General Conference made a decision to further postpone the 2020 General Conference until August 29 – September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minn. as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the safety of mass gatherings and travel. It is the Commission’s responsibility to select the site and set the dates of General Conference. Further, The Book of Discipline requires the Commission on the General …more
Bishops call Special Session for May 8
February 25, 2021 / By Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga Director of Communications – Council of Bishops
In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021. According to the call letter signed by COB President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the Special Session will be held in accordance with Division Two - Section II - Article II of The …more