news stories
Why I am grateful for VIM work
April 21, 2020 / By Janet Huston, Schenectady First UMC
Editor’s Note: The Spring 2020 issue of the Advocate will be available electronically in May 2020. The issue will focus on mission work. Mission work has been an enriching part of many peoples’ lives across Upper New York. Below, you will be able to delve into Janet and Peter Huston’s experience with mission work that spans over 50 years. I am very grateful for the United Methodist …more
Now more than ever! Faith community support for those experiencing abuse
April 14, 2020 / By Rev. Dr. Anne Marie Hunter, Elder New England Annual Conference Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
Last week, in downtown Boston, a sign appeared in an apartment window that is visible from the adjoining apartment where older adults live. The sign says, “Call me if you need help,” and provides a name and phone number. As COVID-19 spreads in our families, congregations, and communities, we are all reaching out to those we know and love - even to complete strangers. During this difficult time, …more
Christian Stewardship live conversation with Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding and Rev. Susan Ranous
April 9, 2020 / By UNY Communications
We believe in a God of abundance, not scarcity. But how do we translate this belief into effective stewardship practices in a time of pandemic, social distancing, and economic insecurity? On Tuesday April 14 at 2 p.m. and Thursday April 16 at 7 p.m., the Rev. Bill Gottschalk Fielding, Upper New York (UNY) Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, and the Rev. Susan Ranous, Chair of the …more
Enhance your Easter service with Casowasco resources
April 9, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center is first and foremost an extension of and resource to the local church. As congregations venture into uncharted waters during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Casowasco staff is seeking new ways to be in ministry with the churches and congregations of the Upper New York Conference. With Easter Sunday approaching, they want to help churches enhance their Holy Week experience with a variety of resources, including …more
The UNY Cabinet and Bishop Webb urge congregations to avoid gatherings of any kind
April 7, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb and UNY Cabinet
Editor's Note: On Tuesday April 7, 2020, The Upper New York (UNY) Cabinet and UNY Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the UNY Conference. Dear Pastors and Laity of the Upper New York Conference: Grace is yours and peace through Jesus Christ! Almighty God, hear our prayers for the Church and for the world. Grant that all who confess your name may be united in …more
Chaplaincy in a COVID 19 World
April 7, 2020 / By Rev. Cathy Hall Stengel
- “I just pray,” responded an RN when asked how she got through the code and death of a young man. - “I imagine it’s my brother because it might be next week,” said a provider caring for a man in his 50s. - “He’s my daddy; I know he’s sick, but he’s the only daddy I will …more
Broad Street UMC Face Mask project
April 7, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The coronavirus pandemic is a frightening time and many people feel inclined to help, but do not know how. Many UNY Methodist churches are helping in ways permissible with the social distancing mandates. Broad Street UMC is one of them! Broad Street UMC has started a face mask project for area hospitals and medical centers. One of the church’s members works in the ER at a local hospital …more
Stations of the Cross guided spiritual practice
April 7, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time. The spiritual practice this week is specifically designed for Holy Week; it is Stations of the Cross. If you are not familiar with this practice, it focuses on the …more
July Wesley Course of Study program canceled
April 7, 2020 / By Sara Sheppard and Doug Tzan
Editor's Note: On April 7, the UNY Conference was notified, in the following letter, that the Wesley Course of Study program scheduled for July at the United Methodist Center is canceled. Good Afternoon, I am sorry to write and tell you that we are canceling Wesley's 2020 July session (all 20 classes). We struggled with this decision, but here is ultimately why we have decided to cancel: 1. This pandemic is clearly …more
COVID-19 virus and xenophobia
April 3, 2020 / By Inter-Ethnic Strategic Development Group
A Statement from the Inter-Ethnic Strategic Development Group (IESDG), a coalition represented by the five racial ethnic caucuses of the United Methodist Church. IESDG unequivocally denounce the disturbing and continual use of the term “China or Chinese Virus,” correctly known as the COVID-19 virus. The term “China/Chinese Virus” is racially loaded and inaccurately depicts the global nature of the disease's threat and the …more