news stories
You are invited to join Bishop Mark J. Webb for a time of prayer
April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, is inviting all Upper New York (UNY) Conference clergy and laity to join him in prayer next week. He said, “In the midst of Holy Week and the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, I invite clergy and laity to join me for a time of connection and prayer for one another and our world. We know we cannot fix …more
The CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Plan
April 3, 2020 / By Bob Flask and the Rev. Susan Ranous
Editor's Note: The following message eas sent to the Upper New York Conference on Friday April 3 on behalf of Conference Treasurer, Bob Flask, and CF&A Chair, the Rev. Susan Ranous. We hope you are caring for yourselves, your churches, congregations, and community during this difficult and unusual time. As you know, the Conference has a COVID-19 resource section on its website. As things have changed so …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: COVID-19, Holy Week, and Easter
April 3, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference on Friday April 2, 2020. "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but …more
Upper New York Annual Conference Session postponed until Oct. 3
April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, April 2, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, after consulting with the Sessions Committee and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, recommended to the Upper New York Cabinet that the Upper New York Annual Conference session, originally scheduled for May 28 – 30, 2020, be postponed. This recommendation was approved unanimously. October 3, 2020, a date previously …more
Three Ecumenical Organizations Release Unprecedented Letter
April 1, 2020 / By National Council of Churches
The National Council of Churches (NCC) joins with Christians Uniting in Christ (CUIC) and Christian Churches Together (CCT) in sending a letter to congregations across the United States. The letter issues “an invitation to join together in witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus for all in the United States to see.” The letter states, “Holy Week is April 6-12 for Western Christians and April 13-19 for Orthodox …more
Ministry by Mail at Endicott Central United Methodist Church
March 31, 2020 / By Laurel O’Conner, Director of Christian Education Central United Methodist Church
Responding to the Coronavirus outbreak has been like being put into a blender and trying to figure out what comes out. I know of clergy colleagues who have been stretched to the limit and beyond. I've spent time talking to colleagues about how we can possibly emerge from this time with even greater capacity to do good in the world, and have also spent time talking to colleagues about …more
Jason Moore/Midnight Oil April 6 Webinar: Tell the Old Story in a New Time
March 30, 2020 / By By UNY Communications
Almost overnight, we find ourselves in a new and unfamiliar world. The COVID-19 virus has changed everything about our lives, including how we worship. What is the church to do in such a time as this? With the social distancing practices preventing our physical gatherings, how do we connect and make our message resonate with a world in chaos? Now more than ever, the church can lead the charge in …more
Important information for UNY retirees
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Benefits
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to UNY retirees from the UNY Benefits office on March 25. Given the current uncertainty of how the COVID-19 virus will affect planned face to face meetings, we are deciding to be proactive in our planning. We are not, at this time, cancelling our May 1st Retiree Seminar. However, there are things that you can do to get all of the …more
Connectional Table Issues Statement on Allocations
March 26, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Editor's Note: The following statement was relased on March 25, 2020. In response to the recent decision by the Commission on the General Conference to delay General Conference because of the coronavirus, the Connectional Table Executive Committee, following the recommendation of the CT Allocations Team, has affirmed postponing any decision about changing budget allocations based on GCFA’s recent recommendation to reduce the budget by an additional $80.4 million. Click here …more
Saratoga Springs UMC outstandingly shows how to “Be the Church” on Facebook
March 25, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Several local churches in Upper New York have been hosting dynamic livestreamed services on Facebook in place of their normal Sunday services. This has helped their communities remain connected during the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some churches have also offered support through Facebook in other, creative ways. Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church (SSUMC) is just one of Upper New York’s churches “being God’s love …more