news stories Tagged “Benefits and Administrative Services”
Upper New York Annual Conference postponed due to COVID-19 concerns
April 21, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States. Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New …more
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
April 11, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder that every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any …more
Delayed Enforcement of Direct Bill Arrearage Policy Extended to Dec. 31, 2022
February 22, 2022 / By Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially. In 2020, most churches were able to continue making their monthly direct bill payments, which …more
Seeking nominations for 2022 Harry Denman Evangelism awards
February 15, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The deadline for submissions has been extended through July 1, 2022. Nominations are open for the 2022 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards. The award honors United Methodists in each Conference whose exceptional evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Each year, Annual Conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member, and one lay person in each Conference. The 2021 recipients in the Upper New …more
What the end of the NY state mask mandate means for local churches
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Feb. 15, NYS Commissioner of Health extended the Hero Act through March 17, 2022. Click here to read more. Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship …more
Wespath to offer Mental Health webinars March 10 and 24
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
One in every five Americans (52.9 million people) experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected and therefore undiagnosed and untreated. It’s important to not only recognize these signs in ourselves but in our family, friends and colleagues so that we can give them the support they need when they need it. Recognizing this gap in care …more
Expansion of NYS Whistleblower Protection Law includes posting requirement
January 25, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beginning Jan. 26, 2022, New York State’s “whistleblower” protection law significantly expands the scope of New York Labor Law Section 740 (NYLL 740). Employees and independent contractors will be protected for reporting employer activity that they reasonably believe violates any law. By Jan. 26, 2022, employers are required to post notice of employees’ rights under the law in conspicuous places customarily frequented by employees and applicants for employment. …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Bishop Appoints Interim District Superintendent
January 25, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following information was shared with the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 25, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb announces that he has appointed the Rev. Ted Anderson as an interim District Superintendent assigned to the Genesee Valley District, effective immediately. The current District Superintendent, the Rev. Vonda Fossitt has begun a six (6) month medical leave to care for her physical health and to have a season of …more
Important dates for 2022
January 19, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Every January, we announce important dates for the year. As the COVID pandemic makes it difficult to know how the future will unfold, the dates related to Annual Conference are tentative and updates will be announced should there by any changes. Feb. 28: Final date to update statistics in Ezra system March 1: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline …more
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood and Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell to become District Superintendents
January 17, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents. The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, pastor at Penfield United Methodist Church, will be appointed to the Southern Tier Region and assigned as Superintendent of the Mountain View District. …more