news stories Tagged “Communications”
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more
New York State Employees entitled to paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations
March 22, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022. The new law provides that: All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. In other words, employees may be entitled to up to eight …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …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
Preregister for the HealthFlex Exchange webinar
March 23, 2020 / By Julie Valeski, Benefits Administrator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to members of the Upper New York Conference on March 23, 2020. Wespath will be hosting a webinar Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT on HealthFlex Exchange. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. HealthFlex Exchange uses a …more
UNY to offer matching grants for Zoom
March 19, 2020 / By By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn …more
United Methodist General Conference to be postponed
March 18, 2020 / By Commission on the General Conference
Editor's Note: On Wednesday March 18, the Commission on General Conference released the following statement explaining that General Conferance will be postponed and will not be held May 5-15, 2020 as planned. The Executive Committee of the Commission on the General Conference has been notified by the Minneapolis Convention Center that they are restricting events at the venue through May 10, 2020, following recommendations by the Minnesota Department of Health, the …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: COVID-19
March 17, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: The following is a letter written by Upper New York Conference Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb that was sent to the UNY Conference on March 17, 2020. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in …more
Bishops ask for postponement of General Conference due to Coronavirus Pandemic
March 13, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has asked for the postponement of the 2020 General Conference, set to begin in six weeks, because of the new Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic. In a letter to Kim Simpson, Chairperson of Commission on the General Conference and Rev. Gary W. Graves, Secretary of the General Conference, the Bishops cited travel restrictions to the US and possibility of potential …more