news stories Tagged “Communications”
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Death of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Rev. Vonda Fossitt
May 12, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Mark J. Webb to clergy in the Genesee Valley District on May 12, 2022. Dear Friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ! As you have learned of the death of your District Superintendent, the Rev. Vonda Fossitt, I wanted to share with you my deep sense of loss and fervent prayers for each of you. Vonda …more
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
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: NEJ Bishops issue message of vision and recommitment
March 18, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Webb to the Upper New York Conference on March 18, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb and the rest of the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops has issued a ten-minute video sharing their vision of recommitment and hope even in these times of fear, illness, division, grief, greed, and unbridled abuses of power. Click here to see this moving …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: General Conference postponed until 2024
March 4, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following note was sent by Bishop Mark J. Webb to the Upper New York Conference on March 4, 2022. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul. (Psalm 94.19) Dear Sisters and Brothers of The Upper New York Conference, The Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church rescheduled for Aug. 29 - Sept. 6, 2022, will not be held. Instead, …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Praying for Ukraine this Lenten season
March 2, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following was sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 2, 2022 from Bishop Mark J. Webb. Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Many of us in congregations throughout Upper New York will hear the words of “An Invitation to the Observance of Lenten Discipline.” Some of those words in that invitation are as follows: “I invite you, therefore, in the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Ukraine Crisis
February 24, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following note was sent by Bishop Mark J. Webb to the Upper New York Conference on Feb. 24, 2022. As the world watches the Russian military aggression and invasion within Ukraine, we as United Methodist followers of Christ reaffirm the truth that “we deplore war and urge the peaceful settlement of all disputes among nations." I invite you to join with me in offering prayers of protection, peace, and …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
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022
February 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodist leaders have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022 to provide for uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting. The charters were previously extended to March 31, 2022 as legal proceedings continue in the BSA's bankruptcy case, particularly as the trial for confirmation has now been postponed until March 9, 2022. Churches do not need to take any action to …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