news stories Tagged “Communications”
Be a part of UNY’s Faithful Resistance for Immigration Justice on February 25
February 19, 2026 / By Rev. Alan Kinney, Chair of the UNY Social Holiness Team and Immigration Taskforce / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Wednesday, February 25, United Methodists from across the connection will join ecumenical and interfaith leaders in Washington, D.C. for a day of public witness for immigration justice. Click here to register to watch the national livestream. In conjunction with the national gathering, the Upper New York Social Holiness Team and Immigration Task Force are working with clergy across the conference to host similar …more
Auburn UMC paying it forward
February 17, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beginning this year, Auburn UMC will sponsor one student at Africa University (AU) each year through a fully endowed scholarship. The church will not select the recipient; instead, AU will choose the student annually based on its own criteria. The endowment is funded through the Starbucks Foundation—unrelated to the coffee company—which awarded Auburn UMC money to use not for …more
From Shared Challenges to Shared Hope: Inside the Northeastern Jurisdiction Cabinet Gathering
January 12, 2026 / By NEJ Communicators / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In 2026, the Northeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church started out with a stirring gathering of leaders. From January 5–9, the Cabinets of the then NEJ annual conferences joined together in Haddonfield, New Jersey for worship, learning, and shared discernment. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by United Methodist and Wesleyan theology, the gathering embodied our connectional calling with leaders intentionally stirring one another up to love and …more
Conference-wide effort sends $160,000 in supplies to Red Bird Mission
December 16, 2025 / By David Alexander, Red Bird Mission Team Coordinator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s note: The following message was shared on behalf of David Alexander to the Upper New York Conference, highlighting the generosity, rising costs, and ongoing need for support that make the Red Bird Mission’s annual ministry possible. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, our crew delivered 2,626 shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene supplies for men, women, girls, and boys to the Red Bird Mission in …more
Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender
December 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: Bishop’s response to Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf coming out as transgender For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications shelbywinchell@unyumc.org On November 23, 2025, Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneuf announced to the congregation at North Chili United Methodist Church outside of Rochester, NY that she is transgender and beginning her transition. “I …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Casowasco Reopening Plan
November 18, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Dear Partners in Ministry, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM) have long been sacred spaces where disciples of Jesus Christ are formed. Over generations, these ministries have sparked faith journeys, deepened spiritual …more
C3 Tour 2025: Clergy gather across Upper New York to embrace chaos and cultivate hope
November 3, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More than 200 clergy from across Upper New York came together last week for the 2025 C3 Tour—a three-stop worship and visioning experience at Clarence Center UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and Fayetteville UMC. Centered on the theme of navigating chaos with faith, the tour created sacred space for pastors to pause, connect, and imagine what a Spirit-led future for ministry might look like. Worship Rooted in Creation and Pentecost …more
Faith in Action: Helping feed our neighbors in need
October 27, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the federal government shut down on October 1, 2025, it did more than stall legislation—it put millions of Americans at risk. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no federal SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 unless funding is restored. The impact of this decision will be deeply felt. Thousands of individuals and families who depend on these benefits may soon face …more
Honoring a lifetime of faith
October 27, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ministry doesn’t end with retirement at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester. The church is keeping connection alive through a thriving Older Adult Ministry, led by Pastor Kathy Thiel. It’s allowing faith and fellowship to continue to bloom well into the later chapters of life. What began decades ago as a few seasonal gatherings has become a year-round ministry that touches the lives of 60 to 100 …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: UNY Cabinet Transition
October 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the UNY Cabinet Transition to take place on June 30, 2026. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21a Dear Upper New York clergy and laity community, Grace and peace to you in Christ. The …more