news stories Tagged “Communications”
Flood Insurance: Is your church protected?
July 29, 2025 / By Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States—impacting 99% of U.S. counties since 1998. Yet many property owners, including churches, remain uninsured against this major risk. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Board of Trustees is urging all congregations to assess their flood risk and consider whether they have adequate coverage. Many churches are surprised to learn that typical policies do not cover …more
Answered Prayer: Rush UMC’s journey of compassion and connection
July 28, 2025 / By Erma Perkins, Rush UMC
On May 29, 2025, Rush United Methodist Church commissioned a missionary team to Empangeni, South Africa, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than two decades with Zululand Hospice and MusaweNkosi Orphanage. This year’s mission once again deepened relationships and offered lasting hope to all who participated. Erma Perkins, who has faithfully led the team for most of those years, described the experience as “a true moment of answered …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Call to Prayer about Visioning Process
July 22, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 22 about the 2025 Strategic Visioning and Planning Process approved at the 2025 Annual Conference. More information can be found here. Dear Pastoral and Lay Leaders in the Upper New York Conference, Grace and peace to you in the …more
Safe Sanctuaries training now requires renewal every five years
July 21, 2025 / By Rev. Jennifer Stamm, Vice Chair Safe Sanctuaries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Safe Sanctuaries team has announced an important change to the minimum standards for Safe Sanctuaries training across Upper New York churches and ministries. Effective immediately, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be required to renew their Safe Sanctuaries training every five (5) years in order to remain in compliance. This update is designed to ensure that everyone serving in our ministries …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Recent shooting in Albany, NY
July 15, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the Independence Day shooting in Albany, NY. Dear Family of God, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As many gathered in Albany to celebrate Independence Day, the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Devastating Flooding in Central Texas
July 10, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Thursday, July 10, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the flooding across Central Texas and New Mexico. Beloved Family of God, Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods across Central Texas. Lives have been tragically lost, families uprooted, …more
Cady Grant Recipients 2025
July 1, 2025 / By Dr. Blenda Smith, Chair of the Cady Grant Committee / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What an exciting year for the Cady Grant Committee. We were delighted that the Cady Grant stimulated so much interest. There were nine 2025 applications received which was a record year. Unfortunately, we could not honor that many requests for funding up to $5,000. Specific grant awards ranged from $1,200 to $5,000. We did the best possible to honor Ercil Cady’s bequest for people or projects that support people of color, especially …more
Preaching with Purpose: Inside the Rest. Work. Play. cohort experience
June 25, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, June 24, the Rev. Abigail Browka and Pastor Bekah Solar, both serving as Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, hosted a Preachers: Rest. Work. Play virtual open house to discuss the Compelling Preaching Initiative. This four-year initiative is designed to help preachers cultivate healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play through a ten-month cohort experience. Why just ten months? Because preachers are busy—the program is intentionally …more
From the Desk of Bishop Hector: From Reflection to Renewal: Shaping the Future Together
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, June 23 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. …more
Moving forward at Casowasco
June 23, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During this sabbatical season at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, we’re reminded of the vital importance of rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. Though this pause hasn’t always been easy, it has given Casowasco the needed space to lie …more