news stories Tagged “Communications”
Upper New York Conference’s response to pastor’s arrest
September 5, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: The Upper New York Conference's response to Rev. Ronald Wenzinger’s arrest For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications shelbywinchell@unyumc.org On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church was informed of the arrest of Rev. Ronald Wenzinger. According to New York State Police, he's charged with attempted rape in the second degree …more
How the Rev. Dr. Michael Beck and Greenhouse Days helped SPARK ignite a new way of being church
August 25, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a time when many churches are navigating declining membership and cultural shifts, a new kind of community is quietly growing within the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church—not through buildings or bulletins, but through belonging. SPARK has emerged as a vibrant fresh expression of faith, rooted in radical inclusion, community, and spiritual creativity at Kenmore United Methodist Church. While its origins began …more
Immigration Justice Cohort: Equipping justice-centered leaders in Upper New York
August 19, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York were awarded a $9,000 Action Fund Grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to launch an Immigration Justice Cohort. This grant is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of United Methodist congregations around the world who faithfully participate in our shared giving. The Immigration Justice Cohort is an initiative of Missional Excellence. It is a ten-month journey that will prepare six regional …more
2026 UMC Leadership Gathering to be held in Alberta, Canada
August 11, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2026 Council of Bishops (COB) Leadership Gathering is headed to Alberta, Canada from October 20–24, 2026. The inspiring gathering will take place at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Originally planned for April, the event has been rescheduled to October to better accommodate The United Methodist Church’s evolving priorities and schedule. This global gathering of bishops, church leaders, clergy, and laity will serve as …more
Casowasco Discern & Design Summit update
August 5, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 18-19, a group of leaders, alumni, and supporters gathered at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center for a Discern & Design Summit. Guided by consultants Scott Pontier and Heather Kenny from Ministry Incubators, the goal wasn’t to solve every problem—but to listen and imagine what a renewed future for Casowasco could look like. The summit was designed to celebrate Casowasco’s legacy, …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Endorsement of political candidates
August 5, 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, August 5, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding the endorsement of politican candidates or parties. …more
Delivering comfort one blanket and hat at a time
July 31, 2025 / By Sharon Clairmont-Long, Christ UMC in Johnsonville / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture a car filled to the brim—delivering warmth, comfort, and love to children who need it most. The purpose is simple yet powerful, and the effort has been a true community collaboration. I'm a member at Christ UMC in Johnsonville. I also serve as a High Priestess of Airoc Court No. 42, based in Rutland, VT and am part of the fraternal organization inspired by Shriners International …more
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