news stories Tagged “Communications”
UNY Resource Center going fully digital
October 21, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a quiet corner of 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., where United Methodists of Upper New York house their Conference Offices, Mission HUB, and the Upper New York Episcopal Offices reside, sits the UNY Resource Center. The Center is home to hundreds of resources for Bible studies, book studies, and other items to support the ministry of local churches. From the shelves of material, items are packaged and mailed to local churches, …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor: Enhance your new member classes with the Belong series
October 15, 2024 / 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 behalf of Bishop Héctor on Tuesday, October 15 about a new Discipleship Ministries resource. Dear claity (clergy & lay leaders) of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, May grace and peace from Christ be with you. Understanding and celebrating who we are as followers of Christ …more
Guidelines for Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Minister, and Certified Lay Speaker honoraria changes
October 14, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lay persons providing short-term pulpit supply while a pastor is away should take note of honoraria changes, beginning January 1, 2025. The Upper New York Cabinet approved the changes in August 2024 following the 2024 UNY Annual Conference session. The honoraria changes do not apply to persons who are lay supply, hired by the district superintendent (DS), to serve long-term and functioning as a worship leadership. The changes are as follow: …more
Important dates leading up to AC2025
October 7, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mark your calendars as there are several important dates you should add to your calendar as we look forward to as we prepare for the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference session. January 6: Petitions/Recommendations/Reports submissions accepted March 1: Last day to submit Petitions/Recommendations/Reports March 14 – April 15: Register for Annual Conference April 1: Presenter scripts due for closed captioning purposes April 15: 2025 UNY Pre-Conference Workbook …more
Together in Worship 2.0
October 7, 2024 / By Missional Excellence Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you provide leadership in ministry and are looking for an opportunity to recharge? If so, we have a worship experience for you! Once a month for the past 15 months, leaders among United Methodists of Upper New York have had an opportunity to gather for worship through Facebook Live or in-person at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. Like many local congregations, there has been conversation about the …more
FJUMC serves as Guatemalan Consulate for hundreds of immigrants
October 3, 2024 / By Beth Jordan, Faith Journey UMC member
Faith Journey United Methodist Church (FJUMC) got the unique opportunity to serve as a meeting place for hundreds of Guatemalans immigrating to the United States. The church was contacted by the New York State Immigration Coalition as a possible location for an upcoming event over the summer and the community events planner inquired about renting space in the Clay area. Over time, we learned a Guatemalan Consulate would be …more
Hurricane Helene disaster response
October 2, 2024 / By Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following letter was emailed to United Methodists of Upper New York on Wednesday, October 2 about disaster response following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on behalf of Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence, Disaster Response Coordinator. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, We are heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to communities across our United Methodist Connection. We’re …more
United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave policy
September 27, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As approved at the 2024 Annual Conference, there is a new Parental Leave policy for all clergy and laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference or any of its funded extension ministries. This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status, and lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours. This policy was effective …more
Protecting your church in time for winter
September 27, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s only the start of the fall season, but winter will be here before you know it. There are several things you should take into consideration when it comes to protecting your church and church property for winter weather. Want to know when there’s going to be extreme freezing weather or emergency info alerts in your area? Sign up to receive free text alerts …more
UNY Greenhouse Days: Sparking innovation and reimagining ministry
September 24, 2024 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, UNY New Faith Communities Initiative / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last weekend, 100 people gathered for UNY Greenhouse Days both at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool and at Penn Ave UMC in Pine City. Local church leaders came together to explore new ways of reaching people and reimagining ministry for today’s world. Michael Beck, a dynamic pioneer in Fresh Expressions, served as the keynote speaker. He shared real-life examples of how small, inherited churches can spark fresh …more