news stories Tagged “Communications”
New resource from Missional Excellence: Healthy Church Academy
August 20, 2024 / By Missional Excellence Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York have been investing time, energy, other resources in growing the wellness of our leaders, clergy and laity. Until now much of the focus has been on walking with clergy so that together we can grow in our wellness. It takes healthy clergy to lead churches to a healthy place. We also know it takes a partnership between clergy and lay leaders …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: New Superintendent announcement
August 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 18, 2024 announcing the new superintendent of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts. Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you. Last week, I shared with you that the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer stepped down from the …more
Mid-year stats checkup
August 15, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s a great time to gather your leadership team for planning for the yearly statistical report beginning in January. Now that we are halfway through the year, take the time to do a quick look at how your church has changed in the last six months and your plans for the rest of the year. As you are engaging with new areas in our community, remember to jot …more
New interim director at Casowasco
August 14, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter is the new interim director at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. He is a retired Elder in the California-Nevada Conference with ties to Upper New York. “When Pam Harris approached me about serving at Casowasco, I was truly honored. I remembered all the life-changing events I was part of at this beautiful place. As I pondered the possibilities of working there, I felt …more
Passing the cup: How one communion tray continues to serve
August 12, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As the saying goes, “when one door closes, a window opens.” In Fall 2023, Morrisonville UMC made the difficult decision to close. When a church officially closes, church leaders are required to surrender all official and legal papers, including contents of the cornerstone to the district superintendent as stated in ¶ 2549. Disposition of Property of a Closed Local Church in the Book of Discipline. Items from …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Charge Conference season
August 8, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to appointed clergy of United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 8, 2024 about the upcoming Charge Conference season. Dear Upper New York clergy, I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. I am grateful to God for …more
UM Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University
August 8, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song, Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The term “chaplain” has an origin from the story of St. Martin. On a rainy day in 337, St. Martin ran into an impoverished man at the gate to the city of Amiens, France. While the crowd ignored this half-naked man, he took pity, took out his sword, removed his cloak, and sliced it into two pieces to give half to the poor man. Being moved by this powerful …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Summer 2024 storm next steps
August 6, 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 from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 6, 2024 on taking the next steps in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:12a Dear partners in ministry, …more
Susan Latessa to leave role as Director of Human Resources and Benefits
July 31, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Susan Latessa, Upper New York’s Director of Human Resources and Benefits is vacating her role to pursue other work in ministry. Susan joined the Upper New York Conference in 2017. “I’m leaving to answer a new call to ministry. I’ve been praying for a while to become closer to Jesus and I feel like He answered my prayers with this new opportunity,” …more
Missional Excellence and staffing
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly eighteen months ago, I was invited to serve as the Director of Missional Excellence for United Methodists of Upper New York. In that time, some have asked what it means to be Director of Missional Excellence, or more specifically what is Missional Excellence? In short, Missional Excellence is about equipping leaders and congregations so they can make a missional impact in their communities and around the world. Missional …more