news stories Tagged “Communications”
Celebrating Upper New York’s history through the Conference Cane
June 20, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Most people associate the word “cane” with walking stick to provide support and aid in walking. For Upper New York, the Conference Cane holds deeper significance. Encased in a wooden box, the Conference Cane is given to the longest living, longest serving clergy member in the Upper New York or predecessor conferences. The passing of this heirloom from one clergyperson to another is a tradition dating back …more
Casowasco on the road
June 18, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries / .(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 Tuesday, June 18, 2024 on behalf of Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries regarding changes to the 2024 summer camping season. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, The summer camping season is upon us. We cherish this time of connecting with campers, forging new and rekindling old friendships, …more
NYS paid breastfeeding breaks
June 18, 2024 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources and Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Monday, June 17, 2024, the New York State (NYS) Department of Labor (DOL) released its guidance on paid breaks for breastfeeding. Beginning on June 19, 2024 and as part of the state budget passed earlier this year, paid breastfeeding breaks become law and take effect. Click here to read the full guidance. The guidance provides some much-needed clarification, particularly on the following points: An employee is entitled to as …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Dean of Cabinet, Renewal Leaves, Disaffiliations
June 18, 2024 / 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 Tuesday, June 18 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I thank God for the spirit of hope and joy that permeated the 2024 session of the UNY Annual Conference, held from May 30 to June 1 in Syracuse, NY. United Methodists …more
2024 Annual Conference survey results
June 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The results are in. More than 700 people attended the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session from May 30-June 1 in Syracuse and more than half of those in attendance provided valuable feedback on their experience. All results and remarks provided are anonymous to allow for full transparency of the person completing the survey. “It was a blessing to get together and see sisters and brothers that we haven&rsquo …more
Commentary: The woman at Rafah
June 11, 2024 / By Noelle Stevens / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following commentary is by Noelle Stevens, a wife, mother, and palliative care physician in northern New York. The views expressed in this reflection are her own, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member or team. On February 6, 1993, during a visit to Gaza with the Near East Council of Churches, Noelle Stevens captured a photograph of a woman in Rafah …more
UNYAC Creation Justice Team’s composting efforts at 2024 Annual Conference
June 10, 2024 / By Andrew Hartley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Three 95-gallon containers of food-associated waste were diverted from landfills to composting at the 2024 Annual Conference at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College from May 30 to June 1. The composting was a labor of love arranged by the conference organizing committee and supported by the UNYAC Creation Justice Team (CJT). Items for composting included food scraps, paper plates, and napkins. This AC meeting was the first such …more
Youth voices matter: Bridging generational divides in church leadership
June 6, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Let our youth have a say. In his passionate plea to United Methodists of Upper New York, Victor Giso from First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush asked the annual conference body to include youth in the life and decisions of the church. “Churches must create platforms for meaningful participation and leadership opportunities. By valuing our insights and fostering an environment of inclusivity, religious institutions can harness …more
Dr. Ashley Boggan offers lessons in history at Annual Conference 2024
June 4, 2024 / By Tara Barnes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For the Friday afternoon learning session United Methodists of Upper New York heard from “full-blown Wesleyan Metho-nerd” Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, during the conference’s 2024 annual meeting. But first she took issue with the gathering’s scriptural focus, Philippians 3:13-14. “Here, we are encouraged to forget the past and strive forward to what …more
Clergy and Deaconesses commissioned at Annual Conference 2024
June 1, 2024 / By Tara Barnes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A Service for the Celebration of Ministry and Commissioning was held Friday May 31 at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College, part of the 15th annual meeting of the United Methodists of Upper New York. Four people were commissioned for the work of an elder, one for the work of deaconess, and one deaconess transferred her relationship from the Philippines to the Upper New York Conference. Presiding Bishop …more