news stories Tagged “Communications”
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
Campfires, cleanup, and connection: Aldersgate Rally ignites hearts
June 17, 2025 / By Pastor Kevin Kitto, Lowville UMC
The Aldersgate Regional Rally Day was an incredible success, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration! Over the weekend, we witnessed the power of community as participants came together to celebrate, learn, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth. Nearly 60 volunteers from a handful of local churches, including Lowville, Carthage, Champion, Natural Bridge, Beaver Falls, Turin, Martinsburg, and Constableville, pitched in to help get Aldersgate …more
Creation Care: Doing it God’s way
June 17, 2025 / By Dr. Andrew Hartley, Creation Care Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following commentary was written by Dr. Andrew Hartley, Chair of the UNY Creation Care Team. The views expressed in this article are of the author and team, and not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member. If you are familiar with the Bible’s book of Genesis, you know that God gave the …more
AC2025: Survey reflects a joyful Annual Conference experience across Upper New York
June 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: This article is based on feedback from the 2025 Annual Conference survey conducted by the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Nearly half of those in attendance provided feedback anonymously through a post-event survey. The 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC2025) left a lasting impression on United Methodists across the region, according to survey feedback from both clergy and laity. Held on May 2 …more
Tiny Jesus: One figurine’s journey of faith, comfort, and connection
June 12, 2025 / By Rev. George Gallandorm, Oneonta Superintendency Associate
My Tiny Jesus story began nearly nine months ago. I was blessed to be asked to be the spiritual director on a men’s Walk to Emmaus. During a pre-walk team meeting, one of the laity, during his talk preview, told a touching story on how his wife led him to Jesus several years earlier. He spoke about what an exciting time in his life it was and how …more
Pentecost Message from Bishop Burgos – A Call to Reclaim Our Baptismal Vows
June 6, 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 Friday, June 6, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, urging us to reclaim and faithfully live our baptismal vows this Pentecost. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory …more
Gratitude and generosity: AC 2025 giving update
June 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the 2025 Upper New York Annual Conference (AC), United Methodists of Upper New York once again demonstrated deep generosity and a heart for ministry by giving to four vital funds. These offerings support people, programs, and communities in need—extending the impact of the Church beyond the gathering itself. As of now, a total of $15,851.59 has been collected through gifts given during AC and those that continue to …more