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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news stories Tagged “Communications”

    Safe Sanctuaries training now requires renewal every five years

    July 21, 2025 / By Rev. Jennifer Stamm, Vice Chair Safe Sanctuaries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    The Conference Safe Sanctuaries team has announced an important change to the minimum standards for Safe Sanctuaries training across Upper New York churches and ministries. Effective immediately, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be required to renew their Safe Sanctuaries training every five (5) years in order to remain in compliance.  This update is designed to ensure that everyone serving in our ministries …more

    From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Recent shooting in Albany, NY

    July 15, 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, July 15, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the Independence Day shooting in Albany, NY. Dear Family of God,  Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As many gathered in Albany to celebrate Independence Day, the …more

    From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Devastating Flooding in Central Texas

    July 10, 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 Thursday, July 10, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the flooding across Central Texas and New Mexico. Beloved Family of God,  Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods across Central Texas. Lives have been tragically lost, families uprooted, …more

    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



    United Methodists of Upper New York is comprised of a vibrant network of more than 600 local churches and active new faith communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."