news stories Tagged “Communications”
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: 2025 Lent Message - A Call to Holiness
March 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was shared with United Methodists of Upper New York and Susquehanna Episcopal Area on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2 Dear siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One, be with you. Throughout history, Christians …more
Welcoming the Stranger: Christ Church’s Ongoing Mission with Journey’s End
February 25, 2025 / By Rev. Daven Oskvig, Christ United Methodist Church in Amherst / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
"For I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35) For 26 years, Christ Church Amherst has lived out these words by extending a compassionate welcome to refugees seeking a new beginning. Through its enduring partnership with Journey’s End Refugee Services in Buffalo, the church has embraced families from across the globe, providing them with safe homes, essential resources, and a supportive community. Since 1999, Christ Church …more
Conference Office closed on February 14, 2025
February 14, 2025 / By
Due to inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool will be closed today, February 14, with staff working remotely. The office will also be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents' Day and will reopen on Tuesday, February 18. …more
United Methodists join suit against Trump policy
February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists have joined over two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The suit challenges a Trump administration policy permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct raids in "sensitive locations," including houses of worship. The plaintiffs argue that this policy infringes upon their religious freedom and hinders their mission to care for migrants. United Methodists …more
What are Ministry Shares?
February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you know the strength in the United Methodist Connection? When several Upper New York churches were severely damaged after the “Blizzard of the Century” in December 2022, a church in Cape Cod, Massachusetts collected $30,000 and split it evenly among three churches in the Buffalo-area to help with the clean-up efforts. This church is not part of the Upper New York Conference, but members felt compelled to help. This …more
Fighting for food justice: A Methodist call to action
February 11, 2025 / By Deaconess Susan Silhan, Healing and Wholeness Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past Sunday on February 9, 2025, Home Missioner Robert Pessolissi, Director of the Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN), shared a powerful message “Holiness and Wholeness: Looking at Public Health through a Methodist Lens” at Odessa-Catharine UMC in the Mountain View District. Bob is a native of Syracuse but resides in Poughkeepsie and is commissioned to the IPHN in the New York Conference. His message reminded those in attendance …more
Conference Office closed on February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool is closed today, February 6. It is scheduled to reopen on Friday, February 7. …more
Cady Grants applications now being accepted
February 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Could you or your ministry qualify for a Cady Grant? The Cady Grant is a valuable funding opportunity available to local United Methodist churches, individual United Methodists, and district or conference ministry teams within the Upper New York Conference. This grant supports educational initiatives that foster growth, learning, and leadership development within the church and community. Cady Grants have supplemented, supported, and financed many creative projects. In the …more
Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets come together for missional collaboration
January 29, 2025 / By Matt Shineman, Susquehanna Conference Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in the ministry. …more
Preachers find time to rest and play while on renewal trip to Belize
January 28, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the early morning hours of January 14, eleven Upper New York clergy boarded a plane from Syracuse, NY to Central America. They traded in their winter jackets, boots, and freezing cold temperatures for sandals, sunscreen, and a chance to embark on a journey that promised to be full of rest and renewal. This was the first renewal trip planned for preachers serving United Methodists of Upper New York, designed solely …more