news stories Tagged “Communications”
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
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: The ongoing California wildfires
January 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 behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, January 10, 2025 in response to the ongoing wildfires in California. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:15 (ESV) Dear siblings in Christ, As United Methodists, we are called to love and …more
Answering the call: Serving during Hurricane Helene and beyond
January 9, 2025 / By Jan Rothfuss, Aldersgate United Methodist Church / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It was a Friday in September 2024, and I was visiting my son and his family, who live near Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene was heading through our area, and schools were closed. We found safe places for the three grandchildren, my son went to work, and I stayed at the house, watching the weather reports. Luckily, we had three inches of rain with high winds but no property damage or …more
Moving forward from the Laity Session to empower churches and communities
January 7, 2025 / By Jessica White, Conference Lay Leader / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hello to the United Methodists of Upper New York Laity (and Clergy), I wanted to thank all the laity who participated in the Laity Session on May 30, 2024, in Syracuse, NY. We used that time to discuss the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by various districts within our conference. We found that there is a lot of commonality in the issues we are experiencing. It was a blessing to have everyone …more
Rev. Deb Coatsworth joins Asbury Retreat Center as Assistant Director
January 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Deb Coatsworth is the new Assistant Director at Asbury Retreat Center. She is a Deacon who formerly served the Elma UMC. After being a member since 1994, Rev. Coatsworth began her ministry as Christian Education Director at Elma UMC in 2006. She was ordained in 2023 in the Upper New York Annual Conference. She is leaving her current role as Director of Christian Education/Youth Ministries and Spiritual Care Ministry. Highlights …more
Providing hope and fun to Alzheimer and Dementia patients and caregivers
January 6, 2025 / By LeAnn Childs, First United Methodist Church of Westfield
Nearly seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this number is rapidly increasing and is expected to jump to 13 million by 2050. First United Methodist Church of Westfield is able to provide hope to both Alzheimer and Dementia patients. The church has the unique opportunity to offer the only free Respite/Social program for individuals with Dementia and early stages …more
2025 Casowasco Sabbath
January 6, 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 on Monday, January 6, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Rev. Bill Mudge, and Rev. Dr. Pam Harris. Dear siblings in Christ, Today, we share with you an important update regarding Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Starting this month, all programming and hosting at Casowasco …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: Terrorist attack in New Orleans
January 1, 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 behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Wedneday, January 1, 2025 in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26 Dear Siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ be with you. …more