news stories Tagged “Communications”
United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave policy
September 27, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As approved at the 2024 Annual Conference, there is a new Parental Leave policy for all clergy and laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference or any of its funded extension ministries. This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status, and lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours. This policy was effective …more
Protecting your church in time for winter
September 27, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s only the start of the fall season, but winter will be here before you know it. There are several things you should take into consideration when it comes to protecting your church and church property for winter weather. Want to know when there’s going to be extreme freezing weather or emergency info alerts in your area? Sign up to receive free text alerts …more
UNY Greenhouse Days: Sparking innovation and reimagining ministry
September 24, 2024 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, UNY New Faith Communities Initiative / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Last weekend, 100 people gathered for UNY Greenhouse Days both at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool and at Penn Ave UMC in Pine City. Local church leaders came together to explore new ways of reaching people and reimagining ministry for today’s world. Michael Beck, a dynamic pioneer in Fresh Expressions, served as the keynote speaker. He shared real-life examples of how small, inherited churches can spark fresh …more
Announcing AC2025
September 11, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The 2025 annual session of the Upper New York Conference will be held May 22-May 24, 2025, at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. In July, the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference assigned Bishop Héctor to serve at two conferences, Upper New York and Susquehanna, effective September 1. In that role, he will preside over two annual conference sessions. Anticipating this change, both conferences postponed setting dates for their respective 2025 annual conference …more
BeLoVeD is moving to Liverpool UMC
September 10, 2024 / By BeLoVeD Core Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Starting Sunday, September 15 from 6-8 p.m., BeLoVeD is moving to a new home at Liverpool First United Methodist Church, located at 604 Oswego St. in Liverpool and continuing under the leadership of the Rev. Bill Mudge. BeLoVeD is a New Faith Community serving United Methodists of Upper New York. Whether you’re already part of a church or just curious about faith, you’re invited to be …more
From New York’s North Country to Zambia: Stories from a mission trip
September 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dr. Donald and Glenda Schuessler are no strangers to helping others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Dr. Schuessler is a longtime North Country pediatrician who has been treating patients for more than four decades. Outside the office, the Schuesslers are active members of First UMC in Gouverneur. Together, they’ve visited, participated, and led mission trips local and abroad to places like India; the …more
UMC bishops call for Leadership Gathering instead of Special Session in 2026
September 5, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
UPDATE: Orginally planned for April 2026, the 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering is being rescheduled to October 20–24, 2026. Read more here. The Council of Bishops (COB) of The United Methodist Church (UMC) is announcing a Leadership Gathering for 2026 that will advance the positive momentum of the 2020/24 General Conference and prepare the denomination for the 2028 General Conference. The bishops will hold the Leadership Gathering instead of calling a …more
Change in Chairs on the Board of Ordained Ministry
September 3, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Every quadrennium, the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) nominates and elects new Chairs for the Order of Elders, Order of Deacons, and Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members. The new chairs are as follows: Chair of the Order of Elders is Rev. Anna Blinn Cole Chair of the Order of Deacons is Rev. Becky Naber President of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members is …more
UNY to launch new Charge Conference Forms Platform on September 3
August 28, 2024 / By Bill Gottschalk-Fielding / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Though the annual charge conference is required by The United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline, it is more than an administrative requirement. It allows a church to share and celebrate its story, align its work with God’s vision, and remain accountable to commitments members have made to each other and to God. Starting September 3, United Methodist clergy and congregational leaders of Upper New York …more
Gouverneur First UMC expands “We’ve Got Your Back” Program amid evolving community needs
August 28, 2024 / By Tina & Hannah Kingsley / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a desire to help alleviate the overwhelming cost of school supplies, the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church began their in-person “We’ve Got Your Back” program in 2011 to help minimize the burden facing families. Though they had donated items to their local district in previous years, this event brought the community into their building and allowed students to “shop” for their own supplies. The …more