news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Thank you to Upper New York clergy
October 13, 2021 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Upper New York clergy on October 13, 2021. Dear Friends, As the church celebrates Pastors Appreciation Month, I wanted to send you a note to add my voice in saying thank you! Your lives and your commitment to Christ and the Church are valued and deeply appreciated. The congregations, ministry settings and communities you serve and have served, are blessed because …more
New York State minimum wage increase effective Dec. 31, 2021
October 1, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York State Minimum Wage Increase Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year. Non-exempt employees are …more
Mike Block to retire as Mission Central HUB director
September 20, 2021 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After nearly four years, Mike Block will retire as the Director of the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB at the end of this month. As the first Director of the Mission Central HUB, Mike put in place much of the groundwork that future ministry in the Mission Central HUB will build on. Some highlights of this ministry include: Leading the Conference in the response to the Halloween storms …more
Nelson Richards, a true disciple
June 28, 2021 / By Mary Johnson Pastor, Bowen’s Corner Church
Each member of the congregation has an inspiring story, but for this time around, it is Nelson Richards inspiring story that I choose to highlight. Nelson has been a member of Bowens Corners UMC for 29 years and has been an inspiration to many people throughout his life because of how dedicated he is to caring for others. Until February of 2020, Nelson cared for his wife Joyce of 59 years, in any …more
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more
New York State Employees entitled to paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations
March 22, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022. The new law provides that: All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. In other words, employees may be entitled to up to eight …more
The pandemic produces positive outcomes for Chittenango UMC
December 15, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Since March, the coronavirus pandemic has hurt many churches’ attendance, giving, and more. But many have seen positive outcomes. Chittenango United Methodist Church is one of them. Retired pastor, the Rev. John Fulton, took on a part-time appointment to become Chittenango’s pastor eight years ago. He said, “It’s weird to think that the pandemic impacted the church in a positive way, but it kind …more
University UMC excels at meeting community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic
December 8, 2020 / By Galyn Murphy-Stanley, Neighborhood Outreach & Food Center Coordinator, University United Methodist Church
The Food Center @ 324 University Ave. lives inside University United Methodist Church (UUMC). We sit at the edge of Downtown Syracuse and Syracuse University in a magnificent church built after a 1914 fire destroyed the previous church structure. We are perfectly situated to easily reach, engage, and connect with our diverse Syracuse community. University United Methodist Church is striving to meet our mission statement of “Feeding God’s People: …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: COVID-19, Holy Week, and Easter
April 3, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference on Friday April 2, 2020. "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but …more