news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
How Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church Part I
January 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the Rev. Mark Kimpland and his wife Lynne Kimpland arrived at Endwell United Methodist Church for Rev. Kimpland’s appointment nine years ago, Endwell already had an active and thriving congregation. Rev. Kimpland said, “This congregation has been mission-minded for many years, long before I came here. I did not have to spend a single moment inspiring them or cheering them on to get them to do …more
Important dates for 2022
January 19, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Every January, we announce important dates for the year. As the COVID pandemic makes it difficult to know how the future will unfold, the dates related to Annual Conference are tentative and updates will be announced should there by any changes. Feb. 28: Final date to update statistics in Ezra system March 1: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline …more
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood and Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell to become District Superintendents
January 17, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents. The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, pastor at Penfield United Methodist Church, will be appointed to the Southern Tier Region and assigned as Superintendent of the Mountain View District. …more
Keeping it beautiful with Rolling Nation
January 13, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The challenge of cerebral palsy has never prevented the Rev. Chris Wylie from pursuing his dreams. His faith has helped to reveal Godsends throughout his life. A banker for many years, in his mid-30s, he felt a call to ministry. Chris said, “All I knew is that I had to go to this place called seminary as a first step.” Chris pulled out the phonebook and called …more
Local churches—the key to living out the mission of The UMC
January 11, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
As we enter 2022, we look toward the future with hope and promise, while recognizing the external forces that produce uncertainty and anxiety. The lingering effects of a global pandemic, the multitude of injustices that continue to be perpetuated and experienced, the deep divisions of thought within our culture, and the choices that linger regarding the future direction and form of The United Methodist Church, are just some of those forces. …more
How mentorship creates and equips leaders
November 30, 2021 / By The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
Editor’s Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate explores the meaningfulness of mentorship in helping people fulfill their call and their ministries throughout Upper New York (UNY) and beyond. Leading up to the publication of this issue, the Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, explains how a mentoring relationship provides an exceptional opportunity for growth. Click here to read the “mentorship” issue …more
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
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