news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
Eighteen churches disaffiliate at the March 2023 Special Session of the UNY Annual Conference
March 29, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The first 2023 Special Session of the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference was held virtually on Saturday, March 25. This was the first time that Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez presided over a Conference. GNTV was the audio-visual provider. This Special Session included a brief worship service followed by voting on the agenda, equalization members, organizational motion, and local church disaffiliations. …more
Sessions Team eagerly plans in-person Annual Conference
March 27, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s been four years since United Methodists in Upper New York have been able to safely gather in-person for Annual Conference. With the availability of vaccines and more milder strains of the coronavirus, the Sessions Team feels this may be the year we can finally gather safely to enjoy fellowship, break bread, worship, and engage in holy conferencing together. The last in-person gathering was held in June 2019 at …more
Staying Connected Part I—Being a community of disciples
March 23, 2023 / By Pastor Daniel J. Bradley, Faith Journey United Methodist Church
As United Methodist’s we talk a lot about the “Connection,” and I believe there is power in that spirit. However, it is the Pentecost power of the Holy Spirit that binds the Church together in grace and hope for the future. Some will say that hope is a dangerous word. I argue that hope is what we must hold onto in this world. …more
Winnie Daughen turns 100
March 22, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference has a new centenarian! Winnifred (Winnie) Daughen turned 100 on March 20. And nobody would ever guess Winnie is 100. As her son-in-law, the Rev. Brad Hunt said, “She is as sharp as can be!” Winnie has made amazing contributions to our Conference. Winnie’s 100-year birthday party On Saturday, March 18, Winnie had a small birthday celebration at her home in La Fargeville with family …more
Laity inspired at Bishop Héctor’s final Regional Gathering this season
March 20, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On March 9, 2023, Upper New York Area Resident, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez held his final clergy and laity Regional Gathering of this winter at Central UMC in the Southern Tier Region. When the Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, District Superintendent of the Mountain View District, introduced Bishop Héctor at the laity session, she said, “Be prepared to be blessed.” And blessed …more
How a Cape Cod church connected with Buffalo-storm-impacted churches
March 20, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: If this article inspires you to help Buffalo churches, you can give to the blizzard response by clicking here. And you can give to the Buffalo 10 Scholarship by clicking here. The United Methodist #BeUMC campaign highlights ways in which United Methodist congregations across the Connection continue to live into the mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” despite tension, …more
The Conference Center’s post-COVID open doors
March 14, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
COVID is not as scary as it once was. While COVID is still around, the mutations are becoming weaker. It is nice to be together again and many people feel safe doing so. The thriving work of ministries and staff in Upper New York is evident as more people feel safe coming together and using the beautiful Conference Center in Liverpool. We understand that some people feel safer wearing masks …more
Lincoln Memorial UMC feels the power of the Connection
March 8, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lincoln Memorial UMC’s food pantry serves dozens of members in their community every week. They now have reusable bags thanks to the help of Upper New York Director of Missional Engagement, Kristina Clark, securing the donation of 2,500 bags from United Methodist Communications (UMCOM). On March 5, Kristina attended Lincoln Memorial’s Sunday morning service. “She didn’t come to see us. She came to see God, …more
There is power in the Connection
March 8, 2023 / By Pastor Daniel J. Bradley, Faith Journey United Methodist Church
¶ 121 of the Book of Discipline: Rational for Our Mission—The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment of God&rsquo …more
Clergy inspired at Auburn UMC Regional Gathering
March 3, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Wednesday March 1, dozens of clergy members were greeted with radical hospitality at Auburn UMC in the Lakes Region of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. This was one of the six gatherings with Bishop Héctor held throughout the Conference this winter. Pots of coffee, crudities, charcuterie boards, and baked goods were beautifully displayed in the fellowship hall. Auburn UMC pastor Donna Taylor Martin urged the guests to …more