news stories Tagged “Districts”
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Endorsement of political candidates
August 5, 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 Tuesday, August 5, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez regarding the endorsement of politican candidates or parties. …more
Delivering comfort one blanket and hat at a time
July 31, 2025 / By Sharon Clairmont-Long, Christ UMC in Johnsonville / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Picture a car filled to the brim—delivering warmth, comfort, and love to children who need it most. The purpose is simple yet powerful, and the effort has been a true community collaboration. I'm a member at Christ UMC in Johnsonville. I also serve as a High Priestess of Airoc Court No. 42, based in Rutland, VT and am part of the fraternal organization inspired by Shriners International …more
Flood Insurance: Is your church protected?
July 29, 2025 / By Upper New York Conference Board of Trustees
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States—impacting 99% of U.S. counties since 1998. Yet many property owners, including churches, remain uninsured against this major risk. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Board of Trustees is urging all congregations to assess their flood risk and consider whether they have adequate coverage. Many churches are surprised to learn that typical policies do not cover …more
Safe Sanctuaries training now requires renewal every five years
July 21, 2025 / By Rev. Jennifer Stamm, Vice Chair Safe Sanctuaries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Conference Safe Sanctuaries team has announced an important change to the minimum standards for Safe Sanctuaries training across Upper New York churches and ministries. Effective immediately, all staff and volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be required to renew their Safe Sanctuaries training every five (5) years in order to remain in compliance. This update is designed to ensure that everyone serving in our ministries …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Recent shooting in Albany, NY
July 15, 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 Tuesday, July 15, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the Independence Day shooting in Albany, NY. Dear Family of God, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As many gathered in Albany to celebrate Independence Day, the …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Devastating Flooding in Central Texas
July 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 Thursday, July 10, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez about the flooding across Central Texas and New Mexico. Beloved Family of God, Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods across Central Texas. Lives have been tragically lost, families uprooted, …more
Preaching with Purpose: Inside the Rest. Work. Play. cohort experience
June 25, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Tuesday, June 24, the Rev. Abigail Browka and Pastor Bekah Solar, both serving as Associate Directors of Missional Excellence, hosted a Preachers: Rest. Work. Play virtual open house to discuss the Compelling Preaching Initiative. This four-year initiative is designed to help preachers cultivate healthy rhythms of rest, work, and play through a ten-month cohort experience. Why just ten months? Because preachers are busy—the program is intentionally …more
From the Desk of Bishop Hector: From Reflection to Renewal: Shaping the Future Together
June 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, June 23 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. …more
Moving forward at Casowasco
June 23, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During this sabbatical season at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, we’re reminded of the vital importance of rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. Though this pause hasn’t always been easy, it has given Casowasco the needed space to lie …more
Campfires, cleanup, and connection: Aldersgate Rally ignites hearts
June 17, 2025 / By Pastor Kevin Kitto, Lowville UMC
The Aldersgate Regional Rally Day was an incredible success, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration! Over the weekend, we witnessed the power of community as participants came together to celebrate, learn, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth. Nearly 60 volunteers from a handful of local churches, including Lowville, Carthage, Champion, Natural Bridge, Beaver Falls, Turin, Martinsburg, and Constableville, pitched in to help get Aldersgate …more