news stories Tagged “Districts”
Annual Conference 2025: Constitutional amendments
March 25, 2025 / By Tara Barnes / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At annual conference this May, members will be voting on amendments to the United Methodist Constitution. Here’s what you need to know about this before our annual gathering in Syracuse. What are constitutional amendments? Like the U.S. Constitution, the constitution of The United Methodist Church is the denomination’s fundamental constituting and legal document. It can be found in The Book of …more
Nominate outstanding laity in Upper New York for evangelism award
March 17, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Conference is now accepting nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award. This award honors laity with exceptional evangelistic ministries that bring people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, encourage continued discipleship, and emphasize living out one’s faith in daily life. Each annual annual conference of The United Methodist Church and across other Wesleyan-tradition denominations present one award annually. In previous …more
A new era of snowshoe ministry at Skye Farm
March 13, 2025 / By Hannah Lasher, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center Assistant Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Getting people outside and connected to Creation during summer camp can be as simple as stepping out the door. Doing the same during a snowy Adirondack winter, however, requires a bit more gear. And now, thanks to the generosity of Burnt Hills UMC, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center once again has snowshoes for retreat guests to use to get outside and explore during the winter months. Each fall, Burnt …more
Susquehanna & Upper New York Conferences: Partnering for lay leadership growth
March 5, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York and Susquehanna Conference Boards of Laity recently met via video conferencing to collaborate on strengthening lay leadership and expanding ministry opportunities in the Susquehanna and Upper New York Area. "The meeting was extremely blessed," said Jessica White, Upper New York Lay Leader. "We met to see how we can walk together in ministry. Collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen leadership and enhance ministry opportunities. Regular meetings and a …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: 2025 Lent Message - A Call to Holiness
March 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was shared with United Methodists of Upper New York and Susquehanna Episcopal Area on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2 Dear siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy One, be with you. Throughout history, Christians …more
What are Ministry Shares?
February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you know the strength in the United Methodist Connection? When several Upper New York churches were severely damaged after the “Blizzard of the Century” in December 2022, a church in Cape Cod, Massachusetts collected $30,000 and split it evenly among three churches in the Buffalo-area to help with the clean-up efforts. This church is not part of the Upper New York Conference, but members felt compelled to help. This …more
Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets come together for missional collaboration
January 29, 2025 / By Matt Shineman, Susquehanna Conference Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in the ministry. …more
Preachers find time to rest and play while on renewal trip to Belize
January 28, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the early morning hours of January 14, eleven Upper New York clergy boarded a plane from Syracuse, NY to Central America. They traded in their winter jackets, boots, and freezing cold temperatures for sandals, sunscreen, and a chance to embark on a journey that promised to be full of rest and renewal. This was the first renewal trip planned for preachers serving United Methodists of Upper New York, designed solely …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: The ongoing California wildfires
January 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 behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, January 10, 2025 in response to the ongoing wildfires in California. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:15 (ESV) Dear siblings in Christ, As United Methodists, we are called to love and …more
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: Terrorist attack in New Orleans
January 1, 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 behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Wedneday, January 1, 2025 in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26 Dear Siblings in Christ, Grace and peace from Jesus Christ be with you. …more