news stories Tagged “Districts”
Beyond Borders: Watertown First UMC’s Mission of Hope in Zimbabwe
February 29, 2024 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In Zimbabwe, the life of a young boy named Edward Dingadade took a transformative turn, fueled by the kindness of a community thousands of miles away. This story, woven with threads of empathy and global unity, originates not directly from Edward, but from the compassionate individuals at the Watertown First United Methodist Church. Touched by the struggles faced by AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe, they made a commitment to fund the …more
District Days shed hope on the future
February 27, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There is nothing like being able to gather to worship, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy fellowship with other Christians. This winter, United Methodists of Upper New York have had the chance to connect beyond their local churches through District Days. Since the beginning of February, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez has been traveling throughout Upper New York, meeting with both clergy and laity, …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Three District Superintendent appointments extended
February 26, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor on Feb. 26, 2024. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I am pleased to announce the extension of three District Superintendents appointments for 2024-25. The Reverend Mike Weeden is being extended to an eighth year as Conference Superintendent assigned to the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts. …more
UNY Archives Hires Archives Assistant
February 22, 2024 / By Tara Barnes, UNY Commission on Archives and History member / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York Commission on Archives and History (UNYCAH) is excited to welcome Reilly Callahan as Archives Assistant to help with the important work of keeping the historical records of our churches. Reilly graduated summa cum laude in May 2023 from Syracuse University with a master’s degree in information studies. She worked as an archives intern at the university’s Special Collections Research Center and is a …more
What to expect as we prepare for AC24
February 7, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Planning is underway for the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session, to be held May 30-June 1 at the SRC Arena, on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Administrative team leaders met virtually last week to iron out details regarding the upcoming session. Participants included chairpersons from the Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Conference Finance and Administration, Commission on Equitable Compensation, Nominations, and Trustees working in conjunction …more
Reflections on 2023 Cady Grants and new applications being accepted
February 2, 2024 / By Dr. Blenda Smith, Chair of the Cady Grant Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year, Cady Grants are awarded to projects and programs that seek to be used for the “benefit or education of minority groups, preferably black or American Indians,” as directed by Ercil Cady, the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant. The committee is pleased to share an update on how the grants were used by the 2023 recipients: Church in the Wild: As this New Faith …more
Transforming lives through compassion in Uganda
January 31, 2024 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and …more
The importance of church statistics
January 19, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There are many reasons why church statistics are so important and why they need to be up-to-date. First and foremost, they are there to help your church mission. Statistics allow a church to see trends such as growth or decline in membership, revenue, expenses, attendance, membership makeup, amount of youth, and more. These trends can help a church plan for the future. There are many distinct groups who view and …more
2024 Bishop’s Retreat focuses on wellness
January 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Fellowship, worship, times of learning, and a little bit of magic happened at the 2024 Bishop’s Retreat. This was the first Bishop’s Retreat since 2019, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first retreat hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “This year’s retreat provided a time for reconnecting with God and …more
Steve Alexander named new Site Director at Casowasco
January 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s newest site director is no stranger to Upper New York. Steve Alexander is a member of Lansing United Methodist Church and a former certified Early Response Team leader. Steve stepped into the role on Jan. 8 following an extensive search. He replaces the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, who has served as the Acting Site Director since October 2022. Rev. Dr. Harris will remain in the …more