news stories Tagged “Districts”
Steve Ranous receives national UMM award
April 14, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Steve Ranous, a regular attendee of the national gathering of United Methodist Men (UMM), made his way to Myrtle Beach this March for the annual event—just as he always does. As the current Treasurer of the United Methodist Men Foundation, his attendance was a priority. What he didn’t expect was to be honored for his outstanding work, witness, and leadership within the organization. “I …more
CRM Sunday is April 27
April 9, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York are invited to celebrate the excellent ministry being shared by our Camp & Retreat Ministries on Sunday, April 27. The Conference Leadership Team invites congregations to lift up the ministries of the sites to increase awareness of the vital work happening with our partners at Camp & Retreat Ministries. Congregations are also asked to receive a special offering for camp scholarships so that …more
Clergy Care Fund: A lifeline for clergy in crisis
April 8, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The demands of ministry are many—and sometimes, life’s unexpected financial burdens can make it difficult for clergy to be fully present to both their appointment and their families. That’s where the Clergy Care Fund steps in. This fund exists to assist active clergy under appointment who are experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis. The Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry’s (BOM) …more
Caring for God’s Creation at Buffalo University UMC
April 8, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, Creation Care Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
University UMC in Buffalo has chosen to be concerned about being a GOOD Steward of God's Creation. We want to do all in our power to do as little harm and as much good to the great gift God has given us. In 2013, our gas bill for the year was $10,179.82 and our electric bill was $3,706.53. That was very alarming as far as our budget was concerned, but for …more
Equitable Compensation Grant applications for July to December 2025 are now available
April 2, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period July to December 2025. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment. To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions …more
Seeking God’s Vision for Casowasco
March 26, 2025 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Saturday, March 22, 2025, continued the journey of discerning the next faithful steps for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. A team of ten people gathered in person at the Conference Office, while two more joined via Zoom. Members of the team include long-time campers, volunteers, staff, and supporters. Also included are parents of campers and Conference leaders. The Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, Interim Director of Casowasco, started the day by offering a centering …more
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