news stories Tagged “Districts”
Tax workshops geared for clergy
January 5, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A new year means it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming tax season. Did you know clergy are treated differently under the tax code than virtually anybody else in the country? Filing your taxes can be overwhelming. Let the Rev. Susan Ranous help guide you through the process. Rev. Ranous is an ordained deacon and Certified Public Accountant. She is hosting a two-hour workshop in …more
Save the date for 2024 District Days
December 20, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the new year, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, will be visiting local churches from February to April during District Days. This time allows Bishop Héctor to meet with laity and clergy across Upper New York. Clergy meetings are scheduled for each visit from 1-3 p.m. Another gathering is being held for laity (and …more
Three Upper NY United Methodist Churches’ help bring joy to seniors
December 20, 2023 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy and family gatherings, but for many senior adults, it can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. However, Faith in Action Volunteers, a program of the Broome County Council of Churches, has been lighting up the lives of seniors for a number of years through a heartwarming initiative known as the Silver Bells program. The mission of …more
Two churches create lasting Christmas memories for children, their families, and volunteers
December 11, 2023 / By Pastor Deb Peacock, Argyle UMC
Two years ago, I took my grandson shopping so he could buy small gifts for his mom and dad for Christmas. I remember how excited he was to do this. I began to think about the children in the Argyle and West Hebron communities, as well as other small communities around us, that are struggling to provide meals for their families, let alone Christmas gifts. I immediately had an idea. …more
Community yoga opens church doors to new faces
December 7, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Breathe. Don’t just inhale and exhale. Take the kind of breath where you can feel your diaphragm contract and your lungs expand. Become one with your breathing. Deep breathing is a part of yoga, an ancient practice that not only can improve strength and flexibility, but also helps reduce stress. Yoga can also be used to manage pain. Disbelievers may hear the word “yoga” …more
Conference property insurance update
November 29, 2023 / By Pastor Jack Keating, UNY Board of Trustees
As we prepare for the upcoming annual renewal of our Conference-wide insurance program with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, we face an entirely different insurance climate than probably at any time in anyone’s memory. “Unfortunately, most, if not all, Upper New York (UNY) churches have already received information from Brotherhood Mutual about significant deductible increases for the coming year without a proper explanation. As Chair of …more
Virtual retreats offer space for UNY women and beyond to find space and build connections
October 26, 2023 / By Krystal Cole, Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women
Doing something new can be scary. But the Upper New York Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) is full of people ready and willing to try something. We weren’t sure it was even achievable to hold a retreat for women over Zoom. The mere mention of the word “Zoom” for some people can elicit an internal eye roll, or perhaps …more
Sneakers for students
October 16, 2023 / By Tim Rock, Harkness United Methodist Church
Harkness United Methodist Church turned meals into sneakers through the Michigans for Mission project. It all started in 2016 as a fundraiser to support the mission of the church. The Michigan hot dog is a North Country favorite and is a popular meal at the many restaurants around our tri-county area. Seven years ago, we offered the option of dine-in or take-out. All the money raised from selling hot …more
District Days: Informed to Transform
October 12, 2023 / By Carrie Boyer, Adirondack and Albany Districts Superitendency Administrative Assistant
The Adirondack and Albany Districts hosted their annual “District Day: Informed to Transform,” on Saturday, Sept. 30 at Saratoga Springs UMC. More than 80 people participated, with 10 facilitators offering a total of 16 workshops. Fifty-one churches were represented. Each participant was able to choose three workshops for the all-day affair, which included a worship service and a free lunch, thanks to the generosity of the Adirondack District Lay Servant Team. This …more
New York State Minimum Wage Increase effective Jan. 1, 2024
September 28, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The New York State minimum wage is changing starting in 2024. New York State Minimum Wage Increase Effective Jan. 1, 2024, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour. In 2025 and 2026, NYS minimum wage will increase by $0.50 annually. Beginning in 2027, and each year thereafter, increases to the minimum wage will be indexed based on inflation by the U.S. Department of Labor consumer price index. The minimum …more