news stories Tagged “Districts”
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
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
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