news stories Tagged “Districts”
Christmas message from Bishop Héctor
December 23, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following Christmas message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, December 23, 2024 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" Luke 2:10 Dear siblings in Christ, The birth of Jesus is the ultimate reason for joy, …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Announcement of new district superintendents
December 15, 2024 / 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 Sunday, December 15, 2024. “…Christ gave gifts to some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ …more
A harvest of riches at Ithaca St. Paul’s UMC
December 9, 2024 / By Karen Kaufmann, member at Ithaca St. Paul UMC / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At the heart of the harvest season and the end of the liturgical year, Ithaca St. Paul’s UMC welcomed a new-member cohort of eleven gifted and generous souls—the largest membership cohort our congregation has received in at least five years. The group ranges in ages, stages, church background, and life experience—from high-schoolers to retirees, from longtime United Methodists and transfers from …more
Rev. Mary Kelly celebrated as new Conference Superintendent during installation service
November 4, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Saturday, November 2, United Methodists of Upper New York gathered at Springville First UMC to welcome and celebrate the installation of the Rev. Mary Kelly as a new Conference Superintendent of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts. “Today we come with joyful hearts to praise the Lord and we also gather to celebrate a new season of ministry in the Niagara Frontier and Cornerstone Districts here in Upper …more
UNY Resource Center going fully digital
October 21, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a quiet corner of 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., where United Methodists of Upper New York house their Conference Offices, Mission HUB, and the Upper New York Episcopal Offices reside, sits the UNY Resource Center. The Center is home to hundreds of resources for Bible studies, book studies, and other items to support the ministry of local churches. From the shelves of material, items are packaged and mailed to local churches, …more
Guidelines for Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Minister, and Certified Lay Speaker honoraria changes
October 14, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lay persons providing short-term pulpit supply while a pastor is away should take note of honoraria changes, beginning January 1, 2025. The Upper New York Cabinet approved the changes in August 2024 following the 2024 UNY Annual Conference session. The honoraria changes do not apply to persons who are lay supply, hired by the district superintendent (DS), to serve long-term and functioning as a worship leadership. The changes are as follow: …more
United Methodists of Upper New York Parental Leave policy
September 27, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As approved at the 2024 Annual Conference, there is a new Parental Leave policy for all clergy and laity employed by the Upper New York Annual Conference or any of its funded extension ministries. This policy applies to all clergy, regardless of their part-time or full-time status, and lay employees who work 20 or more hours a week, or who have worked for at least 175 hours. This policy was effective …more
Protecting your church in time for winter
September 27, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s only the start of the fall season, but winter will be here before you know it. There are several things you should take into consideration when it comes to protecting your church and church property for winter weather. Want to know when there’s going to be extreme freezing weather or emergency info alerts in your area? Sign up to receive free text alerts …more
From New York’s North Country to Zambia: Stories from a mission trip
September 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dr. Donald and Glenda Schuessler are no strangers to helping others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Dr. Schuessler is a longtime North Country pediatrician who has been treating patients for more than four decades. Outside the office, the Schuesslers are active members of First UMC in Gouverneur. Together, they’ve visited, participated, and led mission trips local and abroad to places like India; the …more
One donation keeps things hot at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center
August 22, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past summer, Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center experienced one of its largest camping seasons in recent years. Having reliable equipment to prepare and serve meals is crucial. Early in the summer, the ovens used to make meals stopped working altogether. “The staff was being quite creative in providing hot meals. A few examples were hot dogs cooked on the campfire with cold salads. They also had "floating …more