news stories Tagged “Districts”
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
Special Message from Bishop Héctor: New Superintendent announcement
August 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 18, 2024 announcing the new superintendent of the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier Districts. Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend, be with you. Last week, I shared with you that the Rev. Carlos M. Rosa-Laguer stepped down from the …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Charge Conference season
August 8, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to appointed clergy of United Methodists of Upper New York from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on August 8, 2024 about the upcoming Charge Conference season. Dear Upper New York clergy, I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend. I am grateful to God for …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor: Summer storm response
July 18, 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 from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on July 18, 2024 in response to the recent storms that have significantly impacted several Upper New York communities. “If one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it…” 1 Corinthians 12:26 …more
Many clergy and congregations embark on a new season of new appointments
June 25, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s a season of change. While not every church and congregation experience it at the same time, many are preparing to say goodbye to their current pastor and welcome a new one. Most appointments typically begin on July 1, but this timetable can vary. None the less, change in pastoral leadership is something constant in The United Methodist Church. “I have often said that I have never had …more
Revitalizing Community: Cornerstone District’s Inspiring District Days
June 24, 2024 / By Kristian Snyder, Cornerstone Superintendency District Associate / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Cornerstone District has recently reignited a sense of community and support through two successful District Day events. The first event was held on April 20th at Mayville UMC, followed by a second on May 18th at Wellsville UMC. These gatherings were orchestrated by the dedicated District Superintendency Associates (SAs): Kristian Snyder, Susan Hardy, Georgia Whitney, the Rev. Nick Perry, and the Rev. Chad Sayers. Recognizing the need to rejuvenate …more
Celebrating Upper New York’s history through the Conference Cane
June 20, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Most people associate the word “cane” with walking stick to provide support and aid in walking. For Upper New York, the Conference Cane holds deeper significance. Encased in a wooden box, the Conference Cane is given to the longest living, longest serving clergy member in the Upper New York or predecessor conferences. The passing of this heirloom from one clergyperson to another is a tradition dating back …more