news stories Tagged “Episcopal Office”
Bishop Webb’s 2014 Christmas message
December 18, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us ... ” (Titus 2:11-14a) To download a printable PDF of Bishop Webb's Christmas …more
Bishop Webb calls for prayers for the Buffalo area in wake of record snowfall
November 20, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As the Buffalo area continues to deal with record snowfall, I thank you for your prayers for all affected as they move through this and offer support to neighbors. Other areas of Upper New York have also seen significant snow, and we pray for those residents as well. Niagara Frontier District Superintendent the Rev. Wayne Butler has shared with me that there are about 25 congregations located in the …more
Bishop Webb shares UMC response to Ebola
October 20, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In a letter to the members of the Upper New York Conference Bishop Mark J. Webb shares about the United Methodist Response to the Ebola epidemic. “The United Methodist Church is bringing hope to individuals and families affected by Ebola,” he wrote. “Over 300 United Methodist hospitals, clinics and health outposts are engaged in the response effort. Hospital clinics have been re-purposed as Ebola holding centers. Doctors and …more
Extended Cabinet and ethnic minority pastors have honest conversation
October 16, 2014 / By Steve Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sept. 19, 2014, the Upper New York Conference Extended Cabinet gathered together with ethnic minority pastors from around the Conference for a time of fellowship, conversation, and worship. The time was led by Bishop Ernest Lyght, retired, and had been planned for over a year. “We’ve been planning this for a long time,” said Bishop Mark J. Webb, "but this was not the end of something, …more
Bishop Webb issues new call for special session
September 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced that a special session of the annual conference will be convened as outlined in The Book of Discipline, paragraph 603.5. The purpose and call of the special session is to discuss and vote on a recommendation from the Conference Board of Trustees to purchase the property located at 7481 Henry Clay Blvd. in Liverpool as a new Conference Center. The special session will be held from …more
Africa 360 Challenge: Some creative ideas
September 12, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In August 2014, Bishop Mark J. Webb challenged the congregations of the Upper New York Conference to raise $1 million for Africa 360, a combined effort to support the ministry of Africa University and Imagine No Malaria. For the Africa 360 Challenge, churches are asked to raise $1,000 each and bring those donations to the 2015 Annual Conference in Syracuse. Ministry with our brothers and sisters in Africa is on the hearts of many across the …more
Rev. Jacob Armstrong talks about good preaching
September 5, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective preaching is the focus for the 2014 Bishop's Retreat, and United Methodist pastor the Rev. Jacob Armstrong, founder and pastor of Providence Church in Mount Juliet, Tenn., will lead the retreat. Rev. Armstrong was born and raised in Mount Juliet. Following seminary, he and his wife, Rachel, served for 10 years at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The couple has three daughters: Mary, Lydia, …more
Join the Africa 360 Challenge
August 14, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During the recent Upper New York Annual Conference session, an overwhelming vote to contribute $1 million to the Imagine No Malaria campaign of The United Methodist Church was celebrated. In 2011, members of the Upper New York Annual Conference pledged to raise $1 million for Africa University to fund eight scholarships. The passion and commitment to be a part of what God is doing among, within and through the people of Africa is …more
How do clergy appointments get made?
June 19, 2013 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church gives the responsibility for appointment-making to the bishop and district superintendents of the Annual Conference. While appointment-making is a task that happens year-round, the majority of appointments are made during the months of January through May, and then “fixed” at the Session of Annual Conference. The rhythm of making an appointment seems to be a mystery to …more