news stories Tagged “Finance”
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
Equitable Compensation Grant applications for July to December 2025 are now available
April 2, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period July to December 2025. Salary grants are available only to churches with a pastor under full-time appointment. To apply for salary assistance from the Equitable Compensation Fund, applicants should review the policies and procedures in the application document for guidance, and then complete the application according to the directions …more
Upper New York welcomes Chelsea Connor
March 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Chelsea Connor joins Upper New York as a part-time Administrative Services Assistant, supporting the Finance, Benefits, and Human Resources Ministries. Chelsea began her new role on Monday, March 10. A graduate of Keuka College with a degree in Communication, Chelsea brings a wealth of administrative experience to UNY, most recently as an Office Administrator in Rochester. With years of experience managing schedules, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth office operations, …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
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
New York State minimum wage and salary increase effective January 1, 2025
October 10, 2024 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Effective January 1, 2025, New York State is increasing the minimum wage and minimum salary amounts. The new amounts for New York State (excluding New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) are: MINIMUM WAGE: $15.50/hour MINIMUM SALARY: $1,161.65 per week / $60,405.80 per year Employers within the Upper New York Conference, regardless of the number of employees, must pay non-exempt staff minimum wage. Non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay under the state and …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