news stories Tagged “Missional Excellence”
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
Update on CRM in Upper New York
March 19, 2025 / By Office of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Over the past 12 months, the Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) of United Methodists of Upper New York have experienced significant activity and movement. Each site has been actively involved in discerning the next steps to enhance their ministry's impact. Summer Preparations and Group Hosting Skye Farm, Sky Lake, and Aldersgate have been gearing up for the summer camp season while also hosting groups. Asbury Retreat Center has been continuing …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
Preachers find time to rest and play while on renewal trip to Belize
January 28, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the early morning hours of January 14, eleven Upper New York clergy boarded a plane from Syracuse, NY to Central America. They traded in their winter jackets, boots, and freezing cold temperatures for sandals, sunscreen, and a chance to embark on a journey that promised to be full of rest and renewal. This was the first renewal trip planned for preachers serving United Methodists of Upper New York, designed solely …more
Celebrate United Methodist Student Day and Campus Ministries in Upper New York
October 24, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following was sent to clergy and church lay leaders on Thurday, October 24 on behalf of the Rev. Jee Hae Song, United Methodist Chaplain, Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University and Associate Director of Missional Excellence, about United Methodist Student Day on November 24, 2024. “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years draw near when you …more
Help UMCOR restock cleaning buckets
October 21, 2024 / By Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida before moving north, releasing 30 trillion gallons of water across western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western Virginia, leading to catastrophic flooding. Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck Florida again, further devastating homes and communities. The UMCOR Relief Supply Network has distributed thousands of cleaning buckets to those affected, but it has left warehouses depleted. UMCOR is asking for our help to restock. The Neighborhood …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
Hurricane Helene disaster response
October 2, 2024 / By Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following letter was emailed to United Methodists of Upper New York on Wednesday, October 2 about disaster response following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene on behalf of Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence, Disaster Response Coordinator. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, We are heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to communities across our United Methodist Connection. We’re …more
New resource from Missional Excellence: Healthy Church Academy
August 20, 2024 / By Missional Excellence Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York have been investing time, energy, other resources in growing the wellness of our leaders, clergy and laity. Until now much of the focus has been on walking with clergy so that together we can grow in our wellness. It takes healthy clergy to lead churches to a healthy place. We also know it takes a partnership between clergy and lay leaders …more
UM Chaplaincy at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University
August 8, 2024 / By Rev. Jee Hae Song, Chaplain at Hendricks Chapel / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The term “chaplain” has an origin from the story of St. Martin. On a rainy day in 337, St. Martin ran into an impoverished man at the gate to the city of Amiens, France. While the crowd ignored this half-naked man, he took pity, took out his sword, removed his cloak, and sliced it into two pieces to give half to the poor man. Being moved by this powerful …more