news stories Tagged “Missional Excellence”
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
Missional Excellence and staffing
July 25, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Nearly eighteen months ago, I was invited to serve as the Director of Missional Excellence for United Methodists of Upper New York. In that time, some have asked what it means to be Director of Missional Excellence, or more specifically what is Missional Excellence? In short, Missional Excellence is about equipping leaders and congregations so they can make a missional impact in their communities and around the world. Missional …more
From the desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: Holy Week
March 22, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following email was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, March 22, 2024. “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you.” John 13:34 Dear siblings in Christ, Starting on Sunday, next week, United Methodists of Upper New York, alongside Christians …more
Nominations and Leadership Development team seeking nominations
March 15, 2024 / By Ian Carlos Urriola, Nominations and Leadership Development Chair / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For three days, United Methodists of Upper New York gather for a time of prayer, worship, and holy conferencing to conduct the business of our Annual Conference. And yet, the work of our connectional ministry to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places is a 365—or, when it’s a leap year like 2024, 366—day affair. …more
Lilly Endowment grant taking shape in Upper New York
March 4, 2024 / By Rev. Abigail Browka, Associate Director of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Upper New York (UNY) Conference was granted $1,250,000 from the Lilly Endowment Inc. Compelling Preaching Initiative in October 2023. The Compelling Preaching Initiative is part of UNY's clergy leadership development focus called "Thrive," designed to support and enhance the preaching practices of pastors in Upper New York. The initiative will provide pastors with immersive experiences, curated workshops, and intentional space for rest, work, and play. These activities, set in …more
What to expect as we prepare for AC24
February 7, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Planning is underway for the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session, to be held May 30-June 1 at the SRC Arena, on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse. Administrative team leaders met virtually last week to iron out details regarding the upcoming session. Participants included chairpersons from the Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Conference Finance and Administration, Commission on Equitable Compensation, Nominations, and Trustees working in conjunction …more
The importance of church statistics
January 19, 2024 / By Autumn Wells, Administrative and Accounting Services Specialist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There are many reasons why church statistics are so important and why they need to be up-to-date. First and foremost, they are there to help your church mission. Statistics allow a church to see trends such as growth or decline in membership, revenue, expenses, attendance, membership makeup, amount of youth, and more. These trends can help a church plan for the future. There are many distinct groups who view and …more
Steve Alexander named new Site Director at Casowasco
January 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s newest site director is no stranger to Upper New York. Steve Alexander is a member of Lansing United Methodist Church and a former certified Early Response Team leader. Steve stepped into the role on Jan. 8 following an extensive search. He replaces the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, who has served as the Acting Site Director since October 2022. Rev. Dr. Harris will remain in the …more
United Methodists of Upper New York receives $1.25 million grant
October 2, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
PRESS RELEASE: United Methodists of Upper New York receives $1.25 million grant. $1.25 Million Grant to United Methodists of Upper New York October 2, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications (shelbywinchell@unyumc.org) United Methodists of Upper New York (UNY) have been granted $1,250,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. Compelling Preaching Initiative. The initiative aims to foster and support preaching that inspires, encourages, and guides …more