news stories Tagged “New Faith Communities”
The Rev. Abigail Browka appointed as Director of New Faith Communities
May 17, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“New Faith Communities are the best way to reach new people in new places,” said Upper New York (UNY) Director of Missional Excellence, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens. The Rev. Dave Masland created a vibrant New Faith Communities (NFC) ministry area in Upper New York (UNY) beginning soon after the formation of the UNY Conference. He partially retired in December of 2020 and has been working “more than …more
Collections at the 2023 Upper New York Annual Conference
May 17, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
At this year’s Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, held June 1-3, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena in Syracuse, there will be three opportunities to give. During Opening Worship on June 1 at 10:30 a.m., there will be a collection for the UNY Mission Central HUB. The HUB is located at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool. It is a place for local churches to actively …more
Upper New York Conference welcomes Colleen Boyea
May 2, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In late January, Judy Campany left her role with Upper New York as Administrative Assistant for Connectional Ministries and Vital Congregations. Shortly after a search was engaged, applications gathered, and interviews shared. On May 1, Colleen Boyea joined the staff as Administrative Assistant for Missional Excellence. She will support the Director of Missional Excellence, the Director of Missional Engagement, Director of Spiritual Vitality, and the Director of New Faith Communities. Also …more
Nueva Cosecha offers hope for immigrants
April 17, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Jouse Gonzalez, who served as the translator for interviews needed for this article. Intense, passionate words of praise from Pastor Antonio Gonzalez echoed through the gymnasium of Utica’s Neighborhood Center on Palm Sunday, thanking Jesus for his love and grace, and hollering that love is always the answer. The 25 congregants applauded Pastor Gonzalez consistently throughout the service. They were inspired. The 10 …more
Easter message from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
April 9, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's note: The following message was sent electronically on April 9, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methoidsts of Upper New York. “The angel said to the women, 'Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said …more
Eighteen churches disaffiliate at the March 2023 Special Session of the UNY Annual Conference
March 29, 2023 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The first 2023 Special Session of the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference was held virtually on Saturday, March 25. This was the first time that Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez presided over a Conference. GNTV was the audio-visual provider. This Special Session included a brief worship service followed by voting on the agenda, equalization members, organizational motion, and local church disaffiliations. …more
Launchpad Spring 2023 starts April 19 on Zoom
March 28, 2023 / By UNY Communications
If you have a team of people interested in planting a church, the Launchpad course is for you. Over six weeks, you will learn how to engage new people outside of your church, how to clarify vision, and contextualize your discipleship, how to create a six-month plan with one year of monthly support from Upper New York’s New Faith Communities, and how to gather support for your new …more
Sessions Team eagerly plans in-person Annual Conference
March 27, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s been four years since United Methodists in Upper New York have been able to safely gather in-person for Annual Conference. With the availability of vaccines and more milder strains of the coronavirus, the Sessions Team feels this may be the year we can finally gather safely to enjoy fellowship, break bread, worship, and engage in holy conferencing together. The last in-person gathering was held in June 2019 at …more
Equitable Compensation Grants for July to December 2023 now available
March 8, 2023 / 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 2023. 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 …more
Special Message from Bishop Burgos – Superintendency Coverage for 2023-24
January 27, 2023 / By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Editor's Note: The following letter was emailed to clergy and laity in the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 27, 2023 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 Dear United Methodists in Upper New …more