news stories Tagged “New Faith Communities”
The future vision for New Faith Communities
April 3, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Join Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, and the Rev. Abigail Browka as they share the exciting developments in New Faith Communities (NFCs) across Upper New York. For 14 years, United Methodists of Upper New York have been committed to planting NFCs, reaching new people in new places. The New Faith Communities of Upper New York are diverse ethnically, economically, and in …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
Reflections on 2023 Cady Grants and new applications being accepted
February 2, 2024 / By Dr. Blenda Smith, Chair of the Cady Grant Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year, Cady Grants are awarded to projects and programs that seek to be used for the “benefit or education of minority groups, preferably black or American Indians,” as directed by Ercil Cady, the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant. The committee is pleased to share an update on how the grants were used by the 2023 recipients: Church in the Wild: As this New Faith …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
Ministry loaning free medical equipment for more than 50 years
January 2, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In 1970, Raymond Welker put a cane he wasn’t using in a closet at Dresden United Methodist Church. His hope was that anyone could use it if they needed it. What started with one cane more than 50 years ago has turned into a three-car garage full of medical equipment for others to borrow, free of charge. “We found that insurance typically does not cover items …more
Save the date for 2024 District Days
December 20, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the new year, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, will be visiting local churches from February to April during District Days. This time allows Bishop Héctor to meet with laity and clergy across Upper New York. Clergy meetings are scheduled for each visit from 1-3 p.m. Another gathering is being held for laity (and …more
Three Upper NY United Methodist Churches’ help bring joy to seniors
December 20, 2023 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy and family gatherings, but for many senior adults, it can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. However, Faith in Action Volunteers, a program of the Broome County Council of Churches, has been lighting up the lives of seniors for a number of years through a heartwarming initiative known as the Silver Bells program. The mission of …more
Community yoga opens church doors to new faces
December 7, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Breathe. Don’t just inhale and exhale. Take the kind of breath where you can feel your diaphragm contract and your lungs expand. Become one with your breathing. Deep breathing is a part of yoga, an ancient practice that not only can improve strength and flexibility, but also helps reduce stress. Yoga can also be used to manage pain. Disbelievers may hear the word “yoga” …more