news stories Tagged “New Faith Communities”
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022
February 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodist leaders have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022 to provide for uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting. The charters were previously extended to March 31, 2022 as legal proceedings continue in the BSA's bankruptcy case, particularly as the trial for confirmation has now been postponed until March 9, 2022. Churches do not need to take any action to …more
What the end of the NY state mask mandate means for local churches
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Feb. 15, NYS Commissioner of Health extended the Hero Act through March 17, 2022. Click here to read more. Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Bishop Appoints Interim District Superintendent
January 25, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following information was shared with the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 25, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb announces that he has appointed the Rev. Ted Anderson as an interim District Superintendent assigned to the Genesee Valley District, effective immediately. The current District Superintendent, the Rev. Vonda Fossitt has begun a six (6) month medical leave to care for her physical health and to have a season of …more
Important dates for 2022
January 19, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Every January, we announce important dates for the year. As the COVID pandemic makes it difficult to know how the future will unfold, the dates related to Annual Conference are tentative and updates will be announced should there by any changes. Feb. 28: Final date to update statistics in Ezra system March 1: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline …more
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood and Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell to become District Superintendents
January 17, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents. The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, pastor at Penfield United Methodist Church, will be appointed to the Southern Tier Region and assigned as Superintendent of the Mountain View District. …more
Keeping it beautiful with Rolling Nation
January 13, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The challenge of cerebral palsy has never prevented the Rev. Chris Wylie from pursuing his dreams. His faith has helped to reveal Godsends throughout his life. A banker for many years, in his mid-30s, he felt a call to ministry. Chris said, “All I knew is that I had to go to this place called seminary as a first step.” Chris pulled out the phonebook and called …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Thank you to Upper New York clergy
October 13, 2021 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Upper New York clergy on October 13, 2021. Dear Friends, As the church celebrates Pastors Appreciation Month, I wanted to send you a note to add my voice in saying thank you! Your lives and your commitment to Christ and the Church are valued and deeply appreciated. The congregations, ministry settings and communities you serve and have served, are blessed because …more
UNY New Faith Communities offer Zoom workshop series
September 30, 2021 / By UNY NFC Team
Tired. Frustrated. Wondering…What Now? If you have found yourself in any of these categories over the past 18 months or so then the New Faith Communities Team of Upper New York has an opportunity for you! We are offering a series of FREE Zoom webinars to help us all dream of ways to reconnect in a church changed by pandemic. The series is an opportunity to breath fresh air …more
Launchpad Spring 2021 starts April 22
April 13, 2021 / By Rev. Abigail Browka / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Do you want to reach New People? Or plant a new ministry or even a new church? Launchpad is the training for churches and church planters looking to create New Places for New people. Over 6 Sessions, your team will learn How to engage new people outside of your church How to clarify vision and contextualize your discipleship How to establish a 6-month plan with 1 year of …more
NEJ College of Bishops Letter Concerning Episcopal Coverage
March 29, 2021 / By NEJ College of Bishops
Editor's note: The following letter is from the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops sent to the Upper New York Conference on March 29, 2021. Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations, and …more