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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news stories Tagged “Older Adult Ministry”

    Delayed Enforcement of Direct Bill Arrearage Policy Extended to Dec. 31, 2022

    February 22, 2022 / By Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially. In 2020, most churches were able to continue making their monthly direct bill payments, which …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

    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

    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

    New York State minimum wage increase effective Dec. 31, 2021

    October 1, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    New York State Minimum Wage Increase Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour.  Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year.  Non-exempt employees are …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

    New York State Employees entitled to paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations

    March 22, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022. The new law provides that: All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. In other words, employees may be entitled to up to eight …more

    Direct bill arrearage policy enforcement extended through Dec. 31, 2021

    March 3, 2021 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

    In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, …more

    Upper New York Annual Conference Session postponed until Oct. 3

    April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications

    Due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, April 2, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, after consulting with the Sessions Committee and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, recommended to the Upper New York Cabinet that the Upper New York Annual Conference session, originally scheduled for May 28 – 30, 2020, be postponed. This recommendation was approved unanimously.  October 3, 2020, a date previously …more



    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."