news stories Tagged “Vital Congregations”
Support children by distributing UMCOR School Kits to a local organization
August 16, 2022 / By Kristina Clark, Director of Missional Engagement / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The start of a new school year is around the corner! If your congregation has spent the last couple of months putting together UMCOR School Kits, this year the Upper New York (UNY) Mission Central HUB is challenging you to address the need in your local community by distributing the kits to a school or organization that supports children. By making a connection with a local organization such as a …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: District Superintendent appointments extended
June 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to the Upper New York Conference on June 16, 2022 on behalf of Bishop Webb. Dear Friends, As we continue to mourn the loss of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Vonda Fossitt, we celebrate the life, ministry, and witness to Christ that she lived among us and the new life in Christ she now experiences. I know you join me in continuing to pray …more
Reaching the marginalized and oppressed: Berlin UMC
June 7, 2022 / By UNY Communications
For the past 10 years, Berlin UMC has hosted "Hand me down days,” a clothing giveaway. The church members erect a tent in the parking lot and for 2-6 weeks, depending on the year, the tent is open for people to come and take whatever clothing they can use. When the event is complete, the remainder of the clothing is divided among other ministries handing out clothing. Some is kept …more
Accountability groups healing souls in UNY
May 31, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Asbury First UMC of Rochester is one of the larger congregations in UNY. Over the last year Asbury First UMC has started Class Meeting accountability groups through The Discipleship Project. They have 8 groups from 8-12 members, and 10 commissioned lay Class Leaders, coordinated and led by clergy leader, the Rev. Rachel Dupont. Asbury uses a process that shepherds people through group spiritual formation toward mutual accountability. Their participation and retention rates …more
Tending to your soul so you can tend to others’ souls
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you feeling an inkling to become closer to God? Do you feel like your life is like a hamster wheel or are you riddled with anxiety and yearn to feel God’s love deep in your soul? Do you feel a draw to help others feel God’s presence whether it be friends, family, your congregation, or people in your workplace or community? If your answer is …more
UNY Pastoral Wellness initiative launches
May 4, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Church leaders have busy lives and many demands. And the past few years have brought about more stress with COVID-19, racial unrest, and denominational uncertainty. Stories of burnout among pastors are everywhere. What can be done to assure that pastors are taking a Sabbath and a day off, taking time regularly to renew their souls? Upper New York (UNY) has developed a Wellness Team to determine what can be done …more
Upper New York Annual Conference postponed due to COVID-19 concerns
April 21, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States. Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New …more
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
April 11, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder that every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any …more
How University UMC is tackling the food insecurity crisis in Syracuse
March 30, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Syracuse has the highest poverty rate in the country among cities with at least 100,000 residents, and almost half of all children in Syracuse are living in poverty. This makes food security essential in the city of Syracuse. Further complicating the need, the COVID-19 pandemic hit those already in poverty, the hardest. In this environment, University UMC saw the need and enhanced their existing ministry to make an even greater difference. …more
From attending a Bible study to becoming a pastor
March 29, 2022 / By Pastor Maryellen Moore, Middleburgh UMC and Warnersville UMC
Teresa was 10 years old when her mom took her to see Billy Graham. It was an experience she’ll never forget: “I felt the Spirit” for the first time. A few years later her step-father took her to a non-denominational church, where she responded to an alter call, confessed that she believed in Jesus Christ, and, again, she felt the Spirit, this time as though she was …more