news stories Tagged “Vital Congregations”
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
Equitable Compensation Application for January-June 2022 available
September 1, 2021 / By UNY Communications
The Commission on Equitable Compensation has issued guidelines and application forms for salary grants to local churches for the period January to June 2022. 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
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
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more
Paycheck Protection Program Extended
July 1, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as …more
Stations of the Cross guided spiritual practice
April 7, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time. The spiritual practice this week is specifically designed for Holy Week; it is Stations of the Cross. If you are not familiar with this practice, it focuses on the …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
Preregister for the HealthFlex Exchange webinar
March 23, 2020 / By Julie Valeski, Benefits Administrator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to members of the Upper New York Conference on March 23, 2020. Wespath will be hosting a webinar Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT on HealthFlex Exchange. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. HealthFlex Exchange uses a …more
UNY to offer matching grants for Zoom
March 19, 2020 / By By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn …more