news stories Tagged “Vital Congregations”
Narratives of local church vitality 2022 series
January 11, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The statistics that a local congregation reports in Vital Signs or Ezra (such as worship attendance, professions of faith, etc.) provide a snapshot of a church’s vitality. Numbers are great, but what about stories that churches can share? Stories that inspire! Stories that motivate! Stories that can encourage churches throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference to try something new to live out the mission of the United …more
Harris Hill continues to live out the mission of the UMC
January 11, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: In January 2022, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop reminded the UNY Conference of the importance of local churches in living out the mission of the United Methodist Church. Click here to read his article. Throughout the year, we will focus on themes that depict ways in which churches in UNY do this. Harris Hill UMC is one example of a church that that is living …more
Local churches—the key to living out the mission of The UMC
January 11, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
As we enter 2022, we look toward the future with hope and promise, while recognizing the external forces that produce uncertainty and anxiety. The lingering effects of a global pandemic, the multitude of injustices that continue to be perpetuated and experienced, the deep divisions of thought within our culture, and the choices that linger regarding the future direction and form of The United Methodist Church, are just some of those forces. …more
How mentorship creates and equips leaders
November 30, 2021 / By The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
Editor’s Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate explores the meaningfulness of mentorship in helping people fulfill their call and their ministries throughout Upper New York (UNY) and beyond. Leading up to the publication of this issue, the Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, explains how a mentoring relationship provides an exceptional opportunity for growth. Click here to read the “mentorship” issue …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 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