Learn about Red Bird Mission, a United Methodist ministry serving southeastern Kentucky, supported by Upper New York through the shoebox mission and holistic outreach. RED BIRD MISSION Red Bird Mission, founded in 1921 in southeastern Kentucky, is one of three United Methodist missionary conferences in the U.S., offering holistic ministry that serves spiritual, physical, social, and economic needs. United Methodists across the Upper New York Annual Conference support this work through the shoebox mission. ▼ About Red Bird Mission ▼ District drop-off sites needed ▼ More Information ▼ Contact ABOUT UNY'S RED BIRD MISSION Upper New York Conference partners with Red Bird Mission through acts of service and generosity that support communities in Appalachia. The Mission team at Endwell United Methodist Church coordinates the collection and delivery of shoeboxes on behalf of Upper New York, helping meet essential needs while fostering connections that reflect Christ’s love in action. CHURCHES NEEDED AS DISTRICT DROP-OFF SITES The 2026 Red Bird Mission effort is officially underway. Despite recent increased expenses, the dedicated team of volunteers remain committed to making this mission successful. To help control costs, Red Bird Mission is seeking churches in each district that would be willing to serve as collection and drop-off locations for neighboring congregations. Establishing district drop-off sites will help reduce transportation costs and make the collection process more efficient. The goal is to collect shoeboxes and other donated items between November 12 and November 25, when trucks will be loaded for delivery to Kentucky. Arrangements can also be made for smaller pickups throughout November or earlier if needed. If your church is willing to serve as a district drop-off site, please contact Dave Alexander. Contact Dave MORE INFORMATION Types of Shoeboxes There are two different styles of shoeboxes collected- one for adults and one for children. Adult shoebox items include a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, ChapStick, a full-size bar of soap, a washcloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, socks, a pair of work gloves or mittens, and a winter hat or scarf. Items needed for children’s shoeboxes include two or three small toys, two or three items needed for school, a comb or brush, shampoo, hand lotion, a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste, ChapStick, a bar of soap, a washcloth, a small flashlight, socks, a pair of mittens, and a winter hat. Christian bookmarks, wristbands, and other spiritual items are also appreciated. The Red Bird Mission likes items put in clear plastic shoebox-sized storage containers with locking lids. If you are unable to purchase plastic boxes, the same-size cardboard boxes will work. Please do not wrap the shoeboxes or cardboard boxes. Also, it is helpful to the Mission if you clearly label each shoebox, so they know who the intended recipient is for the items. Label each box with the intended recipient (man, woman, boy, or girl). Click here to print labels. The Mission also needs new pillows, new sheet sets, and new blankets for full and twin-size beds, as well as new bath towels. Used sheets, blankets, and towels cannot be sent. Books, school supplies, new backpacks and cleaning supplies are needed, as well. Donations of money can be made payable to the Endwell United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of the truck rental, fuel, lodging, and meals for the volunteers who will be delivering the shoeboxes and other donations to the Red Bird Mission. All funds will be deposited into a dedicated account for this mission. A suggested donation is $1.50 per shoebox. Please do not put money inside the shoeboxes. Place the money in an envelope and attach it to the outside of the shoebox. Drop Off Locations United Methodist Center 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY Endwell United Methodist Church 3301 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY **Please call Dave Alexander to have him meet you at the church by calling (607) 743-7786. HAVE QUESTIONS? David Alexander Coordinator (607) 754-5735

Join Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) of the Upper New York Annual Conference and serve through short-term mission projects in disaster response, construction, and spiritual formation. VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) of the Upper New York Annual Conference connects United Methodists across the region with opportunities to serve through short-term mission projects at home and abroad. Teams offer their skills in disaster response, construction, and spiritual formation to support communities in need. ▼ Love & Serve ▼ Helpful Resources ▼ Contact LOVE & SERVE The Love & Serve mission guide helps churches deepen their faith by providing opportunities to serve in various ministries including disaster response and Camp & Retreat Ministries in New York and around the world. Start a discussion with your congregation about where God might be calling you to serve with this downloadable PDF guide. Download Now HELPFUL RESOURCES Register Your Team Learn More Obtain Mission Insurance Through UMVIM Learn More List of Domestic & International Mission Sites Learn More List of Youth Projects Learn More HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Kristina Clark Associate Director of Missional Excellence (315) 898-2066

Narrative Budget The Upper New York (UNY) Conference produced a Narrative Budget Booklet to help UNY Conference members understand what their Ministry Share dollars support. 2021 Narrative Budget .pdf Download PDF • 2.88MB

Church Chat Church Chat is an original series created by and for United Methodists of Upper New York and is comprised of helpful information surrounding topics relating to finance, human resources, and benefits topics. View the Series

Monthly Statements How to Login All churches within the Upper New York (UNY) Conference have access to monthly statements online. Both the user name and password are the General Conference on Finance & Administration (GCFA) number of the church. Your GCFA number for your church is the Username as well as the Password. View Monthly Statements HAVE QUESTIONS? For billing and payments: Contact Trina Obrist Accounts Receivable and Accounting Support Specialist (315) 898-2006 trinaobrist@unyumc.org For benefits: Contact Julie Valeski Benefits Administrator (315) 898-2001 julievaleski@unyumc.org

Church Treasurer Handbook The Church Treasurer Handbook provides the local church treasurer with important information, including guidance in areas of finance standards, compensation, and resources. Clergy Tax Handbook .pdf Download PDF • 6.43MB Section 1: Finance & Minimum Standards .pdf Download PDF • 756KB Section 2: Payroll .pdf Download PDF • 9.49MB Section 3: Clergy Compensation .pdf Download PDF • 2.12MB Section 4: Local Church Audit .pdf Download PDF • 16.49MB Section 5: Ministry Shares .pdf Download PDF • 403KB Section 6: Resources Part I .pdf Download PDF • 11.81MB Section 6: Resources Part II .pdf Download PDF • 2.81MB Section 7: Housing .pdf Download PDF • 94KB Section 8: Retired Clergy .pdf Download PDF • 107KB

Explore Finance & Administrative Services of the Upper New York Annual Conference, supporting United Methodist churches with budgeting, stewardship, and operational guidance. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Finance is a vital ministry in our connectional life as United Methodists. The Finance Ministry Team stewards ministry shares and billing, working to simplify a complex system so the focus stays on ministry, not money. ▼ Finance Resources ▼ Contact CHURCH CHAT VIDEO SERIES MINISTRY SHARES MONTHLY STATEMENTS YEAR END STATISTICAL REPORT CHURCH TREASURER HANDBOOK FINANCE TOOLBOX TRUSTEES TOOLBOX NARRATIVE BUDGET FINANCIAL AUDIT HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Bob Flask UNY Treasurer (315) 898-2008 Contact Jim Rowley for Audits, Taxes, & Tax Forms (315) 898-2010 Contact Trina Obrist for Billing & Payments (315) 898-2006 Contact Sue Duquette for Reimbursements & Accounts Payable (315) 898-2005 Contact Autumn Wells for Property Insurance & Stats (315) 898-2004 Contact Chelsea Connor for General Inquiries (315) 898-2022

Learn how the Upper New York Conference Board of Ordained Ministry guides, mentors, and evaluates candidates pursuing ordained pastoral leadership in the United Methodist Church. BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) holds the important responsibility of guiding individuals pursuing ordained pastoral leadership within the United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. They recruit, encourage, mentor, and support candidates, while carefully evaluating their qualifications, preparedness, and effectiveness for this role ▼ About BOM ▼ Discerning a Call? ▼ UNY Local Pastor Licensing School ▼ Course of Study Satellite School ▼ BOM Ministry Library Website ▼ BOM Ministry Resources ▼ BOM Related Articles ▼ Contact Recruitment & Enlistment Coordinate with cabinet for seminary visitation Keep in contact with seminary students Promote Upper New York clergy careers Encourage theological education Manage scholarships, grants and loans Standards & Qualifications Oversee application and interview process and will follow-up with those seeking commissioning or ordination Requirements for status (checklist) Registrars of Deacons and Elders Provisional Membership Develop and oversee Provisional Mentors Continued theological education Manage residency program(s) Clergy Status Handling concerns regarding Conference Relations Retirement; leaves Exits and readmissions Clergy Effectiveness Will develop standards for clergy effectiveness Work with the three orders: Deacons, Elders and Fellowship of Local Pastors, & Associate Members on matters pertaining to the Clergy Covenant: ethical standards Encourage continuing education and formation and career development Manage clergy care District Committee On Ministry Coordination All matters of candidacy Licensing school Course of Study program Trains candidacy mentors and clergy mentors Mentor for CLM/local hires, etc Includes Registrars of Local Pastors and Candidates View Resources for DCOMs . DISCERNING A CALL INTO MINISTRY? If you are discerning a call into ministry, talk to your pastor, spiritual advisor, or clergy mentor. Share what you are experiencing. Your call is worth exploring. The Upper New York Conference has clergy who will support you every step of the way. Listen and follow where God is leading you. Begin Here Contact our Discernment Team Not all pastors serve local churches. Some serve as endorsed chaplains in healthcare, the military, as life coaches, and more. Learn More LOCAL PASTOR LICENSING SCHOOL The Local Pastor Licensing School equips candidates with the foundational skills for ministry through learning, collaboration, and practical experience. Participants should have or be in the process of becoming a certified candidate prior to attending Local Pastor Licensing School. Completion fulfills part of the licensing requirements. The candidate becomes licensed once appointed to serve in a local congregation by the appointed bishop. While not ordained, local pastors can preach, lead worship, administer the sacraments, and oversee the life of the congregation and serve the surrounding community. Learn More COURSE OF STUDY SATELLITE SCHOOL Registration information can be found on each Regional School's website. Please note that the Extension School sites for Course of Study are only for part time licensed local pastors. Learn More Need Help? BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY LIBRARY WEBSITE Organized by area, the library includes tools for candidacy, licensing, ordination and conference relations, as well as videos and downloadable flyers to assist with spiritual formation and vocational discernment for clergy, congregations and individuals exploring ministry. Visit Website Board of Ordained Ministry Forms Learn More Requirements for Candidates Learn More Deshon Study KSAP Resource Learn More Behavioral HEALTH Guidelines of General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Learn More BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY ARTICLES Bishop Héctor calls UNY to “rise up” with hope and courage 4 days ago 3 min read From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Pentecost Message May 19 3 min read From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: An Easter Message of Hope Apr 5 2 min read 1 2 3 4 5 HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Cindy Muder Board of Ordained Ministry Support Assistant (315) 898-2091 Contact Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper Board of Ordained Ministry Chair Contact Rev. Caroline Simmons Board of Ordained Ministry Registrar

Crossroads Phoenix UMC Website Email fumcphoenixny@gmail.com Phone (315) 695-4746 Address 49 Jefferson St; Phoenix NY 13135-2329 Mailing Address 49 Jefferson St; Phoenix NY 13135-2329 Worship Times 9:30 a.m. Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM-11:45 AM Sept.-May; Summer hours vary Summer Service 9:30 AM LEADERSHIP

Albany Alplaus UMC Website www.alplausunitedmethodistchurch.org/ Email umcalplaus@gmail.com Phone Address 1 Brookside Place; Alplaus NY 12008-0001 Mailing Address 1 Brookside Place; Alplaus NY 12008-0001 Worship Times 9 AM Sunday School Summer Service LEADERSHIP Pastor Kristi Van Patten revklvp@yahoo.com

The Buffalo 10 Scholarship of the Upper New York Annual Conference supports youth near Buffalo’s Jefferson Avenue area by expanding access to college education and empowering future leaders. BUFFALO 10 SCHOLARSHIP The Buffalo 10 Scholarship of the Upper New York Annual Conference supports youth in neighborhoods near the Jefferson Avenue Tops Market in Buffalo, New York, by expanding access to college education and addressing long-standing inequities. This initiative helps cultivate educated, empowered young adults who serve their communities and contribute to building places rooted in love, justice, and peace. ▼ Background ▼ Mission & Vision ▼ Buffalo 10 Scholarship ▼ Recipients ▼ Contact On May 14, 2022, a mass murderer motivated by racial hatred killed ten African Americans and injured three other individuals. A group of clergy and laity from the Niagara Frontier District gathered to discern ways to address the systemic racism that continues to impact residents of the East Side of Buffalo and elsewhere in our region. MISSION The Mission of the Buffalo 10 Scholarship is to improve educational opportunities in the zip codes adjacent to the Jefferson Avenue Tops Market (14208, 14211, 14214). Specifically, the scholarship helps youth in these areas address persisting inequities by resourcing them to complete their college education. VISION The Vision of the Buffalo 10 Scholarship is more educated and empowered young adults serving in the designated area to create communities characterized by love, justice, and peace. THE BUFFALO 10 SCHOLARSHIP The Buffalo 10 Scholarship (UNY-Buffalo 10) was adopted at the 2022 Upper New York Annual Conference and is dedicated to helping youth in identified communities of Buffalo, New York succeed in higher education. Donate Here Learn More Contact Scholarship Committee THE BUFFALO 10 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS The following youth have been awarded the Buffalo 10 Scholarship to aid in furthering their education and will each receive $1,000 each year during the course of their undergraduate college career. MADISON MATTHEWS 2025 RECIPIENT Madison Matthews is studying Human Performance with a concentration in Sports Medicine at Howard University. HARMONEY RAE 2025 RECIPIENT Harmony Rae Lester is studying psychology at Morgan State University. AKOUL YAK 2025 RECIPIENT Akoul Yak is studying international business and marketing at Pace University. XAVIER MANN 2023 RECIPIENT Xavier Mann is studying sports medicine at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina. GYAN WIGGINS 2024 RECIPIENT Gyan Wiggins is studying biomedical engineering at the University of Buffalo. ANTWONETTE PENDERGRASS 2024 RECIPIENT Antwonette Pendergrass was a second year student at Benedict College in South Carolina when awarded. HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Dr. Scott Johnson Scholarship Committee Coordinator

The Engage Fund of the Upper New York Annual Conference nurtures youth as young disciples of Jesus Christ, supporting and empowering them in ministry alongside the church. ENGAGE FUND Today’s youth are tomorrow’s future. The Engage Fund is an initiative that nurtures young people, supports their growth, and invites others to serve alongside them in ministry. ▼ What is Engage Fund ▼ What Does it Support? ▼ Contact Drawing from Christian tradition, where John the Apostle—one of Jesus’ youngest disciples—was invited into ministry, the Upper New York Annual Conference encourages United Methodists across the region to celebrate youth as young disciples of Jesus Christ. WHAT DOES IT FUND? Your generosity through this second mile giving initiative will allow our young people to witness and experience the transforming love of Christ in the Wesleyan Way through local, regional, and global initiatives, including the Buffalo 10 Scholarship, Mission of Peace, and other national and international experiences. Buffalo 10 Scholarship Mission of Peace Donate Here HAVE QUESTIONS? Contact Jordan Osborne Office Coordinator for Missional Excellence (315) 898-2013