News Stories from July 2014

NEJ delegates reflect on 2014 Global Young People’s Convocation

July 31, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The 2014 Global Young People's Convocation & Legislative Assembly in the Philippines was attended by more than 300 young people and observers. Among other business, the young people urged leaders of the denomination to “seek solutions that promote our global unity” and not be divided by issues such as homosexuality, adopting a unity statement the night before ending its quadrennial gathering on July 20, 2014. Click here to read the statement. …more

Spiritual exercises old and new

July 29, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Rev. Donald Robert Hoff, retired, shares this reflection as "four pilgrims from the Upper New York  Conference" prepare to walk the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Portugal. Pictured above are, from left: Rev. Don Hoff, Donna Hoff, Jeanne Judson and Rev. Gary Judson. Photo courtesy of Rev. Hoff. How many United Methodists from the Upper New York Conference have made a spiritual pilgrimage and …more

Upper New York Volunteers-in-Mission welcomes new coordinators

July 29, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Upper New York's Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) has two new co-coordinators: Roger and Donna Cullen (above). The couple, who are members of Clifton Springs UMC, take over for Dr. Sylvia Reimer, who had served as VIM coordinator since 2012. “I’m grateful the Cullens are willing and able to step into this coordinating role," said the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries. "They bring years of VIM team experience …more

RON MOT grant helps forge ‘Caring Connections’

July 24, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Susan Hardy, Reaching Our Neighbors Ministry Oversight Team (RON MOT) member, has toured some of the ministries that received grants in RON MOT's 2013 round of funding. In this story, she recounts her visit to Caring Connections in Oneonta. Caring Connections is a collaborative effort of more than 30 faith communities and serves as an entry point for families and individuals who may not qualify for assistance from a social services …more

Resource Center makes VBS materials accessible

July 23, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Vacation Bible School – most often simply VBS – is popular with churches (not to mention the kids).  A 2012 study by the Barna Group showed that more than two out of three churches in America –  68 percent – offered VBS that summer. And that level of involvement has stayed pretty stable, according to the study. But VBS organizers know that the materials needed can be expensive. That's …more

Special session of Annual Conference announced for Sept. 6 and 7, 2014

July 22, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Aug. 29, 2014 Update: special Session (Sept. 6 & 7) indefinitely postponed Upper New York Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has announced the postponement of the special session of the Upper New York Annual Conference at all three locations. The special session was originally scheduled for Sept. 6 and 7 at Rush UMC, Liverpool UMC and Saratoga Springs UMC. Negotiations between the Conference Board of Trustees and the seller of the proposed building at 7481 Henry Clay …more

Feeding the spirit: Summer Lunch Wagon ministry a success

July 16, 2014 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Susan Hardy, Reaching Our Neighbors Ministry Oversight Team (RON MOT) member, has toured some of the ministries that received grants in RON MOT's 2013 round of funding. In this story, she recounts her visit to Schenectady Inner City Ministry's Summer Lunch Wagon. Until I toured some of the Schenectady Inner City Ministry's (SICM) outreach programs, I didn't realize that a pastor could be employed full-time outside …more

Certified Lay Ministers: Laity called and connected

July 2, 2014 / By Beth DiCocco / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

They provide pulpit supply, pastoral leadership and staff support in cooperative parishes. Harrisville UMC in the Northern Flow District hosted a special service and lunch to celebrate a new class of Certified Lay Ministers, who often serve churches that could not otherwise afford a pastor. They lead Bible study, VBS, and children's and older adult ministries. They perform funerals and make hospital or nursing home visits. They are Certified …more