News Stories from June 2024
Celebrating 10 Years of Branchport UMC’s Red, White, & Blue 5K
June 27, 2024 / By Kim Lyons, Pastor at Branchport UMC / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This July 4th, the Branchport United Methodist Church will be hosting our 10th Annual Red, White, & Blue 5k. What began as a fundraiser to cover the winter fuel bills has turned into a family event as we welcome runners from across the country to walk or run our course along the beautiful Guyanoga Road in Branchport of Yates County. With Keuka Lake nearby, we see many vacationers as well …more
Many clergy and congregations embark on a new season of new appointments
June 25, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s a season of change. While not every church and congregation experience it at the same time, many are preparing to say goodbye to their current pastor and welcome a new one. Most appointments typically begin on July 1, but this timetable can vary. None the less, change in pastoral leadership is something constant in The United Methodist Church. “I have often said that I have never had …more
Revitalizing Community: Cornerstone District’s Inspiring District Days
June 24, 2024 / By Kristian Snyder, Cornerstone Superintendency District Associate / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Cornerstone District has recently reignited a sense of community and support through two successful District Day events. The first event was held on April 20th at Mayville UMC, followed by a second on May 18th at Wellsville UMC. These gatherings were orchestrated by the dedicated District Superintendency Associates (SAs): Kristian Snyder, Susan Hardy, Georgia Whitney, the Rev. Nick Perry, and the Rev. Chad Sayers. Recognizing the need to rejuvenate …more
Celebrating Upper New York’s history through the Conference Cane
June 20, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Most people associate the word “cane” with walking stick to provide support and aid in walking. For Upper New York, the Conference Cane holds deeper significance. Encased in a wooden box, the Conference Cane is given to the longest living, longest serving clergy member in the Upper New York or predecessor conferences. The passing of this heirloom from one clergyperson to another is a tradition dating back …more
Casowasco on the road
June 18, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 on behalf of Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries regarding changes to the 2024 summer camping season. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, The summer camping season is upon us. We cherish this time of connecting with campers, forging new and rekindling old friendships, …more
NYS paid breastfeeding breaks
June 18, 2024 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources and Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Monday, June 17, 2024, the New York State (NYS) Department of Labor (DOL) released its guidance on paid breaks for breastfeeding. Beginning on June 19, 2024 and as part of the state budget passed earlier this year, paid breastfeeding breaks become law and take effect. Click here to read the full guidance. The guidance provides some much-needed clarification, particularly on the following points: An employee is entitled to as …more
From the Desk of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez: New Dean of Cabinet, Renewal Leaves, Disaffiliations
June 18, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 18 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, I thank God for the spirit of hope and joy that permeated the 2024 session of the UNY Annual Conference, held from May 30 to June 1 in Syracuse, NY. United Methodists …more
2024 Annual Conference survey results
June 17, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The results are in. More than 700 people attended the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference session from May 30-June 1 in Syracuse and more than half of those in attendance provided valuable feedback on their experience. All results and remarks provided are anonymous to allow for full transparency of the person completing the survey. “It was a blessing to get together and see sisters and brothers that we haven&rsquo …more
Commentary: Learning the true meaning of “life-changing” from Mission of Peace
June 13, 2024 / By Grace Steirheim / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Disclaimer: Upper New York Communications may include commentaries in the Weekly Digest that reflects a variety of voices and viewpoints. They are the opinions of the writers, not of Bishop Burgos Núñez or any Upper New York staff member or team. Editors note: The Mission of Peace (MOP) is a yearly journey of discovery and shalom to nations in our global community sponsored by the Northeastern …more
Statement from The Northeastern College of Bishops: Embracing Theological Diversity and Moving Forward
June 11, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM BISHOP BURGOS NÚÑEZ: I am grateful that the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops is of one voice on these matters. United Methodists of Upper New York are moving forward as a theologically diverse Conference united in our love for Christ and our shared desire to live the gospel and embody God's love with as many people as possible while doing no …more