news stories Tagged “Advocate”
From the desk of Bishop Mark J Webb: Living Boldly
July 24, 2018 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of the Advocate, which shared stories on individuals and churches throughout the Upper New York Conference that are boldly living their call. Sarah, Abraham, Miriam, Moses, Sarah, Ruth, Joshua, David, Esther, Hannah, Solomon, Jeremiah, Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and Paul. What do these individuals all have in common? What do their lives offer to ours? These women and …more
Moving outside my comfort zone through Leadership Academy
June 25, 2018 / By Pastor Warren VanDewark, Edwards Chapel UMC and Watts Flats UMC
Editor's Note: This article was originally publisged in the Spring 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on spiritually planning our way forward to create leaders and vital congregations in Upper New York. Leadership Academy is just what you would expect it to be; it’s about leadership, but that term “leadership” for the pastor could mean many things. Leadership Academy challenged my ideas of what the …more
How God equips the called through Leadership Academy
June 18, 2018 / By Rev. Caroline Simmons / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“You are enough.” These powerful words were spoken to each of us as we were anointed and commissioned to return to our congregations at the end of the “Change the World Conference” at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in March 2017. An important part of participating in the Upper NY Leadership Academy, is the incredible road trip we took to one of our United Methodist mega churches in …more
What are the five markers of vitality?
May 16, 2018 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Spring 2018 issue of the Advocate, which focused on developing vital congregations. Through the study of thousands of congregations in various contexts, there are five markers that have been consistent with high-vitality congregations: Inviting and Inspiring Worship Weekly worship services continue to be a primary place of connection with those who are already connected with the church as well as those who are …more
Living into our potential through Pastoral Leadership Development
May 8, 2018 / By Pastor Gary Kubitz, Co-facilitator of PLD in Albany DIstrict
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2018 issue of the Advocate, which highlighted different ways people and churches across the Upper New York Conference are spiritually planning their way forward. What does it mean to be a leader in the church in the 21st century? Many pastors across the Upper NY Annual Conference have been wrestling with this question as they are participating in Pastoral Leadership Development …more
Building leaders in Upper New York
May 2, 2018 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
As the Upper New York Conference endeavors to embody the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and reach toward being the people that live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are God’s love with our neighbors in all places, three key outcomes have been identified by the Conference Leadership Team. Increase the number of transformational leaders Increase the vitality of existing …more
From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: God’s love in all places
October 31, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
The fall 2017 edition of the Advocate is available on our website and has also arrived at local churches. This issue focuses on Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places. In this issue, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb reflects on a blog he read by Rich Robinson, who describes what it means to be m.i.s.s.i.o.n.a …more
When God takes over
September 5, 2017 / By The Rev. Gary Kubitz, First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville
Editor's Note: For the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate, we asked members across the UNY Conference to share stories of when they have had to trust that God is enough. Rev. Gary Kubitz, of the First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville, responded with a story. If you have a story of when you had to trust that God is enough, submit it to news@unyumc.org. During my first …more
Overcoming the challenge of a part-time pastoral appointment
August 22, 2017 / By Lori Bruno-Taylor. Owl's Head UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate. A pastor is called to serve God in all settings, at all times. Part-time does not change what we are called to do, it just challenges us to trust that God is enough when time, schedules, and resources do not appear to be enough. God has a way of teaching us to work as the Body …more
Love, Grow, Serve, The story of Centerpoint Christian Fellowship
August 21, 2017 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Notw: This article was previously published in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate, which had the theme of Trusting that God is enough. The story of Centerpoint Christian Fellowship (CCF) in the Mohawk District showcases how a New Faith Community becomes a success by trusting that God is enough. Starting in 2008-2009, the initial meetings of CCF took place from at the old Trenton Town Hall in Barneveld, …more