news stories Tagged “Communications”
2024 Bishop’s Retreat focuses on wellness
January 19, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Fellowship, worship, times of learning, and a little bit of magic happened at the 2024 Bishop’s Retreat. This was the first Bishop’s Retreat since 2019, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first retreat hosted by Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. “This year’s retreat provided a time for reconnecting with God and …more
Steve Alexander named new Site Director at Casowasco
January 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s newest site director is no stranger to Upper New York. Steve Alexander is a member of Lansing United Methodist Church and a former certified Early Response Team leader. Steve stepped into the role on Jan. 8 following an extensive search. He replaces the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, who has served as the Acting Site Director since October 2022. Rev. Dr. Harris will remain in the …more
Imagining No Racism during Lent
January 9, 2024 / By Georgia Whitney, Co-Convener of the Conference Commission on Religion & Race / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Lent is a season of introspection and awareness, a great time to reflect on some of the challenging realities of our society. So, if you’re looking for a good Lenten study next month, please think about being part of the next Imagine No Racism class. The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) will offer this a six-session small group study on Zoom, from Feb. 16 through …more
Tax workshops geared for clergy
January 5, 2024 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A new year means it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming tax season. Did you know clergy are treated differently under the tax code than virtually anybody else in the country? Filing your taxes can be overwhelming. Let the Rev. Susan Ranous help guide you through the process. Rev. Ranous is an ordained deacon and Certified Public Accountant. She is hosting a two-hour workshop in …more
Ministry loaning free medical equipment for more than 50 years
January 2, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In 1970, Raymond Welker put a cane he wasn’t using in a closet at Dresden United Methodist Church. His hope was that anyone could use it if they needed it. What started with one cane more than 50 years ago has turned into a three-car garage full of medical equipment for others to borrow, free of charge. “We found that insurance typically does not cover items …more
Save the date for 2024 District Days
December 20, 2023 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In the new year, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, will be visiting local churches from February to April during District Days. This time allows Bishop Héctor to meet with laity and clergy across Upper New York. Clergy meetings are scheduled for each visit from 1-3 p.m. Another gathering is being held for laity (and …more
Three Upper NY United Methodist Churches’ help bring joy to seniors
December 20, 2023 / By Kevin Miller, Multimedia Content Creator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy and family gatherings, but for many senior adults, it can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. However, Faith in Action Volunteers, a program of the Broome County Council of Churches, has been lighting up the lives of seniors for a number of years through a heartwarming initiative known as the Silver Bells program. The mission of …more
Two churches create lasting Christmas memories for children, their families, and volunteers
December 11, 2023 / By Pastor Deb Peacock, Argyle UMC
Two years ago, I took my grandson shopping so he could buy small gifts for his mom and dad for Christmas. I remember how excited he was to do this. I began to think about the children in the Argyle and West Hebron communities, as well as other small communities around us, that are struggling to provide meals for their families, let alone Christmas gifts. I immediately had an idea. …more
Community yoga opens church doors to new faces
December 7, 2023 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Breathe. Don’t just inhale and exhale. Take the kind of breath where you can feel your diaphragm contract and your lungs expand. Become one with your breathing. Deep breathing is a part of yoga, an ancient practice that not only can improve strength and flexibility, but also helps reduce stress. Yoga can also be used to manage pain. Disbelievers may hear the word “yoga” …more
A call for prayer for wise discernment
December 6, 2023 / By Rev. Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trost on behalf of the CVA Task Force
The Conference Leadership Team has been tasked “to provide a comprehensive examination of every feasible funding source… for payment of the Child Victims Act (CVA) case settlements and legal fees to be reported back with recommendations to the Conference no later than Annual Conference 2024. In the meantime, the sources of any funds spent in the next year on the resolution of CVA cases must be tracked and understood …more