news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Bishop Appoints Interim District Superintendent
January 25, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following information was shared with the Upper New York Conference on Jan. 25, 2022. Bishop Mark J. Webb announces that he has appointed the Rev. Ted Anderson as an interim District Superintendent assigned to the Genesee Valley District, effective immediately. The current District Superintendent, the Rev. Vonda Fossitt has begun a six (6) month medical leave to care for her physical health and to have a season of …more
Churches in the Albany District help refugees and immigrants through a Mustard Seed grant
January 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mustard Seed Migration Grants continue UMCOR's 80-Year tradition of welcoming the stranger. These grants of up to two-thousand dollars are funded to local churches in the United States to fund local projects that assist refugees and migrants. In 2021, Burnt Hills Church in the Albany District earned a two-thousand-dollar mustard seed grant from UMCOR. They collaborated with four other UMC churches in the Albany District (First UMC East Greenbush, First …more
How Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church Part I
January 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
When the Rev. Mark Kimpland and his wife Lynne Kimpland arrived at Endwell United Methodist Church for Rev. Kimpland’s appointment nine years ago, Endwell already had an active and thriving congregation. Rev. Kimpland said, “This congregation has been mission-minded for many years, long before I came here. I did not have to spend a single moment inspiring them or cheering them on to get them to do …more
Important dates for 2022
January 19, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Every January, we announce important dates for the year. As the COVID pandemic makes it difficult to know how the future will unfold, the dates related to Annual Conference are tentative and updates will be announced should there by any changes. Feb. 28: Final date to update statistics in Ezra system March 1: Deadline for submission of petitions and resolutions (from individuals, churches and unofficial bodies of UNY) as well as deadline …more
Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood and Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell to become District Superintendents
January 17, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents. The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, pastor at Penfield United Methodist Church, will be appointed to the Southern Tier Region and assigned as Superintendent of the Mountain View District. …more
Keeping it beautiful with Rolling Nation
January 13, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The challenge of cerebral palsy has never prevented the Rev. Chris Wylie from pursuing his dreams. His faith has helped to reveal Godsends throughout his life. A banker for many years, in his mid-30s, he felt a call to ministry. Chris said, “All I knew is that I had to go to this place called seminary as a first step.” Chris pulled out the phonebook and called …more
Local churches—the key to living out the mission of The UMC
January 11, 2022 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
As we enter 2022, we look toward the future with hope and promise, while recognizing the external forces that produce uncertainty and anxiety. The lingering effects of a global pandemic, the multitude of injustices that continue to be perpetuated and experienced, the deep divisions of thought within our culture, and the choices that linger regarding the future direction and form of The United Methodist Church, are just some of those forces. …more
How mentorship creates and equips leaders
November 30, 2021 / By The Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens
Editor’s Note: The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate explores the meaningfulness of mentorship in helping people fulfill their call and their ministries throughout Upper New York (UNY) and beyond. Leading up to the publication of this issue, the Dr. Rev. Aaron Bouwens, UNY Director of Vital Congregation, explains how a mentoring relationship provides an exceptional opportunity for growth. Click here to read the “mentorship” issue …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Thank you to Upper New York clergy
October 13, 2021 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Upper New York clergy on October 13, 2021. Dear Friends, As the church celebrates Pastors Appreciation Month, I wanted to send you a note to add my voice in saying thank you! Your lives and your commitment to Christ and the Church are valued and deeply appreciated. The congregations, ministry settings and communities you serve and have served, are blessed because …more
New York State minimum wage increase effective Dec. 31, 2021
October 1, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
New York State Minimum Wage Increase Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before October 1 each year. Non-exempt employees are …more