news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
South Glens Falls UMC receives $1,500 grant from Common Roots
June 7, 2022 / By Penny Brink
The vision of the newly created Creation Care Team here at South Glens Falls UMC is based on our belief that “Fostering Care of God’s Creation Starts Here.” Pastor Penny is currently attending Seminary of the Wild, which embraces the education of "Deepening our commitment to a suffering earth by falling in love with it" (Victoria Loorz-Director), attending the Association of Nature Forest Therapy program and …more
Celebrating the life of DS Vonda
May 29, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
“The teacher,” Pastor Stephen McKnight said, pointing to the Rev. Vonda Fossitt’s casket. “The student,” he said pointing to himself. This is how, Pastor McKnight opened the Celebration of Life service for DS Vonda on May 26, 2022, at New Light United Methodist Church, where Pastor McKnight serves. DS Vonda was District Superintendent of the Genesee Valley District in the Upper New York Conference. She died …more
Tending to your soul so you can tend to others’ souls
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Are you feeling an inkling to become closer to God? Do you feel like your life is like a hamster wheel or are you riddled with anxiety and yearn to feel God’s love deep in your soul? Do you feel a draw to help others feel God’s presence whether it be friends, family, your congregation, or people in your workplace or community? If your answer is …more
Celebrating the life of Bishop Joseph Yeakel
May 24, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bishop Joseph (Joe) Yeakel died July 4, 2021, at the age of 93. He served as Resident Bishop of the New York West Area, which at the time included three Conferences (Western New York Conference, Northern New York Conference, and Central New York Conference) from 1972-1984. The Upper New York Conference, as well as Methodists across the Connection, mourn his death. Bishop Yeakel’s Memorial Service was held Friday May 20, 2022, at …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Death of Genesee Valley District Superintendent Rev. Vonda Fossitt
May 12, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following was sent on behalf of Bishop Mark J. Webb to clergy in the Genesee Valley District on May 12, 2022. On May 17, the Upper New York Conference learned that Rev. Vonda J. Fossitt's Celebration of Life and Resurrection is planned for May 26 at New Light UMC, located at 2009 Dewey Ave. in Rochester, NY. The wake begins at 11 a.m. followed by a service at 12 p.m. …more
UNY Pastoral Wellness initiative launches
May 4, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Church leaders have busy lives and many demands. And the past few years have brought about more stress with COVID-19, racial unrest, and denominational uncertainty. Stories of burnout among pastors are everywhere. What can be done to assure that pastors are taking a Sabbath and a day off, taking time regularly to renew their souls? Upper New York (UNY) has developed a Wellness Team to determine what can be done …more
Upper New York Annual Conference postponed due to COVID-19 concerns
April 21, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Sessions Committee of the Upper New York Conference gathered by Zoom on the morning of Thursday, April 21 to discuss growing concerns about the uptick in COVID-19 cases in Upstate New York and throughout the United States. Members of the Committee shared both their own perspectives and what they have been hearing from others regarding the comfort level of gathering more than a thousand United Methodist from across Upper New …more
Reminder regarding New York State required annual training for sexual harassment prevention
April 11, 2022 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This is a reminder that every employer in New York State is required to provide employees with sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training New York State Law requires that employers of one or more employees must conduct sexual harassment prevention training for all employees on an annual basis. The employer can decide the timing of the annual training (calendar year, anniversary date, or any …more
Skaneateles UMC’s unique ministry to help Ukrainians
April 6, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
If you would have told Justin Hood, pastor of Skaneateles UMC, that he would one day spend several hours making pierogies, he would have looked at you as though you were crazy. But when there is a need, Justin and his congregation do whatever it takes to meet that need. When Russia first invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the members of Skaneateles UMC felt driven to help the Ukrainians as …more
Lament for Ukraine
April 5, 2022 / By Melanie Simmons
“Like stampeding buffaloes, tanks roll in a path of destruction; roads are paved with destroyed vehicles and ruin. Bombs fly like diving birds of prey, destroying homes; rubble is strewn across the city. Striking like lightning, drones shoot missiles into communities; children cry out in fright as their homes are destroyed – who shall comfort them? Streams of refugees flee on broken roads; where are the hungry to find …more