news stories Tagged “Connectional Ministries”
How Gloversville: North Main Street UMC lay minister will prepare members to lead a worship service
March 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hoson
Ms. Joyce Royal as been the certified lay minister at Gloversville: North Main Street UMC, located in the Mohawk District, for three years. Having previously served as the Education Coordinator for Lay Servant Ministries in the Albany District, Joyce has a curriculum to help lay servants and members of a congregation learn how to lead a worship service. Joyce said, “People don’t realize how many resources are …more
Brag about the new leaders in your church
March 1, 2022 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York vitality focus for the month of March is “members stepping into leadership roles for the first time.” Do you have young people participating in services or events—taking on a leadership role? Do you have laity delivering sermons and leading worship services? When COVID-19 launched a new or updated digital ministry for your church, who stepped to the plate to do this? We …more
Building a ministry for the addiction and recovering community and their families
March 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
There are 20 million people in the United States struggling with alcohol or drug addictions. There are another 20 million people living in recovery. Close to half of the U.S. population has a family member who is addicted to drugs and alcohol. For many years, churches have opened their doors to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as well as Al-Anon meetings for family members of individuals struggling with addiction. Jonesville UMC in …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: Ukraine Crisis
February 24, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The following note was sent by Bishop Mark J. Webb to the Upper New York Conference on Feb. 24, 2022. As the world watches the Russian military aggression and invasion within Ukraine, we as United Methodist followers of Christ reaffirm the truth that “we deplore war and urge the peaceful settlement of all disputes among nations." I invite you to join with me in offering prayers of protection, peace, and …more
Delayed Enforcement of Direct Bill Arrearage Policy Extended to Dec. 31, 2022
February 22, 2022 / By Susan Latessa, Director of HR/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Understanding the struggle faced by many congregations, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had voted to delay enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020, for years 2020 and 2021. The CBOPHB has approved to continue the delayed enforcement through Dec. 31, 2022, recognizing that there are churches that are still struggling financially. In 2020, most churches were able to continue making their monthly direct bill payments, which …more
Love, justice, service: The ministries of deaconesses and home missioners
February 22, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Deaconesses and home missioners function through diverse forms of service directed toward the world to make Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his ministry and mission, which mandate that his followers: Alleviate suffering Eradicate causes of injustice and all that robs life of dignity and worth Facilitate the development of full human potential Share in building global community through the church universal. Below are details about a great opportunity …more
United Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022
February 16, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodist leaders have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022 to provide for uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting. The charters were previously extended to March 31, 2022 as legal proceedings continue in the BSA's bankruptcy case, particularly as the trial for confirmation has now been postponed until March 9, 2022. Churches do not need to take any action to …more
What the end of the NY state mask mandate means for local churches
February 10, 2022 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Feb. 15, NYS Commissioner of Health extended the Hero Act through March 17, 2022. Click here to read more. Governor Hochul lifted the mask mandate for all vaccinated and unvaccinated persons effective Feb. 10. This means businesses are no longer required to mandate that all persons in their facilities wear face masks. Pastors and other local church leaders are now asking what this means for their churches, particularly as it relates to worship …more
2022 Cady Grant applications now available
February 1, 2022 / By UNY Communications
Application forms are now available for the Upper New York Conference Cady Grant. Cady Grants are awarded annually to fund ministries, education, programs, or experiences that provide benefit or education to preferably, but not exclusively, African Americans and/or Native Americans. Priority will be given to proposals that have not recently been funded by the Cady Grant. Salaries and stipends will not be awarded from this grant. Awards may be …more
How Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church Part II
February 1, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: We recently highlighted how Endwell UMC works to feed the hunger through its mobile food pantry and its Monday night dinners. Click here to read that story.Below, we feature how Endwell UMC lives out the mission of the United Methodist Church by serving children, multicultural communities, and communities outside of their local area Endwell Preschool Endwell UMC has offered a Preschool to the community …more