news stories Tagged “New Faith Communities”
Direct bill arrearage policy enforcement extended through Dec. 31, 2021
March 3, 2021 / By Susan Latessa, Director of Human Resources/Benefits / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
In 2020, the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) had approved delayed enforcement of the direct bill arrearage policy through December 31, 2020. Understanding the continued struggle faced by many congregations, the Board has approved to extend that delay through Dec. 31, 2021. If your church is still able to pay their direct bills, they should. If a church is experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced giving during this time, …more
UNY Annual Conference to be held virtually
July 17, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
As you are aware, earlier this spring, the Upper New York Conference postponed our Annual Conference with the hope of gathering together on Saturday, Oct. 3. The ongoing realities of COVID-19 and our commitment to the safety of those who will be a part of that gathering, has caused us to change these plans. After consultation with and approval by the Cabinet, the Committee of Sessions, the Board of Trustees, and …more
Paycheck Protection Program Extended
July 1, 2020 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On June 30, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process to Aug. 8, 2020. This extension will allow any local church that has not yet applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to do so over the next five weeks. There is still more than $130 billion dollars in available funds remaining in the PPP. Any local church would qualify for a PPP loan as …more
Central United Methodist Church, Endicott launches hope@central
June 8, 2020 / By Rev. Dr. Michelle Michelle Bogue-Trost
Who says you can’t launch a New Faith Community in a pandemic? hope@central just did, and the story of it getting there is a wild ride—at least as experienced by its Core Team. First, the backstory: More than two years ago, the leadership of Central UMC in Endicott (Binghamton District) began talking with me, their pastor, about crafting a vision for the future. Located in …more
From the Desk of Bishop Webb: COVID-19, Holy Week, and Easter
April 3, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, sent the following letter to the Upper New York Conference on Friday April 2, 2020. "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but …more
Upper New York Annual Conference Session postponed until Oct. 3
April 3, 2020 / By UNY Communications
Due to the ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday, April 2, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop, Mark J. Webb, after consulting with the Sessions Committee and the executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, recommended to the Upper New York Cabinet that the Upper New York Annual Conference session, originally scheduled for May 28 – 30, 2020, be postponed. This recommendation was approved unanimously. October 3, 2020, a date previously …more
Preregister for the HealthFlex Exchange webinar
March 23, 2020 / By Julie Valeski, Benefits Administrator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following information was sent to members of the Upper New York Conference on March 23, 2020. Wespath will be hosting a webinar Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT on HealthFlex Exchange. Participants will receive information about the plans and tools to help with plan choices. Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, all eligible participants must choose their health, vision, and dental plans through the HealthFlex Exchange. HealthFlex Exchange uses a …more
UNY to offer matching grants for Zoom
March 19, 2020 / By By Stephen J. Hustedt / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
To help churches to continue to be in ministry with their members and their communities, the Upper New York Conference is offering $5,000 in matching grants for churches wishing to purchase the Pro version of Zoom for a year. Zoom is an online meeting software ideal for Bible study, small group discussion, or meetings. Zoom is also an option for live streaming worship services if used as a webinar. To learn …more
From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: COVID-19
March 17, 2020 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
Editor's Note: The following is a letter written by Upper New York Conference Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb that was sent to the UNY Conference on March 17, 2020. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in …more
Conference Leadership shares advice on COVID-19
March 12, 2020 / By Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent by the Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, Director of Connectional Ministries/Executive Assistant to the Bishop for the Upper New York Conference. With the recent announcement by the World Health Organization that COVID-19 is now a global pandemic and the announcement of new cases in upstate New York, all leaders in the Upper New York Conference are actively discerning how best to balance …more