news stories Tagged “Vital Congregations”
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
Narratives of local church vitality 2022 series
January 11, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The statistics that a local congregation reports in Vital Signs or Ezra (such as worship attendance, professions of faith, etc.) provide a snapshot of a church’s vitality. Numbers are great, but what about stories that churches can share? Stories that inspire! Stories that motivate! Stories that can encourage churches throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference to try something new to live out the mission of the United …more
Harris Hill continues to live out the mission of the UMC
January 11, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor’s Note: In January 2022, Upper New York (UNY) Area Resident Bishop reminded the UNY Conference of the importance of local churches in living out the mission of the United Methodist Church. Click here to read his article. Throughout the year, we will focus on themes that depict ways in which churches in UNY do this. Harris Hill UMC is one example of a church that that is living …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
New York State Minimum Salary Increase
October 25, 2021 / By Tracy Rickett, UNY Human Resources Generalist / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The New York State minimum salary for employees classified as exempt under the New York State Labor Law’s administrative and executive exemption will increase from $937.50/week to $990.00/week or $51,480 per year. Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay employees classified as exempt under the administrative and executive exemption the New York State minimum salary. For more information regarding the administrative …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
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